New England Focus i138

new england

November 2018. issue 138

Years Aboriginal cultural centre and keeping place

Feature Story Strong women, strong families, strong future.

RETIREMENT IS A JOURNEY

NOT A DESTINATION Needs and wants change as the years go by and we grow older, but needing to move into a retirement village does not mean it’s the end, retirement is just the next chapter in life and it can be extremely fulfilling.

For a long time, Retirement Villages have wrongly been associated with aged care or nursing home facilities, when in fact they offer and proactively encourage people to live independently.

As we age, our family homes sometimes don’t suit our changing needs and that is where smart design, convenient locations and the no maintenance environment that retirement villages offer, become an appealing choice.

Oak Tree recognise that today’s retirees are looking for a smaller house located within their home town. This is why each Oak Tree village is close to all community and medical facilities. Couple this with the security of gated communities and recreational facilities that residents can use at their leisure, retirement village living moves away from the notion of being aged care.

From experience, the Oak Tree Retirement Group can attest that you don’t stop living when you move into a retirement village – life just gets easier.

The Oak Tree Group has a strong regional focus when selecting the location of its villages, allowing seniors to retire peacefully in the towns they feel the most comfortable in.

The ageing population in regional communities highlights the need for

Oak Tree Retirement Villages 89 Martin Street, Armidale 217 Taylor Street, Armidale

oaktreegroup.com.au 2 New England focus.

affordable and accessible housing options for retirees in rural areas. For many to attain an improved lifestyle, communal living represents the most cost-effective option.

Downsizing to a village in many cases releases cash for residents to invest and live on, whilst enjoying a maintenance-free lifestyle. Another benefit of retirement living at Oak Tree is that each home has been thoughtfully designed with the future in mind.

General maintenance and repairs are organised by a Village Manager who oversees all aspects of the Village operations.

Call the Oak Tree team today on 1300 367 155 or visit www.oaktreegroup.com.au

focus_ team.

team From the

N

Welcome to the November edition of New England FOCUS.

ovember’s a month of special occasions ... we experience the “race that stops the nation”, with the running of the Melbourne Cup. We stop to remember our servicemen and women on Remembrance Day, November 11.

On a local level, there are a multitude of events and celebrations throughout November and beyond too, and you can read about quite a few of them in this edition! From luncheons to exhibitions, open gardens to dramatic productions there’s so much to see and do!

On the Cover A very special milestone for the Armidale Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place (ACCKP) also occurs in November. The centre was opened in November 1988, so its 30th anniversary is imminent!

The centre will be holding its anniversary celebrations on November

contacts.

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 IG focus.mag E info@focusmag.com.au

17, and the entire community is invited to come and join the fun. Director Dr Daisy William fills us in on the finer details on page 32.

New Team You’d be correct in thinking our team photo looks a bit different this month!

We say goodbye to Matthew Korodi, who’s off on some new adventures, and hello to Amber McFarlane, our new advertising sales consultant. Good luck, Matt - and welcome aboard, Amber!

In this Issue Our interview guests this month include President and Drum Sergeant Lance McNamara from the Armidale Pipe Band, who shares with us the plans for the band moving forward. There are a few opportunities to watch and listen to this colourful and striking band in action over the next month or so.

We went on a tour of Barry and Lucy McCann’s studio and witnessed some art

classes in action at MCann Fine Arts. We also spoke to Warren Lawler about the upcoming Thunderbolt Cup - which is not what you may expect! Think armour and broadswords, and you’d be closer to the mark!

If you’re planning to buy or sell property, or build a new home, our special Buy, Sell, Build feature contains some information you’re bound to find useful.

Enjoy our November edition!

Final Say “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” - Thomas Campbell, Hallowed Ground.

  

Tracy Le Messurier

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jeff Cowan

louise@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING SALES Amber McFarlane amber@focusmag.com.au

MANAGING EDITOR Jay Beaumont ART DIRECTOR Dylan Gaul dylan@focusmag.com.au

SENIOR EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR Jo Robinson

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

SALES MANAGER Louise Beaumont

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 SALES tracy@focusmag.com.au

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/EDITORIAL James Brooks james@focusmag.com.au

jo@focusmag.com.au

Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers. 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 material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. Articles marked as 'Interview or Contributor' are non-sponsored content.

Greater Port Macquarie Focus is published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 621 287 8600 5. Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2018 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved.

FOCUS is printed by Fairfax Media Print & Logistics North Richmond. Our paper is FFC and PEFC certified and meets with ISO14001 accreditation. FOCUS delivery bags can be REDcycled at your local Coles Supermarkets and the paper through normal recycling methods.

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New England focus. 3

contents Issue 138 - November 2018

focusinterviews

6

Strong Women Strong Families Strong Future.

feature a special

BUY, SELL AND BUILD

A planned initiative of Karrali Aboriginal Maternal and Infant Health Service for 2018 ... FOCUS Photographer James Brooks created a showcase of positive, culturally appropriate images of pregnancy, parents and families in the Aboriginal community.

14

Eskimo Joe. ’90s Rock ‘n’ Roll fans are in for a real treat with the line up of this year’s Under the Southern Stars event. FOCUS caught up with Kav from Eskimo Joe and chatted about their last 21 years in music, his new solo album and of course, Under the Southern Stars.

16

Chicago The Musical.

It’s already been a long road for Little Fish Entertainment and their Chicago bound journey.

With initial planning done over two years ago, it’s a bittersweet time for these powerhouse creatives.

the Usual

Andrew Hardman.

4 New England focus.

Suspects

15. WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 35. STAR GUIDE WITH TERRI 40. TOURISM WITH KATRINA GEORGE 40. MINDING YOUR BUSINESS WITH ANTHONY FOX 42. ICING ON THE CAKE WITH SUSIE DUNN 48. BUSINESS MINDS WITH INGRID ROTHE

28

A love of travelling, camping and four wheel driving has led to plenty of photo opportunities for talented photographer Andrew Hardman, but he also very much loves the New England area and its scenic beauty.

Andrew is always keen to try new things, learn new techniques and hone his skill behind the lens, so he can provide his clients with the best possible outcome …

43

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

Don’t leave it too late!

The lifestyle is what you want it to be.”

Lyn and Lynn, RetireAustralia residents

Offering a fantastic range of brand-new independent living villas, Newling Gardens Retirement Village is designed to provide the ultimate in lifestyle and connection.

With no home or garden maintenance to worry about and plenty of activities and events on offer, you’ll have all the time you need to enjoy the things you love.

Call Jeremy on 0401 508 801 or Christine on 0409 273 077 to discover how Newling Gardens is ideal for you

WE ARE OPEN Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm Brand-new villas selling now!

173 Taylor Street, Armidale

Central Park

Newling Gardens

Refurbished community centre Beautiful gardens Heated indoor pool Pet-friendly Gym, library & more!

Call Jeremy on 0401 508 801 or Christine on 0409 273 077 for an appointment

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The Armidale School

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Discover Armidale’s best retirement at Newling Gardens

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focusinterview.

Strong families

Strong Women

S t r o n g

F u t u r e

A planned initiative of Karrali Aboriginal Maternal and Infant Health Service for 2018 ... FOCUS Photographer James Brooks created a showcase of positive, culturally appropriate images of pregnancy, parents and families in the Aboriginal community.

T

ell us about how this showcase came about.

Closing the gap is a strategic priority of Hunter New England Health and the NSW Ministry of Health. The “Strong Women, Strong Families, Strong Future” initiative involved collaboration between the Aboriginal community and Karrali, which promoted respect and resulted in empowerment of the community and of Karrali clinicians and healthcare workers, along with a large crosssection of the community. When I was contacted by Samantha and the team at Armidale Community Health, I jumped at the opportunity to showcase Aboriginal families from the New England region.

They say, “Never work with children or animals”. How did you manage the day of many families coming through the studio?

With so many different families on the day, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help from the team at Armidale Community Health. Sam’s 6 New England focus.

team created fun activities for the families to do, such as reading books, playing games and of course, blowing some bubbles. Over the day we had a few tears, plenty of laughs, and a whole lot of love and fun. I found it was best to let the families relax into the studio setting, making a fun and laid back atmosphere. In return, I was able to capture the essence of families involved. We had a range of children, from newborns to older children.

Was photography the only part of this initiative?

My word no! The initiative included belly casting, yarning groups, art competitions and involvement from groups such as BackTrack and more.

The showcase was displayed at the Armidale Community Health building; we had many businesses turn up and participate in the day’s activities.

What was your goal in creating these images?

To begin with, I really wanted to capture the essence of family relationships, combating pre-existing stereotypes and bias through showing how resilient and strong the bonds are

I found it was best to let the families relax into the studio setting, making a fun and laid back atmosphere. In return, I was able to capture the essence of families involved.

between these close families. My overall aim was to strengthen the relationship and increase engagement between the Armidale and surrounds Aboriginal community and the Karrali Aboriginal Maternal and Infant Health Service.

Additionally, creating a greater sense of community pride and showcasing imagery of loving families was key.

Any final words?

It was truly an honour to take part in this initiative. I’d really love to thank all the families involved in the project.

To Samantha Quamby and the team at Karrali Aboriginal Maternal and Infant Health Service, a big thank you is needed. Your continued hard work within the New England community goes above and beyond!

Thanks James.

o Ingredient w T

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Ingredients Makes four pancakes, serves one person 1 medium ripe banana (the riper the better) 2 eggs

Method Mash banana well. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs.

Add mashed banana to eggs and mix until well combined Heat fry pan with coconut oil or fat of choice over a medium - high heat.

Pour in enough batter to make one pancake, flip once one side is cooked, aim for a golden colour (this takes a little trial and error, but you’ll work it out!) Continue to cook pancakes with remaining batter.

Serving suggestion and tips For fluffier pancakes, add a pinch of bicarb soda to your batter and mix in before cooking.

Serving suggestions: top with blueberries, nuts, honey, coconut sugar, pure maple syrup.

For a “naughty� version, serve with maple bacon.

New England focus. 7

I guess 1st preference for images to use would be the picture of the gallery/mural, the 3 paintings from the still life exhibition, first creation products & then maybe a framing picture????

Much more than a

Gallery

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hat’s happening at Gallery 126?

The Still Lifes exhibition, featuring three very talented local artists, Steph Clark, Esther Eckley and Lilian Wissink, continues until the 24th November.

In addition, on the weekend of Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th October, Gallery 126 will be open for the Arts North West Art Trail.

There will be 21 galleries, studios and museums open in Armidale, Uralla and Walcha over the weekend. This is the second art trail weekend organised by Arts North West, but the first to include Armidale. Gallery 126 will be open on Saturday, 9:30am to 4pm and on Sunday, 10am to 3pm. The two gallery spaces will be showcasing art by some of the many local artists, and for the visiting artist there is an extensive range of artist materials to peruse and tempt you. Maps and information is available at Gallery 126 or from Arts North West website: www.artsnw.com.au/open-weekend-map/ What are you framing at the moment?

We always have a diverse range of “things” to frame: prints, photographs, artworks, bodies of artworks for exhibition, textiles and embroideries, and memorabilia. We are custom

8 New England focus.

Christmas is fast approaching, so if you are thinking of giving a gift of framing, be it a family

picture framers; which materials, as we believe means that we can make that with quality products photo, an original a frame to encapsulate you can achieve better, artwork or a family and display whatever longer lasting results heirloom, now is the time to the customer brings in than with the cheaper come and see us, as it gets very to us. We can advise products. Artist quality busy in the lead up to Christmas. you to choose the right materials use pure colours of the mat and pigments in their colours, the appropriate frame which carry a light and on the preservation of your valuable items, fastness guarantee as well as reliability and as well as decorative trends and ideas. We sell accuracy in colour mixing. Especially if artists mirrors, both plain and bevelled; in addition, are selling their artworks, they should really use we can make a mirror to whatever size the best quality materials they can afford, to required. We also carry “The Gallery System”, ensure longevity of the finished piece. a hanging system which avoids all those nail Our range is far too extensive to list here; holes in your walls and gives you the flexibility it extends from the humble graphite pencil to rearrange or add to the artworks on your and eraser to paints, inks, soft and oil pastels, walls. We are pleased to offer advice and brushes, easels and every surface imaginable quotes. upon which to make your artwork, including Christmas is fast approaching, so if you are canvas and linen stretchers and off the roll. We thinking of giving a gift of framing, be it a specialise in papers for drawing, watercolour, family photo, an original artwork or a family oil and acrylic painting, printmaking and heirloom, now is the time to come and see us, calligraphy. We have a range of decorative and as it gets very busy in the lead up to Christmas. fine art rag and rice papers from Nepal, leather You can have an individually customised frame bound journals and albums, beautifully crafted made, or we also have a more economical wooden pens and pencils from Germany. We range of standard frames to suit. cater for the hobbyist to the professional artist Describe your art supplies … and for that special gift item.

We tend to concentrate on the fine art For the young artist, we now stock the First

LILIAN WISSINK, ESTHER ECKLEY & STEPH CLARK

MUCH MORE THAN A GALLERY

Creations range for toddlers. The range is safe, non-toxic and ergonomically designed for the small hand to encourage the development of fine motor skills, hand eye coordination and imagination. There are paints, crayons and pencils.

Christmas sets are arriving and include paint, pastel, ink and calligraphy sets, all beautifully packaged to delight any artist.

New England focus. 9

focusinterview.

Mark your diaries! Forage Fest, The Welder's Dog's first ever craft beer and music festival, is set to take place on December 8 on the rooftop of the Rusden Street Carpark. With a stellar line up of musicians, including iconic country music legend Kasey Chambers, tickets to this event are extremely limited! FOCUS chatted with Kasey, to see what's been happening in her world lately ...

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Kasey Chambers A

i Kasey. Last time we chatted, you were touring your Bittersweet album.

You seem to have been on a bit of a roll since then! Your new album, Campfire, has recently been released. What’s inspired you to be so musically active of late?

When I record albums I usually need a few years, mainly for the writing side of things. It never takes a long time to make a record; I like going into the studio and making a record pretty quickly. I like that process to be very live and not to overthink things.

The last few years I feel like I am more inspired to write than ever; the only thing I can really put it down to is I’m really plugged into life at the moment, and I guess that’s a good and a bad thing sometimes.

Sometimes when you’re really plugged into life, you can get really carried away. I’m probably working more than I ever have in my life, but I don’t really feel like it’s work - so I use that term loosely.

The Tamworth Country Music Awards was a special one for you this year. Tell us about your prestigious award and what this means to you.

I was inducted into the Roll of Renown. I didn’t realise at the time, but I was the youngest person to be inducted. It was amazing; I don’t think when

10 New England focus.

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F

I

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I was inducted into the Roll of Renown. I

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you’re being creative and you’re Tell us about your latest didn’t realise at the contributing in a creative sense project, Campfire. What time, but I was the to an industry you ever think have been some of the most youngest person to about it as actually leaving a memorable campfires you’ve be inducted. It was legacy at the time. sat around? amazing; I don’t think I certainly don’t think about The first one that comes to when you’re being creative that - I don’t know if I will one mind are about some of the first you ever think about it as day - but for me, I just get lost in memories of my life, with my actually leaving a legacy ... whatever I’m doing at the time. family in the outback playing I just think about it in my music. But then, I’ve sat around own way and I think about it a campfire in Africa playing as an extension of myself and who I am and how I songs while there were wild animals around us; I had want to express myself and connect with people - but never experienced anything quite like that! you’re certainly not thinking about the big picture at And then, having big cookups on an open fire in the time. When I’m sitting there writing a song, I’m Norfolk Island as well; those sorts of things have been thinking about a very small picture in my life. big influences and big moments in my life, that felt It means something very big to me to know that like simple and small moments at the time, but they it’s actually changing people’s lives, but then even to become big memories in my life. shape the journey of an industry is just really wild to Thanks Kasey. me. To be recognised for that and to be reminded that what I’ve done and I’m continuing to do is just really special ... I was really chuffed.

