Ted Mulligan
April 2019. issue 143
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focus_ team.
team From the
E
Welcome to the April edition of New England FOCUS.
dition no. 143 … and what a huge amount of fun we had pulling this issue together! April of course, marks ANZAC Day, and it was our privilege to meet Guyra local Ted Mulligan, a 102 year old World War II veteran with some wonderful stories to share. The FOCUS crew were all out and about travelling this month around New England - trips to Guyra, Tamworth, Glen Innes … and although the area is as beautiful as ever, it’s very clear the impact the drought is having on the land. Brown paddocks, dying trees - a lot of Australia is doing it tough right now. Armidale has introduced water restrictions for the first time in many, many years! But just like people, the land is resilient - it will recover. A few scattered showers have been a welcome relief … but let’s hope some huge rainfall is on the way soon. On the Cover Meet the F45 crew - the fabulously fit and very entrepreneurial team who work hard to ensure their clients achieve their health
contacts. ADDRESS 3/164 Beardy Street, Armidale NSW 2350 PHONE (02) 6771 5551 WEB www.focusmag.com.au FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ne.focus IG focus.mag E info@focusmag.com.au
and fitness goals. Owners of our local F45 gym, Connie and Drew Twyford, are two of the young and successful individuals we learn more about in this edition. In this Issue It’s been such a privilege to speak with so many enterprising locals this month for our Young and Successful and Youth and Sport features - how amazing are they! From a seven year old golf champion, to a 14 year old country music singer, to men and women on the land and in just about any occupation you can think of - New England is home to the most amazing people. At seven, Isaac Riches has been playing golf for almost six years. He came third in the World Championship (in the Under Six division) in the U.S.A. last year - and his sights are firmly set on some more prestigious tournaments this year. Keep an eye out for this lad! We also spoke with Laiton Turnham … The Turnham family run an extremely successful Speckle Park cattle stud, and their operation uses the best technology
the 21st Century can provide in the production of cattle embryos. Never heard of Speckle Park cattle before? Neither had we - but we’re more than impressed! We also caught up with Kit Cranfield, a designer and stylist who divides her time between the New England and Sydney. Kit’s about to embark on an adventure in the U.K. Next month, we plan to bring you even more interesting and readable content … but in the meantime, sit back with a cuppa and enjoy this edition! We hope we’ve encouraged you to “dream, inspire and achieve” too! Final Say “Take the challenge of your life. Reach out to your goals. There is no limit to what you can achieve.” - Lailah Gifty Akita.
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New England focus. 3
contents Issue 143 - April 2019
focusinterviews
8
K.Cran.
feature a special
YOUNG & SUCCESSFUL
Kit Cranfield’s creative flair and eye for style has seen her develop a fulfilling career as a designer/stylist, based between New England and Sydney. There are some exciting projects on the horizon for Kit, including a new menswear label ...
34
Isaac Riches. Playing golf since he was two, Armidale legend Isaac Riches is now seven years old and has achieved more in his chosen sport than most of us will achieve in a lifetime. Isaac came third in the Under Sixes division at the invitation-only World Golf Championship in the USA last year ...
43
Tasha Chawner. Walcha local Tasha Chawner, the “Conservative Hippie”, is a passionate creative whose heart beats just a little faster each time she focuses on shooting amazing images in black and white. Not wanting to be distracted by colour, Tasha focuses on form, texture, light and shade in her work …
Pic by Gareth Gardner.
the Usual
26
Suspects
10. WHAT’S ON APRIL
24. TOURISM WITH KATRINA GEORGE 25. ICING ON THE CAKE WITH SUSIE DUNN
49
Tiny Habitat Homes.
When Kim Connolly learnt of the epidemic of single older women becoming homeless, she decided she couldn’t sit back and do nothing. After much research and deliberation, she has now started building Tiny Homes as an affordable housing option for these women in need.
4 New England focus.
32. BUSINESS MINDS WITH INGRID ROTHE 33. MINDING YOUR BUSINESS WITH ANTHONY FOX 42. STAR GUIDE WITH TERRI
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focusinterview.
OAM Possibly one of the most fascinating conversations you’ll ever hear is the tale of Ted Mulligan … he’s 102 years of age, sharp as a tack, with a cheeky sense of humour. Serving Australia in WWII and having been involved with (and founded) many organisations over the years, Ted is a communityminded but extremely modest individual who plays down his awards and achievements. We thought it fitting to speak with Ted ahead of ANZAC Day … i Ted. What’s your background? I was born in Armidale, in the old St Kilda Hospital, a long time ago - 1916 - but my family lived about 12 miles out of Guyra on the western side. I grew up on Glenore and was one of seven children. At one stage our family owned a lot of country, and there were around 40 family members living in the area. We had our own tennis team, our own cricket team … I thought how I grew up was normal. It wasn’t until I was older, I realised how fortunate I was. We were practically born on horses and used to ride everywhere; I had some cousins around the same age as me. On Sundays we’d go to church, then we’d come home, light up cigarettes once we’d left the house and spend the days chasing foxes and rabbits. How old were you when you joined the Light Horse - and why did you join? I joined the 12th Light Horse Regiment in 1937. I joined the Armidale troop, because in those days Guyra didn’t have a troop. Back in those days, when you were in the Army you’d get 13 shillings a day - eight shillings for the horse, and five shillings for yourself. That was big money! I think everyone knew there was a war coming, so it was just something we all did … join up, whether it was infantry or whatever. I didn’t like walking, so I joined the Light Horse!
I used to play a lot of cricket; it was always my ambition to be a professional cricketer. I practiced and became quite good as a batsman and did get to play for NSW Country, but there wasn’t any money in cricket. I’ve been involved with the Guyra Cricket Club my whole life, and played representative cricket until I was 66. Where did you see active service/travel to during the war? I served with the 12th Light Horse, the 2/7th Armoured Regiment (tanks), 16 Small Ship Company and 13 Small Ship Company. We marched through Newcastle and Sydney, and we were supposed to board the Queen Mary to travel to the Middle East. You know … it must have been known in advance that the Japanese were going to come into the war, because at the last minute we were sent to Western Australia, where I spent some time, before I travelled to New Guinea. When I left tanks for ships, I guided landing barges all over the Southeast Pacific; there wouldn’t have been many countries in that region I didn’t visit. When did you come back home to Australia? In about ’46. It was pretty good coming back home! I found out later that when I was on my way home, my grandfather had a dream about me. He told my mother he’d seen the ship I was on (which was an American Liberty ship at that stage) had hit a mine in the sea, and it was blown up and sunk. He thought I wouldn’t make
it home. The thing is, at that particular time we actually were on a ship just off Fiji, trying to get out of a mine field! The RADAR was broken, and it took us a day and a half to get out of that situation. Of all the young Mulligans who joined up for the war (a couple didn’t make it back) four of us went to Sydney after we got home and spent a couple of weeks celebrating. We had an absolute whale of a time! What did you do to earn a living after you came home? I worked on my father’s property, and a few of us grew peas for a while and trapped rabbits; there was good money in rabbit fur. In 10 weeks, four of us (including my brothers and a cousin) caught 40,000 rabbits! Before the war, in winter time, rabbits were worth one and six a pound, but after the war we’d get 13 and six a pound (six skins) - that was an absolute mint! I later bought the property Ellerslie, adjoining my father’s property. You’re received many awards - an OAM in 2006, Guyra Citizen of the Year in 2008, you earned 10 service and bravery medals during the war. What achievements are you most proud of? I’m not one to push myself forward - I just take it as it comes. I’ve been involved with many things, but I’m just happy to have been able to help so many people in the community. I’ve been involved with cricket, Pony Club, the Guyra Show, the RSL Sub Branch … I’m Patron of quite a few
clubs (laughs). I’m a professional Patron! I put a big emphasis on family - family is number one. And, you were invited on a very special trip to Beersheba too? In 2008, I was one of six Australians invited to Israel for a service to dedicate a memorial to Australian soldiers at Beersheba. I gave a presentation at the Dawn Service, and there were 24 nations present. It was a great visit. It’s a lovely country; the little farms over there support perhaps three - four families … Very different to here. We stayed for around 12 days. Do you still go to ANZAC services these days? Oh yes - I haven’t been to the Dawn Service for the past couple of years though. I was President of the RSL Sub Branch for 10 years, and I still go to meetings. There were around 550 from Guyra and district who went off to war; there aren’t many of us still around these days. I reckon, without any shadow of a doubt, it’s important for people to go to ANZAC services. When all is said and done, Australia has got a fair bit to be proud of. There’s nothing worse than war - war itself is nothing to be proud of - but we can be proud that Australia has contributed significantly over the years to the war effort and for our freedom. Any regrets? If I had my time over again, I’d try to rectify any mistakes I’d made! But I’d live the same sort of life again. Thanks Ted. Interview: Jo Robinson.
New England focus. 5
focusinterview.
With an amazing line up of local musical talent and a vibrant atmosphere, Bobby Jack’s Festival at Walcha is set to rock the town on April 13. GOLDHEIST (aka Hester Fraser) is just one of the acts we’ll be able to see on the day … i Hester. We last spoke back in 2017, and at the time you were just about to launch your album, REALM, at the Sydney Opera House. How’s life been treating you since? Life is great! Being a musician is a constant adventure - writing and performing, travelling to new places, meeting new people. You’ve had a few interesting collaborations recently. What was the experience like working with AUSLAN sign language interpreters at Sydney’s VIVID Festival last year? I didn’t know what it would be like, working with the AUSLAN Interpreters - some of the lyrics they had to translate were quite poetic and a little abstract, and I wasn’t sure how each song would be realised in AUSLAN. I was completely blown away by the results! I saw the stories, emotions and messages of my music come alive in the hands of Amanda Galea and Jennifer Maclaughlan, not only making those songs accessible for the deaf community, but showing a whole new dimension of communication and expression for those who could hear. It was poignant and moving - truly an amazing experience. How did the collaboration with artist James Needham come about? You toured regional Australia together, presenting live art and music shows - which is an interesting concept! The concept James and I developed came about from a desire to connect our artistic practices to the local communities in which we performed, making each concert individual and tangible to the audience. It was an incredible journey (over 7,000 km around NSW!) and we really enjoyed being able to focus our creativity on exploring new places and people. James’ artworks reflected the diversity of the landscapes we travelled through, which was quite profound, considering we only really covered NSW! Artistically, how do you repeat, or even top, the success of an album like REALM? Where do you go from there musically? This is an interesting question, and in answering it, I think I have to consider why I make music in the first place. For me, it’s not about a groundbreaking new musical technique or a song unlike anything every heard before. For me, it’s about a message or a story, using music to speak to 6 New England focus.
For me, it’s not about a groundbreaking new musical technique or a song unlike anything every heard before. For
me, it’s about a message or a story, using music to speak to and connect with my
and connect with my audience in some loved ones in support, that it’s OK to capacity. not be OK, and seeking help is always audience in some capacity. In this respect, there is always a good idea! somewhere to go! There’s always Also, some new pieces - Wayfarer, another story, another issue we need to a song I wrote about the journey talk about, another experience to relate. with James - I’d always felt like such a I also love working with other country girl until I visited the outback musicians and instrumentalists - some of the music I am and felt like a complete tourist! I realised there is so much currently working on features some beautiful work from some more of this ancient country to explore - perhaps I am a Grey amazing artists. Working with other people opens up your Nomad at heart! music and takes you down artistic paths you never dreamed of Will you get any downtime while you’re in our area - a before, so you’re constantly creating new and magical things. chance to explore/be a tourist? We’ll be welcoming you back to New England for Bobby I will have a little downtime before the festival, but Jack’s Festival in April. How much are you looking unfortunately will have to go straight back to Sydney forward to playing to this crowd? afterwards, as I am performing at the Sydney Royal Easter Home crowds are the best crowds! I am so grateful for the Show from Monday 15th - Tuesday 23rd April! sustained support I have received across my career from the What’s on your agenda for the rest of 2019 ... any New England, where I grew up. exciting projects in the pipeline? Life as a musician is tough - there’s a lot more to it than just I’m currently working in the studio on some new music, the glossy, glorious time on the stage! You face rejection every which I am very excited about. I’m also exploring some new day, you are running a small business with all the management musical collaborations for later on in the year - more on that quirks and complications that includes, you’re often on the soon! road (trying not to live on Maccas!), you never have any Where can we find out more about you/follow your money (and when you do, it goes straight into the studio for music? the next project!), and every Saturday night is a work day. You can find me on the wonderful world wide web! Search Home crowds remind you where you’ve come from, where GOLDHEIST to find my website, Facebook, Instagram, and you’re going, and why you love what you do, despite the less Youtube, or find my music on Spotify, iTunes, GooglePlay, glamourous aspects of the lifestyle. Soundcloud, Bandcamp ... I’m everywhere! What are some of the songs you’ve chosen to perform Thanks Hester. especially for this festival? Interview: Jo Robinson. I will be performing some old favourites - Dust, to remind our farmers and regional communities that we understand how difficult their jobs are during drought, and that we value Bobby Jack’s Festival - 13th April at Walcha Showgrounds. everything they do. You Were There - a call to break down bobbyjacks.com.au for tickets and details. taboos surrounding mental health issues, and to reach out to
New England focus. 7
focusinterview.
Kit Cranfield’s creative flair and eye for style has seen her develop A FULFILLING CAREER AS A DESIGNER/STYLIST, BASED BETWEEN THE NEW ENGLAND AND SYDNEY. There are some exciting projects on the horizon for Kit, including a new menswear label ...
CRAN
hat’s your background in the New England area? I grew up and completed my schooling in Armidale. Throughout secondary school, I modelled in The Australian Wool Fashion Awards (TAWFA). At 13, I entered my first garment to TAWFA in the secondary school section; at 16 and 18 I was fortunate enough to place first in the Children’s Wear section, and just last year, in the Fleece to Fashion Awards, I placed second in the Activewear section. Now, I’m a designer/stylist based between Sydney and the New England. Where/when did your interest in textiles and design begin? My earliest memories of my interest in fashion and textile design would have to be my grandma’s button box, and my great-grandmother’s boxes of fabrics that I played with as a kid. By early high school, I was very much inspired by Akira Isogowa and Issey Miyake and their use of natural fibres and drape. At university, I found myself inspired by the beauty in the banal and unexpected. I’m drawn to the notion of Australian culture, and what it means to us today. Modern Australia has a wealth of cultures, but many remain relatively segregated and marginalised. We are a cosmopolitan and globalised society that has so much to offer. It
8 New England focus.
BY EARLY HIGH SCHOOL, I is this societal crucible which to have something made for WAS VERY MUCH INSPIRED fascinates me most: the melting a low cost, but when quality, BY AKIRA ISOGOWA AND and synthesis of cultures through and the livelihood of others and ISSEY MIYAKE AND THEIR aesthetics is a remarkable our planet is also sacrificed, is it USE OF NATURAL FIBRES process. My practice is an worth it? AND DRAPE. AT UNIVERSITY, exploration of culture, place, and But it wasn’t until my I FOUND MYSELF INSPIRED gender, and how it relates to the graduation ceremony that I truly BY THE BEAUTY IN THE way we dress. realised the impact my tertiary BANAL AND UNEXPECTED. Your education encompasses studies had in helping to develop an Adv. Diploma in Visual my current career path, and it Communication in 2012 and wasn’t the endless support of my a Bachelor of Fashion and tutors and the skills I was taught Textile Design in 2017. How did formal education along the way, but the words of the commencement at a tertiary level help develop your current career speaker, Anne-Marie Escobar. She spoke of humility, path? the importance of collaboration, and the need to The combination of an Adv. Dip. Visual cherish those around you who propel you on your path Communication and a B. Fashion &and Textile Design forward. And of course, the need to keep learning through the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) always. provided me with a strong skill set in graphic, fashion Many people may think that working with textiles and textile design. It also developed my understanding means you sew, or create fabrics. How much of fashion theories and how fashion relates to people, do other art forms - e.g. illustration, drawing, gender, place and time. I undertook electives in textile photography - play a role in what you do? print design, photography, and global studios based in For me, drawing, illustration and photography are a Indonesia and India. These helped me to understand my huge part not only of my textile process, but also of my areas of interest and further developed my skills. final product. Many of my textiles designs are print and My education at UTS also encouraged and opened embroidery based, as I find this to be an extension of my eyes to the importance and impact of ethics and my drawing skills, and something that flows instinctively sustainability within the fashion industry. It is so easy for me.
focusinterview.
