Issuu

Rechelle Leahy

November 2019. issue 150

2 New England focus.

focus_ team. Photo by Lib Martin Photography.

team From the

Welcome to the November edition of New England FOCUS.

t’s something of a milestone this month for the New England FOCUS crew, with this, our November edition, being our 150th issue! Things can come and go and change rapidly in this world of ours, so to say we’ve been around for 150 editions is very special for us; it’s a sign we must be doing something right! It’s timely now to say a huge thank you to our advertisers, contributors and faithful readers for your continued support. Without you, FOCUS wouldn’t exist. So … thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. On the Cover It’s a very special anniversary for Woodley’s Motors in Tamworth too,

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

as this iconic business has just clocked up 100 years! Congratulations to the Woodleys team, who go above and beyond to provide quality vehicles and wonderful service to their customers. Here’s to another 100 years! In this Edition We have some terrific features this month, including Men’s Health, Early Education and Beyond, and Property Now. These features contain heaps of information about services, charities and businesses you can find across the New England region, and we’re so lucky these organisations all call this area home. Remember Healthy Harold? He was a heroic figure for many of us when we were kids (as he is today for our latest generation of children). We chatted with

Jonathon Peatfield, who grew up just

outside Uralla and is the new CEO of Life Education NSW - a role he’s very excited about! Jonathon and Healthy Harold will actually be visiting Uralla this month - so keep an eye out for them. We also get to meet Glenn Davis of Davis Saddles. Many in the equine industry dream of owning a saddle made

Ascent Digital Print Ascent Digital Print provides high quality and high speed digital printing. Our personalised service is available throughout the New England Region and is ideal for short or long runs that require a fast turnaround. We tailor our services to your requirements. 

by Glenn - they’re beautifully handcrafted and will become family heirlooms for those lucky enough to own one.

successful” - Albert Schweitzer.

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Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders. Information appearing in Focus is believed to be correct at the time of going to press, however no liability will be held for inaccurate information approved or supplied by advertisers or contributors. While all care is taken it is recommended that readers confirm material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. Articles marked as 'Interview or Contributor' are non-sponsored content. Greater Port Macquarie Focus is published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 621 287 8600 5. Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2018 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved. FOCUS is printed by Fairfax Media Print & Logistics North Richmond. Our paper is FFC and PEFC certified and meets with ISO14001 accreditation. FOCUS delivery bags can be REDcycled at your local Coles Supermarkets and the paper through normal recycling methods.

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New England focus. 3

contents Issue 150 - November 2019

focusinterviews

Bronte Eden. Uralla-based musician Bronte Eden has recently been making a name for herself with her single, “Lazy Sunday”, which is growing in popularity on music platform Spotify. Hot off the heels of this success, Bronte is set to release an EP on November 18 - don’t miss it!

feature a special

MEN’S HEALTH

focusfeature.

Davis Saddles.

More than just saddles, Glenn Davis’ work can be described as handcrafted pieces of art … Each saddle is created with so much care, skill and attention to detail, they rightly deserve the awards they’ve won.

Usual Suspects

Samuel Sisson.

the

It takes a lot of grit, stamina and bravery to set foot in a rodeo arena - particularly if you’re a rodeo protection athlete! Samuel Sisson is one of those intrepid individuals who helps ensure bull riders return home safely each night - often putting himself between a tonne of angry animal and its unseated rider …

8. WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 38. STAR GUIDE WITH TERRI 40. BUSINESS MINDS WITH INGRID ROTHE

41. MINDING YOUR BUSINESS WITH ANTHONY FOX 42. TOURISM WITH KATRINA GEORGE 53. ICING ON THE CAKE WITH SUSIE DUNN

Evelyn Ramage.

A love of knitting and helping those in need has seen Guyra resident Evelyn Ramage combine her interests for the greater good! Evelyn is part of the friendly and community-minded group at Nicholii House, who knit warm blankets for those in need. Over the past 15 years, the group has created around 150 blankets!

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focusinterview.

Peatfield One of New England’s own has recently been appointed the new CEO of Life Education NSW … Jonathon Peatfield is a graduate of the Life Education programme himself; he personally experienced the excitement of Healthy Harold visiting his school in Martin's Gully when he was a child, and he’s looking forward to helping to develop the programme and share it with as many children as possible in is new role.

i Jonathon. What’s your background in the New England? My grandparents lived in Kingstown, outside of Uralla. Mum and Dad moved back to the family farm near Uralla when I was about four or five. I grew up there, went to Martin’s Gully Public School and then went to The Armidale School (TAS) for high school. My first paid job was cotton chipping in Wee Waa! I still get back to the area pretty regularly to visit. I spent four months in the first half of this year on the farm helping Dad feed stock because of the drought. I love the area and am keen to move back one day! What’s your work background? How did you come to be CEO of Life Education NSW? When I left Armidale, I went to the Australian National University in Canberra and studied commerce and psychology. Straight out of uni, I got a job as a sales rep for a hardware company. Through that job I progressed and took on a state manager role in Queensland, then ended up doing national account management for Woolworths. When Woolworths bought into Masters and Home Hardware, the company I was working for were one of their major partners, well; until Masters folded ... It was an interesting time, and I learnt a lot. In 2011, one of my best friends, Sebastian Robertson, started a mental health charity called batyr, because of his own personal journey. It really shocked me that a close friend could go through such a challenge without anyone knowing about it, so I helped him out as a volunteer. The organisation grew to the point where it needed a partnership manager, my background in sales was appealing, so I became the first partnership manager and stayed with the organisation for almost five years. During this time, batyr grew from having six team members to over 60 running programmes across the east coast. A career highlight was bringing the programme to Armidale and facili-

tating the programme with TAS. I saw an opportunity pop up to become the CEO of Life Education NSW, and I’d had such an amazing experience with Life Education when I was a kid, I thought it couldn’t hurt to throw my hat in the ring - and here we are! It’s been a tremendous opportunity to take the skills I’ve learnt around partnerships, strategy and innovation from a brand-new start up like batyr to an organisation like Life Education, with 40 years of We cover every corner of the history. state; we’ll go to any school that It’s been an exciting journey requests us. Across NSW, we so far; I’m only ten weeks into deliver programmes to my new role, and looking fornearly 300,000 students ward to helping create the straeach year. Nationally, we tegic direction for the future. currently reach around 700,000 What are your favourite like bullying, cyber students a year. memories from when the security and safety, Life Education van used to and respectful visit your school? relationships. The best part for me growThe TAM that ing up in a smaller community was that the many people may remember is now an augvisit from Healthy Harold generated so much mented reality app, which is incredible! Kids excitement. There was always such a buzz at can scan a QR code on a tablet and up pops up school and so much anticipation as you waited a 3D augmented reality version of the body on for your turn to visit the van. I think this is so a screen. They can see the impact stimulants important - that children are excited about and depressants have on the body, the impact learning - and this is what Life Education brings of smoking on the lungs, how the digestive to schools. system works (the TAM eats an apple, and you I remember walking up the steps to the van, can follow it through the digestive system until seeing the stars on the roof and TAM (Transparit finishes with a fart at the end - kids always ent Anatomical Model) - the body which lights LOVE this bit!) up so you could see the nervous and circulatory Harold is still the hero, bringing everything systems - then the visit from Harold at the end. together for the kids! The ways in which we Since taking on the role, I have heard so can create excitement through innovation, many positive stories and experiences that technology and new styles of learning for the people have had. I met a young girl recently, kids have developed a lot. who told me that after the Life Education visit, How far does the van travel these days? she convinced her dad to stop smoking. How We cover every corner of the state; we’ll go good is that! to any school that requests us. How do you feel Life Education has It can be quite challenging to take the changed since you experienced the provan into some regional areas and also some gramme yourself? Have the topics evolved? inner-city suburbs, so we’ve designed a pop-up There’s been a lot of development on the classroom where kids can still have the same programme. We’re always looking at latest experience, but everything packs away into a trends, so we’ve included modules on things

ute at the end. Across NSW, we deliver programmes to nearly 300,000 students each year. Nationally, we currently reach around 700,000 students a year. You'll be visiting Uralla with a new van on November 11 and 12. How much are you looking forward to this? I can’t wait! I love coming home. We’re launching our revamped mobile learning centre in Uralla. One of our partners, Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, helped refresh our van in the region, which is fantastic. Final say … We’re hoping to engage as many Life Education graduates as possible, so if any of your readers or their children have a story to share about their experience with Life Education and Healthy Harold, we’d love to hear from them. Life Education is a non-profit organisation, so we’re always looking for people to support us in reaching more young Australians. We receive some government funding, but we’re always happy to receive donations from individuals or businesses to support us in regional areas. Thanks Jonathon. For more info about Life Education NSW or to get in touch, please visit: lifeeducation.org.au New England focus. 5

focusinterview.

Annie Harris and Rechelle Leahy, RegionalCollab.

Rechelle Leahy’s advocacy for rural, regional and remote Australia through the National Rural Women’s Coalition and her business, RegionalCollab has been acknowledged recently, as she has been named on The Australian Financial Review’s “100 Women of Influence List”. Rechelle is a hardworking dynamo - and a fluent and influential spokesperson for our area …

i Rechelle. What’s your background in the New England area? I was born in Wollongong, and my family and I moved to Walcha when I was about 13. My family were in the hotel industry - my father bought a hotel in Walcha, so I was there for many years. I started school at the New England Girls’ School, and subsequently attend the University of New England, where I studied law. I moved away to Canberra for work; initially I worked with the Migration Review Tribunal in administrative law for several years, and then I was moved across to the Department of Finance and Adminstration, as it was called at that time. When my husband and I wanted to have children, we decided to buy a hotel! So, my life basically came full circle, back to where I had started … We bought a pub in Barraba, and we had two boys - who are now nine and 11. A couple of years into running the Commercial Hotel in Barraba, Allistair, my husband, was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, and he subsequently passed away. At that time, my “advocacy gene” kicked in … I was kept busy with the children and being a patient advocate in the rural, regional and remote health system for Allistair. We have some specific challenges in “RRR” Australia with regard to health services and cancer treatment. I moved back to Walcha just before Allistair passed away, as I needed the support of friends and family around me. Part of my advocacy work at the time involved the medicinal cannabis campaign with Lucy 6 New England focus.

Haslam. Lucy’s son, Dan, and Allistair had cancer treatment together, and we became proponents of medicinal cannabis as a more humane way of managing pain relief for cancer patients. My home base these days is the Armidale area; I live on 20 acres outside of town. You were recently named on The Australian Financial Review’s “100 Women of Influence List”. How did you feel when you found out about this? I was really honoured to be included. About 18 months ago, a business colleague and I tendered for the Regional Employment Trial through the Department of Jobs (which is now known as the Department of Employment Small and Family Business). The Regional Employment Trial was to bring a bucket of one million dollars to our northern inland region to work on getting people back into paid employment, through partnerships with job providers such as Jobs Link Plus and Best Employment. After winning that contract, I met Carmen Garcia, who put together a project with the Costa Group in Guyra; we’ve been working together to assist our Yazidi refugees in finding work. Carmen was the kind person who nominated me! I accepted the nomination, and never really thought much more about it, to be honest … until I received an email in September saying I’d made it on to the list! It totally blew me away. The women on the list are so amazing … you have the likes of Dr Kerryn Phelps, and Kate Carnell in Public Policy. My own category was Local and Regional, and that contains some wonderful women as well. Other categories include Technology, Entrepreneurship, Public Policy, Diversity and

Inclusion, and it will Essentially, we work be simply amazing to to find co-funding The women on the list are connect with all of opportunities for people, so amazing … you have these people and speak so we work with grant the likes of Dr Kerryn with them about the funders, we create Phelps, and Kate work they’re doing. As funding strategies, and Carnell in Public a category finalist, I’ll help people build their Policy. My own category be heading down to projects or business plan, was Local and Regional, and the gala awards night so they can push their that contains some wonderful in Sydney on October ideas forward. We talk women as well. 22nd, and I’m so to people across all levels excited to be able to of funding and help to meet these women! find new revenue streams On a local level, you’re involved with the for businesses; for example, philanthropic organisation RegionalCollab. What’s your partnerships, strategic sponsorships and role with this business? partnerships, and accelerator and incubator RegionalCollab seeks to make a genuine programmes - such as the Smart Region impact in development in regional Australia Incubator. RegionalCollab is a member of through regional collaboration. It was clear the SRI here, and that has been a wonderful that there were a lot of people in rural, opportunity for us to be able to help people. regional and remote Australia who had great What’s the driving force behind ideas, but weren’t necessarily sure how to get everything you do? these ideas off the ground. The driving force for me is bringing about The skills I’d learned working in Canberra, social change and social benefit. I’m really such as strategy development, project passionate that rural, regional and remote management, and procurement, came into Australia continues to thrive. The basis of play here too. my advocacy work with the National Rural Essentially, my business partner and I, Annie Women’s Coalition has been about making Harris, had been discussing this for some sure I’m able to amplify the voices of rural, time prior to forming RegionalCollab; we regional and remote women specifically but realised there was a really good opportunity more broadly across the board, we’re doing to help rural, regional and remote Australia that with businesses and young entrepreneurs to build social and economic capital. We’re as well. both really passionate about living in rural I’m passionate about talking with the Australia - which is obviously going through a government and letting them know that RRR tough time at the moment with the drought. Australia has amazing capacity - we have Annie and I want to keep pushing the positive tremendous skills and abilities - but we need approach in trying to build regional Australia the government to continue to provide the - acknowledging that even though times are infrastructure and funding, so we can grow tough, there are still so many positive people and thrive. around with great ideas that we can assist. Thanks Rechelle.

focuscontributor

W I T H R O S S F R O M D A I LY R I T U A L A R M I D A L E

Blend month of the

Rachel Riordan - NRMA Business Insurance Specialist

WHAT IS

WATER

Decaf Coffee?

The Swiss Water Process (SWP) is a non-solvent method for decaffeinating unroasted coffee beans introduced by Coffex in 1979 and was, at that time, the only commercial decaffeination method that did not use solvents.

he Swiss Water Process has quickly become one of the most popular methods of decaffeinating specialty coffee. It is not so called because the water itself is Swiss, but instead because the process was developed in Switzerland.

Call in to and have a personalised chat to the locally connected team at the privately-owned Armidale NRMA. Marilyn, Sandra, Brooke, Kylie and Rachel have a combined experience of 50 years in the insurance industry. The staff are dedicated to helping people tailor our insurance policies to their needs, so they have peace of mind when the unexpected happens. They have extensive knowledge and passion for providing great customer service, going above and beyond to help our customers, as well as sponsoring local charities and community initiatives such as The Women’s Refuge, and Can-Assist, just to name a couple. Let Our Business Help Yours Rachel’s extensive experience has led her to specialise in insuring businesses. She is passionate

about offering a policy that can be tailored to suit businesses, so customers can feel confident knowing they have the right coverage for them. This coverage extends to tradespeople, small businesses, retail and professionals, offering cover for liability, tools of trade, personal accident and illness, business interruption and much more. We look forward to helping our Armidale and surrounding community with all their insurance needs at our local offices in Armidale, Tamworth and Gunnedah. To make a face to face appointment at the local Armidale office, email Rachel direct on fsc_rachel. riordan@iag.com.au or phone on the number below. Come in and see why help is who we are, Shop 42, Armidale Plaza, or phone 6771 1322. Locals Looking After Locals.

Most people who drink decaffeinated coffee do so because it doesn’t make them jittery or keep them awake. But some believe it’s better for them than regular coffee - even though coffee has been cleared of nearly all health charges, and may actually be beneficial.

One common side eﬀect

What are the side effects of decaffeinated coffee?

The Swiss Water One common side of drinking coﬀee is process uses effect of drinking heartburn or acid reﬂux. WATER, making coffee is heartburn MANY PEOPLE the process more or acid reflux. Many EXPERIENCE THIS, environmentally people experience AND DRINKING friendly, whilst being this, and drinking DECAF COFFEE chemically free and decaf coffee MAY RELIEVE THIS still removing 99.9% may relieve this UNCOMFORTABLE of the caffeine. SIDE EFFECT. uncomfortable side Because the Swiss effect. Decaf coffee Water decaffeination has been shown to process is chemicalcause significantly free, Swiss Water Decaf is the healthiest less acid reflux than regular coffee. of choices when it comes to choosing At Daily Ritual we have the Swiss your decaf coffee Water Process (SWP) coffee available. Is decaf coffee healthier than regular coffee?

Where

Also, we do not charge extra for decaffeinated coffee.

Find out more about other quality blends at www.dailyritual.com.au New England focus. 7

focus_What’s On New England

N O V E M B E R

UNE International Culture Fest The festival is taking place across a variety of locations in Armidale from Friday 1st November to Sunday 3rd November. Activities include Balinese Dance workshops, lantern-making workshops, Chinese Calligraphy and Henna workshops, Indian film screening at Belgrave Cinema, International food stalls and more. The festival night on Saturday 2nd November will be a key highlight. It is happening at Curtis and Civic Park from 5:30pm. More info Head to the FB event page for more info https://www.facebook.com/events/1388985384600576/

2 0 1 9

The Armidale Waldorf School Spring Fair

ADFAS Tamworth November Lecture Freedom of Angels - Sculpture in a Century of Upheaval - Geoffrey Edwards. In the spirit of Michelangelo’s remark about “seeing an angel in a block of marble and carving until I set him free”, so too has the story of modern sculpture been a process by which artists have discovered new purpose, meaning and motifs in the materials and processes of the modern industrial world.

