NEW N EW E ENGLAND NGLAND
June 2013 // Issue 73
Feature Story y Photographic Safari to Vietnam
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inside this
Issue 73 - June 2013
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Rowena Tall. Singing is at the heart of music at St John’s and NEGS. It permeates every aspect of music education, from Transition to Year 12. With music programs for all St John’s students and over 40 girls enrolled in private voice lessons, the image of NEGS as a ‘school of excellence’ in singing is growing.
Russ French.
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Russ French and his family have recently relocated to Uralla. He shares details about his unique model making business with FOCUS ...
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Rachel Portell. Since making her first cake at age 8 with her older sister while their mum was away, Rachel’s eye for detail and appreciation of all things beautiful has led her and her business, Aemilia George Cake Design, to be the success they are today.
usual suspects.
the
7. what’s on for June 22. eat featuring local restaurants 37. star guide with Terri
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Photo: Anne Vince
Welcome to issue 73 of New England FOCUS. ur stunning cover this month features the work of Aemelia George Cake Designs and photographer James Day. After attending her first cake decorating class at Planet Cake, Rachel Portell, the owner of Aemelia George Cake Designs, didn’t expect the class would have such an impact on her and soon discovered her natural talent – and perhaps her calling in life. Rachel tells us about her journey so far, her inspiration and plans for the future. INSIDE THIS ISSUE Firstly, the FOCUS team would like to congratulate Anthony Hanna. After months of construction and redesign, this Sydney man is now an Armidale local and is the reason for Mojos finally opening its doors. Tonia and Bill Wheeler share with us the amazing success of the annual Tour De Rocks, totally driven by our wonderful local community. We caught up with Barnaby Joyce, and he tells us how happy
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contacts. Looking to advertise in FOCUS? Contact us for more information. ADDRESS: 5/164 Beardy Street, Armidale PHONE: 02 6771 5551 FAX: 02 6772 5551 WEB: www.focusmag.com.au FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/focus.ne TV: www.focustv.com.au
he is to be returning to the New England. We spoke with Rowena Tall, the primary music specialist at St John’s, about her passion for music and how she has helped raise the music profile at St John’s and NEGS. FOCUS Photographer Tim Barnsley has just returned from leading a Photographic Safari to Vietnam, operated by Armidalebased agritour company Quadrant Australia, and he shares some of the highlights. Russ French and his family have recently relocated to Uralla, and he tells us about his unique model making business. Suellen Simpson describes her journey as a local jewellery maker, after learning almost everything she knows from her late father. FOCUS would also like to introduce local lovebirds Kevin and Coral Polson, who have been together for over 60 years. Their family shared with us their journey so far. EAT. ON THE iPHONE Our popular eat. app has been updated, featuring more great local restaurants and
cafés. Each restaurant and café featured has mouthwatering professional images, so you can eat with your eyes in fantastic HD iPhone 5 ready quality. We have also added fully integrated Google Maps. You can update your existing app through the iTunes App store, or download it at www.focusmag.com.au/eat NEWSLETTER Readers can now sign up to our new newsletter for giveaways, news, updates and much more from the New England FOCUS. Just visit www.focusmag.com.au/ newsletter/form/ne.html FINAL SAY “If everybody minded their own business, the world would go around a great deal faster than it does.” - Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland.
ADVERTISING MANAGER: Tracy Le Messurier
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ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Merry Abrams
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FOCUS IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THESE GREAT COMMUNITY EVENTS AND PROGRAMS.
Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers or Editor. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders.Information appearing in Focus is believed to be correct at the time of going to press however no liability will be held for inaccurate information approved or supplied by advertisers or contributors. While all care is taken it is recommended that readers confirm dates, times, prices and any other material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. New England Focus is produced and published by Creative House Publications Pty Ltd ABN: 62128786005. Material in New England Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications Pty Ltd 2012 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved.
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$257,479.28 raised for awareness, prevention and cure.
Tonia and Bill Wheeler share with us the amazing success of the Tour De Rocks, totally driven by our wonderful local community. hat is the history of the Tour de Rocks, and how is this fundraiser continuing to grow ? In 2010, Jonathon Wheeler successfully led a small contingent of mountain bike riders from Armidale to South West Rocks as part of his Gold Duke of Edinburgh program. The ride was christened the ‘Tour de Rocks’. It seemed feasible that the ride could be scaled up become a major fundraiser. The Tour de Rocks Pty Ltd (TdR) was then established as a charitable foundation, with the three objectives: cancer awareness, prevention and cure. How does the ride work; what does it mean to be part of the Tour de Rocks community? Every individual or business who signed up to join the Tour de Rocks community, whether a rider or supporter or sponsor, agreed to commit to a certain level of fundraising. This was non negotiable; we needed to attract people and businesses with the right attitude, those with the discipline to commit to a goal and maintain the focus on our objectives – cancer awareness prevention and cure. Training starts in earnest late spring, with organised rides most mornings of the week in Armidale, with longer rides on the weekend. The ride takes place in the April School holidays, encouraging family participation, with children as young as 6 and adults into their 70s participating. Becoming a member of the TdR community is about signing up to the objectives of the cause first, and then participating in the ride at whatever level is suitable – from full rider, part rider or supporter. Irrespective of the level, the sense of fellowship and achievement is enormous. Tell us about the ride ... The anxious riders assemble early at the Armidale Ex Services Memorial Club on a 6 new england focus.
Thursday morning, heading out to the Chandler School at Wollomombi via the Chandler Road for morning tea, on to the forestry huts in the Styx River State Forest for lunch and down the ‘Big Hill’ to the camp site at the Junction on the Macleay River for the first night. The riders and supporters are well catered for, with a full baked diner being provided for over 500 that night. Next morning the ride starts at a leisurely pace along the banks of the Macleay River, over Pee Dee Mountain and into Bellbrook for lunch and on to Willawarrin for the second night. An early start on the final day sees riders pass through Kempsey, cross the Pacific Highway and on to South West Rocks via Gladstone. The finish is a BBQ lunch on the headland, with an emotional final address by Dane O’Connor as he shares with us his journey with cancer. How did you engage and inspire so many in the community? Everyone has been touched by cancer; it may be a grandparent, parent, uncle, aunt, brother, sister or child, or just a really good friend. When you have a worthy cause that touches the hearts and minds of so many, it is not difficult to engage the community. Our job is to provide an environment through a volunteer association where anything is possible, where nothing is too difficult, where people can achieve their goals. We set fundraising, fitness, logistical and awareness goals that are achievable but sufficiently challenging, that deliver an enormous sense of accomplishment and collective satisfaction on completion. This year the Tour de Rocks profile was raised significantly with the Tour de Rocks vehicle, generously donated by Linda and Grant McCarroll and arranged by Terri and Tonia, followed by the enormous contribution of the marketing and promotions committee in raising awareness through the business houses in the region. The number of businesses, schools, community organisations and families that have contributed this year is humbling and clearly a reflection
of the extraordinary community we live in. What is your motto? “What can I do; how can I help”. The Tour de Rocks has an emotional song of the same title written, composed and performed by Nikita Wheeler for Vanessa Kruidenier after she shared stories of her two battles with cancer through a discussion with Mark Beretta and Geoff Coombes on the final night. The song embodies all it is to be part of the Tour de Rocks community; it is how we get things done. A significant amount of money was raised. Where will the funds go, and who determines that? $257,479.28 was raised; $106,585 was allocated to research through our partners Tour de Cure. They have a very experienced and well connected board that assesses applications for research funding. Visit www.tourdecure.com. au for details of research programs funded. The balance of the funds ($150,000) will be allocated to local projects and will be determined by the unanimous decision of the Tour de Rocks board. Who were the supporters of the tour? The support from the New England District and surrounding communities has been outstanding. Not only have we been the benefactors of tremendous support from local businesses, but also there are a number of extraordinary local families and individuals who have contributed significantly through their contribution of time and resources. Local businesses entered teams, raised sponsorships, coordinated fundraising activities and engaged the community in training and safe riding programs.
There was the contribution from Greig Stier and Therron King in logistics, Marco, Endy, Jono, Moose, Scotty, Josh, Trevor, Rob and the entire catering team, along with enormously capable ladies, Terri, Tonia, Amy, Georgina, Justine, Kathie and Kay, who worked tirelessly to ensure this year’s event was a success. What were the highlights of the Tour de Rocks this year? Leaving Armidale in the fog with the autumn colour being played out by the Armidale Pipe Band, the spectacle of the entire Junction camping area covered in tents with camp kitchen set up in the middle, the final emotional presentation on the headland at South West Rocks and the announcement of the total raised and presentation of the cheque to Tour de Cure board members Geoff Coombes and Mark Beretta. What’s next? We now have 14 members of a fully functioning and diverse board to review the success of this year and plan for next year. The awareness committee led by Dave Boundy will continue to expand the school visits program, building on the 1,000 children presented to this year. Next year’s ride will include the ANZAC Day dawn service at the Junction, involving service clubs and local communities. The Tour de Rocks is now an annual New England event that will continue to provide an opportunity for our local people to be part of something special. Perhaps this year should be a year for consolidation; but then again, what if ... Come and joins us, sign up for a newsletter, contact us via www.tour de rocks.com.au, or follow us on Facebook.
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9 Kentucky Markets The Kentucky Progress Association markets are continuing for the third consecutive year. We have 30 various stall holders and will be showcasing a number of local producers and businesses.
Masquerade Ball
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When Sunday, June 9, 2013. Where Kentucky Memorial Hall, Noalimba Avenue, Kentucky. Contact Rod McGrath, President. Phone (02) 6778 7320.
The 2013 ball will be the 12th annual charity ball held by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Support Group in Armidale. If you
My Brilliant Career.
would like to become involved in assisting the Armidale Support Group in raising funds for the service, please contact the committee chairman, Craig Pevitt, via email.
MILES FRANKLIN Lectures are held in the auditorium of the Michael Hoskins Creative Arts Centre, The Armidale School, Armidale. Car Park Entrance on Chapel Street. Commencing at 6pm. Includes lecture and supper. No need to RSVP. (Lectures run for one hour.)
We’d love to see as many people there as possible! When Saturday 24 August. Where Servies. Contact Craig Pevitt: craig@swiftfinance.com.au
Tickets $25 paid at door. When Thursday, June 20, 2013. Michael Hoskins Creative Arts Centre The Armidale School.
First Saturday chats The next First Saturday chats will be hosted by Elizabeth Stahlut (Solicitor) between 10am and 1pm at our offices on Saturday 1 June 2013. When Saturday 1 June. Where Legal Minds Office, 157 Beardy St Mall. Contact 1300 642 166.
Featuring Aussie siee ns ... ... singing sensations Stevie.P
roxanne r oxanne lebrasse lebrasse le b
137 Dumaresq St, Armidale Phone 6776 0800
back to our members
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music at St John’s and NEGS
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Singing is at the heart of music at St John’s and NEGS. It permeates every aspect of music education, from Transition to Year 12. With music programs for all St John’s students and over 40 girls enrolled in private voice lessons, the image of NEGS as a ‘school of excellence’ in singing is growing. We speak to Rowena Tall, the primary music specialist at St John’s, about her passion for music and how she has helped raise the profile of the Music Program at St John’s/NEGS.
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an y you tell us a little of the mus sic history at NEGS? music When Leanne Roobol assumed the position of Director of Music at NEGS in 2007, there were just a handful of students taking voice lessons. With a Bachelor of Music degree majoring in Performance (gained at the Canberra School of Music) and a passion for singing, Leanne promptly set about assembling a choir and establishing singing as a vital part of the NEGS curriculum. She has also put together one of the most talented musical teaching teams in the region, and it is this group of experienced musicians and teachers who have helped put NEGS back on the musical map. What makes St John’s / NEGS stand out from the competition when it comes to singing? It all begins with our 4 year old Transition students who sing every day, both with their class teacher and in structured music lessons with myself, the primary music specialist at St. John’s. From this early foundation, the staff and I have developed and implemented a comprehensive, sequential music program from Transition to Year 12. This has been possible due to the incredibly talented, committed team at NEGS. Prior to my appointment at NEGS I taught at Sydney Grammar, where we had access to some of the most passionate, talented teachers in Australia, and it is extraordinary that a regional school is able to offer students the same calibre of opportunity and resources. Who is part of the singing team that makes such success possible? The team is made up of Phil Oxley, Leanne Roobol, Ruth Strutt, Julia Booth and Stephen 8 new england focus.
Tall. I am proud to say that the standard of musicianship has improved so dramatically that we now have one of the best singing programs in Armidale. Conservatorium of Music graduate Julia Booth joined r the team last year and It is beneficial fo m or rf brings a breadth of students to pe l, ve le experience as a piano at a professional udents st of r be m nu and singing teacher, and and a for ed she also has a career have been book lt of su from Years 10 functions as a re as a recording artist .” this performance 12 were involved and composer. Julia has in the combined recently released an EP on schools production of iTunes (Love My Conga), and Les Miserables at TAS, she and I both teach at NECOM with several NEGS girls in together. lead roles. Tell us more about Stephen’s work in Girls from Years 7 - 9 will be staging a the school? production of Alice in Wonderland later this Stephen has settled in Armidale, having term and, in September, St. John’s will be spent ten years in Sydney singing with Opera staging the musical of The Aristocats. Australia. He has become quite an identity in Several of our girls were also selected from the school with his booming baritone voice that singers all over the country to be a part of the can be heard across the playground, and the National Gondwana Voices Choral School held success of his students is testament to his fine in January each year. teaching. Several of his past students have gone Are there opportunities for the girls and on to pursue careers in the performing arts boys to learn instruments in addition to the industry. singing program? Stephen also starred in and wrote the musical Although singing is the foundation of our cabaret Now for Something Different, which curriculum, the students also have many premiered at the school in April this year. The opportunities to learn instruments, and we cabaret also featured students from NEGS and encourage all singers to play at least one other TAS. It is beneficial for students to perform at instrument. Students in Year 1 learn to play a a professional level, and a number of students string instrument in small groups, students in have been booked for functions as a result of Years 3 and 4 learn the recorder, and students in this performance. Years 5 - 8 all play an orchestral instrument. What other performing opportunities do We are fortunate to have a large number of the students have outside the classroom? experienced instrumental teachers who visit the Musicals have also become a large part of school to give private instrumental tuition to school life at NEGS. Earlier this year, students
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those who wish to study their instrument more seriously. Why is singing so integral to the Music Program at St John’s/NEGS? The one instrument that unites all children is the voice! One of our main objectives in the program is to develop the singing voice and the inner ear, as this will pave the way for future success on an instrument. The enormous benefits of singing to our overall physical and mental wellbeing has also been widely documented in the past few years, and this further validates the centrality of singing to our whole music program. Your passion for music and education is clearly heartfelt. How do you see this reflecting on the students? It is not uncommon to hear the primary students singing as they move from class to class or in the playground, devising and rehearsing their own arrangements of favourite songs. Just the other day we witnessed the beautiful sight of a group of Year 5 girls rehearsing a song at lunchtime, while some Transition children sat on their laps. One of the great things about singing is that you can do it anywhere, you don’t need anything except your voice, and it’s easy to share with others. Thank you Rowena.
P h o t o g r a p h i c Safari to
FOCUS Photographer Tim Barnsley has just returned from leading a Photographic Safari to Vietnam, operated by Armidale-based agritour company Quadrant Australia.