I BELIEVE IT’S TIME FOR
What have been some of personal styling, and wish to TRADITIONAL GENDER projects you’ve worked on empower my clients to look and PERCEPTIONS TO BE in recent times that you’re feel confident, while enhancing CHALLENGED, AND FOR especially proud of? their look and embracing their CLEAR DISTINCTIONS In October last year, I finished personal style. AS TO WHAT IS and exhibited my collection You’re currently working on APPROPRIATE TO WEAR “PLEAT. n. a creased fold”, at a new menswear label. What AS A MALE OR FEMALE the RAW: Natural Born Artists can you tell us about this? TO BE RECONSIDERED. Horizon Showcase in Sydney. My menswear range is a project This was a project that began that I’m taking my time on and as my university womenswear making sure everything is just collection in 2017, which explored the idea of conceal/ right before I release my baby into the world. So, it reveal. My process in this collection was all about playing won’t be out for a little while yet. But the basis for my in the pull, and explored the juxtaposition of the eastern range is “clothing for the modern Dandy or Flâneur”. It idea of concealing the body under swathes of fabric, and is an investigation into gender identity, and the identity the western idea of revealing the body both literally and of the modern Australian through an exploration of in form. culture, place and country. A range for the uninspired Within this project, the development of textiles and man, for the fearless, inspired by rockers and all round desire to elevate low cost fabric to a couture level, fancy dressers such as Bowie, Freddie Mercury and steered the aesthetic direction of this collection. The Prince. collection was inspired by pleated fabrics, the way in Menswear is an interesting market, as it has stayed which they draped on, and wrapped the human body. relatively static for many years. As our culture shifts, My artistic ideas were then paired with specific textiles, particularly with the rise and visibility of queer culture, which challenged me to turn creative thought in to more people are becoming comfortable with expressing a tangible collection; I wanted to show the creative themselves and their sexuality through the way they process from start to finish. dress and without the constraints of male/female Your skills have developed to the point where specific clothing. I believe it’s time for traditional gender you’re now able to offer styling/stylist services. perceptions to be challenged, and for clear distinctions What does this involve? as to what is appropriate to wear as a male or female to I offer styling services to both men and women, be reconsidered. My label is an all-inclusive collection, providing how-to solutions and specialist styling advice allowing everyone, no matter their differences, the to build their own personal style, dress with confidence, chance to express themselves fully. and create an image they love. I encompass a wide It is important to me, for anything I put out into the range of purposes and budgets - whether it be a just world, to be making positive change and paving a way for a quick style make over on a tight budget, help for a more sustainable and transparent fashion future. finding the perfect outfit for an upcoming event, those By asking questions, manufacturing ethically, reducing looking for a complete wardrobe overhaul, or for clients wastage and working closely with artisans and factories wishing to maintain a personal brand with a high-quality to ensure a code of ethics is being followed, I will be wardrobe year-round. I relish the transformative nature producing a label which seeks to slow the fashion cycle.
I want it to be a label that focuses on craftsmanship and helps to increase the integrity of our fashion choices. Where would you like to see yourself in five years’ time? I am continually looking to expand my skill set and gain industry experience by taking every opportunity that comes my way. I am about to make the move to the UK early next year to pursue a career in Creative and Art Direction. So, if all goes to plan, I’d like to see myself as a Creative or Art Director within the fashion industry. In five years’ time, I would also like to see my menswear label starting to take off and to be moving on to my next project - a women’s collective that aims to teach young women and girls, of all backgrounds, skills in design - a place where they can feel safe and empowered. Where can we find out more about you/contact you? All of my details can be found on my website: kcran.com, or visit me on Instagram @k.cran Thanks Kit. Interview: Jo Robinson.
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WiNG Breakfast with WomenVote
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Kevin Bloody Wilson Australian Tour Australian funnyman Kevin Bloody Wilson brings his hilarious new Australian tour to Armidale with special guest Jenny Talia. When Thursday 4th April @ 7:30pm (show 8pm). Where Armidale SerVies, 137 Dumaresq Street, Armidale. Tickets Strictly 18+ R Rated, acceptable photo ID must be brought to the show More Info www.armidaleservies.com.au Phone (02) 6776 0800 or at club reception.
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Toni Child’s Retrospective Tour The Toni Child’s Retrospective Tour marks the 30 year anniversary of Union. Toni will celebrate this very momentous anniversary with a retrospective of her work, featuring hits such as Don’t Walk Away, Stop Your Fussin’, I’ve Got To Go Now and Because You’re Beautiful. Emmy Winner and three-time Grammy nominated recording artist, Toni is known for her powerful voice and inspiring independent spirit. She has opened for Bob Dylan and performed duets with greats such as Al Green and Peter Gabriel When Thursday 4th April, 7pm. Where Lazenby Hall, UNE, Armidale. Web www.tonichilds.com
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The panel will focus on the issues that are important to regional women. Our last breakfast sold out, so don't miss out - book now! When Thursday 11th April, at 7am. Cost $28 members; $38 non-members. Book online at www.armidalechamber.com.au/event/ wing-breakfast-with-womenvote
First Saturday Chats
Our next First Saturday chats will be hosted by Christopher Serow (Principal, Solicitor Director, Notary Public) from 10am to 1pm at the Legal Minds offices at 157 Beardy Street, The Mall, Armidale, on Saturday 6th April 2019. As this is a popular program, bookings are essential on (02) 6788 1100.
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ADFAS Armidale Lecture
What ADFAS Armidale lecture - Writing for children and young adults and publishing in Australia. Who Sophie MASSON. When 6pm, Wednesday 10th April. Where Michael Hoskins Centre, TAS. Cost Guests are most welcome, and a $25 fee applies per lecture. Bookings https://www.trybooking.com/book/ event?eid=467339& Phone (02) 6772 6441 Email adfasarmidale@bigpond.
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Bobby Jack's Festival
Bobby Jack’s Festival is a celebration of local original arts and music; to be held on Saturday, April 13th at the Walcha Showgrounds. 2019 marks the second year of the festival. This year we will be running the "Get our of your garage" as a free event on the Friday night, in order to give emerging artists better exposure. The Saturday event will once again offer a vibrant line up of local talent, including local bands, dance acts and puppet theatre. An array of local food vendors, coffee and craft beer will be available. Artists include GOLDHEIST, The Tambourine Girls, Captain Tragic, William Crighton and Donna Amini. For tickets and more info, go to www.bobbyjacks.com.au or call 0403 086 970.
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now open!
WWW.BIGBANANA.COM | PH: 02 6652 4355 351 PACIFIC HWY, COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450
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MARTIN’S GULLY PUBLIC SCHOOL WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1923. THE SCHOOL IS LOCATED JUST ON THE EDGE OF TOWN, PROVIDING A SMALL SCHOOL SETTING FOR THE LOCAL CHILDREN IN THE MARTIN’S GULLY AREA AND OVER TIME, HAS GROWN INTO A MODERN DAY SCHOOL WITH SEVEN CLASSES FROM KINDERGARTEN TO YEAR 6. MARTIN’S GULLY PUBLIC SCHOOL IS AN EXCELLENT SCHOOL WHERE STUDENTS ARE NURTURED AND CARED FOR IN A STIMULATING AND REWARDING, LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. PRINCIPAL BRAD HUNT TELLS FOCUS MORE ABOUT THIS VERY UNIQUE SCHOOL. How long has Martin’s Gully Public School been providing educational opportunities for the young people of Armidale? Martin’s Gully Public School was established in 1923. The school is located just on the edge of town, providing a small school setting for the local children in the Martin’s Gully area. Over time, it has grown into a modern day school with seven classes from Kindergarten to Year 6. Martin’s Gully Public School is an excellent school where students are nurtured and cared for in a stimulating and rewarding learning environment.
and local events. Our teaching staff are committed to selfimprovement and our school plan reflects this. We have a very dedicated staff ranging from early career teachers, to very experienced teachers. The students at our school are very fortunate to have such a talented and diverse staff to support their learning journey.
students. Our school is small enough to have a thorough understanding of all students, but big enough to offer amazing opportunities for all children. We know how they learn and we cater for individualised programs. A nurturing and caring environment in our school ensures students feel safe and secure in coming to school each day.
Describe a typical day/week for students at Martin’s Gully from kindy to year 6?
You have featured your school leaders in this month’s FOCUS Magazine. Can you tell us about the leadership opportunities students have at Martin’s Gully?
How long have you been principal at the school and tell us about your team?
Our school strives to provide dynamic, 21st century learning styles based on futures education pedagogy and is resourced to provide outstanding approaches to all learning programs. Our school is unique in character and offers students a range of approaches in the main subjects.
I have had the opportunity to lead Martin’s Gully Public School as the relieving principal for over six years and during that time have had the opportunity to work alongside our amazing teachers in a range of subject areas
Martin’s Gully Public School has embedded a strong wellbeing policy, where programs exist to support young people in their educational and emotional growth. We pride ourselves on the notion that we know all of our
Although we have elected School Captains, Vice Captains and Sports Captains, EVERY student in year 6 is a school leader. All students in year 6 attend the Grip Leaders Conference, along with many other school leaders from local schools. Every student in year 6 is automatically a part of the Student Representative Council (SRC) and has leadership roles in peer support and lunch time
Providing quality education in a caring environment We take pride in delivering an excellent education in a happy and nurturing environment. We have a strong commitment to academic excellence, and our experienced teachers are committed to helping your child reach their full potential.
ENROLLING NOW 2019/2020 10 12 New England focus.
Welcome to our Kindergarten Class of 2019
management of sports equipment. Year 6 students receive training and then coordinate our peer support lessons in term 3 for all students across the school K-6. School Captains and Vice Captains meet with me three times per term so there is a clear link between the staff and the student body. Leadership is an integral component of life at Martin’s Gully as we prepare our students for the future! We also see you have featured your kindergarten class of 2019. What programs does the school offer junior students? Our Kindergarten class has made an enthusiastic start to the year and we have welcomed many new families to our school. Mrs Simone Lord and various other support teachers, work with our kindergarten students, providing them with interesting and stimulating programs across the
key learning areas. All students are involved in targeted programs in English, Maths, Creative Arts, Science, History, Geography, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. Our You Can Do It! program is embedded across all areas of the school and is very important for our kindergarten students, ensuring they are well supported. Every student has a “year 6 buddy” who is responsible for making sure they are settled at school and are there to help in any way. Any other plans for 2019? This year, we have accessed qualified teachers from the New England Conservatorium of Music (NECOM) to provide choir rehearsals for all students in years 3 to 6, and orchestra lessons for those students in our school who can play an instrument and are interested in orchestral performances. They are also providing a musical program
for our kindergarten students. Our students continue to excel in various sporting events. Students from our school represent the school at local, zone, regional and state events. We provide opportunities for our students to compete against other schools at PSSA events throughout the year. Strong programs in literacy and numeracy are evident in all classes across the school as we continue to work hard to provide opportunities for every student to learn and grow to achieve their personal best. We will continue to build our capacity in futures based pedagogy and work closely with the Armidale Community of Schools (ACOS). Please contact us to arrange a time to explore the wonderful options available at Martin’s Gully Public School. Thanks Brad.
Congratulations to our 2019 School Leaders
CONTACT US PRINCIPAL: Mr Brad Hunt PHONE: 6772 3314 | EMAIL: martinsgul-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au ADDRESS: Martin’s Gully Public School Bona Vista Road, Armidale 2350 New New England England focus. focus. 13 11
33rd Battalion in route march through Armidale 1916 (Collection UNE Heritage Centre P11349 33rd Battalion)
Sarah White with convalescing soldiers and nurses at the Red Cross Hospital at her home at Booloominbah in Armidale (Matron J C Bloomfield’s album Collection UNE Heritage Centre).
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2019
SAUMAREZ Homestead COMMEMORATIVE CONFERENCE Saumarez Homestead decorated to welcome Lt. Colonel White home from The Great War 1919 (Source Saumarez Collection, 1538016).
PETER HOARE AND CHRISTINE FRY SHARE SOME DETAILS ABOUT THE UPCOMING 2019 SAUMAREZ COMMEMORATIVE CONFERENCE, TO BE HELD AT SAUMAREZ HOMESTEAD ON APRIL 26 AND 27 …
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hat can you tell us about the upcoming 2019 Saumarez Commemorative Conference? The conference commemorates the centenary of the Armistice. Its title is New England and the Great War Memories Remembrance and explores the aftermath of the First World War in the New England district. It will be held on the 26th and 27th April, at the Saumarez Homestead in Armidale and will commemorate the Armistice of November 1918 and the return of the members of the Australian Imperial Force to the New England district. The conference will evoke the memories of these events and examine the importance of the homefront in Armidale, the Armistice, the Armidale peace celebrations in 1919, the Spanish Influenza pandemic, the War Memorials in the New England district and school children’s literature in the immediate post war period. The logo of the Conference is taken from a photograph of the Saumarez Homestead, at Armidale, decorated for the return of Lt. Colonel Harold White, the elder son of the owners of the Saumarez pastoral property. Harold White joined the Australian Imperial Force in April 1916 as a major in the 33rd Battalion. He served in France from 1916 and was badly wounded in 1917. Harold White was promoted to Lt. Colonel in April 1918 and commanded the 35th Battalion in the Battle of Villers-Bretonneux. He was highly decorated and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, Croix de Guerre (France) and Commander of St Michael and St George. 14 New England focus.
Illuminated manuscript presented to Alfred Curtis by his work colleagues at W Curtis store in Armidale. Alfred Curtis served in Army Medical Corps, in France from April 1916. He was wounded and had his right leg amputated. He was discharged medically unfit. He returned to Australia June 1919. (Source Collection UNE Heritage Centre).
After his discharge from the AIF in March 1919, Harold White returned to his pastoral property at Bald Blair, near Guyra. He lived until 1971 and was well known in his district for scientific pastoral improvements, local government and community charities. The conference has been divided into several events. On Friday 26th April, the conference will open with a museum display workshop on the Great War and its aftermath for museum gallery workers. The aim of the workshop is to develop the skills to mount a display on the effects of the Great War in our communities. The workshop will be held from 9:30am until 4:30pm and costs $20. At 6pm the conference will be officially opened with a reception at the Saumarez Conference Centre. At 8am on Saturday 27th April, a service will be held in front of the Saumarez Homestead to commemorate the soldiers from the New England district, especially those from the Saumarez and Arding communities. The conference will follow the service, with registration at 9am, and starting at 9:30. Our guest speakers for the conference include: Nathan Wise - The Armistice and Australian Memory of the Great War; Bronwyn Clarke - WWI Fashion and Social Change; John Atchison - Legacy in the New England District; Graham Wilson - The Home Front in Armidale, Guyra & Uralla; Peter Hobbins - Healthy troops for a healthy nation; Peter Hobbins - An intimate pandemic: the influenza scourge of 1919; Heather Voskuyl - Children’s Literature in the Great War. Where can we find out further info? More information can be found on the Saumarez Homestead webpage under “events” and on Facebook or by contacting Les Davis,
the property manager of Saumarez Homestead, for details at: saumarez@nationaltrust.com.au We are asking that interested people respond by 14th April on Trybooking, or by email to saumarez@nationaltrust.com.au or by mail to P.O. Box 33 Armidale 2350. What other activities will support the conference? The conference is also supported by a museum display at the Saumarez Conference Centre on the Great War and its Aftermath. This has been curated by Rachael Parsons, the Director of the New England Regional Art Museum, and will be open until 30th April. The museum display will be open for visitors at lunch time on the day of the conference. On 27th and 28th April, the regular tours of the house will be held at 10:30am, 2pm and 3:30pm and will discuss the role of the White Family in the Great War and its aftermath and will also include a short introduction to the museum display. An art competition for local primary school children is also being held on the themes of the Armistice and remembrance commemoration of the War. The winning entries will be displayed at the Armidale Regional Library in May. How much does it cost to register? The cost for the conference will be $30, and a light lunch and morning and afternoon teas are included. Bookings and tickets are available at Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/BACDH
Why do you feel it's important for locals to attend? The conference gives us a chance to acknowledge the service and sacrifice that local service men and women gave to the Australian war effort and to reflect on the human cost that local communities paid in this war. Over 480,000 Australian men volunteered for overseas service in the AIF, as well as many other women who served as nurses in the Middle East, on the Western Front and in Britain. The conference reminds us that Armidale and the New England contributed greatly to the Australian war effort. The Armidale war memorial fountain in the Central Park records the names of 882 men who served in the AIF and 12 Army nurses. At the time, the population of the Armidale district was about 5,500 people. In the period from 1914 - 1918, the district raised over 73,000 pounds for war charities, including the British and Australian Red Cross, comfort funds for the members of the AIF, war orphans in Belgium and repatriation funds for wounded members of the AIF. The soldiers and nurses who came back found a warm welcome, but they also had to fit into a very different community. Many soldiers had been wounded, and they needed to learn to re-establish themselves in their town. The Influenza pandemic had occurred in the district, and civilians and soldiers alike became ill. One hundred years has passed since the end of the Great War. The conference honours those who served and provides an opportunity to learn more life in the local community in the post war period. Thanks everyone. Interview: Jo Robinson.