First Saturday Chats Our next obligation free legal advice program First Saturday chats will be hosted by Elizabeth Stahlut (Senior Solicitor) at the Legal Minds offices at 157 Beardy Street, Armidale between 10am and 1pm on 2nd November. As this is a popular programme, bookings are essential on 6788 1100 or by email at contactus@legalminds.com.au

Forster-Tuncurry Lakeside Festival

Featuring headline acts GANGgajang, Round Mountain Girls, Floyd Vincent & The Temple Dogs, The Swamp Stompers and The Big Fins, enjoy local street food, drinks, art, music and community for a festival not to be missed. When Saturday, November 2nd from noon. Where John Wright Park, Tuncurry. Tickets $25 online or $35 at the gate. www.lakesidefestival.com.au

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This is a fun-tastic day out for the whole family, with live music, delicious curries, yummy cakes, fun activities, beautiful crafts and lots, lots more! When Saturday 16th November from 10am - 3pm. Where The Armidale Waldorf School and Boongaiai Preschool, 278 Rockvale Road, Armidale.

When 6pm, Friday 8th November. Where Passchendaele Room, Tamworth War Memorial Town Hall. Guests welcome; $28 per person. Enquiries 0412 658 666. adfas.tamworth@gmail.com

13 ADFAS Armidale November Lecture

Yehudi Menuhin: Prodigy and Phenomenon Philip Bailey

The Monster Energy PBR Iron Cowboy 2019

For two decades Phillip Bailey was Menuhin’s personal assistant. The presentation traces the chronology of a remarkable career in performance and the events and the characters helping to shape a life dedicated to the pursuit of utopian perfection in the art of music.

For one-night only, some of the best bull riders in the world will battle the sport’s toughest bovine athletes. The thrilling eight-second rides and heart-stopping wrecks make the PBR’s Monster Energy Tour the toughest sport on dirt and one HUGE night that you won’t want to miss.

When 6pm, Wednesday 13th November. Where Michael Hoskins Centre, TAS. Guests welcome; $25 per person. Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/BAQDS Enquiries (02) 6772 6441, adfasarmidale@bigpond.com

When Saturday 23rd November; doors open 6pm for 7:30pm. Where AELEC, Tamworth. Tickets https://entertainmentvenues.com.au/events/1031/ The_Monster_Energy_PBR_Iron_Cowboy_-_2019/

focusinterview.

BRONTE EDEN Uralla-based musician Bronte Eden has recently been making a name for herself with her single, “LAZY SUNDAY”, WHICH IS GROWING IN POPULARITY ON MUSIC PLATFORM SPOTIFY. Hot off the heels of this success, Bronte is set to release an EP on November 18 - don’t miss it!

bronte eden

i Bronte. What’s your association with the New England area ... are you a long-term local? I have lived in Uralla for 13 years now, but I am originally from Newcastle. I moved here when I was six years old, so I spent most of my childhood in this area. When/how did your interest in musical performance begin? Since a young age, I’ve had a passion for music. Artists such as Missy Higgins and Stevie Nicks, who I grew up idolising, inspired me to become part of the music industry. I was part of many choirs and music groups growing up whilst also taking vocal lessons, which helped me gain confidence in my voice. I began performing locally when I was 12 years old and have found a great support network within our community. What musical instruments can you play? Growing up I’ve played ukulele, piano, drums and bass; however, I am now focusing more on my bass skills. You released your first single earlier this year - Lazy Sunday. How has it been received?

Lazy Sunday has point, whilst containing The EP explores multiple been successful in a poetic flair. themes, such as love, hate, gaining attention I poured my heart betrayal and innocence. The from both national into this EP and hope songs are full of emotion and international my honesty and love is and straight to the point, music labels, which received well. whilst containing a poetic has been a dream for It has taken a while flair. I poured my heart into this me. to get here, but all EP and hope my honesty and It was a slow start, good things are worth love is received well. but my single is now waiting for. I am very also beginning to gain excited to share it with popularity on Spotify, you all. being added to both private and official What are your favourite tracks to Spotify playlists. perform - and why? The feedback I’ve gotten has also been At the moment I love to perform Lady wonderful and super insightful, helping me Gaga and Lana Del Ray pieces, because I am grow as an artist. so familiar with their songs and my voice You’re also about to drop an EP in suits their music style … Although in the November. Tell us a bit about it ... how past, I have been known for performing many tracks are being released, and is many Dixie Chicks and Adele pieces live. there a common theme that tie them all What are some of your upcoming gigs? together? You can see me perform live at The Black My new EP is called Wasn’t Meant To Be Gully Festival on the 9th November. and will be released on 18th November. It From then until the end of the year will have ballads and pop tunes that all tie though, I will be pretty full on with to my experiences in life so far and how travelling and work; however, next year they’ve helped me grow. I will definitely have a few performances The EP explores multiple themes, such back to back. as love, hate, betrayal and innocence. The If you’d like to know when and where songs are full of emotion and straight to the you can see me live, then definitely follow

my social media for all the updates Where to next for you and your music ... what are your dreams? In the near future I will start to get my music on the radio, which is really exciting. I will also begin to work on new music to share with the world and hopefully start to collaborate with other artists from this area. My dream is to connect with others and share my stories and experiences through music. I feel as though letting others know that they aren’t alone in their journey is really important. I hope people will be able to feel the emotion in my lyrics and relate to the messages I convey. I would love to tour some day and meet my fans, to let them know in person how much they mean to me. I would also love to work on an album in the future as well, but for now I’m going to keep focusing on my current music and making a name for myself. Where can we download/purchase your music and follow your journey? You can find my music on Spotify and keep up to date with new music, videos, gigs and more at my Facebook page and Instagram: “Bronte Eden Music”. Thanks Bronte. New England focus. 9

focusinterview.

More than just saddles, Glenn Davis’ work can be described as handcrafted pieces of art … EACH SADDLE IS CREATED WITH SO MUCH CARE, SKILL AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL, THEY RIGHTLY DESERVE THE AWARDS THEY’VE WON. Glenn and wife Victoria have been around horses all their lives; they have a true insight into what not only is comfortable and works well for riders, but for their mounts …

10 New England focus.

focusinterview.

i Glenn. What’s your background in the Tamworth region ... and specifically, what brought you and Victoria to Hallsville? I grew up here! Hallsville has always been home for me. This is where my father is. My workshop adjoins our house, so everything I need is in one place. Victoria moved back to Tamworth after a long stint in Sydney, returning home to the more relaxed country lifestyle. With a background in show riding, competing in many Royal Easter shows, it was inevitable that we would come together - and together we are a formidable team. What’s your relationship with horses? Horses are such a large part of our lives - not only with the business, but also as part of our family. They are such gentle animals. All of our children have grown up riding and loved being around them - not without some lengthy argu-

I love creating such a beautiful

Our saddles are built to ments about whose horse piece of craftsmanship, but for last the longest days in the is whose! the working man/woman. The outback, whatever terrain They each have their saddles are hand crafted, and job at hand. own personality, and it’s and it’s rewarding What types saddles do great to develop special knowing they are going you make ... can you relationships with each of to be put to work. Our accommodate different them as we break them saddles are built to last the riding styles, such as in and watch them grow longest days in the outback, dressage, eventing, and compete. whatever terrain and job at hand. western? How did you get into We currently make a the business of crafting traditional stock saddle, beautiful leather but the more versatile and saddles? popular style is the fender saddle. Both saddles I don’t think I could’ve escaped being a saddle cross all borders - used for show riding, polomaker. I had the privilege of learning alongside crosse, ASHLA classes and camp drafting. my father, whom I watched day in and day out The hardest customer is the working horseas a child craft the most amazing “Stockman’s man - the customer who spends 12 to 14 hours Thrones”. He’s 82 now, and his stitching to this a day, rain, hail or shine, in the saddle. Our day is impeccable. saddles need to keep on giving. If the saddle is I love creating such a beautiful piece of craftsnot comfortable for the horse or the rider - we manship, but for the working man / woman. haven’t done our job. The saddles are hand crafted, and it’s rewardHow does your ordering process work ... do ing knowing they are going to be put to work. customers order custom saddles, or do you keep a variety of saddles in stock? Each saddle is hand crafted and custom made to the rider’s measurements. We aren’t looking to produce the most; we are looking to produce the best. Where do you source the leather used in your work? All of our leather is sourced from Australian importers, which comes from England, and other leather comes from America. How long would a saddle typically take you to make? Typically, we turn around one fender saddle in two weeks - that includes making the tree from scratch. A traditional stock saddle takes four weeks, which is all hand crafted and hand stitched, and

takes a lot of patience and precision. While we do have those typical turnaround times, no saddle goes out unless I would use it myself - so in essence, it takes as long as it takes. What are some of the tools in your workshop you couldn’t be without? A round knife, which made it from England, given to me by my father. I couldn’t do without my best mate, our red cattle dog, Fred, who sits at my feet every day in the workshop - he’s a lousy assistant though! What are some of the accolades or acknowledgements you’ve received for your work? We are deeply passionate about our craft, and each year we enter a saddle into the Sydney Royal Easter show in the Arts and Crafts Pavilion, to ensure we keep our craft alive. In 2018, we were humbled to receive the Frances Binnie Memorial Perpetual Trophy for Standard of Excellence, which is awarded to the most meritorious exhibit in the Arts and Crafts Pavilion. What are your plans for working with horses and saddle making moving into the New Year? At the moment we are just focusing on taking one step at a time! Unfortunately, the drought has been savage to lots of people in the region. We’re moving forward slowly but surely. Each day is a day closer to rain, and we are praying for rain for everyone. What’s the best way for us to contact you/ find out more about what you do? To order, call me (Glenn) on 0427 933 554, or check us out on Facebook and Instagram @ davissaddles Thanks Glenn. Photo of saddle on left hand page courtesy of Steve Gonsalves Photographics. New England focus. 11

kennards hire

It’s on again! The world’s fastest rally car drivers return to the Coffs Coast for Kennards Hire Rally Australia from 14 - 17 November - and again one will go home as the 2019 World Champion. One of the greatest contests in world motorsport will be finalised on the forestry and rural roads of this beautiful region. Organisers and fans are hoping the WRC season finale will go down to the wire, as it did in 2018.

ast November, Sébastien Ogier, Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak arrived Down Under, all with a chance of scooping the driver’s title, in a scenario that hadn’t occurred for many years. They battled throughout the weekend, until Neuville and Tänak dropped out on the final morning and it was left for Ogier to climb the podium and claim his trophy after the last stage on the last day on the last rally of the season. Incredible! Yes, for Ogier and the fans, but heartbreaking for his rivals. Experts said it couldn’t happen again, but it has - because the WRC is the most unpredictable series in motorsport. The same trio - Ogier for Citroën, Neuville for Hyundai and Tänak for Toyota - has traded blows all season, and each driver has had a turn at the top of the standings. The Estonian Tänak has held the advantage as the season winds down, but just when he thought the prize might be in the bag, Ogier boosted his own chances of a seventh-straight title with an heroic comeback win in Turkey. After Great Britain, just three points stood between Tänak and his maiden title, along with only a slim chance of wrapping it up at the penultimate round in Spain. Now we wait to see how the Estonian, the Frenchman and the Belgian are placed as the WRC arrives here for its grand finale. Many hazards and challenges lie in wait to spoil their party. The only certainty is ... uncertainty. WHAT’S THE WRC ALL ABOUT?

It’s often called the Gravel Grand Prix, because it’s the equivalent of Formula 1, the pinnacle of the sport. The leading teams represent the world’s 12 New England focus.

biggest auto makers, Toyota, Hyundai, Citroën, Ford - which for marketing glory invest tens of millions of dollars to enter cars that start as $20,000 urban runabouts and end as fire-breathing forest racers costing almost $1 million. Yet the cars must remain able and legal to be driven on the road, and they’re a common sight in Coffs Harbour traffic when transiting between stages during the rally. Rally crews - driver and co-driver (navigator) - race one at a time against the clock at Kennards Hire Rally Australia over 325 km of “special stages” of varying distance and terrain, from Thursday to Sunday. The crew with the fastest overall time wins the event and earns the most points for their championship tally. Unlike circuit racing, rally crews are allowed no high-speed practice or qualifying in their cars. Route reconnaissance is done in non-competition cars within the usual speed limits; “pace” notes compiled by the co-driver during this exercise are all that’s available to guide the driver when the light goes green. It’s a recipe for breathtaking displays of wheel skill and bravery and incredibly close competition as drivers trade blows on successive runs. The wild card is any sort of incident from a spectacular rollover to a mere puncture to a mechanical failure that costs time. The fightbacks can be enthralling. WHAT TO SEE AT RALLY AUSTRALIA

Rally Show and Ceremonial Start (Thursday 14th November, 3:30pm, Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore. FREE.) The traditional event preview is the place to meet the drivers, grab a selfie or an autograph and check out the amazing cars up-close.

Cars are flagged across November - Sunday Unlike circuit racing, rally 17th November, all the ramp to officially start crews are allowed no day, multiple locations. the rally. high-speed practice or TICKET REQUIRED. Destination NSW Super qualifying in their cars. CORPORATE Special Stage (Thursday Route reconnaissance is HOSPITALITY 14th November, first done in non-competition AVAILABLE.) car 4:30pm; Friday cars within the usual There are excellent 15th November, first speed limits; “pace” notes viewing spots every day car 5pm; Coffs Harbour compiled by the co-driver where you can enjoy Jetty Foreshore. TICKET during this exercise are all the true, traditional REQUIRED. CORPORATE that’s available to guide rally experience of HOSPITALITY AVAILABLE.) the driver when the light rally cars sliding past, The rally comes to goes green. up-close at hair-raising town for the Destination speed. The highlight is NSW Super Special Stage the NSW Forests Rally around a 1.3 km course Village on Sunday’s flanked by harbour and Wedding Bells stage, which witnesses the ocean. The hill in front of the former Deep event fi nale and podium presentation. Check Sea Fishing Club allows excellent elevated the Spectator Guide on the rally offi cial viewing of most of the course as cars website for times, locations, maps, ticket negotiate jumps, a water splash and tight prices and even bus timetables for those who turns. It’s the rally’s spectating highlight. don’t want to drive from town. The spectator Pedders Rally Central (Thursday 14th points have all facilities, some including November - Sunday 17th November, open commentary. all day and evening, C.ex Coffs International BUY KENNARDS HIRE RALLY AUSTRALIA Stadium. FREE.) The competitors’ service park is where cars TICKETS AT WWW.TICKETEK.COM - and crews - are replenished and repaired ROCK down memory lane with legendary during timed breaks from the competition band DRAGON, who’ll perform a free concert stages. See some of the world’s best for holders of four-day Ultimate Get Me mechanics perform incredible feats in record Everywhere tickets. Supported by local acts time. Pedders Rally Central also is where you’ll D’Boyzos and Kailey Pallas, the show starts buy event and team souvenirs, top yourself up at 6:30pm on Saturday night at Pedders Rally at the Taste of the World international food Central. Dragon’s set will be preceded by the festival and Coopers Bar, watch all-day rally highly-entertaining Meet-the-Crews session, action on the big screens, visit trade displays, when the day’s top three drivers and their see the leading drivers interviewed on stage team bosses will be interviewed on stage. and, best of all, catch Saturday night’s free Grab some food from the Taste of the World DRAGON concert (for four-day ticket-holders). international food fair, adjacent to the concert Daytime Special Stages (Friday 15th area.

, S E T A M E H T Y Y L L I L M A A R F E RALLY TH MPIONSHIP A RALLY CH D L R O W FI A FOR THE

INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL

WRC SHOWDOWN | DNSW SUPER SPECIAL STAGE RALLY SHOW | DAILY SPECTATOR POINTS PEDDERS RALLY CENTRAL | SUNDAY RALLY VILLAGE

New England focus. 13

Gallery 126 presents “Softwired”, new works by Tony Sevil, which opens on Friday 15th November @ 5pm. Tony is a Uralla based artist who has previously exhibited with the gallery. He describes his latest body of work …

S O F T W I R E D B Y

have titled my latest exhibition at Gallery 126 Softwired the definition of which is “learned from experience”, as against hardwired, which means “genetically programmed”. Perhaps I could have just called it “Wired”, but I guess over my 74 years I have picked up a bit of knowledge. And, I don’t see myself as an aggro person. So - Softwired. I grew up on the North West Plains of NSW, and then the Slopes. Wire was always part of farm life of course, whether coiled or just lying about. Actually, I find wire rather inflexible to work with. It is sort of good cursing material. In this exhibition I have a number of wire pieces. Apart from a love of working with found materials, I have possibly been influenced by an uncle, a man who could repair just about anything with wire. I have my grandmother’s round cedar table, the legs of which he repaired with found timber and wire. In more recent times I have found a much more satisfying use for wire, just as I have for Meccano, which as a child I found very frustrating. I was not good at following instructions, just as I am not good at following recipes. Recently I found some old pieces of my Meccano that my mother had saved. I had another crack at construction, and I am rather pleased with my adult child structure Meccano.