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ow did the idea for the trip originate? NERAM board member Peter Lloyd approached me with the concept of leading a photographic trip to Vietnam, after he attended an exhibition of my photographic work from Vietnam. We thought that as I had lived in Vietnam for two years with my wife and two children and had travelled there on four other occasions, the combination of my local knowledge, contacts and photojournalism background could provide a unique experience for Australian travellers. Where in Vietnam did you travel to? The trip began in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, which recently celebrated its 1,000th birthday. We saw Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the 11th century Temple of Literature and other local sights, before heading off to Ninh Binh province, 130 km south of the city, to visit historic villages and sample some rather strong rice wine! From there, we travelled by train to Sapa, which is renowned for its terraced rice fields, various ethnic minority villages (Hmong and Red Dao peoples) and the highest peak in Indochina, Mount Fansipan, at 3,143 metres. Following Sapa, we flew 600 km south to the ancient imperial city of Hue, which was also a scene of the most brutal fighting during the Vietnam War’s famous Tet Offensive in 1968. Hue is known for the Imperial Citadel, which was modelled on Beijing’s Forbidden City. Following Hue, we arrived in the UNESCO World Heritage Listed port town of Hoi An, known for its abundance of tailors, seafood and mix of Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese heritage. We also took in
the cool highlands of Dalat, used by the French during colonial times as a place of respite from ht the tropical heat of north Another highlig the and south Vietnam. g tin en es was pr tion, da From Dalat, we un fo le Christina Nob continued the tour that an organisation can be quite draining in with excursions to rivileged rp de supports un a ith the sense that it can be a w , the southern coastal am tn ie children in V e th f, very fast paced country, el town of Vung Tau, ys m donation from up ro G and in central Vietnam l the Mekong Delta, ua ut M Community ur to the heat can be very e the town of My Tho th of rs and membe t si vi to intense. These two factors le and the 10-millionab e er group who w make for a well earned rest strong southern capital, ” n. tio the Founda at the end of each day, and I Ho Chi Minh City (Sai also tried to incorporate some Gon). free time most days so people could Highlights of the trip? either do some independent sightseeing The highlights of the trip were or just bunker down where we were staying at undoubtedly our welcome from the Vietnamese the time for a break in the hotel rooms' air con! people wherever we went, being at Long Tan for The local guides we had were amazing and all had the ANZAC Day dawn service, and the incredibly different personalities and habits, which made for beautiful, historic and contemporary five-star hotels fun and varied types of travel as well. Each had we chose for our guests. Sapa was also a standout, come from the areas we travelled with them in, and with its amazing scenery and rural lifestyle that we a big thanks must go out to Mr Thuong, Mr Thai, were able to document. Mr San, Mr Dinh and Mr Nghia from Vietsky Travel, Another highlight was presenting the Christina who helped out Quadrant and myself for the trip. Noble Foundation, an organisation that supports I must also thank Peter Lloyd for conceptualising underprivileged children in Vietnam, with a the trip and Tina and Moira from the Armidale donation from myself, the Community Mutual Quadrant office. Lastly and most importantly, I Group and members of the tour group who were would like to personally thank my guests, Luke able to visit the Foundation. and Michelle Bookalill, Bob and Toni Patterson, Kay What are the challenges of leading a group Clack and Vicki McClean, who were both fantastic tour as opposed to travelling independently? travel partners for me and also great and very There weren’t really many challenges, because enthusiastic photographers as well. Without them, I loved showing our guests Vietnam, its culture the trip would never have occurred. and people, who deserve their reputation as being Thanks Tim. incredibly welcoming and friendly. Parts of Vietnam
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Anthony H
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Mojos
After years of waiting and no one believing it would ever happen, Anthony Hanna h a s m a d e th e m ove t o Ar mi d al e f ro m S y d n e y t o f i n all y g ive u s Mo j o s . . .
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hen did the idea of Mojos come about? The idea of Mojos came about when I met my nightclub manager, Brad Kembrey, from East Armidale Store. Brad approached me and discussed my past in working in nightclubs, and he let me know about Mojos and its history of looking for someone. Then I organised to have a look with Tim White from Ray White, and I instantly saw potential. However, as much as there was potential, I knew there was a lot of hard work going to be involved. I knew it wouldn’t be days, but would be months. I knew I could open it straight away and make money but I wanted to get it right ... Unfortunately, there was a lot of bad publicity about Mojos never opening – but here I am. If it wasn’t for Brad, this would have never happened; myself and the Armidale community owe it to Brad. What inspired the new design of the building? With Mojos, I saw potential with the amount of levels and the type of patrons I could cater for. With the bottom floor, the cocktail bar, I saw it as a place where people of my age would be with the blue label. For the middle floor, the sports bar – I saw this as a place for everyone watching the footy live, or a band, to playing pool. And finally the top floor, the nightclub, is for the hard party goers, for all the 18+ and university students, with DJs, an MC, professional photographer and security guards. What clientele are you catering for? 12 new england focus.
knew it would go well, but there is always that With the different levels, I have already catered worry in the back of your mind. for a variety of clientele but, we are trying to caI set a dress code for the nightclub; I knew this ter for everyone – especially with the restaurant, wouldn’t be for everyone but I insisted on it, and which is under construction at the moment. This it was amazing to see people dressed up for the will help me include kids in the mix. occasion. I even had 3 guys tell me that they cut Tell us about the new plans for the restautheir hair to get in. rant? I was surprised also, because this ended up At the restaurant I have a local chef and a helping a lot of local businesses as head chef, Brendan Marshall, comwell. I had owners letting me ing from Melbourne. Brendan know that it was a busy trade worked in restaurant of mine for them on Saturday for before for 3 years and has I am currently g in people getting appropriate the talent I wanted. br looking to ce on in ts outfits and telling them it I want to have 5 star tis well known ar n, w to e th r was for Mojos. service, but be afforda month fo ally re n w to e th e What are the plans for able for the average becaus ople pe t an w I it. s the future? family. need rmidale to stop leaving A I have a lot of plans for I’m thinking things like t, nmen for their entertai ve it the future. I never stop an all you can eat pizza ha because we can working ... it is not like, OK, and pasta with a drink for right here .” it is open now and that is it. free. It is about keeping it fresh in this I want to have it affordable business ... that every weekend will for everyone, and I want the town be a better and bigger weekend. I plan to to appreciate it as well. have a surprise for every weekend. What type of entertainment can we expect We are looking to start functions, doing things at Mojos? for over 30s and under 18s during school holiI have had quite a bit of experience in enterdays. I really want to be here for everyone, not tainment. Redline Entertainment organises my just for the over 18s. entertainment. For the nightclub we are having I would like to get more involved in the coman MC and DJs. I am currently looking to bring munity; we are currently sponsoring the Rams, as well known artists in once a month for the town, I am a local now. I will always go to the locals for because the town really needs it. I want people everything. to stop leaving Armidale for their entertainment, I am also very charity minded, so I want to because we can have it right here! become more involved in some charities. How did the opening weekend go? Thanks Anthony. The opening weekend was extraordinary. I
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Russ
Russ French and his family have recently relocated to Uralla. He shares details about his unique model making business with FOCUS ...
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hat brought you to Uralla ... and tell us about your family? We arrived in Uralla just over a year ago, after moving from Tumbarumba down in the Snowy Mountains. It was beautiful, however, was very isolated and a long way from family. I grew up in Brisbane until I was 17, when I joined the Royal Australian Navy. I left the Navy in 2000, after 20 years, and met Teresa, my wife and business partner, in Sydney. I was living there close to my three children, Samantha, Allyssa and Kieren. Teresa and I married in 2001 and after our daughter Melanie was born in 2004, we felt we had enough of city living and looked around for somewhere to settle. Teresa, her older son, Laurie, Melanie and I all moved to Tumbarumba. We had 6 wonderful years down there, but with Laurie now studying in Brisbane and my kids working and studying in Sydney, I wanted to find somewhere more central, and Teresa wanted to be closer to people with similar spiritual beliefs who were in this area. We came to look here and fell in love with the area. It was similar in climate to Tumba, but was on the highway, which meant a much easier trip to visit the family. I have three older brothers on the Sunshine Coast, and Teresa has family also up that way. Uralla was ideal for us to settle. When and why did you first start making Defence models? I first started making models when I was about 8 and continued until I enlisted. After a few years in the RAN, I decided to start building models of current Navy ships. I completed several models and decided to build a model of HMAS ARUNTA, one of the new ANZAC Class frigates. It was due for launching when the shipyard in Melbourne contacted me and asked me to attend the launch with the model. It
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was a big hit h with the company, and they asked me months and then one day seeing the last pieces go to build th em one. That was in 1997, and I am still on. It is also nice seein ng the clients’ faces when they them seeing constructing models for them as well as nearly every see their project come from being a 2 dimensional major Defence contractor both here in Australia, as drawing to something physical they can move around well as overseas. and see from every different angle. I have many Now you custom build scale models. What is the projects that I would love to keep; however, it isn't process in doing this? practical to keep a copy of everything we do. Most models start out with the company My favourite piece is my model of USS WINSTON asking us to quote on having a model S. CHURCHILL, a 1:72 scale model of the made of their project. They send us modern US Navy Destroyer. I built this the plans of the ship or vehicle, and model at the same time the real ship from this I can work out the best was being built in Bath, Maine in Having spent 20 way to construct it for them the USA. I completed it in 2001, y years in the Nav and what scale would look only a week before the real ship also and with Teresa e best for their needs. Most commissioned in the US. Teresa th having served in nse for models are constructed for and I were invited to go to the se RNZAF, it made D efence display or a presentation to US to see the launch of one of in e us to specialis ch hi one of the Defence Forces. her sister ships, which we did –w ts ec related subj od go a be Most of the models are in July that year. to ed has prov do u yo t built from either moulded The shipyard regards this ha w o D . idea fibre-glass or laser cut plastic model as the best of its type in the !” st be with many more complex parts world, of which we are extremely being moulded in Polyurethane proud. Resin, which we do in the workshop. We How has the Uralla community use whatever material suits the job, to give it the welcomed you so far? authentic look it requires. From our first day here, we have been made very Once the basic structure is together, it is airbrushed welcome in Uralla. There is a real sense of community and the final details added. here. Melanie goes to the Central School, which she Most models are mounted in display cases, which loves. Teresa has recently joined Rotary, and I have keeps them clean and protected. We get asked about joined the RSL here too. We feel that being part of the doing architectural models; however, having spent 20 community is what living in the country is all about. years in the Navy and with Teresa also having served We can see ourselves growing old here. in the RNZAF, it made sense for us to specialise in Plans for the future? Defence related subjects – which has proved to be a We have just opened a shop for our sign writing good idea. Do what you do best! and trophy business, THUNDER GRAPHICS. It was a Tell us about some of the pieces you have made logical choice for us to take the business one step ... what do you love most about what you do? higher. I will be building our clients’ models here too, The ship models are my first love. There is just and we look forward to many happy years in Uralla. something about watching it go together over several Thanks Russ.
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Kevin and Coral Polso Polson. on. Nan & Fard or better known as Kevin and Coral Polson have been going strong for over 60 years and have been through it all, starting with them growing up next door to each other and then school together ...
here are your grandparents originally from? Our Grandparents are Kevin and Coral Polson, better known as Nan and Fard. Fard was born on 8 October 1930 in Uralla. His parents were Arthur Polson and Emma Morley of Uralla. Nan was born on 6 June 1932 in Tamworth. Her parents were James Shorter and Ella Foreman of Uralla. How did they first meet? They knew each other growing up, as they lived next door to each other on adjoining properties at Panhandle Uralla. They also attended Uralla Central School together. It was there that Nan noticed Fard’s striking blue eyes. After their schooling Nan and Fard started courting. They attended many dances, went to the ‘Pictures’ at the Roxy Theatre, Uralla and enjoyed time together at the Uralla Show. They were married on 26 November 1949 at the Presbyterian Church, in Uralla. Nan’s bridesmaids were her sister Rene Shorter (Shanahan) and her best friend Faye Gleeson (Stanley). Fard’s groomsmen were his brother Maurice Polson and cousin Max Polson. They set up home in a quaint little weatherboard house in Queen Street, Uralla, which is now heritage listed. Fard worked on many properties in the early years of their marriage. He also worked at the bottom pub in Uralla for a many years until he was offered a job in Armidale at The Armidale School as a head cleaner.
Nan worked as a seamstress and also worked at the famous White Rose Cafe in Uralla. She was also a cleaner at the Uralla Central School for many years until she made the move to Armidale where she got a job in the kitchen/laundry at the New England Girls School. She worked at NEGS for over 20 years where she eventually retired. Tell us about their family? After moving to Armidale in 1969, Nan and Fard had 3 children. Pauline was born in 1950 and married Barry Miller of Armidale. Robbie was born in 1952 and married Julie Mowle of Armidale. Annette was born in 1966 and married Jeffrey Ridley of Armidale. All the families still live in Armidale. Nan and Fard have 8 Grandchildren, 12 Great Grandchildren, ages ranging from 45 years old to the recent Great Grandchild being 8 weeks old. Why are they still lovebirds today? Nan and Fard have been together for over 60 years and their love for each other is still very evident. They love to watch the day time soapies together and they give us updates on what Bo and Hope, Victor and Nicky and Ridge and Brooke are up to. You will always see them shopping together and running errands all around town. Saturday afternoons is time to have a flutter on the horses. We would hear a lot of “I was going to take that No 9 Col!” Sundays is always Open House to all the families with never ending Sunday baked lunches and birthday cakes. Nan shows her love for Fard through her wonderful cooking
and loves to spoil him with sweets. Polson family reunion. Over the last few Nan and Fard love to go on family holidays years, Fard’s nieces, nephews and extended and share their love with the extended families have attended and Fard holds the families. We all have holidayed at coastal title for this year. We use an old trophy places such as Tiki Village, Coffs Harbour, which Fard won at school for running. Lake Cathie, Valla Beach and Port Macquarie. The family also have a mixed touch footy We all decided to have a go at camping and side in the local comp named the Panhandle went to Copeton Dam for our first camping Warriors which Fard is the patron of adventure. We had 2 tents, 4 chairs the side and it has been successful in and 1 gas light between 14 of winning A grade finals. us and thank goodness for The family also has a NRL Nan’s toiletry bag, which Tipping Comp which This was our first aid kit, Nan and Fard love to extraordinary which treated many participate in. They d re couple have endu bumps, bruises, insect watch every game , the hard times bites and splinters, week in week out od go enjoyed the the ‘red stuff’ and have a great ve ha d times an ith (mercurochrome) rivalry. Nan has gone w is th ed achiev in gs in flowed liberally. We from thinking ‘Mal th e pl m si the and started our yearly Meninga’ was the life which is Love Euchre Competition, name of a team, to Happiness.” which Nan and Fard were knowing every player and Champions for a long time topping the Tipping Comp. due to their great mind reading Nan is a Bulldogs supporter and and poker faces without saying a word. We stalked Sonny Bill Williams at the Airport then decided to go camping at Sawtell and before he defected to France. Fard loves the it turned out to be our most memorable Sharks. holiday, as we all got washed away, lost car What makes them so special to the keys in the mud, and realised why people put family? tarps over their tents. Nan and Fard show all the family We have continued to camp at Sawtell unconditional love and wisdom. every Christmas holidays over the past This extraordinary couple have endured the 25 years and now consider ourselves as hard times, enjoyed the good times and have professional campers. achieved this with the simple things in life The family also travel to Panhandle ‘Uralla which is Love and Happiness. Beach’ every Good Friday to play a family Nan and Fard have shown all of us that it tournament of quoits [which belonged to is not the material things in life that count, great Grandfather Polson]. Attendance is it’s the everlasting love that they have for one getting stronger every year and it is like a another.