AUSTRALIAN FIRST
Composition
Conference AT N E C O M
Australia’s first Composition Conference, to be hosted by the New England Conservatorium of Music (NECOM) from 9th - 11th October this year, has just been opened up to school students from Years 10 to 12.
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his exciting development is the result of enquiries from students who are beginning to take music seriously as a future pursuit. NECOM CEO, Mr Russell Bauer explains, “It was our desire to present a unique Music Conference aimed entirely at the art of composition. Our original target audience was music educators, songwriters, amateur composers and musicians who simply wish to improve their overall musicianship. Of late, we’ve had significant interest from Senior Music students who are beginning to emerge as young artists in their own right, so we are inviting applications from students in Years 10, 11 and 12.” The three-day conference will draw together six internationally-published composers, including Christopher Norton (the composer of the world-famous Microjazz series) and Bruce Rowland, the award-winning composer of
soundtracks to The Man From Snowy River and Phar Lap. “Of the three areas of music education (Performance, Musicology and Composition) it is composing that often presents the greatest challenges in terms of understanding,” Mr Bauer said. “As performers we begin to find our compositional ‘voice’, simply by learning lots of repertoire and then by imitating what the great composers did, albeit on a smaller scale. But how does one teach the art of composition? That’s where CompCon comes in,” he said. A wide range of styles and topics will be covered, with Norton giving workshops on jazz harmony and piano writing, while Rowland is on board as an expert in film composition and orchestration. Covering Electronic Music and the Music Industry will be Melbourne’s Amy Bastow, fresh from composing a soundtrack
for acclaimed film director, James Cameron. Andy Firth, one of the world’s most revered jazz clarinettists, will discuss jazz theory and song-writing techniques, and will offer tips on composing for wind instruments and arranging for Big Band. From Queensland will come Sarah Hopkins, internationally recognised composer of Choral and String music, while Dr Ralph Hultgren (Australia’s preeminent composer of Concert Band music) will discuss how to develop motifs and “How To Get Your Ideas On Paper”. Mr Bauer points out that this conference is not only for those currently involved in music education. “This is really for anybody who would like to pick the musical brains of
six composers who have made a living doing something they are passionate about. The conference could almost have the subtitle of ‘From Where Do We Draw Inspiration’ as the presenters will talk about their backgrounds and how they learned to stand out in a field that can be very unforgiving. We would love to see anybody with a passion for music come along and be inspired.” The cost of the Conference is $350 and includes all morning teas, lunches and afternoon teas, the Conference Dinner and entry into the Man From Snowy River Event on the Friday night, October 11. To register www.trybooking.com/zrhj For more necom.org.au/compcon
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NERAMble
art in the garden
Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th April , 2019. 10am - 4:30pm. “Benalla�, 311 Heathersleigh Rd, Kellys Plains.
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he Friends of New England Regional Art Museum are holding their 13th Autumn ramble in a lovely country garden on the outskirts of Armidale.
Situated at the end of a long dusty road at Kellys Plains is a well established garden which seems to be defying the drought. When Emily, the current owner, took over the garden three years ago, she inherited a canopy of mature trees with generous beds underplanted with roses, hedges and perennials.
The garden will feature many forms of art, including sculptures, woodwork and silver jewellery, plus plant sales, Autumn Harvest stall, and many other garden related attractions. Several small local business will also have their wares available for sale.
Although raised in the New England, Emily had been gardening in the Northern Territory for eleven years and was keen to introduce more cold climate plants, especially perennials and roses, which she had missed so much up north. She has also removed a few old trees, reshaped hedges and added an archway.
$10 per adult ($8 for Friends of NERAM members). Under 18s free.
The result is a serene shaded space which sets off the gracious 16 New England focus.
homestead, whose living areas flow out into the garden. It is also an area which lends itself beautifully to showcasing the sculptures and other art works which will be on display on the first weekend of April.
Raffle, teas and lunches on sale.
Directions to Benalla: From Armidale - at southern roundabout on New England Highway near airport, travel south to the Platform Rd turnoff; turn left and travel 4 km to railway crossing. Veer right into Heathersleigh Rd and travel approx. 3 km; garden is No. 311 on left.
TRADERS at the
Markets in the Mall
One of the great things about the Markets in the Mall is that we have so much to offer in relation to not only the community atmosphere we strive to create, but also the wide range of boutique and local community stallholders.
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e pride ourselves on being a nonexclusive market, and anyone who has something to sell or promote is encouraged to come along and be a part of the Markets team. This is what helps us to create an experience that members of the New England community always remember, and the Markets in the Mall team love meeting new people at each new market event. One area of the Markets in the Mall trading groups we are excited about is the introduction of producers of beer, wine and spirits. The New England region prides itself on having boutique wineries, distilleries and breweries, and many have showcased their products and speciality markets in the past, which the Markets in the Mall has managed. More recently, we
have had the pleasure of welcoming what Glengowrie Distillery have on David Scott and Annie Porter of offer, and even have a tasting of Glengowrie Distillery to our team some of their finest creations! We of regular stallholders. Glengowrie are always on the lookout for more Distillery operates out of Glen Innes traders to join the Markets team and NSW, just an showcase their hour north beers, wines and of Armidale, spirits. If you have and produces a licence to sell some alcohol and even The New England region amazing Gins provide tastings, prides itself on having and Vodkas we would love boutique wineries, that all to have you distilleries and breweries, enjoy. More come along to and many have showcased their recently, they the Markets in products and speciality markets have begun the Mall and in the past, which the Markets in producing showcase your the Mall has managed. a boutique products to the rum, and New England we look region. forward to Be sure to showcasing that to our patrons in the come on down to the Markets in coming months. the Mall on this 28th April 2019 Be sure to come on down to the and experience autumn in the New Markets in the Mall to experience England region!
St Mary of the Angels On a cold winter day in June 1919, four Ursuline sisters arrived in Guyra to provide an education for Catholic children. This year St Mary of the Angels School celebrates its centenary. Although established by the Ursuline sisters, our school has had associations with the Ursuline, the Dominican and the Mercy Sisters. From very humble beginnings, with 40 children crowded into the nun’s convent, we have progressed to the beautiful new school, which was opened in 2009. In June we will come together to celebrate the richness of past, present and future of Catholic Education in Guyra. We invite all families who have been associated with St Mary of the Angels school to contact us and become part of this joyous occasion. The weekend will feature a Saturday evening dinner, Sunday Mass with morning tea, a school tour and viewing of memorabilia followed by a BBQ lunch. Please help us to enrich this celebration by sharing past photos and lending other mementos that might help to bring the past to life. Please contact our school for further details or to share memorabilia. (guyadmin@arm.catholic.edu.au or (02) 6779 1661.
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Autumnal colours and landscape
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Gallery 126 will host a group exhibition featuring over fifteen very talented local artists.
he exhibition, Colours of New England, and include new works from Isabelle Devos, Hayley Ward, will celebrate the beautiful colours of auAnna Henderson, Kerry Dunne, Jane O’Sullivan, Arthur tumn in Armidale and our local landscape. Chaffey, Elouise Roberts, Rosalie Rigby, Emily Simson and Everyone, both artists and non-artists, is Lilian Wissink, with paintings, encaustic wax artworks and invited to the opening function on Friday prints. 5th April at 5pm to In addition, pictured here, included in 7pm to view the works and meet the the exhibition will be pastel paintings artists. It is a great opportunity to talk by Steph Clarke, watercolours by James with the artists to discover the secrets White, collagraph prints by Lin Quaife THE EXHIBITION of their artmaking process and to and landscape paintings by Stuart Boggs COMPLEMENTS THE gain an extra insight to the paintings. and Robyn Jackson.
The exhibition complements the Colour New England Street Arts Festival, an initiative of Armidale Regional Council, which runs in the mall on Saturday 6th April.
COLOUR NEW ENGLAND STREET ARTS FESTIVAL, AN INITIATIVE OF ARMIDALE REGIONAL COUNCIL, WHICH RUNS IN THE MALL ON SATURDAY 6TH APRIL.
Armidale’s Beardy Street Mall will become an art mecca on Saturday 6th April, when two international artists transform the space as part of the inaugural Colour New England Street Arts Festival. Gallery 126 will also be open on Saturday from 9am to 1pm, and the exhibition will continue until Saturday 11th May. The featured artists are well known to Gallery 126 audiences
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Steph Clark is a master of her medium of soft pastels, with her works being well received overseas in America, Italy and France. In fact, she will be teaching in France, where she has been invited to conduct a workshop, when this exhibition opens. James has packed the fruits and flowers of autumn into his still life watercolour with brilliance and impact, without being too cliché. Using the collagraph method and chine colle, Lin has used the reds of autumn and the impression of a leaf onto gold paper. Both Stuart Boggs and Robyn Jackson have depicted the local landscape with the autumn light casting shadows and hues of light onto the landforms.
Retirement Village
To u r t h e facilities and mee t the team
OPEN DAY 89 Martin Street, Armidale 217 Taylor Street, Armidale
Saturday 6th April 9am - 2pm Call 1300 367 155 oaktreegroup.com.au New England focus. 19
Duck salad with fresh greens Armidale Golf Club
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DISHES of the month
PAPER TIGER EATERY We are open Monday to Saturday for all your café treats, and we are open Friday and Saturday nights for dinner. Featured above is one of our delicious night menu Tonkotsu Ramen, with pork broth, half egg, char-she, bamboo shoots, black fungus and nori sheets. We have many other dishes on our night menu, including Garage chicken, pork dumplings, steamed greens and 14 MOORE ST, ARMIDALE (02) 6539 4000 WWW.CLUBTAREE.COM.AU
ARMIDALE CITY BOWLING CLUB of course, our delicious Yakitori. Yakitori is a Japanese type of skewered chicken, waygu beef or even eggplant. Also, we are running pop-up events around the town, so keep your eye out for our events on social media or in store. With fresh coffee, breakfast or a healthy option, start the day off on the right foot with Paper Tiger Eatery. CAFÉ MON - FRI, 6 - 2:30PM; SAT 7 - 12:30. RESTAURANT FRI - SAT, 5:30 - LATE.
COURTHOUSE COFFEE One of Armidale’s most convenient and popular cafés, centrally located and serving fantastic coffee, cakes and cuisine to the New England. We cater for all ranges of foodies, be it vegetarian, vegan or carnivore and if you like your coffee with that extra kick, soy, almond, lactose free or a mix, we can do it! With an ever changing specials board, you 160 BEARDY ST, ARMIDALE (02) 6772 0099
We believe here at The Armidale City Bowling Club that all meals should be special meals. Whether they are just an intimate meal for two, a group of friends catching up, a family night out, or just grabbing a quick bite to eat, we cater for lunch and dinner, so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy what we have to offer. Our team uses only the freshest, best quality products, which is why 92-96 DUMARESQ STREET, ARMIDALE (02) 6772 5666 WWW.ARMIDALEBOWL.COM.AU
we have the reputation for having the best steaks in town. At a reasonable price you can enjoy a variety of dishes, from pastas to steaks with a choice of sides. Our restaurant offers glutenfree, vegetarian and healthy meals, as well as a kids' menu with a number of meals available for children, as well as an activity pack for the young ones to enjoy and easy access to our Kids Room. MON - THURS, 6 - 2:30PM; SAT 7 - 12:30. FRI - SAT, 5:30 - LATE.
ARMIDALE GOLF CLUB are bound to find something tantalising to the tastebuds. We open Monday to Saturday 7:30am until 2pm, and on market days we are open as well. Courthouse Coffee also offer gourmet sandwich platters delivered to your door; we can create amazing platters based on your needs.
OPEN MON - SAT, 7:30 - 2PM. OPEN MARKET SUNDAYS.
As The Armidale Golf Club has experienced a refurbishment of our kitchen and entertaining areas in the past five months, it only seems fitting that we refurbish our menu too. We are very excited to have Shaune Miller join our team on a more permanent basis to showcase his passion for food. When compiling his menu,the only stipulation from the powers that be was to "make it fresh". Of course, we still have to cater for the golfer that has to eat between hole 9 and 10 GOLF LINKS RD, ARMIDALE (02) 6772 5837
with a 15 minute window, so now our "grab it and go" burger patties are made in house with attention to taste. We have added some fresh salads that will cater for many taste buds, starting with our Duck Salad of soy and lime tender duck breast with a crispy Asian style salad. Try our Moroccan Chicken Salad, our Pumpkin Salad or sample some beautiful Salmon with a fresh quinoa salad.
MONDAY - THURSDAY: LUNCH 12PM - 2PM, DINNER 6PM - 8:30PM. FRIDAY - SATURDAY: LUNCH 12PM - 2PM, DINNER 6PM - 9PM. SUNDAY: LUNCH 12PM - 2PM, DINNER 6PM - 8PM.
New England focus. 21
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IS TH IS OL CO
pull along
Raffi
Raffi on wheels will follow you through thick and thin anywhere you go. Long necks are for long hugs and Raffi, the giraffe, is a super soft and huggable Deer Friend. Raffi's magnetic feet are attached to magnets hidden inside the wagon and can easily be detached when it's time for a hug. Pull along Raffi encourages little ones to practice their first steps. Available now at Brisk Trading, 104 Bradley St, Guyra.
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Amber McFarlane.
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ell us a little about yourself ... I’m a born and bred Guyra girl. I love living in the New England with my husband and five beautiful children. We enjoy spending time together in the outdoors and travelling Australia as often as we can.
it’s a welcome change!
How long have you worked in the Mall? I started working in the Mall in October last year, when I took up the Edition Co-ordinator role here with FOCUS. We have recently moved into a larger office space (still in the Mall) which is lovely. After working from home for the last 10 years,
What do you do in your spare time? Apart from FOCUS, I also run several businesses from home. So, between that and running kids to sport etc. I have little down time. Spending time with my family is most important to me and when time does allow, I love to cook and sew.
Before brewing, tea leaves contain more caffeine than coffee beans. Caffeine is a naturally occurring pesticide that’s found in both tea and coffee. There is more caffeine in the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant, which is the only species of tea plant, than there is in the beans of coffee.
offee Has More Caffeine Than Steeped Tea After brewing, a cup of coffee has more caffeine than a cup of tea. The reason for this is simple: coffee is a stronger beverage than tea. If you don’t think brewed coffee is more concentrated than steeped tea, just look at a cup of each. You’ll be able to see through the tea more than the coffee, even if you’re comparing black tea. Coffee’s stronger because it’s extracted more than tea during the brewing process. Both beverages can be prepared in a variety of ways, but generally speaking coffee is: • brewed at a higher temperature than some teas (especially green and white teas) • brewed longer than most teas are steeped (especially green) • fresher than tea Even black teas, which may be steeped for five minutes at 200 degrees Fahrenheit, don’t leach as much caffeine as
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coffee, because of their chemical structure and age. Caffeine Levels Vary a Lot in Coffee and Tea As a rule of thumb, coffee has about twice as much caffeine as tea. Caffeine levels vary a lot, though, in both beverages. More specifically, a cup of: • coffee has between 95 and 200 milligrams of caffeine • black tea has between 14 and 70 milligrams of caffeine • green tea has between 24 and 45 milligrams of caffeine • white tea has between 6 and 60 milligrams of caffeine The variance in caffeine levels in tea comes from the harvesting and processing of tea. First, black, green and white teas all come from the same plant, but are picked at different times. When the tea is picked impacts its caffeine levels. Second, black tea is oxidised, which increases how much caffeine is extracted during steeping.
Find out more about other quality blends at www.dailyritual.com.au
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Where is your go to place for a quick bite or a spot of lunch? We’re spoilt for choice in the Mall for a quick lunch on the hop. I will often grab a quick bite from Moxons Bakery or Caffiends. However, when time allows I enjoy a scrummy counter lunch from Impies.
W I T H R O S S F R O M D A I LY R I T U A L A R M I D A L E
Tea leaves have more caffeine than coffee beans
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2019 New England festival
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the idea of
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tourism UPDATE
Hailed as Australia's leading a capella group, The Idea of North (TION) have performed worldwide, released ARIA awardwinning albums, and will be kicking off the 2019 Concert Season for Musica Viva Armidale and New England Conservatorium on Thursday 4th April in the Armidale Town Hall.