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I like to have variety in my creative life, and this exhibition is rather an eclectic mix - wall hangings and sculptures that incorporate wire, as well as drawings and paintings. In recent years I have taken a greater interest in drawing and painting. Some works are influenced by travels in the outback. Others are memories of doodling on blotter pads while “doing time” in unfulfilling office jobs in the past. It is hard to know what artists have influenced my work. There are many artists whose works have caught my eye - sometimes just glimpses of something in a work that I expect feed into the subconscious. But, I do know one artist’s work that I love. Well, he is not actually an artist artist. He is a cartoonist - Michael Leunig. I feel my piece, Journeys, has a Leunig feel to it. I guess these days there is quite a bit of whimsy in my work, and I hope I am finding my own sensibility. But I do know that the thoughts and whimsy of Leunig are very important in my life. Perhaps I am giving more thought to my work these days. Art has always been a kind of meditation - a sort of play with the elements I find. In this exhibition, some of my pieces reference my “earthly” concerns. I am so concerned with what we are doing to our home, our

T O N Y

S E V I L

beautiful planet. I was horrified to see the fires in the “lungs of the earth”, the Amazon rainforest (Burning) and also the destruction of forests for palm oil monoculture in Indonesia, where the habitat of the orangutan, and who knows how many other animals, is being devastated. And here in our own country, we are still clearing vast amounts of land … on the most arid continent on earth. There seems to be so much hate. So many people have been displaced by ethnic and religious wars. (Grief/despair/hunger and Long Road.) We are really testing our planet’s resilience. We have weakened it. (Fragility.) I pray that we will learn to care for it and live simply and harmoniously with it. (Rhythm.) I also have a special collaboration in this exhibition. Noted Author Sophie Masson and her husband, David Leach visited for lunch one day. I showed her my studio. She had an immediate response to two paintings I had done of birds, one of which she bought. She responded so strongly, because five years ago she had written a poem, titled Wings, which was published in the famous children’s literary magazine, The School Magazine. I have displayed my other painting (Flight 1) with her poem, Wings. Thanks Tony.

focusinterview.

Recycle for SIGHT

Julie Fleck, President of Peel Valley Lions Club, is proud to be involved with the Recycle for Sight project … a project that provides much needed glasses for men, women and children around the world who would otherwise not have access to such assistance. Julie explains just how the project works …

hat is the “Lions Recycle for Sight” project? The Lions Recycle for Sight project collects donations of used eye glasses for refurbishment and distribution to disadvantaged communities around the world. The project has been operating in Australia for 26 years, and in that time has donated over seven million pairs to humanitarian organisations for men, women and children who otherwise would not have access to these resources. A pair of glasses may mean that a child can now read the blackboard at school and participate in class, or a mother can now provide for her family because she can participate in the workforce. Every pair of glasses donated has the potential to give the gift of sight. Lions Clubs worldwide are advocates for vision, with Recycle for Sight just one of many fantastic projects changing the lives of people around the world. How long have the Peel Valley Lions Club been involved with this project? The club has been collecting eye glasses from local optometrists for a number of years, but this year is the first we’ve had the ability to process donations locally. We’re hoping it’s the start of a long-term project of the club for many years to come. The club has recently received two eye glass grading machines. How are these machines used to recycle old glasses ... and do they need qualified operators to operate them? The machines are fully automated, requiring no qualifications and very little skill from the

operator. Each machine outputs measurements our members put into everything they do, with for the sphere, cylinder, axis and prism of the Lions Recycle for Sight project no excepeach lens - in layman’s term, the prescription tion. strength. Following a thorough cleaning and How/where can FOCUS readers donate inspection, each pair of glasses are packaged their used glasses to the project? with the prescription details and boxed, ready We have a designated drop off point at Eye for a new lease on life. Care Plus Tamworth on Peel Street for those Currently, Peel Valley in the area, and most Lions has processed Australian optometrists over 2,000 pairs of also take donations. glasses for redistriAlternatively, contact The club has been bution. Where do the club directly, and we collecting eye glasses these glasses go when can arrange for someone from local optometrists they’ve been proto come and pick them for a number of years, cessed? up. All donations are but this year is the first After they’ve been gratefully received, and we’ve had the ability graded, we package we’re especially interestto process donations the glasses into boxes, ed in receiving children’s locally. We’re hoping it’s the usually Lions Christmas glasses at this time. start of a long-term project of Cake boxes, and post Prescription sunglasses the club for many years to come. them to the Queensland also accepted. Unforheadquarters. From tunately, we are unable there, they are donated process multifocal lenses. to various humanitarian We also cannot repair organisations and distributed around the world broken glasses and have no use for cases. in conjunction with eye examinations from The club recently held a working bee over qualified optometrists. the October long weekend. How did it go? Every recipient is matched with a pair of It went really well. We processed over 1,000 glasses best suited to their individual vision pairs of glasses - 1014 to be exact - but the requirements. The club recently received a visit main purpose of the working bee was to raise from a Lion who had been on the distribuawareness of the project and give people the tion end of the donated glasses, and it was opportunity to help. We ran it in conjunction heart-warming to hear of the impact these with the Driver Reviver that was open over glasses could make on people. It’s stories like the weekend, so travellers could see the eye these, of lives that have been changed for the glass grading in action while they enjoyed their better, than motivates us to keep trying to coffees. spread the word about the project, to get as We were overwhelmed with the response many people involved as possible. we received from the community and the interI’m really proud of the club and the work est the project generated, so it’s looking really

positive for the future of the project. Fingers crossed that those who stopped by on their travels felt inspired by the work we were doing and can help spread the message far and wide. Are you still actively seeking volunteers to assist with the Recycle for Sight project ... and if people are interested, how do they get involved? We currently have a backlog of glasses and are desperate for volunteers to help us work through them. It costs nothing to be involved in the project, and every pair of glasses has the potential to change someone’s life. We try to make our working bees fun and social, recently sharing a carrot cake for good eye health. We are always happy to welcome anyone willing to help and aim to hold working bees once a month at a variety of venues around Tamworth. Keep an eye out on our Facebook or Instagram pages for details of our next event. Where can we find out more info about Peel Valley Lions AND Recycle for Sight? Recycle for Sight has a feature on the Lions Australia website under health activities, with information on how you can donate your used glasses to the project. A Facebook page is currently under construction. The Peel Valley Lions Facebook Page and Instagram are packed full of details of our current projects and where you can find us. We’re a friendly bunch, and we love to welcome guests to our club. We hold club meetings twice a month, with guests welcome to attend. Contact the club via Facebook or Instagram for more information. Alternatively, contact us at: secretarypeelvalleylions@gmail.com Thanks Julie. New England focus. 15

LEVEL 5 WATER

water strategies SMART

RESTRICTIONS Help our community avoid DAY ZERO.

ACT NOW

Small changes can make a big difference.

160L PER PERSON PER DAY

armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/savewater 16 New England focus.

KEY TO BUSINESS RESILIENCE

Armidale Regional Council is working with high water use businesses and the broader business community to develop stronger water saving measures during drought to ensure our region remains resilient and open for business.

ike a number of towns and cities in regional “We don’t know when the drought will break and what NSW, the Armidale region is experiencing the future will bring, but for now our goal is to sustain the effects of unprecedented drought business and work together to save water.” conditions. Water restrictions are critical Council has identified the region’s top water users and is to protect the Armidale region’s vibrant working one-on-one with those organisations to develop a community. Residents and businesses need to Water Saving Action Plan and reduce water use by up to 25 take responsibility for aggressive water percent. The plan includes a free audit of the conservation at Level 5 to extend the business to identify opportunities for water supply as long as possible until water saving, access to a business the next major rain event. As the water utility rebate scheme, water saving Armidale Regional Council Mayor Cr Council’s role now is not to promotional pack and ongoing Simon Murray said that now is the time shut businesses down that support to reduce water consumption. to act and review how you use water in use too much water, but The broader business community your business, to identify water saving to help those businesses to is also being asked to save water and strategies. become smarter and more will be invited to industry workshops “We are assisting businesses to resilient. to share water saving ideas and pledge develop innovative strategies to become a commitment to water conservation. smarter water users,” said Cr Murray. Businesses that utilise outside “As the water utility Council’s role watering and have previously applied now is not to shut businesses down that for an exemption must re-submit an application form under use too much water, but to help those businesses to become level 5 restrictions and demonstrate that they are developing smarter and more resilient. strategies to reduce outside water use. Application forms are “I am confident that by modifying our behaviour and attitude to water and implementing changes now, we will be available on the Council website or from Council’s Customer Service Centres in Armidale and Guyra. far better placed to deal with current and future droughts.

Photos courtesy of Jodie Adams Photography.

focusinterview.

i Samuel. How long have you called Guyra home ... and what led you to live there in the first place? I was born and bred in Guyra and raised on a property whose enterprise is predominantly Merino sheep and a few head of cattle. I moved away at one point to work up north on a cattle property and also down south to a large sheep station, but after that I decided to call Guyra home again. Why did you decide to become a rodeo protection athlete (rodeo clown)? In the last few years of school, I decided I wanted to be a Bullfighter - or Rodeo Protection Athlete, as it is formally known. My neighbour at the time, Dan Klabe, was a retired bullfighter, and seeing photos of him really piqued my interest in wanting to see what this sport was all about. After leaving bullfighting behind, Dan got into contracting bulls, so he held practice days out at this place - which then set me on the right path. How long have you been a rodeo protection athlete ... and how many rodeos do you estimate you've worked at? I started under the watchful eye of Dan back in 2009/2010 with practice days at first, and then worked my way up to affiliated events. Over the last few years I have averaged around 20 shows per year. You must have some interesting stories to share with your rodeo experience ... what occasions stand out in your mind as being particularly hectic/ eventful? Hectic events come all the time playing this game. Nothing specifically stands out, but the main thing I take away from each event is remembering the hits I took

for the bull riders and how I got them safely out of the to go home that night. Being on the rodeo scene has situation. allowed me to make lifelong mates, and being able to I’m always working on myself and how I could get them out of situations safely is all the motivation I improve, so after each show I usually go through photos/ need - knowing I did a good job. videos and deconstruct everything to make sure I was in A lot of the rodeos I do are junior rodeos, and the right place at the right time and watching the young boys and girls if not, then thinking of how I can doing what they love just inspires improve. me to keep up the work I’m doing. What injuries (if any) have you It’s been a privilege watching these sustained as a result of your young fellas grow up. A lot of the rodeos I do are rodeo work? If someone is reading this junior rodeos, and watching With injuries I’ve actually been interview who's interested in the young boys and girls extremely lucky, only sporting a few becoming a bullfighter - what doing what they love minor ones. Don’t get me wrong advice would you give them? just inspires me to keep it’s always in the back of my mind My advice would be to contact a up the work I’m doing. - but when us bullfighters step into bull contractor and hit them up for It’s been a privilege watching the arena, we have to put that fear some practice days, to see if you these young fellas grow up. of getting hurt aside. If you do dwell have the heart. This is definitely on it, it will affect your ability to something not everyone can do. perform at full potential. Practice days might have an But at the end of the day, it’s not Open Bullfighter present but if when I get hurt - it’s how bad. This not, see if you can line one up to is the risk we run when putting ourselves on the line to come and watch you. They will be able to provide some save the cowboys. hints and tips. Being a rodeo protection athlete must be incredibly There are also Protection Bullfighter schools all over physically demanding. How do you keep yourself the country. I have attended a couple, and they helped fit? me fine tune my skills. Fighting bulls won’t come to you Fitness is certainly an important factor when overnight. It’s something that you need to commit to and bullfighting. I don’t exactly workout or anything like that, learn from every near-miss and hit. but with farm contacting being my main source of work, Where/when are some of your upcoming events? this in itself keeps me fit. Unfortunately, this drought has affected a few rodeos Given it's such a challenging job - what keeps you but to see what is in your local area, look up the ABCRA motivated to do it? website - which will provide dates and locations of rodeo Motivation for me comes from knowing that I have events. helped a cowboy get out of the arena and them getting Thanks Samuel. New England focus. 17

fad, ﬁction or hero in the waiting?

Brisk Pop Up in Armidale! Have you made the trip up to Guyra to visit Brisk Trading? Or do you struggle to find the time to head up the hill? Well, struggle no more - Brisk is coming to Armidale! We’re popping up in the old DJ’s Foodie Bliss store - it’s on the corner of Beardy and Faulkner Streets opposite the Post Office and Westpac Bank. We’ll be there in late November - make sure you follow us on Facebook or Instagram, to receive details and updates. So what will you find at Brisk Trading? Things! Nice things, unusual things, pretty, playful, out of the box kind of things. Things from $5 to $500. From emery boards to serving boards, silver jewellery to stripey socks, and everything in between, you’re certain to find some treasures that will get you sorted for the silly season. Or, you might find a special treat all for yourself. And if it all just seems too hard, we gift wrap, and we do gift vouchers - so really, you don’t have to worry about a thing! Check out our social media, and look us up at brisktrading.com.au - or duck up the hill to visit us at Guyra - hope to see you soon!

Aromatherapy is one of those therapies that attract attention - both good and bad attention. People who are drawn to perfume are captured by the complex and intriguing aromas of the essential oils - people who are critical of complementary therapies without scientiﬁc evidence deride aromatherapy merchants as snake-oil sellers. So, what is the truth?

rmidale author and and psychological states. Using essential online educator, Dr oils on the body’s surfaces, both skin Dr. Joy’s ‘Aromatherapy E. Joy Bowles has and internal membranes, brings relief: to for Health’ is ﬁlled been educating infections, pain and inflammation. Taking with knowledge and aromatherapists around essential oils internally, intending them to personal experiences the world on essential oil be absorbed into the blood-stream is the that are easy to read chemistry since 1991, and is launching most contentious use of essential oils at and down to earth. her easy-to-read book in Sydney on this stage in the aromatherapy story, with Ilearnt, as much as I Saturday 9th November. the greatest risk of danger. had fun! An Armidale launch is planned for There is not enough clinical evidence yet early in the new year, so watch out to support the use of all essential oils in at Reader’s Companion for details. It this way. will also be available from www.ejoybowles.com/books ”Dr. Joy’s Aromatherapy for Health is filled with knowledge alongside her more “crunchy” text, The Chemistry of and personal experiences that are easy to read and down Aromatherapeutic Oils ... The aroma of essential oils impacts to earth. I learnt, as much as I had fun!” - Monica Finazzo, on our psyche: the mind-body connection, the emotions author of the Oracle of the Essences.

Burning

miles

Local Kids Riding to Raise Funds for Bushfire Victims On Saturday 2nd November, a group of local kids will ride their bicycles from Armidale to Uralla to raise funds for those who have been affected by bush fires.

rganisers Lochie Robinson and Nathan Smith, both aged 12 and students at Armidale City Public School, saw the devastation wrought by the recent fires in Tenterfield and Ebor and wanted to do something to help. “We decided to call our ride Burning Miles, because we’ll be burning miles for people who have had miles burnt,” said Lochie. The kids have been encouraged in their efforts by the Rural Fire Service. All funds raised will be given to BlazeAid, a volunteer organisation who move into bushfire affected areas to help communities recover by activities such as rebuilding fences and other structures.

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“We’d love to support BlazeAid to thank them for everything they do to get people back on their feet after fires,” said Nathan. Lochie and Nathan have planned a route between the towns and recruited a group of kids to ride with them. They will set out from Bellevue Oval in Armidale and finish at Alma Park, Uralla. Please get behind this great initiative by donating to Account Name: Burning Miles, BSB: 032607 Account Number: 363082. Collections tins have also been left at local supermarkets, department stores, banks, newsagents, pharmacies and post offices. Cheques can be made out to “C. Robinson for Burning Miles” and sent to Burning Miles, 216 Kennedy Street, Armidale NSW 2350.