Forage Fest - Dec 8, commences 11:30am on the rooftop It’s not my intention or why I do music, but it’s nice of the Rusden Street Carpark. Craft beer, live music and to know that I actually have helped to shape things in great food! Music line up includes Kasey Chambers, Tim an industry - especially when I feel like I’ve done it in a Rogers, James Bennett and more! Limited tickets: positive way, and I’m proud of that. It’s really nice for https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/forage-fest-2018/107272 other people to recognise that as well.

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focus. 11

focusinterview.

Thunderbolt Cup

FOCUS speaks with Warren Lawler, a participant in Historical Medieval Battles and an organiser of The Thunderbolt Cup (a free event )to be held behind the Uralla Bowling Club on 8th December.

W

hat is full contact medieval fighting?

Full Contact Medieval Fighting in Australia is referred to as Historical Medieval Battles (HMB). This is a rather young modern sport, with Australian Medieval Combat Federation (AMCF) the governing body in Australia. HMB is a full contact sport, fighting with steel blunt weapons. Fighters are dressed in full armour, which, like the weapons, is made according to historical standards. HMB takes a lot from modern martial arts, with fighters coming from many different codes like Boxing, Judo, BJJ and MMA. Unlike staged battles, that can be seen at festivals of historical re-enactment of the Middle Ages, these battles are held in full contact and are refereed by the marshals, who have special training and combat experience. Australian Medieval Combat Federation (AMCF) competed in Scotland at the World Championship of IMCF, where we came third in the 10v10 Category.

What is the Thunderbolt Cup? The Thunderbolt Cup will be a major HMB tournament showcasing the best Australian and four of the best American fighters. The Thunderbolt Cup will consist of six categories.

1/ Sword and Shield. 2/ Longsword.

These disciplines are a duel between two

12 New England focus.

fighters, one round, 90 seconds long; the perfect place to showcase this event and winner declared with the highest number bring such an exciting spectacle to the of clean strikes delivered to the opponent. locals, as they have never seen anything 3/ Pro Fights. like it before.

Consist of two What can people rounds 90 seconds expect to see on long. These fights the day? are the highlights This is an Extreme Unlike staged battles, that of duels; it is Sport this is not can be seen at festivals of MMA in armour.

STAGED; the battles historical re-enactment 4/ 5 v 5 Bohurt. are all full contact, of the Middle Ages, are the most refereed by the these battles are held in full active kind of marshals, who have contact and are refereed by combat, two special training and the marshals, who have special teams of five combat experience. training and combat experience. fighters battle On the day you will it out with see men and women weapons of their giving their all to be own choice. The the best they can. objective is to eliminate the other team.

Once the marshal yells, “Start fight”, A fighter who falls down (touches the the battles begin with loud sounds of ground with a third point of support) is metal against metal, and sparks fly as out of the battle. There are three bouts weapons exchange blows. The crowd will in a battle, until a team wins twice. be shocked at how real this is. Once they 5/ 10 v 10 Bohurt. get over the initial shock, they will start to 6/ Royal Rumble. This is the main event, cheer for their favourite fighter or team. where all fighters battle it out until only How can I get involved in this sport? one fighter remains and is crowned the If anyone is interested on the day and Thunderbolt Champion. wishes to know more about HMB, don’t This event will be held behind the hesitate; just ask one of the fighters or Uralla Bowling Club. How did this support crew. We are a friendly group of come about? people (except when the marshal yells I have been involved with Uralla Bowlo start fight!) for seven years and HMB for over three I would like to the thank Uralla Bowling years. I wanted to bring the sport to club for their support for this event.

Northern NSW. I believe Uralla is the Thanks Warren.

BUY • SELL • BUILD - A SPECIAL FOCUS FEATURE

CHRISTMAS TECH Part One With Christmas just around the corner, we have gathered together some tech gift ideas. Over the next two issues we will cover some of the best tech for Christmas, and we start with some of the big ticket items: the Nintendo Switch and the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer.

F

s a m t s i r h C gift ideas made easy

with AUSSIE BUSH LEATHER

Tech Head

NINTENDO SWITCH

or the family - Nintendo has continually strived to push how we perceive the traditional gaming console, and the Nintendo Switch takes a step into the future, smashing the boundary between home console and portable gaming. With a great library of games, including favourites like Mario and Zelda, the whole family will have fun with this. My personal favourite part of the Switch is no more TV hogging; if someone else wants to use the TV, you simply attach the two controllers (the Joy-Cons) to the left and right edges of the portable screen, remove it from the dock and boom, now you can continue your game without any disruptions. Hand held

it plays at 720 p, which is more than enough resolution I think, and docked runs at 1080 p. The Switch’s 6.2-inch, multi-touch, 720 p LCD screen is a beauty. Colour production is vibrant, and it’s bright enough to be played in indirect sunlight. The controls are really comfortable but when undocked and using a single joycon, it can be a little uncomfortable for someone who has bigger hands. I have to admit at first I thought this would be collecting dust compared to the other consoles I have, but now I have spent more time on the Switch than I care to disclose (thank you, Zelda). It’s just so much fun and, to my surprise, the wife has even been caught saying “just one more game” when playing Mario Kart!

F

DYSON HAIR DRYER or that special person in your life Dyson have completely re-thought and re-designed the hair dryer, with their innovative Supersonic hair dryer.

They created a motor that was a fraction of the size of the motors used in traditional hair dryers, which meant they could completely change the shape, putting the motor into the handle, rather than the head - the idea being that the heaviest part of the dryer is held in your hand and the head is lighter and shorter to get in close to your hair, without having to hold your arms out wide. Personally, before this I wouldn’t have had the first clue about how to use a hair dryer, but my wife swears by it, and well … it just looks cool, makes wet hair not wet, and does it really fast! The feedback was that she said she found the Supersonic dryer much more comfortable to use, it packs a surprisingly powerful punch, is much quieter to run than her last dryer, and she likes the way it is really gentle on the hair, leaving it feeling soft and shiny.

New England focus. 13

focusinterview.

o m i k s E Under the Southern Stars

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’90s Rock ‘n’ Roll fans are in for a real treat with the line up of this year’s Under the Southern Stars event. FOCUS caught up with Kav from Eskimo Joe and chatted about their last 21 years in music, his new solo album and of course, Under the Southern Stars.

i Kav. This year marks 21 years in music for you guys. You’ve come a long way since Ruby Wednesday, which is still my fave Eskimo Joe song. What have been some highlights, or what song is a paramount moment for you throughout this time?

From doing EPs, which was just us playing around and playing as loud as we could in the jam room and writing songs on the go, going into Girl is where we started to take ourselves seriously as songwriters. It wasn’t until A Song is a City and especially the song From the Sea that I really felt like we came of age and that song, despite all the big radio songs we’ve had since, has stood the test of time ... Especially when we play it live; it’s still just a great moment and never gets boring.

Tell us about your latest release, your solo record All Your Devotion, which you released in September.

All Your Devotion is something I’ve been working on for almost four years. At the end of 2013 we released a record called Wastelands and I sat down with the guys and said, I love doing this, but I really want to do a solo record and take my time doing it, because I want to put out a quality piece of music and not just rush an album. So we

14 New England focus.

did that, and here I am a couple of years again sometime next year and get another later with an actual album completed. It’s a record together - and that would be a really much mellower sound. Eskimo Joe has beinteresting thing, because Eskimo Joe’s last come this Rock ’n’ Roll beast; it’s not where record was quite it started, but it certainly is where it is now, experimental. We really tried not to stick to but this album is much more gentle ... kind any formulas, and I imagine if we came back of sit down with a glass of wine and do a together to do another album, it would be a puzzle in your library kind of album. really simplistic, organic sounding record.

How do you feel you’ve developed as a Twenty-one years of music and the band over the years three of you are still to where you are very much a tight now? knit group. What’s Well first, it’s always the secret? been about trying I think having a PLAYING BIG ROCK ’N’ ROLL to write really great good formula as far FESTIVALS IS ALWAYS A songs, so we just sit as your chemistry with JOY; THERE HASN’T BEEN A down and really work each other goes. It’s GREAT TOURING FESTIVAL IN on the great structure just like being in any THAT STYLE SINCE THE BIG of songs. But for us, relationship; if you get DAY OUT, AND WITH THESE it’s also vital to be together with someKINDS OF THINGS WE GET TO challenging ourselves one and the chemistry FEEL THAT FEELING AGAIN. all the time, and the isn’t quite right, then way we do that is we after your honeymoon never really stay in the period you pretty same place sonically, much don’t want to so every album we try to push ourselves look at each other ever again. and evolve and change, throw new musical With us, we’ve always had really great spanners in the works, and that’s one of chemistry, whether it be on stage or in the the reasons I did a solo record as well - to studio or just hanging out with each other challenge myself creatively. it’s always been really good like that. We’ve I think it’s an ever evolving thing; I really had lots of serious band meetings over the hope we get to jump back in the studio years, where we’ve talked about people’s

feelings etc. so we’ve had to communicate immensely to keep that camaraderie alive.

We’re all older now - we’re not as embroiled and as enmeshed in each other’ lives, but we still enjoy each other’s company, which I think is the main secret to our success.

You’re playing Under the Southern Stars, which is becoming a festival for our most iconic artists. What do you love about playing shows like this?

Watching a bunch of the other great bands that are playing like Hoodoo Gurus, You Am I, Jebediah, Superjesus - they’re all really cool bands. Playing big Rock ’n’ Roll festivals is always a joy; there hasn’t been a great touring festival in that style since the Big Day Out, and with these kinds of things we get to feel that feeling again.

It also means you get to roll into new towns and to play to a bunch of people who haven’t seen us play in a long time. Having a fantastic day is what we look forward to.

Thanks Kav.

plug!

Don’t miss Eskimo Joe at Under the Southern Stars - January 27th, Westport Park - Port Macquarie NSW. Tickets and more info:underthesouthernstars.com.au/

focus_What’s On New England

N O V E M B E R

What’s

1

Chicago The Musical Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery. All those things we hold near and dear to our hearts ... Welcome to CHICAGO. Presented by Little Fish Entertainment.

Where THE PAVILION, Armidale Showground.

When From November 1 to 10.

Book Tickets Online www.trybooking.com/uxvy

First Saturday chats

3

Our next First Saturday chats will be hosted by Christopher Serow (Principal, Solicitor Director, Notary Public, Migration Agent) from 10am to 1pm at the Legal Minds offices at 157 Beardy Street, The Mall, Armidale, on Saturday 3rd November. As this is a popular program, bookings are essential on (02) 6788 1100.

St Peters Armidale Garden Tours

3

St Peters Town and Country Garden Tours has been an annual event in Armidale for 26 years. Through all the vagaries of New England weather - drought, hailstorm, rainstorms, late frosts, wild winters, mild winters - the gardens have brought pleasure to a great many visitors, year in and year out.

When Saturday 3rd November to Sunday 4th November.

For more information www.armidalegardens.org.au

3

15

Kennards Hire Rally Australia

It’s Australia’s turn. Welcome to KENNARDS HIRE RALLY AUSTRALIA in Coffs Harbour, the last event on the World Rally Championship calendar. Get set for three days of wild rally action, with easy family friendly spectating options to suit everyone and all budgets.

When 15th until 18th November. Where Coffs Harbour.

Tickets www.rallyaustralia.com.au

Forster-Tuncurry Lakeside Festival 2018

This year’s Lakeside Festival is set to be bigger and better, featuring headline acts Russell Morris, Bondi Cigars and The Mason Rock Band, backed up with local talent Galleri, Cranky Duck, The Black Nor-Easters and Belle Badi. Come and celebrate our fine local culture from the Mid North Coast, including street food, beverages, musicians, art and community.

When Saturday, November 3rd. Create and Grow Market and Lakeside Art Exhibition runs from 9am to noon. Music Festival runs from noon to 8pm.

Where John Wright Park, Tuncurry.

Tickets $25 pp: www.lakesidefestival.com.au

13

Uralla Can Assist Day Hosted by the Uralla Bowlo

Mixed Mufti Bowls, Spider/Raffles and Prizes! $12 per person, with lunch provided.

When Tuesday 13th November. Get there at 9:30am for a 10am start. Contact Judy Bray 6779 7179 or April Fulton 0447 349 669. RSVP by 9th November.

25

Markets in the Mall

This month we have lots going on in the Markets in the Mall.

It’s November, so Christmas is nearly upon us. Come down and find that next amazing gift for your friends and family, and our stallholders will be more than happy to showcase what’s on offer. Come down this 25th November to the Armidale Markets in the Mall!

New England focus. 15

focusinterview.

T H E

M U S I C A L

It’s already been a long road for Little Fish Entertainment and their Chicago bound journey. With initial planning done over two years ago, it’s a bittersweet time for these powerhouse creatives.

W

e sat down with Director/Producer Sarah Watson, Choreographer and leading lady, Melissa Killen, Technical Designer, Anthony Carlon and master of both on and off stage roles, Duncan Carmichael, to find out more.

For those who might not know the story of Chicago, can you tell us about it?

Sarah: The history of Chicago and how it came to be really is quite interesting. I’ve done a lot of research on the show and how it evolved.

Originally a play of the same name, the first edition As creatives, we don’t shy of Chicago was written by away from pushing a former reporter, Maurine ourselves to always do Watkins. She took the better. In fact, I think as a stories she covered on the team it’s what we do best. real Murderess Row during the 1920s and developed a biting satire that opened on Broadway. The story of two guilty femme-fatales who crave fame and fortune and use their moment in the spotlight of crime to manipulate the public and ultimately win their affection using nothing but their talent, wit and charm to successfully have their murder cases thrown 16 New England focus.

out the window - what better stimulus for a musical could there be?

How many people are in the cast; can you tell us a little about them?

Sarah: It was really important to me that this cast was not only able to inhabit the roles, sing the songs and do the choreography as an individual, but to understand that they were going to be part of something bigger than themselves. This is our first large scale musical performance; my focus wasn’t necessarily on who were the best singers, or actors, or dancers we could find, but on bringing together a group of people who could form a true ensemble - who could work together without ego or pride getting in the way of the final product. We have a cast of eighteen incredible people, some of whom have very little, in some case, no stage experience.

However, what they do have is charisma, guts, and a willingness to trust in the process and the creative direction.

Each cast member was hand selected by Melissa and me; we knew that the vibe and connectedness of this cast was going to be one of the most important elements of the production. There is, of course, an amazing group of cast members with a wealth of stage experience, with such a diverse range of talent the performances are organic, fresh and raw, much like the original concept for the show.

focusinterview.

What they do have is charisma, guts, and a willingness to trust in the process and the creative direction.

What goes into creating a large format musical performance fact we’re converting a like this? big, empty and historic How long have you Sarah: Chicago is building in to a fully been rehearsing for without a doubt the functioning theatrical the show? biggest endeavour venue is no small feat.

Sarah: When we first we, as a team, have sat down to schedule, I embarked on - not knew that I didn’t want necessarily because it’s rehearsals to linger over more complicated or months, mostly for my own sanity, but also technically more complex than other shows because a short and intense rehearsal period we have worked on together, but because has a knack of kicking people in to gear it’s personal. It represents who we are. We’re straight away. We started in mid September, putting ourselves, our passion, our standards, which gives us five weeks to make sure the out there for the public to judge, and that in show is performance ready by opening. itself is massive.

Melissa: Our first week of intensive Anthony: From a logistical and technical rehearsals was nothing but choreography, point of view, the fact we’re converting a and it really was intense. There are fourteen big, empty and historic building in to a fully choreographed numbers in Chicago, and we functioning theatrical venue is no small feat. did them all in six days. My brain was very full Everything must be thought of and accounted that week, but now we know it’s possible, and for in advance, and we’re talking years in dare I say it, preferred! advance. All front of house elements, chairs, What can people expect on the night? tables, ticket booths, bars, refrigeration, Duncan: This isn’t going to be just your decorations, staging and technical elements ordinary night at the theatre. We always said must all be designed to suit the show, then the we wanted to create something special for venue, and the budget. our audiences. The right venue was super Sarah: As creatives, we don’t shy away from important to the success of what we want pushing ourselves to always do better. In fact, to achieve; the Showground was the only I think as a team it’s what we do best. Taking option! The Main Pavilion will be converted big risks while doing what we love will always in to a 1920s style Speakeasy, with cabaret be worth it when this team of Little Fish are in table seating and lounge area. We want our it together. audiences to be transported the moment they step inside!