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Gallery 126.
volunteer position at the School of St Jude
Simon Scott and Kym Kilpatrick join together with their exhibition Visions of Africa at Gallery 126, commencing June 14.
in Arusha, Tanzania. I worked there as a photographer, helping to document school life and to take photographs which have been used for promotion.
K Y M K I L PAT R I C K My love affair with art, and watercolour in particular, began in Year 5 when I won a student prize, a book titled The Kingfishers, by Karel Novy. What captivated me most were the illustrations of kingfishers, other birds and animals by Mirko Hanak, a watercolour wildlife artist. Many years later, this book continues to hold a proud position on my art shelves and remains a source of inspiration still.
who wants to help ensure that there is
Learning to paint became an ambition, but the schools I attended did not have art classes and for several years my early adult life was busy with professional study, career development and motherhood. Consequently, it is only in the last few years that I have been able to begin to focus on putting my love of art and painting watercolours into practice.
Rhino, Wild Dogs and Cheetahs. We plan
My passion for wildlife and wild places is a core value that has been with me all of my life. I am a committed environmentalist
animals I paint. Each has a story, sometimes
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room enough for all of us; that is, all of the many different life-forms that make up this wonderfully complex, inter-dependent, beautiful but fragile world. In 2011 we travelled to Africa. There is a saying that Africa gets in your blood, and that is true of my experience. Last year we returned to do volunteer work with the most highly endangered of Africa’s wildlife – Black another trip later this year. I believe that Africa’s unique, incredibly diverse and complex eco-systems must be protected and celebrated by all of us. As an artist, I most want to convey the individual personalities and emotions of the fortunate, often touching, at times tragic. I hope I have achieved this in these paintings.
SIMON SCOTT The Nigerian poet, Chinua Achebe, said,
Working in Africa has also given me the
“There isn’t a final identity that is African“. But, at the same time, there is an identity coming into existence, and it has a certain context and a certain meaning.
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of
Africa is a land of many contrasts and misconceptions. Whilst the Africa we are shown in the media is sometimes that of war, famine, disease and corruption, there is the other side of the coin that one experiences by being there, and this is the real heart of Africa; that is, the land, the people and its fauna.
to the feelings of returning to such a place.
Being part of this exhibition is a little step in showing photographs from my recent travels to Africa. Having spent some of my early childhood growing up in Zambia, I returned to Africa in early 2011 and on three other occasions. The desire to return to Africa was a chance to combine some editorial and social documentary photography work with a
chance to travel back to Zambia, Kenya, Congo (formerly Zaire). The images that are on show are taken from some of these countries and are maybe some reflections or responses
I hope to return to a place called the Ruben Community Centre in the Mukuru Slum, Nairobi, where I will be continuing a photo project, as well as some other editorial projects in Tanzania. My photographs selected for this current exhibition will show wildlife with some landscape and portrait images as well. They are photographs taken from a much larger collection, and they are some personal favourites of mine. I am hoping to exhibit more images in the future that will show in more detail the photo projects I have been working on.
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Suellen Simpson tells us about her journey as a local jewellery maker.
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ow long have you lived in Armidale? Tell us about your family ... Both my grandparents and parents were born in Armidale, as was I, so I guess I am definitely made in New England! I attended both primary and secondary school in Armidale, following my two older brothers. We had a very happy, fulfilling childhood, enjoying the simple pleasures and benefits of being raised in a small country town. How fortunate we were to have truly devoted parents, Lionel and Joan Dell, forever striving to ensure our happiness and wellbeing. My husband, Peter, and I met in 1989 through mutual friends. He, like my eldest brother, Greg, is an automotive engineer working in the local motor trade industry. Peter was very involved in motor sport, including rallies and the Australian Safari for many years. I also became involved and had some great times driving in a few local rallies. We were married in 1992, during the beautiful Armidale autumn. We continued to work hard, building our home and taking some time to enjoy family, friends, fishing, motor sport and travel. Our first son, Karl, was born in 1998; he attended Sandon Public School and is currently in Year 9 at Duval High School – both being excellent schools. He is a very grounded, hardworking student who is a very keen fisherman, shooter, motorbike rider and soccer player. He possesses an extremely dry sense of humour and usually achieves what he sets out to do. Our second son, Patrick, was born in 2004, and he too attends Sandon in Year 3. Patrick also enjoys fishing, motorbikes,
soccer and anything mechanical that he can ‘tinker’ with. ... an absolute character with a larger than life approach. Both of our sons are very conscious of the great place we live in and the need to respect the environment, not simply taking things for granted. How long have you made jewellery, and how did you get started in this industry? I started making simple silver pieces when I was in Year 8. Dad was actually a cabinet maker by trade but always had a passion for rocks, gemstones, gold and being creative. Many of our holidays as children were spent as fossicking ones, all over the countryside, collecting many and varied beautiful stones and alluvial gold. Dad was an extremely clever man, who could turn his hand to anything. He completed a jewellery course, and I became his very young apprentice. After completing Year 12, I worked in Brisbane for a year before returning home to learn and work with my dad. Very sadly, he passed away when I was 20, which was enormously tough on all of us. I started working at Evan. J. Lewis, the iconic longstanding jewellery store most people loved and would remember in 1986. Both Mr and Mrs Lewis were very kind people. Mr Lewis took me under his wing and taught me many more aspects of the jewellery and watch-making trade; he is a wealth of knowledge. I had a very enjoyable and rewarding 13 years with the Lewises. I then decided to become a stay at home mum, first continuing my work at Mum’s in my Dad’s workshop and eventually from our home, after Peter completed a workshop for me. To be able to work from home, doing what I love and not missing out on any of
the joys of motherhood, definitely has to be Our two active boys keep us on the go the best of both worlds. with their after school sports and training What type of jewellery do you specialise three days a week and of course, the in? invigorating Saturday mornings on the I tend to get quite a lot of remodelling soccer fields. I volunteer at the canteen jobs, so I think rather than me choosing at Sandon and try to help out with other a speciality, it has chosen me! I do new activities there as much as I can. engagement and wedding rings as well, At Duval I am the canteen coordinator, which in many cases ends up with me also as well as volunteering in the canteen. making special pieces for the This also involves monthly P and C couples’ wedding parties. meetings and preparations for Pearls are a pure passion special days at school, all for me, so I do enjoy of which I really do enjoy. work “ To be able to creating unique pieces Of course, the never g what with unusual pearls. ending domestic duties from home, doin sing is m t no d Tell us about some common to us all are an ve I lo e th of the pieces you always lurking in the of y out on an have made, and background. d, oo rh joys of mothe what do you love I believe the age e th be definitely has to most about what old remedy of time s. ” best of both world you do? management, flexibility Over 25 years and a fair measure of luck there have been many thrown in whilst keeping a memorable creations, making healthy sense of humour makes it far too difficult to choose just it all work. one or two. One of the most rewarding Plans for the future? aspects of what I do is being able to spend Our future plans are dependent on time with interesting people designing and maintaining our family’s wellbeing and ultimately making something that not only staying connected with each other. Anything looks exceptional, but is also suitable to their is possible and achievable if you work hard lifestyle. and stay positive. How do you juggle work with family? With this in mind, I am sure our sons’ Wow, where do I start? Along with my future will be filled with happiness. Perhaps jewellery business, we have The Armidale an early retirement with a little less frantic Exhaust Centre, which Peter operates on his pace could make a nice change for us! own, always putting in very long days. Thanks Suellen. new england focus 17
focuseditorial.
Red kite ‘A national Youth Summit challenging today’s generation to become tomorrow’s leaders’. Youth aged approximately 15 – 30 from across the region are invited to attend a 3 day youth summit on July 24, 25 and 26 in Port Macquarie.
Annamieka Carlon New Owner Angelic Beauty How long have you owned Angelic Beauty, and how did this come about? I have only recently become the owner of Angelic Beauty Therapy. I began working there after finishing my HSC and began to study my Diploma of Beauty Therapy. I was lucky enough that the previous owner of the salon, Julie, was qualified in assessing and training and able to assist in and supervise my studies. Tell us about your services ... The salon offers an ambience that makes clients feel welcome and relaxed. The treatments we offer are where your skin journey begins. We specialise in technical skin treatments and carry paramedical grade skincare, along with our organic body range, Stocking Australia made products, that are made to combat the harsh Australian climate. We offer a wide range of traditional beauty treatments that will give you the ultimate pampering. We also perform our pharmaceutical grade treatments, which will give you the results you're after when it comes to skin rejuvenation and ageing treatments. Plans for the future? Plans for the future consist of still providing high quality service, continuing my studies in new and enervative treatments, while working on expanding the business.
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uminosity Youth Inc. is a notfor-profit organisation that was formed in 2012.
The initiative was established and is driven by a core working group comprising representatives from local business, university and youth in the Port Macquarie region who are passionate about and committed to investing in our future leaders. Through consultation with local youth, the idea to hold a youth focused summit was born – an event where they would have the opportunity to be inspired by presentations from successful and dynamic individuals from across the nation. Key speakers to present at the three day summit include: John McGrath CEO of McGrath Real Estate Agents; Justine Bloome, CEO and Founder of The Village Agency; Dan Flynn, Entrepreneur and founder of ThankYou Water; Faustina Agolley 'Fuzzy', Media Personality from The Voice; Gold Medal Winning Paralympian Ryley Batt; Environmentalist Sue Lennox;
Motivational Speaker Michael Crossland; and Grinspoon frontman Phil Jamieson. “We are delighted to bring these high calibre speakers and success stories to the Mid North Coast and to provide regional youth with a once a year opportunity to hear their stories and strategies for success. They will experience firsthand the journey these remarkable individuals and leaders have taken and how they forged ahead to make a difference. The summit will be a dynamic and interactive experience with professionals, artists and academics who are at the top of their field. "The theme of this year’s inaugural summit is 'Dangerous Ideas' – we are challenging the youth to be creative, set goals and step outside the norm and harness their inner entrepreneur in whichever field they wish to pursue," said Chairperson Kate WoodFoye.
youth to 'Inspire, Challenge and Excel’. The cost to attend the all inclusive summit is $250 per person. Local businesses from the New England region who want to support the summit are invited to offer 'Scholarships' to enable local youth to attend. The investment by their business will be acknowledged, and they will be given the opportunity to support and link with a young person to attend. This is a valuable opportunity, and we encourage local businesses to contact us to discuss providing scholarship positions, allowing more young adults to be a part of this enriching experience. The position could be for their own employee, family member, friend, colleague, or we can match them up with many of the young leaders who have already registered interest in the event.
Taking place over the three days will be a series of key note speaking presentations, workshops and discussion panels providing a fun and interactive environment for the
www.luminosityyouthsummit.com.au
a place where they can win support from other likeminded locals. Supporters can 'like' ideas via Facebook or support them with a ‘vote’. Each vote for an idea elevates its status toward the top ranked ideas for that community – so it’s really quite democratic. It also enables community members to add encouraging comments or suggest amendments to ideas, and if they feel passionately enough, they can even start a petition! The site has the potential to help communities raise money, generate awareness and acquire community support for their projects.
If there's something you've always wanted for your community and haven't yet seen it materialise, or something on in your local area which you'd like everyone to know about, then this is the place for you. As the late Steve Jobs once said... "The people that think they can change the world are the ones who do". They said: “Wouldn’t it be cool if ...” and then, it just was.
July 24, 25, 26 in Port Macquarie. "Go on; We Dare You."
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Heart Of Our Community he heartofourcommunity.com. au website was developed by New England Mutual because we found that some great local initiatives in our towns were desperately trying to push ahead but reached a point where they either: found it difficult to keep the momentum; couldn’t access funding; or simply lacked the resources and expertise to raise the profile of the good work they were doing and/or wanted to do. The website provides a portal for content that is community generated. Local community members are able to upload their ideas to give them a voice and vision. It's also
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the plug! For more infomation, visit
www.heartofourcommunity.com.au
focuseditorial. Photo from Left: James McRae, Courtney Mae Knox, Niamh Wood.
Creating Memories An Intergenerational Project at NERAM.
or the past few months, NERAM has been facilitating the Creating Memories Project in partnership with the Home Nursing Group and students from Armidale High School. This project aims to reinvigorate intergenerational communication using artworks from NERAM’s rich collections as a meeting point. Creating Memories uses NERAM’s significant art collections to enhance dialogue and communications between young and old. A painting is the start of a creative journey, a trigger for memory, and inspiration for art-making and a window into a person’s life history. Throughout the course of the Creative Memories Project, personal recollection and stories are transformed into a visual artwork. Under the guidance of a professional digital media artist and gallery facilitator, the younger participants film the older people from the community sharing their life stories and experiences. Discussion of the art works is used to initiate these conversations and foster dialogue between the age groups. Together they work to create innovative media products such as iPad, iPhone
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movies or video blogs. These will be showcased later in the year. The Armidale Home Nursing Group is a locally-owned and operated community care business, providing care and support of over 350 elderly and disabled people in their own homes. As part of its recent successful application for consumer-directed-care packages, the Home Nursing Group undertook extensive community consultation and research into the key needs of older people receiving care at home. This research uncovered a range of unmet needs around social isolation and the negative impact this has on wellbeing and mental health. Creating Memories has been jointly developed with NERAM as part of the Home Nursing Group's on-going efforts to address and reduce social isolation among its client base. A project such as this improves
communication skills, sociability and quality of life. Using NERAM’s art collections is a vital component to this project as viewing the visual art engages a variety of cognitive processes. It allows people living with dementia to find alternate routes for misplaced memories, and to improve language abilities and memory retrieval. The project will continue in Term 4 with another high school and more memories to emerge. Partnerships at work in your community!
the plug! NERAM Opening Hours: Tuesday - Friday (10am-5pm), Saturday - Sunday (10am- 4pm) For more information: www.neram.com.au/explore/exhibitions/upcoming-exhibitions/
focuseditorial.
Fly a Kite and help kids with cancer.
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o you know what redkite is? Redkite supports children and young adults (up to the age of 24) and their families. There are approximately 8,000 families affected by childhood and adolescent cancer in Australia. • $50 can help a family get their child to hospital by paying petrol. • $100 provides a Coles voucher, so that families have access to fresh and healthly food. Donations can be made through any Coles
register and also by buying Coles Brand and Smart Buy Bread, Coles will donate 5 cents to redkite for every loaf of bread sold. You can also support redkite by: • Picking up a $2 redkite donation card at Coles registers. • Drawing your face/your name on the card. • Sticking card up on donation wall at Coles. Here are some ways Coles Armidale have been supporting redkite ... The Armidale Coles team have organised shaving for the cause: two female team members, Ashleigh Holden, Lucy Miller and
Amie from Bakers Delight, as well as eight males: Store Manager Chris Marsh; Assistant Manager Greg McVey; team members Paul Frost, Brian Peters, Peter Clarke, Peter Kliendinst, John Lamont; and Bakery Manager Darren Hepper, all had their heads shaved for redkite. We've raised over $5,500 since the start of the charity drive, with more activities planned. Over the next few months, make sure you head down to Coles and check out all our activities in store; again, with all proceeds going to the cause. new england focus 19
focusinterview.
