New England Focus i154

Insignia Co.

March 2020. issue 154

TARA TOOMEY

2 New England focus.

focus_ team.

Pic from Uralla Shire Council

team From the

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Welcome to the March edition of New England FOCUS.

very year in March, we celebrate International Women’s Day. The theme this year is #EachforEqual ... with the message being to push for gender quality across all career platforms, encompassing business, education, technology and creativity. “An equal world is an enabled world” - and to this end, FOCUS is always proud to present our Women in Business edition each March.

This is our chance to showcase some for the wonderful women in our local area and share their passion - and skill - for what they do. You’ll meet some very interesting characters in these pages!

And men, we haven’t forgotten about you.

We know there are some simply amazing men doing big things locally too, and you’ll have your chance to shine in the FOCUS

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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

spotlight in our August edition.

On the Cover Tata Toomey needs little introduction … she’s the creative and enthusiastic advocate behind so many fantastic New England initiatives - Seasons of New England, The Humble Cook, The Makers and Creators Expo. Tara is our Business Minds guest this month, and Ingrid Rothe caught up with her in downtown Uralla to find out just what motivates this super talented powerhouse.

In this Issue We spoke with Monique from CAMP Grounds in Tamworth this month - a very special “hole in the wall” espresso bar that offers some superb tea and coffee creations. The crew at CAMP Grounds have partnered with coffee company Floozy, who are super keen to help

support and promote women in the coffee industry. CAMP grounds is definitely worth a visit for your next caffeinated brew!

Who remembers the photo on social media of the elated farmer leaping into his dam at Dundee after recent rain? Well, we tracked down this joy-filled chap, and spoke to him and his gorgeous wife about their plans. Grant and Kylie Kneipp have turned adversity to their advantage, creating a business, Insignia Company, from scratch to help supplement their farm income through the drought. And, Insignia Co is growing in leaps and bounds …

Final Say “We do not need magic to change the world. We carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.”

- J.K. Rowling.

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New England focus. 3

contents Issue 154 - March 2020

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Tour De Rocks.

feature a special

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

From 2nd - 4th April, hundreds of riders will take part in the annual Tour de Rocks event. Riding from Armidale to South West Rocks, the aim of the event is to raise funds to help find a cure for cancer.

10

Sally-Anne Whitten.

Her voice is a familiar one on the airwaves at radio station 2TM between 1pm and 5pm weekdays, but Tamworth local Sally-Anne Whitten is also an accomplished musician and multi-album recording artist.

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CAMP Grounds.

Usual Suspects the

It’s not just a tiny hole in the wall café … don’t walk past! Located in Dowe Street, Tamworth, CAMP Grounds is the result of the combined hard work and passion from Monique Hope and Matthew Bettesworth.

12. WHAT’S ON MARCH

24. TOURISM WITH KATRINA GEORGE

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29. BUSINESS MINDS WITH INGRID ROTHE 36. STAR GUIDE WITH TERRI 37. MINDING YOUR BUSINESS WITH ANTHONY FOX 48. ICING ON THE CAKE WITH SUSIE DUNN

Bungalow G.

Gretel Vincent was raised in Wallabadah and after living away for some years both in Sydney and overseas, returned to the Tamworth region with husband Craig to raise their children, Stella and Harry. Gretel loves the region but is also inspired by travel and natural products, and this reflects in the beauty and ambience of Bungalow G - her new specialty homeware and lifestyle store.

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

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Variety JET

trek the

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

Armidale boys Trent Hamel, Tim Fowler and Bill Fowler will set off on an intrepid adventure from March 15th 22nd, travelling from Coffs Harbour to the Sunshine Coast - via jet ski. They’re expecting a few sore muscles along the way, but the trek is to raise money for Variety, the Children’s Charity - and the boys’ hope is their efforts will help sick kids.

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 fé s We e k l y m a r ke t 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

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i guys. How did you find (calling in at Yamba for lunch); on Tuesday out about the Yamaha 17th we travel to Ballina (with a lunch break Variety Jet Trek? at Iluka); and Wednesday 18th sees us We have known about it heading to the Gold Coast. We have a rest for a few years. We’ve always day on Thursday 19th, then on Friday 20th wanted to do the Variety Car Bash, then when we travel to Redcliffe (stopping for lunch in we heard about the jet ski trek, we thought it Calypso Bay), and on Saturday 21st we reach was perfect and wanted to book it in! our final destination - the Sunshine Coast.

Why did you decide to take part?

Travelling via jet ski from Coffs Harbour We love riding our jet ski, and this is a to the Sunshine Coast is no easy feat! perfect way to do what we love, while also What are some of the difficulties/ raising money for sick kids. obstacles you’re expecting to face along How much jet ski the way? riding have you Man eating sharks ha actually done in the ha, running out of fuel, past? and sore legs and bum.

We have owned jet skis How much money are We love riding our jet for over seven years, you hoping to raise for ski, and this is a perfect and we get to ride them Variety, the Children’s way to do what we about six months of the Charity? love, while also raising year. We love taking We are hoping to raise money for sick kids. them out to the ocean at least $3,500 each. and jumping waves, as How can we donate/ well as towing the kids find out more? around the river down Donating is easy! Go the coast. We probably haven’t done enough to: long rides in preparation for the jet trek https://www.varietyjettrekautumn.com.au/ though ha ha! armidaleboys When will the trek take place ... and Variety has also organised a raffle, which how will it work exactly? What are the we are selling raffle tickets in. They can be locations you stop off in along the way? bought from New England Towing or John The trek starts from Coffs Harbour on 15th Fowler Automotive. Tickets cost $10, for your March and reaches the Sunshine Coast on chance to win $10,000. the 22nd. The breakdown of destinations and Thank you to everyone who has donated distance travelled is as follows: on Monday and supported us so far.

16th, we travel from Coffs Harbour to Thanks guys.

Grafton.

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 wo r t h . co m . a u

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A MOMENT OF SHEER JOY AFTER RECENT RAIN IN DUNDEE HAS LED GRANT AND KYLIE KNEIPP TO EXPERIENCE SOME EXCITING MEDIA COVERAGE … WHICH IS ONLY TO THE COUPLE’S BENEFIT!

INSIGNIA COMPANY

We have had some very proud achievements with both of our breeds. Battalion Herefords

holds the record top price at the Glen Innes Hereford Bull Sale, which is the longest

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lready well known for achieving record prices for both their stud Horned Hereford and Speckle Park bulls, their new business, Insignia Co. is also becoming well known very quickly, with the couple’s quick thinking, hard work ethic and creative flair leading to big things …

What's your history in the Dundee area?

Grant: I’m a fourth generation beef producer and have lived in Dundee all my life (now 33 years), currently living and operating our seed stock business on the same property my great grandfather selected.

Kylie: I’m also a born and bred local to the Glen Innes area from a rural family.

Tell us a little about your cattle breeding operation. What breeds do you specialise in, and how many head do you generally run on your property?

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running multi-vendor sale in Australia.

Kylie: We have a Horned Hereford stud, “Battalion Herefords” that Grant established in 2005 and in recent years we have also started a Speckle Park Stud, “Battalion Speckle Park”.

We have had some very proud achievements with both of our breeds. Battalion Herefords holds the record top price at the Glen Innes Hereford Bull Sale, which is the longest running multi-vendor sale in Australia, at $45,000.

We also hold the record top price at the multi-vendor Scone Speckle Park Sale at $26,000, which also happened to be our first Speckle Park bull offered for sale.

Semen from Battalion bulls (both breeds) has been exported to three countries. We are relatively small seed stock producers, running around 60 stud females (combined breeds), plus 40 commercial females used for embryo transfers. We have limited land space, but have always proven you don’t have to have hundreds

of cows to breed valuable bulls.

How did you come up with the idea for your business, Insignia Company?

Grant: We have been giving our bull clients gifts with their purchases for many years and had found the small gesture of a hat to a respected client is always well received. We find a small token of appreciation is a great way to build relations with your clients. Plus, if they like the hat and are proud to wear it, they become great walking advertisements for your business.

The drought was applying relentless financial pressure which we could not continue to sustain without a source of off farm income.

With two young children (Travis, four and Grace, one) and Kylie on maternity leave from her job as a veterinary nurse, things were

tough.

Kylie retrained (after the kids had gone to bed) in graphic design via correspondence, to allow us to start the online business. With Kylie’s technical skills, my artistic tendencies and a combined drive, Insignia Co. was born.

We have always placed a high value on effective marketing for our seed stock business and believed we could play to our strengths.

We offer high quality marketing material in the form of customisable items, starting with the very popular trucker style hats, and with more items to be released soon.

How does the design process work between you and a client? Can you work with existing logos on your merchandise, or do you help design logos from scratch?

Kylie: Clients email us their logo and

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This dam, plus many others now being full, meant the end of buying water for our stock. Insignia Company was started in an attempt to finance feed and water and

hopefully allow us to hold on to our core breeding herd.

any design criteria they may have. We then compose an obligation free digital mock-up with a few designs based on the client’s wishes and research we have done on the business, including target audience, business branding and any other elements we can use, such as slogans.

From there, we go back and forth with the client, tweaking the design as many times as needed, until the client has a design they love.

If they don’t have a logo, we can also assist in creating one either in house, or we also on occasion outsource to a very skilled graphic designer in Colorado.

We know you make terrific hats ... but what styles/fabrics/colours do they come in, and are other types of merchandise also on your agenda for the future?

The options with our hats are only limited to one’s imagination. The most common hats we do are five panel Trucker style (mesh back) with generally acrylic or cotton front and polyester mesh back. We can source other materials and styles on request. We can also adjust the size and shape of any particular order.

There are literally hundreds of colour combinations available, and for large orders we can even have specific fabric colours created using Pantone numbers. We can print images or patterns anywhere on the hat, including the mesh. The quality of which the logo is added to the hat is probably the most impactful, with most people selecting 3D embroidery; again, there are many options available, including but not limited to 2D, 3D embroidery, rubber, metal, sublimation and embroidered patches.

We will be continuing to release new products for customisation, including stubby coolers, enamel cups, watches and the relatively new and exciting ratchet style genuine leather

belts. Once we have one product line in constant The options with our hats are supply and demand, we only limited to one’s imagination. intend to add new items The most common hats we to our options as we have do are five panel Trucker requests for particular style (mesh back) with items of interest. We generally acrylic or cotton front will also be advertising and polyester mesh back. We can accompanying video promotional packs, where source other materials and styles shot by four year old businesses have the on request.

Travis was seen on news opportunity to bundle stations all over the more than one product world, including in Russia for larger savings. and the UK. Grant just about "broke the internet" Despite recent rainfall, much of NSW is recently, with a photo of him jumping still in drought, and times are tough for in the dam after recent rain in your area many. What are your hopes and dreams went viral. Why did you actually jump into for the future - for both your farm, and for the water, Grant - and did you expect the Insignia Co.? photo to receive the amazing reaction it Grant: With the current rains, I believe our has? region may be on its way out of the drought Grant: Our dams have been dry for so and hopefully returning to at least an average long, we were beginning to forget what they rainfall pattern once again. Although the looked like full. I said if it ever fills up again, I’m weather appears to be swinging our way at jumping in for a swim. I did also have to go in last, the effects of the worst drought in history this particular dam to disconnect a wire that for our region will be long lasting, and for was now on the bottom of the dam (we had many famers it will take years of saving money an electric wire running through it when it was to recoup what was spent to keep their stock. near dry to share the remaining water between One thing I am confi dent about is that two paddocks). livestock prices are already rising and should This dam, plus many others now being full, also reach possible record heights due to meant the end of buying water for our stock. the now shortage of breeding cattle across Insignia Company was started in an attempt to Australia.

This should mean that for those who finance feed and water and hopefully allow us made the decision to hold on to their livestock, to hold on to our core breeding herd. they should be rewarded at auction.

I did think that photo would be pretty We intend to continue to grow our Speckle popular, purely due to the general population Park herd to run a 50/50 split of stud Herefords experiencing the same draining drought affects and Speckle Park breeders to breed and that we have. So to show a moment of joy supply bulls for our annual bull sale, which and relief, I think everyone could share in our we started in 2019.

The thing that excites us excitement of the rain. The image and the

the most moving forward is the growth and development of our new Insignia Company business, that has only been operating for four months. We have high expectations and big ideas for this business and have already found it to exceed any timeline goals we had set.

Exposure for us is the highest priority on the agenda during its early stages. We are confident we can not only match but better the quality and price on comparable products.

We stand by the famous quote by Larry Page: “Always deliver more than expected”. We would like our business to be known for its high quality products at great competitive prices. We would also like to think our personal service and the relations we create are the most rewarding and valuable to us and our clients.

What's the best way to go about contacting you?

Kylie: We would love to speak to the people we work with on: Ph: (02) 6734 4134 Grant: 0428 726 771 Kylie: 0437 575 022 You can also email us at admin@insigniaco. com.au We encourage people to like and follow us on our social media pages and website: Facebook @insigniacompany Instagram #insigniacustomcompany www.insigniaco.com.au Thanks Grant and Kylie.

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From 2nd - 4th April, hundreds of riders will take part in the annual Tour de Rocks event. Riding from Armidale to South West Rocks, the aim of the event is to raise funds to help find a cure for cancer.

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evin Hill is one of the event’s most This year is my seventh ride; I started back in well-known participants - it’ll be his 2012 and have only missed two rides since the seventh ride this year, and the total commencement of Tour de Rocks. amount of funds he’s raised for the What else inspired you to take part? event over the years is staggering: I just like to help people - and what better way in the vicinity of $50,000! Kevin to do it, than riding on our mountain bikes and is a staunch advocate for Tour de Rocks; if you having some fun along the road! happen to see him out and How much have you about selling raffle tickets, raised for the event to make sure you stop and say date, and what have been G’day! some of the fundraising Hi Kevin. Tell us a little activities you’ve been When they told me the about yourself and your involved with? route of the ride, which takes background in the New The first couple of years you from Armidale England area.

I didn’t raise that much, to South West Rocks I moved to Armidale back but over the last few years down through the Big in 1974. I am married, with I’ve increased my sales of Hill, I became very three children and four the raffle tickets - and I keen to participate grandkids. think I would be getting I’ve always wanted to ride I’m a local builder in close to $50K. I mainly sell down the Big Hill.

Armidale and the New the $5 raffle tickets for my England area. fundraising, and over the Why did you first become last few years Tour de Rocks involved with Tour de have been donated an Africa Rocks? raffle prize from Bench Africa, so I’m also selling I heard about the ride and asked around to see these for $50 each, or three for $100. what it was all about. When they told me the There are other local charity organisations in route of the ride, which takes you from Armidale Armidale that have heard and seen how much I to South West Rocks down through the Big Hill, sell; they want me to help them raise funds too.

I became very keen to participate - I’ve always What are some of your favourite memories wanted to ride down the Big Hill. from your Tour de Rocks experience?

Reaching the finish line, especially on the first ride, and seeing everyone cheer you on as you arrive at the headlands in South West Rocks. And, all the good laughs and stories you hear along the road.

What will be your involvement at this year’s event?

Well, I’m out and about already selling raffle tickets throughout the Armidale and New England area.

But this year will be a special year, as my daughter is going to join me on the ride for the first time.

Why would you encourage others to get involved?

The whole event is just so well organised, and we are all trying to get an end result and find a cure for cancer.

Where can we find out more info/register for the event?

I’m not up with the technology, but you can access information on the website: www.tourderocks.com.au They also have a Facebook page, you can ask one of the riders currently training around town, come and see me selling raffle tickets throughout Armidale on most Friday nights in all the local pubs, or go and visit Kay or Paula at New England Travel.

Thanks Kevin. Congratulations on such a wonderful fundraising effort!

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Sally-Anne Her voice is a familiar one on the airwaves at radio station 2TM between 1pm and 5pm weekdays, but Tamworth local Sally-Anne Whitten is also an accomplished musician and multi-album recording artist, with some amazing accolades to her name and a new album in the pipeline!

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i Sally-Anne. What are your fondest memories of growing up in Tamworth ... and is this area still "home" for you today?

We travel around quite a bit, but Tamworth is home. It’s kind of half way between everywhere, and the music community here is the best. My family are mostly all here, and I have such great memories of growing up with them all at family gatherings and parties.

My fondest memories are of watching my dad play on stage when I was little from the wings and lots of fun musical memories when I first started singing with Dad’s band.

So much fun! I remember watching the cavalcade in the Country Music Festival as a child and listening to Hoedown on the radio with such awe and wonder. It still amazes me that I’ve grown up and I’m doing the things I was so inspired by as a kid. That could only happen in Tamworth: a great community I love and that I’m proud of.

You started playing music early, and from age 15 you were playing bass and guitar alongside your musician dad, Barry Whitten. Apart from your dad, who else helped shaped your early music career?

My earliest memories are of going to Capital Country Music Association workshops and talent quests. The older generations of country musicians in Tamworth were (and still are) so encouraging and nurturing, giving us young-uns opportunities to play at their gigs and jam sessions, which taught me so much.

I owe a great debt to the CCMA and people 10 New England focus.

like Lynette Guest, Patti Morgan, the Dallas family, and Geoff Brown.

I have learned so much from playing in various bands over the years, and incredible musicians like Alwyn Aurisch (now my husband), Peter Moloney, Steve McCauley, Dave Adams and Trevor Stacey have been playing with me for many years. They saw potential in me when others did not, and I will always be forever grateful to them. They also introduced me to some great music that still inspires me today.