Hackathon SRI T O L A U N C H I N N E W E N G L A N D I N F E B R U A R Y

vikantha ntage

Consumer expectations of health and care services are changing, and in turn people are expecting more from legal and medical professionals to help them prepare for the later stages of their lives.

t’s no longer enough to nominate a person responsible and create a will. Individuals expect those invested in their care to understand their core values as well. ExSitu are a startup who have established themselves from within the aged care sector, and earlier this year won a hackathon event at the Smart Region Incubator in Tamworth. The event was aimed at solving complex health care challenges, and ExSitu’s team pitched a solution to reimagine the end of life experience. ExSitu have built a reflective interactive platform to help people communicate their core values. The platform translates the information into clinical documents such as Advance Care Plans, to allow a person’s care to be guided by their values, rather than purely by their clinical needs. ExSitu have been working with care providers, and in June they won a national award for Improving Consumer Choice in Aged Care. We are excited to announce that ExSitu will be returning to the Smart Region Incubator in February next year to launch their services to practitioners beyond just the aged care sector! The event will include a free educational session for legal, health aged and disability professionals, to learn about how ExSitu can help you meet changing consumer expectations. For more information, please visit www.myexsitu.com

Let your lifestyle reflect pure traditionalism with surreal vintage kantha quilts from India. THE MAGNIFICENT DESIGNS AND HAND BLOCK PRINTS HAVE BEEN METICULOUSLY DEVISED AND HANDCRAFTED by experienced artisans who hold up the Indian customs and beliefs through these vintage kantha quilts.

hese Indian handmade quilts have spectacular designs with fresh colour combinations and superior quality fabric. The pure cotton ensures a soft and comfortable experience with the vintage kantha quilts. The designs on these Indian handmade quilts are unique from each other and give a wonderful look to your room. Kantha is the ancient Indian art of stitching work - Kantha means “simple numerous running stitch”. Beautiful traditional screen printing and

100% hand stitching make these quilts an antique and extraordinary item. Few layers of fabric are sewn together with Kantha stitches, representing the unity of the quilt, and a piece of art is created. Vintage Kanthas have a variety of uses. They can be used as: •Throw •Bedspread •Wall Hanging •Wall Frame Picture •Table Cover •Furniture Upholstery These stunning quilts are available at Brisk Trading, 104 Bradley St, Guyra: 0427 321 850. New England focus. 19

social scene. Business Chamber Dinner with Dr Phillip Lowe

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P H O T O G R A P H Y

White Elephant Ball

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Fiesta La Peel

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social scene. Walcha Mountain Festival

Duval Dam Buster

L I B

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P H O T O G R A P H Y

C O O K E

P H O T O G R A P H Y

L I B

M A R T I N

P H O T O G R A P H Y

Pat Drummond Drought Relief Performance

D A V E

R O B I N S O N

P H O T O G R A P H Y

New England focus. 21

A destination for foodies Photo Credit - Global Meat News

We know you know about Tamworth’s proud country music roots, but did you know the region is also a fast-emerging foodie destination? Home to countless producers, ensuring fresh, seasonal produce is bountiful, Tamworth and surrounds’ specialties include: award-winning milk and dairy products, Rainbow Trout, raw honey, wine, and farm-to-plate fruit and vegetables.

n top of that, some of the world’s finest meat is produced in the region, including organic beef and lamb, as well as pasturereared free-range pork. Gather with friends and family to taste these magnificent ingredients on menus throughout the region over brunch, lunch, high tea or dinner. Tamworth itself is a foodie’s delight, a city that’s big on flavour and boasts a wide variety of dining experiences for all tastes. Whether you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy brunch, fantastic coffee, leisurely lunch in the sunshine, or a sophisticated dinner complete with award-winning wine list, you’re bound to find something to satisfy your cravings - the only problem will be deciding where to go! Café culture is booming in Tamworth, with plenty of choices to explore: arty café gift shops, family-friendly cafés, plus great places for business meetings and catch-ups or to simply relax, unwind and savour some homebaked treats. You can also discover cuisine inspired by the world’s great culinary traditions, including French, Thai, Japanese, Chinese, South African, Mexican, Columbian, Indian and Lebanese (just to name a few) at restaurants ranging from fine dining to street food, and everything in between! There’s also a real buzz in the Tamworth CBD, as a new wave of boutique wine, beer and whiskey bars have opened their doors. In addition to the stellar line-up of pubs and clubs, you’ve got plenty of options regardless of your tastes. And don’t forget about Tamworth’s surrounding villages, including Manilla, Barraba,

22 New England focus.

Photo Credit - Destination NSW

Nundle and Kootingal - each with a unique charm and character of its own, and beautiful and diverse food offerings around each corner. Do a day trip from Tamworth, and take in the scenery as you go - after all, life’s all about the journey, isn’t it? Explore magnificent food and drink offerings in the Tamworth region; you won’t be disappointed. Unique food and drink experiences in the Tamworth region. The Tamworth region is full of unique and wellknown food experiences; Molly May’s in Manilla think a lunch with a have made a name for If this all sounds like your cup sweeping view of the themselves with their of tea, keep an eye out for Liverpool Range at supply of fresh produce announcements about the Glasshouse Restaurant and delicious café food, annual Taste Tamworth at Goonoo Goonoo but it’s their ultimate Festival, celebrating Station, a wine from The shakes that are getting the Tamworth region’s Workshop Kitchen’s 2 locals and visitors growers, makers, chefs and Glass-rated wine list and alike the most excited. diners over ten days of events in coffee, whilst watching Using local ingredients, April. In 2020, it’s on from Friday the kids play on the including Peel Valley 17th to Sunday 26th April. award-winning Tamworth Milk and with flavours Regional Playground at including bubblegum, Hopscotch Restaurant Hershey’s brownie, & Bar. But that’s not all; cookie dough, Nutella, we’ve picked some hidden gems to highlight salted caramel, rocky road and strawberries that you might have missed (until now). and cream, these incredible creations need to If you’re a trout lover, Arc-en-ciel Trout be seen to be believed! Farm at Hanging Rock, near Nundle, should Visit Tamworth’s own speakeasy, The Press, be on your to-visit list. Here, they hatch and hidden in the basement of the old Northern grow Rainbow Trout, running guided farm Daily Leader building (find the secret door tours (weather and conditions permitting) and buzz to be let in!) Having sourced unique on Sundays, Mondays and Fridays. They also spirits from all over to produce their infamous operate the Drunken Trout Café and Nundle cocktails, you’re in for a clean, classy and Smokehouse, so you can eat in or take affordable evening in. something away with you. Love fresh doughnuts with your coffee?

Photo Credit - Tamworth Regional Council

Machina Donuts in Nundle has got you sorted with their famous homemade sugar doughnuts, straight out of their shopping container café. Treat yourself at the Playhouse Hotel in Barraba, which houses an 80-seat studio-style theatre where you can catch live theatre, music and everything in between after dinner in the remarkable restaurant and before you stay the night. Embrace the finer things in life, with high tea at the Garden Shed Café in Tamworth in a sophisticated setting, where you can enjoy finger sandwiches, Devonshire tea and a dessert tower accompanied by bubbles (BYO) with friends or family. Help yourself to a platter in the food fridge or BYO food at The Welder’s Dog to accompany their unique craft beers and local spirits. Located in a converted drive-thru rural produce store, you’ll come for the beers and stay for the great atmosphere. For more information, including a complete listing of eateries and venues in the Tamworth region, visit www. destinationtamworth.com.au/eat

eats New England

THE PIG & TINDER BOX - TAMWORTH

CAFÉ PATISSERIE - ARMIDALE

Brunch served every weekend from 9am.

Mille feuille.

THE GARDEN SHED CAFÉ - TAMWORTH

PAPER TIGER EATERY - ARMIDALE

Gluten Free Chickpea Pasta Salad with spinach, roquette, charred corn, peas, roast sweet potato, pinenuts, feta & baby beetroot in a basil pesto & parmesan dressing.

GADO • GADO • an Indonesian crunchy salad with fried tofu, a handful of tapioca crackers and peanut dressing.

THE COUGHING GHERKIN - ARMIDALE

DECO WINE BAR & RESTAURANT - TAMWORTH

Mouth Watering Tacos.

Seared Duck Breast with Roasted Cipollini Onions, Fondant Potato, & Charred Radicchio.

New England focus. 23

L O C A L LY- S O U R C E D PRODUCE, I N T E R N AT I O N A L F L AV O U R S . Awa r d - w i n n i n g r e s t a u ra n t s | F i n e d i n i n g e x p e r i e n ce s C l a s s i c p u b s | B o u t i q u e b a r s | Co sy c a fÃ© s

I m a g e c re d i t : D e s t i n a t i o n N S W

We e k l y m a r ke t s

D i s co v e r d i v e r s e fo o d e x p e r i e n ce s i n t h e Ta m w o r t h re g i o n a t w w w. d e s t i n a t i o n t a m w o r t h . co m . a u

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Armidale FOOD EMPORIUM The Armidale Food Emporium is abuzz with excitement as we have recently undergone an amazing refurbishment. With a fresh new look and some great new retailers joining our complex, we are your one stop shop this Christmas!

he Armidale Food Emporium refurb looks sensational. Tell us a bit about it. We have been supporting the Armidale community since 2002 and are super excited about our revamped look. Yes, we were very lucky to have the team from Warrane Design + Construct + Fit-Out carry out the recent works on the complex. The refurbishment includes new tiling and flooring, new and improved bathroom facilities as well as new paint throughout. We’re thrilled with the changes and new look. It has really brought this centre abuzz with excitement. Our centre now boasts dual access to ample outdoor and undercover parking from either Marsh St or Dumaresq St; which means that whether it’s the “quick dash to Coles” or a shopping list that reaches the floor, we’ve got you covered. With an emphasis on local and regional produce and the addition of exciting new stores, we are the one stop place to shop locally. You’ve welcomed some new stores, which is always exciting. Can you tell us a little

about them? We are proud to have welcomed some new businesses; these include Pete’s Mountview Butchery, Le Rendezvous, OakTree Housing and Úniqlee Home. All of these new businesses bring a new element to our centre, offering a one stop solution to all your shopping needs. Whether it be groceries, food, pharmacy supplies or homewares, we cater for it all. Pete’s Mountview butchery. A well known and respected local butcher, Peter is relocating into our complex, and we are excited to announce his opening early November. Pete prides himself on his top class product and range. Pete is a classy addition to the Armidale Food Emporium, and the product and skill set that he brings is exciting! He will be sure to meet all your BBQ and meaty demands! Le Rendezvous. A new local food retailer to town, Le Rendezvous offers a grab and go food service for all our busy shoppers. Trading early morning, breakfast, lunch and dinner, this

is a great fresh option for customers visiting the Armidale Food Emporium. Le Rendezvous will offer delicious food items such as bacon and egg rolls for breakfast, burgers, salads, fish and chips, as well as juices, coffees and cakes. Opening mid November, this is sure a treat! Úniqlee Home. Armidale’s newest homewares store is also opening in November. This beautiful store will offer an extensive range of homewares and nic nacs to complement any decor. Now that works are completed, do you have anything planned to celebrate the changes? We have a huge day planned for Thursday 21st November to celebrate our re-opening. This will include a one-day only promotion where customers need to purchase

something in any one of our retail stores, which will enable them to access the hot special for the day; a product at any one of our amazing retailers for around $2 - $3 price point is what we are aiming for. This item will be available for one day only, so be quick to get on down to the Armidale Food Emporium. The participating stores for the one-day only promotion are: Coles, Bakers Delight, Pho Plus, Monk’s Healthmart, Fantastic Home & Gifts, Cincotta Discount Chemist, NEW store - Pete’s, Mountview Butchery and NEW store La Rendezvous. There will be plenty to do for the whole family, so come on down and join in the fun! We will have face painting, a jumping castle and a visit from the big man in red … Santa!

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W O O D L E Y ' S

T H R O U G H

T H E

C E N T U R Y

1930s 1850s

1919

Our Tamworth origins trace back to the early 1850s, when the Woodley family first arrived from Cornwell to seek their fortune on the goldfields, settling in Nundle’s Happy Valley. "Harry" and his siblings were born between 1870 - 1880.

Armed with nothing but an old industrial sewing machine and a few hand tools, Henry “Harry” Woodley opens Woodley’s Upholstery in an old shed rented from T.J. Treloar & Co.

1920s A young Neville Woodley joins the business as a car trimmer, whilst Harry Woodley coins the phrase “let Woodley’s put one over you” on joke cards that became Woodley’s promotional signature for almost three decades.

In keeping with the Al Capone Era in the USA, vehicle design transitioning into metal hood sedans, Woodley’s also transitioned quickly and in 1930, relocated to 420 Peel Street under the banner of Woodley’s Car Trimmers - specialising in hoods, mats and internal trim. By 1933, Tamworth’s population had grown to over 10,000, and so too had the number of cars owned in the region. Neville Woodley had taken the reins on the business and Woodleys now had three - four staff working for them regularly. Harry Woodley retired not long after the move to Peel Street, confident that the Woodley name was in good hands. Sadly, he passed in 1937.

The new GLC Coupé. All kinds of strength. The new GLC Coupé is here and is sportier than ever. Impressive on the inside, with the MBUX intuitive system enabling you to enjoy an effortless drive. Mesmerising on the outside, with the striking new design and sleek look captivating all eyes. The perfect combination of intelligence, dynamics and aesthetics, the new GLC Coupé is designed to be outstanding. Experience it today at Mercedes-Benz Tamworth. mbtamworth.com.au

Mercedes-Benz Tamworth 253 Marius Street, Tamworth 02 6763 1575 MD18153 www.mbtamworth.com.au

New England focus. 27

W O O D L E Y ' S

1950s

Despite the impact that WWII had on Australia, the post-war period formed the first government support for the car industry. Many parliamentarians at the time were heavily in favour of providing support to the automotive industry, because cars were seen as symbols of modernity and progression. This support for a growing industry, together with the tenacity of Neville Woodley, saw Woodley’s Car Trimmers successfully introduce spray painting and motor trimming services.

By the 1950s, one in 10 households owned a car. Countries such as the United States, Germany and Great Britain started shipping cars to Australia, and a young Warren Woodley joins his father in the business as a trainee motor trimmer.

RATULATIO NG

2019 RS

100 YEARS

1919

1940s

E Y’S M O

6765 4511 Unit 3/1A Wirraway Street Tamworth

28 New England focus.

T H R O U G H

T H E

C E N T U R Y

1960s Evolving in tandem with the motor industry of the day, Woodleys was renamed to Woodley’s Motor Body Works in 1966, when it added panel beating and a towing service to its already extensive range of services. By 1965, Warren Woodley was actively involved in the running of the business and quickly became known as a passionate advocate for road safety. After he joined the Road Safety Council of NSW, Woodley’s launched the region’s first Road Safety Week demonstrations, and were also the first to offer seat belt and child seat fittings - well before it was legislated to do so. In 1969, following the passing of Neville Woodley in the previous year, Warren and Lorraine Woodley officially purchased the business.

1970s The 1970s marked a significant turning point for Woodley’s. Understanding they were fast outgrowing their current premises, Warren Woodley headed to the bank with his proverbial “cap in hand” and his vision to take Woodley’s to the next level. Remarkably, this vision included the bold step of writing to Volvo’s head office in Sweden to advise that their cars met the Woodley safety standard and therefore, the Woodley family were prepared to sell them! The strategy clearly worked and in 1971, Woodley’s Motors was launched as a Volvo Dealership, opening it first car showroom, and relocating to 484 Peel Street. The new Woodley’s Motors proudly boasted a single car showroom and welcomed service and spare parts divisions to the already extensive range of automotive services. One of the first Volvo dealerships to open in regional NSW, Woodleys sold 12 Volvos in the first year, 48 in the second and 80 cars in the third year. Interestingly, a Volvo then sold for around $3,700 and they were even sold to farmers for use on the farm, because the car was considered so robust. In 1973, Woodley’s Motors acquired the Honda franchise and increased the size of their showrooms at the 484 Peel Street site. Warren wrote to Honda requesting the franchise. Although Honda was producing cars like the Zot, Warren held out until the Civic was released - a far more family

friendly sedan. By the late 1970s, car production in Australia peaked and together with Woodley’s own growth locally, the business made the decision to move the Car Trimming service to Byrnes Ave and was left in the capable hands of Bill Henderson, who’d returned after serving in New Guinea during the war. Warren considered him “The best tradesman you could get”. In 1979, they also relocated its panel and paint shop from Peel Street to Belmore Street, Taminda. The move also allowed Woodley's to expand its services and launch Woodley’s Smash Repairs. It should be noted that in the early 1970s, Tamworth welcomed its first Country Music Festival, with Woodley's becoming one of the early supporters of this iconic event.

1980s A young Mark Woodley joins the business as an apprentice panel beater, representing the fourth generation of the Woodley family to enter the business. In the meantime, Warren and Lorraine Woodley make plans to bring all automotive and sales services back under the one roof at a site selected on Marius Street. Having actively followed the growth in cars being imported to Australia from Asia, Woodley’s Motors acquired the Hyundai franchise in 1987, and their Mazda franchise in 1988. This subsequently sealed the fate of the Peel Street showroom and the need to find bigger premises.

Once again Warren wrote to the importer of Hyundai, Alan Bond, requesting that Woodley’s be the first Hyundai Franchise in Tamworth. It was Warren who suggested “Hyundai Like Sunday” when the brand was struggling with Australian’s mispronouncing the name. In August 1989, Woodley’s Motors opened its $1 million new car showroom, service division, administrative offices, used car lot and spare parts centre in Marius Street, the state-of-the-art complex delivering an exciting new customer experience and easy onsite parking.

New England focus. 29

W O O D L E Y ' S

team TIM STEBBINGS

GENERAL SALES MANAGER

T H R O U G H

T H E

C E N T U R Y

JUSTIN McLAUCHLAN

JO-ANNE BOWER

GROUP PARTS MANAGER

SERVICE AND WARRANTY MANAGER

What do you do at Woodley's day to day? I look after our new vehicle sales departments.

What do you do at Woodley's day to day? Manage all facets of the parts department, from day to day operations to future planning.

How long have you been with the business? Eight years.

How long have you been with the business? Just over 14 years.

What is the best part about working for Woodley's? We have such a great history within the community, and I love being able to be part of that. I also love that I have the opportunity to help shape the future for our business.

What is the best part about working for Woodley's? Employee focused work environment, the company really look after their staff, being a large business it's both challenging and rewarding. The drive at Woodley’s for customer satisfaction is second to none.

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What do you do at Woodley's day to day? Oversee the Service Dept. plus the dealership’s Warranty Department. But most importantly, ensuring that my staff have the training and support to provide a good service to our customers. How long have you been with the business? 14 years. What is the best part about working for Woodley's? Being part of a dynamic team and having been provided opportunities of progression within the company.

W O O D L E Y ' S

T H R O U G H

T H E

C E N T U R Y

BRAD WILSON

JOHN RIOLO

GENERAL MANAGER

JOINT DEALER PRINCIPAL

What do you do at Woodley's day to day? I specialise in the after sales of the business; I work alongside the Department Managers to help develop and grow their teams. How long have you been with the business? I started in 1995. What is the best part about working for Woodley's? I have the opportunity to expand my career growing along aside a business that has gone from one of the smallest to the biggest. Woodley’s is a highly motivated business with very high standards. This in turn creates very highly motivated staff, with very high standards.