Sarah: For us, this production has to be a whole experience from ENT to EXIT (that’s Chicago! The Musical - 1st - 10th November, theatre talk). I know the show will speak for Main Pavilion, Armidale Showground. itself, but expect a whole lot of (tasteful) Tickets www.trybooking.com/UXVY lingerie!

From a logistical and technical point of view, the

There are fourteen choreographed numbers in “Chicago”, and we did them all in six days.

New England focus. 17

IS

CO OL

Unravel the

TH IS

Santa Christmas Game

Help Santa unwind this Christmas by playing Unravel the Santa, a seasonal take on pass-the-parcel. A great family game for gathering everyone together for some good oldfashioned festive fun, it’s really easy to get started - just take a seat, then take turns to peel the outer layer from the rather portly Father Christmas to reveal a joke, trinket or paper crown each time. With a prize at the centre for the lucky winner, there are 25 layers of coloured crêpe paper to get through, which means there’s a whole lot of unwrapping to do before Santa’s fully undone! Suitable for all ages, it’s a great stocking filler, or you could also use our festive friend as an alternative to a traditional Advent calendar to count down the days to Christmas with a daily treat.

Available now at Things With A Difference, 153 Beardy Street, Armidale.

focuscontributor

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

pug esenting • • pr

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month of the

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We have combined our love for travel

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organic coffee for the ultimate brew, needing only a cup and hot water. An exceptional cup that will leave you feeling energised and with a smile on your face, like superior coffee does!

If not at the local coffee shop, we are often faced with instant satchels of average coffee with additives and preservatives. Or, costly bulky gadgets or pod machines that leave us not only with a bitter aftertaste, but also the sense of wasting our precious time, money and the environment.

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

focusinterview.

With a proud history that extends back 117 years, the Armidale Pipe Band is a regular sight at parades, festivals and special events throughout New England. President and Drum Sergeant Lance McNamara explains some exciting new changes set to take place for the band, which includes attracting more young people to its already strong membership cohort …

Armidale

PIPE Band

P

lease give us a brief rundown on the history behind Armidale Pipe Band.

The Armidale Pipe Band was first established by the then Armidale Caledonian Society in 1901. It comprised around six pipers and one drummer. The band played for the early Highland Gatherings that were held by the Caledonian Society, and out of those early playouts a small group of dedicated individuals emerged as the first Armidale Pipe Band.

Over the years the band has gone into recess several times, but has always come back stronger. Today, we can boast being one of the largest pipe bands in New England and the North West.

What's your personal role with the band?

My role with the band is twofold. I am the current President of the band, as it is an incorporated association, and in addition I also fulfil the role of Drum Sergeant. As the “leading drummer”, I am responsible for overseeing the percussive and ensemble elements of the band’s repertoire.

I tutor members of the drum corps on a weekly basis, and I work closely with the Pipe Major (Craig Ritchie) and the Lead Tenor Drummer (Loren McNamara) on musical selection ensemble and expression.

I first joined the band in 1995 and have come and gone from the band due to work several times. I returned to Armidale with my wife after a ten year absence and was keen to get back involved with the band as soon as possible.

Tell us a bit about your membership cohort ... roughly how many members do you have, and what is the age range of players?

practice pad or chanter The band can boast SOME OF THESE DRUMS to pipes or drums, they a robust membership WOULD HAVE BEEN can expect to be part of more than 30 fullPLAYED IN 1914, WHEN of a busy yet enjoyable time and associate LOCAL MEN AND WOMEN community band that members. We have FROM THE DISTRICT plays throughout the several life members WERE LEAVING FOR THE New England region and who have served the FIRST WORLD WAR. further afield. band for extended The band is undergoing periods of time, and a few changes at the our membership moment, including ranges in age from 12 the supply of new to 80+. Our members uniforms and establishing a greater online are wonderful people, each with their own presence. What other exciting changes are character and value. We genuinely enjoy in the pipeline? spending time with each other as a band.

In addition to modernising our uniform What do you see as being the role of and building an online presence, the band the Armidale Pipe Band within the is concentrating on attracting more young community? people to its ranks. Pipe bands internationally Armidale Pipe Band has an important role in are experiencing something of a revival, with the community. Not only do we turn out for the average age of pipers and drummers in civic and ceremonial events such as ANZAC overseas bands being around 18 - 25. We are Day and Armistice Day etc.; we also play at hoping to bring younger people on board, and festivals and parades around the area. We in turn look to opportunities and experiences both entertain and contribute to the vibrancy that would both benefit and provide enjoyable of Armidale and its community. We strive to experiences for our members. preserve, promote and perform traditional We are hoping to begin working towards Scottish and Irish music, in addition to actively greater collaboration with other local music promoting the music and culture of Armidale’s organisations and if/when the opportunity Celtic community. arises, take the band further afield to play at What tuition do you offer for both events outside our region. aspiring pipers and drummers?

Why would you encourage new members The band offers tuition in both piping to join the band ... and what equipment is and drumming and at very minimal cost to supplied? the learner. Whilst learner drummers and I would encourage anyone who is interested pipers are expected to purchase some simple in or curious about pipe bands to come and equipment, such as practice chanters or drum see for themselves. You will receive a warm sticks and practice pads, there isn’t a lot of welcome. Pipe bands are about community. additional cost involved.

We are family friendly and most importantly, Our tutors are experienced individuals who we are not just people with a Scottish or Irish are always looking to take on new students. In background. We welcome anyone who is time and once a student has graduated from

willing to commit to learning an instrument, would like to experience something a little different and would like to make a few friends and experience something new along the way.

We supply our members with uniforms and instruments. We are supportive and really want to encourage people to jump in and have a go.

What upcoming functions are planned for the band?

The band will be appearing at the St Mary’s School fete on the 27th October, as well as running a drumming workshop for children.

We have a special event coming up on Armistice Day, 11/11/18, at 5pm in Central Park.

The band will join in commemoration of the end of WWI by playing a selection of traditional music and playing for the for the first time a restored set of snare, tenor and bass drums that have not been played in 70 years. Some of these drums would have been played in 1914, when local men and women from the district were leaving for the First World War. We now have the opportunity to commemorate the service and sacrifice of those men and women by reviving a very rare and important collection of instruments.

Other band events are posted on our website at armidalepipeband.com Where/when do you regularly meet ... and whom can readers contact to find out more info?

The band meets regularly on Monday nights, from 6:30pm at the Armidale High School Hall. You can find out more about us on our new website: armidalepipeband.com Thanks Lance.

Interview: Jo Robinson.

New England focus. 19

focus_editorial.

Lilly C&A NPearl DLES One of the great things about the Armidale Markets in the Mall is the boutique stallholders we have that produce some amazing goods and come down to the Mall each month, but have busy lives outside the Markets.

Come and smell the roses The Heritage Rose Garden Saumarez Homestead will be a sight to behold from mid-November onwards, and will continue to flower through until autumn.

The tree peonies are in flower, the bluebells are blossoming, and the sparaxis and braxias are about to bloom. There is plenty to see and do at Saumarez Homestead. Take a guided tour through the White family’s 30 room Edwardian mansion, complete with original furnishings. Stroll through Mary White’s garden, with its Jocelyn Brown-style cottage garden, the picking garden, the heritage rose garden and the lawns. Visit outbuildings complete with 19th Century tools and equipment. Allow at least half a day to see this extensive property, and experience 19th Century pastoral life. Bring the family and have a picnic in the beautiful gardens.

GROUNDS, GARDENS AND FARM AREA open seven days per week. Entry to the house only available by guided tours, 10:30am 2pm and 3:30pm on weekends and public holidays.

Saumarez Café open weekends 10am to 4pm.

Stunning historic country homestead with gardens, farm buildings and a café giving you an insight into rural life in the 1800s. Available to the public for tours, weddings, functions and events.

O

ne of these stallholders is Jessica Scott of Lilly and Pearl Candles. Jess is a new mum living in Armidale, where she was born and bred.

From a very young age Jess loved candles and the different scents from each candle. On the 9th January 2018, Lilly Zirkler was born, and Jess’ focus shifted - that’s what inspired Jess to start her own small business, with Lilly by her side.

Jess is the producer of custom-made candles, with a range of just about any scent to choose from. All candles are made with pure soy wax and are made with Jess and Lilly’s love and

enthusiasm. Jess is happy to accept special requests at any of our Markets. Jess also has her candles available for sale in the Armidale Tourist and Information Centre. Come on down this Sunday 24th November to catch Jess, Lilly and the Lilly and Pearl at the Markets in the Mall.

focus_editorial.

Met

Mall H

in the

FOC US I N T RODUC E S SA M DOY L E F ROM L EGA L M I N DS

ow long have you been in Armidale? Almost 23 years my entire life. I’m a born and bred Armidale boy.

What do you do in the Armidale Mall?

I work full-time at Legal Minds solicitors as a senior paralegal and migration consultant, while finishing off my studies at UNE. I also run the Markets in the Mall with Garry Slocombe and the AM Rotary Club in conjunction with PCYC, so every last Sunday of the month I’m down in the Mall. I’ve also been involved in starting up a charity called the Minimbah Project, which is about birth registrations. It’s a busy lifestyle, but I love it.

What’s your favourite part about working in the Mall? The community

20 New England focus.

interactions - being able to see a central hub where people can come to a safe environment and enjoy what Armidale has to offer.

What is a typical day in the life of Sam Doyle? A typical day starts at 7 7:30am: get up, go to work, get my daily coffee from Seesaw. I’ll come back and keep working on my daily work activities.

By that time, it will be almost lunch time; I’ll go to Ten Koo or one of the cafés.

Then I’ll go home in the evenings, take the dogs for a walk, spend time with my fiancée and start it all over again in the morning.

Wow, that’s a busy schedule! Where do you find the time between fulltime work, Rotary and personal

time to fit in uni study? Yes (laughs), university fits in the evening. I try to find time here, there and everywhere to get a bit of study in.

So when you are not doing all these things for the community, what do you do for fun? Well, going out for coffee with my lovely fiancée, Grace, spending time with family. I enjoy reading, and getting out and playing a bit of sport, maybe some golf, soccer, tennis or squash.

Favourite place to dine out? In Uralla, I love, love, love the healthy food from the Church Café. If it’s dinner in Armidale, it’s got to be The Red Grapevine or Blackjacks.

focus_editorial.

Close-knit community offers blanket of support to local family

A

close

community

dedicated group of Uralla knitters has combined their time and expertise in an inspired gesture of community support: to raise funds for the Oxley family of Uralla. Two of Jacob and Christie’s three beautiful children have Spinal Muscular Atrophy. The knitting group has hand-knitted a stunningly beautiful blanket and for the past four months have been busy selling tickets in the raffle for the blanket.

On Thursday the group met with Christie to draw the ticket. The lucky winner is Amanda Nagle from Armidale.

Christie received $2,000 raised in the raffle.

We would like to thank the Uralla knitting group for the donation of this wonderful blanket and all those who bought tickets.

We are so grateful for the generosity of our customers, who were delighted to be involved in such a worthy cause.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish the Oxley family all the best.

Uralla’s knitting and Crochet Group gets together twice a week to share ideas and copious cups of tea. See details about the times on urallawoolroom.com.au or phone Annie, the coordinator, on 6778 4226.

focus_editorial.

LOCALS 4 LOCALS

The lucky winners include Helen Higgins, who shopped at Forty Winks, Jim Ellis fuelled up at Beardy Street Servo, Lisa Baillie got some delicious bakery treats from Moxons Marsh St, Maddy Tregenza purchased pet supplies at Armidale Pet Shop and Aquarium and Rebecca George, who shopped at Inner Path Natural Therapies!

All these winners won $100 in Locals 4 Locals Gift Cards in the draw. Locals 4

Winners every month! It’s easy to see Locals 4 Locals love giving cash and prizes to you and me - October 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.

Locals are always ready to support local businesses and the local community by continuing this amazing service of finding five lucky winners.

With so many Locals 4 Locals members located in town, you’d be hard pressed to shop anywhere else! Not only does it boost our local economy, but 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. Register your entry at the counter. That’s it!

You have one entry in the L4L price pool.

The more times you shop at participating businesses, the higher your chances to win!

New England focus. 21

K e n n a r d s

h i r e

R a l l y

A u s t r a l i a

kennards hire

IT’S THE SHOWDOWN OF THE DECADE! MANY YEARS HAVE PASSED SINCE THE FIA WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP (WRC) WAS FOUGHT DOWN TO THE LAST EVENT OF THE ANNUAL GLOBAL TOUR. THAT THE FINAL ROUND THIS YEAR WILL BE STAGED ON THE COFFS COAST AT KENNARDS HIRE RALLY AUSTRALIA IS A HUGE, UNEXPECTED BONUS FOR FANS OF THE WORLD’S TOUGHEST INTERNATIONAL MOTORSPORT SERIES.

I

t started on the streets of Monte-Carlo in January, cut a swathe of excitement across many parts of Europe, plus Central and South America and even the Middle East.

Now audiences around the world and in Australia will be watching a unique finale set in this beautiful part of New South Wales.

Apart from the thrill of seeing superhuman drivers ply their amazing skill at high speed on narrow forest tracks, the benefits Rally Australia and the WRC bring to the region are easy to appreciate.

Why such anticipation? When the cover photo for this edition of FOCUS was shot earlier this year, the two drivers who had slugged it out all season, five-time champion Sébastien Ogier and Thierry Neuville, seemed set to decide the prestigious drivers’ title between them.

Then suddenly, a quietly-spoken driving dervish named Ott Tänak made it a three-way fight, with consecutive victories in Finland, Germany and Turkey. The contest was electrified - the ledger of championship points is balanced so finely, no driver can win before Australia.

And there’s another highlight in 2018: the CAMS Australian Rally Championship is also down to the wire and will be fought out between four of the country’s most talented young pilots.

This will be the 27th Rally Australia and the

22 New England focus.

seventh hosted on the Coffs Coast with the support of the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, regional councils and commercial partners led by Kennards Hire.

It’s found a natural home here. The temporarily-closed shire roads and roads made available by the Forestry Corporation of NSW offer a worthy challenge for the WRC drivers and a scenic backdrop for live TV coverage to 150 international markets. Putting together a rally route of just over 300 km involves officials driving many times that distance in surveys over many months. The aim is to find not only great roads, but also ones that have easy access at the ends and from the sides for sporting officials, emergency services, media and spectators, plus the best possible viewing locations.

Even with a once-a-year visit, rally drivers over time become familiar with the roads used for the special stages, so organisers have created new challenges for the 2018 Kennards Hire Rally Australia.

All but eight of the 24 competition stages covering 318 kilometres are new or changed, using different roads or sections of former roads in reverse direction.

Wedding Bells 18, the points-paying Power Stage and last stage of the rally and the WRC

presentation ceremony season, will be run in Kennards Hire Rally also will be relocated to reverse, with a longer, Australia is a huge event the NSW Forests Rally higher jump at the popular and takes a huge team to Village, from where it will NSW Forests Rally Village. run it. Around 1000 people, be televised live around Saturday’s 1.97 km Raleigh the world. stage will be run twice mostly volunteer officials, The competitors’ for the first time, while keep the rally running on service park, now known the 28.84 km Argents Hill time and safe. They’ll love as Pedders Rally Central, Reverse on Saturday will it if you thank them for returns to C.ex Coffs be the longest, using more their contribution.

International Stadium than half the roads of the and will be a free-toformer Nambucca stage, enter hub of activity hailed as one of the most throughout the weekend. challenging anywhere in Many attractions will be on offer, including a the WRC. video super-screen showing constant live action The Destination NSW Super Special Stage from the stages, trade displays, souvenir sales, on Friday and Saturday evenings is always a food and drink and the lively Meet-the-Crews spectating highlight. Nowhere else in the WRC interview sessions with the leading drivers and does a competition stage run between a harbour their managers. and the ocean, as it does on the Coffs Harbour The X-factor at Rally Australia is the warmth of Jetty Foreshores. This year features a water splash the welcome. The teams from Britain, Germany, and a second jump. The images will be priceless.