You've released three albums now, the latest being Burgundy Street in 2018.

How do you feel both your sound and your songwriting have progressed over the course of these three albums ... are the albums all very different to each other?

Yes and no. I think if you listen closely to my song structure, there’s a typical way I write, and you can probably hear my favourite influences creeping in on each recording same producer and similar musicians each time too, so there’s that thread of continuity.

But stylistically, each album tends to get a little more of a bluesy edge, and I think my songs have become more personal and a bit braver.

2019 was a big year for both you and your husband/producer, Alwyn Aurisch, as collectively you won most popular female artist, most popular independent album, and most popular producer for Burgundy Street at the Indie Country Music Australia and Showcase Awards.

How did this acknowledgement make you feel ... and how do you plan to top

I think if you listen closely to this achievement? not in any rush my song structure, there’s a It was a watery eye moment this time - we typical way I write, and for sure! It’s particularly nice to are going to you can probably hear win those awards, as they are fan work up the my favourite influences voted, so it was a lovely nod of songs live with creeping in on each recognition. And a reassurance the band first recording - same producer too - that doing things 100% and see how and similar musicians each my own way with that album, that goes. I time too, so there’s that thread which is super risky in the music want a strong of continuity. biz, actually might be the right album of songs direction! that are fun to So now, I set the goal posts play live. higher and broaden my horizons, Many keep learning, and continue to surround Tamworth readers may already know you myself with musicians and artists who are from your work with radio station 2TM. better than me, so I keep expanding and How did you get started in radio? improving my craft.

Completely random! My friend, who was Awards are wonderful - but you can’t working there at the time, called me and use them as success markers, or you’ll drive asked me if I’d ever thought about a job in yourself nuts. Some of the greatest albums of radio. I said, “No thanks!” He called back and all time have never won anything. So, as long asked me to reconsider, because he thought as people are enjoying my music, I’m creating I’d be a natural. It was never a career I had new things and I’m able to get out and get considered - but I had some time on my hands paid to sing to people - that’s a success to me. and thought I'd give it a go. Three years later, I believe you're working on a new album I’m still there, and I love it. release for later this year. Please tell us a What radio show/s do you currently bit about this and how it's going … feature in ... and what days/times can we I have had about two years of not writing tune in and listen to you? anything - life just gets in the way, and I felt I’m on Drive on 1287 2TM - between 1pm like I had nothing of real value to say. It feels and 5pm weekdays. good to be back in a creative headspace What's the best way for us to keep track again, and with some co-writes planned this of your upcoming gigs and new single/ year I am really excited to see what becomes album releases? of it all.

My website: www.sallyannewhitten.com or I am trying not to focus too hard on any find me on Facebook! direction musically - just see what happens. So Thanks Sally-Anne. far, it’s a mixed bag of blues/country. But I’m Pic courtesy of Di Stacey Photography.

Directors Mark Bindon and Franco De Pasquale with National Manager New Projects Melissa Luck

Embrace a new way of living As the trusted name in retirement living for more than 15 years, Oak Tree assures you an easier, more affordable lifestyle, allowing you to focus more on the things you love.

Certainty Leave behind the physical and financial burden of a large family home. At Oak Tree, you can be certain that all maintenance and repairs will be taken care of with a simple and affordable weekly fee. It covers everything from gardening, rates and water to building insurance and recreational facility operations, with the costs shared by all village residents for maximum efficiency.

Knowing that this weekly fee and any adjustments are protected under the Retirement Village Legislation gives you more budget certainty, while you can come and go from the village as you please knowing the upkeep of your home and gardens is assured.

You also have the benefit of knowing that moving to an Oak Tree villa can downsize your power bill too, with lower energy requirements compared to larger homes. Villas include a raft of efficient design features.

Confidence While leaving the familiar comfort of a family home might seem daunting, have confidence that the intuitive design of our villages will meet your needs now and into the future. Each purpose-built, single-level villa strikes the ideal balance between function and floor space. Ample storage, full size kitchens, modern finishes, open-plan living and covered outdoor patios make each home easy to live in and care for. Our villas have also been designed to enable easy future modifications, such as mobility assistance devices, if required.

Coupled with purpose-built recreation facilities for the exclusive use of residents and guests, there’s no shortage of space to do all the things you want to do. Live your life your way. We actively welcome your friends and family to visit, meet some new companions, and share the many benefits of our community.

Manger and residents genuinely care and keep an eye out for each other.

Whether you’re leaving for the day or a holiday, rest assured someone is always looking out for you.

Credibility Led by founding Directors Mark Bindon and Franco De Pasquale, the vision set out over 15 years ago for the Oak Tree Group continues with financial support and backing of First State Super (Australia’s second largest superannuation fund). With an expanding portfolio of almost 30 villages around Australia, our hundreds of happy residents are testament to the fact that we live up to our word.

Our hands-on approach ensures our residents have access to management when needed, backed by the support required to provide outstanding service, not just within the retirement village but also to the broader community.

We’re proud of our reputation for providing affordable retirement living solutions, enhancing our residents’ lifestyles and helping them realise the future they worked hard for!

Don’t hesitate, it’s time. Take that first step towards your new life by calling 1300 367 155 or visit oaktreegroup.com.au

• 89 Martin Street and 217 Taylor Street, Armidale

Feel safe and secure with the peace-of-mind that a private gated environment provides. In our tight-knit communities, the active Village New England focus. 11

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M A R C H

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The Country Championships Race Day

Tooheys Armidale Cup

Armidale, it’s time to celebrate the Tooheys Armidale Cup. Fashions on the Field, flower wall, live music, free kids’ entertainment, bar, catering and eight big races When Sunday 1st March - 11am - 6:30pm.

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Where Barney St, Armidale.

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ADFAS Armidale Catherine Wallace Lecture Who Catherine Wallace (UK Arts Society Lecturer).

Under The Open Sky: Newlyn & Lamorna Artists 1880 - 1940.

This lecture gives an overview of art in Cornwall from the late 19th Century to the start of the Second World War that was created in and around the remote villages of Newlyn and Lamorna in West Cornwall and the port of Falmouth.

When Thursday 5th March at 6pm Where Memorial Hall, The Armidale School, Brown Street, Armidale. Guest tickets only available on Trybooking: https:// www.trybooking.com/BHAOI Lecture and supper $25.

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Armidale and New England Show

See you ringside at the 145th annual Armidale Show!

With stacks of family friendly entertainment, livestock competitions, food stalls, and pavilion displays, the event promises two wonderful days out.

When March 6th and 7th. Where Armidale Showground.

More info armidale show.org.au

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ADFAS Tamworth Catherine Wallace Lecture Who Catherine Wallace (UK Arts Society Lecturer).

A tale of two Barbaras - Barbara Hepworth and Barbara Tribe Famous sculptors, Barbara Hepworth and Barbara Tribe, made Cornwall their home for much of their lives. Barbara Hepworth (1903 - 1975) became a leading light in the modernist movement in British art, representing Britain at the Venice Biennale in 1958. She was made a Dame in 1965. Barbara Tribe (1913 - 2000) came from Australia. She became a member of the Royal Society of Portrait Sculptors in 1953, having made many notable portrait busts of Australian Servicemen in London during the war. The lecture looks at the similarities and differences in the work of these two pioneering 20th Century female artists.

When Friday 6th March at 6pm.

Where Passchendaele Room, Tamworth War Memorial Town Hall. Guest Tickets: $28.

First Saturday chats

7

Our next First Saturday chats will be hosted by Elizabeth Stahlut (Senior Solicitor) from 10am to 1pm at the Legal Minds offices at 157 Beardy Street, The Mall, Armidale on Saturday 7th March 2020. As this is a popular programme, bookings are essential on (02) 6788 1100 or email at contactus@legalminds.com.au

Eight races featuring the $150,000 Hunter & North West Country Championship Qualifier. Open to country registered trainers only. With first and second place qualifying for the $500,000 Newhaven Park Country Championships final to be held at Royal Randwick in Sydney on Day 1 of The Championships, Saturday 4th April 2020. Dining bar and tote facilities, kids’ entertainment.

When Sunday 8th March. Gates open at 11am - entry $10 Where Tamworth Jockey Club.

14

Armidale Blues Rugby and Netball Club annual Imperial Hotel Knockout Carnival

Men’s 15s, Women’s 7s Rugby teams. Entries from the New England, the coast and Sydney. This exciting event brings high altitude rugby action to Moran Oval in a one day carnival to be held on the 14th March. We have over $9,000 in prize money up for grabs. Full bar and canteen facilities When 14th March. Where Moran Oval. Entry $5pp.

28

Tamworth Rescue Ball

Celebrating 20 years of servicing the New England, the Tamworth Rescue Ball is the Service’s premier social event in New England, and will be held at the magnificent Oxley Lookout.

When 28th March. Where Oxley Lookout.

Tickets www.rescuehelicopter.com.au/events. $220 for individuals or $2,000 for a table of ten. Your ticket price includes bus transfers to and from, a three-course meal, beer, wine, and bubbles, plus all the fantastic entertainment.

focusinterview.

March 6 and 7 should see you ringside or in the pavilion at the Armidale Showground, for the 145th annual Armidale Show! Justin Matthews explains that the event has new sections in the pavilion this year, and the wide variety of food, livestock, entertainment and sideshow attractions promise two days of fun for all!

H

i Justin. What's your role with the Armidale Show Society?

I’m the ring master and media representative. Show day sees me working very heavily with our equestrian committee, as well as co-announcing the night program with our incredible announcing team.

This year's Armidale Show will be held on March 6th and 7th. What time will the show open to the public, and how much will it cost to enter?

Gates open at 7am. Entry Fees: $50 family (two-day), $20 single (two-day), children $6, conc. $8.

What are some of the different sections people can enter in the pavilion this year?

There are plenty of sections in the pavilion this year, including some new ones! These include: Men’s Preserves - BBQ Sauce + Men’s Recipe; Feature Preserve 2020 - Teriyaki Sauce, Farm Produce - Schools Scarecrow Competition (Revamped); Men’s Cooking - Chocolate Cake, Six Scones; Photography - Secondary Colours Class, Photographic Alphabet (2020 Word Japan), Armidale Show 2019; Business House Challenge - creation of an indestructible athlete using recycled/repurposed/upcycled materials in the theme of Tokyo 2020; Business Window Display - looking to see what the Armidale Show means to the community with a twist - the theme of the Olympics; Children’s Work (check out the colouring competition on the Show Website); Spinning & Weaving, Needlework & Handicrafts, Fine Arts, Knitting & Crochet, Farm Produce Section, woodwork, fine arts photography, Scrapbooking, Nursing Home Exhibits, Schools Exhibits, Home Brew.

The Armidale Caged Bird Club will be presenting a series of informative talks and

demonstrations across Saturday (10, 12, 2pm) with club members and judges - members of the public are encouraged to bring their bird (in a cage) along to find out more about the exciting opportunities of professional showing.

Young Judges Competition - Horses, Stud Cattle, Cookery, Fleece Judging - all on show this year in a great line up of youth focused competition.

The show's livestock displays are always a big drawcard, and I believe there's a commercial sheep section this year?

The New England region is famous for its fine wool and Merino sheep breeds, and these will once again be showcased in our fleece and Merino categories.

New this year is the opportunity for producers to exhibit commercial lines of sheep - these sheep can often be utilised for their fleece or meat production traits, or in some cases a dualpurpose type breed. All the details can be found online.

We will also see the return of many show day favourites, including the ever-popular showjumping program (EA Affiliated) with major highlights set to be the Grand Prix and return of the Six-Bar Jumping Competition (Saturday), a new horse program with increased District & Pony Club Program (Friday) and Huge Competition Program (Saturday) and a great Stud Cattle Competition.

The pet show sounds like a lot of fun for the kids! What types of pets can children enter?

All creatures great and small are welcome to attend (reptiles included - just not the venomous kind!)

Prizes are awarded for Best Dog, Best Puppy, Best Cat, Best Kitten, Best Dressed Pet, Best Chook, Cutest Pet, Fluffiest - Champion and Reserve Champion Pet of Show.

This section is run by our outgoing Showgirl

for 2019, Ms Victoria Lee milestone for any show, and our cohort of 2020 and it’s wonderful to see New this year is the opportunity Showgirl Entrants. the show celebrating this for producers to exhibit And other attractions achievement in 2020! commercial lines of sheep we can experience?

Shows are a real part of these sheep can often be Sideshow Alley, with the community, whether utilised for their fleece or all the family classics plus it’s celebrating agricultural meat production traits, some of the newest and excellence through friendly or in some cases a dualbest thrill machines will competition or providing purpose type breed. All the be back out in force. people with much needed details can be found online.

Show Day Value Coupons time away from the land are available for pre in a chance to catch up purchase this year up and socialise. Agricultural until the show; $25 per shows are a huge part of sheet provides $30 of value that can be used on the fabric of many towns and one that blend a Showmen’s Guild Rides and Concessions Stands. unique sense of tradition, heritage, mateship and There will be plenty of show day concessions showcase into a great event the whole family for family favourites such as dagwood dogs, fairy can enjoy. floss and sausage sizzle BBQs presented by a Why would you encourage everyone to wide array of organisations and service groups, come out and visit this year? to some of the more delectable gourmet show The show is a great opportunity to come time treats around the grounds. and try something new, whether that be the For the over 18s the Grandstand Bar will be gentleman in the men’s cooking class, or a open both days of the show, ready to quench youngster trying their hand at photography for that hard-earned thirst. the first time. It’s a great way to see and support The show is a great place to showcase some the passion of the producers in our region! of our wonderfully talented local performing Attending the show is not just supporting groups, and you’ll be able to see that during the show society; there are a huge array of local select times throughout the weekend. businesses, support organisations and stalls you Other activities include the announcement of can support just by purchasing items there. In the 2020 Armidale Showgirl Recipient, Saddle today’s society where the push is to buy local Bronc Showdown and Stallion Shoot Out, Whip more and more, what better way to start then to Cracking Comp, RSUS Young Farmers Challenge, head along to your local show!

Dachshund Dash Cup, Fireworks Display Where can we find out more?

Spectacular by Holy Smoke Fireworks, Ute Show You can find more on our website Bark Off and Barrell Racing, and Demolition armidaleshow.org.au/ or Facebook Derby. facebook.com/ArmidaleShow/ Now in its 145th year, the Armidale Show's Online entries for pavilion items are now open: been around for a while! Why do you think www.armidale.portalspawner.com.au/cgi-bin/ it's been so successful? engine.pl?Page=page.html&Rec=6 One hundred and forty five years is a huge Thanks Justin.

New England focus. 13

Finding NEW ENGLAND b y s t e w a r d b o g g s

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The 2020 calendar for Gallery 126 begins with an exhibition of paintings by well-known local artist Stuart Boggs, titled “Finding New England”, which opens on Friday 6th March, 6pm to 7pm.

uring work hours, Stuart, along with his wife Anne, runs the local picture framing, art supplies business and gallery known as Armidale Framing and Art Supplies - Gallery 126. In his spare time, he can be found in his studio painting the large and sometimes smaller, contemporary landscapes for which he has a wellestablished career. He has exhibited widely in the New England region, as well as in Sydney. His works have been hung in many prestigious art prizes, including the Mosman Art Show, The Conrad Jupiters Prize, The Calleen Art Prize, the Norvil Art Prize, the Muswellbrook Art Prize and the Stanthorpe and Warwick Art Prizes.

We chatted with Stuart about the exhibition …

As a trained and once practicing geologist, my interpretation as a contemporary landscape painter usually has an underlying

14 New England focus.

theme of geological structure, more of a Following a conversation with a retired dissection of the landscape. In this series of geologist living in the area, Richard Bird, paintings about the New England, I have who has an invaluable and extensive library explored this theme of geological maps further. and books, he lent me Looking at the local a book which traces landscape for inspiration geological field trips for this exhibition was with extensive notes For the geologically minded rather depressing to say of the New England amongst your readers, the least, during the area. One such field the New England drought we have been trip included a road area is made up of experiencing. It was trip around the Black Sedimentary rocks heartbreaking to see the Mountain area through of the Carboniferous New England landscape to Dumaresq Dam, and the Permian in such a sad state. which was the first of Eras, extensively faulted, During a clean-up at my weekend excursions. which were once under sea. home, I rediscovered my Other excursions old university geology included the Bundarra notes of field trips area, Hillgrove and undertaken in the New of course, the gorge England area. Re-reading the notes inspired country around Armidale. me to look closer at the geological structures, For the geologically minded amongst your rather than directly at the landscape forms. readers, the New England area is made up of

Sedimentary rocks of the Carboniferous and the Permian Eras, extensively faulted, which were once under sea. Granitic intrusions came later in the late Carboniferous Era. This was then overlain with Tertiary Basalts, which give rise to the current landform of capped basalt hills, intruded granite and deep gorges cut into the softest sedimentary strata.

The paintings produced for this exhibition were inspired by these trips, looking at what is under the surface and how this forms and influences the current landscape. My paintings are made with an initial drawing of the geological strata in particular areas, which in turn leads to instinctive mark making and painting trying to portray and capture the energy of millions of years of settling and upheaval.

The exhibition includes 10 - 15 works on paper centred around a larger painting on paper, which shows the link between the topography and the geology of the New England area.