LOUISE CLARK SENIOR VEHICLE MANAGER

What do you do at Woodley's day to day? Overseeing the sales operations and general running of the business. I enjoy looking after the used car department and everything that’s involved in that rather unique area of the company.

What do you do at Woodley's day to day? I oversee part of the administration team - which includes reception, vehicle registrations and stock control.

How long have you been with the business? 20 years in 2020.

How long have you been with the business? Eight and a half years.

What is the best part about working for Woodley's? I still enjoy the art of making a sale and tackling those challenging deals that come up from time to time. I’ve loved watching Woodley’s grow from 35 staff when I arrived to over 100 today.

What is the best part about working for Woodley's? There are a lot of positives about working for Woodleys Management is fair and always approachable. Employees are given opportunities to grow their careers within the dealership.

THE MOMENT IS NOW The Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum available now from

$67,990 DRIVE AWAY* Includes metallic paint, Harman Kardon Premium sound and more.

Volvo Cars Tamworth

210 Marius St Tamworth

T 02 6763 1500 volvocarstamworth.com.au

MD 18153

VOLVOCARSTAMWORTH.COM.AU

*$67,990 is the drive-away price for the Model Year 2020 XC60 T5 Momentum with metallic paint and Lifestyle Pack (Panoramic Sunroof, Rear Privacy Glass, Bright Décor Side Window Surrounds, Harmon Kardon Premium Sound System). New stock vehicles only. Vehicles must be purchased and delivered between 1 October 2019 and 31 December 2019. While stock lasts. Not available to fleet, government or rental buyers, or with any other offer. Volvo Car Australia reserves the right to change or extend this offer.

New England focus. 31

W O O D L E Y ' S

T H R O U G H

T H E

C E N T U R Y

Now … 1990s

2000s

The nineties marked a period of consolidation for Woodley's, as it bedded down in its new Marius Street home and fought through the nation’s economic recession that Paul Keating, then Federal Treasurer, claimed that we had to have.

Woodley's is now widely recognised for its support of the local community through its many local sponsorships, endorsement of programs like Healthy Harold, and even heritage restoration ventures, including the Squareman Inn. Intent on championing the continued growth and development of Tamworth, Warren Woodley retired in 2000 to focus on his career in Local Government and in doing so, officially handed the reins over to son Mark Woodley and Joint Dealer Principal, John Riolo. Technological developments in this new millennium became an essential part of a car's electronics, improving fuel efficiency and offering new standards of technical sophistication - most notably safety features, including airbags and anti-lock braking systems (ABS). This in turn, sparked a growing interest in the small luxury car market, and Woodley’s once again, responded quickly by adding the Volkswagen franchise to the group in 2002.

People movers began to lose their market share to four-wheel drives, so Woodley’s responded by welcoming the Chrysler Jeep franchise to the group in 1994.

32 New England focus.

In 2013, the Skoda franchise was acquired, and an accompanying showroom and workshop built. In 2014, the Renault franchise was acquired, due the brand's strong commercial vehicle market share. In late 2017, Woodley’s officially took over the car brands of Isuzu UTE, Mercedes Benz and Subaru from fellow family owned business, Peel Valley Motors.

Today, Woodley’s Motors is proudly one of Tamworth’s larger employers. We represent a diversified portfolio of automotive brands, including 10 of the top 20 selling car brands in Australia, and two of the top 10 selling luxury car brands. In total, we represent 13 brands, including Mazda, Hyundai, Honda, Volkswagen, Volvo, Chrysler, Jeep, Isuzu UTE, Skoda, Renault, Subaru, TJM and Mercedes Benz - each with their own state-of -the-art showroom and experienced sales team. Our Service Division and Spare Parts Centre remain the best in their field and can help with your required services, rego checks, warranty jobs, accessories, part fittings and more.

Into the future … Now in the capable hands of John, Mark, Brad and Tim. Woodley’s will look towards a cleaner, greener future, with hybrid and electric vehicles changing the motoring landscape. And like every change the company has faced in its 100 years it’s clear Woodley’s will continue to be the early adapter. Editorial compiled by Caroline Lumley

focusfeature.

33 New England focus.

focusinterview.

- A special focus on men’s health -

focusfeature.

i John. What brought you to Armidale around 12 months ago - and where did you relocate from? About 18 months ago, my wife and I were on a road trip and we stayed in Armidale overnight. We were immediately attracted to the township, and the weather was much cooler here than where we had been travelling. Armidale reminds us of our home town, but has a lot more to offer. At the time we were living in Coffs Harbour, an opportunity came up to relocate - we have not looked back since. What was the inspiration behind you establishing the group, Blah … Blah … Blah … Coffee for Blokes? Early on in my recovery from drugs and alcohol, I found it difficult to find someone to talk to about men’s health and wellbeing in general. While volunteering in the Coffs Harbour soup kitchen, I would strike up conversations with other men and found that a common thread was the need for men to talk and to be heard. Blah … Blah … Blah Coffee for Blokes

34 New England focus.

It’s often said men can find it difficult to open up about issues that affect them, so John Crisp, mental health, drug and alcohol peer worker, has created a social discussion group in Armidale that provides a friendly, non-judgmental place for all men aged 18 and over to go and chat … started in Coffs Harbour with me and one limits. We have a cuppa and a bit of a yarn, other man having coffee in the park. I have and work out what we can do day by day, a lot of life experience in week by week to drug and alcohol recovery, make things better. mental health recovery It’s all about finding and homelessness. A discoping strategies and WHILE VOLUNTEERING IN cussion group would have going forward in a THE COFFS HARBOUR SOUP been really helpful while positive way. KITCHEN, I WOULD STRIKE I was in recovery and for Who is welcome to UP CONVERSATIONS WITH that reason, I established join? OTHER MEN AND FOUND the group and have now The group is open THAT A COMMON THREAD relocated the group to to all men over the WAS THE NEED FOR MEN Armidale. age of 18. TO TALK AND TO BE What are the aims of Where / when do HEARD. the group? you regularly meet? Blah … Blah … Blah The group meets at … Coffee for Blokes, The Armidale Men’s as the name implies, is Shed, 215 Mann St., somewhere for men to come and talk about Armidale, on Wednesdays at 1 -3pm. their everyday problems. I offer them a set of What are some of the activities you get ears to try to find out what is going on, and up to as a group? then I refer them back out to the community, In addition to the discussion group, the to a doctor, to drug and alcohol services or men are invited to participate in events whatever they might need. We talk about organised by Blah … Blah … Blah in conall sorts of things, from family to divorce, junction with community groups that raise relationships, loneliness, grief, addictions, awareness for men’s health and wellbeing, hardship, health problems - nothing is off like Bright Shirt Day, Men’s Health and Well-

being Day, and International Men’s Day. How important do you feel it is for men to have a positive place to hang out together? Men sometimes find it hard to talk. It can take months for the topic to get from football to health issues. Having a regular place to meet and listening to other men talk about their struggles can often encourage men to open up. While I was studying a Cert IV in Mental Health Peer Work, it became obvious from my work at the Coffs Harbour Mental Health Unit that there was a need for a more formal group in a less formal setting. Talking with people in recovery who have just started their journey, I am able to give them a picture of hope and what they might be able to achieve in the future. Where can we find out more? Free social discussion group: Wednesday, 1 - 3pm at Armidale Men’s Shed, 215 Mann St., Armidale. Contact John Crisp - mental health, drug and alcohol peer worker. Mobile: 0467 390 813. Email johncrisp62@gmail.com Thanks John.

- A special focus on men’s health -

focusinterview.

focusfeature.

Men’s Sheds provide an inspirational and creative place for community members to connect through arts and crafts. Roy Powell from the Armidale Men’s Shed explains why the shed is such a great place to spend time in …

i Roy. What’s a little of the history behind Men’s Sheds in general, and how you came to establish our local Men’s Shed in Armidale? In the early 2000s, it became evident that an organisation for men was needed. This led to groups of men tinkering in their workshops together. Some saw this as the beginnings of a new movement that has led to over 1,000 Men’s Sheds and associations that support them. Some sheds were formed by adapting existing structures. Traditional joineries were part of many towns. These supplied specialist timbers, made a variety of products, and had a range of machinery. This was the case of a joinery operated by Col Harris, who was about to retire. As a business, it was of a past era and had a limited future. But, the possibility of using this as the basis of a Men’s Shed in Armidale arose in 2006. We expected that opening up this facility to many artisans would provide an opportunity for a Men’s Shed, and that men would be attracted to accessing traditional high-quality machinery and the skills that go with this. Mostly, this did not happen. But, the Men’s Shed proved to be attractive to many who needed jobs done - often small jobs, often jobs that few tradesmen wanted to do. So, this became a core element of the work of the Men’s Shed. We do a lot of work for people who have a job to be done, but who do not know how to go about it. Approximately how many members does the shed currently have - and what is the age range of members?

We have some 90 members. The age range is from leaving school to mid-90s. Most are retired to some degree, but many remain active as part of their post-retirement agendas - doing things that they never had time to do while in regular employment. What are some of the projects/events the shed has been involved with that you’re most proud of? Learning new skills is part of the program, as we learn from each other. It is a learning place no pressure to perform, and plenty of time and access to machinery that cannot be obtained elsewhere. We can make things using mortice and tenon methods, we can do wood turning, and we can repair most things. The tip is a last resort! And, we can squeeze in some metal work jobs too. The Men’s Shed is a multi-arts and craft centre. We have many skills and experiences, and we are committed to getting things done! In short, we specialise in solving problems for people and continuing the life of many items that could be thrown away. We have created some most innovative outdoor tables and seats, built some imaginative trophies, done some innovative wood turning, and made some special toys. In addition, there are regular sessions on art work, basic cooking for men, lead-light glass creations, and creative metal work. Almost anything is possible under our charter. And, we have a social agenda, including a Christmas in July dinner, Jazz music sessions and our weekly lunch complete with interesting speakers. What do you see as the benefits of joining the Men’s Shed? Members join the Men’s Shed for a number of reasons:

• They are craftsmen to come to the shed in who use the machinery the mornings and enjoy a We have many skills and and expertise of the shed cup of tea or coffee and experiences, and we are to do various jobs, build some food - remember that committed to getting some furniture, renovate you can park outside the things done! In short, a house, or learn a new door, and you are always we specialise in solving skill; welcome. problems for people and • They seek the What plans does the continuing the life of many friendship and social shed have for Christmas items that could be thrown away. interaction among the this year? members to avoid the For the past few years effects of isolation; we have joined with the • They are people Armidale AM Rotary Club who use the facilities of the shed to work on to provide real Christmas trees to Armidale. community projects or to assist other members Currently, these trees come from the Coffs to achieve good outcomes, such as for people Harbour area and are marketed and distributed with disabilities; or from the Men’s Shed. We have a combined • They are interested the development of arts project to produce these trees locally, but that is and crafts in this community. two - three years away. We will be doing this in What skills do you need to become a 2019 and beyond. member? Trees will be available about one week prior No technical skills are necessary, but a passion to Christmas, and can be ordered via the Men’s to learn new things is an advantage! We operate Shed or the AM Rotary Club, and previous an organisation where mutual respect among buyers will be contacted directly re their order. members is paramount. We also abide by The Men’s Shed is a place to browse for that workplace laws, safety procedures and nonlocally made gift or toy. If you have an idea, discriminatory principles. bring it to the shed and we can make it! When and where do members regularly Where can we find out more info? meet? The Armidale Men’s Shed is located at 215 For several years, the Men’s Shed has held Mann Street, Armidale. a weekly lunch prepared by us for members Visit the website: armidaleshed.com and guests. A number of organisations have Call (02) 6787 4057 or email armidaleshed@ contacted the Men’s Shed to arrange an event. outlook.com We feature locally grown food and healthy Thanks Roy. eating and welcome guests on each Thursday. (Photos depict works in progress at the These events often include guest speakers, shed, finished wooden products and various mostly on health issues relevant to men. Men’s Shed members. Roy absent from As well as the lunches, we encourage visitors photos on the day.) New England focus. 35

- A special focus on men’s health -

focusfeature.

GRIEF

I N T R O D U C I N G A R E V O LU T I O N A R Y L A S E R T R E AT M E N T FO R G U M D I S E A S E Early stages of gum disease (gingivitis) is the inflammation of the gums. This occurs when bacteria in plaque and calculus are not removed through brushing or regular scale and cleans, causing damage to the gums. Advanced stages of gum disease (periodontitis) occurs when the inflammation of the gums gets worse, causing the bone supporting our teeth to degenerate. Without any professional intervention and treatment, over time the teeth can become loose and may need extracting by a dentist. 24% of healthy Australian adults aged 18 and over have moderate to severe gum disease (periodontitis), while 60% of Australians aged 74 and older suffer. How to determine if you have gum disease? •

Red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums

•

Gums have shrunk from teeth

•

Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth

•

Loose teeth

•

Abscesses between teeth and gums

Treatment of Gum Disease The treatment for gum disease will vary with severity; mild to moderate gum disease can be treated with brushing, flossing and regular visits to your hygienists and dentist. With more severe gum disease, treatment can vary from sub gingival cleaning to treatment with a specific laser called LANAP. LANAP means Laser Assister New Attachment Procedure. This laser therapy for the treatment of gum disease is unlike traditional gum surgery; there is no cut and sew. LANAP is a minimally invasive and highly effective treatment. It is used for the treatment of moderate and advanced gum disease. LANAP is the world’s first ever and only FDA approved laser for the treatment of gum disease. Patients have come back with true regeneration of tissue and new bone formation. Traditional gum surgery is a cut and sew procedure and can cause sensitivity, long teeth and requires ongoing maintenance. Unlike traditional gum surgery, LANAP uses a multivariable pulsed laser to kill the infected tissue, rejuvenating the gums, connective tissue and bone that support your teeth. The laser attacks pigments in the infected tissue, leaving healthy tissue undamaged. LANAP treatment not only helps the body to regenerate tissue and heal itself naturally, it also helps patients to keep their natural teeth and save smiles! How does LANAP work? Before any treatment, a consultation is necessary, as it allows the dentist to identify diseased tissue and whether LANAP is suitable for you. At this time, a 3D Xray will be taken and a treatment plan will be provided, with all 36 New England focus.

Ecological

costs, appointment lengths and any follow up appointments necessary. LANAP usually occurs across two dental visits. Half the mouth is completed during the first visit, and a week later the other half of the mouth is completed. The process involves: 1.

A perio probe determines the degree of excessive pocket depth and helps the dentist better identify diseased tissue and areas of bacterial infection.

The laser removes diseased tissue, while the heat of the laser kills the bacteria.

The dentist removes the tartar from the root surface using an ultrasonic scaler and special hand instruments.

The laser is used to clean the pocket one more time.

The gum is sealed closed to prevent further infection.

Any high biting spots are smoothed down to create even force on the tooth.

Over time, the bone regenerates and the periodontal ligament re-attaches to the tooth.

Benefits of LANAP •

Saves your natural teeth

•

Safe, precise and effective treatment

•

Bone regeneration up to 50% in patients who follow the protocol and have normal healing

•

One-time treatment

•

Less discomfort

•

Improved recovery time

•

Little to no recession in gums and regeneration in bone levels.

•

Reduces inflammation and bleeding

•

Helps long term health

•

Safer and gentler than traditional gum surgery

Contact us to Learn More about this Revolutionary Treatment If you've ever been told you have gum disease or need gum surgery, you can take advantage of the tremendous benefits that LANAP laser gum therapy offers. If your gums have become swollen, red or infected, we can help. Our very own Dr Peter Elfar was the first dentist to study and offer this treatment in Australia, with over eight years’ experience and satisfied patients who travel from all over Australia to be treated by him. Why not take this opportunity to get on top of your dental health? Take action now and call our caring team at one of our four friendly locations, call 6583 3533 or visit our website: www.lanapaustralia.com.au to find out more about this revolutionary treatment.

Being asked to speak about "men’s issues", we simply needed to find time to sit and reflect. In the midst of that, we had to face the fact that due to the extreme drought conditions lasting over the past two years, about twenty Acacia trees around the therapy studio in Armidale had died or become a fire safety issue. They needed to be removed. As a catalyst, this experience led to a sense of grief in facing how the land, trees, and region of the tablelands are suffering and in ecological crisis.

his experience made us reflect that "men’s issues" and most gender-based concerns are really human issues. And most human problems are actually ecological and interconnected issues. Western colonial society tends to separate issues into distinct boxes that are disconnected. This leads to increased dilemmas across many fields, including family life, malefemale relations, ecology and the environment. For many years we have practiced a form of "human ecology" based in an integral mix of science, sociology, and psychotherapy. Also, for a long time we have observed in research, teaching, and therapy that change in the environment is directly linked to human health, mental balance, and family life. These insights are not new. Like climate change, which is also based on enduring scientific methods that have existed for the last couple of centuries, an integral human ecology observes connections and relationships. But at the same time, both climate science and human ecology are moving forward with new models that reflect current reality. But, the central facts have been pretty clear for quite a long time. As the climate changes, the extremes of weather events are increasingly dangerous. At the same time, human health is impacted. But we have known this forever in Australia. Just ask our farming families and regional industries. The only change here is that the extremes are getting worse. In the middle of climate events is a toll on health that often goes unacknowledged, at least in its extent and fallout. One study

suggested that four out of five people who got through past hurricane events in North America have suffered post-traumatic stress disorder. We know from Australian data and real-life experience that the response to climate crisis takes its toll. We have only to consider bush fires, extreme drought, and the absence of water to sustain homes and businesses. No surprise to anyone, ecological grief is an emerging field that reflects on humanity’s responses to environmental crisis, in part to acknowledge how important these experiences are for many people. Also, to provide resources and forms of addressing the suffering that climate change and environmental crisis are already manifesting. We are not qualified to address the complexity of Australia’s response to the Paris Agreement or to national and regional climate targets. But anyone today can easily see that Australia can do much more. Australians of all people know that we have to do our part, and that hard choices are ahead - because climate crisis demands human changes. However, Australians need much better leadership and clear, firm goals. We also need a better understanding of the human suffering that comes during climate change and extreme weather events. Why? Because, if nothing else, to share this common acknowledgement as Australians means that excuses, inaction, and political games with thorns can no longer be tolerated. Ecological grief, like all profound awakenings, can also motivate action. Dr Joseph Randolph Bowers, Counsellor Psychotherapist.