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ION's Nick Begbie spoke to us about the upcoming performance, their music, and why they're looking forward to their concert in Armidale, featuring NECOM’s own New England Singers Choir. Your concert repertoire is incredibly diverse. What can audiences look forward to? The main reason for the breadth of music in our repertoire is a recognition of the fact that vocal textures are more similar to each other than different instruments, so we have always tried to maintain a repertoire that is inherently sonically diverse. That said, the sounds and colours we explore with our voices is vast, so one thing the audience can look forward to is hearing voices perform in ways they’ve never heard before emulating instruments, colour tone ranging from dark to delightfully twangy, and a whole range of emotions. We aim to extract both laughter and tears from our audiences! What advice would you offer to young musicians? Woah! That’s a huge question. We’d have to say that in spite of the limited importance placed on the arts by certain facets of our government, the arts is Australia’s cultural lifeline, and we NEED you! Know that what you’re doing is of benefit to Australia and its collective psyche. And it’s also important for you, so stick it out. You will be rewarded greatly! You will be performing with New England Singers, Armidale’s own award-winning choir. What’s it like working with choirs and incorporating them into your performances? We LOVE working with other vocal ensembles, and often seek out choirs to produce multiple-bill performances. We love working with a range of choirs, so you can’t imagine how much we’re looking forward to working with an awardwinning choir from Armidale. What are your favourite musical styles to perform? Most definitely jazz. Oh, and pop. Hmmm, comedy as well. And folk music! From your amazing output, do you have one or two favourite “gems” that you love to
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perform? I think our “favourites” are different for each of us, but often they’re songs that are relatively new in the repertoire. For me, at the moment, my favourites are Not Perfect by Tim Minchin, and a beautiful original written by our alto Naomi Crellin, called Alice in the Underground. Clever arrangers are often overshadowed by their composing counterparts. How important is the skill of arranging in your line of performance? I believe that one of the most important things to make or break a group of this instrumentation (all voice) is the arranging. Naomi is also our musical director and main arranger, and I believe one of the best small-group a cappella vocal arrangers in the world. She’s constantly being commissioned by very well known groups on the other side of the world to arrange pieces for them, and I also feel a huge part of our success and appeal lies in her beautiful and creative arranging. You’ve toured internationally, released more than a dozen albums and won ARIA awards; what do you enjoy most about touring the country and performing for regional audiences? The thing that we really love about touring to regional Australia is it often takes us to new places, but the best thing is how appreciative regional audiences are - they come along expecting to have a great time; whereas, on occasion, more “metro” audiences have been known to come along expecting more to BE entertained by us … it’s a very subtle, but important distinction. The performance process is two-way, and we feel like regional audiences really get on board with us. We are REALLY looking forward to coming!
Musica Viva Armidale and New England Conservatorium present The Idea of North. Where: Armidale Town Hall. When: 7pm, 4th March. Tickets: www.trybooking.com/zqsn
The England region is buzzing and we are very NewNew England High Country comes with alive motorcycles, in autumn, with a fabulous excited willofbethe hosting 25thinclude Anniversary arrayto ofannounce autumn Armidale events. Some Marchtheevents the BMW GS Safari ... 250 BMW motorbike enthusiasts will be riding Armidale Cup; the Armidale Show; the Annual Gem and Craft Show; through region on an undisclosed Armidale Regional Antiquesthe Collectables Fair; Seasons ofroute, New and England in Uralla, and Council will beour hosting the riders in Curtis Park on the 11th April. very own New England Festival.
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ollowing on from the successful 7:30pm - 8:30pm he New England Festival Northern Inland Football Gala weekend (16th launch of the New England High • Illuminate in the CBD, 7pm - 10pm - previously known as the - 17th) March. Country Motorcycle Map, we have 4th - 13th April: ADMS Singing in the Rain at Armidale Autumn Festival Rugby Knockout Carnival (16th March). received a number of enquiries from the Hoskins Centre at TAS. Eight shows only, so since its launch 27 years The First Fire and Rescue NSW Regional local, interstate and international don’t miss out. ago - has undergone a name Firefighter Championship of 2019 is being motorcycle touring groups planning to visit the 7th April: AYSO Rosemary Leitch Garden change to better embrace held in Armidale on the weekend of the New England High Country region. Party is a morning of beautiful music in the the whole region. The beauty of autumn and 16th and 17th March at Jack Valance Oval Last month the Armidale Tourism team magnificent garden of Chevy Chase. Tickets amazing colours of our region will be further - 191 Dumaresq Street. The Championships partnered with Destination NSW to attend also include lunch and a glass of champagne on celebrated with a new event, the Colour New showcase the skills and expertise a modern the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings arrival. England Street Arts Festival on Saturday 6th firefighter uses every day, be it attacking a Event (AIME). During this event we had the 11th - 12th April: Tour De Rocks - good luck April. fire or responding to a major emergency. See opportunity to market Armidale as a Regional to all the riders participating in this wonderful The New England Festival on the 16th March firsthand just how firefighters respond to Conference Destination through targeted onecharity event. has something for emergencies and pick up on-one meetings with conference organisers, 12th - 14th April: TAS Rugby Carnival - we everyone: vital fire safety tips to help business representatives and international travel are looking forward to welcoming the teams, 7am - breakfast with the prepare and prevent fires agencies. With some families and supporters who Armidale City Band (Civic and emergencies before strong leads and new are visiting Armidale. Park). they happen. The festival will business connections, 13th April: Bobby Jack’s 11am - massed pipe Saturday 6th April, join bring Armidale’s we will be continuing to Festival in Walcha - enjoy bands in the Mall. local musicians, writers, Beadyis Street promote Armidale to the live music, puppet theatre, April a hive Mall of 12:30pm - grand performers, crafters and surrounds to Conference and Events belly dancing and Aboriginal activity, with some parade. There's a new and other artists for an life from 2pm and market. dance. This year’s line-up wonderful events to route this year, so look culminate with a exciting day of fun and April is a hive of is an eclectic mix and will ensure you get out out for the best spots! light show at 8pm. creativity at the inaugural activity, with some be headlined by William and about and enjoy Route will be publicised Colour New England wonderful events to Crighton. this lovely autumn closer to the event. Street Arts Festival. ensure you get out and 14th April: Guyra Cup weather. 2pm - 4pm - quintet The festival will bring about and enjoy this Race Meeting. competition at the Mall stage. Armidale’s Beady Street Mall and surrounds lovely autumn weather. 25th April: ANZAC Day 4pm - massed pipe bands and Burns Highland to life from 2pm and culminate with a 4th April: Toni Childs race meeting. Dancers in the Mall. light show 8pm. A makers’ markets, arts will be performing at Lazenby Hall. 28th April:atMenopause the Musical - one 4pm 6pm culture vibes and international activities, exhibitions, crafts, workshops 5th April: New England Festival Gala Evening show only at the Armidale Ex-Services Cluband food vendors. street be accompanied by the window at the Ex-Services club. Thereart arewill plenty more events on Armidale 6:30pm 7pm pipe bands mini concert. displays, demonstrations, street theatre, arts 6th April: Colour New England Arts Tourism Events Calendar www.armidaletourism. 6:30pm Australian Army Band Concert and heritage trails, food markets and much Festival. This inaugural event has something com.au/events, or if you would like to have at Armidale This fabulous more.events Musicians willtoperform in theplease mall and for everyone, Ex-Services with music,Club. food trucks and these emailed you weekly, concert is a fundraiser for drought relief. nearby venues from 5pm to 10pm. community art projects. Some of the exciting email us on tourism@armidale.nsw.gov.au or Ticketsplanned are available at the Armidale ExFor 6770 full details events include: call 3888. of these events and more, Services Club or online. Please book early to please visit www.armidaletourism.com.au/ • International 3D Chalk Artist in the Central The Armidale Visitor Information Centre avoid disappointment. events. If you would anpassionate event listed on Mall, 9am - 6pm is currently looking forlike some Live and local music on the Mall stage the Armidale Tourism websites, please email • Cinders Lane Mural, 9am - 6pm ambassadors to volunteer at the Visitor throughout the day and evening. the details to • Art & Craft activities in the Mall, 2pm - 6pm Information Centre for just four hours (one/two Quilting Needlework Exhibition (16th tourism@armidale.nsw.gov.au additionally, • Chalkand Artistry Workshop, 2pm - 5pm days) per week. If you would like- to find out 17th March). event organisers can add their events directly • Charlie Chaplin City Lights by Russell Bauer, more, please call Katrina George on 6770 3906. Gem show (16th - 17th March). to the Armidale Regional Council website.
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WITH SUSIE DUNN WITH SUSIE DUNN
Icing
CAKE ON
Alice Cairns and Justine Kavanagh Alice Cairns and Justine Kavanagh
Pathfinders Foster Care Program Needs You. In January Pathfinders presented a special screening of the movie Instant Family in an effort to drive awareness of its Foster Care Program, and, ultimately, lead to more foster carers in our community.
8.7 per 1,000 children at 30 June 2017.
Instant Family is the smash family comedy of the summer, starring Rose Byrne and Mark Wahlberg as two woefully ill-prepared foster parents. It presents the realities of caring for children who have suffered neglect and abuse in a light-hearted manner.
Sadly, our communities are not exempt from this national trend; many children and young people are in need of OOHC across the New England North West. We are always in need of more carers.
Unfortunately, the realities of the number of children who need care appear to be bleak. Recent statistics show that, as of 30 June 2017, there were 47,915 Australian children living in Out of Home Care (OOHC). This has increased from 7.4 per 1,000 children at 30 June 2011 to
The number of children in OOHC has risen every year over the past five years between 30 June 2013 to 30 June 2017, with the numbers rising by 7,366 (18%).
The movie was a great opportunity for Pathfinders to highlight its commitment to the children and young people of our community. But, as always, more can be done. If you are interested in becoming a carer, please contact us on 1800 314 199 or fostering@ pathfinders.ngo.
Human beings really are contradictory, curious creatures. We often Water. seem to peck away at little things - rather like when Queensland’s late I’ve always (dramatic alert!) that people may kill“feeding for the politician, Joh Bjelke Petersen calledsaid talking to journalists dirt,If but coatlumps you with honey youlook outaway on and chooks”. therethey’ll are big of news, weand canstake tend to anchoose ants’ nest for water. Water is life. to “sweat the small stuff ”.
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igby Moran’shen exhibition, The press stories Values of Water opened at the recently reported Aboriginal Cultural Centre as the the world’s insects drought waswere grinding on, the disappearing, it tragedies in barely the Murray-Darling seemed to last system were unfolding (a friend sent I a dayininBourke the media. me the Western Herald showing the Darling sat down with entomologist Professor Nigel Anthere scary), thenNatural the punishing of drews- in UNE’sand terrific History effect Museum the Queensland floods underlined the powers to talk about the disappearing insects. Insects of water. Digby’s art of tells interconnectedness have aInternationally vital role in theexhibited, us his personal story centred on water in the life, and their disappearance is an increasingly Northern Riverschanges region. Water his life. obvious issue: in landmakes use, ground Itemperature was lucky toand be taken around an internationmicro-climates, plus the use al based in Armidale to see another ofbusiness pesticides are some of the reasons we’re aspect of water’s story. Peter and losing them. As Nigel says, some Susan do wellCull’s with ICT International P/L manufactures and exports change - some don’t, and those species are “scientific measuring and monitoring solutions then lost. With e.g. extinct ant species, we lose to some of the world’s harshest and most their part in the food chain, soil aeration, plant vulnerable PhDininthe pollinationenvironments”. and cleansing ofPeter’s dead UNE species irrigation monitoring led on to more research environment. Everything is interconnected. The and then to practical applications of scientific knock-on effect means then we lose a whole theories in more than 55 countries monitoring range of plants … birds … animals-… on and e.g. sap flow, and measuring the waterWe’re use of on, and the knock-on pace continues. plants. I haven’t space to describe the fascinatworld leaders in mammalian extinctions. Whole ing examples, but and the lesson is that science the can, dynamics change while it’s recognised through entrepreneurial thinking, offer a range environment has never been static, man has of practical solutions to the “management of superimposed his changes. We’re lucky here, water, soil, vegetation and the environment”. with a university so accessible if we choose to AND, based in and a regional centre. involvebeourselves heed the science. Bruce Whan, Chair of Landcare’s RivAustralia’s 2018/2019 summerUrban has been ercare, has happily received $20,000 funding our hottest. Locally we’ve seen devastating from State MP at Adam Marshall to purchase flames licking the Tingha Plateau with alla the steam weeder to assist in the rehabilitation of heartache involved, and we’re told that bushfire Dumaresq Creek. It’s interesting that along the seasons are lengthening. Cooks River, has State begunGovernreturning When thisSydney columnWater appears, concreted banks to natural contouring. ment elections will be over. We can onlyWith hope grants available to local government, Duabove our political teams lift their standardspoor maresq Creek might also have a chance to stop the past fray to concentrate on what concerns resembling a drain. That was one suggestion voters, giving us intelligent leadership on vital from the Visions4Armidale group issues. And, country peopleCreeklands in particular won’t -forget removal of the stone trench to maximise the money directed to city stadiumsthe benefits of water the heart of the city. when there are soinmany competing needs. Quality presentation is an important art.unenviThe Dealing with the future is a vital but Armidale Library has certainly shown that the able task. Carolyn Lasker outlined the approach addition of the wonderful dragon mural by Dashe’ll be taking as Principal of the new Armidale vid Allan and Fiona McDonald in the children’s Secondary College at a NE Visions 2030 section can liftBowling the appearance spirits of the Forum at the Club. Theand way education whole library.
And thank goodness that Marshall has was delivered - even in theAdam recent past - has managed to finesse the sensible return of been totally redesigned to equip studentsthe for OTC theCentury Education - which their to 21st livesDepartment ahead. To me, her should indeed responsibility! Certainty of conviction andaccept preparedness were impressive, tenure for NECOM has been one very worry. as was her overriding concern for the big welfare of Ithe wasstudents. talking with Garry Slocombe whose May she and her team succeed. Rotary Armidale AM Club manages the Mall Interesting to read fashion consultant Yasmin Markets for the PCYC about the changing Sewell’s question for the Australian Fashion kinds of stalls andkind future plans for are improvement. Summit: “What of company you - data Markets always add such a buzz, and it’s wonled or data informed?” Data has become an exderful to see thronging theit’s Mall, a ceedingly bigpeople subject. Of course, verywith useful decidedly food-oriented emphasis these days, as to receive trustworthy data on your project. But well as more hand-made items. The additional I don’t believe it’s everything - in fact, somesuccess the Farmers’ Markets thetopubtimes it’sofan advantage to work shows contrary the lic appetite (literally!) forniche suchmarket events.points Perhaps data, making strategic from the opposite more eveningposition. markets?Think. When Government cost-shifted responsibil-its Armidale’s Business Chamber has re-launched ity for airports ontoWomen’s Local Governments, theyas popular Enterprise Breakfast series passed- on a very heavy load; inGroup. fact, aThey totally WiNG Women’s Networking say unreasonable load. At least the Armidale “more than a breakfast - a networking program, Airport Business Park to is finally on theGood go, and empowering women take flight”. on Cr Andrew Murat in particular should be congratthem. ulated persistence in hanging there One of for my his forays this month has beenontoinvisit overCommunity the years. I Garden guess the roundabout the behind NERAM,will andbe finished eventually. Calvin 1920s my reaction was both a lot Coolidge, simpler and a lot US President, said, “Nothing the worldFrankly, can take more complicated than I’dinexpected. thewondered place of persistence”. I’d why there would be appeal here, Themost overnight NPWS tagalong through when have gardens availabletours to them at our ancient Gondwana Rainforest sound a home. However, after chatting and sitting with memorable Next chance - November Jo Leoni, theinitiative. magic became apparent. Trans2/3. Contact NPWS Northern Inland office. forming the old tennis courts has taken years, Recently a surprised 45 year old passed me but now the garden itself dictates the way it a letter from the Federal Government, signed grows. Mixed flowers and vegetables tend to Josh Frydenberg and Greg Hunt, directing her self-seed in a delightfully unruly fashion - neat to www.lifechecks.gov.au - while it’s good the and purposeful gardeners need not apply! But Government cares, we wondered about the there is, nonetheless, what I suppose could be sentence: Answer a few simple questions about called a tremendously “zen” feeling of peace, health, finances, work and social connections, and the regular workers obviously gain great and you’ll get personalised information about pleasure, with produce being sold through the how to plan for your best future. Well meant, Farmers’ Markets. I’m sure, but is that just a tad Big Brother? I Physicist, chemist and winner of two Nobel prizwonder if the distribution list included 45 year es, Marie Curie [1867 -1934] commented that olds in remote Aboriginal communities? weSusie don’tDunn. notice what’s been done, but only see what remains be done. Always something to P.s. CountrytoGarden NERAMble FUNDRAISER, be done, but important, as W.H. Davies’ poem 6th/7th April: check out “What’s On” says, to also haveAlways time to “stand and stare”. neram.com.au. great days. Susie Dunn. New England focus. 25 New England focus. 11
Pic by Gareth Gardner. 26 New England focus.