France, Finland, Italy and other parts love coming What else is new? The always-popular to the Coffs Coast, because they can see readily Rally Show and Ceremonial Start on Thursday that the resident and business community is afternoon moves from the Coffs main street to proud of its home and values the benefits the the Jetty Foreshores, where drivers and their cars WRC brings. will turn out to meet their fans. Sunday’s podium

K e n n a r d s

h i r e

R a l l y

A u s t r a l i a

THE SCENE IS SET FOR A MAGNIFICENT WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP FINALE!

kennards hire

THE TITLE CONTENDERS ARE ...

SÉBASTIEN OGIER - 34, FRANCE M-SPORT FORD WORLD RALLY TEAM (FORD FIESTA)

It’s extraordinary that the coveted drivers’ title has been held for 14 years straight by Frenchmen named Séb. The incomparable Sébastien Loeb won the first nine and when he retired and former teammate Ogier switched to the dominant Volkswagen team, a further four were bagged. Ogier did it again last year with his new team, M-Sport, but 2018 has been by far his toughest challenge. Victories in Monte-Carlo, Mexico, Corsica to his credit, Ogier was nonetheless third in the standings until he pulled off a brilliant triumph on Wales Rally GB to be a dangerously-close second to Neuville.

Determined, ruthless and hugely ambitious, the former ski instructor and professional boules player knows how to win when the chips are down.

OTT TÄNAK - 30, ESTONIA TOYOTA GAZOO RACING WORLD RALLY TEAM (TOYOTA YARIS)

Although he won Rally Argentina, Tänak was a distant third in the standings until he returned from the European summer break with fire in his belly.

Consecutive wins followed in Finland, Germany and Turkey and catapulted him into the middle of the title fight. He utterly dominated Wales Rally GB, until mechanical damage stopped his Toyota Yaris. Tänak has been a sensation since switching from M-Sport to Toyota at the beginning of 2018, and his performances also have helped the Finnish-based, Japanese-owned team take the lead in the manufacturers’ competition. Intense and blisteringly quick, he won his first WRC event only last year and came home third in the final standings. On Rally Australia, his driving will be absolutely committed and promises a breath-taking experience for fans.

FI RS T RA LLY?

HE RE ’S HO W TO FO LLOW IT

After the Ceremonial Start on Thursday, Kennards Hire Rally Australia will be run across 24 stages of varying lengths on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The course is run mostly on temporarily-closed public roads, under extremely tight safety controls. Cars crewed by a driver and co-driver run one at a time against the clock in predetermined order, and the one with the shortest total time at the end is the winner. The world championship is decided on points accumulated for placings from 1st to 10th at each round. Co-drivers don’t actually drive, but call out instructions to the driver through helmet-to-helmet intercom. Called pace notes, these instructions are worked out during two days of reconnaissance in non-rally cars on open roads at road-legal speeds - the first time a driver tackles the stage at speed and in his rally car is when the start light goes green, so accurate notes are vital for speed and safety. Think of it like the Bathurst 1000 qualifying shootout run 24 times in a row! Amazingly, different drivers in different cars competing in constantly-changing road conditions often set stage times just tenths of a second apart. The bravery and skill of WRC drivers will leave you wideeyed and speechless!

THIERRY NEUVILLE - 30, BELGIUM HYUNDAI SHELL MOBIS WORLD RALLY TEAM (HYUNDAI I20 COUPE)

Chasing the first championship for him and his Korean-owned team, Neuville has enjoyed his best season so far. The Belgian won in Sweden, Portugal and Sardinia (Italy) and narrowly led the points standings when this article was written after round 11 of 13. Last season Neuville pushed Sébastien Ogier all the way in the race for the drivers’ crown. A failure to score in Germany and Spain ultimately proved his undoing, but four wins was his best return in a WRC season.

Cool as a cucumber, with a winning mix of youth, raw speed and natural talent, the 2017 Kennards Hire Rally Australia winner is determined 2018 will be his year.

CITROËN TOTAL ABU DHABI WORLD RALLY TEAM (CITROËN C3)

Although Citroën’s performances haven’t got it into the championship race, don’t discount the French team for an upset result - it’s got nothing to lose from a win-or-bust effort by its drivers Mads Østberg and Craig Breen. It’s their last event before Séb Ogier arrives as team leader for 2019 - 2020.

New England focus. 23

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Set amidst a gorgeous and serene garden landscape you will find a little piece of artistic paradise, where you can learn and develop your own creative flair. BARRY AND LUCY MCCANN ARE BOTH EXCEPTIONALLY TALENTED ARTISTS WHO SHARE THEIR LOVE FOR ART THROUGH SPECIAL WORKSHOPS AT THEIR GALLERY AND STUDIO SPACE …

I

f you’ve ever thought about picking up a paintbrush and trying either watercolour or acrylic paints, why not give it a try!

Hi Barry and Lucy. What brought you both to the Armidale area to

live?

Lucy: We were both born in Armidale and have spent most of our lives here. Both of our families, back to our great grandparents, have lived and loved living in the Armidale area. Armidale is cultural hub, which makes it the ideal place for us to run our business, McCann Fine Art, where we produce and teach art.

Where did your passion for art begin?

Barry: My interest in art began as a young student creating drawings for school assignments, as well as drawing for home. These talents and artistic flair proved invaluable when I became a chef and cake decorator, but when I enrolled in an introductory watercolour course at the Canberra School of Arts in 1990, I unlocked an insatiable thirst for art knowledge.

Lucy: I completed Dress Design at East Sydney Technical Collage (which is now the National Art School) where drawing played a major role within my studies, but it wasn’t until I participated in a watercolour workshop that my passion and talent for art

24 New England focus.

was realised. paint in both acrylic and watercolour, with a There is an old saying that goes “a real love for the latter. pleasure shared is a pleasure doubled”, We both enjoy the constant challenge of and this could not be more appropriate attempting to portray the illusion of both for us both. From our first meeting, we movement and form alongside a narrative. had a pleasure we could share. It was this Our quest for conveying beauty in our work combination of two like minds that has is paramount, as we seek the place where fuelled this passion for art. traditional, representational art is fused with What forms of art do you both like to more modern looks. create, and what What would you say are your favourite your muse/inspiration mediums to work is when it comes to with? art?

Lucy: We are both Lucy: My work is OUR QUEST FOR traditional or realist infl uenced by the art CONVEYING BEAUTY IN artists and like to of Hans Heysen, the OUR WORK IS PARAMOUNT, create art that includes German born Australian AS WE SEEK THE PLACE items that are instantly artist.

His depiction of WHERE TRADITIONAL, recognisable to the Australian landscapes in REPRESENTATIONAL ART viewer. Drawing is both watercolour and IS FUSED WITH MORE the foundation of oils are inspirational.

MODERN LOOKS. all our art, and we My love of the land was try to incorporate an fostered by my father impressionistic feel and growing up on a to our pieces. We New England fine wool both studied the medium of watercolour property. exclusively for many years, and as a result Barry: The work of American artist John this influences our approach to the other Singer Sargent has a major influence on my mediums today. artwork. The way Sargent could capture At present, Barry paints most of his work the effect light has on different surfaces is using the medium of acrylic paint, and I inspirational.

What do you most like about running art workshops and helping others with their creativity?

Barry: We conduct numerous art workshops in our studio/gallery in Armidale and throughout Australia and overseas.

Imparting knowledge to help others pursue their creative dreams is very rewarding, as is the pure joy we see on the participants’ faces at the conclusion of an exercise, when they realise they can produce a painting.

We teach all levels of competency in our classes, from beginners to advanced, and strive to encourage the individual growth of our students. Our workshops help bring like-minded people together and cultivate creativity and open the students’ eyes to see the world a little differently.

What are some of your upcoming workshops?

Lucy: We hold workshops four times a year in our studio and gallery in the beautiful New England. The four workshops coincide with Armidale’s four very different seasons, summer, autumn, winter and spring. These five day courses are limited to nine people in each class, to ensure a personal experience.

An acrylic class and a watercolour class run simultaneously, and both classes meet for morning tea and lunch. For further information regarding our workshops, please

focusinterview.

WE LIKE TO BE INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS FROM CONCEPTION TO PRESENTATION AND LIKE TO WORK FROM OUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHETHER FROM LIFE OR FROM OUR OWN PHOTOGRAPHIC REFERENCE.

visit our website: www.mccannfineart. net.au Describe your studio space ...

Lucy: Our studio is a large, open space with high ceilings and plenty of light, which is connected to our residence. Our gallery space is a separate room linked to the studio via a covered walkway, which doubles as the second teaching space. We share the studio with a clear division of space.

Barry has his easel and tabouret situated in one corner, with his music next to him. He likes to sit and work on one painting at a time.

Barry: Lucy has two easels always set up, as she likes to work on several projects at a time.

She likes to stand when painting in any and all mediums and likes to sit at a desk easel to do her detailed drawings.

We are usually working in the studio at the same time, which we prefer, as we seem

???

to paint better and can get into a productive work flow. We believe it is a great advantage to have another artist in the vicinity to ask for a valued opinion or critique.

Are you available for commission work and if so, what type/what's the process?

Barry: We produce art mainly on a commission basis, or for a themed exhibition or show. Commissions are undertaken by us when the subject fits into the genre or style we like to paint and when we have some control over the process and end result. Most of the subjects for the commissioned works produced are either figurative or landscapes.

We like to be involved in the process from conception to presentation and like to work from our own experiences, whether from life or from our own photographic reference.

This way we not only achieve a likeness of the subject, but are able to inject some feeling or our response to the subject.

We are more than happy to discuss any ideas for a commissioned artwork via email at info@mccannfineart.net.au or by phone on 0412 778 253.

Our gallery and garden will be open to the public from the 23rd November to 23rd December 2018, which will showcase some of our latest works, including Lucy’s sculptures, which are made from reclaimed materials including wire, metal and stone.

What are your dreams/goals for the future?

Lucy: Our dreams and goals for the future are to remain healthy, happy and painting.

We would like to continue to travel and meet people and try to capture in paint the beauty we are surrounded by. We see no reason to ever have to retire and if we did we would probably take up painting!

Where can we contact you/find out more about you?

Barry: To see more of our work, purchase art supplies, receive some painting tips and find out about our workshops, please visit our website www.mccannfineart.net.au Thanks Barry and Lucy.

Interview: Jo Robinson.

New England focus. 25

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

Teriyaki Tasmanian

salmon

potato mash, sesame seeds, stir fried Asian vegetables

Quality Hotel Powerhouse Azka Wine and Tapas Bar Head Chef Lusyianna Setra has created a brand new Tapas menu just in time for the party season and relaxed warm spring evenings. These are our “must try” dishes from a full menu of smart share plates: • Potato rosti, smoked salmon, capers, Spanish onion, dill sour cream

Enjoy with a perfectly matched Spanish beer, vino or our freshly made sangria.

The countdown to end of year festivities is now upon us. Make The Powerhouse Armidale your “go to” Christmas function venue this year. Our Events Manager will tailor your event to suit individual budgets and requirements, leaving you stress free and in the hands of hospitality experts who will deliver a successful event.

Treat yourself to an evening of delicious food and polished service in our mood-lit wine bar.

Arrive early and settle into a comfy lounge that’s very hard to leave! Ideal for casual drinks and snacks with friends.

Azka Restaurant, Wine and Tapas Bar at The Powerhouse Armidale is open seven days. For further information, call 6772 7788, email info@qhparm.com.au or visit qualityhotelpowerhouse.com.au

• Beef skewers, gherkin, honey, red wine vinegar and clove reduction • Manchego cheese, marinated olives, grilled sourdough

Ingredients (Serves 4) 4 x 190 g Tasmanian salmon fillets Pinch salt and pepper 60 g black and white sesame seeds Potato mash 1 kg red Pontiac potatoes 50 g butter 150 ml thick cream 1 tbsp salt and pepper Stir fried Asian vegetables 100 g of each, sliced: • Carrot • Red, yellow and green capsicum • Wombok • Snow peas

• Zucchini 1 cup water 2 tbsp oyster sauce ½ tsp fish sauce ½ tsp sesame oil Teriyaki sauce 1 cup water 5 tbsp brown sugar ¼ cup soy sauce 2 tbsp honey 1 clove garlic, finely minced ½ tsp ground ginger 2 tbsp corn starch ¼ cup cold water

Or for a special dining occasion, Azka Restaurant is a stunning option, with over 70 Moroccan hanging lanterns ensuring an inviting and upmarket ambience. Experience classical techniques applied with passion to local seasonal New England produce.

Method For the potato mash, peel and cut the potatoes into even pieces and bring to the boil in a saucepan of salted water. Once boiled, drain the potatoes and add the butter and cream. Using a potato masher, mash until smooth and season with salt and pepper.

Pan fry the salmon until brown and crispy on both sides - approx. 2 minutes. Coat the salmon with black and white sesame seeds (skinless sides only) and place in a moderate oven (180 degrees) for approx. 3 minutes.

Stir fry the vegetables in a hot pan until brown and slightly soft. Add water, oyster sauce, fish sauce and sesame oil. Stir fry for 1 minute or until heated through.

For the Teriyaki sauce, add the brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, 1 cup water, garlic and ginger in a saucepan and place over medium heat. In a small bowl combine the corn starch with ¼ cup water and whisk until dissolved. Add the mixture to the saucepan and continue to heat until the sauce thickens.

Serve the salmon on a bed of potato mash accompanied by the stir fried vegetables and a drizzle of Teriyaki sauce.

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Chef Lusyianna Setra

Azka Restaurant, Wine and Tapas Bar Quality Hotel Powerhouse 31 Marsh Street, Armidale NSW 2350 Phone (02) 6772 7788

QHP0286_Oct 2018 Focus 156x125_Final.indd 1

17/10/18 11:43 am

Yoga World Class

•Co

mes

le to Armida

•

Armidale will experience a world class yoga event this November, that would normally be reserved for major cities and festival circuits.

World famous master yoga teachers and practitioners Ana Forrest and Jose Calarco will be running two workshops at the Armidale Town Hall.

T

ell us about Forrest Yoga …

The Forrest Yoga method is one of integrity and helps to rekindle the fires of passion and pleasure. You’ll discover how to reconnect to your energy, while you delight in your strength.

Forrest Yoga brings healing and inspiration into your personal practice, on and off the mat. It’s about cultivating and embracing a sense of compassion, whilst still making your yoga practice exhilarating and exciting. This experience helps one to feel more nourished and whole.

Describe the workshops ...

All workshops begin with a short, yet very special ceremony of song, invocation and smoke blessing. Ana and Medicine Man Jose Calarco set the intent for the practice and honour the ancestors and custodians of this land. The workshops chosen for Armidale are suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.

Walk In Beauty will open your receptors and perceive the Beauty in and around you. You’ll discover to think and act in a Beauty Way, completely shifting your perception of life. Move from victim mode, everything bad happens to me; or judging mode, this is great, this sucks; to curiosity and a desire to discern the truth.

Live in a Beauty Way - a way that is exhilarating, fulfilling and fascinating!

In Freedom From Struggle you’ll learn how to relax your core and safely change fear into excitement by riding the power of breath. In this session, find a different way to relate to your "edges" besides struggling and panicking; by listening to the intelligence of your body, you can create a deep, rewarding, struggle-free practice. These principles of working through your struggles and fear apply to all aspects of your life.

These workshops are a transformational experience that bring healing, hope, empowerment and connection to one's sense of Spirit. You’ll leave feeling whole, nourished and

These workshops are a perfect, just as you are!

Jose Calarco is a musical transformational experience What can you tell us Shaman and has been that bring healing, about Ana Forrest director of four successful hope, empowerment and Jose Calarco? performing dance and music and connection to one's Ana Forrest is companies. sense of Spirit. You’ll leave an inspiration. She Any final words? feeling whole, nourished and has been changing This is so exciting for perfect, just as you are! people’s lives for Armidale! This is a once in over 40 years and is a lifetime opportunity to an internationallypractice under the guidance recognised pioneer in of such incredible teachers in yoga and emotional your hometown! They are so healing. Ana is a Medicine Woman, the creatrix inspirational; they have connected me to feeling of Forrest Yoga and author of the highlyanything is possible for all of us. Be prepared to acclaimed book, Fierce Medicine. sweat and work in a whole new way.

