MINDING YOUR BUSINESS WITH ANTHONY FOX 37. MINDING YOUR BUSINESS

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.

There is a case for reducing the water restrictions from level fi ve to level four once the dam exceeds 50%. That will give some confi dence 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 bushfi res 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, fl ora and fauna.

The Business Council of Australia supports strong action on climate change and a transition to net zero emissions by 2050. More specifi cally, 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 certifi cation. 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 confi dentially, 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.

ExSitu Founders LIVE in Tamworth 3RD & 4TH MARCH 2020

EMPOWERING INDIVIDUALS TO TAKE CONTROL OF THE CARE THEY RECEIVE

ExSitu 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 offi cially 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 dignifi ed, 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 fi nd 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.”

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

NRMA

Meet two of our women in business ... Marilyn Mears from the privately owned NRMA Armidale offi ce. 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 offi ce and is passionate about offering the right level of insurance for her customers, being fl exible and tailoring polices to meet individual needs. Vicki Constable is based at Tamworth NRMA offi ce and manages Tamworth, Armidale and Gunnedah offi ces. She travels weekly to support the local staff at the three offi ces and loves helping the diverse customers at each offi ce. Vicki is born and bred in Tamworth and has worked with NRMA for 27 years, 25 years at the Tamworth offi ce and two years at the Newcastle

offi ce. 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 offi ce on the numbers below, to obtain a quote and fi nd 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

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

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.

Whilst 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

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 period architecture; Victorian and art deco facades, leadlight windows, wrought iron balconies and ornate verandahs.

Bursting with history, Manilla’s fascinating past is preserved in the Manilla Heritage and Machinery Museums, or can be discovered along the Heritage Walk self-guided tour. Memorabilia from the past is on display to satisfy the curious mind in the old I.X.L Bakery shopfront - now the Manilla Visitor Information Outlet. Pop in and say hello to the friendly volunteers, who can take you on a guided tour.

If history is not your passion, take advantage of the peaceful outdoors, as you explore parks, dams, lakes and rivers in Manilla and surrounds. With so much to offer, like boating and fishing on the THINKING ABOUT PLANNING A TRIP? CHECK OUT MANILLA’S EVENTS TO MAKE IT AN ACTION-PACKED WEEKEND. AND DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE MANILLA SHOW THIS MONTH! adjoining Manilla and Namoi rivers, there are plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun whilst you take in the atmosphere. The Manilla Golf Course offers a more structured outdoor activity with a 9-hole course, set amongst picturesque sand greens. 2016 saw the opening of the Manilla Road Safety Bike Park, providing a perfect location for a day of family activities at Manilla’s Chaffey Park. Not too far from the park is the Manilla Weir, a hive of activity after recent rain in the area for picnics, swimming, water sports and fishing when it’s flowing.

You’ll also be thrilled to discover boutique foodie experiences in Manilla. Satisfy your coffee craving with the perfect espresso

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.

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! 2020 O'Connor Musical Mary Poppins

Melissa, 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

Student Migration

Our society is forever evolving, and as part of the major changes are the effect of globalisation and multiculturalism. A common scenario which Migration Agents see is two people who fall in love but live on opposite sides of the world. In the 2016 – 17 financial year, Australia welcomed 47,825 new residents who came into Australia under the Partner Visa program. The process can be very challenging and time consuming. It is important to understand the processes involved in applying for Partner Migration and obtaining proper legal advice can prevent additional stresses in an already significant step in a couple’s journey together. Which Visa is right for me?

There are three streams which you can apply for when making an application for a Partner Visa depending on each individual’s circumstances. If you are in a De Facto relationship or married as defined by the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), you you can apply under the Partner Visa (subclass 820/801, or subclass 309/301) stream. If you are applying as a de facto couple, you must have been together for a period of twelve (12) months or have registered your relationship with the Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages. This Visa grants you a temporary Visa (subclass 820/309) for a period of two (2) years, after which time a further application for a Permanent Residence Visa (subclass 300/801) is issued. You can make an application for this Visa either inside or outside Australia.

If you are intending on marrying your Australian partner, you can make an application for a Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) Visa. This Visa allows you to come to Australia to marry your partner, which you must do within nine (9) months from the date your Visa is granted. You must be outside Australia when your application is made and when it is granted. What are the main requirements?

The primary requirements in applying for a Partner Visa is to show that you are in a committed relationship that is genuine and continuing, and you are committed to a shared life to the exclusion of all others. A major part of proving this to the Department of Home Affairs is providing a written statement from both the Applicant and Sponsor. This statement forms the basis of your evidence toward obtaining a Partner Visa and should be carefully drafted to reflect accurately the history and nature of your ongoing relationship, as well as the commitment which has been made by both of you both personally and financially. You will also have to fill out a variety of forms and obtain a Federal police check from any country in which you have lived for more than 12 months in the last 10 years as part of a character assessment. The Visa application charge for Partner Visas is currently $7,000.00 plus credit card charges and other disbursements, such as medical examinations. English Language testing is not required for Partner Visas. Why see a Migration Agent?