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FREDDIE Bailey-Cook M U S I C A L TA L E N T / 1 4 Y E A R S O F A G E
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He has an engaging personality, a social conscience, bucket loads of musical talent - and a bright future! Meet 14 year old Freddie Bailey-Cook … he’s been busking and playing gigs since he was 12 and achieved some amazing things at the Tamworth Country Musical Festival earlier this year.
ell us a little bit about yourself and why you came to Tamworth to live? I’m 14 years old and grew up in Sydney. My stepdad got the job as the Zone Commander for Fire and Rescue NSW in New England, so we moved to Tamworth. I now go to Oxley High School - which is great for me, as the CAPA Staff seem to get me, which is awesome. You’re currently studying guitar at the Tamworth Conservatorium of Music - but how old were you when you first began playing? I had my first guitar as a Christmas present when I was nine and started lessons in the New Year, and I have never looked back. I think that it’s really important to have the right guitar teacher and although I have had lessons since I was nine, I didn’t start to get really good until I began to have lessons with local musician Kym Beare. He is really important to me; I think of him as a mentor more than a teacher. I just know that we will always be friends; we just have a great musical and personal connection. You’re a bit of an “old hand” at live performances now, as you’ve been busking and playing gigs for two years. What was the feeling like when you first performed live (can you remember?) and does it feel different when you play live these days? I can remember my first live performance like
it was yesterday! I played our friend, “Howdy’s” informal gig - I was so nervous, I could feel my heart beating out of my chest and my hands were shaking. It’s a wonder I could play at all. But something happened that night; despite being nervous, I came off stage having had the thrill of playing to real people rather than just sitting on my bed playing to my dog, Barnaby. I still have that same thrill now every time I play to an audience; the nerves have gone (unless I’m playing in a big concert) but that thrill is one of the things that drives me. You have a couple of Country Music Festivals under your belt too! What were some of your standout performances/achievements at this year’s festival? I was really busy this year and I entered a few competitions, including “Battle of The Bands” at the Town Hall. We knew that we had absolutely no hope of winning or even getting into the final, given that we were a group of 14-year-old school kids up against professional musicians from all over the country, but in terms of having fun, that was probably the best 30 minutes for me out of the whole festival. I was also immensely privileged to have been asked by David Carter to perform in the “Shine Concert” at the Capitol Theatre. Shine is a concert that showcases the most promising up and coming Country Artists in Australia, so it really was a big deal. Probably the biggest thrill of my life so far
was making it to the Top 10 of the Buskers Championships; this was the one thing I had set my heart on achieving this year, so I well and truly kicked the only goal I had set for myself. I sang to the biggest audience I had ever performed to, and it felt like a dream come true. Last year you released your first single, When the Rain Comes, to raise funds for drought affected farmers. How long did it take you to write this song ... and why did you decide to donate the proceeds from its sales? I decided to write the song as a fundraiser. I had been following the stories in the news for some time about how tough those people on the land were doing it and just felt that I wanted to help in some way. It didn’t take long to write; I would say it was all done in less than an hour. I’m pretty proud of the lyrics in particular, as the song was a finalist in this year’s CCMA Songwriter of The Year, Under 17 Category. What are you currently working on musically ... are you writing more songs/preparing to record? I have written a couple of songs recently; one is a love song and the other one is deeply personal, and I suppose you could say that it has been the beginning of a healing process for me. I would really like to record these later on in the year. Where are some of your upcoming gigs?
At the moment I haven’t got much pencilled in apart from busking on Peel St in Tamworth on the third Sunday of the month whilst the markets are on. You can also catch me on a Thursday night at the Muso’s Jam at The Albert Hotel in Tamworth. What are your dreams/goals (musically or otherwise)? In the short term I am hoping to do Junior Academy again this year and complete the Instrumental Course (I did the Singer Songwriter last year). I would love to be a successful recording artist and be the headline act one day at Music Festivals. As incredible as it would be to have fans and the world at your feet, I hope that I make my wonderful mum proud and never take for granted all the sacrifices that she made to send me to Junior Academy, to pay for years and years of music lessons and help me buy equipment, guitars and give me amazing opportunities that most kids could only ever dream of. Where can we purchase your music or find out more about you? My song When the Rain Comes by Freddie is available to buy online through iTunes, Spotify etc. But if you’d like to find out more about me and get a heads up on where I’m performing and what I’m doing, please go to my Facebook page, Fredbear Music, and give it a like. Thanks Freddie. Interview: Jo Robinson. Pic: Gareth Gardner. New England focus. 27
Photos Little Fish Entertainment
Just recently F45 Training Armidale celebrated their first birthday. Now with over 170 members, they’ve hosted over 1,500 classes, and witnessed more than that in kilos lost. We sit down to find out more about Armidale’s growing fitness cult.
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o, who are you guys? We moved down from the Gold Coast just over 12 months ago to open F45 Training Armidale and Oomph Osteopathy. With both of us under 30, opening two businesses at the same time was a daunting task, but since opening we’ve been overwhelmed by the response of the Armidale community. Our team has grown from just the two of us for the first six months, to a team of eight. Each of our qualified trainers were (and still are) our dedicated F45 members before they became trainers, which is exactly how I got into personal training five years ago. We all practice what we preach and will happily sweat it out alongside our members on the daily. Our Team We’re all about making fitness and exercise an enjoyable a part of the day to day life, not something that people dread. And, it has been a big 12 months! And now being seven months pregnant, I’ll be stepping back from the instructing front for a few months, but we have spent the better half of six months training and creating a diverse and killer team whom we love and know will definitely keep our members on their toes while I watch from a distance. Lauren Boundy is everyone’s go to girl, Drew and I included, and since starting with us has completed her Cert III in Fitness. She will step in as Studio Manager when I step back, whilst completing her Certificate IV in Fitness traineeship. Sam Lomax has also recently come on board, completing his Certificate III traineeship; he’s our muscle man, who makes 30 kg dumbbells look small.
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Emma Cooper is our tradie chick, who builds houses all day and muscles all night. She has years of experience in group fitness, so prepare to get "Cooped" every time you land yourself in a class with her. Jess Langhorn is a sport and exercise science student at UNE, but don’t let her friendly, bubbly nature fool you; she’s a hard task master with a seriously loud voice. We also have Melissa Killen, who has come from a dance/choreography teaching background to complete her Cert III in Fitness; with an eye for technique, she dances from station to station, making sure everyone is performing their best. And finally, Josh Cohen, who shares his love for F45 with his Head of Sport role at NEGS. What is F45 Training? And how is it different to a normal gym? The concept is simple. A 45 minute HighIntensity, Circuit Training workout class. There are over 30 different 45 minute workouts, with new ones arriving all the time. We offer the same class at different times throughout the day. Every day throughout the week offers a different 45 minute workout. We alternate between cardio and resistance based classes, with our favourite Hollywood class on a Saturday. The workouts are created by the F45 Athletics and Peak Performance Department from a database of over 3,000 different exercises, so our members never do the same workout twice. The rapid growth of F45 Training throughout the world is an indication that there's demand in the market for this unique fitness model. F45 has filled the gap in the fitness space left by traditional gyms - where people pay a small membership fee to work
We can think of worse things
to be addicted to. We call out on their own - and specifically designed meal ourselves a big family, high-cost personal plan to your F45 Workout because that’s what we training sessions. life. We want to help you are - a big sweaty one, This is our key point shred body fat over eight supporting each other of difference. When weeks and have you in daily through not just workouts, you enter an F45 the best shape of your life, but Eight Week Challenges and studio, you get instant feeling amazing inside and day to day life. access to a dynamic out. This means focusing and supportive team on losing fat, not weight! environment, led by We do this by conducting qualified instructors Inbody Body Composition who motivate and challenge members in each Analysis Scans before, during and after, which session. give us a full scope on body fat and muscle Can everyone do F45? mass distribution. YES! We cannot stress this enough! We Any top training tips? have all body shapes, sizes and fitness levels Stop thinking about fitness as a regime; in our studio. We can progress and regress make it a way of life. That’s the concept we exercises for all capabilities and fitness levels. are trying to incorporate in our studio. The We work for timing, rather than for number online nutrition, motivation and training with of reps - so there is an emphasis on working friends - it's a beautiful culture. Then, fitness to your ability with correct form, rather than isn’t a chore! It’s the same with what you eat. targeting a number of reps for a specific time. What we encourage is not to make it a "diet"; Over the past 12 months we have just learn to make healthy eating how you developed a real culture and lifestyle shift live - encouraging the mentality that you can within our member base. Call us a cult if you still be a normal person, but make healthier like, but our members are committed, they decisions, saying to yourself, "This is what I prioritise exercise, and actually enjoy getting eat and achieve every day, and this is what up and coming in before the sun to smash makes me feel good". their session with fellow members. We can How do I get involved? think of worse things to be addicted to. We Get in contact now! call ourselves a big family, because that’s what Our next Eight Week Challenge starts April we are - a big sweaty one, supporting each 29th - are you ready to make the best decision other daily through not just workouts, but of 2019? Eight Week Challenges and day to day life. Like us and follow us on Facebook and What is the F45 Challenge? Instagram - for daily updates - from workouts We run four F45 Challenges a year, and it to challenges to meals and MORE. is designed to give you life changing results F45training.com.au/armidale in an innovative environment that is insanely Message us on Facebook or Instagram, or motivating. We treat it as a kickstart of call us now on 0400 406 285. your changing lifestyle. It is incorporating a Thanks guys.
New England focus. 29
LAITON TURNHAM
WARATAH Speckle Park LAITON TURNHAM
30 New England focus.
focusinterview.
There’s a lot of HARD WORK, FORWARD THINKING AND PLANNING INVOLVED IN RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS, regardless of the industry you’re working in.
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he Turnham family, Eric, Helen, Laiton and Kayla, have brought their cattle operation into the 21st Century … they breed the magnificent Speckle Park cattle, and much of their work focuses on improving genetics and the production and sale of embryos. Laiton is a true entrepreneur … he shares with us some of the processes involved in the Turnham family business. What’s your association with the New England area, and how did you come to live and work on the land? I was born in Armidale and have lived and worked here all my life. I was born into a farming family, and I just love to work outside. I worked on the family farm as a kid with my brother, sister and cousins, bought my first cows when I was in high school, and it grew from there. Who’s involved with your cattle operation? Our Speckle Park cattle operation is still a family run business today, with my father (Eric Turnham) and I doing most of the day to day running of the farm. Mum (Helen Turnham) does the bookwork, and my wife, Kayla, helps with the web page and advertising. More family help out at sale time and travel from as far as Mt Isa and Melbourne to help for that week or two. We also have some casual employees and contractors help out at other busy times of the year, with embryos, vets and some tractor work etc. What can you tell us about the Speckle Park breed of cattle? Speckle Park is a British meat breed
I thought to myself that
any breed could win something once, but not many could do it that consistently - so they had to be good! I started
originating from Saskatchewan in Canada. They can come in a variety of colours, including speckle black to do some more research into and white leopard, the breed and found out their white with black meat quality is outstanding ... points (ears, nose, feet etc.) and solid black. Why did you decide to breed and work with this particular type of cattle? My first cows were Angus, but I was not able to make a return from them, others have been breeding. In the last few as the market was flooded with Angus years we have brought in more embryos genetics - so, I started to look for another from Canada to introduce some more breed. When I found Speckle Park cattle cow families to our herd, as well as buying in 2007, they had won seven out of the several bulls over there and bringing their last 10 years at the Calgary Stampede, semen back to Australia to do artificial in the carcass competition, in Canada. I insemination and embryo work. thought to myself that any breed could win We try to look at what other breeders something once, but not many could do it are breeding here in Australia, and we’ve that consistently - so they had to be good! also had a look in England at their genetics. I started to do some more research into Your cattle operation differs from the breed and found out their meat quality many others, as embryo production is outstanding; you can also get the end and sales is a significant part of your product much faster than from a Wagyu, business. For the layman, what’s as they perform really well on grass, but involved with this process? are a stand out in feed-lotting. When both embryos and semen are You’ve put a lot of work into your produced, the processes involved depend cattle breeding program at Waratah. on whether they are for domestic use or How many head of stock do you run, sale, or for export. If they are staying in and what do you do to help ensure a the country, all work can be done locally strong genetic base for your herd? on the farm. Donor cows are injected We run approx. 250 cows and their with hormones - the same as with IVF in progeny, but we also do a lot of embryo humans. work, so we get more pure bred calves as Once they are in season, we artificially well. inseminate the donor cows with semen, I travel to Canada every second year to then wait seven days. On day seven, embryos are flushed out of the donor look at new genetics and also to see what
cow, sorted and graded, then they can be implanted in the prepared recipient cows, or they can be frozen for future use. Once the embryos are stored, they have to be kept in liquid nitrogen. It is a similar process for export, but there is more protocol to follow, depending on the importing country’s requirements, and the process is done in an Aqis Approved Facility. To send embryos overseas or to a new buyer, they must be stored and shipped in approved liquid nitrogen tanks. What are your goals/plans for the rest of this year? The goals for this year include promoting our sale of bulls, females and genetics, getting next year’s embryos made and implanted into recipient cows, and to survive the drought and pray for rain. Where can we find out more info about your business? We have a Facebook page: Waratah Speckle Park Stud and also a web page: www.waratahspecklepark.com Thanks Laiton. Interview: Jo Robinson. New England focus. 31
Business Minds with Ingrid Rothe
of VIVID Thinking
DEAN Waters LOCKMAN DOORS AND GLASS / 30 YEARS OF AGE
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At only 30 years of age, Dean Waters has been building his business, Lockman Doors and Glass, for just on eight years. The business has grown from strength to strength since he bought it, with staff more than doubling and the service area expanding throughout the New England North West, across to the coast, and as far as Sydney.
ell us a little bit about yourself. I was born and raised in Armidale. For a six-month period I moved to Perth, but I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, and I quickly realised that Armidale is where my heart is. I’m glad I went, because I don’t have any "what ifs" now. When I came back home, I ended up working for Lockman Doors and Glass. I’m very much into my sport. In winter I play for the City Hockey Club, and in summer I play cricket for Easts Cricket Club. Lockman’s also sponsors both clubs. I’m about to get married in three months’ time to a wonderful woman. What does Lockman Doors and Glass do? It’s pretty clear we do doors and glass, but we pride ourselves on the quality of our products and our work and, increasingly, on our creativity in bringing to life the vision of the home owner, builder or architect. When it comes to security screening, we only use Crimsafe. It’s a high-quality Australian product that provides great security, without sacrificing the kerb appeal of our clients’ homes. What led you to start your own business? I bought the business eight years ago. I did my apprenticeship with Lockman Doors and Glass, and my boss was retiring. He gave me the opportunity to buy the business off him, which I am extremely grateful for. At the time
32 New England focus.
it was a hard decision, as I was only 22 years The transition from working side-by-side old, but in the end, it was an opportunity with my friends and colleagues to becoming I couldn’t turn down. I definitely have no “the boss” was a big adjustment. And there regrets. have been growing pains along the way, as What has changed in the eight years we have employed more people, taken on since you started your business? higher workloads. As a tradesperson, learning We have almost tripled our staff in the eight the paperwork and bookkeeping side of years since I started in things was a significant the business. We started challenge. with four employees, What makes Lockman and now we have eleven Doors and Glass employees. different from other We still sell and service We still sell and suppliers in your the quality products that service the quality industry? Lockman’s have always products that Lockman’s In the building game, produced; however, we have have always produced; you often get what you expanded the brands however, we have ask for and not what you we offer and pushed out the expanded the brands really need. We do more boundaries of our service area. we offer and pushed than just a free measure out the boundaries and quote; we assess of our service area. our clients' requirements We don’t just service and work with them to Armidale, but do ensure that their final speciality jobs throughout the New England, installation not only meets, but exceeds their over to the coast, and as far as Sydney. We expectations. are increasingly working with architects Builders like to work with us because of and builders to bring to life their designs. our quality work and our ability to deliver Consumers’ expectations have changed: they “outside the box thinking” if they run into are more aware of design from watching trouble on site. And architects like to work for lifestyle shows like The Block. us because we will work with them to bring What are some of the challenges you their creative vision to life. have faced as a business owner? As tradies, we take genuine pride in our
work, and our promise to our clients is to deliver hassle-free, high-quality, professional work each and every time. What have you found is the best part of being a business owner? I love the challenge of the every day. Each day presents something new - we are not doing the same old thing every day. There are always new obstacles to overcome, problems to solve. There is an element of creativity that I really enjoy. When you are running your own business, there can be a lot of uncertainty and you need to be flexible, but you also get to learn leadership skills and the rewards of achieving your goals. What advice would you give a business owner who was just starting out? Don’t be scared; jump into it. Embrace the challenges - the rewards outweigh the difficulties. What inspires you? I’m inspired by my family, and my daughter pushes me to get up and move forward to face the challenges ahead. Being a parent changes everything, and I’m motivated by a desire to create a great life for her. What goals or challenges lie ahead? I would like to continue to grow and expand the business, and I would really like to increase the volume of the product we have coming out of the factory. Thanks Dean.
focus_contributor
ANTHONY FOX - PRESIDENT, ARMIDALE BUSINESS CHAMBER
Recycling soap THE
Minding your On 8th March 2019, the Chamber held a “Meet the Candidates” night for candidates in the State Election for the seat of the Northern Tablelands. The candidates are Adam Marshall (Nationals), Debra O’Brien (Country Labor), Rayne Single (Shooters Fishers & Farmers) and Dr Dorothy Robinson (Greens). The meeting was attended by over 80 people and was a success, though time prevented some people from asking questions. These meetings are usually a bit of a work in progress. For the meeting to be organised for the Federal Election, it will, I think, be necessary to avoid lengthy preambles to questions.