Twilight Food Markets

Armidale Autumn FESTIVAL - returns in April -

Armidale’s annual Autumn Festival celebration is returning on Saturday 4th April 2020, transforming the city’s centre into a hub of entertainment and tourist attractions.

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he long-running event, a favourite on the community events calendar, is returning to its original name following public feedback and is moving from March to April, to further embrace the autumn season.

Armidale Regional Council Mayor Simon Murray said: “We’ve heard the sentiment of our community, with many people keen to see the name returned to Armidale Autumn Festival.

“Holding the event later in autumn will also help to ensure festivities coincide with the changing colours of the leaves on the many beautiful trees that are a hallmark of the city.

“The festival will continue to have many of its favourite attractions, including the grand parade, twilight markets and amusement rides, arts and culture performances, and the criterium bike race, as well as a live music concert and many other activities.”

This year’s theme for the event is Revelling in the ’20s.

“It can be interpreted as an exciting move into a new decade, or looking back a century to the golden years of the 1920s,” Cr Murray said.

“Participants in the much-loved street parade can decorate their floats to celebrate moving into the 2020s or step back in time to the wonderful ‘Roaring ’20s’.”

Applications for the grand parade are now open, and forms can be downloaded from Council’s website.

For all the attractions, dates and times, visit Council’s website or the Armidale Autumn Festival Facebook page.

Last year’s inaugural Colour New England Street Arts Festival will be held as a biennial event and returns in 2021.

Friday 28 February Last Friday of the month

Beardy Street Mall 5.30pm - 8.30pm Food vans Live music

by Little Georgia Outdoor bar by Tattersalls Hotel

www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au

New England focus. 15

focusinterview.

- of New England Expo We’re talking with Tara Toomey, Director of Seasons of New England and organiser of the Seasons Expo & the New Englander Rail Experience.

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ell us a little about the Expo for 2020.

On Saturday 28th March, over 100 New England businesses who make what they sell will gather in the small rural township of Uralla. The Seasons of New England Expo has been running since 2014, and the event has become a key opportunity to discover the makers, creators and producers of the New England - a region that punches well above its weight and is worth exploring. It’s an opportunity to meet the makers, to take some unique products back home and to discover some highly rated businesses, with more than a few medal winners among them. The Expo runs from 9am - 4pm, but people are welcome to arrive early for a sneaky brekky and coffee from 8:30am.

Every year the line up of businesses changes as businesses evolve and grow. 2020 is no different - a very special line up of vibrant entrepreneurs you will want to meet. They definitely make me proud to be working with them as part of our New England business community.

It really has become a weekend to mark on the calendar; why do you think that is?

I believe it’s threefold.

As a business we have always worked to support New England artisans and producers; they in turn reflect the character of our region.

Our producers, makers and creators are doing a great job of making the New England a really attractive and inspiring place to visit. They are amazing people to meet, and that is a key part of why people head to the Expo.

Secondly, I think as everyone appreciates more these days, the value of what they purchase and use in their every day lives, we also value the story and the personality behind 16 New England focus.

the products. Whether it’s the nougat, the The train will run a shuttle service on wine or the pottery, taking time to make a Saturday 28th March between Armidale and careful purchase, to connect with the maker Uralla, making sure people can get to the Expo and see the very real impact your purchase and the night time entertainment too. The makes, is a treasured experience that people train then returns to Newcastle on Sunday look forward to.

29th March. Tickets for the shuttle service will And the final reason is simple - we all need go on sale in early March. a break sometimes! For the perfect one, two Tickets are $295 return to Uralla and $315 or three day country escape, it really doesn’t return to Armidale, which includes a New get much better. Uralla is a welcoming country England sourced main meal and glass of our town with a beautiful heritage streetscape; local wine, beer or apple juice on each leg of Hampden Park, where the Expo is held, is a the journey. poplar lined cricket oval The train is air just one block from the conditioned, has a full main street and is happily dining car, as well as situated adjacent to the two bar and food service Uralla train station. It’s areas. Designed to put The train will run a shuttle the perfect location in the New England on service on Saturday 28th March a great community to a train, the experience between Armidale and showcase such a vast is all about relaxing, Uralla, making sure array of New England sampling delicious New people can get to the talent.

England food, enjoying Expo and the night time I should add a possible some live acoustic music entertainment too. The fourth reason - our and meeting some New train then returns to Newcastle commitment to the England characters, on Sunday 29th March. environment. We have who will also join us always declined to sell on the journey. We are bottled water, providing really pleased that Little free water instead, and Coco’s are working with this will be our third year with a zero waste us to ensure the carefully sourced produce is policy that all our exhibitors embrace. I think brought together in some great dishes. people value the effort that everyone makes Tickets are available at www. in this area at the Expo; it’s an environmentally thenewenglander.com.au - follow on Facebook friendly way to shop too. or Instagram at @thenewenglandertrain.

Tell us about the New Englander Rail There’s plenty to do over the weekend.

Experience?

Tell us a little about some of the other For 2020 you can even arrive in style things on the agenda. on board the New Englander, a heritage There sure is. The Uralla Rotary Club Art rail experience bringing passengers from Show holds their opening night on Friday 27th Newcastle on Friday 27th March, through to March from 6:30pm at the Memorial Hall in Uralla and Armidale.

Salisbury St. (Tickets are $20pp, available at

the door), and the Art Show then runs daily until Sunday 5th April. On Saturday 28th March they are opening for an extra two hours from 4pm - 6pm, to make sure everyone has the option to see the wonderful artworks that come from right across NSW and interstate.

Entry is $5pp.

Following the Expo, there are more great meals available at Hampden Park, with the live music and the Seasons Bar continuing until the day closes at 9:30pm.

The Uralla Arts Lantern Parade is a magical evening to be a part of, with lanterns being made for months before the big day. There will even be lantern decorating available at the Expo between 9am and 4pm (unless sold out prior to 4pm) so everyone can really join in. You don’t need a lantern to be involved though, everyone is welcome to just walk along with the parade and enjoy the atmosphere.

The parade gets underway at dusk on Saturday 28th March at the gates of the Uralla Showground and concludes at Hampden Park, where more live music brings the day to a celebratory close.

And to top it all off, the beautiful township of Uralla is ready to welcome you both day and night. It’s a community of great people, wonderful businesses and genuine hospitality.

Sunday brunch after the Expo has become a tradition for our visitors too - a great way to finish the weekend.

For more information visit www.seasonsofnewengland.com.au email info@seasonsofnewengland.com.au or follow on Facebook at seasonsofnewengland, Instagram @seasonsne. Tickets for The New Englander Rail Experience can be purchased online at www.thenewenglander.com.au.

Thanks Tara.

New England focus. 17

L I T T L E

H

i Chris and Clementine.

What prompted you to close your cafĂŠ and concentrate on the catering side of your business?

We found the catering side of the business continuously growing and knew that if we wanted to do it well, we would have to make it our main focus. So the cogs were turning and after a lot of research and planning with council, we were able to renovate a space at the back of our home and fit out a commercial kitchen complete with a grease trap and all the necessary equipment to satisfy food authority requirements. We definitely miss the daily interaction with customers and staff, but no looking back; it was the right decision for us.

So you do everything from platters to three course dinners. Tell us a little about all the styles of cuisine you cater to.

Our menus really are diverse in terms of flavour and cuisine. We do on trend food like graze tables, sliders and tacos.

The paella and mezze platters are always a hit! While we love incorporating different cuisines, there is definitely a sense of traditional, but always with our stamp on it. For instance, recently Chris prepared some of the dishes from our banquet menu for a family event - pistachio and rosemary crusted lamb with minted

18 New England focus.

tzatziki, Persian cauliflower salad and and they both loved seafood, so we honey roasted Dutch carrots. It was had to incorporate that with a country delicious! So yes, we definitely enjoy our wedding. We were all really happy with food and never prepare something we the final menu, which included roast lamb, wouldn't devour ourselves! grilled asparagus, citrus fennel salad and Do you just do the unanimously weddings? declared hero dish, Absolutely beetroot cured not. We have an salmon. Executing Recently Chris prepared some "Everyday Menu", that meal and all the of the dishes from our banquet where you'll find other courses for menu for a family event more simple options the day for 120 plus pistachio and rosemary like sandwiches, people took a lot of crusted lamb with wraps, salads prep and planning, minted tzatziki, Persian etc. which are but was so worth it cauliower salad and commonly used for when it was done! honey roasted Dutch work meetings or What makes Little carrots. It was delicious! workshops, then Cocos stand out there's a menu for from the pack? more function type We are both food, which suits anything from picnics perfectionists to the core and love to to parties to weddings really. Yes, lots of make food that not only tastes great, but weddings and we are finding that each looks beautiful. We both bring different couple has a different vision for how casual aspects to the business. Chris is a very or formal they would like their wedding to talented chef and he tends to focus be, and we seem to get a really good mix. on the "savoury" side of meals, while I Tell us about some of your most (Clementine) is the one who takes care of memorable events. all the sweets, baking and graze tables.

I think the first one that comes to mind We also believe in the personal touch. We is a garden wedding last year. It was for won't ever expand to a point of hiring a a couple from Sydney and it was evident team of chefs, as experience has taught us from the start that they were big foodies, that if you pass a job on to someone else, so the pressure was on but it was also it just won't come out to the standard that really exciting, because it allowed us to your clients have come to expect. get really creative. The groom was Italian Thanks Chris and Clementine.

A R M I D A L E

B L U E S

Imperial Hotel

K N O C K

O U T

CARNIVAL

JOIN THE ARMIDALE BLUES RUGBY AND NETBALL CLUB FOR THEIR ANNUAL RUGBY KNOCKOUT CARNIVAL! This exciting event brings high altitude rugby action to Moran Oval in a one day carnival to be held on the 14th March. See teams from New England, Central North, Mid North Coast and Sydney fight it out for their share of the $9,000 prize pool. The day will include Women’s 7s and Men’s 15s divisions. Entry is $5 per person, and there are full bar and canteen facilities available on the day.

When: Saturday 14th March.

Where: Moran Oval, Armidale.

Art Exhibition

The opening of the 43rd Annual Rotary Club of Uralla Art Exhibition will be held at the RSL Memorial Hall, Salisbury Street, Uralla.

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he club expects to display around 500 provide wines for the evening’s official function and a raffle. art works from artists across NSW and Music will be by the ever popular Peter Stanley.

Queensland, with all art works for sale.

Cost is $20 pp; tickets available at the door. Please RSVP The very popular Schools for catering purposes for the opening Section, with entries from night to Rae (02) 6778 3751, Bev 0419 pre, primary and high schools in the Uralla 607 251 or leannedoran28@gmail.com Shire area, has become a feature of the art We welcome local guest Art Chairman Graham Carlon said show. Opening night is Friday 27th March artist Katherine Miles: the whole town is behind the annual 2020, at 6:30pm.

Katherine loves colours, exhibition with overwhelming sponsorship We welcome local guest artist Katherine especially the purity of and financial support.

Miles: Katherine loves colours, especially nature and the amazing Money raised goes towards Uralla the purity of nature and the amazing effects of light and shade community groups and supporting the on subjects. effects of light and shade on subjects. youth of Uralla.

Acrylics are her choice of medium, on Uralla Art Exhibition is open daily: 10am canvas and board. Subjects vary from to 4pm Saturday 28th March, to Sunday flora, fauna, landscapes and some portraits.

5th April 2020, 10am to 2pm. Entry fees: $5 adult, $4 Finger food will be provided by the Uralla Central School seniors, children under 12 years free. hospitality students; Merilba and Whyworry Wines will New England focus. 19

AT

,

S

Fiori Musicali

Fiori

As a chamber choir of Armidale locals, Fiori Musicali is a musical treasure in our region. Currently, the choir is rehearsing one of the pinnacles of Western musical culture, J. S. Bach’s "St John Passion".

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heir concerts in Coffs musicians from the New England region. In Harbour and Armidale April, they will welcome home cellist Camilla in early April will offer a Tafra and tenor Elias Wilson, and have invited rare chance to attend a both to perform significant parts. Elias is live performance of this currently studying a Masters at Sydney masterpiece.

Conservatorium, while Camilla has completed Bach’s St John Passion presents the Biblical her studies at Queensland Conservatorium story of the judgment, crucifixion, and and now teaches in Brisbane. resurrection of Christ. While it has a religious Armidale audiences may remember Elias’s theme, the music is operatic in its emotional performances in Opera New England, and depth and complexity. As conductor Bruce as Jesus in the Armidale Musical Society’s Menzies comments, “You can enjoy this production of Jesus Christ Superstar. music on so many levels: firstly, purely for The choir functions as a musical collective, its sublimely beautiful with members welcome music; but it is also to suggest and conduct spiritually insightful and programs. Fiori’s current richly human, as well as conductor, Bruce engaging and inspiring.”

Menzies, first joined in PERFORMING IN A SMALL Fiori Musicali was 1996. Recently, Bruce GROUP IS GREAT FOR founded in 1993 by its has conducted the choir MY OWN MUSICIANSHIP, first director, Dr Terry in performances of AND IT’S A JOY TO SHARE Norman.

Handel’s Messiah and THIS REPERTOIRE WITH Originally, the group Britten’s A Ceremony of LOCAL AUDIENCES. specialised in a capella Carols in Coffs Harbour, sacred music of the Bellingen, and Armidale.

Renaissance. Now, Their tours to the the choir’s repertoire ranges across every coast have become annual events, and the period. Membership has always been by choir enjoys keeping to its original aim of invitation, with many of the singers being being a small, friendly choir with high musical professional musicians and music teachers. standards. As tenor and local piano tuner This high level of training enables the choir to John Hadfield mentions, “The choir combines perform repertoire often beyond the reach of fine musicality with good company - what community choirs. could be better?” On their tours, the seafood As Stuart Pavel, one of the ensemble’s paella for 30, prepared by Fiori tenor and basses and regular conductors, explains, “As Goldfish Bowl chef Phil Oxley, is always a a member of Fiori, I get to perform some highlight. wonderful music, especially pieces that other, Fiori Musicali values the support of several larger choirs might not attempt.” Stuart adds, Armidale organisations, especially the New “Performing in a small group is great for my England Conservatorium that provides the own musicianship, and it’s a joy to share this choir’s regular rehearsal space; and The repertoire with local audiences.”

Armidale School. TAS’s Hoskins Centre is a Fiori Musicali has a policy of fostering young favourite venue for performances.

20 New England focus.

In early April, local audiences will have a rare opportunity to attend a live performance of J. S. Bach’s St John Passion, one of the pinnacles of Western musical culture. The chamber choir Fiori Musicali will be performing Bach’s masterpiece at Coffs Harbour Conservatorium and the Hoskins Centre (The Armidale School). It is the third time the Armidale choir has toured to the coast in recent years. Conductor Bruce Menzies comments, “While performing for our home community is always a thrill, we love the warm and responsive audiences we meet in Coffs Harbour too.”

Bach’s St John Passion presents the Biblical story of the judgment, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ. While it has a religious theme, the music is operatic in its emotional depth and complexity.

As Fiori Musicali chorister and local

pianist Sheila Guymer comments, “This is an extraordinary work to perform. It’s musically challenging, but also richly rewarding.”

As a Lutheran, it was important to Bach that his listeners understand the text. For Bach, that meant singing in German (rather than traditional church Latin), but Fiori Musicali will be singing the St John Passion in English. Singing in English enables listeners to appreciate how Bach brings out the meaning of the words through music, and helps performances to be the compelling experience that Bach intended.

The St John Passion by J. S. Bach Fiori Musicali with conductor Bruce Menzies | 3pm, Saturday, 4th April: Coffs Harbour Conservatorium | 7pm, Sunday, 5th April: Hoskins Centre, The Armidale School | Tickets: $35 / $30.

ELIAS WILSON EVANGELIST JEREMY BOULTON CHRIST AIDAN O'DONNELL PILATE LEANNE ROOBOL SOPRANO ROBERT ADAM COUNTERTENOR BRUCE MENZIES CONDUCTOR FIORI MUSICALI CHAMBER CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA

$35 ADULTS $30 CONCESSION TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE AND AT THE DOOR

www.trybooking.com/BIAMP

fiori Musicali

C H A M B E R C H O I R A N D O RC H E S T R A

FIORI MUSICALI ARMIDALE

A MIE CA MPBELL C H R I S D AV I S I’m Chris Davis (formerly Monk) ...

Seventeen and a half years ago I purchased Monk’s Health Foods from a family who had owned it for 13 years previously.

Over the years the business has just become Monk’s.

I have always had an interest in our products and I love what I do.

Prior to Monk’s I worked for a child care centre in Armidale as an administrative assistant and prior to that moved from Uralla to Armidale when the family purchased a corner store in town.

I really have to thank my customers for the longevity of this business. I have learnt so

much from them over the years.

I have retained the bulk food side of the business and am encouraging customers to bring their own containers for filling. Our large range includes dried fruits, nuts, flour, local honey, fresh peanut butter, tahini, seeds, beans and much more. Our spices provide a vast array, and I would ask people to pop in and check out these.

Hopefully by the year’s end we will be plastic bag free by offering this opportunity to refill by using the customer’s own containers.

My staff are the face of Monk’s, and I can say that the past and present staff have enabled me to continue doing what I love.