Thousands of yoga teachers have been trained and/or inspired by Ana, including many internationally recognised names such as Seane plug!

Corn, Les Leventhal and Tiffany Cruikshank.

Armidale: November 6th and 7th.

Ana headlines at yoga events across the globe, Coffs Harbour November 9th and 11th. contributes regularly to many yoga, health and spirituality publications, and is a guest lecturer at Tickets www.samastudio.com.au or Eventbite $75 - $135. educational institutions.

New England focus. 27

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A love of travelling, camping and four wheel driving has led to plenty of photo opportunities for talented photographer Andrew Hardman, but he also very much loves the New England area and its scenic beauty.

Andrew is always keen to try new things, learn new techniques and hone his skill behind the lens, so he can provide his clients with the best possible outcome …

I would have to say I got the bug for photography when I was at school, where I learnt with

H

i Andrew. What led you to live in/set up base in Armidale?

I have lived all my life in Armidale; my family has a long and extensive history in the area. I went to school at The Armidale School (TAS) from Year 2 to Year 11, until I left school and joined the family business.

At this time I completed my mechanics trade, and at the same time I was a serving member of the Australian Army, where I served with 12th 16th Hunter River Lancers.

I met my wife here and have now started our family here. I love the outdoors and four-wheel

28 New England focus.

I also love all the colours for photo opportunities to capture in autumn. Wow! a film SLR camera and I just love it. did all my own darkroom What's your back story processing. It gave me a "behind the lens" ... very good understanding of the where did the interest principles of photography. in photography begin for you?

I would have to say I got the bug for photography when I was at school, where I learnt with a film SLR camera and did driving. Throughout the New England there are all my own darkroom processing. It gave me so many different areas to explore; I am still not a very good understanding of the principles sure if I have seen half of the amazing area out of photography. Back then you could not just there yet. look at the back of the camera and go delete What do you most love about the New better take another one. You had one go, and England area? then it was to the darkroom to see your results.

The New England area is so amazing for Learning this way has definitely given different adventures. In every direction you go, me a better appreciation of the art behind there is something new to explore and things photography. These days it has got a lot easier, to take photos of, whether it’s landscapes, but also harder. You can check your work right waterfalls, gardens or animals in their natural there and then, but I still push myself to get it habitat. just right now. The things you can do now with I also do a lot of storm chasing in the effects and processes are endless, and I am summer months, and the New England area does not let me down with different backdrops. constantly learning new things and techniques.

I discovered you on social media through your stark, amazingly beautiful photos of Australia in the throes of drought. Where have your travels taken you around this vast country of ours in the past year or so?

Unfortunately, with a young family and work commitments I haven’t been able to travel as far over the past few years; however, with the vast landscapes in and around New England you don’t actually have to travel far.

I do, however, do a lot of camping, which has taken me to all different parts of NSW. I would have to say one of my most favourite spots is the “Big Hill”, which is on the Old Kempsey Road. I have seen lots of changes over the past year down there, with the drought affecting all areas. The main change that amazed me was the Macleay River, where I could walk across the width of the river and not get wet. I have never seen it that low before.

Another favourite place is Copmanhurst, near Grafton. It’s a great camping spot with heaps of historical spots, including hand built tunnels. I will definitely be going back there for sure, with the considerable range of things to photograph.

What impact has viewing our dry

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landscape with a photographer's eye had on you?

The impact of the drought has been one of amazement at just how quickly the landscape changes when there is very little rain. A visual thing I have noticed, which I have never seen before, is the gum trees starting to die.

The resilience of the farmers … they put on a strong face, but gee it must be hard to see your stock wasting away to skin and bone right in front of you.

In the past few years I have got in to aerial drone photography, which has given me a perspective that I just never had before, including being able to see whole properties in one photo.

Some of your photos show a great talent for "light painting". Please explain what this is and how the process works.

Light painting is a form of photography done

at night using long exposures and different lights. It was a process that I stumbled across when I was searching the internet one night. I found a video of a guy using light to highlight a subject in a photo. The outcome was just awesome. It got me hooked.

I was out every night trying to learn the best settings and lights to use, as I’ve learnt all lights have different effects. I In the past few years I have worked to develop have got in to aerial at least fifteen different drone photography, lights and fire sources, which has given me which I can use to a perspective that I “paint” a photograph. just never had before, When you're not including being able to see travelling, what else whole properties in one photo. inspires you to pick up the camera and start

capturing images?

My little girl. It always amazes me, the expressions and innocence of children.

They see the world with a sense of awe and amazement and often it’s over the littlest things, or things we take for granted. These expressions are always great to try to capture on camera, so I can keep a copy of these memories. Although it can be a challenging task, it is always worth the effort.

You've captured some beautiful wedding photos. What are some of your favourite wedding shoots/memories, and why do you like them?

I would have to say one of the best wedding shoots I did was at West Kunderang Recreational Retreat in the Oxley Wild River National Park. It is such an amazing spot - it’s so peaceful, and the landscape is just breathtaking.

It was a long day, but well worth the outcome. Mick and Emma love their four-wheel driving and camping, so it was a perfect spot

for their special day and to reflect them as a couple.

What/who is something you'd like to photograph that you haven't managed yet (and why)?

I would love to do a four wheel driving trip to Cape York. This trip would encompass so many of my hobbies in one adventure. This is one of the things that I have on my bucket list, which I will eventually do; however, ensuring we have all the time to do this and not rush is one of the biggest considerations. The massive array of countryside and scenery is a photographer’s dream.

Where can we contact you/see more of your work/book you for a shoot?

I have both a Facebook and Instagram page.

You just need to search for Andrew Hardman Photography. Alternatively, you can email me at andrewhardman@bigpond.com or call me on 0402 764 857.

I’m always interested in new work, challenges and providing my clients the best outcome based on their individual needs and what they are really looking for as part of the photo shoot.

Thanks Andrew.

Interview: Jo Robinson.

New England focus. 29

focus_contributor - Travel Editor Susie Boswell.

Fabric Fair New Studio 808 How long have you been teaching and dress making across the New England?

respond to clients’ ideas, bringing their dreams to fruition.

I have been operating Fabric Fair for almost 37 years, during which time I have run many classes, conducted numerous workshops and have been involved in many, many weddings creating gowns for brides, bridesmaids and mothers.

What really drives me is making my clients’ special occasions happy ones.

What do you love most about about what you do, and what motivates you to continue teaching and dress making?

I love sharing my skills and bringing likeminded people together. I am very proud to have created a sewing community which spreads far beyond the New England area.

I have a real love of learning new things.

As fabrics and fashion change, so do the techniques. Fashion is a real passion for me.

I feel that I am not just a “dressmaker” but I

You are moving to a new location; tell us more?

It’s time to move the teaching and dressmaking part of the business to its new home. I’m so excited to set up at Studio 808.

This is a purpose built beautiful studio where I am creating a sewing retreat, so I can continue to inspire all ages to create amazing clothes, catering for those who are complete beginners to the more experienced who want to learn more.

I will also have a wonderful space in which to expand my bridal and special occasion gowns.

This is a wonderful and exciting time for me.

Heart, and Soul, of the City

W

ith eight weeks until Christmas and high summer, planning now for school holidays and travel is essential. If Sydney with its huge array of attractions is your destination, booking no later than this month secures the best remaining availability and rates for accommodation during the high-demand peak season. Leaving arrangements longer adds to costs, reduces options and will certainly impact inevitable festive frustration.

This urgency was evident on my recent visit to Sydney for a tourism convention and preview of the Sydney summer shows. Leaving it till last minute saw my trip clash with many conferences and events I hadn’t considered; my favourite hotels had no vacancies. Happily, serendipity struck and I discovered a lesser-known gem well worth sharing.

Breakfree on George is a newly-refurbished property amid bustling Chinatown, managed by the respected Mantra Group. This isn’t your five-star elite retreat in the rarefied environs of Circular Quay - yet one that has superior practical attributes for holidaying couples and families at budget rates. Its location is its special appeal: with dual frontages on George and Sussex streets it gives ease of access to major city attractions.

Breakfree’s modest exterior belies the fact it offers the same crisp white sheets and towels, immaculate bathroom, bath and hand-held shower, morning newspaper, car parking, wifi and Foxtel at half the price of big-name hotels.

(So: stay twice as long!) Better than many toprated establishments are its efficient lifts and aircon, personable staff and self-catering facilities with bar or full-size fridge for the economy of preparing in-room meals. Enjoy yum cha at many adjacent outlets and go on foot for slap-up Chinese dining day and night, minutes away.

Paddy’s Markets and Central Station are nearby and, best of all, Capitol Square Light Rail stop is at the door, its cheap frequent service sweeping you fast to various destinations: e.g., to Darling Harbour for King Street Wharf, Barangaroo, the aquarium, maritime museum and ferry connections, the ideal way to navigate around.

Sydney’s annual spring-summer season of top line shows and events has opened with an outstanding Sydney Opera House presentation

30 New England focus.

of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Evita, Tina Arena in the title role. The Joan Sutherland Theatre is a superb venue with excellent seats, sight lines and acoustics for the impressive orchestra and voices. Some 115 cast, musicians and crew perform for audience delectation (tickets from $58.40 incl booking fee, although you’ll spend more for the better seats. Hearing and wheelchair assistance facilities.) “Tour de force” describes Arena’s performance; her remarkable vocal range meets the exceptional demands of the fully-sung Broadway-West End piece. She’s seldom off stage, breathtaking in her endurance in the physically demanding role and its many costume changes, many elegantly effected right on stage.

Parents: the production appeals, too, to children and teens studying dance (striking choreography, a twist on Argentine tango) or music, costume or staging (clever and poised.) Make a night, or matinee, of it. The Opera House is an experience in itself with good underground parking rates and harbourside bars and restaurants at reasonable prices, glittering views free. Arrive early or stay late but do allow good time to park and walk in, to arrive comfortably. For best enjoyment, brief yourself on the storyline beforehand. Playing till Saturday November 3.

Right next to Breakfree at the unmatchable Capitol Theatre see Jersey Boys, the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The songs are thrilling; the quartet, a true-to-life replica of the group, has the audience humming, clapping and toe-tapping along. As well as the all-time popular hits it’s a narrative of the group’s history woven through their music (note: repetitive “authentic Jersey” swearing, an American idiom possibly less irritating in its US staging, entirely pointless here.)

Welcoming Capitol front-of-house staff dispense drinks into plastic to enjoy inside during the show.

To Sunday December 9. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory from Saturday January 5.

Search the web for details of coming attractions: the Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race start, NYE fireworks (free and alcohol-free vantage points), Sydney International Tennis from January 6, Sydney Festival opening January 9.

Evita image: Jeff Busby.

26 New England focus.

focusinterview.

From the Di rector’ s desk, Dr Da i sy Wi lli a m .

Years Aboriginal cultural centre and keeping place

T

he ACCKP was completed in 1988 and the Centre was opened on the 26th November of the same year.

The Centre has grown from strength to strength over the years and although many of the other Aboriginal cultural centre and keeping places throughout NSW have since closed down, the Armidale centre has thrived, drawing local and international visitors.

Currently, we work with over 100 Aboriginal artists and 10 Aboriginal galleries from all over NSW. We have 20 changing exhibitions a year which bring in over 17,000 visitors from all over the world. The Centre has also been included in the Lonely Planet Travel Guide, bringing many European, American, Asian and South American tourists. The ACCKP has significant collections of genealogy, artworks and artefacts. As a cultural centre it presents an annual community focused public program.

This is my thirteenth year as the Director of the ACCKP. Thirteen years ago when I walked into the Centre, there were paint spills, old newspapers lying about, empty walls, bare display cabinets laid out haphazardly and dusty surfaces. I was given a four month contract with hardly any budget. I had to use creative ways to first make the place presentable for the public and create programs that are easy to implement, before focusing on bringing policies and procedures to current standards. To move forward with the times, I had to update all our technology.

Time has flown by, and let’s fast forward to 32 New England focus.

The Armidale Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place (ACCKP) was built in 1988, along with many other Aboriginal cultural centres and keeping places which were approved for funding under the Bicentennial Program grant in 1986. today. We are now a vibrant Aboriginal Cultural place that is traditional in its values, yet modern Centre and a thriving business, but we are not in its operation. This plan is coming to fruition. sitting on our laurels.

We are developing, promoting and preserving Over the past thirteen years, we have worked Aboriginal arts and culture in the community hard at connecting the community to the through our Centre. At the same time, we stay Centre. We now operate at full capacity, with all technologically advanced by using modern our programs running regularly. Through our full touchscreens and iPads in the delivery of some range of public programs such as the Aboriginal of our programs. These modern devices are Men’s group, Aboriginal interactive so that school Women’s group, Black children and visitors can and White Photography experience the exhibitions, Club meetings, visual art collections and different exhibitions, photographic aspects of the culture in On Saturday 17th November exhibitions, artefact an interactive manner.

2018, we will be celebrating the exhibitions, holiday Our vision is to be a Centre’s 30th anniversary. The programs, cultural leader in the running of celebrations will start workshops, Family History a sustainable, vibrant at noon with a smoking research activities, Friends Aboriginal arts and ceremony, flag-raising, of the ACCKP functions cultural centre and traditional Aboriginal and cultural tours, we keeping place, while our dance and didgeridoo playing. have seen the diversity mission is to develop, of the community use promote and preserve our centre. Aboriginal Aboriginal arts and arts and culture is culture by engaging empowering individuals and healing our with community through the operation of community. Those who were and have been a professional art gallery and cultural centre disconnected are re-establishing friendships and that is inspired locally, but has national and forming lasting relationships. I am proud to say international appeal. that our Centre and our programs are playing an This momentous year of our 30th anniversary important part in this process. has seen us get a grant of $846,000 through Our business activities are also growing. We the Regional Cultural Fund administered by hire out our space for meetings and functions, Create New South Wales. This grant is being cater for these functions, run a café, operate used to complete a second gallery, which was a gift shop and sell artworks from our Artists’ started in 1999. It has taken 19 years for more Boutique and gallery. funds to come our way to complete such a Our Master Plan is for the Centre to be a significant project that has manifold positive

outcomes for Aboriginal artists, the Aboriginal communities in the New England North West region, the Armidale wider communities, local, national and international tourists and schools.

On Saturday 17th November 2018, we will be celebrating the Centre’s 30th anniversary. The celebrations will start at noon with a smoking ceremony, flag-raising, traditional Aboriginal dance and didgeridoo playing.

This will be followed by Aboriginal markets, concert, Language Lab, workshops, food stalls and a children’s carnival with treasure hunt, story-telling and footy passing challenge run by the Narwan Rugby League Club players. Local Aboriginal artisans will be selling their wares at the markets. Dennis Pitt, Terra Firma and other local musicians will be performing at the concert. The Language lab will be a 30-minute workshop run by the Anaiwan Language Revival Program. The workshops will be demonstrations of basket weaving by Gabby Widders, painting

by Nick Levy and music production by Nate Weatherall.

At 4:30pm, we will be opening four exhibitions, which are the Celebration of Heritage: New England Aboriginal Art Award, Karrali Sweet Black Baby, Aboriginal Families of Armidale photos and an exhibition of scarred and significant trees. We will also be launching the newly constructed second gallery and our 30th anniversary: A Celebration of Heritage publication. It will be a fun filled celebration with the involvement of the local Aboriginal people. We welcome the community to join in the festivities.

Dr Daisy William.

New England focus. 27

Wollomombi between two bridges

A well illustrated book documenting Wollomombií s fl ourishing heyday.

Armidale Region

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The city of Armidale will play its part in the future of regional transportation as one of two regional centres chosen by the NSW Government to host an automated vehicle trial.

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Copies of the book are available to purchase from Council, the Visitor Information Centre, Readerí s Companion and Boobooks.

Price: $46 ï

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he trial will initially run for 12 months in three phases, with gradually increasing levels of operational complexity in real world

environments.