Melinda Pascoe's T r e e
C h a n g e
We catch up with Dr Melinda Pascoe from The New England Specialist Centre and her cosmetic business L'Opportune, as she also brings a new and exciting business with her. i Melinda. What brought you to Armidale? I was brought to Armidale through a desire to have a change in pace of lifestyles.
H
I desired to have a tree change and love the beautiful New England, with its cosmopolitan community. I wanted to spend more time in the country and with my assortment of farm animals – horses, alpacas, dogs, goats, cows, birds, but especially to follow my passion with my horses. Tell us about your practice ... I practice at The New England Specialist Centre at 86 Rusden St, Armidale. Currently I practice here, and a visiting neurosurgeon, Dr Tim Sui, visits every second week. A local GP may be starting to practice from here as well in the near future. As a neurologist, patients are able to come to me to seek advice on a variety of conditions and seek treatment and ongoing management for these. They come from all over southern QLD and northern NSW. I also specialise in in-house nerve conduction studies (EMG) and EEGs and other tests such as VER (visual evoked response). If further tests are needed, such as referrals for MRIs, or other specialist opinions are
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required, I can refer patients to the appropriate places. I also specialise and am experienced in administration of Botox for both medicinal and cosmetic purposes. I also trained in medical facial rejuvenation. What do you specialise in? Neurology – the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders and conditions. Also, Medical facial rejuvenation. What are the common illness you treat? Epilepsy, nerve damage, stoke patients, MS, Parkinson's Disease, neck, back and brain injuries, Tourette's, Alzheimer's, CIDP, carpal tunnel, facial spasms.
As a neurologist, to patients are able ek se to e come to m ety advice on a vari d an s on iti nd of co d an t seek treatmen ent em ag an ongoing m for these.”
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How can clients find you? For all medical appointments, patients will need a referral from a GP or other specialist. They can call (02) 6772 2377 or post their referral to 86 Rusden St, Armidale 2350 for an appointment. The referring doctor can also fax referrals to (02) 6772 2388. For cosmetic clients, they can call 0429 530 047 to make an appointment or for a complimentary assessment and quote.
focusupdate
Video OF THE
MONTH 2:15
Watch on your smartphone
VIDEO BY: Harrison Abey. ABOUT: The Armidale School Rugby Carnival 2013. The advantages of having an event such as the rugby carnival in Armidale NSW Australia.
Image of the month. “Early morning frost on one of the plants in my garden - captured this as the days are getting colder!.” Photo by: Anne Vince. Camera: Canon EOS 650D.
WATCH AT: www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmqfXB29Gsc
Taken a great photo of our local area? Like to see it published in FOCUS for the world to see? Just email editor@focusmag.com.au
LOCAL
READ Title. Darkening Skies. Author. Bronwyn Parry.
with Robert Gasparre from Armidale Farmers’ Market
WH
AT ’ S I N
GARLIC Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, is the universal spice which h iis used d extensively t i l around the world. Although garlic may not always ward off vampires, it will assist with cardiovascular health and lowering high cholesterol, while also acting as a natural antibiotic to stimulate your immune system. e spring/early summer. It mayy ssee eem em odd od to t con o siid deer In our region, garlic is usually harvested in late seem consider reat, but almost all the garlicc something so familiar as garlic as a seasonal treat, we buy has been dried and kept in storage forr months. Imported garlic is her chemicals when it is usually treated with growth retardants and other ry is relatively small. brought into Australia. The local garlic industry warding. It does well Growing your own garlic is not hard and is rewarding. me bulbs for in our region due to the cold winters. Save some ld up your supply. replanting each year, and you will steadily build e cured The taste of fresh garlic is not as intense as the weet garlic bulbs. Instead, they’re juicy and have a soft, sweet flavour. ay and For roast garlic, take a bulb, cut the roots away slice off first 1cm from the top, exposing the cloves. arge Place cut side up on piece of aluminium foil large e enough to enclose the whole bulb. Drizzle one e salt dessertspoon of olive oil over bulb and sprinkle ow and pepper. Wrap tightly in foil, place in shallow ntil baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes or until garlic soft and tender. Serve on toast with softt cheese and roast peppers.
WHERE
The Armidale Farmers’ Market is on the first and third Sunday of every month in Curtis Park. For more information, visit www.armidalemarket.com
Release Date: September 13 Info: www.bronwynparry.com
‘Award-winning investigative reporter Jennifer Barrett never planned to return to Dungirri, the dying town she’d escaped at seventeen. But the shock resignation and startling revelations of local Federal MP Mark Strelitz have reopened the police investigation into the long-ago accident that killed her cousin, and Jenn is determined to find the truth, even if it proves that the close friend of her youth has become just another politician with a convenient case of amnesia.’
Promote your local book. Send us the details to editor@focusmag.com.au
focusreview.
with Jeff Cowan
local dr p.
Petersons Armidale Merlot 2009
A classic wine of great pedigree and skilled wine making, this flavourful merlot is a medium bodied offering with crimson colouring from 3 years age. There are subtle flavours of plum with fine tannins, providing a soft mouth feel and balanced acidity. Good length and a warm finish for a hearty winter meal. This merlot is both approachable and versatile with many foods. GOES WITH: Grilled meats or vegetables or pizza. COST: $24. AVAILABLE: Select wine shops, cellar door or online at www.petersonswines.com.au
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New England
Warm up this winter with a delicious pumpkin soup from The Wicklow.
eat. Dining Guide is available for iPhone & Android mobiles. www.focusmag.com.au/eat 22 new england focus.
eat.
The Wicklow
Courthouse Coffee
Simplicity is Key
Relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the Armidale Mall at the Courthouse Coffee Shop, with the owners Chrissy and Peter Rologas. Gourmet range of cakes and slices, mouth-watering lunches and all-day breakfasts.
The brief my chefs were given in designing the next menu for the Wicklow was simply 3 words: fresh, tasty and value. We are not going to try and be something we are not. We are a great pub, we have an unbeatable atmosphere and we need to offer simple, fresh and tasty meals that will provide the people of New England fantastic value for money.
Look forward to seeing you all at Courthouse Coffee!
Our current menu can be found at: www.wicklow.com.au Cheers, see you soon! Nick.
Manager Nick.
Corner Marsh and Dumaresq Sts, Armidale t 6772 2421 w www.wicklow.com.au open 7 Days. Dinner: 6 - 9pm. Lunch: noon - 2pm.
Chrissy & Peter Rologas
160 Beardy Street Mall, Armidale t 6772 0099 open Mon-Fri: 7.30am to 3:30pm. Sat - 7.30am to 1.30pm. Open Market Sundays 7.30am to 1pm.
Salt and pepper squid.
Bottega Caffé
Wonder Chinese Restaurant
Bottega Caffé has always had a great reputation. I wanted to maintain Bottega’s reputation for great food, but add more of a ‘can do’ customer service approach. I had a dream to make every customer’s experience a warm, welcoming one and treat them to a wonderful, fresh menu, with great coffee to match. Finally, I believe I’ve struck the right mix: • A great new chef, who understands food and flavours and has a passion for natural foods ... local, wholesome and wherever possible, house made. Included on our menu and for sale: house made butter, yogurt, pesto, aioli, tomato chutney, chilli jam, paté, and pork and fennel sausages. • Great staff who believe that ‘near enough is not good enough’ & customers are our business. • A fantastic new coffee, and many hours spent practicing to achieve consistently good results. Bottega’s commitment is to create a special experience and offer a delicious menu and specials. Congratulations to the new owners, what an amazing business you are taking over. I am sure the Bottegia Cafe will keep up its premium service and quality of food.
At Wonder Chinese Restaurant, you can enjoy sizzling meats, steamed and braised vegetables and all the favourites: spring rolls, special fried rice, dim sims, delicious noodles and rice dishes and much more, prepared with traditional Chinese-style cooking by experienced chefs. Guests can dine in (licensed), or choose from our takeaway menu.
Shop 2/ 14 Moore St, Armidale t 6772 6262 open 6 days. Monday - Saturday, 8am - 4pm.
Be sure to check out our Super Saving Takeaway Value Packs! Wonder Chinese Restaurant serves delicious Chinese food. We can also provide gluten free dishes. Phone orders welcome. There are plenty of specials available for delivery, Chinese takeaway, or dine in.
Owners Kwan and Ching Sue.
Shop 3/111 Dangar Street, Armidale t 6772 8388 w www.thewonder.com.au open Lunch: Mon - Fri 12-2. Dinner: Sun - Thurs 5-9 and Fri - Sat 5-10 new england focus 23
E x e c u t i v e Comfort for Investors and Guests Alike Executive Oasis is quietly making a name for itself in the quality serviced apartment market in regional NSW.
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ith properties in Armidale and Narrabri and with expansion plans already underway for Gunnedah, Executive Oasis enjoys occupancy rates well above the national average, coupled with an enviable level of repeat business. Their proven business model makes it a great opportunity for investors looking to add a fully managed property to their portfolios. Born of necessity Returning to Armidale in 2003, founder Gordon Burke saw an opportunity for quality serviced apartments within regional Australia and formed Executive Oasis in 2005. “I had been a corporate executive for a number of years and had done my fair share of flights and hotels. What really disappointed me was that feeling of walking into the rooms of many popular hotel groups and not knowing what I was going to get in terms of layout, facilities or just downright cosiness and comfort,� explained Gordon. “Then with a new job I began travelling through regional NSW on a weekly basis and was surprised to discover that the overall standard of accommodation in most major regional centres was not suited to the travelling business
professional.� Executive Oasis was born from the desire to enjoy a consistent accommodation experience with that little bit extra in terms of space, comfort and relaxation. After a two year research period, Executive Oasis began with one test apartment in Armidale in 2006. “Starting in Armidale kept things close to home, and it meant we could grow in a considered manner, understanding our market and perfecting the business model and apartment design. However to call them apartments doesn’t do justice to them or reflect what we actually offer our guests – or our investors.� A focus on quality from the very beginning Executive Oasis actually provides accommodation in individual two bedroom, two bathroom townhouses offering outdoor areas for entertainment, study areas for business, air-conditioning, quality furnishings and lockable garages. Gordon knew that to be different in a crowded accommodation market, Executive Oasis needed to provide quality of design and construction as well as fixtures and fittings. The future brings opportunity As anticipated,
the idea was an instant success, so Executive Oasis is now ready to expand its footprint more aggressively and has a number of options for its investors – many of whom have been with them since 2009 and are continuing to invest in their new projects. “My personal SMSF is invested in the business, and along with the other foundation investors, has taken Executive Oasis to this point. Now is the time to grow further by sharing the opportunity and capitalise on the growth of regional Australia and its need for quality accommodation. We have spent the last three years establishing properties in Narrabri and now are coming back to expand our offering here in Armidale.� Investors are essentially purchasing a ‘pre-rented’ townhouse that could be lived in at the end of the term. They will have direct strata
ownership, as well as enjoying a secure, passive income stream, regardless of occupancy. Capital growth benefits from Gordon’s strategy of only developing in areas set for growth. “I have researched many locations; however, I will only invest into towns that have significant potential for economic growth. We all know resources have been booming of late, yet there are other drivers of regional economies and it is my intention to take advantage of that with the positioning of Executive Oasis�. Investor Comfort “The Executive Oasis team make it easy for the time poor investor. They have a track record of strong occupancy levels resulting in better than average yields. They manage and maintain the property in as new condition. Looking after my investment as if it were their own.� Tony Gilbey, Principal – Business Services, WHK Armidale.
“The Executive Oasis team make it easy for the time poor investor. They have a track record of strong occupancy levels resulting in better than average yields. They manage and maintain the property in as new condition. Looking after my investment as if it were their own.� Tony Gilbey Principal - Business Services @ WHK Armidale
As Executive Oasis expands its successful serviced accommodation business, savvy investors have the opportunity to join this Australian success story with g a ‘set-and-forget’ immediate opportunities in Armidale & Narrabri delivering high yielding investment. t 7% ANNUAL RETURNS t $500.00 P.W. RENTAL RETURNS –10 year lease back (CPI indexed) t AVERAGE CAPITAL GROWTH OF 5% (trend over the past 10 years)
Contact Gordon Burke on 1300 55 33 68 24 new england focus.
Tattoo Removal with the new COSJET-TR Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser by WON TECHNOLOGY This new high powered laser is now available at: ‘The Plastic Cosmetic Laser Surgery Centre’ for Tattoo Removal. This will help in faster and better removal of tattoos in fewer sessions of treatment. asers work by Selective Photothermolysis
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8 sessions at 6 to 8 week intervals.
(the coloured pigment).
• The laser light must be preferentially absorbed by the tattoo pigment than the surrounding tissue
i.e. Photo (light) is converted to Thermo (heat) which lysis (destroys) the Chromophobe
The laser light is sensitive to colour i.e. The laser light is attracted by the colour of the pigment. The Nd:YAG laser has a wavelength of 1064 mm, which is effective for the removal of black and blue pigments. It can be 'Q-Switched' to a wavelength of 532 mm for the removal of red, green, yellow and orange in pigments. The pigment is destroyed when it absorbs the heat of the laser, causing the pigment to 'explode', and the smaller particles are removed by the scavenger cells in the body.
The requirements for effective tattoo removal • The laser light must penetrate the skin to reach the pigment
• Short cooling time of the laser light used ensures that energy is absorbed by the pigment without heat dissipation, which can damage surrounding tissue All of this will remove the pigment without damaging or scarring skin and also avoid 'ghosting', where pigment is removed but the tattoo outline is still seen. The Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser is the only method that meets all the above requirements for successful tattoo removal.
Treatment Schedule
Pain Reduction (Anaesthesia)
Multiple sessions of treatment are required in the removal of tattoos, with a minimum of 6 to
Topical anaesthetic creams are used on the tattoo surface to reduce the sting of treatment.
The cream has to be thinly spread over the area to be treated and a dressing used to have close contact between the skin and the cream. Care of the treated area There will be a fine ooze in the treated area, and hence thiss will need a non-stick dressing. Usually, Cling Wrap is very usefull ays) for this temporary (3 to 4 days) inconvenience. A crust, which may form, will fall off after a few days. Complications Scarring is not a problem with the Nd:YAG laser. There is also no 'ghosting', the persistence of a lighter coloured outline of the tattoo. Hyperpigmentation is always a risk in darker skinned people and may need additional treatment to reduce this.
The Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of ARGYRIA ARGYRIA, the deposition of ingested silver in the skin is becoming more of a problem with the increased use of silver in serious gut infections. This causes severe black pigmentation of skin and is a most distressing side effect of silver ingestion. The Nd:YAG laser is very effective in the treatment of ARGYRIA, with a single treatment required for removal of the pigment and restoration of skin colour.
new england focus
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Community kitchen On Wednesday 15 May, The Community kitchen at The Salvation Army was reopened for business.
he re-opening of this important community outreach has been 15 months in the planning, after The Café had to be closed due to new renovations of the site.