Being a successful woman in business means different things to different people at different times in their lives. When I was younger, I evaluated this solely on my title and my income. I was in a race to get the CEO title and find as much money as possible; hence, in 2012 I became a business partner with my husband and purchased Bakers Delight Armidale. Things changed immensely when I had my two sons. Then, being successful in business meant providing stability for my children, while providing for us financially.

If you plan your goals the right way, it will help you measure your company’s success in ways that you never could if you had not set any goals. The SMART way to setting goals is a proven method that helps ensure your success.

The SMART method is as follows: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely. For your goals to be successful, you have to be able

to measure progress, and your employees have to be able to feel that they have a chance at attaining the goal. You can then judge progress and adjust goals as necessary.

The importance of goal setting in an organisation is something that we cannot stress enough.

Goals are what keep your employees motivated, happy, and ready to come into work each day. If you set goals in the right way, there is no question that it will help increase the productivity and success of your company. Keep the SMART principles in mind, and always be open to feedback from your employees and managers.

Today being a successful woman in business means making time for my family, friends and myself, while creating value at work. By finally incorporating my passion into my day to day, I am beginning to be truly successful in business and life.

New England focus. 21

focusinterview.

Camp grounds It’s not just a tiny hole in the wall café … don’t walk past! Located in Dowe Street, Tamworth, CAMP GROUNDS IS THE RESULT OF THE COMBINED HARD WORK AND PASSION from Monique Hope and Matthew Bettesworth.

W

ith a refined palate for all things coffee and tea and a social conscience too, Mon and Matt have partnered with coffee company Floozy - who not only promote a sustainable industry, but advance the roles of women within the competitive field of coffee as well.

How did you and your team come up with the concept behind CAMP Grounds?

From a humble hope to create a space for the community to come for special coffee and tea experience, Camp Grounds was born. We really wanted Tamworthians to have a coffee shop where they could come and learn about and try different brewing techniques, as well as taste a wide variety of specialty coffee from Aussie independent roasters.

At the core of the Camp Grounds concept is simplicity - really bloody good coffee, really fast, top notch service - open early, every day.

Who are all the team members at your business, and what are their roles?

Matt and I (Monique) are the owners, and in addition to us we are super lucky to have Maddie and Alison, who are both talented baristas in our team of happy campers - Alison and Maddie make up the Camp Grounds family. We also have a new addition; Ella is training, and we are looking to expand the team to include another barista soon.

22 New England focus.

espresso brand you work with. Why did you choose this particuWe choose our suppliers very lar brand? mindfully and to us, Floozy was We choose our supplia dream find. The Floozy ers very mindfully and to gang are not only roasting us, Floozy was a dream really tasty coffee that find. The Floozy gang is sourced with a focus Why did you decide to are not only roasting on sustainability and focus on great coffee really tasty coffee that they are also on a traceability; and tea, and not food, is sourced with a focus mission to promote and advance and how has this been on sustainability and women in coff ee. working out for you? traceability; they are also The decision to focus on a mission to promote on specialty coffee and and advance women in tea and not food was an coffee.

We have become besties with these easy one. We are not chefs, or even cooks for beaut people, because they share our passion that matter, and wanted to do one thing really for specialty coffee, as well as community, well. sustainability and quality.

Our business model is strategically lean We are stoked to be supporting an epic keeping overheads at a minimum with a small IWD campaign through Floozy, which celefloor space (about 20 m square), no kitchen, brates women in coffee, as well as directly serving majority take away. We are small but supports them financially. The more coffee mighty and do not plan to expand our floor we buy through Floozy, the more women we space or into food. Although, we do have a can raise up, so for March we are showcasing resident baker - Alison Spires - who makes our six delicious Floozy coffees produced by six vegan treats under her business, Wake and different women (from Colombia, Nicaragua, Cake Catering.

Ecuador and Bolivia).

This includes our main We plan to grow in our depth of offerings espresso, as well as our guest fi lter coffee and within specialty coffee and tea - including an retail bags too! increasing focus on classes, retail offerings and Floozy love Tamworth (nearly as much as a subscription service, just to name a few. We we do) - they came from Newcastle to host are open to shaping our business to follow our first “Camp Class” with us and 10 lucky Tamworthians’ interest, and so far they are customers.

Don’t worry, folks; they plan on picking up what we are putting down. coming back soon for another class, so stay Our first “Camp Coffee Class” sold out tuned. within an hour of being advertised on InstaApart from espresso, what types of coffee gram, and we cannot wait to offer more of and tea do you offer? these and other cool experiences.

In addition to your espresso based coffee Tell us a little about "Floozy", the main

(that’s your flat whites, long blacks etc.) we offer a wide range of brewing techniques, including filter batch brew, V60 pour overs, cold brew, nitro cold brew, house made ice tea and seasonal varieties within these methods, like Japanese iced pour-overs and batch brews over ice.

You offer special monthly "campfire chats" too. What's the aim of these ... and how can we find out more about them?

Our monthly “Campfire Chats” are focused on mental health education for the local hospitality industry. We provide the space, cuppas and platform for the experts at headspace Tamworth to chat with people from our local hospitality industry. Once per month we open the doors to chat about this important subject with our peers in the industry. Each month has a different focus; for example, we have done one on festival burnout ahead of TCMF and another for Managers/Supervisors to help their team.

Our industry employs a lot of young people and is unique in its challenges, including anti-social hours and always having to put on a smile. Our local headspace has the strategies and resources to assist us and our local community when it comes with mental health, particularly for young people.

What plans do you have on the agenda for the rest of 2020 and beyond?

2020 and beyond plans: more events, subscription home brewing service, more coffee and good times.

Final say …

Thank you for kindly offering to feature us!

We are so grateful to be in your fab mag.

Visit us at: campgroundstamworth.com You’re welcome! Thanks Mon.

New England focus. 23

focuscontributor

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

focuscontributor

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

Blend month of the

tourism UPDATE

Wow, now that was a summer we will never forget! We know that businesses Australia-wide are feeling the effects … and will do so for many months to come.

T

he NSW Government has events. Some of the March events include: launched a $10 million rebuild • What A Relief! It’s Damian Callinan: this free and recover package. Now concert and dinner will be held at Wollomombi is the time to be actively Hall and Ben Lomond Hall … belly laughs involved and embrace these guaranteed! 3rd and 5th March. opportunities; it is not the time • Armidale Show: 6th - 7th March. to wait for visitors to come knocking on your • Armidale Music Foundation Concert: 8th door.

March.

The first phase is a community-driven • All About Women 2020: Satellite @ NERAM campaign - “NOW’S THE TIME TO LOVE NSW” - 8th March.

- which urges the people of NSW to take a • International Women’s Day Brunch: 8th break and to saturate March. social media with photos • International Women’s or videos of their favourite Day @ Echidna Gully: 10th holiday spots.

March.

NEW ENGLAND Tourism operators, • Armidale Cup: 15th HIGH COUNTRY business owners, and March.

COMES ALIVE IN Armidale locals can get • Favourite Shorts: 20th AUTUMN, WITH A involved in the campaign 21st March.

FABULOUS ARRAY by showing the world • Annual Gem and Craft OF AUTUMN what’s to love about Show: 21st - 22nd March.

EVENTS. Armidale.

• Armidale Street Food 1. Make your hands Festival: 21st - 22nd into a heart shape.

March.

2. Take a photo at one • Comedy Night 2020: of your favourite locations … this could be 26th March.

Dangars Gorge, Ebor Falls, The Goldfish Bowl, • Armidale Twilight Food Markets: 27th March.

Tattersalls Hotel, Whitebull Hotel, Seesaw Café • Seasons of New England: 28th March. etc.

• The Little Mermaid: commences 31st March.

3. Share the photo on social media using the Please visit the Armidale Tourism website for hashtag #LoveNSW further information on these events, as well as GET INVOLVED - SHOW THE LOVE, SHARE other events happening during March.

THE LOVE If you would like the “What’s On” emailed New England High Country comes alive weekly, please join our mailing list by in autumn, with a fabulous array of autumn contacting us on tourism@armidale.nsw.gov.au

24 New England focus.

Coffee production

in

india

Coffee production in India is dominated in the hill tracts of South Indian States, with Karnataka accounting for 71%, followed by Kerala with 21% overall production, with 8,200 tonnes.

I

ndian coffee is said to be the finest as: “The best Indian coffee reaches the coffee grown in the shade rather flavour characteristics of Pacific coffees, than direct sunlight anywhere but at its worst it is simply bland and in the world. There are about uninspiring”. The first variety that was 250,000 coffee growers in the introduced in the Baba Budan Girir hill country; 98% of them are small growers. ranges of Karnataka in the 17th Century As of 2009, Indian coffee made up just was marketed over the years under the 4.5% of the global brand names of Kent production. Almost and S.795.

80% of Indian What does Indian coffee is exported; coffee taste like?

COFFEE IS GROWN 70% is bound for A good Indian coffee IN THREE REGIONS Europe and the exhibits characteristics OF INDIA, WITH United States, and similar to Indonesian KARNATAKA, KERALA Italy accounts for coffees, particularly AND TAMIL NADU 29% of the exports.

Java Arabica, including FORMING THE Coffee is a full body yet with an TRADITIONAL COFFEE grown in three acidity more in line with GROWING REGION. regions of India, a good Guatemalan with Karnataka, Coffee. The spicy Kerala and Tamil flavours of a fine Indian Nadu forming the coffee may include traditional coffee growing region. notes of cardamom, clove, pepper and Indian coffee, grown mostly in nutmeg and perhaps hints of tropical southern states under monsoon rainfall fruit. conditions, is also termed as “Indian At Daily Ritual we use Indian coffee in monsoonal coffee”. Its flavour is defined some of our exclusive blends.

Where

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

New England focus. 25

J O A N N E Hull PROPERTIES URALLA

H O L L Y Goodman THE GOOD GIFT CO. FOUNDER AND OWNER

Starting from humble beginnings in a little shed, a

Please introduce yourself and your business.

dream that I backed myself on, has shown that grit,

The Good Gift Co is a premium gifting studio and online

hard work and a lot of determination are the key

store. I am passionate about the gift of giving. I believe

backbones to success.

that high quality products and presentation leave a lasting

Moving forward, we have now relocated to our stunning

impression, and therefore I started the online store to

new office at 1/40 Bridge Street, Uralla. At Properties Uralla,

embrace this.

with years of experience in the real estate industry we have

What is your business vision for 2020?

a particular focus on service. Our business is unique and

I recently designed a basket bag, and these bags are made

our goal is to treat each and every person in a caring and

in Morocco; the leather is hand stamped and packaged in

respectful way.

We focus on tenants, landlords, purchasers and vendors alike. All are offered the same high level of service.

The ultimate measure of our success is shown by the many clients who keep coming back to us and the high

Tamworth. The demand and love for my own bag design has been overwhelming, and as a result of this interest I was receiving many messages about wholesaling. I have now began wholesaling my own products to boutiques around NSW. My vision for 2020 is to continue stocking my products in these beautiful boutiques and aim to get them

percentage of referrals of friends and family to the business.

into more international boutiques.

Tammy and I would like to continue to offer a dedicated

What are your greatest strengths in business?

friendly service.

Based on feedback, I would have to say my attention to

We would both like to thank all our valued clients and all

detail and customer service. I am a people person, and

those who have supported us from the very beginning. Best

communicating is something I feel is very important when

wishes to everyone for a successful 2020.

running a small business.

26 New England focus.

SHANA&LOUISE F L I R T A D U LT S T O R E

Flirt Adult Store has strived since 2003, expanding from a small business in Bathurst to evolving into eight stores across regional NSW, with our newest store right in the centre of Armidale.

Our Armidale team pride themselves on not only developing a positive atmosphere for all customers, erasing the stigma about this ever-expanding industry, but also supporting our local communities and charities. After many years in the Flirt family, Louise has moved to Armidale to lead another amazing store with her colleague Shana; they believe all customers, no matter their gender or orientation are well-informed of our products, and all questions are answered with the highest professionalism.

As we have recently opened the doors here in Armidale, we have been met with great feedback elaborating the store’s female-positive outlay, friendly, clean and bright environment.

We offer our customers a unique opportunity to join in with our educational workshops held in store throughout the year and daily education within the store with any of our informative staff.

To celebrate our opening, we enthusiastically encourage all readers to come in and explore all that we have to offer, or just meet our team!

Join our loyalty program and get 10% off your very first purchase!

focusinterview.

DR RUTH R AE Dr Ruth Rae’s family and nursing background led to her research into the role of nurses during WWI: She has published numerous journal articles and several books.

H

er works include The History of Australian Nurses in the First World War, a trilogy that includes volumes From Narromine to the Nile, Scarlet Poppies and Veiled Lives. Ruth has also written Tony Windsor’s biography and is currently writing Rose Creal’s biography. The focus of this interview is on some of her more interesting discoveries which related to WWI nursing history.

Hi Ruth. What’s your connection to Tamworth?

Once I completed my nurse training in Sydney and started a family, my first husband and I decided we wanted our two daughters to enjoy a rural lifestyle. Tamworth was a great choice, which I have never regretted. Apart from interesting career opportunities in the health sector, we both completed tertiary education courses at UNE. My BA included a double major: Human Bioscience and Politics. I loved politics and completed an MLitt (politics) as well.

Where did your interest in nursing history originate?

My mother had some old diaries she would read on ANZAC Day every year. She would have a cry and put them away again. They had belonged to her father, who joined the Australian Lighthorse in 1914 when war was declared and returned four years later: each and every day of his war service he made a diary entry. There were also numerous photographs, letters and postcards.

Sadly, my mother died suddenly when I was 30, but she had given me the collection of diaries etc. a few years earlier. She said that I should have them, as I would value them. This claim became a lifelong mission, and it helped me cope with the loss of my mother. I transcribed

the documents via a microfiche film projector, and after five years I had a collection of over half a million words. I donated the original documents to the State Library of NSW (The Fred Tomlins Collection).

It was while transcribing Fred’s words I became aware that his sister, Jessie, was completing her training at Sydney Hospital and planned to join the Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS) when she qualified. Letters between Jessie and her mother indicate Jessie would be well placed to keep an eye on Fred, and later, their younger brother, Will, who also joined the Lighthorse.

I was shocked to realise that Jessie and I both trained under the Nightingale System, but her first post-graduate experience was in a war zone. Nurses have little idea of the outstanding contribution their civilian trained colleagues made during WWI. In 1996 my husband and I separated and I went to Canberra, where I worked as the Senior Project Officer (Divisions of General Practice) with the Consumers’ Health Forum (CHF).

During this time I became a PhD candidate at The University of Sydney, with a view to writing Jessie’s experience as a civilian nurse who also served at the 14 AGH in Egypt (1916 - 1919. My thesis was later published as From Narromine to the Nile.

While working with CHF, I undertook consultations about the lack of health services in rural areas, which brought me back to Tamworth for a week; during which time I met my second husband, Rick, and we married within a year. I returned to Tamworth, where I have operated as a freelance historian, researcher and writer for these past 23 years.

What are some interesting things you learned through your research into nurses who served during WWI?

and responsibilities of the One of the main My research also revealed issues which struck me nurse leaders in war and that these qualified nurses was the lack of material peacetime. were extremely well about the contribution What surprised you about educated and politically of nurses during the war the roles the nurses played astute women at this time. in the military books and Nursing was a sought during WWI? organisations. It was after profession for women I was stunned to learn that in the late 1800s and as if they were never twenty Australian nurses were early 1900s. there or if they were, taught how to administer it was a perfunctory anaesthetics in field hospitals role. I had to travel to on the western front. They Canberra regularly to were chosen by an American access the service records Unit to undergo training, and of Jessie and her colleagues. I also searched for they continued to work unsupervised during the the names of nurses who were missing from war.

It must have been so difficult to return to the Australian War Memorial Nominal Roll on civilian nursing, where they were not allowed to obelisks, in memorial parks, hospital archives and take a blood pressure. in the correspondence of nurses who served; identifying 2,470 Australian nurses who served.

My research also revealed that these qualified nurses were extremely well educated and politically astute women at this time. Nursing was a sought after profession for women in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Women had limited choices: marriage, a governess or Lady’s companion. Nursing at this time and during the war was liberating. During their training they had safe accommodation (nurses’ home); a course of study resulting in professional qualification; opportunities to travel and gain safe and interesting work around the world; a small but secure income. Once qualified they could join the AANS and be sent to far-flung corners of the world, such as India, Egypt, Europe and England while chaperoned by their matron.

I am writing a biography of Jessie’s matron, Rose Creal, who was an extraordinary woman.

Her life as a civilian matron at Sydney Hospital and then later as matron of 14 AGH, Egypt provided a real insight into the different roles

The nurse leaders were forward thinkers.

Jane Bell, matron at (Royal) Melbourne Hospital, insisted that her nurses be allowed to observe surgery on male patients, and this was introduced into the curriculum in the early 1900s. Up until this time, nurses, being unmarried women, were not permitted to observe the male body. Tragically, they observed many damaged male bodies during the war.

What future projects do you have planned?

Presently the Rose Creal biography occupies my professional life.

I love that HSC students are considering the First World War from more diverse aspects, and I love to give students information about nurses’ experiences.

Otherwise, I am working on a memorial to Australian nurses who served in Greece, giving lectures and responding to requests from families of nurses.

Thanks Ruth.

New England focus. 27

With the help of other great people, over the last eight years we have raised $190,636 for Ronald McDonald House and $10,000 for Motor Neuron Disease.