New England focus. 37

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

November 2019

AQUARIUS.

GEMINI.

LIBRA.

JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19

MAY 22 - JUNE 22

SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23

Be patient just a little longer, as your dream is about to come true. You recently gave yourself permission to have something you may have been without for a long time, but now you need to wait for the timing to be perfect. Dioptase is powerful for forgiveness, especially toward oneself.

PISCES. FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20

As usual, the Pisces is following the magical scent of love! A new love is about to step forward and enrich your life. There is also the likeliness of travel. Work changes will also bring some new adventure - ENJOY! Rose Quartz, the crystal of love, will enrich and nurture any new relationship.

The feeling of suspension is soon leaving your reality. In fact, soon you will be too busy “to have a chat”. New opportunities will find you, but you need to want change, and you need to have a thirst for knowledge. Enjoy! Rose Quartz is very reassuring when you are venturing into new circumstances.

You are about to embark on a journey of self-discovery. You may have been through a lot of disturbance lately, but you have also brought out your most wonderful gifts and talents. You will like the new you. Herderite is a powerful transformation stone.

CANCER.

SCORPIO.

JUNE 23 - JULY 23

OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22

You have recently discovered a level of personal strength that may have surprised you. This is what you have been aspiring to all along. Take some time out of your busy schedule to pamper yourself, and reconnect with your “passion for life”. Turquoise brings a feeling of wholeness. Carry it in a pocket.

A new relationship is coming into play; however, your “deservability” is in question. You can have the magic of love in your life if you think you deserve it, or you can sabotage it and go without if you think you can’t have it. Black Tourmaline is a powerful purifier and cleanser.

ARIES.

LEO.

SAGITTARIUS.

MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21

Love yourself as much as you can to attract the best of the best in all that life has to offer. Identify and release any beliefs that limit your success, and fill your mind with positive affirmations. Be aware of how limiting you can be for yourself. If you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right. Moldavite brings forward change and higher personal qualities.

A beautiful surprise awaits. Enjoy a blissful period in relationships, as new friends emerge. These people will help you to show your talents and feel accomplished. New career opportunities are entering the picture mid-month. Clear Quartz is wonderful at amplifying positive energy.

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

TAURUS.

VIRGO.

CAPRICORN.

APRIL 21 - MAY 21

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23

DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20

You have outgrown some old beliefs so instead of feeling comforted by your beliefs, you’ll be feeling trapped in them. Sit quietly and debate your beliefs. This will encourage and manifest change. Replace negative thought patterns with uplifting, positive ones. Danburite connects us to our higher consciousness.

38 New England focus.

You will soon be free to make your own decisions, without the pressure from another person. Work opportunities are opening up to you since you gave yourself permission to achieve, and now you will be rewarded for something you love to do. Aventurine is a wonderful crystal for personal change and growth.

Now is a good time to debate your beliefs in life. These rules by which you have lived life have given security and stability, but lately you have been left feeling trapped and contained by these beliefs. The new you will not be held back. Azeztulite shows us alternate realities.

focusinterview.

Evelyn

Ramage A love of knitting and helping those in need has seen Guyra resident Evelyn Ramage combine her interests for the greater good! EVELYN IS PART OF THE FRIENDLY AND COMMUNITY-MINDED GROUP AT NICHOLII HOUSE, WHO KNIT WARM BLANKETS FOR THOSE IN NEED. Over the past 15 years, the group has created around 150 blankets!

i Evelyn. What's a little of your background/history in the Armidale area? I finished my schooling in Armidale and moved to Guyra after my marriage to Kevin in 1954. This is where we raised our five children and has been home ever since. When did you learn to knit ... and who taught you? My mother taught me to knit during my childhood. After dinner, we would sit around the open fire talking and knitting. Mum, my sister and I would knit, and my younger brothers would sit playing with toys. My father was in the Army for many years; during this time we knitted socks, scarves and jumpers for him and also for the rest of our family. My mother taught me to sew and to knit, which I continued to do whilst raising our children. This was a necessity, to provide jumpers and clothing for our family. What do you most enjoy about knitting/craft projects? I really enjoy knitting, being able to bring together other peopleâ€™s work as well, and creating something lovely but practical is so worthwhile and rewarding. Knowing that our knitting is going to someone who needs it has been great motivation and has made for a worthwhile hobby. How did you come up with the idea to knit blankets for people in need? For over 30 years I have been associated with Nicholii House in Guyra, which is a community based group who meet weekly on a social basis to participate in a

varied array of activities, as well although this year some blankets Members of our local as going out on frequent outings were also given to the bush fire community started around our local region. evacuation centres. donating wool of varying It was through the Nicholii get It must take quite a bit of size and colour, which togethers where some members wool/material to make each made for some very of the group would occasionally blanket ... do you have much interesting, colourful, but knit, and from there the blanket assistance with sourcing or still warm blankets. These concept developed by combining buying these supplies? blankets are created by many our knitting and crochet projects Over the years the donation of hands, and I am very fortunate to into squares and strips, which wool has come from near and far be part of such a giving group. we joined together to make our and in many different quantities. colourful but warm blankets. Our Nicholii knitters also provide a We realised there was a real lot of the wool themselves. need in our local area for warm The recipients of your blankets blankets for people who are doing it tough. It became must be so appreciative ... is there any way in an obvious progression to donate our blankets to which FOCUS readers can help you continue your charities such as the Salvation Army. great work? Members of our local community started donating Our small group of knitters are always appreciative wool of varying size and colour, which made for some of a helping hand with knitting or donations of wool. very interesting, colourful, but still warm blankets. These Ideally, knitted strips of 20 cm wide and 150 cm long blankets are created by many hands, and I am very make for a very warm blanket that is reasonably quick fortunate to be part of such a giving group. to stitch together, although we have stitched crocheted To date, how many blankets has your group made squares of various sizes together over the years. ... and how long does it generally take you to Any donations of wool can be left at Nicolii House, make each one? 162 Bradley Street, Guyra or at the Guyra Council. Approximately 15 years of handmade blankets Final say â€Ś made by Guyra locals at Nicolii House (Guyra Home What started as a simple craft project has grown Support Services) would have seen around 150 blankets into a wonderful community spirited collaboration by donated. bringing people together and by helping members of Where/how are the blankets you made the New England community in need. distributed? Thanks Evelyn. The blankets are donated each winter to the Salvation Many thanks to Yvonne Lawlor for assistance with Army and are only to be given to those in need, collating information for the interview. New England focus. 39

Business Minds with Ingrid Rothe of VIVID Thinking

Crew SUE

This month Business Minds interviews Sue Crew, the CEO of UNE Partnerships (UNEP), WHICH IS THE VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING ARM OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND (UNE). UNEP has been operating for approximately 32 years and offers qualifications from a Certificate IV to Diploma level.

ell us about yourself. I’ve been living in Armidale since 2005, having moved from Melbourne. Together with my partner Vernon, we have raised and are still raising my three children. I also have four stepchildren who live all around the world. Before moving to Armidale, I worked with a number of backbenchers and ministers, predominantly in Federal politics, for more than 10 years. At UNE I’ve worked in international education and worked for various ViceChancellors in the policy area. Before I left UNE for a 12-month fly-in-fly-out contract in Sydney, I set up the Academic Quality Unit. I’ve now been with UNEP for about 15 months. How did you shift from politics to education? I moved to Armidale for family reasons and wasn’t sure what I was going to do initially. I was on the drive up the Hume Highway and received a phone call from the then Deputy Vice-Chancellor, International. He’d heard I was moving to Armidale, and UNE was looking to fill a short-term role for someone with policy skills. It started my involvement and lifelong love affair with tertiary education. Over the years I’ve been very fortunate to have the opportunity to engage in the education sector more broadly, chairing conferences, mentoring and the like, and I’ve found this very rewarding. How have you found the UNEP role?

40 New England focus.

What drew me to the role at UNEP was the chance to work in a more corporate setting. It’s been wonderful to be able to engage broadly across this amazing organisation. UNEP works with private industry, peak bodies and has numerous government contracts. We have corporate clients in Australia, Malaysia and New Zealand. Through my involvement with corporate clients I’ve learnt so much about so many sectors and am really inspired by the real-world application of education. It’s also great to be back on campus and be part of the UNE community on a day-to-day basis. What do you find the most challenging thing? Like most businesses today, the environment in which we operate is constantly changing, with new competitors, in both formal and unaccredited training. Navigating the business through this volatility is our single biggest challenge. What has been a career highlight for you? For me, it’s graduation. Each year we do multiple graduations. They differ from the traditional university graduation ceremony, as many of our students are from a big corporate, a government organisation, or a peak body. We hold graduation ceremonies for each cohort. UNEP staff are in regular contact with students as part of our commitment to individualised support and get to know most students well, so we feel we have been part of the growth achieved by the student, and

ultimately their organisation. When it comes we have really pushed different delivery and down to it, the best part of graduation is the support models. While we’ve made major excitement of the student and their family; changes to our business model, the staff and people are bubbling when they come for the academic directors are incredibly accepting of graduation experience. this and always willing to try something new. And personally? What’s next for UNEP? We like to keep busy in our house. Vernon While UNEP’s core business is delivering and I wrote a book called Zits, Tits and Boy’s contemporary vocational training developed Bits. It’s an easy-to-digest, dot-pointed book with industry, we are expanding our short for young boys to help courses offering, to guide them through enable people to ages 14 - 16, addressing engage in both lifelong things they may not and just-in-time learning UNEP staﬀ are in regular want to ask their to meet their skill needs, contact with students as parents. It’s certainly without having to enrol part of our commitment one of the more offbeat in a full diploma. We to individualised support things we’ve done in have recently launched and get to know most our time together! a Fundamentals of students well, so we feel I’m on the O’Connor Practice Management we have been part of the School Advisory short course, which is growth achieved by the Committee, Parents proving very popular student, and ultimately and Friends Committee, with PHNs, GP and their organisation. and I’ve recently joined Specialist practices. Rotary. I do as much We also plan on of this kind of thing as capitalising on our possible. expertise in working What inspires you? with businesses and government, taking their Personally, I’ve found the experience of traditional face-to-face materials and turning bringing up children inspiring and terrifying in them into contemporary online resources that equal measure. The terror when you first take they can deliver themselves. out a learner driver and the joy (and fear) as And personally? they step out to make their mark in the world. I’ve never been one to set specific life goals. Professionally, it's working with people who I’m more of a "take the next opportunity" kind inspire change and are confident to take on of person. It’s made for a great journey so far. each new initiative. Since starting with UNEP, Thank you, Sue.

focus_contributor

ANTHONY FOX - PRESIDENT, ARMIDALE BUSINESS CHAMBER

Minding your

On the 17th October 2019, the Armidale Business Chamber held a Forum for Business on current water restrictions. The Chamber felt that such a forum was important to both inform businesses about the water restrictions and Council’s approach to their use of water, and to allow businesses the opportunity to have input into future water policy.

cot MacDonald, General Manager - Businesses gave a presentation on behalf of Council. In my introduction, I mentioned several things to keep in mind. Businesses use water in varying degrees. The drought of 1873/4 was apparently the worst for this district. In 1874, the lowest rainfall on record occurred at 420 mm for the year. To date this year, rainfall has been 216 mm. To state the obvious, we are in severe drought and have been for some time. It has seriously affected farmers. Now our wider community, as well as farmers, are feeling the bite. Scot made a number of points during his presentation: Guyra has been on Level 5 Water Restrictions for some months. Rainfall has been considerably below the long-term average, with there being a need for substantial rain to get Malpas Dam to 60% capacity. There were 427 days to go to zero water at the beginning of October. Water usage in the Armidale region had fallen from 222 litres per person per day to 180 litres in September. It needs to fall to 160 and below to stretch out the supply. Council has been visiting businesses with high water usage. Businesses were working with Council to reduce consumption. For some it is hard, and reducing operations may affect employment. Council was searching for groundwater, but groundwater was only a supplement, buying extra weeks, not months. Council was also urgently seeking funding for projects such as raising the height of Malpas Dam. A number of businesses were now accessing

water off the reticulated network for their operations, thereby reducing the load on the town water supply. I appreciate that people are sometimes cynical about Council. I have been over various issues. Water though, is front and centre on their mind with everything, in terms of present management and future plans, being on the table for discussion. The Chamber will be keeping in touch both to keep members up to date and to discuss present and future plans, so that we can manage water utilisation and security into the future. As well, I think we are all undergoing cultural change, where we appreciate much better the use and value of water at a personal and business level. WING The Women’s networking breakfast was held Tuesday 15th October and featured Professor Brigid Heywood, Vice-Chancellor UNE as its guest speaker. The breakfast was well attended, and by all accounts well received. Professor Heywood spoke of her inspiring personal and professional journey that has taken her across the globe. Please watch our website for details of the next breakfast, which will be held in December. Dr Lowe Dr Phillip Lowe, Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, at the Chamber’s invitation, visited Armidale on 24th September 2019 and presented “An Economic Update” that was reported throughout Australia and overseas. The event was attended by over 200 community and Chamber members, students and reporters. Dr Lowe was extremely well received. Thanks go to UNE and Regional Australia Bank for sponsoring the event. Coming Up The Chamber is about to hunker down and plan the next 12 months’ events and workshops. More on that next month. New England focus. 41

focus_contributor

K AT R I N A G E O R G E F R O M T H E A R M I D A L E V I S I T O R I N F O R M AT I O N C E N T R E

tourism UPDATE

Make a Difference in a Child’s Life Today Through no fault of their own, there are children in your community who need foster care. That is why Pathfinders’ Pathways Foster Care programme is seeking caring, committed people to become foster carers across the New England North West. The latest statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show that there is a staggering need for carers right now. As of 2017, there were 47,915 Australian children living in Out of Home Care (OOHC). This number is an increase from 7.4 per 1,000 children under care in 2011 to 8.7 per 1,000 children in 2017. In fact, the number of children in OOHC has risen every year over the past five years, with last year’s numbers revealed to be rising by

42 New England focus.

18%. And, this grim trend looks to continue for some time. But by opening up your heart and home, you can make a difference to the children and young people unable to live with their birth families. In helping them stay safe, you ensure they can reach their full potential and not become just another statistic. Our Foster Care programme is well established throughout the New England, so whatever your family situation, work commitments, age or cultural background, if you’re prepared to help a child or young person find their path, then we are ready to help you. Full training and ongoing support is provided. Become a foster carer. Contact Pathfinders on 1800 314 199 or fostering@pathfinders.ngo

We have been pleasantly surprised and heartened through visitor responses to the drought situation in the New England high country region.

e receive daily reports of people who have made conscious decisions to spend their holidays and their money in our region, some even forgoing overseas holidays to Fiji and Bali. These visitors are staying in our motels, dining out and spending money in our local businesses. Please take the time to thank them when they are supporting your business. During September, the Visitor Information Centre had close to 4,200 visitors through the door, which highlights the centre’s importance in marketing Armidale and the New England high country region. For local businesses and groups to benefit from exposure to these visitors, please ensure that we have your upcoming events listed on our website and your brochures / flyers for us to display in the centre. The Visitor Information Centre will promote your business if it falls under one the following categories: restaurants, wineries, boutique shopping, accommodation, art, culture, history, or things to do in Armidale. During September, Armidale Tourism hosted 100 BMW bikers, who were participating in the 2019 BMW TS Safari. They had a fabulous time in Armidale, and they thoroughly enjoyed an evening at the Armidale Golf Club. These riders came from all over Australia, and they were all presented with a New England High Country HEMA Motorbike Map, to encourage the riders to come back and explore the entire region. As a flow on from this event, we are already aware of a number of smaller motorcycle groups returning to ride the “bucket list” roads of the New England. On the weekend of the 15th - 17th November, Walcha will be hosting the Freakshow Festival of Motorcycles. They are calling it the biggest Aussie motorcycle festival ever, with flat-track, hill climb, customs, globe-of-death, live music and the burnout

bar. For full details, visit: www.freakshowfestival.com.au The event calendar is jam packed in November with a huge variety of events, and just some of these are listed below: Culture Fest is a whole weekend celebration, including Festival Night on Saturday 2nd November to be held in Civic and Curtis Park. There will be international food stalls, live entertainment, fire twirlers and performances by Hattie Oates, as well as international music and dance acts. St Peter’s Cathedral is holding “Drought Break & Musical Moments” in place of their usual open gardens on Saturday 2nd November. There will be a wide range of stalls on the day, as well as live music, morning tea and BBQ lunch. The New England Antique Machinery and Heavy Horse Field Day will be held on the 9th and 10th November, featuring vintage working machinery, small engines, tractors, steam engines, vintage cars, draught horse demonstrations and novelty events for children. Anh Do - The Happiest Refugee will be performing at Lazenby Hall on Saturday 23rd November. When one of Australia’s most talented comedians delves deep into his own life’s joys and sorrows, the result will be an unforgettable night that leaves an audience uplifted. Suitable for ages seven plus. Christmas in the Mall will be held on Thursday 21st November. This is a great family night to celebrate the start of the Christmas season. Come and see the lighting of the Christmas tree, market stalls, Santa and his elves, live music and much more. For full details on these events and more, please visit www.armidaletourism.com.au/ events If you would like a weekly “What’s On” emailed to you, please contact us on 6770 3888 or email us at: tourism@armidale.nsw.gov.au

early EDUCATION and beyond

New England focus. 43

Brad Hunt is the Principal of Kelly’s Plains Public School. He has returned to the school this year and we took time out to speak to him about some of the great things happening at the school.