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We were pleased with the initial response, with the return of regulars along with some new people we had not seen before, who enjoyed a hearty old fashioned meal of bangers, mash and vegies. We have been very blessed with community financial support and corporate donations from Kleen Heat and the State Government, who in turn helped to finance the renovation. The Café is an important community event that operates every Wednesday from 12 pm – 1.30pm that is staffed by volunteers from the community. It is important because it not only offers a meal to those who find themselves in a less fortunate position, but it also offers a ‘place to belong’ – a safe place where you can come and just do life, meet other people and share together. There is no cost for the meal and of course, fellowship with each other; however, you see that when you attend. Our goal is to see lives transformed through fellowship with each other by providing a place for people to gather together, to share their stories and perhaps their dreams.
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An added bonus is Peter Stanley has offered his talents when he is available to provide music and a singalong during lunch. The added atmosphere created by Pete gives the café a welcome, friendly feel, as people chat e Our go al is to se and listen over lunch. ed m ansfor The question for us, I suppose, is what’s next for The Salvation Army in Armidale?
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lives tr h fellowship ug ro th by with each other e ac pl a g providin er th ga to le op for pe their e ar together, to sh s ap rh pe stories and s.” m ea their dr
The Salvation Army has been in Armidale for over 126 years, and we want to keep our dream alive to be all we can be for this community. Some of our regular programs include craft each Tuesday, Community Services assistance Mondays and Tuesdays, an onsite Money Care counsellor Wednesdays to Fridays (by appointment), Three AA meetings Monday lunchtime, and Wednesdays and Thursday evenings, The Café on a Wednesday and a soon to be opened Mums and Bubs group. The newly renovated family store still continues to be a real link to the community, providing good quality items and furniture at low cost. We have just introduced a ‘Make an Offer’ section at the rear of the store, where people can browse and offer what they think is a fair price for the goods on display.
Our motto is we are “One Army with one Mission and One message”, and we do not detract away from the fact that we are a Christian organisation that gives people hope. In all that we do, we want people to see that we are Christians with our sleeves rolled up and a place where people can come and feel safe in sharing their story. Our ‘everything under one roof’ approach in the rebuilding of our centre includes our freshly renovated church, that can provide spiritual support for those in need from our dedicated congregational members, staff and volunteers and if that’s what you seek, our church services are every Sunday at 10am. We want to extend to everyone that our ‘place to belong’ is our church’s response to
a community in need and if volunteering is something that you also seek, please contact Noeline on 6772 8319 and we can find a place for you standing alongside us. Join with us and be a part of something exciting, as we open doors to many in our community who seek friendship, companionship and perhaps a home away from home. We are so very grateful for past and present support from the Armidale community, which continues to be overwhelming. We could not do what we do without your support, which includes everything from donated food items, financial assistance and many volunteer hours. From us to you, we say thank you, and we look forward to a healthy future as we continue to partner together. Ged Oldfield, Lieutenant – Armidale Corps Officer.
new england focus
New England Mutual
Peter Creagan, New England Mutual Kevin Dupe, CEO New England Mutual
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t New England Mutual we trace o our roots back to three credit unions established in Armidale during the credit union boom around 1970:
the University of New England Credit Union; Armidale Credit Union and the New England Local Government Employees Credit Union. These credit unions were formed to provide their members banking with personal service and an understanding of community that couldn’t be matched by others. Our humble beginnings have formed our values and throughout the years, these have not faltered. Where the big banks were moving out of small country towns, we stayed. Our passion has always been to develop a business based upon the values of regional communities, and as we have grown, so have the communities we are in. New England Mutual is proud to have been ‘Made in New England’. Our people are our greatest asset, and we all have a shared passion for the rural and regional communities in which we live. We are proud to be local people working for the betterment of our local region. These are just some of our stories. We hope you enjoy them.
Kevin Dupe, CEO New England Mutual. Kev
When did you come to w work for New England Mutual? I started work with the credit union in March of 1983 at the University branch. Back in those days there were just the two branches; the University and Armidale, which was located in Jessie St. Initially I was employed as a teller, but not long after I moved into the lending area at Armidale branch.
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What was the organisation like then? It was very much a hands-on affair. We only had a very basic program that was actually written by staff in the university’s computer department, so a lot of the stuff was hands on; there were manual periodical payments; we wrote out all the cheques. It was pretty full on for everyone – the type of organisation where everyone had to multi-task. There were about 6 employees at the University and probably 4 at the Armidale branch. The head office was then located at the University branch, but we’ve since moved down to Technology Park.
How has your NEM career progressed, along with your life in the region? As I said, I started off in the tellers and the lending area then moved into a managerial role when I was made Branch Manager in 1990. I continued to look after the lending side of the organisation for many years. In the early 2000s, I then had the opportunity, as the credit union had grown, to specialise in the area of financial planning. I now use the skills and knowledge of financial planning to supervise the wealth management, insurance
132 067 www.communitymutual.com.au 28 new england focus.
These days I enjoy getting to e bike test myself on th t only no , nd ke ee every w yself, racing against m ty et pr but with some and s or tit good compe club e th in le op good pe as well.”
and consumer lending departments here. So the credit union has been pretty good to me over the years! What do you do outside of work? I’m involved in cycling with the local club here in Armidale. Prior to that I played football for many years with the Armidale Rugby Club. They’ve both been great experiences. These days I enjoy getting to test myself on the bike every weekend, not only racing against myself, but with some pretty good competitors and good people in the club as well. What has kept you in Armidale all these years? Armidale is just a great town. I grew up in Armidale, I was married here and have had the pleasure of being able to raise my children here. It’s been a great town for education and sport, and it’s great to only live six minutes away from work! Armidale is a community that really rallies together and supports each other. It’s been a very special part of the world to live in.
New England Mutual is a trading name of Community Mutual Ltd. ABN 21 087 650 360 : AFSL 241167. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and normal Community Mutual Ltd lending criteria apply.
New England Mutual
S u e Yo u n g , N e w E n g l a n d M u t u a l
My parents used to at oper e the New England Credit Union agency there… ”
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Chris Stace, New England Mutual hen did you start with New England Mutual? I started in 1981 at the University branch as a teller. I then moved into the Armidale branch, which at that time was located in Jessie St.
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Tell us about your experience of banking at the time? Banking was very basic back then. There were no ATMs or plastic cards, no internet banking; basically, we only worked with passbooks. We had to write everything down, then add it all up and balance it at the end of the day. Our only lending was small personal loans; there were no home loans or commercial loans like we do now. We’ve undergone huge changes since 1981! How did you come to be Branch Manager in Guyra? I was thrown into the job! (Laughs.) It was after consultation with Kevin (Dupe, CEO) and Bill (Miller, EM) that it seemed the right time to actually open a full branch in Guyra. We had an agency here for many years, but the agency could only provide limited services. I was constantly going to members’ homes after work to look after Guyra lending. It got to the stage where I was nearly doing
more after hours work than I was doing at work! I knew the town needed to have a full branch, as business here was growing, and it was becoming much more difficult working from the Armidale branch. How long have you lived in Guyra? I was actually born at the bottom of the pinch, so you could say I’m a Guyra/Black Mountain girl. I was here until I left in 1979 and got my first job in banking at a credit union in Moss Vale; I was down there for two years. When we moved back, I went and saw Neville at the credit union, but he didn’t have a position available at that stage. About 8 months later, he came and told me he had a job for me, so I came aboard! How are you involved in the community here? I am involved with the local Lions Club, where my husband is a member. I also give blood and volunteer for Meals on Wheels. What do you love about Guyra? Well, Guyra is a very community focused town, which is a perfect fit with New England Mutual. The closeness and caring nature of the community means everyone pulls together in tougher times. We’re a thriving little town; we have everything that much larger towns have!
here does your story with NEM begin? I come from Walcha originally, my parents used to operate the New England Credit Union agency there. I worked a bit with them and came to know a bit about how the credit union operated.
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What was your first job here? What was next? My first job with the credit union was actually in Uralla. I was still working for Mum and Dad when a maternity leave position came up in Uralla, which I was encouraged to apply for. That 12 month position then became permanent, and I was later appointed Assistant Manager of Armidale branch. How was it adapting to living in Armidale after moving from Walcha? I went to high school at Armidale High, travelling up every day on the school bus, so I already had a good network of friends and a lot of connections with Armidale prior to moving. That made the adaption very smooth, as I was already partially an Armidale resident anyhow! What is your current role, and how have you progressed there? After being Assistant Manager in Armidale, I went on to become
d later took on the role Branch Manager and of Area Manager. That role allowed me the opportunity to get to know a lot of local people, both staff and members, throughout the New England. At present I’m in an acting position as Senior Manager Member Service. What do you do in your spare time? I’m an active member of the Armidale Cycling Club, and that combined with my university studies and my young family keeps me pretty busy! I’ve also been involved in the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary and student mentoring. How has NEM provided you opportunities to progress through the organisation? New England Mutual have given me a lot of support with my studies, and they’ve been of great relevance to my work here. I’ve also been able to spend time in the US and Cambodia working with credit union development and financial literacy programs, which has been very rewarding. I think I’m a classic example of career development here, having started in my parents’ agency and being promoted within the organisation. I think it shows New England Mutual has a very strong desire to do the best for its employees.
new england focus 29
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New England Mutual
To have that artifact here was g, with fairly interestin e town th of y the histor ers ng and the bushra a of t bi tle ... and a lit !” lty nove
Sally Burraston, New England Mutual
hat’s your role in NEM? I’m a Member Relationship Officer. In smaller branches that involves doing a bit of everything – helping members with all aspects of their day to day banking.
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How long have you been with us? I’ve been working for New England Mutual since the Uralla branch opened in 2000. Prior to that, I worked for a real estate agent for nearly 10 years. They had the credit union agency here at the time, so that was how I came to work for New England Mutual when the branch itself opened. Are you from the New England region? I grew up in Kentucky, at my parents’ apple and pear orchard. I’ve lived there all my life and raised my three sons there. I now have two grandsons as well. And one of those sons also works for the credit union? Yes, Kim, my youngest son, is Manager of the Service Support Team. How are you involved with the local community? I’ve been secretary of Kentucky Hall committee for over 10 years. I was actually overseas when they voted me into the position, so I’ve been doing it ever since! I’m also a Justice of the Peace and a member of the church choir. I play at the Tennis Club every Wednesday night, providing it’s not too cold as we all get a bit older! I also started playing golf a couple of years ago, just for a bit of exercise
James Harris, New England Mutual
with good company. oing Do you have any great local stories? Going back a little while, the local historical society, McCrossin’s Mill, approached us to store one of Thunderbolt’s pistols. We actually held one of Thunderbolt’s pistols here in storage for several months until other arrangements were made for it. To have that artifact here was fairly interesting, with the history of the town and the bushrangers ... and a little bit of a novelty! What role does New England Mutual play in Uralla? Well, I believe we’re the only ones left offering a full range of services. Our hours of operation from 9 - 5 and Saturday mornings are also much appreciated by our members. I think the fact that we are a small branch in a small town, we know most of the people who walk through the door, they know us and they like that they can speak to us. A gentleman came in today whose son was married in Sydney last weekend, so you’re able to ask about things like that and show that you’re genuinely interested. And that helps you to provide the members what they need? Exactly. You know what they want, and so you’re able to provide that service. I guess in a smaller town, many of our members prefer the personal service; they’re not into internet banking and that sort of thing. We do offer all these new services, but they appreciate that we can still prioritise personal service for them.
hat is your role with NEM? When did you start here? I’m the Chief Financial Officer. I’ve been here for a bit over 18 months, coming up on two years.
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Did you grow up in the New England? I did; I grew up in Armidale. My parents still live here; our family history in the New England goes back to the World War II. I went to school here and completed a Bachelor of Financial Administration at UNE. When and why did you move away? What did you do during the time you were away? Straight after university I left for the big smoke down in Sydney, because I wanted to work in investment markets. I worked for a couple of different firms and ended up at Macquarie Bank. What came next? After that I wanted to try my hand overseas, so I worked in London for a few years. I did the traditional overseas stint and got to work for some cool companies while doing some great travelling too. While working for the famous Guinness family I moved to Ireland and lived in Dublin during a really exciting period of growth and development there. I also worked in Canada for a time, before eventually making my way back to Sydney. Why did you choose to come back to Armidale? I returned from overseas to marry
my wife. Once we had kids we were looking to move out of the city in order to give our kids the opportunity to have the lifestyle we had growing up.
How did you come to work for NEM? What about the organisation appealed to you? It was really fortuitous timing that an opportunity matching my skills and experience with a great company just happened to come up as we were looking to get out of the city! Throughout my career it’s always been important to work for companies with an ethical, community-minded culture. I’ve found that if you work for an organisation with good people doing it for the right reasons, then the results will come. How has it been fitting back into the community? Having been away for a long time, it was a bit strange seeing familiar faces but not always being able to put names to them! Everything still seemed quite familiar, but in a lot of ways wasn’t! It has been relatively smooth though. We’ve met a lot of people socially though our kids starting school and getting involved with that. I’ve also gotten involved with the Mountain Biking Club. I’ve always been a strong cyclist, and it’s been a great way to get involved back in the community. Doing the Tour de Rocks this year was fantastic and a great opportunity to meet like-minded people.
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132 067 communitymutual.com.au WARNING: This comparison rate refers to the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts may result in a different comparison rate. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and normal lending criteria apply. Reference: ence: www.ratecity.com.au www ratecity com au based on a ÄÄxed xed interest rate for an unsecured personal loan over $8,000. New England Mutual is a trading name of Community Mutual Ltd. ABN 21 087 650 360 : AFSL 241167 : Australian Credit Licence 241167
30 new england focus.
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“Would’nt it if... ”
... BackTrack had a Gallery in Armidale!
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dea Location: Armidale.
Idea Description: With the assistance of members of the Rotary Club of Armidale and New England Mutual, this project would provide a multi purpose room at the BackTrack headquarters on Waterfall Way. The room, adjacent to the welding shed, is in poor repair and if refurbished could be used throughout the year as a classroom, studio and display area. The Rotarians have generously offered to work with BackTrack to raise funds to cover costs as well as provide professional services and labour to realise this important project. The Department of Education and Communities has provided a teacher for two days a week to assist young BackTrack participants to improve their numeracy and literacy. They take classes in the room. Since BackTrack began in Armidale seven years ago, young trainee welders have been encouraged to experiment with their own designs to make both useful and decorative pieces. A refurbished room would be used to display these items,
which would be for sale to raise funds for BackTrack, generate orders and assist the young people. BackTrack, which now comes under the umbrella of Jobs Australia, was founded to assist young people disengaged from the education system and the community. It has been very successful in turning around the lives of the young participants, preparing them for full-time jobs and apprenticeships through continuing with their education and training to gain qualifications and work ready attitudes.
k Since BackTrac ale id rm A in n ga be g un yo seven years ago, ve ha rs trainee welde been encouraged ith to experiment w to s gn si de n ow r thei and ul ef make both us .” es ec pi e decorativ
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Community Benefits: The Classroom/Gallery will enable BackTrack participants to develop numeracy and literacy skills needed for the workplace and to showcase their artistic and design talents. Youth involved in the programs held at the centre work towards gaining formal qualifications whilst learning on-the-job skills. As they develop confidence, a greater sense of self-worth and industry experience they also re-engage productively with the community and the workplace.
vote / share Visit heartofourcommunity.com.au to vote for this idea and share it with your friends! Votes for BackTrack are currently at
208.
be inspired...
new england focus 31
We were thrilled to have won silver & bronze medals for our coffee.