E R I N and K A R L I E P R O F E S S I O N A L S TA M W O R T H

HEIDI MANNING

P

Please introduce yourself and your business. Hi, we are Erin and Karlie; we are a young and diverse real estate partnership.

We work under the banner of Professionals Tamworth, which is a locally owned and operated agency.

2 C R E AT I V E M E D I A - D I R E C T O R

lease introduce yourself and your business.

Heidi - 2 Creative Media. I grew up in a European family environment; they knew how to work hard, challenge the normal and constantly look for new opportunities. My father started his own joinery business in the ‘70s from the ground up, so being in business was in my blood. After high school I moved to Sydney and Newcastle to study, but after meeting a Scotsman who soon became my husband 20 years ago, this brought us back to Tamworth.

I worked with start-up businesses and managed others before 2 Creative Media was conceived in 2006. My business grew quickly into an award-winning creative, marketing, digital agency, along with adding two children into the mix, who are now 11 and 9.

What is your business vision for 2020?

2020 is the year of the customer. In marketing we are no longer trying to convince people to buy from our businesses or work with us; instead, the priority is around developing memorable customer experiences, so they keep coming back for more and tell others.

Whilst technology has enabled us in business and personally, it doesn’t dominate. I believe to succeed in 2020, we’re having to think beyond what we’re doing and link everything back to the “why” we’re doing it.

to foresee opportunities where no one is looking. I’m excited when changes occur, even when they might initially seem uncomfortable or an “I didn’t see that coming” moment. It’s the chance you get to modify the path that could provide a long term positive outcome.

Tell us about your involvement in the local community.

With the help of other great people, over the last eight years we have raised $190,636 for Ronald McDonald House and $10,000 for Motor Neurone Disease (MND). However, my private and personal involvement comes down to the basics - stop and spend time with people in need who are right in front of you, the person in the street who you don’t know, or provide a stranger in need with food or money.

What are your tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle with work, home and self?

How does your business adapt to changing market conditions?

Is that a furphy? Like so many other women in business, I’ve been to my fair share of courses and seminars on this topic over the years and still I fall short of this, but here are my tips anyway: switch on when you have to, and switch off when you can. When you’re at work, you’re all in and when you’re at home, it’s sacred. Make time to be good to yourself without feeling guilty, stay fit physically and mentally and lastly, have a good time doing it.

I’d like to think easily. Our business model is agile and we are always researching industry trends for us, as well as our clients. Our systems are flexible and our approach is always creative. Being a service based agency, we are always reviewing our Servicescape blueprint and making modifications based on our customers’ changing needs.

If you were down to your last $20, how would you spend it?

On a picnic with my three favourite people (husband and two children) talking about how we could work together to earn another $20 each. Some of the best ideas come when you’ve hit rock bottom and from the bottom the only way is up.

What are your greatest strengths in business?

How do we find you?

My ability to innovate well in advance or 28 New England focus.

291 Marius Street, Tamworth, NSW or at www.2creativemedia.com.au

What is your business vision for 2020?

To help as many people as possible in our community achieve their real estate goals, and to know that we have made the process of buying or selling just that little bit easier and enjoyable.

What are your greatest strengths in business? Getting the job done; we pride ourselves on setting a goal and knocking it out of the park. Honesty, reliability, trust and approachability are our greatest strengths we

have in our partnership.

What are your tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle with work, home and self? The best tip is to work together.

Being in a partnership allows us to have the flexibility and balance between work and home life.

Erin has two kids, and knowing she has Karlie beside her allows her the time to spend with them on the weekends, and that in turn allows Karlie to take time during the week to unwind and balance out when needed especially now she is renovating her newly purchased home.

Working as a team enables us to support and empower each other to always be growing and striving harder.

focusinterview.

Business Minds with Ingrid Rothe of VIVID Thinking

TARA TOOMEY This month Business Minds interviews Urallabased producer and community advocate Tara Toomey, a New England local who wears many hats. Tara is the driving force behind Aurelia’s BnB, The Humble Cook, Seasons of New England Producers, Makers & Creators Expo, and, most recently, the New Englander train experience.

T

ell us about yourself.

I grew up in Uralla, am married to Andrew and we have two children.

I studied classics and ancient history at UNE and went to Greece on an archaeological survey project. I came back aware that there were lots of things I wanted to do, and promptly fell in to work in the insurance industry in a dispute resolution unit.

I always wanted to come back to Uralla, and Dad, who is a builder, was planning to retire. I knew that I had one last shot to work with Dad, so I came home, married Andrew and Dad offered to build one more house. It was a great journey building our home, our cottage and, more recently, our commercial kitchen where I make my food as The Humble Cook.

Tell us about your first business.

We were still building; I was effectively site manager and we worked on the property after hours and on the weekend.

It was perfect timing: starting a family, starting building and starting a business!

I started at the Farmers Markets with a stall featuring baking and confectionery - a lot of hard work for not much return, but it allowed me to stay at home with the children. I wanted to work in a way that was family friendly and flexible. Aurelia’s Farm, a two-bedroom BnB cottage, was officially launched in 2009.

And The Humble Cook?

New England developed.

Diversifying is key. I really wanted my What’s the secret of Seasons’ success? own food to be a big part of our BnB We started in 2014 with a goal of 25 story. I spent two years creating a good makers and 500 patrons. We had to close banana bread and toasted muesli recipes. registration at 52 stalls and 3,200 people Everything we served at the B&B was local came through on the day. We’ve collected and I was also selling my products under postcard data from day one and the the Aurelia’s Farm brand. We decided to numbers have grown. Locals are steady, start The Humble Cook, where our product but out-of-towners and international visitor range includes nougat, brittles, hot numbers have significantly increased. chocolate, and rocky There were many road. talented, creative What were your people who wanted biggest challenges to help as much as For me, it’s all about starting out? they could but didn’t celebrating community.

The Farmers want to run it, so Small communities are Market platform we decided to set it the natural home for was challenging. No up as a company makers and producers, as matter how good supporters would help they are directly connected the product, it was when they could, but to the communities they hard to be found I had to take on the call home. between markets. majority of the work.

We didn’t have a As both a producer value proposition and an organiser, I’m to differentiate part of that network ourselves from mass produced products. and it’s really important to the strategy.

I road-tested markets, expos and events, We’ve recently introduced The New and many did not work either. It was a England Hamper range, with all products problem that would roll around in my sourced from New England Makers, head. I asked myself where the right event Creators and Producers. would be and what it would look like. It Tell us about The New Englander. needed to be affordable, have access to I’d tried to get a heritage train here for transport, and provide a platform that seven years, but couldn’t get anyone to achieved a level playing field for makers engage with me. Finally, Lachlan Valley and producers. The idea behind Seasons of Railway, a not-for-profit train and rail

restoration organisation, responded.

We had a clear vision: a bar and a good kitchen for a great chef. Everything served on the train is from the New England. Our patrons will travel from Newcastle to Uralla and Armidale on the Friday, experiencing Seasons, the Uralla Arts Lantern Parade, the Uralla Rotary Art Show and Uralla’s shopping and café strip. There will be four shuttles between Armidale and Uralla on the Saturday and then back to Newcastle on the Sunday.

What inspires you?

For me, it’s all about celebrating community. Small communities are the natural home for makers and producers, as they are directly connected to the communities they call home. From the really tiny ones that often get lost to the really big ones, I’m determined to create opportunities to showcase their work. Our local makers and producers are the heart and soul of rural Australia. I live this 24/7, because it’s not just a job.

What’s next?

There are two things this year. Firstly, I am working on developing the New Englander Hampers, with good sales and strong interest already for 2020. Secondly, this year we will be introducing the Copper Oakleaf Awards to recognise producers and makers who have achieved something extraordinary, in terms of product and business.

Thank you, Tara.

New England focus. 29

30 New England focus.

focusinterview.

Gretel Vincent was raised in Wallabadah and after living away for some years both in Sydney and overseas, returned to the Tamworth region with husband Craig to raise their children, Stella and Harry. Gretel loves the region but is also inspired by travel and natural products, and this reflects in the beauty and ambience of Bungalow G - her new specialty homeware and lifestyle store.

H

i Gretel. How did you come up with the idea for Bungalow G? It’s been a dream of mine for many years. I have always worked in corporate roles but felt the strong urge to do something creative, and I knew it had to be interiors related, because that is where my passion lies.

I studied Interior Design at the International College of Colour & Design in Sydney, which I graduated from a few years ago. Since then I have been styling homes part-time, but I always knew that the dream was to open a furniture/home/lifestyle store. I love spending time in the Byron Bay area, which is full of inspiring spaces and businesses, and I wanted to create that same feeling in my store, where people walk in and get that instant feeling of calm, but also leave feeling inspired.

The building your store is located in is quite unusual! What can you tell us about it?

The Old Bell Tower was originally St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and was built in 1882. It still houses the original bell in its tower, hence the name The Old Bell Tower.

My first customer in the store was married here over 60 years ago, and I have had several other customers with similar stories. I love that the building is known and loved by so many people and is a part of their history and the history of Tamworth. It is a special space to be in, and we feel grateful to be its caretakers.

What types of products do you stock, and how do you decide what's worth stocking,

and what's not?

We stock furniture, homewares and lifestyle products. Being someone who loves interior and homeware products, it was easy for me to choose brands and products that I already love and have in my own home. I chose brands and products that I felt would fill a gap in the Tamworth market, which were not already being represented here.

Before opening the store, I went to some Trade Fairs and The Designers’ Markets, where I met some amazing designers with unique products to offer, some of which we now stock in our store.

Regarding the furniture, I wanted to offer pieces that are unique but still timeless enough that they can easily fit into any style of home.

I’m drawn to the beauty and texture of natural products, so I have a lot of linen, leather, wool, natural stone and timber furniture pieces on offer in the store. I provide a sourcing service as well, so if you can’t find what you are looking for, I can look for that special piece for you.

How do you feel Bungalow G differs from other homeware stores?

I think it’s in the feel of the store. It’s a special space, and my customers often comment on how calm the space feels. The old building and light filled space is a beautiful backdrop for browsing. I have lounges and arm chairs scattered around, so people will often sit down and have a look through our coffee table books.

I also think we differ from other homeware stores because of the unique brands we stock, which weren’t already on offer in Tamworth.

I love using texture to make a home feel relaxed and calm, so I usually layer things such as wool, leather, natural stone and linen.

I think it’s important to be authentic in this type of business. If I don’t genuinely love a product, I can’t sell it.

When sourcing new products, I choose items that speak to me and give me that instant “feel good” vibe. Life can be challenging at times, so I think it’s important to surround ourselves with things that make us feel happy and relaxed.

Tamworth has some amazing furniture and gift stores, all of which are beautiful and offer different things. I think it’s great that we support each other as small businesses and we all have different styles, because that benefits our customers by having more variety to choose from.

How would you describe your own personal style?

This is a hard one for an interiors addict like me to answer, because I appreciate many different styles. Your home should tell the story of the people who live there. It’s important to have personal and meaningful items in your home décor, because it’s what gives your home soul. My home’s style is relaxed with a neutral and monochromatic colour scheme. I usually throw in a few pops of muted colours with accessories such as cushions, ceramics, and art.

I love using texture to make a home feel relaxed and calm, so I usually layer things such as wool, leather, natural stone and linen. Every now and then I think I’m going to change and introduce lots of bright colours to my home, but somehow I always end up paring it back

to the neutrals. Having said that, I absolutely love colourful interiors, and I definitely feel inspired by colour.

My neon sign in the store is hot pink, and I absolutely love it.

My main inspiration for interior styling is travel. My family and I love traveling, and I spend a lot of time wandering around admiring buildings, homes, interiors of hotels, restaurants etc. I love Palm Springs style, which is evident in my store. The hero piece in my store is my beautiful counter, hand made out of white breeze blocks by the very talented Jeff from Industrial AF. What are your plans for Bungalow G moving forward?

I’ve just attended an amazing seminar in Orange called #The Huddle. I came away feeling really inspired to try out a few new ideas in the store. We are a new business, so it’s still evolving and will continue to do so.

I have a few new brands coming on board in the next couple of months, and I will just keep making it interesting and fresh for my customers. I think providing the best customer service and the best experience for my customers, both while they are in my store and also after they leave, is my constant goal.

What's the best way to contact you?

The store is on Instagram at Bungalowgstore and our website is www.bungalowg.com.au I can be contacted via phone or email; details are on my website.

Thanks Gretel.

New England focus. 31

Bron Byers

Think H I B B A R D S Over 85% of people enquiring to own their own home with Hibbards are women. Women are the doers, the influencers, the mothers (even to those who are not their own) and arguably a driving force behind the continual success of businesses and society - to say the least.

Women are so highly valued within this company, and we attribute our success at Hibbards to the collaboration between the amazing women and men we have on staff. Here are just some of our awesome team at Hibbards working in Head office, Coffs Harbour: Kath Sparke: with Hibbards for 20 years!

Together with her daughter Keryn Sparke they are the cracking team that run the conveyancing department.

Tash Stengert: Pre-Construction Manager; managing the work leading up to the construction of each home.

Kelly Frewen: Sales Administration Manager.

32 New England focus.

An integral part of driving each sale through to settlement across all our regions; assists with special projects and acquisitions.

Karen Lauder: Accounts Manager, with Rachael Newman: accounts receivable; these ladies are the heart of the Accounts Department.

Trisha Barry and Fiona Whalan: the clever duo forming a fundamental part of our estimating team.

Kim Purcell: Service Consultant; running our After-Sales Service Department. Taking care of current clients, past clients, and assists property managers for our investor clients.

Tamzin Shotbolt: Promotion; Marketing; PR and Media. Responsible for bringing in new business and making sure everyone in all our regions knows who we are.

This is big business. And we’re changing lives by creating opportunities for people to fulfill their dream of home ownership.

Meg Barnden-Hyde

Living the T G ' S WAY at Home and at TG's Child Care Please introduce yourself and your business.

We're Meg Barnden-Hyde and Bron Byers. We were both parents at TG’s, and we loved it so much we didn’t want the experience to end! So, we became educators, team leaders, and now we are Centre Managers! TG’s has empowered us women to be who we are today. Meg is at Armidale and Bron is at Uralla! TG’s has become such an important part of our personal lives that we live, breathe, eat and work the TG’s Way. What are your greatest strengths in business?

We are mothers at home and mothers to the TG’s Family! For Bron, children are her biggest influencers in what she does. Meg loves staying open and curious to the needs of each child.

Listening to them helps her to learn about each child’s gifts and how she can help them discover and find joy in developing them. As parents,

Meg and Bron have first-hand experience and are convinced that TG’s is an industry leader in child care. TG’s makes a difference in the early years because of the quality of care and education from educators, who are also supported in their growth and development.

Educators have each other’s backs and are encouraged to discover their gifts to help make the children from six weeks to six years shine and reach their full potential.

That is why TG’s is always growing, and Playing is Learning for Life!

Building relationships, sharing their gifts and collective thinking come naturally to those who have experienced the loving and nurturing TG’s Way. “Going to TG's every day is awesome. It is our second family!”

You’ll always have a loving family waiting for you at TG’s!

P

JULIE SHERWOOD Principal - Forsyths

lease introduce yourself and your business. I was born and grew up in Droitwich Spa in the heart of England.

I studied and worked as a radiographer in Cambridge, before accepting a two year contract position at Tamworth Base Hospital Radiology Unit in 1992. I then became the Chief Radiographer for BreastScreen North West, where I worked for ten years.

My life as a financial adviser began after I met a wonderful Tamworth dairy farmer, who soon became my husband.

We had two beautiful girls, and I found myself wanting to spread my time better between work and family life.

I studied remotely through Deakin University to become a qualified financial adviser.

I’m now a Principal at Forsyths and work with clients and manage a team of exceptional financial planners and superannuation experts.

What are your greatest strengths in business?

Supporting my clients plan for the momentous moments in life is where I find a huge amount of personal satisfaction.

I love that I can be a voice of reason and guidance when my clients are experiencing or planning for life changes such as parents or spouses moving into aged care facilities, children moving away to university and planning for a happy, settled retirement. It’s wonderful to be able to share in their sense of comfort and happiness that comes with financial security.

Tell us about your involvement in the community? One

of our greatest achievements at Forsyths was establishing the Forsyths Foundation. Through the Foundation we support local community groups with more than $10,000 each year. It’s a way that even with my busy family life with my two girls and busy job I can support and encourage the huge contribution community groups make to the New England North West.

This year in Tamworth we supported batyr through the White Elephant Ball. We felt that particularly during these times of drought, our young people need the skills to recognise possible signs of anxiety and depression within themselves and their family members.

What are your tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle with work, home and self? When I arrived in Tamworth as a young radiographer, I never dreamed that I would meet and marry a strapping young dairy farmer! I’ve been so lucky to have a supportive, kind husband and father to my children.

It’s not something I could have planned, but to have a wonderful partner in life means I can balance being a mother, a wife, a daughter and a voice of reason to my clients and colleagues. I could never fulfil these roles without the lovely farmer I met 24 years ago.

If you were down to your last $20, how would you spend it? With my background in health, I have a huge respect for emerging medical research. After nursing a dear uncle with motor neurone disease, seeing a cousin, and recently a client diagnosed, I support research to find a cure wherever I can.

The choice for advisory services in regional Australia.