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t the time of writing this, the election has not taken place, so “good luck” to each of the candidates and congratulations to the successful candidate. Thank you to Laurie Bullock for being the moderator. Regional Development On looking at the policies, plans and proposals that come to the fore during any election, the Chamber will continue to urge for a sustainable approach to development for Armidale and the Northern Tablelands. This of course, is not just the business of the State Government, but is the responsibility of each level of government, State, Federal and Local, as well as the communities themselves. A good start at a State Level would be to have a standalone Department of Regional Development devoted to facilitating regional growth and development. After all, billions of dollars are being spent on moving people more quickly from one part of Sydney to another, while regional areas need greater support. It has to be acknowledged that there is the Regional Development Framework and the 20 Year Economic vision for New South Wales, which is great. These programs should be administered by a senior department, the Department of Regional Development. More needs to be done to actively encourage the decentralisation of business to regional areas. I don’t though suggest it is just the responsibility of State Government - we all have a stake in it. On the positive side, the Armidale region is growing, with developments such as APVMA
Costa Group and Digital TAFE. There is also a lot of work at UNE to encourage small startup businesses. More needs to be done by us all; State, Federal, Local and the Chamber to actively encourage business growth, and therefore growth in population. The drought makes it hard, but not impossible. Airport The Armidale Regional Council has issued a Call for Expressions of Interest for investment options for development of the airport and business park. As far as I am aware, it is not just looking for a buyer for the airport. It is correct that an organisation may offer to buy it. Equally, there may be an offer to manage it, for example. The airport should be run as efficiently as possible. Importantly though, nothing should happen that would adversely affect the community and business. The Chamber will report further on this issue as events occur, or look as if they are about to occur. WiNG The next breakfast is on 11th April 2019. Vanessa Whitaker SC, Sera Merzabegian and Maria O’Brien, the founders of “WomenVote” will be the guests. “WomenVote” is a nonpartisan organisation with a focus on policies that affect women in Australia. The breakfast is at the Bowling Club; 7am - 8:45am. Chamber Members - $28. Non-Members - $38. End of Month Drinks 5:30pm, 29th March 2019 at the Royal Hotel.
SPIRIT
OF
GIVING
FROM THE POWERHOUSE
and
saving lives
Quality Hotel Powerhouse Armidale and Tamworth have become “HOTEL CHAMPIONS” for Soap Aid, collecting discarded soap from their guests’ rooms - which is then recycled and distributed throughout the world to those in need. General Manager Monty Maguire explains how Soap Aid’s HOTEL TO HANDS Program is making a positive difference on a worldwide scale …
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hat is Soap Aid’s new HOTEL TO HANDS Program? Soap Aid’s HOTEL TO HANDS Program is a sustainable and scalable model that brings positive change and helps save lives. Soap Aid sends critical soap to communities facing major hygiene challenges in Australia and throughout the world. Soap is distributed to Cambodia, South Africa, Zambia, Somalia, Uganda, Madagascar, India, Cambodia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Fiji, and Vanuatu. An estimated five million bars of hotel soap are discarded every day, and hand washing with soap can reduce over 40% of diarrhoea cases and save lives. What’s The Powerhouse Armidale and Tamworth’s involvement with the program? The Powerhouse Armidale and Tamworth are now HOTEL CHAMPIONS of the HOTEL TO HANDS Soap Aid program. Through our annual Soap Aid contribution and collection of hotel soap, The Powerhouse Tamworth and Armidale will supply over 80,000 discarded hotel soaps to Soap Aid. Every hotel room provides three children with critically needed soap for a whole year / 63 bars of recycled soap per year. Through our partnership with Soap Aid, we send our discarded hotel soap to be recycled and distributed by Soap Aid to support
hygiene initiatives worldwide. From a hotel and business point of view, we would love to see other accommodation providers in the New England North West region get involved and support Soap Aid. It’s an easy decision - great for the environment, great for at risk global communities, and great for our staff being an integral link in this supply chain. For an annual fee of just $7.50 per room, we know we’re providing a life changing impact for thousands of people. Soap Aid HOTEL CHAMPIONS play an important and vital role. What are some of the statistics that show just how Soap Aid’s HOTEL TO HANDS Program is helping to make a difference? 830,000+ 100 g bars of soap were distributed globally by February 2018 and 260,000+ adults and children were provided with soap. Collecting waste soap from hotels saves millions of bars of soap from already overflowing landfills (over 100 tonnes were saved and recycled by February 2018). Every bar counts! Where can we find more info about the program? Accommodation providers interested in the program can register at Soapaid.org #hoteltohands Follow Soap Aid on social media to keep up to date with the latest distributions of recycled soap to communities in need. Thanks Monty. New England focus. 33
Playing golf since he was two, Armidale legend Isaac Riches is now seven years old and has achieved more in his chosen sport than most of us will achieve in a lifetime. Coming third in the Under Sixes division at the invitation-only World Golf Championship in the USA last year, Isaac is still driving, chipping and putting his way to success - with quite a few upcoming tournaments planned for this year …
ISAAC Riches.
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i Isaac. Introduce yourself please - how old are you, and who are your other family members? My name is Isaac Matthew Riches, and I’m seven years old. I have two brothers: Caleb, who is five, and Noah, who is three. Caleb and I go to Armidale City Public School. Whereabouts in the New England do you call home - and what do you most like about living there? I live in Armidale, but I was born in Glen Innes this is where my nan and pop live. I like living in the New England, because we have lots of friends who also live here! You were very young when you first started to play golf - 18 months old, I believe! Who introduced you to golf? Mum and Dad got me some toy golf clubs from Kmart, and Dad showed me how to swing. You’ve had around six years to work on your game now! What parts of golf do you think you’re best at - driving, putting - getting out of tricky situations? I think I’m best at driving the ball. My coach, Andrew Walkley, thinks I am best at pitching and chipping the ball. But, my favourite things to do are trick shots! Where and how often do you train? I practice at home and at the Armidale Golf Club two or three times a week. I also help out at golf every Friday, teaching other kids how to play. Golf has given you some opportunities to not only compete, but travel too! Where are some of the places you’ve visited, and what are some the comps you’ve played in?
34 New England focus.
I went to Melbourne when I was four to film a video for Golf Australia. Then, when I was five, I flew to New York to be on the Jimmy Fallon Show. Last year I went back to America to play in the World Championship. I came third in I’m most proud of my third the world! [In the Under Sixes talent to play golf really well. place in the World Division.] What upcoming tournaments Championship. I had fun What golf tournament do you have planned? playing with and making friends results are you most proud I was asked to play for with the other kids from all of? Australia in the Trans Tasman around the world. I’m most proud of my Cup. third place in the World I have also been asked to play Championship. I had fun in the Australian Open and the playing with and making Australian Junior Age Championship, which are both friends with the other kids from all around the world. in April. I’m also proud of coming second in the Australian The 2019 World Championships are in August, Junior Age Championships, playing against boys two again in America. years older than me. Where can we find out more about you/follow Tell us a bit about the clubs/gear you play with your achievements? and wear ... We do videos and put them on Instagram I get all my clubs, balls, hats, bags and any other @issac_riches_golf and on Facebook @ golf stuff from the team at Callaway - they have IsaacRichesgolfer. been helping me since I was five. If you Google me or search YouTube, there are lots My coach, Andrew Walkley makes my clubs fit me, of stories, photos and videos to see. as well as being my coach. When you’re not playing golf, what else do you Robbie from RJ Apparel gives me special junior like to do? golf shirts to wear. Play with my brothers, go to school, go to church, Whom would you like to thank for helping you and play cricket and other games in my backyard. with your sporting journey so far? I also like watching golf, cricket and rugby on My coach, Andrew, for teaching me. My mum and Kayo Sports. dad, for letting me play golf and other sports like Thanks Isaac. soccer, cricket and football. I would also like to thank God for giving me lots of Interview: Jo Robinson.
PARKRUN
parkrun organise free, weekly, 5 km timed runs around the world. They are open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in.
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hese events take place in pleasant parkland surroundings, and we encourage people of every ability to take part - from walkers or those taking their first steps in running to Olympians, from juniors to those with more experience; we welcome you all. Using the events page on our website: www.parkrun.com.au select the event you are most interested in and review all the information about the course, local news items, the photo gallery and information about volunteering. Also, take a look at the extensive results page, where you will find an incredible amount of information about your past performance. If you’re interested in signing up to run at an existing parkrun event, or you fancy starting an event where you live, check the website find out more. Our official sponsorships make it possible for parkrun events to be free. Without our
sponsors, parkrun could not survive. Each of the sponsors has spent a considerable amount of time at a parkrun event and in meeting with us before deciding to become partners with us. Why? Because we believe that they have to feel the same way that We like to celebrate our we do about parkrun runners, but we also before we allow them to want to celebrate our be a part of parkrun. sponsors! We would So successful have we urge you to support community that wants been, that our sponsors' them whenever you can. one. Want your own representatives can parkrun event in your often be found running backyard? Read on. a parkrun. The way We'd be delighted to that Medibank and The work with you to set up and manage a parkrun Athlete's Foot interact with the parkrunner is event in your own backyard. All that you testament to their passion for and knowledge need to start this wonderful journey is some of what it is we do. determination and drive. We will help you with We like to celebrate our runners, but we the rest of the process offering a step by step also want to celebrate our sponsors! We would guide, assistance and support. urge you to support them whenever you can. Don't believe us? Why not ask any of the parkrun aims to have an event in every
MONDAY 29TH APRIL 2019 Examinations for Academic | Music | Visual Arts & Design Applications for All-Rounder, Equestrian, Sporting Excellence Scholarships & Boarding Bursaries for 2020 are now open.
Register now - www.negs.nsw.edu.au/enrol/scholarships/
ing All-Rounder, Excellence in Sports and Equestrian Scholarships, please contact our ments Office T: (02) 6774 8700 or Email: enrolments@negs.nsw.edu.au
existing events for a reference? Each event is independently managed and controlled by the event director and so their reference is very important. If you wish to talk to them directly, go to the event website, find the event directors email address and write to them directly. However, if you would like to hear from us, then send us an enquiry and we'll get back to you very quickly. Armidale parkrun starts from SportUNE at 8am on Saturday mornings.
2020
Scholarship DAY
New England focus. 35
Creative Kids
W P C Y C
A R M I D A L E
hat is the Creative Kids Program? NSW Government this year has doubled the $100 Active Kids Voucher to include another $100 voucher to help families meet the cost of creative programs for school children. As of January 2019, all students enrolled in school can claim the two vouchers from the Services NSW website. What creative programs are running at PCYC Armidale? We have three activities running currently in Term 1, Robotics, Highland Dance and Ballet. Both our dance styles are long term programs of the club, but families now have the benefit to extremely reduce the cost each year. Robotics was introduce this term and has been a huge success, with the program booking out within a couple of weeks of advertising. What is next for Term 2? Term 2 will see a number of new creative activities introduced in the club to suit a number of different school age groups. Our goal is to have a program running every day and the potential to expand outside of the club. We are all excited about our new Skateboard Design/Graffiti course. All students will get a blank skateboard and be able to use a number of different styles to personalise the board to suit them. We have also been in contact with Glen Innes High School to run the program as an outreach program with their students as well, which will be really 36 New England focus.
exciting. Two other programs starting up will be a learn to play guitar class for new students and a jewellery making course, where students will be able to make a number of different pieces to take home. Any future plans for new programs? Our challenge is creating programs that allow all school students in Armidale and the surrounding area the ability to use their voucher for programs which are fun and engaging. The vouchers will expire at the end Two other programs starting up of the year, so we will be a learn to play guitar are now looking to class for new students team up with other and a jewellery making businesses to create course, where students will more programs. We be able to make a number of are currently looking different pieces to take home. at ways to incorporate radio and makeup courses, as well as photo completion using iPhones. These courses will give the opportunity for senior students to be able to use their vouchers to develop new skills in an area of interest to them. PCYC Armidale is always looking for more ideas to incorporate into our Creative Kids program. If you have an idea for a workshop or course that could be run, we encourage you to contact the club. This can be done by phone (6772 1023) or email (armidale@pcycnsw.org.au).
Thinking Sports Migration
WITH CHRISTOPHER SEROW AND SAM DOYLE
Thinking
SportsMigration Part of the culture of the New England region is our love of sports and supporting our local teams in competitions that run throughout the year.
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n exciting prospect for clubs and sporting teams is the engagement of overseas players to participate for a season and play in the local and regional competitions. Alternatively, organisers of the local competitions or a sports carnival may want to invite an international sporting team or players to come to Australia and play against the local teams to broaden their experiences in international match plays. As part of the Australian migration framework, there are a number of visas which may assist in bringing a professional sportsperson or sports team into Australia, and it is appropriate to ensure that you a apply for the correct visa. Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) The Temporary Activity Visa allows applicants to come to Australia to take part in an approved special program for a short period of time, in many cases up to twelve (12) months. There are a number of sub-categories of the Temporary Activity Visa, such as religious works, entertainment activities, and other social and cultural activities. The general requirements of all streams of the Temporary Activity Visa are that you must be sponsored by the organising body; have an agreement in place to perform the specific activities; and, not work outside the specified activities. Paid employment of a visa holder is limited to work specified in a written agreement between the sponsor and the visa holder as approved by the Department of Home Affairs in granting the visa. It is important that both the Applicant and the sponsor are aware of the requirements and conditions of the Visa, as not complying with the conditions could result in the Applicant having their Visa cancelled. Sporting Activities Stream The sporting activities stream of the Temporary Activities Visa allows a player,
coach, instructor or adjudicator to come to Australia and work with an Australian sporting team or conduct training with a sports organisation. This visa allows an Applicant to stay in Australia for up to two (2) years, and they are entitled to bring members of their family unit with them for the duration of their Visa. In order to obtain the Visa, you must have a sponsor or supporter who is willing to offer you a position with their organisation for the duration of the Visa. As part of the Sporting Activities Stream, it is also necessary that you have a contract and letter of support form a peak sporting body setting out the terms of your engagement with the sporting organisation. Other Social and Cultural Activity Stream When a sporting body is looking at inviting an international sports team to visit Australia and compete in an organised sporting event or carnival, the Other Social and Cultural Activity Stream may appropriate. This stream of the Temporary Activity Visa allows the Applicant to take part in a community-based event such as a sports carnival or exhibition matches as part of a team and stay in Australia for up to three (3) months. You are unable to work whilst in Australia if you hold this Visa but can participate in the event which you have been invited to attend. This stream also covers additional support staff such as medics, physiotherapists and officials. Applying for any visa can be a complex and stressful process. Seeking professional advice from a registered Migration Agent can ensure that you have the necessary advice to make the correct decision and ensure that your application will satisfy departmental requirements. 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. 37
focusinterview.
working with
Derek and Fiona Smith run a mixed enterprise operation on “Kenilworth”, their property outside Guyra. But eggs and cattle are just the very beginning of what’s produced and perfected at Kenilworth … read on to find how this couple are working hard to improve soil quality for our future generations.