After initial testing and safety processes have been met, the trial will be conducted at different locations around Armidale, using a fully automated EasyMile shuttle with capacity to carry up to 14 passengers.

Throughout each phase, safety will

Will introduce a shuttle service for residents around the Armidale CBD area. Phase two will also integrate mixed traffic vehicle testing and road infrastructure interactions, including roundabouts.

be a major priority, with an operating

PHASE 3

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PHASE 1 Operating at UNE Campus, targeting student and staff use and connecting residential colleges with key points across campus.

34 New England !"#$%.

PHASE 2

Will expand operations in the CBD area and include the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) in loop services.

The trial will begin before the end of the year, with customers hopping on-board the shuttle after initial safety tests have been carried out. Customer information on how to get involved will become available in the coming weeks.

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supervisor to be on-board at all times.

About the EasyMile EZ10 driverless shuttle The EZ10 is a functioning example of what the future of mobility for end users looks like, combining the benefits and flexibility of the technology, with the economy of group transportation.

The EZ10: • Has been designed to cover short

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Past and present residents of Wollomombi together with Armidaleí s historians and Council created this publication on the history of the district.

Over 30 volunteers researched and wrote short essays including some personal accounts.

The contents include poems and two articles recording the interaction between the Aboriginal community and the European settlers. Also included are the district educational, economic and recreational developments as well as its contribution to the two World Wars.

The coffee table publication with its stand alone ë easy to readí articles with many vintage and recent images is an excellent historical record of what life was like in the early days.

pre-defined routes through technologies developed by EasyMile • Uses the latest sensor (lidar) technology to see obstacles and hazards and safely respond to environmental changes like moving pedestrians, cyclists and other road users • Can carry up to 14 passengers • The shuttle is accessible to people with mobility needs e.g. wheelchairs

www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au Ph: 1300 136 833

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

November 2018

AQUARIUS.

GEMINI.

LIBRA.

JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19

MAY 22 - JUNE 22

SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23

The ending of feeling suspended is near.

You have some undigested emotions from your last cycle at work that may need some loving answers. When you have changed this inner conflict, nothing will be holding you back. Set new goals and give yourself permission to succeed. Citrine shatters negativity and attracts an abundance of luck.

Love is likely to be the strongest influence in your reality at this time.

Embrace it, making newfound friends, and enjoy your social calendar. Set some fresh goals, as your luck is picking up also. Career changes can be anticipated as well. Ruby shatters any fear of the unknown.

You are learning how strong and independent you already are and what little you need from others. Identify what feelings you may think others can give you and wake that feeling up on your own and breathe it through every cell to strengthen it.

Ruby leaves us feeling connected to our strength and independence.

PISCES.

CANCER.

SCORPIO.

FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20

JUNE 23 - JULY 23

OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22

You are going to experience itchy feet and a restlessness as your new cycle approaches. Setting fresh goals at that time will ensure a momentum that will benefit you enormously. Love will be your major influence in this next cycle. Loving life in general. Rose Quartz will amplify your happy feelings.

Your words hold the power to end conflict. You are a peace keeper and a natural teacher, so don’t be afraid to speak; just be aware of your motive.

Sugilite helps us to connect to our dreams for understanding life from different perspectives.

Set some fresh goals, and then wait for your surprise. The Universe has an element of intrigue in store for you, and to access it all you need to do is listen to your own inner voice. This is the energy centre you will be guided from.

Amethyst is great for following guidance.

ARIES.

LEO.

SAGITTARIUS.

MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21

You may need to honour your boundaries.

Don’t be afraid to say no to the things that leave you feeling uncomfortable, and yes to those things exciting you. You have new social influences to look forward to, so enjoy putting on your gypsy shoes and have fun. Turquoise is great for boosting confidence.

You are likely to be adventuring with new foundations in life, so be aware of insecurities playing with you. A new dwelling or work changes can be anticipated. Keep a light heart and set some new goals, so you can easily access your opportunities as they appear. Carnelian is great for embracing change.

You may be finding a new depth of love in your relationship or finding a new love if you’re single. You can anticipate a solid connection for clear open communication and complete truth. You will enjoy how this relationship leaves you feeling about yourself. Sugilite will help nurture love fearlessly.

TAURUS.

VIRGO.

CAPRICORN.

APRIL 21 - MAY 21

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23

DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20

Love yourself enough to stop sabotaging your successes. If you know that you deserve the best, nothing will be a challenge. Give yourself permission to succeed before trying new ventures and know when is a good time to be silent.

Some fresh goals would be favourable.

Selenite helps us reach our full potential.

Professional responsibilities need to be left at work, and not taken home. This is causing your seriousness. Bring your silly self back and prank or play more. You are naturally able to be very light hearted, but at present you’re vulnerable with serious energy. Clear Quartz lightens our energy; carry some.

You need to set some new goals, but being aware of your motive will speed the delivery time up. So sit quietly and reflect on different areas in life and wish for new influences, making sure your fears are not your motive but your passions are guiding you. Aquamarine is efficient at releasing fears and opening new beginnings.

New England focus. 35

Armidale & District Family Day Care The satisfaction of self-employment with Armidale & District Family Day Care: Since 1983, Armidale & District Family Day Care has supported the careers of many local early childhood educators, and we look forward to welcoming more educators to the team in the future.

Why did one current educator choose a career in family day care? “The main reason was to be able to start my own business in an industry that I have been working in for 25 years, and in a service which I believe benefits young children and complements my own personal philosophy (small group care and education, where the educator is able to become well known to the family and child, where they can be flexible and meet the needs of each family).

I enjoy taking the children out into the community and giving them many and varied experiences (I believe this is in accordance with the EYLF). The small groups provide children with a strong sense of belonging, being and becoming, and as a family day care educator I am able to build on each child's abilities not only educationally but most importantly, socially and emotionally”.

Like to know more? Please call AFDC on 6772 5300.

Up-close Animal Encounters.

Mini Minstrels Program The Mini Minstrels Music Program offers an exciting and fun-filled introduction to music for children from as young as two months to four years. Mini Minstrels provides an outstanding music education that gives children a lifelong love of music and is the ideal springboard for their future instrumental or choral studies. NECOM currently offers Mini Minstrels classes in Armidale and Walcha.

Mini Minstrels is a sequential music program offered in three stages to match a child’s age and experience. This “babes-inarms” program introduces the child and their accompanying parent, grandparent or carer to the fundamentals of music - singing, listening, playing percussion instruments, moving and responding creatively to music. In addition to sequential age-specific classes, NECOM offers the popular Family Class, enabling parents and siblings (babes to four+ years) to participate together as a family.

Billabong Zoo Koala and Wildlife Park cares for over 80 species, with over 200 animals located throughout ten acres of shady gardens.

Experience an up-close Animal Encounter with personal Zoo Keeper commentary: available with Snow Leopards, Cheetahs, Red Pandas, Meerkats, Koalas and Snakes. Bookings essential.

An Animal Encounter is a very special experience that stays with you for a lifetime.

You can also enjoy 16 free Zoo Keeper talks throughout the day included in the entry fee; PLUS, there are reptile shows on the weekends and during the school holidays. There is a children’s playground and an all-day Kangaroo and Wallaroo walkthrough meadow for patting and feeding; Zoo Café for meals, snacks, ice cream, coffee and drinks; souvenirs, gifts and retail therapy in the popular Zoo Shop.

Classes take place in a happy, fun filled environment of games, songs, creative movement, dance, speech and rhyme, listening and playing untuned and tuned percussion instruments.

The program establishes the key music skills and concepts required for a child to develop their musical interests and innate potential.

The multi award-winning Billabong Zoo is always fun for the kids and educational for everyone. Open every day: 9am - 5pm, rain or shine. Billabong Zoo, Port Macquarie - it’s more than a great day out. It’s the best value zoo in Australia. Located at 61 Billabong Drive, just off the Oxley Highway (two minutes from the Pacific Highway).

For full details, visit billabongzoo.com.au or call 6585 1060.

Enjoy a fun day out at Billabong Zoo, set amongst 10 acres of lush beautiful gardens.

Get up close to over 80 species of animals, reptiles and birds. Feed our kangaroos, pat a koala, dingo or snake. We are open every day except Christmas day, rain or shine.

Zoo talks 16 FREE keeper presentations daily

(included in entry fee) + reptile show at the weekends and holidays Up-close Book one of our Personal Encounters Zoo Café Enjoy a fresh and delicious bite at our café Zoo Shop Buy a souvenir or a gift for someone special

Conservation through education

OPEN DAILY 9am to 5pm

36 New England focus.

H&N_PORT_ADVERT_SEPT18_107x169.indd 1

Billabong Drive, Port Macquarie 6585 1060 | Billabongzoo.com.au

12/09/2018 10:14 PM

drummond Memorial Public School

Drummond Memorial Public School (DMPS) has made significant changes to the physical learning environment, and there is a greater focus on students developing the skills required to work cooperatively with others, whilst learning to their full potential.

W

e have moved away from the traditional classroom environment, and have created flexible learning spaces that cater for the needs of all students. Stage groups have two teachers working alongside the students, to ensure we are providing them with the best opportunity to challenge themselves, engage in their learning and develop life skills that will help them to become successful members of the community.

The learning environment has a significant impact on the engagement levels of students, and it is vital that this space allows opportunities for cooperative and collaborative learning in a classroom, as well as supporting students with additional needs. At DMPS, we are able to cater for the diverse learning needs whilst providing differentiated learning opportunities for all of our students. We have moved away from the traditional "one allocated plain desk per child" model of teaching, and have created learning spaces that are bright, innovative and engaging. The classrooms have modern furniture, open spaces

and a variety of seating arrangements which encourage interaction, discussion and flexibility.

The staged classroom environments allow students the flexibility to work in a position that helps them to concentrate and focus on the task at hand. On any given day you will see students elect to either stand to work at tall tables, lie on the floor - working on a hard surface, working on their purpose built whiteboard tables as they solve problems or interact with their group at the "jelly bean" tables designed especially to allow for collaboration, discussion and group work.

Students have the flexibility to choose a different working space depending on the task (or the group they are working with) and have responded well to the freedom this enables them. With these changes, the students are more motivated to achieve, they have taken more responsibility for their learning and are active thinkers. They enjoy being more collaborative, using their critical and creative thinking skills, as well as improving their confidence to solve problems and take risks. Students are able to utilise the Spike Lab on a daily basis to experiment and learn through the

use of digital technologies. our students, Community Preschool and the In this space, collaboration The staged classroom University of New England, is vital and students work environments allow students we are currently in the together to code robots, the flexibility to work process of redesigning our complete challenges, devise in a position that helps playground to provide a plans and overcome learnthem to concentrate and ing obstacles. learning space which befocus on the task at hand. comes an extension to the There has also been classroom and promotes a focus on taking the learning through the natlearning outdoors (and ural environment (for play when it is appropriate), based learning). Throughout the day we want you may find a group of students lying on a mat our students to use inside and outside as learning in the sun as they take part in a reading lesson, environments where they can interact, develop or see students being active in their learning as confidence, challenge themselves, develop their they interact with the environment around them. physical skills and gain further knowledge that The students enjoy working outdoors so much, will empower them to continue to be motivated that this has become our future focus leading and engaged learners. into the 2019 school year. In consultation with

New England focus. 37

The Importance of being Educated Armidale & District

Family Day Care Armidale & District Family Day Care was established in 1983, and we remain the only locally based family day care provider.

W

e offer: • Education and care in familiar home-based environments, where groups are small and children’s individual needs and interests are the focus.

• Support for AFDC educators to meet their obligations under the National Regulations and Standards. Our Early Childhood Coordination Staff visit services regularly and the Business Manager provides all manner of support for educators’ business practices.

• Regular networking, social and play opportunities for AFDC educators and children through weekly playsessions held in partnership with Armidale Community Preschool.

• Alternative care with other AFDC educators to cover educator vacations or sick leave.

• Out of Hours School and Vacation Care in partnership with Sandon Public School and In-Home care in the family home for families with care needs outside standard hours or arrangements.

• Personalised advice on a broad range of family and child related issues, including the new Child Care Package.

Families are welcome to contact our office to enquire about vacancies and our enrolment process. We currently have some vacancies in both Armidale and Guyra.

Prospective educators are also welcome to contact us to discuss career options. Family day care offers rewarding, self-employment for early childhood professionals or those interested in gaining qualifications to work in the endlessly fascinating area of early childhood education and care. We particularly need more FDC educators in Walcha and Armidale to meet demand, and we would welcome the opportunity to support an educator in Uralla once again.

38 New England focus.

Why choose self-employment with AFDC? Here's what some educators have to say: "I became a family day care educator because I found, after spending time in bigger services, that I am able to give more one to one time to each child … I like the connection I have with the families too.

“The children themselves keep me motivated … watching them grow and learn and being part of that.

“I choose my local FDC, as I know and trust them … they have been established for a long time and my own children went to a local FDC educator many years ago."

“I chose to register with my local family day care service for a number of reasons. Firstly, because of the support and care that they provide … they are always right there when needed. Being local, they are able to provide regular support visits, which are so valuable.

They provide opportunities to share thoughts, concerns and ideas … I also love that they offer a weekly play group … giving the chance to interact with other educators and providing the chance for children to interact with other adults and children.”

“I chose to become an educator registered with Armidale and District Family Day Care because I value professionalism, and the staff and management of this service consistently go above and beyond to ensure educators, children and families have all the advice, support and resources they need.”

Our Coordination Office at 95 Faulkner Street, Armidale is open Monday to Thursday, 8:30am - 4:30pm. For more information, please call and speak with one of our friendly staff (6772 5300) or visit the service’s comprehensive website: www. armidaleanddistrictfamilydaycare.com Our service is rated as Meeting the National Quality Standard.

We live in a new reality - one that is dominated by opinion pieces, advertising and poorly researched half-truths. THE SEARCH FOR TRUTH AND THE ABILITY TO DISAGREE WELL HAVE EVOLVED AS CRITICAL AND CULTURAL SKILLS that we now require to wade through the media landscape.

I

had the opportunity to listen to Victor and respect in the face of disagreement.

Branson recently. Victor was the At the University of Sydney, this program is foundation Principal at Bishop Druitt called the Post-Truth Initiative. He addressed College and is a highly respected the importance of being respectful and educator in the independent to use researched, reasoned and ethical schooling system throughout NSW. arguments when discussing difficult issues.

Victor spoke about the role of schooling He encouraged us to listen empathetically to in supporting students with their critical the arguments of others. He also encouraged research and reasoning us to listen with a skills. He argued that critical and discerning the modern world ear, to be aware of and its popular media our tone and deal with and social media the disagreement in a Over the weekend I thought platforms had created nonpersonal manner. about these two speeches, the a forum for people to This lecture reminded search for truth and the have an uninformed me of the often quoted ability to disagree well, voice and that it is the “great minds discuss and I believe that they are both responsibility of a good ideas; average minds essential in fighting against populist unreasoned arguments. education to fight back discuss events; small with critical research, minds discuss people”. reasoned arguments Over the weekend and the continual I thought about these search for the truth. Victor highlighted recent two speeches, the search for truth and the issues with insurance companies, banks ability to disagree well, and I believe that and our politicians both domestically and they are both essential in fighting against in the United States as areas of concern. I populist unreasoned arguments. How support Victor’s call, noting that the ability to do we, as critically intelligent, thoughtful discern truth and then share this reason in a and respectful individuals, help right this respectful way is the next step in improving avalanche? We search for truth. We teach our society. our children the importance of researching At a recent Anglican schools conference in Sydney, I attended a lecture given by Dr Michael Spence. Michael is the ViceChancellor and Principal of the University of Sydney. He spoke about the importance of disagreeing well. He addressed the importance of cultural awareness and values

truth, and we also teach them the importance of being kind and respectful in the face of disagreement. The search for truth cannot be delegated to others. It is the responsibility of each of us as students, as parents, as mentors or as teachers.

Contributed by Nick Johnstone.

focusinterview.

Have you ever wondered about your ancestors … what they looked like, how they lived, where they came from? There’s a friendly and industrious group based in Armidale who can help you answer these questions.