We’re a part of your world. www.forsyths.com.au

Financial Planning / Audit / Accounting / Investment / Superannuation / Insurance Armidale / Inverell / Coonabarabran / Gunnedah / Tamworth

New England focus. 33

JESSICA PEARSON

BRONWYN PEARSON

MICHELLE WESTLUND

PINNACLE PEOPLE Solutions

Bronwyn Pearson is the seemingly indefatigable CEO of Pinnacle People Solutions. Launching in 2013, the regionally based HR consultancy has grown from strength to strength, garnering multiple awards in the process. In that time, the team has also expanded significantly to meet demand from regionally based SMEs and not-for-profits. While their home base is Armidale and Tamworth, Pinnacle People Solutions is actively engaged with businesses from across regional NSW, Queensland, Victoria and the ACT.

G

retel Khan is the team’s recruitment consultant, Gina Mackenzie and Lauren Quaife are HR officers, Michelle Westlund the newly appointed project officer, and Jessica Kliendeinst is the team’s administration coordinator. The team also includes Jessica Pearson, a registered psychologist who delivers psychological testing as well as education and training regarding mental health in the workplace. “Three team members are originally from Armidale. They left our region to study and work and have now returned home, bringing with them extensive experience and a genuine love for, and commitment to, our region,” Bronwyn said.

Pinnacle People Solutions’ success has

34 New England focus.

been built on an understanding of the unique challenges faced by businesses operating in lower population areas. These include attracting and retaining quality candidates in the regions and the greater impact on reputation and productivity when you get recruitment decisions wrong. However, the impact of the drought on the economy, in both the short term and long term, has changed the landscape significantly.

Bronwyn Pearson’s background in HR at senior levels gives her unique specialist skills and strategic insight, while her passion for helping regional communities has seen Pinnacle People Solutions blossom. The need for highly skilled, empathetic HR support in our regions has never been greater.

“In the last eight months we have really seen the challenges presented by the drought

start to impact our regional communities and the businesses we work with. Sadly, this has meant that many businesses have needed to recalibrate for survival. We work with our clients to downsize with dignity,” Bronwyn said.

When handling downsizing in smaller regional communities, it is critical that it is handled in a way that doesn’t compromise opportunities for future growth and identifies prospects for displaced staff to gain alternate employment in the region wherever possible.

“We need to deal with the issues each business is facing now, helping them where they need to contract and consolidate, but still prepare for future growth. Increasingly we are playing a role in partnering with businesses planning for that future,” she continued.

The Pinnacle People Solutions Team

Since launching Pinnacle People Solutions, Bronwyn has achieved NSW-wide Local Government Procurement approved contractor status for the provision of HR services and selection by tender as a preferred HR, Safety and Training supplier for Armidale Regional Council. Pinnacle People Solutions has also been appointed as recruitment partner to support Homes North, the social housing provider for the New England North West, in scaling to meet the demands of the Social Housing Management Transfer project, taking effect in 2019.

Consistent with the commitment to building the regional community and economic capacity, Pinnacle People Solutions was awarded the contract to deliver employment facilitation services and the Regional Employment Trials program for the

LAUREN QUAIFE

JESSICA KLIENDEINST GINA MACKENZIE

Regional Employment Trials program for the Northern Inland region by the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment in 2018. In one of only 10 regions selected for the Program by the Australian Government, Bronwyn works with a colleague and local stakeholders across the region to develop place-based strategies to address employment challenges and provide opportunities for those who are unemployed or at risk of unemployment.

In 2018 Bronwyn won the Outstanding Business Leader category at both the Armidale Business Chamber and the New England North West Region Business Awards, going on to represent New England at State level.

Most recently, Bronwyn has been appointed to the Regional Growth and Place Activation Peak Advisory Committee at Armidale Regional Council. The Committee’s primary responsibility is to act as a link between the council and key industry sectors, ensuring open two-way communication, and developing and promoting partnerships and initiatives to drive economic growth.

“It’s a really exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of our region by attracting business and investment and creating opportunities for local job creation,” said Bronwyn. Bronwyn is inspired by the huge efforts made by small business owners every day to provide goods and services, as well as employment for over 40% of

Australia’s population. She relishes the opportunity to support their success.

Gretel is the team’s recruitment consultant, working closely with business to run effective recruitment processes and building staffing strategies to attract and retain the right people to support their businesses’ objectives.

Gretel is passionate about facilitating the perfect match between candidate and client, working to ensure that each business reaps the rewards of making a great hire.

Lauren and Gina, the HR officers, work closely with the Pinnacle People Solutions’ team and clients to deliver high quality, fitfor-purpose HR support and advice.

Lauren has more than eight years’ HR and talent acquisition experience across a diverse range of industries including health and wellbeing, travel, and education. “I am passionate about helping people reach their career goals and aspirations and setting them up for success,” Lauren said.

Gina was attracted to the position at Pinnacle People Solutions because of its regional focus and what she saw was the fit with her personal and professional values. “Having grown up in regional NSW, I understand the importance of sustaining regional businesses, so I am really excited to join such a passionate and dedicated team where I am able to help make a difference,” Gina said.

Michelle Westlund, the team’s project officer, supports the team in delivering

GRETEL KHAN targeted research, systems development & tailored project solutions and HR frameworks that solve the problems Pinnacle People Solutions’ clients face.

Pinnacle People Solutions’ unique ability to provide regional businesses with education and training in the mental health sphere, focused on the workplace, empowered with delivered Jessica Pearson, a registered psychologist with a background in HR and an understanding of regional communities and workplaces.

Policy making is, of necessity, informed by the statistics that come out of our regional economies. However, the statistics don’t necessarily pick up the realities of what is happening. For example, for redundancies to be recorded by the Federal Government, the number needs to be 15 or more - in one hit. Clearly, this excludes proper reporting of the impact of the drought on our regional businesses, their community and, more importantly, the human beings - the staff and their families who are directly impacted by even the smallest of downsizing programs.

“What lies at the very heart of our business is our central mission to foster the growth and sustainability of regional communities.

To this end, we participate in programs and projects at every level of government, not only do we keep our fingers on the pulse of what is happening, but we ensure that policy and decision makers are informed about the realities of what is happening in our regional

communities.

“As a member of a number of boards, and as an employment facilitator for the Regional Employment Trials, Northern Inland Region, and through interactions with our clients in the regions, we are able to provide a more accurate picture of the employment environment and advocate for the needs of businesses, employers, employees and other stakeholders across the region.

“We are a learning business, investing in strategic planning and professional development so we are better positioned to help regional businesses navigate the complexities of HR and their greatest asset, their people. Recently, we held our 2020 strategic planning workshop where we focused on really aligning our services to meet the future needs of our clients.

“We will continue to support our clients and advocate for regional business, but we are also really focused on preparing our clients not just to recalibrate to survive whether they need to contract or consolidate - but to build the foundations for their future success. We are working with them to identify the people, products and services that present business opportunities and helping them design a workforce and supporting structures that set them up to thrive in the future. At the end of the day, we want each of our clients to know that we have their back and will support them through any challenge” Bronwyn concluded.

1300 856 231

admin@pinnaclepeoplesolutions.com.au pinnaclepeoplesolutions.com.au

We’ve got your back New England focus. 35

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

March 2020

AQUARIUS.

GEMINI.

LIBRA.

JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19

MAY 22 - JUNE 22

SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23

Love yourself enough to receive the best possible outcomes.

This will ensure a peaceful, uncomplicated existence, giving you the quality time you need to immerse yourself in your personal life happily. Career and other responsibilities will fall into their rightful place and life will seem better balanced.

Garnet will enhance your passion for living.

PISCES. FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20

You are gifted at being able to think laterally and offer practical solutions to life’s dilemmas. For this reason, people are drawn to your energy. Hear the wise words you are offering in a counselling situation, as these words are channelling through you for your guidance as well.

Protect your energy levels by thinking yourself in a bubble. Citrine shatters negative energy; wear some whilst helping others.

Avoid taking life too seriously at present; this is why all your fears and insecurities are playing with you. This is leaving you feeling trapped in life, instead of owning it and creating it. Try to connect to your silly self and do some pranking to lighten up your energy and brighten your world.

Ruby shatters fear and leaves us feeling safe and comfortable in our reality.

You are a person of your word. Your wisdom will be greatly drawn on in this next cycle; to make the most of every possible opportunity, set some fresh goals and don’t compromise your standards. Your mind is likely to be busy recognising possibilities that exist, so make the most of this talent and seize the moment.

Amethyst is great for connecting to our higher qualities and life’s purpose.

CANCER.

SCORPIO.

JUNE 23 - JULY 23

OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22

Self-esteem issues need to be addressed, as these will create scenarios that potentially ruin your most cherished feelings if not attended to. Know you are a beautiful soul, so you attract an abundance of nice things into your life. Smile at your reflection to realign your self-worth with positive influences.

Citrine attracts abundance; carry some.

Your sensitivity is increasing and so is your wisdom. This is the reason so many people are drawing strength from you at this time.

If you find you are being drained or affected in a negative way, look inward and recognise all the qualities you bare that you are proud of. This technique will charge your energy.

Clear Quartz enhances our energy; carry some.

ARIES.

LEO.

SAGITTARIUS.

MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21

Listen to your wise words when helping others, as these are your answers too. You will be feeling quite independent and secure as you make plans for your future happiness. You may need to protect yourself from energetic drainage, as your vulnerability increases; simply achieve this by thinking yourself inside a bubble. Selenite is great for auric protection; carry some in stressful times.

A feeling of stagnation is taking place, because your fears have stopped your progress. You must take hold of them and reshape them, and then positive things will begin to flow again. Your soul is learning self-appreciation and self-love. Listen to your wise words, as they will provide clear direction.

Turquoise is great for self-confidence.

You can expect an opportunity to fulfill a dream from a long time ago or one that you carried for a long time to cross your path very soon.

Prepare your mind by recognising it and list everything needed to make it a reality, then take action and acquire a few things from the list. This way you will be armed and prepared for it and little time will be wasted.

Turquoise assists in recognition of one’s higher purposes.

TAURUS.

VIRGO.

CAPRICORN.

APRIL 21 - MAY 21

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23

DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20

Think about what you want, but be aware of why you want it because if your motive is beneficial to your highest good, you are very clever at manifesting. If your motive is insecurity based, you will align yourself with some big challenges. Remain in a positive headspace when goal setting, just to ensure a good outcome.

Clear Quartz amplifies a happy mood; hold some to set fresh goals.

36 New England focus.

Look within and identify all your attributes and qualities that you chose to bring forth in this life that leave you feeling proud to be who you are. You are getting ready to step into a new cycle, and it will be very emotionally rewarding. Your nurturing compassion will be used a lot in this cycle, delivering great self-worth.

Clear Quartz will help maintain strong positive thoughts.

Patience is one of the higher lessons you’re drawing into your reality at this time. In pursuit of exciting outcomes where you have little control of timing, avoid making hasty decisions to cure frustration, as this will alter your happy outcome. Instead, re-connect with the passion driving you.

Clear Quartz keeps us focused on positive outcomes; carry some.

focus_contributor

ANTHONY FOX - PRESIDENT, ARMIDALE BUSINESS CHAMBER

Minding your

Rain, glorious rain.

Armidale has received more rain so far this year than it did for the whole of last year.

While Armidale, Guyra and surrounding country has greened up, saving gardens and trees and providing fodder for stock, we still have a way to go. Malpas dam is at 46% and rising. Water restrictions are likely to be lifted, slowly, conservatively.

T

here is a case for reducing the water restrictions from level five to level four once the dam exceeds 50%.

That will give some confidence going forward to the business and wider community.

CLIMATE CHANGE A lot has been said recently about climate

change - for good reason. There is a long history of awareness of climate change around the world, and recently strong views have been expressed that the drought and bushfires are phenomena to expect when the earth’s temperature increases. While there are differing views about climate change, the Chamber accepts the reality of climate change and the

need to act strongly to protect our businesses, communities, flora and fauna.

The Business Council of Australia supports strong action on climate change and a transition to net zero emissions by 2050. More specifically, the Council supports a market-based carbon price. It looks to new jobs being created through changes in technology.

Most businesses see the need to act on climate change, and the need for a clear, clean energy policy. Further, it is not the case that taking action in relation to climate change necessarily means permanent net job losses. It should be the case that innovative steps are taken to ensure job security and that good sustainable jobs are available for those more directly affected by the transition to a lower carbon economy.

The Armidale region could and should become a model of a technologically advanced sustainable zero emissions region - an example to others.

The Armidale Regional Council and UNE have combined resources to bring about zero CO2 emissions by 2030, by achieving the National Carbon Offset Standard certification.

DROUGHT RELIEF Armidale Regional Council has received $900,000 to stimulate the local economy. The Chamber is seeking the thoughts of the members and other businesses on how to use these funds.

The responses will be treated confidentially, collated, and put to the Council without attribution to individual authors.

WORKSHOPS The Chamber through Northern Region

Business Enterprise Centre will present a workshop on “Building your Facebook Page and Google My Business Listing” on 31st March 2020.

While this is open to everyone, the focus is on assisting small businesses start-ups and those thinking of starting a business. The cost is $25.

Places are limited. See our website for more information.

WING Last month’s Breakfast with Michelle Wheatley was well attended. Her presentation was both thoughtful and thought provoking. The next Women’s Networking breakfast is on 10th March 2020 at the Powerhouse. Dr Mary McMillan will be speaking. Mary is a senior lecturer at UNE, a passionate advocate for women in STEM. She was named as one of twelve inaugural STEM Changemakers by the Australian Academy of Science in January 2020. Bookings are available on our website.

WELCOME TO ARMIDALE The Welcome to Armidale took place on Saturday 8th February 2020. Despite the heavy rain, we had a good representative of community who were able to welcome newcomers to our area. Thanks to Armidale Regional Council for sponsoring the event.

THE AIRPORT IT is not clear whether serious progress has been made in terms of selling sites at the Business Park at the airport, While the drought and related circumstances have no doubt had an effect, I will try to report on the next occasion as to interest in the Business Park.

New England focus. 37

ExSitu Founders

LIVE in Tamworth 3RD & 4TH MARCH 2020

NRMA

EMPOWERING INDIVIDUALS TO TAKE CONTROL OF THE CARE THEY RECEIVE

E

xSitu founders April Creed and Rebecca Glover will be in Tamworth on 3rd and 4th March for two events at the University of New England’s SMART Region Incubator. After winning the UNE SRI’s RISE 2019, the founders chose Tamworth to officially launch their start-up, ExSitu, in the New England region, with a panel discussion and workshop.

ExSitu is a holistic, web-based app that provides those requiring aged care or disability services, the ability to make decisions about their care. Taking into account not only their medical and clinical requirements but also their core values and beliefs, ExSitu empowers individuals to steer the decision-making process related to their care.

ExSitu’s mission is to create a tool that improves quality of life by empowering people invested in care to understand each individual’s core values, regardless of their capacity to express them. ExSitu is a simplistic yet holistic online tool which provides a means for individuals to express and record their core values and translates them into clinical documents.

With over 40 years of combined experience in the health and aged-care sectors, Nurses April and Rebecca were driven to create a means of delivering dignified, tailored and customercentred care.

“What we’ve both seen time and time again was that people aren’t prepared to make decisions about a loved one’s care. They lack the tools to have meaningful conversations or they’ve left it too late, which leaves families and care providers with no way to make decisions based on that person’s wishes,” said April.

“It can leave tears in family relationships.

People think they’re organised with a will and a power of attorney, but they find they actually have no road-map for making these crucial decisions about care. Working with real people in these situations over many years, Bec and I knew there had to be a better way.”

38 New England focus.

Based at iAccelerate at the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Centre, April and Rebecca have already received national recognition for ExSitu, winning the 2019 innovAGEING National Award for Improving Consumer Choice.

The ExSitu launch kicks-off with a panel discussion on Tuesday 3rd March, 6pm - 8pm, “Protecting values and identity as we age - what you need to know”.

The panel of passionate healthcare and agedcare providers will discuss innovation in the aged care sector and the need to protect the values, dignity and identity of those facing what can be the most vulnerable time of their lives.

The panel comprises: Professor Rod McClure, Dean - Faculty of Medicine and Health University of New England; Professor Christine Jorm, Director of New South Wales Regional Health Partners; Nicole Turnbull, Principal SolicitorTurnbull Legal Solutions;Tia Christenson, carer speaking from personal experience; Sophie Bailey, Dementia Consultant at the Dementia Centre, HammondCare.

On Wednesday 4th March, 9am -12pm, April and Rebecca will host an interactive workshop to demonstrate the ExSitu platform and answer questions about how it can protect and empower individual values and identity in care settings.

The region’s healthcare, aged care and disability workers across all levels, solicitors, as well as those requiring care and their family and loved ones are invited and encouraged to attend both events, which are free of charge.

To register, visit the event pages at Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/exsitulaunch-tickets-90567849877 https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/exsituplatform-workshop-tickets-90569223987 For further information about ExSitu, the founders or the events, please contact: Rebecca Glover from ExSitu at rglover@ myexsitu.com or Dimity Smith from UNE SRI at dimity.smith@une.edu.au

Meet two of our women in business ...

Marilyn Mears from the privately owned NRMA Armidale office. Marilyn is a local woman who has worked in the insurance industry for over 15 years, all with NRMA. Marilyn is the supervisor at the NRMA office and is passionate about offering the right level of insurance for her customers, being flexible and tailoring polices to meet individual needs.