His expertise has been his study on soils, how they i Fiona and Derek. What’s the history behind your property in Guyra, Kenilworth? Derek’s family have owned Kenilworth since the 1930s, and the original house was four rooms with dirt floors plus an open verandah, where Derek’s father as a young boy used to sleep. Derek’s grandparents built the threebedroom Californian Bungalow in 1947, and we’ve added to it since 2006. Derek and I married in 1984, and we moved into the old home and started our improvements on the farm since then. Fences were in disrepair and there were virtually not trees left, as the property was cleared during the ‘50s and ‘60s. Now we have been trying to put some of them back, plus fencing and water troughs to make the property more drought resistant. What’s a little of your personal history when it comes to farming? Derek is third generation on Kenilworth and has worked with sheep, cattle, potato and vegetable farming and now layer hens. His expertise has been his study on soils, how they function and how to get the best out of them by balancing the chemistry to improve the physical and biological functions to help increase profitability. This became possible when he went back to university to complete his degree in Farm Management and specialised in soil management. He did this 38 New England focus.
function and how
because he couldn’t find few years has had to get the best out of a good soil consultant for an impact on that them by balancing the his crops, and he knew productivity. Everything chemistry to improve there were some missing you have done in the the physical and links. He then has gone past just has to sit and biological functions to on to study the Kinsey/ wait for the rain and the help increase profitability. Albrecht methods to rest to recover. It will Rebuild Soil Fertility. rain again; it’s just that I I grew up in innerhaven’t seen Guyra this western Sydney, and couldn’t wait to get desperate in my 35 years of being here. out of the place. My parents used to take us You produce wholesome and delicious outback when we were kids on camping trips, eggs on your farm. What types of hens do and I realised that there was more to this great you stock - and what’s the main difference country than just Sydney. I went to Ag College between the eggs you produce and many and did agricultural business studies when I other eggs currently on the market? was 18 and met Derek, where we became We buy our ISA Brown hens from Bifida in good friends. I followed him back to Guyra, Tamworth. They’re lovely, friendly girls, good intending to stay for a short break and then layers and do OK in the great outdoors. be on my way, but I fell in love with the place. The way we run our hens makes us quite I was used to large animals, as I was a horse different to most egg farms. On our labelling rider but that was all I knew. I had a lot to you need to have how many hens per hectare learn - and quick. - we are approx. 125 hens/Ha, where most of Tell us a bit about the property … the bigger free range farms are between 1,500 Kenilworth is situated outside the township -10,000 hens/Ha. Our hens have three major of Guyra and has rich basalt soils with a good jobs to do on the farm. water supply. The property has been improved 1. Once the cattle have grazed a paddock, through the generations with improved the grass is then short enough to move the pastures, fencing, water troughs in each hens in. They are in mobile sheds, so we can paddock, sheds and yards, plus dams enlarged move them around to spread that manure and trees planted. over the ground and eat the eggs and worm It was always a very productive 300 acres, larvae of any parasites. This sounds disgusting and over time we had increased livestock to us, but they love it! It gives them something numbers to make it possible to earn a decent to do, as they are never confined and have income, but the continued dry over the last a Maremma Guardian dog with them all the
time. 2. To lay eggs for us that are highly nutritious and balanced in Omega 3s and have a crisp, clean taste to them. 3. To also fertilise the land beneath them. They are pretty gentle on the land if they are not left too long in one spot, so damage to pastures is minimal. But when it rains, the pastures just take off and can be ready for re-grazing in just two weeks. This hasn’t happened this year, though. Your mission is to “work with nature and grow food the way it was meant to be. Good for you, good for the animals and good for the land”. This sounds like a massive undertaking! What are some the ways you aim to achieve this? I think as I described we move the hens around, we also move our cattle around - and all in one mob. Our aim is to have high density grazing, so there is sufficient manure and urine left in an area to fertilise the land, move the cattle on and leave 100% ground cover plus approx. 2,000 kg/hectare of dry matter behind to grow and recover during a rest period, that is determined on the time of year and the current growth rates. You can get away with grazing the land shorter than this only once during a season, and then animals either need to be reduced or completely removed to give the land time to recover sufficiently for grazing again. If you don’t give the land sufficient recovery time, your productivity just keeps going backwards over time.
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We also believe is balancing the soil chemistry to give our soils a better physical and biological function to increase plant productivity. If we are not growing lots of grass, we are not really productive; we need to keep our soil carbon levels up to store enough nutrients where they belong and where they can be utilised. We also have fenced off tree lots to allow native habitat to re-develop and give some of the local flora and fauna a place to live. This sounds pretty simple, but there is a lot of planning and management to get it right. Farmers are more than capable of achieving these ideas, as we are now often educated at TAFE or universities. We need to
farmers can’t easily access this information in a way that is relevant to their needs, and Derek has been able to do this for them in a way that is useful. His background in teaching at TAFE for nearly 20 years has helped him achieve this. Derek also provides a soils consulting service, where he will send soils for testing through a lab in the USA that has a proven consistency in its results, and he provides the soil recommendations. Derek is one of four Kinsey/ Albrecht soils consultants in this country. There are another seven countries worldwide who have Kinsey/Alchrecht trained We have a little farm stay cottage, be managers, book consultants - Australia is and most guests who keepers, scientists, lucky to have so many. come are usually staying environmentalists, How important do overnight or studying at labourers, readers, you feel it is to ensure the uni or want a bit of a you name it - we need good soil health for our farm experience. While I am all these skills in our future generations? busy doing what I do to get the businesses and more. Soil health is important eggs out to our customers, our Education is to all Australians. The guests often get the chance to tag important too. What farmers in this country are along and see what it’s all about. are some of the clever and are willing to try courses you offer new and old ideas. William onsite? Albrecht did his research Derek has been from the 1920s to 1970s, where Neal Kinsey conducting the Kinsey/Albrecht soil fertility took on his work and has proved on many courses for years out at Kenilworth or in farms worldwide over many decades that this a location that suits a specific group. Most way of rebuilding soil fertility works. Soil balancing in this way will build soil fertility that will increase water holding capacity - it will increase carbon/humus levels which holds more water. It will grow more plants, because it has more water and better nutrients and it will produce more kg of grain, meat and fibre. It will increase the nutrient value of our food, which will decrease the need to over eat and therefore decrease obesity. Nutrient rich food is necessary for our future generations, and why should we deny them! What options do you have for those who may want to visit your farm and stay for a while? We have a little farm stay cottage, and most
guests who come are usually staying overnight or studying at the uni or want a bit of a farm experience. While I am busy doing what I do to get the eggs out to our customers, our guests often get the chance to tag along and see what it’s all about. We also have the shop owners who stock our product come and learn and see for themselves the trouble we go to, to get the product right. We think showing people what we do is the most important aspect to our business. Drought is having a huge impact throughout Australia right now. How is your property weathering the harsh conditions? That is an interesting question: we have grazed our pastures quite low and with the winds over the last two months and no rain, we are as dry as anyone. But, we are de-stocking, although this has proved harder than usual, with the current markets flooded with young and older cattle. Our water supply is running out, and we have never in our 35 years experienced it this dry. This could be how our seasons could be for a little while longer, so we will continue to monitor pasture growth rates and be prepared to stock with less numbers when necessary. What we have noticed is that we now don’t seem to have nine months to finish cattle; it seems now if they are not near weight in five - six months, it might dry off and you can’t finish them, but we have managed to get them to weight and in very good order - this is the success we are wanting and when we do return to better conditions, the promise for more kilograms of weight gain will be there. Where can we find out more info/buy your eggs? You can find out a lot of information on our website: workingwithnature.net.au or call us on 6779 1722 / 0488 791 722 or email wwnkenilworth@gmail.com We are always happy to talk with anyone about what we do! Thanks guys. Interview: Jo Robinson. New England focus. 39
Health Wellbeing and
WITH SUNDIAL DENTAL
THE SILENT DISEASE THAT YOU’RE G O I N G T O WA N T T O TA L K A B O U T
Y
ou would not live with a chronic
• Gums that are receding or pulling away from
eye or ear infection. Yet 45% of
the teeth - causing your teeth to look longer
the population over 65 years live
than before
with a chronic infection known as
• Loose or separating teeth
Gum Disease or Periodontitis.
• Pus between your gums and teeth
Literally millions of people don’t know they have
• Sores in your mouth
this serious treatable infection. Gum Disease,
• Persistent bad breath or bad taste in your
if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss and
mouth
spread throughout the body.
• A change in the way your teeth fit together
Research shows that Gum Disease is associated
when you bite
with Heart Disease, Stroke, Cancer, Diabetes,
Treatment for Gum Disease depends on the
Arthritis and Pre-Term Delivery in Pregnancy.
severity of the case. Visiting your dentist and
From these studies, it has been shown that
having a full periodontal chart and X-rays,
men with Gum Disease were 49% more likely
with your dentist, oral health therapist or your
to develop kidney cancer, 54% more likely to
hygienist is a great way to assess your current
develop pancreatic cancer, and 30% more likely
periodontal health.
to develop blood cancers.
If you have mild to moderate Gum Disease, it
The Good News is Gum Disease Can Be
can be treated with regular brushing, flossing,
Treated! For years it was thought that bacteria
regular visits to your dentist, frequent dental
linked Gum Disease to other disease in the
cleanings by a hygienist as well as adjusting your
body. Current research now demonstrates
diet and/or lifestyle choices.
that inflammation may be responsible for the
With more severe cases, specific treatment
association. Therefore, treating Gum Disease
is required. The treatment can vary from sub
and the inflammation will not only help manage
gingival cleaning, to treatment with a specific
periodontal diseases, but may also help with
laser called LANAP that treats the area of
the management of other chronic inflammatory
infection quickly and gently.
conditions.
If Gum Disease is not caught soon enough, it
Gum Disease is often silent - meaning symptoms
may be necessary to replace natural teeth with
may not appear until the disease has advanced
implants, restorations, bridges or even dentures.
to a more severe stage.
Gum Disease is preventable. If you are
Warning signs of Gum Disease include the
concerned, please call our office for more
following:
information or for an assessment at one of our
• Red, swollen or tender gums - or other pain in
four locations.
your mouth
For further information on Periodontal
• Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating
health, visit www.lanap.com.au or ring our
hard food
caring team at Sundial Dental: 6583 3533.
40 New England focus.
New England focus. 43
with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343
April 2019
AQUARIUS.
GEMINI.
LIBRA.
JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19
MAY 22 - JUNE 22
SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23
Expect the unexpected. It is a terrific time to discover new gifts or talents. Travel opportunities are likely to manifest to dissipate some of your restlessness. Set some goals for the next three months. Turquoise is great for self-worth and focus.
Hear your own kind, loving words and just be patient with yourself. It is time for you now, as your focus has been on everyone else. Simply love yourself enough to know you deserve GREAT things. Rose Quartz connects us to self-loving nurturing.
Now is a good time to connect with your sense of purpose. Your sensitivity is on the increase, so don’t allow yourself to live unnecessary stress - especially if it belongs to others. In times of turmoil, simply focus on your qualities you like. Turquoise is great for boosting our personal power.
PISCES.
CANCER.
SCORPIO.
FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20
JUNE 23 - JULY 23
OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22
Instead of being tempted to run, use that restless energy productively. Set some new goals or intentions and be your beautiful free spirit again. You have worried about trivialities; it’s time to change these patterns.
You are a natural nurturer and home-life is such an important aspect of your life, so enjoy some tranquil feelings of justice and loving balance of your heart. Keep your mind occupied with productive thoughts to maintain balance. Clear Quartz is a natural amplifier; carry some.
The only reason you are feeling suspended at this time is because there has been some undigested emotions playing with you and although you want change to happen, your higher self does not want these influences as part of the future. Clear them with healing and get ready for change. Malachite brings past hurts to the surface for releasing.
ARIES.
LEO.
SAGITTARIUS.
MARCH 21 - APRIL 20
JULY 24 - AUGUST 23
NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21
Avoid unnecessary stress; things will appear calmer soon. You may have needed to be unsupported to find your own inner strength. Justice will deliver new opportunities and new friends. Turquoise helps our self-worth and self-esteem.
Connecting through your loving heart to the Angelic realm will bring peace, tranquility and purpose into reality. Try spending some time stilling your mind, and communicate with your loving guides. Amethyst connects us to our wise higher energies.
This next few months should bring productive change into play. Set some new intentions and goals, and then get out of your own way to allow things to happen. Avoid micro managing situations, as there is vulnerability around being too controlling. Blue Lace Agate is a powerful mind clearing crystal.
TAURUS.
VIRGO.
CAPRICORN.
APRIL 21 - MAY 21
AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23
DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20
Avoid buying into future related fears. Complete contentment can be experienced in matters of the heart, and conflict will lose its impact in your reality. Shield your energy from other people’s negativity by imagining yourself inside a bubble. Selenite shatters negative energy and charges the aura with bright, positive energy.
42 New England focus.
If you’re feeling unsupported, try finding within what you are hoping to feel from another person, and wake up that emotion by breathing it through every cell consciously. Be as independent emotionally as possible and be grateful to yourself. Rose Quartz helps connect us to our self-love.
You are a wise person; this is why others offload to you. Hearing your wise words and acknowledging them will also help you grow. When others are drawing on your strength to overcome challenges, imagine yourself inside a bubble. This will be a win/win. Rose Quartz initiates self-reward.
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Chawner Walcha local Tasha Chawner, the “Conservative Hippie”, is A PASSIONATE CREATIVE WHOSE HEART BEATS JUST A LITTLE FASTER EACH TIME SHE FOCUSES ON SHOOTING AMAZING IMAGES IN BLACK AND WHITE. Not wanting to be distracted by colour, Tasha focuses on form, texture, light and shade in her work …
H
i Tasha. Please tell us a little about yourself and how you came to call Walcha home. I’m a wife of 20+ years and mum to two awesome kids, a friend to those near and dear, and a lifelong learner. I’m a creative and a lover of photography. And, I’m the Conservative Hippie. When people ask, “Why the ‘Conservative Hippie’,” I tell them that I’m a Hippie because I’m all for love and peace and protecting our planet. I’m free-spirited, and a bit alternative when it comes to how I like to live my life. The Conservative comes from not dressing like a stereotypical Hippie - no flowing skirts and tie-die shirts - I’m more of a jeans and T-shirt sort of gal. What brought me to Walcha? My husband’s early mid-life crisis! We’d wrapped up a sugar cane harvesting business in the Burdekin, North Queensland, and moved back to Lismore to be closer to his folks. He made the decision to go back to university and study Forestry, which brought us to Walcha - his first Forestry job. That was over 12 years ago, and even though I get itchy feet every so often, Walcha is a great place to call home. What do you most enjoy about living and working in Walcha? The people. The weather. The sense of community. And the fact that I just can’t nip down the street to quickly pick something up without running into someone I know! I really do love the weather, particularly autumn and spring. Growing up in North Queensland it was always hot and humid, and I
honestly much prefer the New England climate There’s no colour to distract, so you notice - even our freezing winters. the light and shadow, the details, texture and Plus, I’ve met some amazing people and form. You can really focus completely on the made some wonderful subject and notice every friends, who will be a tiny, little thing. part of my life wherever I There’s a certain end up. timelessness to black and When/how did you white photography as PHOTOGRAPHY IS A develop an interest in well. In years and centuFORM OF THERAPY FOR photography? ries to come, if someone ME. WHEN I PICK UP MY My earliest memories happens across one of CAMERA, I SLOW DOWN of taking photos was as my images, it will still AND START TO RELAX a teenager. I managed hold the same dark and - SOMETHING WE ALL to get a hold of my moody drama and emoNEED TO DO A BIT parent’s old Canon film tion as the day I took it. MORE OFTEN IN THIS camera while we were You're a very talentWORLD WE LIVE IN. at a car rally - photos of ed lady! Not only do cars jumping over dirt you shoot the most mounds, of all things. beautiful images, but Then, like most mums, when the kids were you have a studio and create gorgeous little, I took numerous photos of them, but it jewellery as well! What materials do you was when we moved to Walcha and my husmostly use to create your pieces? band bought me a Fuji digital camera, that my Thank you! I have been working predomipassion for photography was really reignited. nantly in copper for nearly a decade, although From there I upgraded to a Canon 500D and I like to add a little brass, silver and gemstones bought my macro lens - macro is truly what into the mix. I’m actually taking a break from makes my heart sing. I’ve always been one making jewellery at the moment, as I’m discovto notice the details, and macro photography ering that my eyesight isn’t what it used to be keeps my mind open to the possibilities and … although all of my tools are still at the ready, curious about what is going on around me. just in case my muse comes calling. And photography is a form of therapy for Who/what encouraged you to start a blog, me. When I pick up my camera, I slow down and what are some of the topics you like and start to relax - something we all need to do to chat about? a bit more often in this world we live in. The day we arrived in Walcha, I hurt my What is it about black and white photogra- back getting the suitcases out of the car. It was phy that particularly appeals to you? nearly 12 months before I was really able to When you strip an image of its colour, that is get back on my feet, so to feel like I was still when the magic happens. connected to the world, I started my blog.