T

he Armidale Family History Group Inc. has a centre in Kentucky Street, with a vast array of sources to help you find out more about your family. The group’s committee, headed by President Wayne Hoppe, is happy to welcome new members and provide their assistance and expertise in the field of family history.

How and when was the Armidale Family History Group Inc. established?

The Armidale Family History Group was established in early 1986, when a number of Armidale family historians decided to establish a group so they could help each other research their families.

The group met at various venues, until we established our own centre in Kentucky Street 21 years ago.

What are the aims of the group?

The aims of the group are to help members and visitors to research their family.

When and where (days/times) do group members meet ... and are potential new members welcome?

The centre is open Mondays from 2pm to 5pm, and Wednesdays from 10am to 4pm.

The doors are open THE GROUP HOLDS for all members and MONTHLY MEETINGS visitors, and potential AND A YEARLY SEMINAR Our volunteers are new members are always WITH GUEST SPEAKERS only too willing to welcome. Our volunteers ON A VARIETY OF assist others in this are happy to help other TOPICS. BOTH MEMBERS fascinating hobby, and with their research and AND VISITORS ARE the centre has a very give those invaluable WELCOME TO COME. large range of resources insights in how to research that may help in finding your ancestors. an elusive piece of the What types of sources/ jigsaw puzzle. records do you have We are also access to when you're researching family passionate about recording our history and history? family history, so that it is available for future There are a very large number of records generations. available to assist you in researching your family Why are you personally interested in history, and not all of them are on the internet. researching family history?

The group has over 4,000 books, CDs, Like many of our members, we were a little microfiche and other records. These include curious about our family history - and then we a large number of cemetery records, pioneer caught the bug. We want to record who our registers, personal family histories, area ancestors were and what they did, so that in histories and how to guides. the future others will know about their way You don’t have to have local families, as of life, which was so different to what it is these records stretch right across Australia. today. It also shows how much we are like our Your group has produced various ancestors in so many ways. publications over the years, that may well

be of interest to our readers. What project are you currently working on, and how can we purchase it?

The group is currently in the process of digitising the Armidale Cemetery, and every headstone has now been photographed and an index prepared. This index also includes many of the unmarked graves that are recorded on the Council cemetery plans.

We expect these records will be available for sale in the New Year, and we are happy to accept expressions of interest for their purchase.

What upcoming events does your group have planned?

The group holds monthly meetings and a yearly seminar with guest speakers on a variety of topics. Both members and visitors are welcome to come. Please contact us if you would like to find out more.

Where can we find out more info about the Armidale Family History Group Inc.?

You can find out more about the group at our website www.familyhistoryarmidale.org or by calling the centre on 6772 0450 during opening hours.

Alternatively, you can come and visit at our research centre in Kentucky St, just south of Dangar St, behind the big green gym.

Thanks everyone.

Interview: Jo Robinson.

Photos supplied by the Armidale Family History Group Inc. New England focus. 39

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

focus_contributor

ANTHONY FOX - PRESIDENT, ARMIDALE BUSINESS CHAMBER

tourism UPDATE

Tourism in November During September, the Visitor Information Centre had close to 4,800 visitors through the door, which highlights the centre’s importance in marketing Armidale and the New England High Country region.

F

or local businesses and groups to • Saumarez Homestead benefit from exposure to these visitors, • The Whitebull please ensure that we have your • New England Regional Art Museum upcoming event listed on our website, • Fleet Helicopters. or your brochures/flyers on display in the centre.

November’s Event calendar is jam packed The Visitor Information Centre can promote with a huge variety of events. your business if it falls under one the following The 3rd and 4th November is a very busy categories: restaurants, wineries, boutique weekend, with the very popular St Peters Open shopping, accommodation, art, culture, history Gardens; the Australian Cutting Horse National or things to do in Armidale. If you would like Titles; UNE 12 Hours in the Piney; Chicago the to volunteer at the Visitor Information Centre, Musical and the infamous Packsaddle Exhibition please contact Katrina George on 6770 3906. at NERAM. If you are looking for something During September unique, NECOM are and October, Armidale hosting a 100 year Tourism hosted two celebration of the Charlie journalist famils, who Chaplin classic Shoulder write and appeal to Arms, with Russ Bauer Armidale played host to the differing audiences. This providing live piano Australian Traveller is a proven and beneficial soundtrack in the style magazine, who way for us to promote of music theatre from a experienced boutique our region and diversity to century ago. accommodation, food a wider audience.

The New England and wine, art, history • The Editor from Antique Machinery and and a helicopter ride over the Outdoor Australia Heavy Horse Field Day gorge country. magazine set off on the will be held on the 10th Green Gully Track: a and 11th November, four-day, 65 km walking featuring vintage working track with overnight machinery, small engines, accommodation in rustic huts. The track takes tractors, steam engines, vintage cars, draught walkers into spectacular and rarely visited areas horse demonstrations and novelty events for of the Apsley-Macleay gorges in the Oxley Wild children.

Rivers National Park. This area is managed by The Black Gully Festival on the 17th the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and November celebrates community, music and prior bookings are essential. diversity. Enjoy markets, art, food, drink, nature • Armidale played host to the Australian and live music.

Traveller magazine, who experienced boutique Christmas in the Mall will be held on accommodation, food and wine, art, history Thursday 29th November. This is a great family and a helicopter ride over the gorge country. night to celebrate the start of the Christmas We would like to pass on our thanks for all of season. Come and see the lighting of the the local businesses who assisted in hosting Christmas tree, market stalls, Santa and his these journalists and ensuring their visit was a elves, live music and much more. great success: For full details on these events and more, • National Parks and Wildlife Service please visit www.armidaletourism.com.au/ • Loloma Bed and Breakfast events. If you would like a weekly “What’s On” • AZKA at the Powerhouse emailed to you, please contact us on 6770 3888 • Wayward Trails or email us at tourism@armidale.nsw.gov.au

40 New England focus.

Minding your Congratulations to the Armidale Region winners of the New England North West Business Awards. The Awards night was held at Petersons Winery on 28th September 2018. Businesses from our region won seven out of the possible 14 categories - a great result and recognition of our business community’s achievements.

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growth. All businesses should be thinking he Armidale winners were Sam Uphill (Outstanding Young Employee), strategically and of opportunities. As may be Bronwyn Pearson (Outstanding appropriate, we should also draw upon the Business Leader), UGoose (Excellence many resources available to us, such as UNE. in Small Business), Raw Fibre (Excellence The Council’s brochure “Unleash the in Sustainability), Back Track Youth Works Opportunities” lists many projects, several which (Excellence in Workplace Inclusion), Invest Blue have been achieved or are in the pipeline. The (Outstanding Employer of Choice and Regional last page of the brochure Business of the Year). deals with “Glasshouses Our winners now go or Controlled Environment on to the New South Horticulture”. This, Wales Finals to take I think, is worthy of place at Sydney on 23rd The Chamber looks in-depth analysis and November 2018. forward to an exchange discussion to see what Last month in this of ideas, as well as other horticulture can be column I talked about introductions at its end brought to the Armidale the Mall redevelopment of month networking area in the near future. and the parking study. drinks, sponsored by The Chamber looks One of the roles of the Regional Australia Bank. forward to an exchange Armidale Chamber is of ideas, as well as to advocate for the Armidale business introductions at its end community on issues impacting on it. A part of of month networking drinks, sponsored by that process is to look at the prospective growth Regional Australia Bank. This month it will and development of the region. Since becoming be held on 26th October 2018. We would President, I have become aware of the many encourage your thoughts on Armidale’s components of Armidale business and how potential for growth. innovative and innately resilient is the town.

I am pleased to announce that Qantas While that is the case, and Armidale is slowly has kindly agreed to become a sponsor of growing, businesses still come and go. We the Chamber. This will assist us greatly in need to understand why and to work out what bringing interesting speakers to Armidale. We we can do to facilitate the growth of Armidale are working on our first Qantas sponsored businesses and its population. speaker and will let you know the details once Decentralisation has always been significant. organised. Thank you, Qantas.

We now have TAFE Digital in Armidale, as Lastly, a date claimer for our upcoming well as the APVMA. Additionally, we need Christmas Bash on 7th December 2018. This to continue to be imaginative and creative. is an event for Chamber members and where Armidale is a technology town; we should build Guyra Chamber members, Locals 4 Local and on that both in terms of new businesses, but new arrivals to Armidale are warmly welcomed. also in terms of the way business is done. It is All the best for a prosperous November. not just a matter for Council, with its resources Anthony. (which presently are limited) to develop the

Talking the

of tomorrow

O

riginally from Washington State in the US, Derek completed his accounting degree in California. He also received a degree in Spanish after developing a love for the language while on exchange in Argentina.

Derek entertained the idea of returning to South America for work; however, when presented with a work opportunity in Australia, he couldn’t turn it down.

In 2007 he joined Ernst & Young in Sydney and spent five years working with clients in a range of industries. The experience developed his command of Australian accounting standards and business practices. From

Introducing Derek Repp, Roberts & Morrow Manager.

Derek heads the firm’s Business Advisory Division, the latest specialist service offered by Roberts & Morrow. He brings valuable expertise from experience in corporate audit and financial performance management. there, Derek spent four years working for Suncorp leading a variety of teams, providing management reporting to senior stakeholders and shareholders.

After this time in the city, Derek and his Glen Innes born wife, along with their three boys, made the decision to move to Armidale for the benefits of regional living. For them, the decision about Armidale wasn’t hard: “We visited a lot of regional centres in making our decision and we definitely felt Armidale was unique in its culture, access to great education and business environment”.

Derek joined Roberts & Morrow in 2017, taking on a combined role of Audit Manager and the directive to develop and lead the

emerging Business Advisory Division. He shares a passion for assisting businesses drive performance and prepare for the future. Areas in which he is assisting businesses include: change management, budgeting, forecasting, systems implementation and management reporting. He is also focused on technological change and automation as their impact on regional Australia grows. Derek says, “At the same time that new technologies are disrupting many business models, those same technologies are presenting opportunities for businesses to position themselves to navigate change.”

Commenting on the role Roberts & Morrow takes in advising clients, Derek says, “Business

owners are the subject matter experts for their businesses. Roberts & Morrow’s role is to support business owners by providing a complimentary skillset that maximises the performance of the business.”

Roberts & Morrow have launched a speaking series in partnership with the Armidale Business Chamber. The series is aimed at getting business owners comfortable with the idea of change and adapting to future proof their businesses. Keep an eye out for details on Facebook @robertsandmorrow or via the website www.rm.net.au/business-advisory For an obligation free consultation with Derek, phone (02) 6774 8400 or email derek.repp@rm.net.au

Helping to grow businesses for more than 60 years.

accounting & audit

business advisory

financial planning

superannuation

tax & estate planning rm.net.au l 02 6774 8400 enquiries@rm.net.au 137 Beardy Street, Armidale

New England focus. 41

Saumarez homestead

focus_contributor

WITH SUSIE DUNN

Icing

- AWARDED TRIPADVISOR HALL OF FAME STATUS -

CAKE ON

Alice Cairns and Justine Kavanagh

“DUDLEY, THERE IS NO TOMORROW!”…

“THEN HOW ABOUT THIS AFTERNOON?”

THE heritage-listed Saumarez Homestead at Armidale has earned another historic milestone that marks its claim to fame as a true tourist icon, the State’s Tourism Minister and Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has announced.

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r Marshall visited the homestead recently to congratulate volunteers and staff on their latest achievement - elevation to the coveted Hall of Fame status by the online travel website TripAdvisor.

The latest accolade comes after the National Trust property on the outskirts of Armidale ranked in TripAdvisor’s Award of Excellence annual list for the past five years.

Mr Marshall said the award achievement would considerably add to the tourist potential of Saumarez - especially on the back of a $2.77 million upgrade project announced only six months ago.

“Saumarez is one of our tourist gems and the upgrade project, coupled with the latest travel tick of excellence, will drive more tourism numbers to this region,” Mr Marshall said.

“It will make one of our regional heritage icons a place that’s also significant as a tourist attraction both on a state and national scale, and that’s great news.”

Heritage Rose Garden Saumarez Homestead Completed - thanks to a generous grant from the Armidale Regional Council, the second and final stage of our Heritage Rose Garden has been completed by local contractors and volunteers from the Australian Garden History Society. AGHS members instigated the project and have worked tirelessly to make the

42 New England focus.

This is the title of a book my husband presented to me on the plane taking off on our honeymoon, claiming to have found it at the airport newsagent. However that may be, that’s how Dudley and I tended to live our lives. Why not do it this afternoon?

rose garden an added attraction to Saumarez.

The nucleus of the amazing garden in Stage 1 (Heritage Roses) came from a generous donation, in 2011, from the late Miss Catherine MacLean, a long time Armidale resident and dedicated rosarian who died earlier this year. The aim was to preserve her collection of old roses for the enjoyment of many in the future. The collection includes over 500 roses representing each of the main rose cultivar groups, bred before 1930. This garden was opened in 2015.

Botanist Dr Ian Telford designed both gardens - Stage 1 (Heritage Roses) and Stage 2 (The Rose Breeders’ Garden) on the site of the old homestead orchard. The first garden is laid out in a formal Tudor English Rose pattern, featuring 40 rose beds within a layout of concentric circles, outlined by gravel paths. The roses in this garden trace the history of rose breeding through displays from each of the main parent rose species groups and is already a flourishing success.

The second smaller garden, the Rose Breeders’ Garden, traces the heritage or history of the rose.

It consists of 214 roses representing significant, specific breeders’ roses from Australia, New Zealand, England, Ireland, Canada, United States of America, UK, Germany and France.

The earliest rose breeders represented here date back to the early 1830s, continuing right through until the present day, including David Austin. Five Australian breeders have their own beds, including Alister Clark, Frank Reithmuller and local Olive Fitzhardinge.

Already showing great promise, the rose garden will be a sight to behold from mid November onwards, and will continue to flower through until Autumn.

Helen Nancarrow and Lynne Walker.

T

his explains my constantly boiling impatience at the state of the Armidale Mall. There’s no excuse for not bringing some vitality and hope to the Mall right now, while we’re waiting for grandiose (funded?) schemes to happen. The odd day of activity isn’t enough - we can’t promote a region with a dead heart.

Listen to the successful retailers’ views. And some attractive “UPGRADE COMING SOON …” and “WHAT’S ON IN TOWN THIS WEEK” signs would help. Popular businesses have sprung up outside the city centre rather than in it (and not because of a road). What makes one place fizz while another fails - always a hospitality conundrum. The thing is to know your market and be enabled to satisfy its wants, drawing people. How many years have we been calling for practical, do-able action on this? Today please! Or at least this afternoon …

More than half the winners in the New England and North West Business Awards at Petersen’s Winery came from the Armidale region - congratulations to them all. Now, for the State Awards on November 23!

SBS’s insight on the next generation and the future of farming in Australia was a real present, with the positivity of the young farmers, including UNE’s Emma McCrabb. Their informed embrace of technology and adaption to climate change, as well as their love for the land with all its ups and downs was wonderfully heartening.

The future of more young people leads news, with the reality of the new Armidale Secondary College approaching. Next year Armidale High merges with Duval on Duval’s campus, while the future-focused school for 1,500 is built on the old Armidale High site. Such far-sighted opportunities build our region’s future. The TAFE situation seems more clouded as I write this, with NSW chief, Jon Black, stepping down.

Currently technological disruptions walk a line, when systems rather than education can become the prime focus. This problem faces educational delivery across the board, with a

tendency for actual education itself falling to the bottom of the list. The question really is: are more students learning better than before?

Innovation and disruption are not ends in themselves.

Meanwhile, spare a thought for our koalas, reportedly one of the healthiest colonies in NSW. With the appalling world record on habitat loss for creatures other than man, we need a good shaking to realise that folding in other living things is integral to our survival on this incredible globe. Be aware what co-exists with us and how many are now listed as vulnerable.

Spring energises, and gardens shooting and flowering always seem to make us feel good.