NE Brewing Company You have just opened to the public; how has the response been so far? Our opening coincided with the Uralla Food and Wine Festival, which was a great kick start. The response to really fresh, all-grain beer has been amazing, and our visitors enjoy learning about the brewing process and grabbing a few longnecks to take home. Tell us about the brews available, and describe the flavours? The New Englander Pale Ale has lots of hops added; whereas, the New Englander Brown Ale is malt dominated. Many visitors have asked us to brew a dark ale for winter. So that’s exactly what we’re going to do! We’ll start brewing in early June and launch it in early July. Where else can we find your beers other than at the brewery in Uralla? We’ve recently had beer on tap in Glen Innes for the Celtic Festival. Closer to home you can find us on tap at the Top Pub in Uralla, and in Armidale at the Armidale Club, the Golf Club, the Wicklow and the Imperial Hotels. Our beers are also being matched with great food at Neram Harvest in Armidale and Café Gusto in Uralla.
32 new england focus.
Altitude coffee roastery
Rita Showell Fabric Fair
We first opened Altitude in November 2008 because we were really interested in the process of roasting coffee ourselves.
Fine Merino Wool Jersey Apparel Made In New England.
We have a great team at the café – we are lucky enough to have talented, reliable, friendly staff, who are interested in what we do and know how important our customers are to us. The focus at the café is on the coffee and simple but great food that we make ourselves – including baked goods, breakfast and lunch. We have a great selection of café crockery, barista accessories, loose leaf teas and espresso machines available to buy – everything to do with making great coffee at home – including the coffee! We also wholesale coffee and related products to businesses in the New England area, and machine servicing is a part of that too. We were thrilled to have won silver and bronze medals for our coffee at the recent Sydney Royal Fine Food Show – ‘Sublime’ and ‘The Judge’ both achieved silver in the espresso category, and Sublime also won a bronze in the milk based category! No doubt these results are due in part to our recent upgrade to a larger state of the art Italian coffee roaster!
About 3 years ago we discovered this beautiful Australian made 100% wool jersey. This supreme quality wool has a silk like feel and a beautiful drape. Once discovered, we knew we had to make it up, and so 'Bellafair' began. Then a lot more properties appealed to us, other than just the feel and the drape. • Easy care – totally machine washable. • No pill – our original garments after multiple washing are showing no signs of wear. • No itch – makes it suitable for wearing next to the skin – being made from 18.5 micron Australian Merino fleece. This versatile cloth is suitable for wear all year round – being used for both outer and underwear. It is ideal for our New England climate, being superb for layering. We have made fashion outerwear as well as underwear and sleepwear in a huge range of colours – cream, black, red, orange, grey, coffee and plenty more. These garments are available in ready to wear or can be custom made to order. Bellafair is available exclusively at Fabric Fair and BellaDonna Woolcraft at a very reasonable cost.
Australian Wool
Phil Macfarlane from Rose Valley Steel Works
What type of wool is grown in the New England? New England is known to produce some of the finest Merino wool in the world. Our region can boast some of the largest Merino flocks producing ultrafine, superfine and fine wool for the international textile and fashion industries.
How long have you owned you business? Tell us about your team ... I have owned and managed Rose Valley Steelworks since 2004 and started then with 3 staff members. We are now a team of 12, and each person plays an important role in the success of the business.
Of course, there are other types of sheep being introduced to the region, some for meat and some with wool not suitable for apparel.
Grant joined the team 6 years ago and is not only a skilled tradesman, but plays a significant role in the day to day running of the business. Todd heads up our Shed Boss division and has extensive knowledge and experience in sales and service.
How important is our wool to us and around the world? Wool is hugely important to us – the old saying ‘Australia prospered on the sheep’s back’ still stands: ‘if graziers are doing it tough because of commodity prices or drought, the community suffers’. Dating back to settlement, wool has been the major agricultural business here in New England. We are justifiably proud of our wool industry. Our producers are smart operators, understanding what young innovative designers and consumers world wide are looking for and have set about making the necessary changes to accommodate these requests. Wool from our region is sought after. Overseas mills prefer what we produce, turning it into cloth and garments attractive to consumers worldwide.
Bart has over 20 years’ experience as a diesel mechanic and handles the majority of our repair work. Ash has just completed his apprenticeship through TAFE, Simon and Lachie are our third year apprentices, and Tim is our school based apprentice from TAS. We are fortunate enough to have welcomed to our team Bill, Bob, Ryan and Michael from Ewe Beaut Products, who are skilled in all areas of structural fabrication and truck tray manufacturing. Plans for the future? Future plans for the business are to expand our products and knowledge to train and develop our junior staff and to continue to supply quality products and services to our customers.
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Aemelia George Cake Design Since making her first cake at age 8 with her older sister after being home alone, Rachel's eye for detail and appreciation of all things beautiful has led her and her business to be the success they are today.
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ell us about your family? I am married, with lovely daughters Olivia, Lucy and Charlotte. My husband, Alex, is a Junior School teacher at TAS. Some may remember him from his days as a chef at Moore Park Inn and Restaurant Q, or perhaps attended one of his cooking classes at Kitchen Addiction, where he worked while attending UNE. We are also very glad to have numerous branches of extended family in Armidale, and the girls enjoy the benefits of having grandparents and great grandparents close by. When did you first discover your talent for cake making? As FOCUS readers may remember from my interview last year, I grew up in Albury and befriended an inspirational Hungarian lady, whom I spent a great deal of time with as a child. Marietta was an incredible cook and seamstress, and I spent many hours sitting at her long table chatting with her about food and watching her work. I often refer back to my handwritten recipes from all those years ago – my regular favourites being choux pastry, which I now use for my croquembouche, as well as hummingbird cake and homemade pasta. As a 15 year old, I bought my first pasta machine and still use it, although nowadays for cake decorating. Also a fabulous cook, Mum often has a cake or slice cooling on the bench. I too am sharing this knowledge with my daughters, particularly Lucy, who loves to choose a recipe with Grandma from the family recipe book. How long have you been making cakes? I have been making cakes for many years now. I think my first attempt at baking was
when I was about 8 years old. Mum and Dad for cake decorating and that perhaps this was had left us at home with my older sister, and my calling in life! I decided to try to bake a cake on my own. I don’t like to do things half heartedly, and I loved the aesthetics of a glass bowl and knowing my passion lies in wedding cakes, I wooden spoon overflowing with chocolate attended more training courses to perfect my cake mixture, so I thought I’d give it a go. I skills. I have now completed the entire series of have learnt so much since then. courses with Planet Cake and am one of a seI never stop learning and am sometimes lect few to have completed it to Masters Level. surprised by those who inspire me. Alex’s Last year I exhibited at the New England grandfather lived with us for a couple of years Wedding Expo in Tamworth, which was the before he passed away in 2011. He official launch of my business and my was 92 and was so encouraging breakthrough into the wedding when I was tweaking my cake market. recipes to perfect them Where do you get your for wedding cakes. He inspiration? to e or There is a lot m would stand at the Inspiration comes ts ee my cakes than m oven waiting for the from everywhere. couple the eye. When a cake to rise, and if Quite often I’ll look te e to crea commissions m n it wasn’t perfect, at an ornate buildca ke , they their wedding ca would always come ill ing or dress in a r cake w be sure that thei ly al up with an encourmagazine and think structur taste divine , be aging explanation about how I could y m ve ha sound and ” h. is such as: “Armidale’s fin make it into a cake. ss le w fla trademark altitude is higher Florence Broadhurst than most, so the air is wallpapers are definitely thinner, causing your cake something that really inspire to sink”. He made it his task to me, and I would love to make read up on the science of baking and, a whole series of cakes based on her with his help, I now have recipes that are fail designs. proof. I fondly think of him when I pull each One of the first steps in my design process and every beautiful cake from my oven. is to seek inspiration from current trends in How has your business developed since fashion, such as colour palettes, styles such as you began? vintage lace and ombre ruffles. This said, my I attended my first cake decorating class at preference is simplicity, adorned with beautiful Planet Cake, and I didn’t expect it to take such fresh or handmade sugar flowers and a siga hold of me ... to an extent where I have been nature design feature to set each cake apart. unable to think about anything else since! I I have really taken to flower making, with thought it would be fun to learn some new vintage roses being my signature bloom. skills, but quickly realised I had a natural talent Who purchases your cakes?
“
Those who choose my cakes are seeking a quality product, have an eye for detail and appreciate beautiful things. What sets me apart and makes my work unique in the regional wedding cake market is that I have invested many hours in perfecting my product prior to releasing it into the market. There is a lot more to my cakes than meets the eye. When a couple commissions me to create their wedding cake, they can be sure that their cake will taste divine, be structurally sound and have my trademark flawless finish. Plans for the future? With 3 or 4 weddings most weekends in Armidale during the wedding season, I want to ensure that all brides are aware of the possibility of having a handmade Aemelia George Cake Design cake. Part of this is to move beyond social media to develop a more user friendly website, to allow brides across the region to access my services. Having recently sold our home from which I have been working over the last two years, I am exploring opportunities within the retail market to allow more people to experience my product. I have a vision of running a series of workshops and training courses involving industry professionals otherwise only seen in major metropolitan areas, as well as offering specialised cake decorating and designer products to enhance the awareness and enjoyment of cake decorating throughout the region. Meanwhile, come and say hello at the upcoming New England and North West Wedding Expo at Tamworth Town Hall on Sunday 16 June. Thanks Rachel. new england focus 35
focus_travel. A word from Vicki Kembery.
Travel
195
I was thinking about what to write this month for my column and wanted to write about something that reflected the fact that Travel 195 is hosting a presentation night this month with World Expeditions on all the amazing walks and cycle holidays you can do all over the world.
W
alking and cycling adventures enable you to explore areas travellers don’t normally get access to, and you do it all at a slow pace so you can take everything in. With the wind in your hair and the sun on your back, you can perfectly combine activity with discovery.
Llama spotting in Lima? Okay, so I made this one
But there are a lot of other adventurous activities and pastimes, as well as a little bit of the 'weird and different' that you can do when you are on holiday, so I thought I might try and do an A to Z of different activities you can find while on holiday. I’ll admit up front, that some might be stretching the idea of adventurous or different a little, and I am going to use a bit of 'alphabet manipulation' to try and get through all 26 letters! – but here goes …
Nepal, New Zealand, Namibia and Norway – all
Aurora Borealis viewing in the northern hemisphere – not something we in the southern hemisphere get to see. Barging in Bordeaux, either with a captain or on your own. A relaxing and different way to see the French countryside. Cadel Evans dreaming – cycling pretty much anywhere in the world, but one that looks particularly interesting is cycling the Cols of the Tour de France. Diving in Guam, a diver’s paradise and an interesting place with a lot of history thrown in. Everest Base Camp – stand in awe of the highest mountain in the world and congratulate yourself on an amazing trek through Nepal. Fishing for that elusive trout in New Zealand or Canada or a Barra in the Northern Territory. Glacier walking in New Zealand. Horseriding in North and South America – visiting working cattle ranches or following some great horse trains through the countryside. Ice fishing in Russia or Alaska. Even if you don’t do it, it’s fascinating seeing the locals sitting out in the middle of a frozen lake. Jet boating in New Zealand – a scary ride through local streams and rivers. Luckily the boat drivers know their way around and know just how close they can get to the cliffs along the river. Kilimanjaro and Kota Kinabalu – 2 more mountains that will test your stamina but reward you with the most spectacular views when you hit the summit.
Queenstown – the adventure capital of the
36 new england focus.
up … How about laid back Laos offering you fascinating scenery and history – travel by bus, boat, bike or walk. Motorcycling through Vietnam. Get out of the cities and off the beaten track and visit some local village in Vietnam. with something unique to offer the traveller wanting to get off the beaten track. Orang-utans in Borneo. They’re cute and cuddly, but also endangered. You can visit sanctuaries for them and help save them from extinction. Patagonia – South America’s trekking Mecca. Day walks, short walks and longer walks. This place has something for every walker. southern hemisphere – if you want adrenalin, then this is the place for you, from skiing, snowboarding, bungy jumping, sky diving, canyon swinging, jet boating, horse trekking, rafting, walking, wine tasting, gondolas and luge rides to visiting MiddleEarth for all those Lord of the Rings fans. And, it’s just across the ditch! Running with the Bulls [at your own risk]. Maybe just watching would be better. Snorkelling, sailing, skiing, scuba diving – the list is endless, and the places to do them can be found all over the world. Tango lessons in Buenos Aires – a little bit of class and culture in this testosterone-packed column! Ushuaia – the starting point for Antarctica cruising. Volcano watching in Vanuatu or Hawaii. Walking pretty much anywhere in the world Xtra curricular activities you can do on any holiday. Your holiday your choice! Zambezi river whitewater rafting. Hopefully you found something to whet your appetite, but if not, then come and join Travel 195 and World Expeditions’ resident cyclist and trekker Philip Wyndham, as he recalls some of his favourite trekking and cycling adventures and other adventures through Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Peru, Europe, the Himalaya and Australia. See Travel 195 Advertisement on this page for more information and how to RSVP.
JUNE 2013
WITH TERRI
AQUARIUS.
TAURUS.
LEO.
January 21 - February 19
April 21 - May 21
July 24 - August 23
You may have been feeling let down lately, but this is only for you to discover how little you need from others and how independent and strong you already are. Knowing that there is no hurdle so big that you can’t push through will boost your strength enormously. Ruby dissolves fears; carry some in a pocket for a few days.
Avoid being too serious at present. You have disconnected from your humor, and this had led you to take life too seriously. Remember to lighten up and laugh more, then all your fears and insecurities will be shattered, freeing you from an entrapped feeling in life. Selenite is a powerful negative energy zapper. Carry some in a pocket for a couple of weeks.
Inward focus would be of benefit to you at this time. Look at all your traits and qualities you are grateful for, as this will re-empower you. You have a nurturing ability that people are drawn to, because your fire element strengthens those seeking your guidance. Keep a light heart. Rose Quartz is great for stimulating the heart chakra.
SCORPIO. October 24 - November 22
Listen to 'GUT FEELINGS' and trust, as you are being guided toward something that is a 'meant to be'. You will be using gifts and talents relative to your life’s journey. Your confidence and self-esteem will benefit enormously. You may even need to put your thinking cap back on for some new learning or training. Record Keepers are excellent study aids. Clear Quartz ones especially.
PISCES.
GEMINI.
VIRGO.
SAGITTARIUS.
February 20 - March 20
May 22 - June 22
August 24 - September 23 A
November 23 - December 21
Listen to your wise words when helping others. You often speak your answers to your own dilemmas, but if you are not paying attention, they could escape you. When you are at peace with acceptance, you will notice how fluid things again become, so set some fresh goals make preparations and give yourself permission to succeed. Selenite enlightens our thought processes to help attain goals.
You have outgrown your old beliefs in life and so instead of feeling comforted by your beliefs, you feel stuck and trapped. Try debating with your beliefs. Even though this is a very difficult task, picking your beliefs to pieces, helps establish new rules to live by. VERY LIBERATING! Ruby gives us a secure feeling through times of change.
Total change can be expected from fundamental sectors in your life. You have been in reflection for some time now to establish new standards to live by. Love yourself enough to honour these changes, because you need to be happy to help those around you feel happier. Lapis lazuli helps assimilate into change comfortably.