Initially, I blogged about my little world, jewellery and spoke my mind about issues that moved me. That morphed into a bit of DIY and curation of things that I thought were beautiful or made me smile. Now I’m focusing on my photography and showcasing it to the world, and sharing my knowledge of photography with those who are interested. Plus, I address topics that I’m moved by and that I think others would relate to. Honestly, though, my blog is really a journal of black and white imagery that makes my heart beat a little faster and a place where I can bring my ideas to life. What would you say most motivates/inspires your creativity? Flicking through magazines and getting lost down the rabbit hole of Pinterest. Visiting galleries or simply walking down the street. I draw my inspiration from sources many and varied, new and old. My daughter helps with motivation. She’s a practicing artist and my sounding board for ideas. She’s honest with her critiques, so if I’m ever second-guessing myself (which happens often) I run it past her and she gives me feedback and a gentle push if I need. Where can we follow your journey/ contact you? To keep up with what I’m blogging about and to see more of my recent work, visit my website: www.tashachawner.com.au I’m also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/photographybytashachawner/ and Instagram @tasha_chawner Thanks Tasha. Interview: Jo Robinson. New England focus. 43
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Living in Paradise at Wattlebird Tina Long Designs Tina Long Designs is a qualified interior designer, consultant and project manager based in Armidale NSW. Tina has a passion for creating personalised residential and commercial design spaces focused on meeting clients' individual needs. Cost effective planning, advice and project management all combine for a positive and stress-free experience. When selling your home, Tina Long Designs' focus is to increase the appeal of the home to potential purchasers. This is done with advice on decluttering, foundations to build a staging plan room by room and a scope of works for paint colours and how to update existing rooms and bad layouts. If the buyer cannot
see themselves in the house and understand the purpose for each room, it leaves them with questions. If purchasing a property to up scale, downsize or you just want to give your new home a facelift or total revamp, Tina Long Designs can assist, from kitchen, bathroom design to selecting materials, furniture and paint colours. Tina finds most clients have some idea of what interior styles they like, but just need help to see the big picture of how much better their home could look. They need guidance to find and combine all the different elements so they work together and fit their lifestyle and budget. This is where Tina comes in, from just an hourly consult, to working plans and details.
Build Your Dream Home - Small Acreage Right Near The Coast Just a short 10-minute drive from Nambucca Heads you will find 24 Lifestyle Acreages from $230,000.00 in the tranquil Wattlebird Estate. Having close proximity to absolutely stunning pristine beaches, the estate is ideal if you like boating, fishing, water skiing and of course, there is golf, peace and quiet, good food and friendly people in its surrounds. Wattlebird Estate is truly a paradise. Secure affordable land now and experience a country lifestyle that provides endless opportunities … micro-agriculture, chooks and space for a horse for the kids. Location and Lifestyle The Nambucca Valley has Australia’s best average temperatures, a unique scenic location with a welcoming community, lovely quiet towns with all the amenities and great medical
facilities, including a newly announced hospital coming and a good choice of schools available in Nambucca Heads, Macksville and Bowraville. Wattlebird Estate is ideal for people looking for a break from suburbia and who want to enjoy being outdoors, without buying a second job. Blocks available range from large one (1) hectare lots (2.4 acres), to the largest block Lot 12 being a huge 9.37 acres … more than enough space for your dream home, a chook pen, space for the kids to play plus all have good undulating, well-drained productive soils to grow fruit trees in a beautiful piece of the country. Get Help Choosing the Right Block for Your Needs To help get the dream of owning your very own acreage contact the sales agent Paul Loughland on 0402 639 265 or 1800 699 560.
New England focus. 45
Property & investment guide
working with
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Ashley
Bennett
STEEL
H
QUALITY ERECTIONS GUARANTEED!
CONSTRUCTIONS
i Ashley. What's your history in the New England area? I’m a born and bred Guyra boy. I attended Guyra Central School, before leaving school to carry out a boiler maker apprenticeship at the Guyra abattoirs. After completing my apprenticeship, I wanted more opportunities and moved interstate to a fabricating job in Toowoomba, QLD, when I was 18. You spent quite some time away from the area, living and working in Queensland. What brought you back home? After a short time in Toowoomba, I decided to go out on my own and start my own steel construction company. This has taken me all over the country, including jobs as far north as Weipa in the Cape. I have also been lucky enough to have three beautiful children in this time. In 2017, after 20 years in QLD, I found myself doing more and more work in regional NSW and decided to move back to the New England area to also be closer to family. What products/services does your business specialise in? We specialise in shed building. There’s no job we can’t do, from your single car carport or garage to large scale machinery or industrial sheds. We are well equipped to carry out the largest jobs imaginable and love the challenge. With an ever growing team of specialised tradies, we now also offer concrete services all 46 New England focus.
over the New England as well. What are some of the major projects you've worked on in recent times? We have recently completed construction on a 3,200 m² facility for Uniplan in Armidale, a 6,500 m² Greenhouse on the outskirts of Armidale, Triple Machinery/Fodder sheds on a property at Ebor and the new Guyra SES Headquarters, to name a few in recent months. What business goals are you focusing on this year? We are looking to expand our team with local tradesmen and grow our concrete business. Ideally, we want to do more local work in the New England area. Jack, my eldest son, has recently started working with our crew and is proving to be a great asset to our team; I look forward to getting him involved in the business more and more. We have another side of the business we are looking to start soon as well - watch this space! When you're not working, what activities keep you busy? I am a Ford enthusiast, so always enjoy working on vehicles as a hobby. I enjoy getting out to the dam when time allows and camping with family and friends. Where can we find out more? Go to Ash Bennett Steel Constructions on Facebook, email us at blueyssteel@bigpond.com or call 0403 126 402 for an obligation free quote. Thanks Ashley.
is exceptional, and he Testimonials FOR A QUALITY, is always ready to go Uniplan is excited that HASSLE FREE the extra mile to ensure our brand new factory CONSTRUCTION the finished product is is now complete and in SERVICE FOR exactly as intended use. This ANYTHING IN 3,000 m² building will Luke Trewarn, Techspan STEEL, GIVE US A allow us to continue Building Systems. CALL TODAY! to grow and create Ash and his team more jobs for Armidale. have recently finished Uniplan partnered construction of our with Techspan and new machinery Ash Bennett constructions for the supply shed. We couldn’t be happier with it. His and erecting of this new facility and are workmanship is of the highest standard; he very pleased with the outcome - Ben Scott, and his team worked efficiently to get the Managing Director of Uniplan. shed up quickly without any hassles. I wouldn’t Ash has been installing Techspan Sheds for hesitate recommending Ashley Bennett Steel many years, and we are very pleased with his Constructions for any size shed across the New professional service. His attention to detail England - Andrew Campbell, Guyra.
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Property &
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OWENS Earthmoving G E N E R A T I O N A L
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he foundational roots of Owen’s Earthmoving New England were laid well before the opening of business doors in 2009. Generations of such have been passed down through toil, or rather the operation of machinery for land improvement. Ward Bros Land Improvement founded in 1961 began a long line of tradition that would continue for many more generations. Owen would work alongside his father, taking in every-
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thing that was to be involved in land improvement and the running of a large earthmoving company. Many hours would be spent pushing up rocks and clearing fence lines. Thinking ahead and the planning for specific jobs became mechanical, as Owen ensured vast improvements were made to the land of various clientele in the New England region. “My first memory concerning successional planning was in our family orchard located in Kentucky, NSW. My father asked me to jump on
the tractor and clear rows of sticks accumulating between the fruit trees. I achieved this with deliberate ease. Dad noted the knack I had for the operation of the machine. This led to further work and eventually many a detailed project involving earth moving for the family company.” The fondest memories Owen has is with the family enterprise Ward Bros Land Improvement, working alongside his father. The estate at St George, Queensland, involved many a hot day spent learning the ropes of the business following his father around out in the dry heat. The Queensland sun beat down on the men as they undertook projects of clearing (refuse for adequate pasture) and dam building. This ensured the ample provision of water for stock. The hut on the farm was a well-known camp site. “I was happy to listen to stories from my father and the other men underneath the stars,” states Owen, as he remembers these times with a smile. The family farm Black Butt and the operation of the gravel pit on Kingstown Road were other family haunts. Gravel loading and truck weighing was to be undertaken, as Owen was always a keen observer. “This taught me a great deal from a young age and made me aware of business operations. I was always willing to chat to customers or observe and listen to instructions and pitch in with a helping hand when needed.” Owen mentions his time spent overseeing
the constructions and completion of the lake and roadworks at Banalasta (once a thriving vineyard and tourist hub) while tending to a wide variety of other major construction projects in the New England region. “Managing the family earth works business was good for me,” says Owen. “It gave me the capability and skills over time to successfully complete large projects. This would not have happened had I not been given the opportunity to oversee construction projects whilst working alongside my father and uncle and all the team at Ward Bros Land Improvement.” Things are quieter now at Linden Lea, the family farm in Kentucky, NSW, where much of the earth moving business Ward Bros Land Improvement was run from. Looking back on many completions of successful projects over the years is quite satisfying for Owen, as he is letting go of the ropes more so to take on and train a young trainee, who is 17 years of age. There are four other employees who are keen to pitch in and lend a hand wherever possible. “The future looks bright,” says Owen. Yet for now, we are really focused on cleaning dams out for the farmers and keeping the water up to the stock. That is our first and main priority! We want to make sure that through the dry weather conditions farmers are looked after and we can keep up with the demand and pace of cleaning out dams to aid water supply.”
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When Kim Connolly learnt of THE EPIDEMIC OF SINGLE OLDER WOMEN BECOMING HOMELESS, SHE DECIDED SHE COULDN’T SIT BACK AND DO NOTHING. After much research and deliberation, she has now started building Tiny Homes as an affordable housing option for these women in need.
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Property &
INVESTMENT Guide
Homes Habitat
i Kim. Can you tell us about your connection to the Coffs Coast? Thirty-two years ago we drove through Coffs Harbour, and it was the only place that was big enough to get a cappuccino but small enough for that country feel. When I finished uni in Sydney, my Canadian sister had moved to Valla with her family, so coffee and family needs were both met by moving to Coffs. You have started building Tiny Houses for women in need of affordable housing. Can you tell us how this idea first came to you? As a member of BPW (Business and Professional Women), I attended Affordable Housing Forums and learnt of the epidemic of older women becoming homeless. I just couldn’t talk about it anymore in good faith without doing something concrete, and BPW initially indulged my Tiny House obsession four years ago, when no one knew what a “Tiny” was, but later came on board to wholeheartedly support the Tiny House Village for Older Women concept. Why did you decide to go with Tiny Houses? What made you believe they were the best option? Older, single women are using their superannuation to pay their rents and when that money is gone, they can't pay their rents. Tiny Houses are a preventative measure. The average single woman I’m speaking to ends up with between $63,000 and $120,000 in their superannuation - not enough to buy a traditional home. Tiny Houses are designed by
OLDER, SINGLE WOMEN the person to suit their needs. These women ARE USING THEIR have worked all their lives SUPERANNUATION TO PAY Thanks to Nifty and (except when caring for THEIR RENTS AND WHEN with Brian’s words still family members) and are ringing in my ears, the THAT MONEY IS GONE, not used to needing to Tiny is more reinforced ask for help. Tiny Houses THEY CAN’T PAY THEIR than Grafton Jail, so are something a woman RENTS … TINY HOUSES ARE sturdiness. The cubic can do independently SOMETHING A WOMAN volume of the height of with pride. the ceiling affects our CAN DO INDEPENDENTLY What were some of psyche, so despite how the hurdles you faced WITH PRIDE. small the house looks on in making this idea a the outside, it feels big reality? on the inside. Materials The biggest hurdle must be light, because of was my husband, Brian weight restrictions, but need to create the feeling Hopwood. Tiny Houses are the only thing we’ve of being in a home, not a caravan. And finally, ever had marriage counselling over! He kept design of course, so it’s functional yet beautiful. trying to tell me that I couldn’t build them for In what ways can you adapt the houses to the costs I was envisioning; he told me that make them age appropriate, for example? using the spare time of my eldest son, Neeson, Our priorities change at different times in our who isn’t a builder, wouldn’t work, and he lives. When we’re older, we want to experience was afraid that if I did it on the cheap with life, not spend our lives cleaning, maintaining unqualified (although trying very hard) family and worrying about finances. This demographic labour, that my Tiny House would hit the road is why our second Tiny House under construction and fall apart, killing some poor unsuspecting now has the bedroom on the ground floor, with commuter. ease of access for older people. Of course - he was right. But the need What benefits do you hope people will get was still there for older women, and I was out of these houses? determined to get it built, no matter what it My goal is to create Tiny House Villages, took. When he finally understood my village starting with one mostly for older women. Dr vision, he came on board and I was able to hire a qualified builder who also has a passion for Sandy Darab and Dr Yvonne Hartman (speakers Tiny Houses - “Nifty” Nathan Martin. at a BPW Housing forum) described five things What are some of the key features or things that older, single women want: security of tenure; you consider most important about the Tiny a place of their own; somewhere for visiting Houses you build? grandkids, a pet; and a garden. A Tiny House
Village would tick all these boxes. The outlay to buy a “Tiny” is much less, and I’m working with a bank that is creating lending packages for older women. The village concept alleviates land purchase cost and increases quality of life, allowing people to age in their own place in a supportive community. Outside the village, Tiny Houses are one answer to our affordable housing crisis here on the Coffs Coast. Where can people live in these Tiny Houses? Do you need to own land? Are there many restrictions around where they can be placed? Because a Tiny House is effectively a caravan, it falls under those Council rules which state that you can have a “member of the owner’s household” live in your back yard-full time or you could have two caravans “so long as they are not occupied for more than two days at a time and are not occupied for more than 60 days in total”. If you own land, you need a DA to be allowed to live in your “Tiny” while your big house is being built. Personally, I hope we can make Tiny Homes a house type so someone doesn’t think like I did and build a cheap, dangerous, road hazard! Yes Brian, you were right (but so was I). Where can we find out more about Tiny Habitat Homes? We’re open from 11 - 2 Wednesday to Sunday, or by appointment. We’re looking for people to be part of the creation of the Tiny House Village Co-operative now. Contact Kim for more details. Thanks Kim. New England focus. 49
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Coming Soon: A modular home display at the new Cookes Hill Estate
Uniplan is a proud sponsor of a new addition to the UNE Mountain Bike Track
WHY UNIPLAN?
L
et me tell you a story … I remember a cold and wintry morning in 2000. The wind was gusting frigid sleety rain straight into my face, so you had to squint to keep it out your eyes. We were working up on top of a modular home, nailing on roof battens. The freezing steel handle of the nail gun penetrated right through the gloves and sent a chill up my arm. Whose stupid idea was it to start this business! It seemed a great idea a few months before in September ’99, when the beautiful New England sun made every day seem like a working holiday. It was that ice cold morning that the resolve was made - if we’re going to do this properly, we’re going to invest in a decent factory to do it in! Before the year was out, we had commenced the purchase and development of the current site we are on today. Twenty years on, that same philosophy continues. Our mission is to continue to grow and develop and provide more job opportunities in our wonderful city of Armidale. From the three man family team we were in September ’99, we have developed into a fantastic workforce of over 130 staff. The new factory we have just completed will allow every one of our staff to be proud of where they work and gives us almost 2 acres of roof spread over three factories. 50 New England focus.
But what has brought this ongoing growth? While some business have a secret recipe or a ground breaking product, our success has come through three very simple beliefs: 1. Outstanding customer service: always bending over backwards for the client 2. Making it easy: simplifying the buying journey so customers enjoy the experience 3. Efficient customisation: everything we build in our factories is custom made to the customer’s exact needs. But, all of this growth is led by our outstanding team. Our number one corporate value is: we’re a team of spirited hard workers. At the end of the day, that is what makes the difference. You have to roll up your sleeves and get stuff done. So, what have we been getting done recently? A lot! 1. The newly completed factory will allow ongoing growth. 2. We have just released a brand new website that is easier to use 3. Along with the factory, we have installed $2m of new CNC machinery 4. We will soon be installing a modular display home at the new Cookes Hill Estate. There are plenty of things on the boil, as we come up to our 20 year anniversary! And what about the future? I’m excited, especially about the display home we’re building at Cookes Hill Estate. Let’s be honest; Transportable Homes don’t
have the greatest reputation. You probably think ugly, flimsy, cheap and nasty. The Cookes Hill display Pictured is going to change those perceptions. As you can see from the image - this if going to be an outstanding modern design that brings fresh elegance to the Armidale new home market. Not only will this give you a whole new choice, it also gives you substantial time savings. The benefits of factory-built modular homes are clear. Construction time is not only much shorter; it is also much more predictable. The typical building delays of weather, poor planning by the tradies and plenty of times where no work is done on site on a given day don’t happen with factory-built modular. Which statement do you normally hear from someone building a new house? Wow, the builder finished much quicker than promised! OR It’s driving me crazy.. it was meant to take 6 months but it has blown out to 8 and counting…! Let Uniplan’s Factory-Built Modular homes change all of that for you! What’s happening in the community!
It has been great partnering with local sporting groups in recent months through the Uniplan Community Sponsorship Program. This has allowed us to sponsor a number of local clubs in our quest to support the local community. We look forward to releasing our next round of sponsorship grants shortly! I will finish with another story… I remember as clear as yesterday, standing in the office not long after we started and having a ‘family discussion’ about what we thought the end goal for the business was. We brainstormed what growth we thought was possible for the business over the next 5 to 10 years. We got it horribly wrong. We were dreaming big, so we thought. But have still exceeded our expectations by nearly ten times. That story isn’t intended as a brag. I hope it inspires other regional business to think big, roll their sleeves up and show the guys in the big smoke that there is nothing hindering being a success story even out in a regional city like Armidale. Three cheers to the next 20 years!
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