The process of applying for a Partner Visa can be quite daunting and challenging, so it is important to ensure that you have met the requirements of the Visa prior to making an application. Migration Agents are able to advise you as to what documentation to gather prior to making your application, and how to properly draft the statements setting out the history and nature of your relationship so that the requirements of your Visa will be met. At Legal Minds we understand the processes of making Partner Visa applications and can advise you on your best options moving forward. We are also able to process the applications in full, which takes the burden off you and helps to ensure a positive result. Talk to us, you’ll be inspired! Christopher K C Serow Principal, Solicitor Director, Notary Public Migration Agent (MARN 0854319) Samuel L Doyle Senior Paralegal, Migration Consultant partner migration thinking T he Student (subclass 500) Visa is an attractive option for international students to travel to Australia and complete a course of study in schools, TAFE or through University. After completing a course of study, it is often the case that students want to continue to reside in Australia. There are a number of pathways to permanent residency and in particular, opportunities to settle in regional Australia. The first step is usually the process of applying for a temporary visa as a graduate or by making an application under the skilled migration stream. The process can seem quite complex and daunting and it is usually in the student’s interest to retain a migration agent to ensure the visa application is processed properly as a rejection can be a costly and time consuming process without any certainty for the visa applicant. Some of the visa options available to students are summarised below. Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) Visa A common Visa which many students apply for is the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) Visa. The Temporary Graduate Visa allows a Student that has completed the requirements of their course of study to remain in Australia and find employment in their related field of study or to continue studying. There are two streams of the Temporary Graduate Visa which a Student may apply for; the Graduate Work Stream, or the Post Study Work Stream. The general requirements for both streams are that the applicant must hold a Student Visa when applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa and must meet the Australian Study Requirement as well as the English Language Requirements. Graduate Work Stream To be eligible to apply under the Graduate Work Stream you must have completed a course of study through an Australian Education Institution that was a diploma level or higher, and nominate an occupation contained in the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) where your course of study closely relates to that occupation. You must also have your skills assessed by a relevant assessing authority to ensure they are suitable for that occupation. This Stream allows the Visa Applicant to stay in Australia for up to eighteen (18) months. Post Study-Work Stream The Post-Study Work Stream allows a student who has completed a course of study to remain in Australia for up to two (2) or four (4) years depending on the course of study. The primary criteria to satisfy this stream is that you have completed a course of study in Australia from an Australian education institution, and you must have completed an eligible degree. An eligible degree ranges from a bachelor’s degree to a doctoral degree. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) subclass 491 Visa The Skilled Work Regional Visa allows a skilled worker to live, work and study in regional Australia for up to five (5) years. To be eligible for this Visa you need to have skills relating to an occupation contained on combined list of eligible skilled occupations for a Skilled Regional (subclass 491) visa and be invited to apply by a state or territory government. You must submit an Expression of Interest and meet the points test of 65 to be eligible to be nominated for the Visa. After being granted the Visa and remaining in a regional area for three (3) years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) subclass 494 Visa To be eligible for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Visa, you must obtain employment in regional Australia through an Australian employer and be nominated by that Sponsor to work in the business for up to five (5) years. The Employer must submit a nomination to the Department of Home Affairs for the position, and you must submit your skills and qualifications and obtain a skills assessment. Applying for any visa can be a complex and stressful process. Seeking professional advice from a registered Migration Agent can ensure that you have the necessary advice to make the correct decision and ensure that your application will satisfy departmental requirements. Talk to us, you’ll be inspired! Christopher K C Serow Principal, Solicitor Director, Notary Public, Migration Agent Sam L Doyle Senior Paralegal, Migration Consultant Student Migration pathways thinking

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.

They 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

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

Hi 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

is, there are two Year 5/6 homerooms and three 7/8 homerooms. Each homeroom has a dedicated teacher for English, History and Geography, and a dedicated teacher for Science, Technology and Mathematics. These teachers teach the homeroom for 60% of their time, and for a further 10% of the time they teach together in integrated learning units which reinforce the inter-relationships between different subjects and of all that learning with the real world. What happens with the remaining time?

Sarah: Leaving aside the core requirements like Physical Education and Sport, we have introduced elective subjects down to Year 5, so each student also selects two electives that are largely student driven and designed. One of the most popular is Survival Skills, and it involves bush cooking, orienteering, constructing bush shelters, flint-knapping, knot tying, archery, bush walking etc. These electives are whole of Middle School, as in the classes potentially contain students from all of Year 5 to 8 on one line and Year 5 to 7 on the other when Year 8 complete their mandatory language studies. Sounds amazing! How has all of this been received by students and your community?

At first there was some rumbling, as you would imagine is the case whenever something new is introduced. On reflection, we believe that some of the early rumblings were caused almost accidentally. The Principal had allowed an exiting senior year to have commemorative bomber jackets rather than the usual rugby ones; this coincided with

the introduction of the Middle School and because most people associated both of these things with America, there were complaints that we were turning all American. There were also some people who thought that this was a bit of an experiment and they were guinea pigs. However, as time has gone on, the Middle School has gone from strength to strength each year as refinements have been made. Last year the first cohort completed a full journey through the Middle School, and it is seen as just how we do things. The transition from Year 6 to 7 and the anxiety associated with it has disappeared altogether, because it actually doesn’t exist - we generally have happier students who are less anxious about the learning and the environment in which it takes place. Our enrolments in this area are booming, which in the end just allow us to provide even more interesting learning opportunities. Attendance is very high, and results across the board continue pleasing upward trends all round. So, a win-win for everybody? We like to think so. Thanks for talking with us, Sarah. WE HAVE INTRODUCED ELECTIVE SUBJECTS DOWN TO YEAR 5, SO EACH STUDENT ALSO SELECTS TWO ELECTIVES THAT ARE LARGELY STUDENT DRIVEN AND DESIGNED. ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR IS SURVIVAL SKILLS.

N E W E N G L A N D

to infi nity

F O C U S F E A T U R E

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.

Each 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.