ARIES.
CANCER.
LIBRA.
March 21 - April 20
June 23 - July 23 Ju
September 24 - October 23
You are in reflection at the moment, and this is why passed hurts have surfaced. If you take this opportunity to heal and release the effects of those experiences, your personal power will increase dramatically, as will your confidence and self-esteem. Turquoise is great for boosting esteem.
Your need to withdraw from people or situations must be honoured. You have a lot of people relying on you for guidance and answers to life’s challenges. You often will speak wise words in a counselling situation, which will catch your attention, because these are also for you to hear. Clear quartz is a powerful communication enhancer.
Your arbitration skills will be drawn on in the work-place; your ability to naturally offer a win/win solution will be greatly appreciated, leading to more responsibility and/or promotion. You are blessed in recognising opportunities that are just waiting to be accessed, and this skill will also bring much personal satisfaction for your career path. Turquoise enhances clear, confident communication.
Your ability to manifest is heightened at present. A great time to set some fresh goals and go have fun. If you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right. So, be positively focused with your thoughts, as they create your new reality. Citrine shatters negative thoughts and attracts abundance.
CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20
Your focus on wanting a peaceful, uncomplicated existence will soon be rewarded. Remain positive and have a short term plan to boost your confidence in your ability to achieve. Your strong will can be very beneficial when combined with your fearless passion. Aquamarine keeps our thoughts fresh and focused.
new england focus 37
d
focusinterview.
Photo courtesy of the Namoi Valley Independent.
Barnaby Joyce talks to FOCUS and tells us why he's happy to return to the New England ... hat has it been like returning to the New England? The usual comment that is made when you return to the New England after a period away is that you were never there in the first place. I grew up at Danglemah on a cattle and sheep property south of Woolbrook. Brian Marshall was my teacher when I arrived from Limbri, 30 km down the road. The MacDonald River wound through Woolbrook and was the point where as school kids we swam and escaped the hotter weather down the hill at Danglemah. What comes to mind when you think of your personal connection with Armidale? Armidale was where three of my brothers went to high school at De La Salle College, now O’Connor Catholic High School. Four of my family went to UNE, three to Albies, and one to Robb. At UNE I met my wife and worked for a period at the Wicklow Hotel. Our family owned a shop premise, Black Dot, which operated out of Dangar Street. My wife, Natalie, worked as a duty mistress at PLC and on and on it goes, but rather than bore you with a retinue of experience that allays the claim that I am not as familiar as I should be, I would like talk about what I love about the Armidale district. The New England is a place where there is always something to do that costs only the petrol to get there. When I was at UNE, I would go to the Blue Hole in summer with mates, doing backward somersaults, probably not advised by OH&S, off the granite boulders in the river, or go bushwalking to 38 new england focus.
Wollomom mbi Gorge, where the bottom of the Wollomombi even in summer the water was freezing in the shadows. Cathedral Rocks National Park was a favourite haunt for many, and so many mantle pieces and bedside tables had the obligatory photo of the rock seat with the boyfriend or girlfriend of the time sitting in it. Even when I was in Queensland, I would take friends down to the New England National Park to go fly fishing and camp in a hut for a couple of days – they were stunned by the beauty and the cold. How were your student days at UNE? The day I started at St Albert’s was a time of so much excitement and promise. To go to a university that is based on the college principle allowed all the opportunity to build friends for life and colleagues who questioned and fleshed out your beliefs whilst expanding your education. Armidale was not commuter education; it was live onsite learning. The stable of the alumni is a great recommendation of the process of collecting people from around Australia and around the world and turning them into a true tertiary community. Sometimes I think we do not sell the fact that as far as Australia is concerned, UNE is one of the older universities and includes amongst its alumni, Ian Smith CEO of Orica, former Reserve Bank Chairman, Bernie Frazer, and the brilliant Dame Bridget Ogilvie, former head of UK’s Welcome Health Trust. What are some of your favourite memories of growing up here? To walk 'up top' during the turning of the seasons was a stimulus to all the senses. The colours; the cool. To have a coffee as you
issues are at the forefront of my took a break from studying in Dixon or the and these issues fun that you naturally had as a uni student mind when I try and do the best job I can for that may have made you a nuisance, but the people I represent in Parliament. was overwhelmingly never nasty. University Describe your present life in the world of was one of the best times of my life, but the politics. sober reality of work was the point of the Parliament gives you the chance to bring study, and after university I went back about things that are good and to help to Danglemah to work basically as people with the issues that confront their a farm labourer on my parents' lives. A lot of what you see on television property. is actually a very small portion of Drenching sheep, what you do in Canberra. The chasing out flies, colour of conflict makes Even when I was fencing, cattle work far better viewing than in Queensland I n and weed control, considered discussions s dow would take friend d was the regimen of and constituent work. to the New Englan y fl go so many who have Managing portfolio to National Park a in p m ca grown up in the responsibilities in Water, d fishing an ys – da of le up co a r area. Playing rugby Local Government and hut fo d by the for Walcha and Regional Development is they were stunne ld. ” beauty and the co winning the grand a great responsibility and final in two grades in quite an honour, as long as 1990 was a great time for you remember that it is a job as the town and district. a servant of the public, not a Lord How did your younger days on of the Realm. the land shape you? What does the future hold for you and Work on the land was hard, but never your family in New England? seemed to be the trap an office job can be, Now I am back where I started and where you drop and rot. There was a purpose meeting new people who were never there you were feeding and clothing people, there when I left and with all those whom I were things that you could see done that remember as if I left yesterday. I am sure that gave meaning to your efforts in a new fence this is home; I feel it. line or the last bale being rolled out the door For my children, they have grown up with at shearing time. me as an accountant and a politician, so they There was the joy of going home after carry some apprehension, but there is a job to a hard day with mind in neutral and the do and it is to make sure that New England bike in fourth gear. There was watching the is represented in tough financial times by trees you planted grow as you nursed them members of the Government placing New through the droughts. Yes, and there were England at the centre of Government. the droughts and the prices and the worries, Thanks Barnaby.
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new england focus 39
Adam Marshall. Adam Marshall hasn’t looked back since making Armidale his home and is running in the State By-Election ... and whether he wins or loses, he has enjoyed the opportunity.
W
hat are the things you love about the Northern Tablelands?
The number one thing has to be the diversity of the tablelands. Armidale is such a beautiful city with a cultural aspect, and then you have the smaller rural communities that all have their own identities. I love the weather and being able to experience four true seasons in such a beautiful part of the world. The people are so friendly, and the warm welcome I have received since I moved to Armidale has made me really glad I decided to make this place my home. I see you’re a first class cricket umpire; what games have you umpired? I loved cricket and played at a NSW county level, representing Central North, getting the opportunity to tour New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore. For the last five or six years I have been umpiring and been promoted through the ranks. I have been able to umpire some Sydney first grade matches, umpired at state second level (futures league) and travelled the state doing country cricket competitions. The
two things that stand out are umpiring at the SCG and also the Australian country cricket championships. I love it, because I have been able to get involved at the game at an elite level that I would not have been able to achieve as a player. What course are you doing at UNE? I am enrolled in a Masters of Business Administration; it is very interesting, and I’m enjoying it. It is a course that challenges me to think about all the elements of management and organisation behaviour and allows me to evaluate different methods of management and how they affect the people influenced by them. Unfortunately, I have had to take a bit of a break for the campaign and I don’t know how it will fit in if I am successful on May 25. You’re running in the State By-Election this weekend. How do you think you’ll go? I don’t know, to be honest. I have done my best, I think the campaign team has done their best, but we are in the hands of the electorate now to make their decision. I think unlike my time as a cricket umpire, the electorate always gets it right, and I will accept the decision of the
people, no matter what it is. Win or lose, it has been a great opportunity for me to get more involved in the region, to meet a lot of really interesting people and hear their views and I hope to do more of this, no matter what. If successful, what will be your priorities? My first priority has to be to ensure the projects that the previous member was working on don’t fall through the cracks of government. There are lots of smaller projects that could just disappear if someone doesn’t run with them. Other than that, there are the things I campaigned on; I will focus on a better deal on roads and health and changes to help build a stronger and more diverse Northern Tablelands economy. You recently ran in the Healthy Highlanders run in Guyra; do you get to run much lately? I’m used to a lot of running, probably ... about five km per day, five days per week. I must
ADVERTISEMENT
Keep the Tablelands on the agenda. Adam Marshall
Your voice at the heart of Government NORTHERN TABLELANDS BY-ELECTION – SATURDAY 25 MAY Authorised by J Price-Purnell, 108 Beardy St, Armidale
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confess I have not been able to do a lot of running in the last couple of months or so. I did enjoy the run last week; I hadn’t lost the condition I thought I might have, although it was a bit embarrassing being beaten home by some kids! I think I’ll have to get back into stride after May 25, so I can get my revenge next year. So many good young runners out there. Speaking of athletes, you’re the Chair of Northern Inland Academy of Sport (NIAS)? Yes, I’ve been on the board for nearly four years. It’s a great organisation, and the goal is to take talented young athletes and develop them both on and off the field. We link them with elite coaches and try to get them on the path of state and national success. Last year was the organisation’s 20th anniversary, and it’s been great to see the level of support for this organisation from the community and all levels of government.
Scott Geddes Harvey Norman
Colin Simic Athlete’s Foot How long have you had your business? I purchased the business in April 2010 with my wife Emma and made a tree change from Wollongong. I have previously worked in Customer Service roles as well as in Sheet Metal Fabrication. Tell us about your products and what you love most about your job? Most people think of The Athlete’s Foot as a store just for sports shoes; however, the variety of specialty shoes is much more than that. The range of shoes covers areas of casual walking, school shoes, duty shoes, shoes for problem feet and sandals. I have always enjoyed having contact with the public, and working in this role has allowed me to utilise and expand the skills and knowledge I have developed in prior roles. Working at The Athlete’s Foot gives me great satisfaction, especially when you have a customer who has problem or
difficult to fit feet and seeing them walk out with a smile on their face, you know you may have played a part in overcoming some of their problems. Plans for the future? Coming in the next 12 months, our customers will notice a number of exciting changes within The Athlete’s Foot Group. These will allow us to better serve our customers’ needs, as well as expanding on our current range of footwear products available in store.
I have been in retail for over 20 years and with Harvey Norman for about 13 years. I started with Harvey Norman as a salesperson in Darwin. I was given my first franchise in 2005, which was Fremantle in W.A. I then moved to Lithgow in 2007 and then on to Armidale in 2009, where I still hold the electrical franchise. The thing I like about being a Harvey Norman franchise is you get the chance to move within the company and put your skills to use in other stores. By moving around and working in different stores, you grow as a franchisee and tend to learn from each staff member you are in charge of, and they can learn from you. Each staff member and franchisee have different ideas and each store works differently, so you can take what you learnt from this and then implement it in another store. It is rewarding when you can do this to improve a store’s performance and grow its business. It is also rewarding when you see the staff grow and become better salespeople and even become franchisees. The biggest reward that I get from my position is that I can put back into the
community through sponsorship of sporting groups and events. I find the job interesting, as there are always new developments within the electrical department, with new products coming all the time. The latest is the NBN network and how it is changing how we live, both with entertainment and communication and what we can do using this technology within the home. In the future, I hope that one of my staff members from either the Armidale store or another that I have worked with will become a franchisee and enjoy the journey it will take them on ... as I have.
new england focus 41
Grahame Sharpe and the Team One of the partners of Smith Sharpe & Abbott is Grahame Sharpe. Grahame is a Chartered Accountant of over thirty years’ experience.
H
e is particularly interested in business valuation and litigation support and finds this is an area not for the faint at heart where experience really counts. Currently he is a director of Australian Year of the Farmer Ltd and One Country Ltd. Both of these companies are focused on breaking down the city country barrier and educating the populous about the great work done by our farmers and the difficulty our farmers face in the future of feeding the world. He is a Councillor of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW and is John Fairfax’s successor as the person responsible for the NSW Rural Achiever programme. This program is designed to reward young Australians who are doing great things within the rural sector.
tancy. Paul has been with SSA for seven years. He is a local boy who was schooled at St Mary’s and the O’Connor Catholic School. He is a loyal and committed member of the team. hame is a
Paul Zielinski is a quietly reserved and efficient assistant accountant, currently studying to achieve his Diploma in Accoun-
Andrew Logan is an accountant with over 25 years’ experience with small to medium sized businesses and is highly
42 new england focus.
Gra
“
e James Davidson is Councillor of th ciety So l ra tu a young, highly Royal Agricul sponsi ble intelligent accounof NSW and is re al tant who likes to for the NSW Rur me to m ra ride motor bikes Achiever prog tralians us A g – the bigger and reward youn eat things respected by SSA faster, the better. who are doing gr ctor.” se l ra ru e th n hi and his clients. He is it He describes the ride w a passionate about his between Walcha and beloved St Kilda Football Wauchope as unbelievable Club and greatly concerned and adds that his partner has about environmental issues. learned to hold on tight. Fast bikes and a fast mind is our James.
Phil Davidson is the office manager, who loves a game of golf or snooker, enjoys a good time, always on for a laugh. One of his main passions in life, apart from
his family, is fine food. Phil keeps the team at SSA focused. New kid on the block is Sam Tang. Sam is an international student at the University of New England who is in his final semester of his Masters of Commerce. He came to SSA to gain experience as a requirement of that degree. It is greatly anticipated that Sam will became an important member of the team.
John Oehlers & Michael Singleton John Oehlers and Michael Singleton, directors at Town and Country Real Estate, tell us about their enegetic, passionate and professional team.
J
ohn Oehlers. After opening the doors of Town and Country in October 2007, just 6 short years ago, the future has never looked brighter for these young real estate businessmen. John is born and bred in the area and loves calling Armidale home. “I think that Armidale has so much to offer; it’s no secret why we’re seeing young families leave the metropolitan areas en masse to call the New England region home. For me, the majority of my family and lifelong friends live within the region, so it will always be home!” John’s real estate career has been a successful one to date. After spending 3 years in the industry as a sales agent and no potential to advance his career with the agency at the time, he decided to open his own office. It has been the best decision he has ever made, with his sales agency leading the way in the local marketplace. “For me it was always about having the right people in my business and while we have some big plans for the future, I am extremely pleased with the culture, commitment and results at Armidale Town and Country to date. Our marketplace right now is seeing consumer confidence return and though I foresee a little lull around
election time later this year, we are predicting the best spring and summer on record for Armidale Town & Country! My opinion is that with interest rates at their lowest on record and with a stable long term plan from the prevailing (I believe Liberal) government, we are set to see the flow on effects from an upward trending small business sector and Mum and Dad investors looking favourably on the property market through avenues such as self managed super funds. Michael Singleton. The opportunity arose 10 months ago for me to take the next step in a career that I love so much; it was an easy decision to make to join Armidale Town and Country. I could see what was starting to happen with the agency, and I needed to be a part of that. I'd been involved in the local industry in sales since early 2008 and I still wanted to be involved in sales, but I needed more than that, and that new energy and desire to provide an excellent real estate experience has come about since becoming a partner with John Oehlers at Town and Country. We are lucky at Armidale Town and Country, as
we have some of the most energetic, passionate and professional agents in town. It also comes back to our valued clients who have the confidence to let us help them with the sale or management of their most valuable assets. I'm always humbled by this, and I remind myself and our team has this trust at every team meeting we have. That is one of the reasons I love this business, it is because of those people that we continually have the opportunity to help achieve their dreams! We now have the leading team in Armidale, the results from the past year clearly show that, and this all comes back to the culture of the business. The business has
grown dramatically in the past 12 months, and that is great for our community, as we have been able to employ more staff and now have the ability to give back to local community organisations! We all know it is about providing a great service to our clients, and also each and every member of our team has a passion for the industry and the great city we live in. We have some exciting plans ahead in terms of how we continue to grow, but both John and I always remind ourselves that it is the people within Town and Country, and our valued clients, that makes us what we are today and into the future.
new england focus 43
Barney Knight
The Team The Professionals Your real estate agents achieving great results for you in an interesting market!