Vicki Constable is based at Tamworth NRMA office and manages Tamworth, Armidale and Gunnedah offices. She travels weekly to support the local staff at the three offices and loves helping the diverse customers at each office.

Vicki is born and bred in Tamworth and has worked with NRMA for 27 years, 25 years at the Tamworth office and two years at the Newcastle

office. Both Vicki and Marilyn are specialist in Hobby Farm Insurance; they can insure your farm up to 200 acres or 80 hectares of farmland. With NRMA you can build and customise your policy.

Choose from: • Your domestic home and contents • Generated income up to $50 000 • Public and Products Liability • Farm buildings cover for hay and machinery sheds, stables and workshops • Internal and external fencing • Livestock cover for cows, sheep, pigs, horses, alpacas and chickens Phone either the Armidale or Tamworth office on the numbers below, to obtain a quote and find out more on NRMA Hobby Farm Insurance or any of your insurance needs.

Farm Insurance Every farm has different insurance needs.

Ask how we can help tailor a policy to really work for you.

NRMA Tamworth at 458-460 Peel Street 6761 2177 NRMA Armidale at Shop 42, Armidale Plaza, Dangar Street 6771 1322

Things you should know: Farm Insurance issued by Insurance Australia Limited trading as NRMA Insurance.

To see if the product is right for you, always consider the Product Disclosure Statement available from NRMA Insurance.

Aruma – three things about invisible disabilities you need to know Remember House with No Steps and The Tipping Foundation? This leading disability service provider is now called Aruma.

“Aruma never entertains a one-size-fits-all approach. We’re bold and we raise the bar higher,” said Andrew Richardson, Aruma’s CEO. And raising the bar higher is exactly what Aruma is doing.

Take one example - they’re big on the fact a disability isn’t always something that’s "seen".

And they want all Australians to know more about "invisible disabilities". Starting with these three things ...

Invisible disabilities are not rare Millions of Australians live with a disability, and it’s estimated that a big proportion of these people have an invisible disability.

This can include the likes of multiple sclerosis, autism, ADHD, brain injuries, cognitive and learning disabilities, mental illnesses, diabetes, epilepsy, chronic pain and fatigue … and the list goes on.

People with invisible disabilities are not "faking it" For people with invisible disabilities, being met with scepticism is tough. It can actually

stop people from talking about their disability or downplaying their experiences, which just perpetuates the invisibility and stigma even more!

Accessible toilets are not just for people who use a wheelchair There are many reasons why someone might need to use an accessible toilet.

They may have a colostomy bag (where bowel motions are collected in a disposable bag) and need the extra space and running water.

Or maybe they have a disability that makes balancing tricky and they need to use hand rails. Whatever the reason - they have the right to use the accessible amenities.

Are you keen to know more about Aruma, their services and what they stand for?

Reach them on 1300 538 746 or enquiries@ aruma.com.au

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

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

New England focus. 39

focusinterview.

Discover

Manilla

Discover the rich heritage of historic Manilla. With great experiences on offer all year round, plan a trip now to make sure you don’t miss out.

W

hilst it is renowned as an adventurer’s paradise, Manilla has many hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. History, outdoor adventures, foodie bliss and family fun - you name it, and Manilla will deliver!

Manilla is primarily known for being the home of aero sports, having hosted 18 international level paragliding events since 1994. Mt Borah - located 880 m above sea level - has been a flying site since the early 1990s, providing the perfect launching spot for thrill-seeking participants. In 2007, Manilla hosted the first Paragliding World Championship outside of Europe; in addition to this, a great number of state and national events (both competitions and clinics) are held each year, including the NSW State Hang Gliding Championships and the Paragliding State of Origin. The Manilla Paragliding School offers a nine day live-in course, providing equipment, accommodation, a refresher training day and licence upgrades.

However, Manilla is fast becoming known as a heritage destination; established on the junction of the Manilla and Namoi rivers, Manilla was originally a campsite for local Indigenous tribes and later, for teamsters

40 New England focus.

and bullock wagons as they made their journey to outlying cattle stations with much needed supplies. Today, a walk down Manilla’s main street will step you back in time; discover the fascinating THINKING ABOUT period architecture; PLANNING A TRIP? Victorian and art deco CHECK OUT MANILLA’S facades, leadlight EVENTS TO MAKE IT windows, wrought iron AN ACTION-PACKED adjoining Manilla and balconies and ornate WEEKEND. AND DON’T Namoi rivers, there are verandahs.

FORGET TO CHECK plenty of opportunities Bursting with history, OUT THE MANILLA to soak up the sun Manilla’s fascinating SHOW THIS MONTH! whilst you take in past is preserved in the the atmosphere. The Manilla Heritage and Manilla Golf Course Machinery Museums, offers a more structured or can be discovered outdoor activity with a 9-hole course, set along the Heritage Walk self-guided tour. amongst picturesque sand greens. 2016 Memorabilia from the past is on display saw the opening of the Manilla Road Safety to satisfy the curious mind in the old I.X.L Bike Park, providing a perfect location for a Bakery shopfront - now the Manilla Visitor day of family activities at Manilla’s Chaffey Information Outlet. Pop in and say hello to Park. Not too far from the park is the Manilla the friendly volunteers, who can take you on Weir, a hive of activity after recent rain in the a guided tour. area for picnics, swimming, water sports and If history is not your passion, take fishing when it’s flowing. advantage of the peaceful outdoors, as You’ll also be thrilled to discover boutique you explore parks, dams, lakes and rivers foodie experiences in Manilla. Satisfy your in Manilla and surrounds. With so much coffee craving with the perfect espresso to offer, like boating and fishing on the

served with a slice of homemade cake at Warm Discussions café, check out one of the town’s three pubs to enjoy a hearty meal, or indulge in a gourmet picnic in one of Manilla’s beautiful parks. For the sweeter tooth, venture into Molly May’s for a sweet treat like no other - an Ultimate Shake, topped with whipped cream, fairy floss sprinkles and more! A trip to the Manilla Museum Markets on the first Saturday of each month will please your palate when you taste the local produce that is on offer too!

Plan your trip to Manilla to take advantage of this quaint historical town and all that it has to offer.

To find out more about what’s on offer in Manilla, visit www.destinationtamworth. com.au /manilla or pop into the Manilla Visitor Information Outlet.

Mary Poppins O'Connor Musical

2020

O’Connor Catholic College is back in 2020 with another major musical production! After the overwhelming success of "Annie! The Musical" and "High School Musical: On Stage!" Director and Choreographer Melissa Killen knew it was time to bring out the big guns! In March the Armidale community will be in for a practically perfect theatrical treat, when O’Connor brings "Mary Poppins! The Musical" to Lazenby Hall at the University of New England. We sat down with Melissa to find out more!

M

elissa, after two very successful musical productions, what can we expect from Mary Poppins!

The Musical?

Deciding what our next show was going to be was not an easy task, that’s for sure! The creative team sat down a number of times post High School Musical to discuss what we wanted to present for our third show. We knew it had to be something just as memorable, just as big, if not bigger, than our previous two shows.

When Mary Poppins was thrown into the discussion, I just knew that was what I wanted to bring alive on stage. It is such a classic and well-known story! The on-stage musical is very true to the Disney film; it’s familiar and well-loved, and there is so much scope to bring

our own flair and personality to it. It’s a little bit over-the-top, but it brings a beautiful and timeless message with it. We chose Lazenby Hall as our venue, because we knew this show was going to be big! You can’t do Mary Poppins on a small scale, it demands extravagance, and that really is what we’re aiming to present a big, bright, bold and beautiful show that really pays respect to such an iconic story and character.

What has the rehearsal and production process been like so far?

Every show is different; every show has its challenges and its wonders. Mary Poppins is no different. This show brings with it a very unique set of complications that must be creatively overcome. It’s a period show that requires time specific costuming, a massive cast of hundreds

of different characters, not to mention stage magic and that small but vital image of the title character actually flying. We knew coming into production and rehearsals that, as a creative team, working with a young cast, we were not making it easy on ourselves. But who doesn’t love a challenge? Especially one that reaps such incredible rewards as producing this kind of school musical. The pay-off really is right at the end when you see the sheer and utter joy of the students' faces when they come off stage. For the majority of our cast members, this is their very first experience on stage, and nothing makes me happier as an arts educator than seeing those beaming smiles and glint in their eyes when they realise what they have achieved.

How many students are involved in the

show?

We have a cast of almost fifty current students, with a few affiliate appearances from ex-students of the college. Just over twenty students are working together on tech and backstage responsibilities, and a number of students, teachers and parents are assisting in other vital areas, including set building, hair and makeup, and front-of-house duties. It really is a team effort!

Performances 26th - 28th March, Lazenby Hall, UNE. Tickets available: www.oconnor.nsw.edu.au

New England focus. 41

thinking partner migration

WITH CHRISTOPHER SEROW & SAM DOYLE

Thinking Student Migration pathways

WITH CHRISTOPHER SEROW AND SAM DOYLE

Student Migration

thinking thinking Student

partner pathways Migration migration

T O

he Student (subclass 500) Visa is an attractive option for ur society is forever international students to travel to evolving, and as part of Australia and complete a course the major changes are the ofeffect study of in globalisation schools, TAFE and or through University.

After completing a course multiculturalism. A common of study, which it is often the caseAgents that students want scenario Migration see is two to continue to reside in Australia.

There are people who fall in love but live on oppositea number of pathways permanent residency sides of the world. Intothe 2016 – 17 financial and inAustralia particular, opportunities to settle year, welcomed 47,825 new in regional Australia.

The firstAustralia step is usually residents who came into under the process of applying for a temporary visa can as a the Partner Visa program. The process graduate or by making an application under be very challenging and time consuming. Itthe skilled migration stream. Thethe process can seem is important to understand processes quite complex and daunting and it is usually involved in applying for Partner Migration in the student’sproper interestlegal to retain a migration and obtaining advice can prevent agent to ensure the visa application is processed additional stresses in an already significant properly a rejection can together. be a costly and time step in a as couple’s journey consuming without any certainty for the Which Visaprocess is right for me? visa applicant.

Some of the which visa options available There are three streams you can to students are summarised below. apply for when making an application for a Temporary 485) Partner Visa Graduate depending(subclass on each individual’s Visa circumstances. If you are in a De Facto A common Visa which many students apply relationship or married as defined by the for is the Temporary Graduate (subclass Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), you you can485) apply Visa. The Graduate Visa allows aor under theTemporary Partner Visa (subclass 820/801, Student that has completed requirements subclass 309/301) stream. Ifthe you are applying of their coursecouple, of study to must remain in Australia as a de facto you have been and find employment related field of together for a period in of their twelve (12) months study or registered to continueyour studying.

There are or have relationship withtwo the streams of Temporary Visa which Registry of the Births, Deaths,Graduate and Marriages.

This a Student may apply for; the Graduate Work Visa grants you a temporary Visa (subclass Stream, orfor thea Post Study Work(2)Stream.

820/309) period of two years, The general requirements for both streams are after which time a further application for that a the applicant must holdVisa a Student Visa when Permanent Residence (subclass 300/801) applying thecan Temporary Visafor and is issued.for You make anGraduate application this musteither meet the Australian Study Requirement as Visa inside or outside Australia. well as the Language Requirements.

If you areEnglish intending on marrying your Graduate partner, Work Stream Australian you can make an To be eligiblefortoaapply under the Graduate application Prospective Marriage Work Stream must have a (subclass 300)you Visa.

This Visacompleted allows you course ofto study through an Australian Education to come Australia to marry your partner, Institution diploma level higher, which you that mustwas do awithin nine (9) or months from the date an your Visa is granted.

Youinmust and nominate occupation contained the be outside Australia when your application Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List is made andwhere whenyour it is course granted.

(MLTSSL) of study closely What theoccupation. main requirements? relates are to that You must also have Theskills primary requirements in applying your assessed by a relevant assessing for a Partner Visa isthey to show that you authority to ensure are suitable forare that occupation. This Stream allows the Visa Applicant to stay in Australia for up to eighteen 42 New England focus.

(18) months.

Post Study-Work Stream in a committed relationship that is genuine The Post-Study Work Stream allows a student and continuing, and you are committed who has completed a course of study to remain to a shared life to the exclusion of all in Australia for up to two (2) or four (4) years others. A major part of proving this to the depending on the course of study. The primary Department of Home Affairs is providing a criteria to satisfy this stream is that you have written statement from both the Applicant completed a course of study in Australia from an and Sponsor. This statement forms the Australian education institution, and you must basis of your evidence toward obtaining a have completed an eligible degree. An eligible Partner Visa and should be carefully drafted degree ranges from a bachelor’s degree to a to reflect accurately the history and nature doctoral degree. of your ongoing relationship, as well as the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) subclass commitment which has been made by both 491 Visa of you both personally and financially. You The Skilled Work Regional Visa allows a skilled will also have to fill out a variety of forms worker to live, work and study in regional and obtain a Federal police check from any Australia for up to five (5) years. To be eligible country in which you have lived for more for this Visa you need to have skills relating to than 12 months in the last 10 years as an occupation contained on combined list of part of a character assessment. The Visa eligible skilled occupations for a Skilled Regional application charge for Partner Visas is currently (subclass 491) visa and be invited to apply by a $7,000.00 plus credit card charges and other state or territory government. You must submit disbursements, such as medical examinations. an Expression of Interest and meet the points English Language testing is not required for test of 65 to be eligible to be nominated for the Partner Visas.

Visa. After being granted the Visa and remaining Why see a Migration Agent? in a regional area for three (3) years, you may be The process of applying for a Partner Visa eligible to apply for permanent residency. can be quite daunting and challenging, Skilled Employer Sponsored Regionalso it(Provisional) is important to ensure that you subclass 494 Visa have met the requirements of the VisaEmployer prior to making To be eligible for the Skilled Sponsored an application.

Migration Agents able Visa, you must obtain employmentare in regional to advise you as to what documentation Australia through an Australian employer to and gather prior to by making your application, be nominated that Sponsor to work inand the how to properly draft the statements setting business for up to five (5) years. The Employer out thesubmit historya nomination and nature of relationship must to your the Department so that the requirements of your Visa will must of Home Affairs for the position, and you be met.

At Legal Minds we understand the a submit your skills and qualifications and obtain processes of making Partner Visa applications skills assessment. and can advise you oncan your optionsand Applying for any visa bebest a complex moving We are also able to process stressfulforward. process. Seeking professional advice the applications full, which takescan theensure from a registeredinMigration Agent burden youthe andnecessary helps to advice ensureto a positive that youoffhave make the result. correct decision and ensure that your application Talk us, you’ll be inspired! will to satisfy departmental requirements.

Christopher K C Serow Talk to us, you’ll be inspired!

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

New England focus. 47

Arcadia The Arcadia Winds have developed a belief that as wind musicians instinctively breathe together and are capable of creating an enormous variety of sound worlds, the wind quintet is an outstanding chamber medium that can rival the very best string quartets.

T

hey are excited about sharing this with their audiences. New England Conservatorium and Musica Viva Armidale are proud to present the Arcadia Winds at the Armidale Town Hall on Thursday 2nd April.

We sat down with AW’s Matthew Kneale, the first bassoonist to be awarded the prestigious Freedman Classical Fellowship, to talk about their upcoming Armidale performance.

This is your second visit to Armidale. What has Arcadia Winds been up to since we last saw you?

We have been very busy with a lot of touring, both nationally and abroad. We were able to take our Musica Viva In Schools show, The Air I Breathe, around Western Australia and to Far North Queensland and have continued performing all over Australia in wonderful festivals such as the

Perth International Arts Festival, Adelaide Festival, Australian Festival of Chamber music (Townsville), Four Winds Festival, Musica Viva Festival and the last Huntington Estate Chamber Music Festival. Travelling further afield, we were thrilled to take on our first tour of Mainland China, performing over 15 concerts. We also completed the Musica Viva FutureMakers fellowship, which has helped take our ensemble to new heights.

What can the audience expect to hear at your concert?

The wind quintet isn’t a regular format you would tend to hear in a classical concert series, so we love providing audiences with the opportunity to discover the colours, textures and sounds of these instruments. We also look forward to expanding the audience’s knowledge of wind chamber music, by offering diverse programs, including new music - this helps keep our concerts fresh and innovative.

How did you go about choosing the repertoire?

Arcadia always tries to program works that showcase each member of the wind quintet with various styles and periods of music. We have a program here that extends back from the 1700s - 2002, a three-hundred-year period of Western classical music, with each century having its own unique musical style and flow.

By providing audiences with a diverse program, we’re hoping that everyone will be able to find pieces they enjoy. We’re also encouraged by NECOM (and the way they value wind music) to bring different wind quintets and adaptions

of famous works to show the diversity and colour of Arcadia Winds.

Do you have a favourite work or composer from this program?

Probably one of the most famous works in this program is Samuel Barber’s Summer Music for Wind Quintet. Barber is a bigname composer but this is a work that isn’t always programmed, given the nature of wind quintet. The orchestration is perfect, but with that requires a huge amount of skill and practice. The music is incredibly lyrical for the medium and really showcases the ensemble’s taste on sound, texture, balance and space. It is a work that we believe should sound easy, effortless and balanced amongst each of the instruments, despite how challenging it is to play.

What advice would you give to Armidale’s young musicians just starting out?