KELLY’S PLAINS PUBLIC SCHOOL

10 44 New NewEngland England focus. focus.

ello Brad, What can you tell us about the history of Kelly’s Plains Public School? Kelly’s Plains Public School was established in 1863 making it one of the oldest schools in the area (and also in NSW). The school is located just south of Armidale, providing a small school setting for the local children in our area. Kelly’s Plains Public School is a modern-day school with two classes K-2 and 3-6. We are proud of our excellent school where students are nurtured and cared for in a stimulating, rewarding, learning environment. How long have you been principal at the school and tell us about your team? I was first appointed as Principal of Kelly’s Plains in 2008 and had the privilege of leading the school for five years. Recently I have just returned to Kelly’s Plains from a relieving role in another local school. I have returned on a permanent, full time capacity. Our teaching staff are committed to self-improvement and

PRINCIPAL: Brad Hunt

Sharing, Learning, Caring our school plan reflects this. The students at our school are very fortunate to have such a talented and diverse staff to support their learning journey. Describe a typical day/week for students at Kelly’s Plains? Our school provides dynamic, 21st century learning styles based on futures education pedagogy, and is resourced to provide outstanding opportunities in all learning programs. Our school is unique in character and offers students a range of approaches in the main subjects including English, Maths, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Technology (STEM). We also have a strong commitment to creative arts and its valuable contribution in developing important skills in our students. We are a small school which embraces the small school ethos of knowing every one of our students. They are valued and cared for in a safe and focused environment. 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 our students well and have a thorough knowledge of how they learn. The nurturing and caring environment in our school ensures students feel safe and secure in coming to school each day. Can you tell us about your transition plan for students commencing kindergarten in 2020? The school will be holding a transition program during Term 4 for all students who will be enrolling at our school in Kindergarten for the 2020 school year. This will be held over five consecutive Thursday mornings to provide our new students an opportunity to experience “big school” and to learn about some of the programs we offer. Students will be working in their prospective classroom, with Miss Rich, their classroom teacher from 9.00am -12.00pm each week. We also invite our new parents and their families to join us on the first day for a short workshop where we will provide time to answer any questions they may have and to present some important information to help families with children starting school for the first time. What do you feel is most beneficial about a small school environment for both staff and students? Small schools are outstanding schools and Kelly’s Plains epitomises what a great small school looks like. Small schools provide caring and nurturing environments for children to learn and grow. This is achieved through a very close connection between parents and the school. We are committed to working closely with the community and we pride ourselves on knowing every child in our school. Personalised learning plans are developed for every student to assist them in achieving their personal best. Our school is very well resourced. Every student has access to their own lap top for use at school. We have also recently purchased a whole school set of iPads so that each student has one to use as their own. This compliments

the wonderful learning opportunities available for us to access in the area of technology. Kelly’s Plains also has a very close connection with our partner schools. We are part of the Thunderbolt Alliance of small schools where we work together and often join for sporting and educational programs. This means our students are working, connecting and collaborating (and sometimes competing) with students from outside our school. Our students have the opportunity to compete at the highest levels in sporting events and have enjoyed many successes at local swimming, athletics and cross country events. Our involvement with the Armidale Community of Schools (ACOS) provides the perfect connection for the students at our school to be involved in major events such as An Evening with ACOS, as well as solid transition programs for students entering high school. Any other plans for 2019? A personalised approach to learning will always be our focus at Kelly’s Plains. Strong programs in literacy and numeracy will drive our commitment to improvement. We will continue to provide opportunities for every student to learn and grow, and 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). Our absolute commitment to the wellbeing of our students is paramount for their success and to prepare them for a world beyond school. Where can we find out more info/ contact the school? Our school currently has vacancies in all grades from Kindergarten to Year 6. Please contact us to arrange a time to explore the wonderful opportunities available at Kelly’s Plains Public School. Thanks for your time Brad.

Kelly’s Plains School Road, Armidale NSW 2350 PHONE: 02 6775 1253 EMAIL: kellysplan-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au WEB: kellysplan-p.schools.nsw.gov.au

New NewEngland Englandfocus. focus. 45 11

Give Your Child the Gift of Music

Mini Minstrels Program

"My favourite memories as a child are Mini Minstrels with my Dad. I loved singing with him and playing instruments and games."

Every week lots of happy babies and pre-schoolers head into their Mini Minstrels music classes at the New England Conservatorium of Music. They might be mini but they are BIG music makers! They clap, sing, play and dance to songs and games that are the best fun-filled introduction to music a child can be given. NECOM’s Thursday, Friday and Saturday Mini Minstrels classes are held in Armidale and Walcha with three different levels to match a child’s age. Based on the “music in the lap” program, the child and mum, dad, grandparent or carer join in classes to learn all about music - singing, listening, playing percussion instruments, and moving creatively. NECOM also offers the popular Family Class, where parents and siblings (babes to four+ years) make music together as a family. NECOM’s Mini Minstrels classes give children a lifelong love of music and are the ideal springboard to enhance learning later on. Enrol now in Armidale and Walcha and be a Mini Minstrel in 2020. New England Conservatorium of Music 6788 2135 or www.necom.org.au/mini-minstrels

46 New England focus.

EDUCATION SECRET

NEWLING PUBLIC SCHOOL

hen it comes to the best possible learning experience in Kindergarten to build the foundations of learning Newling is the place to look. Newling provides not just the best teaching practice in literacy and numeracy in Kindergarten but this is preceded by a 30 week Transition to School program. The school’s unique team teaching and learning support approach ensures every child’s learning needs are individually catered for. The quality of the teachers and the teaching programs at the school combine to have the greatest effect on your child’s future academic and social progress. “The Newling Kindergarten team teaching allows students to work one-toone with a teacher every day for reading and mathematics,” says Principal Murray

Cox. “Two teachers allows us to cater for all abilities, providing extension and support activities in every lesson, every day .“ The definite highlight of the Kindergarten class is that with two highly skilled teachers working with the class all day, every child is provided the attention and support they require to make the best possible start at school.

From the parents who have discovered, and experienced first-hand, that Newling is a school of excellence and should be the school of choice: We are zoned for Newling so I decided to have a look at the school to make an informed decision if this was the right school for Austin. I am so glad we did. There are so many things to love about Newling.

It has a family atmosphere, children of all ages greet Austin when he arrives at school. The teachers are dedicated and enthusiastic about maximising the children’s learning and nurturing their interests. Austin’s class is small and he has two teachers every day.

having two teachers in her classroom. Abby has been encouraged to pursue her creative writing and she won learning needs some prestigious competitions. She has are individually also had opportunities catered for. in the Premier’s Spelling Bee, debating and various sports. Newling has a very friendly and inclusive atmosphere that brings out the - Rebecca Wood best in your child. Every teacher takes time My daughter started at Newling’s to listen and tailors learning to your child’s Transition Class in 2014. With two full needs. I would absolutely recommend Newling days per week, it gave her an excellent start Public School for your child’s education. to school life. Now in Year 4 she is excelling - Joanne Tracey in most subjects, due to the class sizes and

The school’s unique team teaching and learning support approach ensures every child’s

New England focus. 47

focusinterview.

HUME ARMIDALE AND DISTRICT FAMILY DAY CARE

i Valerie. Tell us a little bit about yourself - how long have you been an educator with AFDC? How many children have passed through your doors? I live with my partner, Mark and my two now almost grown children, Laiton and Cormack. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, I love camping, cooking (especially sweet treats) and reading for both pleasure and learning. I have been an educator for over 15 years. I can’t begin to fathom how many children I’ve had in care over the years. I’ve been so fortunate to have been a part of so many little people’s lives. I’d say at a guess, it would be well over 150. How did your interest in early childhood and care begin? I had my oldest child in FDC when I went back to work and loved that he was in a home environment for his daycare. After the arrival of my second child, I felt that I wanted to stay home with my children. At the time, I felt that FDC was a perfect opportunity to earn an income AND have my children at home. Little did I know how FDC would have such an impact on me. I fell in love with the children, and seeing them grow and learn became such a pleasure. You have recently received an award in recognition for the excellent nature of your service. Can you share what led you to pursue this path? I was extremely humbled just to be nominated. Someone taking time out of their busy lives to do that was so lovely. Then to be selected as one of the Regional Winners from across Australia,

48 New England focus.

was just such a surprise. It is so nice to be appreciated. Honestly though, I just do what I do because it’s my passion, not for reward, but yes, it is nice to be recognised and shows that what I am doing with the children is seen as quality. I am a strong advocate for Family Day Care, and am so proud of Family Day Care and what it stands for, and I'm always making a concerted effort to promote FDC in everything I do - both within my service and the wider community. My interest in children’s learning and development led to the beginning of my studies, with a Cert III in Children’s Services (2008), followed by my Diploma graduation (2010), then fast forward to 2015 and my completion of my Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood. The more I studied, the more I could see the extreme importance of quality Early childhood Education and learned that, as an educator, I have a huge responsibility to ensure children are supported and guided in their learning. Just recently I have completed a Child Psychology Course, which has been a great reinforcer for all that I do. I have always felt that sharing knowledge and networking with other educators is extremely valuable, and I'm always available for mentoring and guiding others in any way I can, based on my experiences and knowledge. This had led me recently to undertake my Cert IV TAE, so I can provide more formal teaching specifically for FDC educators. What are some of the challenging aspects of being an educator? Finding the line between life and work. I love what I do so much, that I must keep reminding myself that I have to step away from FDC related things now and then.

Saying goodbye to children when they’re heading off to school, after you’ve had them in care for sometimes five years; it’s bittersweet. You know they are ready, and that you’ve played an important part in this readiness, and that their new journey ahead is exciting - but it’s so hard to say goodbye. Can you explain what a typical day in your service entails? My program is a play based program. Based on research, children learn much quicker though play. I always have experiences and activities organised for children upon arrival, which they can explore and engage in, in their own way and time. We learn literacy and numeracy, social and physical skills, as we engage in play. We have lots of get togethers with other educators to promote social skills, and other outings into the community, such a story time at the library and visits to Kolora Aged Care. My program has a large focus on the outdoor environment, for which, with the help of my partner, we have created a play space that provides lots of inspiration to play, investigate, be inspired, to explore or simply just to relax. We have many opportunities to participate in the care our environment, such as growing vegetables, feeding the chickens, recycling, and currently water conservation. My philosophy is that children are capable learners and amazing teachers. I aim to ensure that I can build on children’s learning in a way that suits each individual child, planning to cater for each of their individual strengths and interests, while giving them the lead to guide their learning and teaching each other. I believe that my relationships with the children are calm and nurturing and focus on the WHOLE child, but feel the basis for a child’s success is that they believe in themselves and

honour themselves, being the best version of themselves they can be. This means that I encourage them to share their views, interests and understandings. I allow them time to consider their ideas and plenty of time to revisit experiences, to consolidate their learning. We engage in research together; sometimes it is just looking for the answer to a simple question like, "How big is a seahorse?" to an ongoing learning project. My home is their home; hence they can feel relaxed to explore and learn in their own space and time. I also encourage families to come in and sit down and engage with their children in play, if they have time. How has FDC changed over the past 15 years? I feel that the image of FDC has evolved and the community profile has grown. With the National Quality Framework being the same for FDC as all other day care services, it is no longer viewed as "just babysitting". FDC is right up there as a quality childcare choice. What would your advice be to anyone who is considering being an educator with AFDC? It is such a wonderful career choice. What other profession can your whole family be a part of and share in? FDC is unique in that you can watch children grow and develop from babies 'til school age and beyond. You form special bonds with the children and their families. AFDC coordination unit staff will help and guide you through everything, and their support is unwavering every step of the way. My fellow educators are all dedicated to their careers and work extremely hard to maintain AFDC’s high regard in the community, and support each other too, so for anyone considering joining AFDC, you will be warmly welcomed and supported. Thanks Valerie.

Introducing Aruma There’s a new name in the disability services sector. A new name that’s made up of two organisations with a combined history of over 100 years. You may remember them as House with No Steps and The Tipping Foundation. They are now Aruma. So, why the name change? “We were two organisations founded by passionate people: Lionel and Dorothy Watts, and Bill and Marjorie Tipping,” said Andrew Richardson, Aruma’s CEO. “We came together in March 2018, and since our merger we took the time to consider what we should be called in the future.” With names that stood for so much, this was a big task. The organisation spoke with hundreds of its staff and a cross-section of customers and their families to understand their views. “Our staff and customers encouraged us to be

bold and to look seriously at adopting a new name.” And, what does Aruma mean? Aruma has its roots in cultures from all over the world. It means a happy place, to plough the land, and being true. But the organisation is not so focused on literal explanations. “Aruma is what we make it. Aruma is a trailblazer. Aruma puts customers first and never entertains a one-size-fits-all approach. Aruma raises the bar higher,” said Mr Richardson. “Aruma is our bold, new chapter. We’re excited to be writing this together with our staff and our customers.” Keen to have a chat to the Aruma team? You can reach them on 1300 538 746 or enquiries@aruma.com.au

New England focus. 49

Property focusfeature.

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CALL US: 1800 864 752 VISIT OUR DISPLAYS: 22 MYRTLE DRIVE, ARMIDALE NSW 2350 New England focus. 51

focusinterview.

Property focusfeature.

NOW

hen and why did you start your business, Elite Staging Transformations? Elite Staging Transformations started in March 2018, as a result of Jo and I using our passion for interiors and design to furnish and style each of our own properties for sale. At the time, we could see so many properties in the same price bracket that buyers would be also looking at and knew that we needed to offer a point of difference. We presented these properties to our agents before and after staging them, and the response was overwhelming. The outcome was that each of these properties achieved tremendous results with the sale price and significantly reduced time sitting on the market. Jo and her partner, Ray, are property gurus. They have bought, renovated and sold many times in Tamworth, as well as Newcastle, where competition can be tough. Prior to officially setting up the business, however, we wanted to ensure that we could deliver an amazing product to clients, so we thoroughly researched sales data, listing numbers and the average time properties were sitting idle with for sale signs in their front yard. What's your background in designing and styling? Our passion for styling and design comes from a long history. It goes as far back as my grandfather (Jo’s dad) being the in-house stylist 52 New England focus.

When you list a property for sale, it will often have plenty of competition in the marketplace … so, you need to ensure it stands out from the rest! This is where Rebecca Shepherdson and Joanne Taggart of Elite Staging Transformations in Tamworth can help. Beck and Jo can take the blank canvas of your home and transform it into a beautiful and inviting space, sure to attract potential buyers …

and window dresser for the original Myer store from the rest. Working back from this, staging in Tamworth, and in his spare time he was also your home prior to market will ensure the an event stylist for many of the balls that took photos look great, and on open days buyers place. will remember the properties that offered them Growing up, our family home was always the most appeal. decorated to reflect seasons, trends and love of Lead us through how you stage a property beautiful interiors, thanks to Jo’s creative flair. ... how do you decide what pieces to use For those not in the know - what does in a specific space? "staging" a property mean? Each property is unique, so when putting Property staging is together our strategy about making your for staging, we visit the property appeal to as property and visualise it many potential buyers through a buyer’s eyes. as possible and by doing For example, if we see AT ANY ONE TIME so, spend less time on a room in a house that THERE ARE SEVERAL the market - as well as would benefit from HUNDRED LISTINGS attracting the best price. being transformed into a FOR POTENTIAL Much like dressing your bedroom as opposed to BUYERS TO CHOOSE house in its finest outfit what may be a TV room FROM, SO TO ACHIEVE for an important date, for the current owner, we YOUR DESIRED SALE PRICE it is vital that buyers will dress it this way. AND MINIMUM MARKET are offered an amazing It is quite surprising DAYS, IT NEEDS TO STAND first impression. Buyers how accustomed we are OUT FROM THE REST. need to visualise how to using our homes and they may be able to then think that’s what live in the property, so buyers want, when it isn’t accentuating spaces and actually the case. We will features throughout the home is important. always highlight the features of a home and What do you see as the advantages of accentuate space through furniture, lighting having your property professionally and texture to add warmth. staged before it hits the market? You must have a treasure trove of Buyer selection phase is where the process furniture and accessories you can access! commences. At any one time there are several What do you find are some of the more hundred listings for potential buyers to choose popular choices clients make these days in from, so to achieve your desired sale price and terms of style - e.g. Hamptons, Industrial, minimum market days, it needs to stand out Scandi?