Do take the chance to visit some of the gardens opening at this time of year - always a heartlifting day out. The VIC can give you a heads-up where they are. And be thankful that our local natural scenery is our Icing on the Cake, not (yet?) monetised by advertisers.

Most people I know fully approve of renewable energy and now look for storage. It’s fascinating that after the political death of the National Energy Guarantee, members of the Business Council of Australia’s Energy Climate Change Committee have discussed a selfregulating industry-wide emissions and reliability obligations programme to bring about grid and investor stability. About time someone did.

BackTrack, founded by CEO Bernie Shakeshaft, works by getting on with things, challenging disconnected young people with a constantly expanding programme of learning experiences, fun and personal involvement. A recent MOU with ARC gives the grazing lease on the Dumeresq Dam property to BackTrack for five years. A tremendous training opportunity, managing trails, weeds, fencing, bridges etc.

There’s much to be said for training by doing and enjoying it. Bernie takes the “what about this afternoon” approach to this “500 acre classroom”.

Susie Dunn.

A

S P E C I A L

F O C U S

F E A T U R E

New England focus. 43

BUY • SELL • BUILD - A SPECIAL FOCUS FEATURE

Building Energy Efficient Homes.

Energy efficient design and construction business Green homes Australia (GHA) Armidale gives New England residents more options when it comes to energy efficient homes.

GHA Armidale is locally owned and operated by Toby and Alice Smith. GHA Armidale specialise in building quality, energy efficient homes.

ducing the home’s carbon footprint. Incorporating

A sustainable, practical and affordable build.

Each home is carefully designed to suit your budget, block, climate and lifestyle to reduce the impact it has on the planet and your pocket.

Every home incorporates passive solar techniques, thermal mass, energy efficient lighting and advanced insulation strategies, to ensure maximum energy efficiency and sustainability.

highest quality and meet strict energy manage-

Reduced carbon footprint and future proof.

GHA Armidale’s approach to sustainability and green construction in housing is from the ground up. Incorporating sustainability right from the start at the design process. This ensures that every opportunity is taken to maximise energy efficiency, resulting in lower energy bills and re-

44 New England focus.

these above principles ensures homes are built for now and the future.

Inspected homes to meet ISO energy efficient standard. There are nine independent inspections on each home to ensure the homes are of the ment guidelines ISO 50001. Green Homes Australia is the only builder in Australia to have received certification from the International Standards Organisation for design and construction of energy efficient homes. This guarantees your home is of the highest quality and energy efficient.

If you’re looking to building a new home, don’t miss your opportunity to reduce your home’s costs by going green. For more information, contact Toby Smith on 0411 321 987 or visit greenhomesaustralia.com.au. You can also follow Green Homes Australia Armidale on Facebook and Instagram.

BUY • SELL • BUILD - A SPECIAL FOCUS FEATURE

FOCUS distributes 12,000 copies every month across the New England - via our home delivery and direct to businesses.

If you happen to miss out on one at home, or are visiting from out of town, then please visit one of our outlets by the 10th of the month to grab your free copy.

Hutchinson Harlow Real Estate.

HH Real Estate is delighted to welcome Sarah Clarke to the team. She has come full circle after working in the Armidale real estate industry prior to establishing a career in recruitment services. We spoke to Sarah and found out a little more: What brought you back to the real estate industry?

I was looking for a new challenge that offered full-time hours. I have been aware of Peter and Meg and the HH office for a long time and have always been impressed by their community involvement and local reputation. I have always loved the city of Armidale; the architecture and the property market here is always so active.

What changes have you noticed?

The biggest change is definitely digital media and marketing for promoting business and properties. However, I love that customer service is still the most important part of the industry.

What interests you outside of the office?

I love netball and play in the local comp and rep for ADNA. I also head to the gym when I can; fitness and healthy eating are a big part of my life. I enjoy spending time with friends and my family. I am passionate about supporting opportunities for local youth. Armidale is a beautiful place, and I love living here.

• •

“We are so excited Sarah is part of our team.

Her natural ability to connect with people and her personalised attention to detail immediately puts our clients at ease.”

• • • • • • •

Nevilles Store, 201 Brown St, Armidale Moxons Bakery, 2/36 Marsh Street Armidale Carrs Newsagency, 170 Beardy St, Armidale Richardsons Home Timber, 5-7 Bundarra Rd, Amidale Lynches Rd IGA Store, Beardy St Armidale Rafters Guyra, 87 Malpas St, Guyra High Country Wholefoods, 120 Bradley Street, Guyra Visitor Info Centre, 135 Rusden Street, Armidale FOCUS OFFICE, Beardy Street, Armidale

FOCUS can also be found at selected hotels, resorts and motels in the New England region.

Missed a copy?

You can find EVERY edition of FOCUS online on our bookshelf at www.issuu.com/focus.mag OUR REACH

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

New England focus. 45

46 New England focus.

BUY • SELL • BUILD - A SPECIAL FOCUS FEATURE

Elders Insurance.

At Elders Insurance New England, we understand that there is no place like home, so if your home or personal belongings are ever damaged or stolen, having an Elders Insurance home and contents policy will help protect you.

Our experienced, friendly team understand our local area and will work with you to tailor insurance solutions to meet your specific requirements. Our policy can include cover for your vehicle, boat, motorbike and caravan on the same policy, giving you one easy to manage policy, simple payment options and one expiry date.

In addition to standard home covers, some additional covers that are included in our Home and Contents policy are: • Fusion of electric motors.

• Vet expenses for domestic animals injured in a road accident.

• Contents temporarily removed from your home.

• Fraudulent use of stolen or lost credit cards.

• Spoilage of food, due to breakdown of fridge/freezer or failure of electricity supply to your home.

• Locks and keys damaged or lost as a result of burglary.

• Temporary accommodation following damage to your home.

Conditions and limits may apply; please contact us for a copy of our PDS, or come into our office to discuss your questions with our team.

If you are interested in an insurance policy with a company that supports local businesses and repairers, has a locally managed claims service and qualified insurance professionals to assist you with your enquiries, contact Elders Insurance New England.

New England focus. 47

Business Minds with Ingrid Rothe of VIVID Thinking

Angus

ST CLAIR OPTIMUS HYDRONICS

This month FOCUS introduces Angus St Clair of Optimus Hydronics, formerly AJSC Plumbing.

Optimus Hydronics is yet another hidden business gem located in our region. Angus works across NSW on domestic and commercial hydronic heating and cooling installations.

T

ell us a little about yourself.

I grew up in Sydney, but my parents moved up here in the early 2000s. We had family near Guyra and I had spent lots of holidays up here and had fantastic memories of the great people I’d met and the superb environment. I met my wife, Nevanka, here in Armidale. We have two beautiful young children.

And professionally?

I started my plumbing apprenticeship in Sydney in 1998, and moved to Black Mountain around 2001. I finished my apprenticeship with Steve Fittler Plumbing in Armidale. I then spent four and a half years in London and furthered my training to become a Corgi Gas and Hydronic Heater Installer. I returned home late 2009 and set up my own business, as AJSC Plumbing. Most recently, I changed focus from general plumbing to specialising in hydronic heating and commercial hot water.

Why the switch to hydronics?

In Europe, the technology and products I was working with were the cutting edge of development and technology. They were far better equipped than in Australia at that time. I wanted to install systems here that represented best practice, systems that were not only environmentally friendly, but would deliver huge savings on their running costs when installed in line with European standards.

48 New England focus.

Frankly, the product I was seeing, and still see, in Australia uses out-of-date technology, and while it is cheap to install, it is generally very expensive to run - especially LPG. I saw a huge gap in the market where people were being underserved, so Optimus Hydronics was born.

What is hydronics?

Many people will have heard of hydronic heating, but cooling is also available. Heating is our primary focus here in the New England and cooling can be a by-product of the technology we use. Hydronic heating is the delivery of heat through water. It is very flexible and can be installed in floors, or through radiators and through wall panels and ducted air.

We can even design a hydronic heating system ideal for house renovations. If you are renovating an older building, you can marry two systems into one with an in-floor system in the new area and a ducted air system in the old, all using the one energy source. And of course, new builds are more straightforward.

What are the challenges of specialising in hydronics?

My biggest challenge initially was finding a supplier who had the systems that met my requirements. Then I had to understand the running costs (not just the cost of installing) of the systems being installed, not only our systems, but our competitors’. Hydronics is a high-end product, so my clients need to understand their return on investment.

What’s your secret for success?

I want my clients have been in business to be happy with the before. They don’t actual installation of the necessarily have to be I WANT MY CLIENTS TO BE product of course, but in your line of business.

HAPPY WITH THE ACTUAL what is it they are going This can help you begin INSTALLATION OF THE to remember after we on the right foot. You PRODUCT OF COURSE, are gone? Having the can even join a business BUT WHAT IS IT THEY ARE transparency in what networking group in the GOING TO REMEMBER we do, to be able to local community.

AFTER WE ARE GONE? give the customers the What’s next for decision of what product Optimus Hydronics? will suit the building and I’m currently looking their requirements. My at energy efficient product is not cheap; it’s a high-end product commercial hot water solutions. The idea is to designed to last and offer long term savings on replace expensive electric hot water and LPG running costs. But, there is a big discrepancy gas commercial systems with cleaner and more between what is good and what is not so efficient alternatives. I have heat pumps that good in this industry. can operate in low temperature environments I always give as much information as while delivering hot water up to 90 degrees possible to the client, so they know what kind Celsius and in large volumes each day. We can of system they are going to get, providing replace old boilers with super efficient, exciting future running costs and a fair and accurate technology. cost of installation, so they can make informed What inspires you? decisions.

My family inspire me to get up and try What advice would you give a business to do my best every day. Professionally I am just starting out? motivated by delivering high-end quality Be prepared and be organised. Have your products that will stand the test of time systems in place from day one, from the and are efficient to run for high customer physical implementation of the task through satisfaction. Also, finding new technologies to the invoicing. And back it up with good that can help benefit the customer; that’s what records and filing systems. Having a strong gets me excited. support network for your business is also Thanks Angus. important - people who can mentor you who

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ByBy building newnew At Uniplan Group we’re passionate making your home experience as and hassleand free possible. building At Uniplan Group we’re passionate about making your home building experience as easy and hassle free as possible. By building your new Our experienced makes every step ofcontrol theevery way simple. home in our team factory in Armidale we can every facet job.When When it’scomplete complete and home youryour land.

At Uniplan we’re passionate about making your home building experience as easy and hassle freethe as possible.

By on building your new home in ourGroup factory in Armidale we can control facet of of thethe job. it’s we deliver deliver andinstall install thefinished finished home on land. home in our factory in Armidale we can control every facet of the job. When it’s complete we deliver and install the finished home on your land.

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G.J. Gardner Homes N E W

E N G L A N D

Building a brand new family home has never been easier when you choose to build with G. J. Gardner Homes New England.

A

rmidale’s Matt Varley heads up G.J. Gardner New England and is committed to providing you with the absolute best experience when building your own home and ensuring you enjoy the journey. Chrissy Jones chatted with Matt and found out just why G.J. Gardner is rated Australia’s most trusted national home builder.

Tell us about your business … how long has G.J. Gardner Armidale been operating and more specifically, with you at the helm?

G.J. Gardner New England has been in Armidale for 10 years. I’ve been in charge of the franchise for six months now, and in that time we have finalised 11 new home builds and we are growing every day. We’ve got a lot on the board. It is great. I’m excited about Armidale’s future; it’s so positive.

You are a local business, backed by one of Australia’s largest building companies how does this help?

Major power of a national brand is comforting, and the plans are very popular. I’ve

50 New England focus.

been with the brand for 12 years after opening two other franchises and starting the Tamworth franchise as well. I wouldn’t stay with them if they weren’t worth partnering with. Actually, they turned me into a builder with processes for results, which I owe them a lot for. It’s a big brother thing I guess, for the clients too.

You offer a high-quality product at a fair price; how do you achieve this?

Now we are talking about G.J. Gardner “The franchise”. This is the result of the master in the background grinding out deals with suppliers, so we don’t have to spend our time doing it - we build, they support.

Marketing, advice, even the odd pat on the back if you’re a good boy or girl. They do a fair bit more than that too, but that would give away all my advantage to write it down here.

Tell us about your team …

We have five in the office. Linda, my wife is the administration genius; she makes it so easy to get the kitchen and the finishes finalised.

It’s one of the things people need assistance with that makes us different; it is free and

I wouldn’t stay with them if they weren’t worth partnering with.

Actually, they turned How do prospective comprehensive. me into a builder with clients contact you?

Scott Irving in sales, processes for results, Call into our office at Carla Borin in accounts, which I owe them a lot 152 Rusden Street, or Josh Watts is the for. It’s a big brother thing I check out our website by supervisor. We have guess, for the clients too. searching G.J. Gardner Greg and Liz from Inglis New England. Our new plumbing, Dick and display home will be built the lads from Heritage at the new Cooks Hill Concrete doing the Estate in January/ February. But when it’s time ground works, and the Marsh boys laying to build, just pick up the phone; call 6771 3855 bricks. We’ve stayed local with many of the trades and are keen to hear from any other local or my mobile 0417 518 788 or Scott Irving in sales on 0408 234 383. trades who would like to be a part of our builds Thanks Matt. in the future.

thinking not-for-profit organisations

WITH CHRISTOPHER SEROW & SAM DOYLE

thinking

Not-for-Profit Organisations

C

ommunity based groups and organisations are important in providing services to the general public, and it is important to understand how they are established and governed. Depending on the size and the objects of what a community group aims to achieve, there are a number of ways in which an organisation can be set up to ensure the best structure is in place for the right entity. With any established organisation there are a number of obligations which the responsible persons in charge must be aware of, and it’s important to obtain the right financial and legal advice before starting your own community organisation.

Unincorporated and Incorporated Associations Unincorporated and Incorporated Associations are the most common legal structures which a community organisation will establish, such as a sporting club; P&C Organisation, or a Rotary and Lions Club. If your association is unincorporated, you do not need to have a formal constitution or report to a regulatory authority. The committee members of the association will make all major decisions surrounding the operation of your organisation.

It is important to note that the committee members of an unincorporated association are personally liable for any debts incurred during the course of the association’s activities.

Incorporated Associations have their own separate legal identity, meaning that the members of the association are not liable for any debts incurred. Incorporated Associations are incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act 2009 (NSW) and the Incorporation Association Regulations 2016 (NSW). There are various reporting obligations and the maintaining of membership records, which are all managed by the New South Wales Department of Fair Trading. Incorporated Associations can also enter into contracts and sue and be sued in their own right. A record of all incorporated associations in NSW are held on the Incorporated Associations Register on the Department of Fair Trading’s Website.

Incorporation under the Corporations Act Another alternative is to establishment

a company limited by guarantee under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). This type of structure primarily suits charities and larger non-for-profit organisations. Establishing a company brings additional obligations under the Corporations Act with accountability and directors fiduciary and statutory obligations. Corporations are also regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (“ASIC”). A not-for-profit Company will usually be established as a company limited by guarantee, meaning the liability of its members is limited to the amount contributed by the members to the property the company owns if it is wound up.

If an organisation was aiming to establish themselves as a registered charity, an application may be made to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (“ACNC”) to obtain registered charitable status. This is beneficial, as charities may then be entitled to apply to the Australian Taxation Office (“ATO”) to acquire Deductable Gift Recipient (“DGR”) status, which allows individuals to make tax deductable donations to the organisation. This is particularly appealing for philanthropic, significant and corporate donors.

A charity may also apply for income tax exemptions meaning that they do not have to pay tax on any income that is earned or lodge a tax return unless specifically asked to do so by the ATO. If your organisation operates as a registered charity, then the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 (Cth) governs its regulation. A register of all charities is available through the ACNC’s website.

It is important in establishing any notfor-profit organisation to seek appropriate legal and financial advice to ensure the right structure fits your organisational goals and objects. A solicitor and accountant can provide you with the assistance you need to get your new organisation on its feet. Talk to us, you’ll be inspired!

Christopher K C Serow Principal, Solicitor Director, Notary Public Migration Agent (MARN 0854319) Samuel L Doyle Senior Paralegal, Migration Consultant.

New England focus. 51

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