If you are starting out an instrument, you have to give it full commitment, make ugly noises, get to the “nitty gritties”, experiment with different fingerings and, most importantly, listen to your teacher’s advice! Ask lots of questions about everything you are learning they are there to help you. And remember to enjoy the whole process!

Arcadia Winds When: 7pm, 2nd April.

Where: Armidale Town Hall.

Tickets: www.trybooking.com/BGZTH

New England focus. 43

focusinterview.

FOCUS speaks with Relieving Head of Middle School at Uralla Central School, Sarah Targett, about the Middle School model that was introduced in 2015.

from the Engine Room of

H

i Sarah. Can you briefly tell us why a Middle School?

Sure. The executive essentially studied the data and identified that the place where real shift and innovation was required was between Years 5 and 8. Further analysis established that all the international research indicated that the end of Year 4 and beginning of Year 5 was where those students who disengage from their learning begin to do so. Broader society also inadvertently places enormous pressure which leads to great anxiety at key school transition points, such as moving from Primary to Secondary school.

So, there was a case for change?

Most definitely. We strongly believe that the world and the society in which we live is in constant change, and the structure and nature of delivery of education needs to be flexible and agile enough to respond to that circumstance. Everyone has been to school, but generally the vision in their head of how schools operate is fixed from when they were last at school, but schools are and should be in a state of flux - we are not educating students for your yesterdays, but rather their tomorrows.

OK, that’s pretty powerful, but what does that look like in reality?

It’s interesting, because beyond the actual physical structure of a Middle School that encompasses Years 5 to 8, the model has been evaluated every year and tweaked and refined in response to further analysis. As it stands today, nearly 50% of the school enrolment is in the Middle School, and these students are grouped into five homerooms. The groupings are stage based; that

44 New England focus.

is, there are two Year 5/6 homerooms and three introduced. On reflection, we believe that some of 7/8 homerooms. Each homeroom has a dedicated the early rumblings were caused almost accidentally. teacher for English, History and Geography, and The Principal had allowed an exiting senior year a dedicated teacher for Science, Technology and to have commemorative bomber jackets rather Mathematics. These teachers teach the homeroom than the usual rugby ones; this coincided with for 60% of their time, and the introduction of the Middle for a further 10% of the School and because most time they teach together people associated both of these in integrated learning things with America, there were WE HAVE INTRODUCED units which reinforce the complaints that we were turning ELECTIVE SUBJECTS inter-relationships between all American. There were also DOWN TO YEAR 5, SO EACH different subjects and of all some people who thought that STUDENT ALSO SELECTS that learning with the real this was a bit of an experiment TWO ELECTIVES THAT ARE world. and they were guinea pigs.

LARGELY STUDENT DRIVEN What happens with the However, as time has gone on, AND DESIGNED. ONE OF remaining time? the Middle School has gone from THE MOST POPULAR IS Sarah: Leaving aside strength to strength each year as SURVIVAL SKILLS. the core requirements like refinements have been made. Last Physical Education and Sport, year the first cohort completed a we have introduced elective full journey through the Middle subjects down to Year 5, School, and it is seen as just how we do things. so each student also selects two electives that are The transition from Year 6 to 7 and the anxiety largely student driven and designed. One of the associated with it has disappeared altogether, most popular is Survival Skills, and it involves bush because it actually doesn’t exist - we generally cooking, orienteering, constructing bush shelters, have happier students who are less anxious about flint-knapping, knot tying, archery, bush walking the learning and the environment in which it takes etc. These electives are whole of Middle School, as in the classes potentially contain students from all of place. Our enrolments in this area are booming, which in the end just allow us to provide even more Year 5 to 8 on one line and Year 5 to 7 on the other interesting learning opportunities. Attendance is when Year 8 complete their mandatory language very high, and results across the board continue studies. pleasing upward trends all round.

Sounds amazing! How has all of this been So, a win-win for everybody? received by students and your community?

At first there was some rumbling, as you would We like to think so. imagine is the case whenever something new is Thanks for talking with us, Sarah.

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New England focus. 45

46 New England focus.

Treatment, education and exercise: helping people move better for life Multi-award-winning physiotherapy practice Move Better for Life is renowned for its holistic, integrated approach to client care. Now with practices in both Armidale and Tamworth, Move Better for Life also offers physiotherapy and exercise physiology homebased visits through aged care packages.

E

ach client’s initial consultation includes a careful and thorough assessment of any dysfunction or injury, level of function, and their goals to ensure their individual needs are being met. The Move Better for Life team will help clients meet their goals through a personalised mix of hands-on treatment, including joint mobilisation, muscle release and dry needling; education; and individual exercise programs.

Move Better for Life’s commitment to the needs of their clients does not end there.

They also offer wellness classes, which are complementary to any sports or injury rehabilitation program and are highly tailored to individual client needs. Their wellness classes include Balance Bods, Body Reform, Better Balance, Back 2 Backs and Hipsters.

Classes are run by qualified allied health professionals and each class is small, allowing

for individual attention. Private health rebates are available. A differing mix of classes is offered at each centre and the list is added to all the time. Practice-specific information, including timetables, is available on the website.

Both practices also offer exercise physiology services with exercise physiologists Nellie Jackson (based in Armidale), Shane Snowden and Alex Stones (based in Tamworth). They all have a Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology and are Accredited Exercise Physiologists.

Nellie, Shane and Alex work with the physiotherapy team to assess and treat clients, designing individualised exercise programs that will help clients achieve their goals, improve their health, recover from injury, manage chronic conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, and enhance their overall wellbeing and quality of life.

Move Better for Life is led by CEO Deborah Hunter who won the New England North West 2017 Business Leader of the Year award,

Best Small Business and Business of the Year in 2016, going on to represent the Region at State level. Deborah says, “Our philosophy is to help people to ‘move better for life’, so we focus on prevention education, not solely on treatment.

When treatment is required, we treat the cause, not just the symptom, so our clients can move better for life.”

Inspired by the experience of her clinic clients, Deborah, along with her sister Professor Sandra Hunter, recently launched www.myage.fit - an online resource providing mature adults 40 years plus with age-appropriate advice and strategies about exercise and activity habits. Most online

information is designed for young, fit adults and doesn’t really consider the needs of those who are more mature and may be working around pre-existing injuries or conditions that require us to modify our exercise regimes.

Myage.fit is designed to help people improve health, feelings of wellbeing and independence as you age, offering tips and accessible advice so they can move better, feel better and live longer.

Prevention lies at the heart of Move Better for Life’s philosophy and its physiotherapists and exercise physiologists can help you design a program that works for your lifestyle, so you can move better and live better.

New England focus. 47

focus_contributor

SUSIE DUNN

Icing

CAKE ON

Alice Cairns and Justine Kavanagh

McLean Care Please introduce yourself and your business? For the past 20 years I have been working within the Health and Aged Care industries, and since 2013 I’ve had the privilege to spearhead a very innovative, proactive and passionate team of people that make up our not-for-profit organisation, McLean Care.

What are your greatest strengths in business? As Company Secretary, I have a deep understanding of fiduciary, strategic operating governance models and how they contribute to a thriving board and organisation.

My leadership strengths as the CEO involve fostering innovation, relationship building, negotiation, challenging status quo and push ing boundaries in pursuit of innovation.

Tell us about your involvement in the local

48 New England focus.

community. I work with Inverell chamber of Commerce and am the Vice Chairperson of the Regional Business Chamber Advisory to progress the interests of local community business.

What are your tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle with work, home and self? Like most people, work commitments demand a lot of my time. I’m very invested in my family life and planning time away to see older parents, children and grandchildren all around NSW and QLD. I try my best to exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but my best wind down time is hitting the open country roads with my husband motoring or riding where there is no connectivity!

“CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER”…

Politically the world seems to be rocking and fragmenting in shark-infested waters - internationally and nationally. However, when seven ARC Councillors called for an Extraordinary Meeting requesting the Mayor, Simon Murray, stand down, it bewildered many. The timing seemed surprising - and who would want a “poisoned chalice” just now, with problems like drought/water/fire emergencies and a chronic lack of rate money income?

This will all play out, and elections are in September. Importantly, electors want a Council united, listening to their concerns and focusing on the main game, rather than personal side issues. We want sensitive performance from all levels within the set governance rules. Looks like we’ll be negotiating a swim across Alice’s Pool of Local Government Tears for some time, as things aren’t happy. We seem to have sidelined our responsive, can-do bush abilities.

[I looked to my Alice in Wonderland for appropriate words. She always has a comment.

The first copy I found was Alitji (Alice) in the Dreamtime in Pitjantjatjara! (It’s been published in 174 languages) so I visited Boobooks to pick up a pre-loved English copy for reference.]

With retail generally changing focus, CBD business happenings here are interesting.

Boobooks and its relaxed “emporium” style for its secondhand sales is increasing its engagement with the Mall. At the same time, the thriving Readers’ Companion move into its own building in the Eastern Mall sets a strong note of confidence. Its personalised style of retail bookstore business has proved their formula such a success. Both businesses deserve our congratulations for their warm service ethic, engagement with their customers and the way they complement each other.

Concepts of Armidale has moved into the Richardson’s complex. Its personalised mini-department store approach again demonstrates knowledge of and engagement with its customers. Regional small business is integral to our communities.

The Signor Vertelli Bar soon opening in Marsh Street joins the Welders Dog and Charlies Last Stand as the sort of small businesses marking current trends. The new Great Hops Brewery and Bar is another adding

to the craft beer wave. New generations generate new markets, offering service and buzzy atmosphere. Pop-ups definitely contribute. It’s to be hoped that landlords respond to the new business realities.

It’s people with innovative ideas who’ll reinvigorate the Malls. Socialising, joining others in our public spaces is good for us - all the more important for us to plan attractive programmes at times people are free to meet and relax. Time for a new look at opening hours?

When it comes to it, Bernie Shakeshaft’s win with Backtrack as Australia’s 2020 Local Hero is a perfect demonstration of the power individuals can achieve against the odds.

It’s people who make things happen and somehow shake out the bureaucratic tangles.

Too many of us stand back, even perhaps bluffed by bullies. Individuals who believe in their projects generate energy and can convince others from a position of strength.

Those people have the ability to take people with them. Congratulations, we’re proud of you, Bernie, and your whole team.

NERAM’S Director Rachael Parsons’ cuttingedge approach shakes things up and draws new audiences, as well as old. The re-opening of the café can’t come soon enough.

Andrew O’Connell, Creative Arts Director at TAS, is another who’s stepped up with his 2020 Arts in Armidale initiative, bringing together local arts organisations. What depth of talent there is here! The cultural richness in our community is extraordinary - we should take more advantage of it.

Margaret Sims writes columns in the Express I always find interesting. A passionate defender of academe, she speaks out against the rising tide of bureaucratic management which can seem to dominate the process, rather than serving it. Isn’t education’s main game content delivered by teachers to students, facilitated by management but not overtaken by it? A bevy of management-speak “change adopters” and “academic concierges” now jostle for attention - I’m all for new jobs, but the KISS principle still applies.

Was interested to attend the InAg. tech cluster launch at Tatts - same night as SteamDreaming’s Aboriginal Astronomy at Oorala. Run, Susie, run.

Susie Dunn.

New England focus. 49

focusinterview.

UNIPLAN’S

BUSHFIRE

uniplan

A S S I S T A N C E

20019 - 2020 has seen unprecedented bushfire activity across NSW, and many have lost their homes during the devastation. Ben Scott, Managing Director of the Uniplan Group, explains how those affected by the fires can be in a new home much sooner than they think …

F

or those who aren't aware, what does Uniplan specialise in?

We build modular homes and cabins.

By modular, I mean a house that is built in our factory. Once it is completely built with all internal and external finishes, then it gets split, depending on its overall size, into two or three modules. These modules are transported to and installed on your site. We’ve been doing this for over 20 years and produce about 15 buildings a month.

Some folks call it pre-fab homes or transportable homes. Whatever the terminology you use, we say it is the smarter way to build!

Why/how did Uniplan come up with a plan to help those affected by bushfires?

I’m sure we will all agree that this bushfire season has been devastating. To see how many families it has affected is heart wrenching. Knowing that modular building is an ideal way to build good quality homes very quickly, we knew we had to step up and support those who have lost their homes. We already have buildings under construction and nearing completion for areas that were affected by fires in November 2019.

How can you help "fast track" a home build for someone whose property may have been destroyed in a recent bushfire?

I honestly don’t know of anyone else that can build a quality home like ours in a short a timeframe as we do at Uniplan. I’m not trying to brag; it’s just a fact. In our factory, we can build a small home in as little as 16 days or a larger three or four bedroom home in only 28 days. Of course, this is just the factory portion of the works, and we still need to deliver it to site and install it.

50 New England focus.

For us, it is quite possible to complete the entire house from scratch all the way through to ready to move in, in only 50 work days. That’s what we mean when we say “fast track”. Obviously, prior to construction we arrange all the council approvals, which would add to this timeframe. Our your home has been destroyed commitment to those who have by fire. To help you get back on lost their home in the bushfires For us, it is quite possible to your feet, we’re offering you a is that we will do everything complete the entire house complete appliance package at no within our power to meet a from scratch all the 50-day build time after council cost. This is valued at over $5,000 way through to ready approval. and includes an oven, cooktop, to move in, in only 50 That sounds fast, but how rangehood, fridge, microwave, work days. That’s what good is the quality and finish dishwasher, washing machine we mean when we say of a modular home? and drier. It’s the least we can do “fast track”. Obviously, prior By building a home in a to help you get back into a place to construction we arrange all factory, we believe the quality the council approvals, which you can call home. Also, you is superior to building on site. If would add to this timeframe. are welcome to choose different you ordered a new car, would appliances than those included in you prefer it to be built in the the package. We will credit you factory with all the quality for the item you swap out. checks in place, or would you rather they delivered a What's the criteria for taking advantage of your whole bunch of parts to your garage and you get a bushfire offer? mechanic to put it together for you? In our view, that is All we ask for is some proof that your house was the difference with modular building versus a “tradie” destroyed by the bushfires of 2019/20. building your house on site. If you’re in doubt, you How can eligible individuals apply for the offer? really need to come check out our factory and display If you need assistance, please reach out to one of homes - a picture paints a thousand words … come see our helpful sales team by phone, email or come visit for yourself. our displays.

Or, you can jump on to this web page: Your bushfire offer also comes with a special https://info.uniplangroup.com.au/here-to-help) and bonus! Tell us about the appliance package and pop your details into the form. what it includes ...

We can hardly imagine how much you have lost if Thanks Ben.

DOWNSIZING?

5 simple tips for building the perfect compact home or granny flat

Moving closer to the family?

Whether you’re building a secondary dwelling or granny flat on an existing property or starting on a new site closer to the family, Uniplan can help customise a compact modular home or granny flat that you can call home, with pride.

L

et’s not pretend otherwise - downsizing from a family home where you’ve spent many years, to a smaller home or granny flat near your family is never going to be a “walk in the park”. Uniplan has been building modular

4. It’s easy to design big; designing small takes someone clever.

Designing a big home is easy. Designing a practical and functional compact home or granny flat takes skill. I’m sure it’s OK to blow our own trumpet a little bit … here at

homes and granny flats for over 20 years, and we’ve learnt

Uniplan we’ve been doing this for years and know some

five very simple steps we know will make it as stress free and

good tips and tricks to get the most out of a small space.

easy as possible.

No matter if it is Uniplan designing your new home or

1. Before building, make sure you walk through a

someone else, make sure they’ve had good experience

display home that is the exact size you’re thinking

with planning for this size home. Along with this, to

about.

allow for graceful ageing it is a good idea to give thought

Trying to guess how big a room will be just by looking at a

to access and mobility for the years ahead and design

floor plan isn’t easy. You may think it’s too big or too small.

doorways and bathrooms that meet your needs.

It’s not until you stand in a room of that exact size that you

5. Proximity and privacy, getting the best of both.

can be 100% comfortable that it will work for you.

2. You can never have too much storage space.

Downsizing means there is going to be some of your long

In many cases when downsizing, you’re doing it to move closer to the family - perhaps even on their property or close to their home. Remember that while being

held items that you no longer have space for. That is sad to

close is a key objective, you still want some of your own

even think about. Something you’ve used for years is hard to

privacy. Make sure your new compact home or granny

give up! That’s why having as much storage and cupboard

flat includes a good verandah, sunny sitting space and

space that you can possibly include in your new home or

somewhere you can relax in your own privacy.

granny flat is a great idea.

Uniplan has helped, quite literally, hundreds of people

3. Work out which furniture pieces you absolutely

through the downsizing journey. Let us show you how

want to keep.

this very special time of your life can be exciting rather

It’s unlikely you will be able to retain 100% of your existing furniture if you are downsizing. Unless you are one

than daunting.

We make it easy to view a number of display homes

of the sort who want to start out afresh with everything

and clearly understand what can be achieved in a modular

new, you probably have some treasured items that you want

home or granny flat. Our mission is to make it easy and

to make sure fit into your new home or granny flat. Measure

smooth sailing for you, so that you can get into your new

up these pieces of furniture and have them drawn on your

home as soon as possible and start the next chapter of

new plans, to make sure they’re going to fit perfectly.

your life.

SEARCH UNIPLAN GROUP 22 MYRTLE DRIVE ARMIDALE NSW 2350 1800 864 752 sales@uniplangroup.co www.uniplangroup.com.au

New England focus. 51

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