Our content base has grown significantly over the last twelve months, to the point we now also have a shop called Downtown Living in Peel St., Tamworth. We source all our furniture direct from leading suppliers, which enables us to offer our clients all of the latest products direct. When staging a home, we always carefully consider what pieces will suit it best. Scandi often works well for a newer property but for something more traditional, we may go with more of a provincial theme. What's a success story you can share from the past 12 months? We have so many success stories to share. We are passionate about assisting our clients achieve the best results for their property and get just as excited as they do when the sold sign goes up. We have staged 50 properties in the area since March 2018, and out of this 96% have achieved a sale within the first four weeks and for close to top asking price. We have worked with some of the best agents in Tamworth, who have had great outcomes for their clients. We pride ourselves on our service and delivery and will always go that extra mile to make a property shine. Where can we find out more/contact you? If you would like to receive a quotation to stage your property, we can be contacted on 0431 213 207 or via our website www. elitestaging.com.au Alternatively, pop into the shop anytime at 230 Peel St., and our friendly team can assist you. Thanks Beck and Jo.

focus_contributor

WITH SUSIE DUNN

Icing

CAKE ON

Alice Cairns and Justine Kavanagh

Wanting to begin with happy… This column nearly relied on a weak riddle … “Why did the elephant cross the river?” as I tried to think of something cheering instead of depressing, but our moods can soon brighten for different reasons.

earing a thoroughly decent man speak in the Armidale Town Hall was one. Honest, informed, self-deprecating and direct, Fred Chaney AO spoke passionately and sincerely on “The Long Road to Uluru and Beyond”. I wish you could all have been there, whatever your perceptions of the subject. Thanks to the UNE Law School headed by Professor Michael Adams, for choosing this speaker for the 2019 Annual Sir Frank Kitto Lecture and for having it in town. No longer a politician, Fred Chaney gave the impression his values always transcended any political expediency. What a relief. His sincerity in pursuing justice made him memorable in these times. His friend, Federal Minister Ken Wyatt, is giving this year’s Frank Archibald Lecture at Oorala, 6pm, November 19. The NSW Government is one of the backers of a UNSW initiative in “a radically new kind of international arts festival” called The Big Anxiety, on mental health in the 21st Century. How have we come to need this? Many of our expectations seem under attack, and we need informed voices giving us real hope for the future. Oliver Cromwell famously said, “I beseech you, in the bowels of Christ, think it possible you may be mistaken”, which should ring in the ears of those refusing to accept the science of climate change. Business leaders in the energy industries are calling for action, as are oil companies like BP. The nation is crying out for fair, long-term strategies now to realise viable rural futures, and Adam Marshall is convinced our region can be a national leader. Smart food and energy production can mark our future. On a smaller stage, I couldn’t agree more with Adam’s views on meat that isn’t meat and milk that isn’t milk. Science whisperer Dr. Mary McMillan kindly sent me some non-partisan links re the contrasting “goodies” in “the originals” vs. plant-based substitutes. But, oh please, at least give them a different name! Never before was training in critical thinking

more important than now. When an ad says “you’re in control” when talking “smart” technology - no, you probably aren’t. When a party dress in an international fashion parade recently messaged “SORRY I’M LATE - I DIDN’T WANT TO COME” in large letters, I guess it’s me, but I’m feeling a bit of generalised plot losing here. Healthy communities work at keeping a balance, and it was cheering to see some glamorous sequinned Twenties-attired ladies in the mood, sipping cocktails before heading to Downton Abbey at the Belgrave. That’s the spirit! We can have fun, even if we’ve been steamrollered by the drought. Think of all the positive big and small projects happening: from The Secondary College to the phoenix-like rising of the Armidale Playhouse, the Airport Business Park, the Saumarez Tourism development, the UNE Solar Farm, the UNE Boilerhouse conversion to a Questacon style development, TAFE’s Farmbot Project, Servies’ new motel, the more vibrant Mall - just a sample. Our communities still put energies into sporting, cultural and charitable activities and all that makes us what we are. Our region will survive and flourish if we pull together and look clearly towards what can be an unprecedented future. We were going to have to face up to the challenges of water usage sooner or later, so fate says sooner. Scrupulous planning and scientific overviews for pipelines, bores etc. must be urgent priorities. Facts are vital and dams are far from always the solution. It’s good that Councils and Government seem on our case, and the news from Guyra is a relief. At a Readers’ Companion poetry launch of Yve Louis’ latest book On the Ways of Green, the poem Green Drought caught my eye, telling of “eyes smarting with the tenderness of green after rain”. We’ll feel that again. Discussing epitaphs with someone, I said I just wanted my name and “points for trying”. She wanted her name and “never lost a sock”. Susie Dunn. New England focus. 53

focusinterview.

LoveLife AND

Long-time resident of Armidale Jenny Roff has launched “Love and Life”... a celebrancy business that offers a wide variety of services to the New England area and further afield.

J E N N Y

R O F F

ell us what inspired way that they both desire. Wedding cereyou to become a monies can be relaxed and fun, celebrant. traditional and formal, or anywhere in My father-in-law between. No matter what style a couple became a marriage choose, I will be by their side from the celebrant after he retired initial planning stage until the big day, as a bank manager in Gosford back in the working with them to create a wedding 1980s. I always thought that it would be ceremony that brings their dreams to something I’d like to reality. do, and last year I Are life celebradecided that the time tions and funerwas right to get my als the same? qualifications. No, in a life I would recommend Jenny a What makes your celebration the thousand times over. She is a business distinct? focus is not on wonderful speaker; she At Love and Life the death of the took the time to get to I offer more than person, but on know us and presented just marriages, and the joy that they a very special ceremony I personally create brought to others, for us and our guests. Thank and perform a wide and it tends to be you so much Jenny, we had variety of ceremoless formal. Life such a perfect day nies. My services celebrations can Steph and Ed Davidson. include weddings, be held after, or in naming ceremolieu of, a tradinies, commitment tional funeral or ceremonies, renewal of vows, memorials memorial service. I am also able to plan a and memorial anniversaries, scattering of ceremony with someone before they die, ashes, life celebrations, pet funerals, and so that they get to decide exactly what dedication ceremonies for boats, new their ceremony will be like and on their homes or offices. terms. How do you assist couples who are Do you travel to perform ceremonies? planning a wedding? Absolutely! Although I am based in A couple’s wedding should stand out Armidale, I also travel to Dorrigo, Glen as a day of incredible joy and happiness Innes, Gunnedah, Guyra, Inverell, Moree, as they celebrate their love in a unique Tamworth, Tenterfield, Uralla, Walcha and

54 New England focus.

further afield. I offer a free no-obligation meeting for all of my services, so that people can determine if I am the right celebrant for them. I meet couples in my home office or I travel to them, or perhaps we might meet halfway at a coffee shop or a pub. Tell us a bit about yourself. I have lived in Armidale for nearly 30 years, and it is a wonderful place to raise a family. I am married to Damian, and we have four children. I am a high school teacher, and I enjoy keeping fit and performing in musical theatre - most recently in Chicago and Singin’ in the Rain. What’s the best part of your job? I get enormous satisfaction from knowing that I am assisting others to celebrate incredibly significant events in their lives. I am able to combine my love of writing with confident public speaking skills to create unique and elegant ceremonies for my clients. “I would recommend Jenny a thousand times over. She is a wonderful speaker; she took the time to get to know us and presented a very special ceremony for us and our guests. Thank you so much, Jenny, we had such a perfect day”... Steph and Ed Davidson ~ July 2019. Contact Jenny Roff - Celebrant for All Occasions - for a free no-obligation meeting. www.loveandlife.com.au 0487 290 599.

thinking notary

WITH CHRISTOPHER SEROW

thinking

notary

otarial practice is a profession of great antiquity, probably having its origin in the civil institutions of ancient Rome.

The office of Notary Public developed from the activities of scribes, until Notaries became independent officers. A Notary’s certificate and seal are awarded recognition internationally as a public act in the same way as a document under the seal of a Court. Since January 1986, the appointment of Notaries in New South Wales has been made by the Supreme Court in accordance with provisions contained in the Public Notaries Act 1997 (No. 98). The suitability for appointment, however, is determined by the Legal Profession Admission Board, which has made rules for the appointment of Notaries. In some ways, the office of a Notary has many similar roles to that of a Justice of the Peace (JP). So what do each of these appointments do, and how are they different? What is a Justice of the Peace? A JP plays an essential part in the legal system and in the community of NSW. Unlike the office of a Notary Public, it is not necessary for JPs to be legally qualified, and they are not entitled to charge fees for service. Two of the main functions of JPs are to witness the signing and execution of documents such as statutory declarations and affidavits and to certify copies of documents. The conduct of a JP is subject to the Code of Conduct for Justices of the Peace in NSW. Failure of a JP to comply with the Code of Conduct can result in loss of office or review.

What is the difference between a JP and a Notary Public? A Notary Public in NSW must be admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW and have not less than 5 years’ experience as a legal practitioner. Additional notarial practice training is required and, once appointed, Notaries are entitled to charge fees for their services. As a guide, the NSW Society of Notaries publishes a recommended scale of fees each year. The current recommended scale is applied at Legal Minds and can be viewed at http://notary.zfweb. net/fees_scale In addition to all of the functions of a JP, a Notary is required to have the combined legal experience to draw up formal certificates and to notarise, verify, certify and authenticate documents that can be recogised throughout the world, such as debentures, affidavits for use in Court proceedings in other countries, powers of attorney, estate matters, confirming identity of individuals and even ships protests. A Notary is identified by their registered signature and their Notarial seal. When documents are notarised, a certificate drafted and executed by the Notary is sewn onto the copy of the document with a ribbon. A wafer is placed over the ends of the ribbon and sealed with an embosser. The certificate can then not be removed unless either the paper is torn, the ribbon is cut, or, the seal is broken. This process ensures that a document is secure. A stapled certificate is not accepted by DFAT or for other notarial purposes.

The Australian Federal Government does not appoint JPs, which is regulated by the states. The duties and appointment of JPs in NSW are regulated through the Justices of the Peace Act 2002 and the Justices of the Peace Regulation 2003. More information on JPs can be found on NSW Attorney General’s Department website at: www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/cru/ll_cru.nsf/ pages/jp_index

To ensure recognition of the Notary’s signature and seal, registration is made with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). This is an important process, as some countries, like Australia, are contracting States to the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 and instead of having to have public documents legalised by individual countries, documents can be sealed with an Apostille by DFAT. In those countries that are not a Convention country, individual Consulates are required to be consulted on specific arrangements for those countries, which can in some cases be more complex and expensive. Within our social and business community the role and responsibility of JPs and Notaries are an important function to ensure the authenticity and certification of documents, to keep our day to day local and international business transactions moving.

JPs within the region can also obtain information and support by joining the NSW Justices Association Northern Tablelands Support Group.

Christopher K C Serow Principal, Solicitor Director, Notary Public, Migration Agent MARN 0854319

Dishonesty or failure to fulfil statutory obligations can result in legal proceedings being brought against a JP in negligence. In Graham v Hall & 1 [2006] NSWCA 208 for example, a JP was sued for damages for alleging to have witnessed the signature of another when not in that person’s presence.

New England focus. 55

The stars are out UNE is the only Australian public university awarded the maximum 5 stars for Overall Experience 14 years in a row*

Professor Rene Villano, UNE Business School

All courses available for study to start 4 November BESPOKE COURSES

BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING & HR Bespoke courses of 2, 3, or 4 units Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice# Diploma in Business Bachelor of Business ACCOUNTING, FINANCE & Majors: Accounting, Agribusiness, Business FINANCIAL PLANNING Analytics, Economics, Finance, Human Bachelor of Accounting Resource Management, International Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Planning) Business, Management, Marketing Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning* Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Laws Master of Professional Accounting Combined degrees in Business available in Arts, Agriculture, Economics. AGRICULTURE & RURAL SCIENCE Bachelor of Organisational Leadership Bachelor of Agricultural Production and Bachelor of Training and Development Management Graduate Certificate in Business Bachelor of Agriculture Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Business Management Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Laws Graduate Certificate in Management Bachelor of Rural Science Master of Business Administration ANIMAL SCIENCE & ZOOLOGY Master of Strategic Organisational Development and Human Resource Bachelor of Animal Science Management Bachelor of Zoology (Also see Science)

ARCHAEOLOGY & INDIGENOUS STUDIES Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Science~ Master of Arts*

CLASSICS, HISTORY, PHILOSOPHY & STUDIES IN RELIGION

Bachelor of Historical Inquiry and Practice Graduate Diploma in Local, Family and Applied History Master of Arts*

PEACE, POLITICAL & INTERNATIONAL STUDIES Diploma in Arts** Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of International and Language ENGLISH, WRITING, MEDIA Studies & COMMUNICATIONS Bachelor of International Studies Master of Arts* Diploma in Professional Communication Bachelor of Media and Communications PHARMACY & BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE (Also see Arts) Bachelor of Biomedical Science ENVIRONMENTAL & EARTH SCIENCES PSYCHOLOGY, SOCIOLOGY Bachelor of Environmental Science & SOCIAL SCIENCE Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor Bachelor of Psychological Science of Laws Bachelor of Psychology with Honours Bachelor of GeoScience Bachelor of Social Science Master of Planning and Management of Graduate Diploma in Psychology Natural Hazards*# SCIENCE GEOGRAPHY & PLANNING Diploma in Science Graduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Bachelor of Science~ Planning Other Languages (also known as Teaching English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D)) and Literature and New Literacies. Master of Teaching (Primary) Master of Teaching (Secondary)

LANGUAGES, LINGUISTICS & CULTURAL STUDIES

Bachelor of International and Language Studies Bachelor of International Studies Bachelor of Languages ARTS COMPUTER SCIENCE, IT & DATA SCIENCE Bachelor of Languages and International Diploma in Arts** Bachelor of Computer Science Business Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Computer Science/Bachelor of (Also see Arts) Majors: Ancient History, Archaeology, Laws Master of Applied Linguistics Australian History, Chinese, Classical Graduate Certificate in Data and Cyber Languages, Criminology, English, French, LAW & CRIMINOLOGY Management German, History, Human Geography, Diploma in Paralegal Studies** Master of Data Science# Indigenous Studies, Indonesian, International Diploma in Prosecution and Advocacy History, Islamic Studies, Italian, Japanese, ECONOMICS & AGRIBUSINESS Bachelor of Criminology~ Linguistics, Music, Peace Studies, Bachelor of Agribusiness Bachelor of Laws (3 years) Philosophy, Physical Geography, Political Bachelor of Agricultural and Resource Bachelor of Laws (4 years) and International Studies, Psychology, Economics Bachelor of Legal Studies Screen and Media Studies, Sociology, Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Economics Double degrees in Law available in Spanish, Studies in Religion, Theatre and Bachelor of Economics Agriculture; Arts; Business; Computer Performance, Writing Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Laws Science; Criminology; Economics; Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Graduate Certificate in Agribusiness Environmental Science and Science Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Master of Laws Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science EDUCATION & TEACHING Majors: Commercial, Crime and Criminal Master of Arts* Bachelor of Education Justice, Health and Science, International, Majors+: Ancient History, Applied Sociology, • Early Childhood Teaching Natural Resource Governance. Archaeology, Asian Studies, Chinese Studies, • K-12 Teaching Classical World, English, Environmental NURSING, SOCIAL WORK & HEALTH Bachelor of Training and Development Advocacy, French Studies, Geography, Master of Disability Graduate Certificate in Education Studies German Studies, History, Indigenous Master of Health Management Studies, Indonesian Studies, Italian Studies, Graduate Certificate in eLearning Master of Neuroscience Master of Education Linguistics, Media and Communications, Specialisations: Comparative Education, Music, Peace Studies, Philosophy, Political eLearning, Gifted and Talented Education, and International Studies, Regional Change Indigenous Australian Education, Special Management, Studies in Religion, Theatre Education, Teaching English to Speakers of and Performance, and Writing.

Apply now to start 4 November Applications to start in March 2020 are now also open++

une.edu.au/fivestars • 1800 818 865 * The Good Universities Guide 2007-2019

56 New England focus.

University of New England CRICOS Provider Number 00003G

Majors: Animal Science and Veterinary Studies, Applied Physics, Archaeology, Biochemistry/ Biotechnology, Biodiversity, Botany, Chemistry, Computational Science, Forensic Science, Genetics, Geography, Geoscience, Mathematics, Medicinal Chemistry, Microbiology, Neuroscience, Palaeobiology, Physiology, Psychology, Zoology

Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of Scientific Studies SUSTAINABILITY Bachelor of Sustainability

THEATRE, PERFORMANCE & MUSIC Diploma in Music Skills^^ Bachelor of Music^^ ENTRY PATHWAYS Pathways Enabling Course (Will give you entry to most UNE degrees, is free and can be studied online from home.) # * ~ ** +

Graduate Diploma also available Graduate Certificate also available Honours year also available Advanced Diploma also available Not all Majors are available to all candidates. ^^ Early Application closing date ++ Not all courses listed here will be available in March Please see website for individual course rules and admissions criteria.