2011 year amongst numerous other awards,
John Sewell John Sewell has established himself within the real estate industry as one of the leading Commercial and Residential Property Managers in Australia. His influence and expertise within the industry has changed the face of the commercial world. He has been the recipient of multiple commercial awards and received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions and accomplishments within the industry.
forefront of his industry. Ben places the utmost
Ben Saxby Ben’s approachable nature is supported by the brilliant reputation he has earned from his clients. As winner of 'top new sales person of the year for the Australian east coast' in the 2010-
those in his life, the importance of integrity
44 new england focus.
Ben has demonstrated himself as being at the importance on honesty and integrity and is an agent who adds enormous value to any sale. Lachie Sewell Commitment, dedication and a great passion for real estate are key defining attributes of Lachie’s approach to property. Being the only agent in Armidale who has 3 generations behind him has enabled Lachie to learn from and passion. His skills and abilities, as well as his natural character traits and instinctive interest in people, are suited to the dynamics of the property market.
How long have you owned your business, and tell us about your team? We bought Invergowrie Store back in 2005, so in July we will be going into our 9th year. My partner, Natalie, and I had wanted to go into self-employment after both working two or more jobs each for many years.
We offer many services to the locals, selling the usual convenience store products such as petrol, gas, alcohol, cigarettes, confectionery, hot food (amazing pizzas 4 nights a week, where we have 4 staff on to cater for the demand). We have competitive petrol prices and are the Elgas Distributors and Mail Contractor for the area.
Deciding to start a family, buying a business seemed the natural thing to do. In that time we have now had 3 children: Ashley 8, Andrew 6 and Amanda 4 years of age, who help out as much as they can.
Last year we decided to branch out and bought another business in town, which we called Barney’s Mobile Munchies. After building the business up, it has become too much for me with the long hours they both deserve and trying to be in two places at once, so we have decided to sell in town and concentrate on Invergowrie, to make it bigger and better. We enjoy the Invergowrie community and the friendships made and have no plans on leaving any time soon.
We employ 7 local Invergowriens to cover 7 am to 7pm, 7 days a week, who do a brilliant job at the store in the general running of the business. Tell us about your services and any plans for the future?
Doug Barber
Alex Robson Felt Tip Theatre Company
Trevor Tassell Johnson & Kennedy
CAP Money offers hope in financial crisis. CAP Money began in the UK in 1996, when the founder, John Kirkby, experienced financial difficulties himself. The program is now established across the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Norway through partner Christian churches. Financial worries are creating stress and anxiety for thousands of families across Australia. But right now, Armidale District Baptist Church is offering a FREE solution! Armidale District Baptist Church is organising a CAP Money course, starting on Saturday 15 June. The course will run over the period of three consecutive Saturdays, from 1pm.
How long have you owned your business? Felt Tip Theatre Company was founded two years ago with fellow UNE Theatre Studies graduate Christopher Curcuruto, and whilst he has gone off to Perth to study opera, the company is still going strong.
How long has Trevor Tassell been with Johnson & Ken-
Tell us about your business? This year the focus has shifted from productions and back to running drama classes for primary and secondary school students through NERAM. In addition to this, the facilitation of theatre and arts projects is a key part of the Felt Tip ethos: recent and upcoming projects include working with Theatre students on productions of Woyzeck and The Dumb Waiter, The Last Supper with Saturday Magic Theatre Troupe, and a play about Armidale, which is currently in the workshop phase.
nedy; he is dependable and nothing is ever too much trouble. All
CAP Money strives to combat the current economic climate by equipping and empowering individuals to regain control of their finances. According to the Australian Council of Social Service – 2012, an estimated 2,265,000 people or 12.8% of Australians live below the most austere poverty line widely used in international research – an overwhelming reality! As one participant states, “CAP Money made the whole area of finances so straightforward, so approachable and really quite simple. It sets you up to be in total control.” To register for the free CAP Money program, visit www.capaust.org or phone Doug Barber on 0439 769 003.
Any plans for the future? Felt Tip’s next full-scale production will be The Duchess of Malfi, a juicy Elizabethan tragedy veritably bursting with murder and madness. Plans are already in motion to renew OutDoorDrama, after the hugely successful production of The Importance of Being Earnest. Last year I directed the two full-scale productions, Earnest and The Threepenny Opera, and so this year my focus is more on acting. Next year I am hoping to showcase my skills as a playwright, as we move into a phase of creating original works.
nedy? Trevor Tassell has been with Johnson & Kennedy since 9 April 1976, where he began as a clerk. He now manages the Niagara Street Depot. Trevor is a huge asset to Johnson & Kenat J&K would like to take this opportunity to thank Trevor for all that he brings to this company. Tell us about the services at Niagara St Depot? Though the freight business is the backbone of our company, we are also fortunate to sell retail products for a number of companies. Trevor knows all there is to know about welding and welding goods, and at our Niagara Street Depot you can purchase welding goods, safety gear (large range of Hi Vis gear in stock), castrol products, allied (flour) products, B.O.C gases and of course, there's good, friendly service with a smile. What does Trevor do when he is not at work? Trevor loves to be outdoors and especially loves to go fishing – so anywhere nice and quiet where he can throw in a line is a good spot.
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Fat Goose Crossing
Greg Manttan - Altitude Bikes
Shane Kliendienst - Uphill & Schaefer
Zeb Marks from Fat Goose Crossing
What prompted you to open your business? I was prompted by a friend that it may be a good use of my skills with bikes starting a business of this type. Having done all of my own bike maintenance for some time and spending most of my time either riding or reading about bicycles, it seemed like the logical thing to do.
Shane Kliendienst’s passion for property began at the tender age of 20, when he purchased his first home, an ex-housing commission home – a very proud moment for him and a pivotal point in his life, as he eventually went on to forge a successful career in real estate ... and he’s never looked back.
Steven Marks opened Fat Goose Crossing in December 2011 with a passion for hospitality and saw potential in a beautiful café in the plaza. The last 16 months for Steven have been incredibly successful, and now he has a huge and happy client base. He puts Fat Goose Crossing’s success down to the service and quality of food – and priding themselves on it. Steven sources most of his produce locally and everything is hand made in their kitchen. Always moving forward, Steven is currently working on a Wine Library in Potts Point, Sydney, where he will be taking down local produce such as lamb, eggs and wine, to show Sydney some of the New England loveliness. With Steven travelling between the two each week, he has left Fat Goose Crossing in the capable hands of his youngest son, Zeb, who has just turned 21 and also has a natural love for the hospitality industry. Like Steven, Zeb sees it as a real achievement to be in this business and works here with pride. Thank you Armidale for your wonderful support.
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Tell us about your services and the personal rewards you gain from your business? What I do most is basic servicing. For example, I do gear tuning, hydraulic brake bleeding, and mountain bike suspension services. If your bicycle has a general issue, I can fix it in house fairly quickly. I also do more complex service such as ordering in parts that a customer may require, like handlebars and pedals and offer product advice. It’s a great buzz being able to help local cyclists stay doing what we love. The best reward is to get a customer who is really satisfied write to me telling me how much better the change is, or how well their bike is running.
A Director of Uphill & Schaefer, Shane joined this family business in 1997 and has established a solid reputation in the Armidale community as a successful agent who operates with great veracity. Attracted to Uphill & Schaefer’s outstanding profile, their positive culture and work ethic, Shane has been a perfect fit, an asset to the business in every sense. “Every transaction is unique. I enjoy meeting new people and I especially enjoy dealing with past clients who’ve come back to Uphill & Schaefer again and again (and we have a lot of them) … I never fail to get uplifted each time I assist my sellers secure a result. They place an enormous amount of trust in me throughout the process, and I will not rest until I deliver.”
Future Plans? I would like to go to university to extend my business knowledge; this is one option I’m considering strongly. I would also like to have a more accessible workplace and expand what my business can offer the community.
Shane lives with his wife and two children on a 10 acre farm on the outskirts of Armidale. In his spare time he enjoys the great outdoors – camping, fishing and riding his prized 100 year anniversary Harley Davidson motorbike.
Ken Whitty Hunts Carpets
Graeme Askew - Gramarc
Nigel Forsyth Ridgey Didge
How long have you owned your business, and tell us about your team? Almost 2 years now. We have an amazing team that have stayed with us. I do measures, quotes and sales, and Lisa is our office manager. Trish Hunt and Jamie Starr are in sales. In the engine rooms, we have John and Glen, ‘our blind men’ and Barry, and for floorcoverings we have 2 exceptional teams: Pete Dade and Daniel Westbury in one team, and Mark Faulkner and apprentice Jack Doran in the other.
How long have you owned Gramarc? We first started out with Mark and Natalie Low, Chris and myself in 1995. In 2008, Mark and I went our separate ways; he was to become the Cardboard King, and I am now the Sultan of Sludge.
Nigel and his wife Kathy have been around the
Tell us about your services and the personal rewards you gain from your business? Gramarc provides services for domestic septic tanks, commercial grease traps, industrial waste, stormwater pits and all types of liquid waste all around the New England. The personal reward I get from my job is the satisfaction of helping people. Most of the jobs we do are when someone is in trouble, and it’s always gratifying when you can help get them out of a nasty situation.
Grafton, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie.
You have something special to say to your wife, Chris? I know this a men in business special, but where would we fellows be without our loving wives behind us? My wife, Chris, works fulltime at Autumn Lodge as the HR and Pay Clerk and still finds time to help me with the admin side of Gramarc, as well as the day to day running of our house with two teenage daughters (and one boyfriend). I would like to thank Chris for putting up with me for all these years and helping build Gramarc to what it is today. (P.S. you should have taken my mum’s advice and got out 20 years ago) but thanks for staying!
pies are made and baked fresh all day. We use premium
Tell us about your services and the personal rewards you gain from your business? Provide all your flooring and window furnishing needs. We will do a free, no obligation measure and quote. A building is made not only with the bricks and mortar, but with the finishing touches. To know you’ve provided quality products and services is really satisfying. Plans for the future? We will continue to support the Armidale area with sponsorship of community events, sporting teams and generally promoting the Armidale district. We are a proud member of Locals 4 Locals. We will continue to service the Armidale district to the best of our ability, providing quality products, services and workmanship.
Ridgey Didge franchise for about 17 years now on and off, having been a relief manager in the original store in Dangar Street and operating shops in Over the years they have also had other businesses and have extensive experience in the food retail and hospitality fields, but love the fair dinkum approach of the Ridgey Didge pie shop and have kept coming back . As he says, “We have the premium product in our field; our lean beef and chicken breast. We use a great quality light, flaky pastry and truly enjoy the satisfaction of putting together a first class product to put a smile on your dial.” Keep an eye out as we grow our menu in the next few weeks: veggie lasagna, roast pumpkin soup, roast beef and gravy rolls, fresh chilli, bean and beef pies, golden curried veggie (no meat or milk) pies and pasties using fresh locally supplied veggies.
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David Barnier - Barnier Office Furniture
Greg Wild - Rapid Clean
Jonathan Roberts - Office Express
How long have you owned Barnier’s? We opened a small used office furniture outlet in 1994 in the premises where the Goldfish Bowl is now. As the business grew, we moved into a larger premises and now operate from our own premises closer to the CBD in Rusden Street, stocking new and used office furniture.
How long have you owned your business? Jenny and I have been in business 20 years, in this one for more than 10.
How long have you owned your business, and tell us about your team? I have owned Office Express now for 8 years, previously located on Moore Street, but in 2013 I made the move to Beardy Street Mall.
What do you enjoy most about your career? The most rewarding thing is to meet the needs of our customers – to walk away knowing that they are delighted with the finished home or work office. Can you design a complete office for people? Invariably, the home office is a collaboration of ideas between the client and ourselves, whether it is from our range of stock items or custom made furniture. However, the larger commercial fitouts usually involve architects, interior designers and of course, the clients. Our job from there is to fine tune the project, to ensure that everything is installed on time and on budget. What do you enjoy other than work? Our family have always been great beach goers – something we have done all our lives. My parents live at Yamba, so that is our annual holiday destination.
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Tell us about your services and the personal rewards you gain from your business? We sell cleaning solutions to anyone who needs them. From government departments to householders, we have something for everyone. People often think cleaning is hard but really once you know what to use where, it is simple, and we find it really rewarding to help people solve what they see as a difficult problem. Plans for the future? The Rapid group is at a really exciting phase in their evolution. I am travelling to Germany this month to finalise a partnership between Rapid and the Inpacs group. Inpacs is a group much like ours in Europe, with a combined turnover of over 22 billion dollars; they bring to us a wealth of knowledge and access to global markets. We are excited to be part of such a large group; most members are just like us – family run businesses who care about our customers.
My team every day includes: myself; Bruce, who has been with me for 7 years; Veronica, who recently made the move from Coffs Harbour a month ago; Louise, who started this year and works each Thursday and Friday; and Laura, who is completing high school and works Saturday mornings. Tell us about your services ... Besides providing all your stationery needs, whether you are at school, university or work, we also offer a delivery service within the town boundary, laminating and binding, bulk order discounts and competitive prices for businesses and for those who live out of town and don't make it in as often as others, we also have a website where you can order online. Any plans for the future? Now that we have relocated to The Mall, the plans for the future are to focus on the new shop and moving forward and expanding now that we have more exposure.
Tony Bennett - Synergy Acupuncture What prompted you to open your business? Prior to commencing acupuncture studies some 20 years ago, I was already heavily involved in health. I had been qualified in various healing modalities and teaching first aid and rescue for many years. Upon gaining my formal acupuncture qualifications, I ran a large clinic in Tweed Heads for about eleven years, as well as spending a number of years teaching. I relocated to Armidale about 5 years ago and feel fortunate that I can now do the work I love in my comfortable home clinic. Why is acupuncture your treatment of choice? The word ‘holistic’ is used to describe many therapies, but acupuncture truly is a holistic practice. As a practitioner, I assist many people suffering from a diverse range of medical conditions, but I believe the key to success is treating the individual person rather than the named disease. Each person I treat is a unique individual who has had unique physical, mental, emotional and spiritual experiences. The key to clinical success is to restore balance on all these levels, and gentle Japanese Meridian Therapy acupuncture can help to do just that.
Jim Ridley - Gym Ridz PT What prompted you to open your business? I was well over the 100 kg mark. I began losing weight and started studying my Cert 4 in fitness. I wanted to help others do what I have done, but without making all the mistakes I made along the way. Tell us about your services and the personal rewards you gain from your business? We are Armidale’s only CrossFit gym, offering full CrossFit programs and one on one personal training. We also offer nutritional services that can help you to achieve your best. We run our CrossFit classes 6 days a week, and I guess the biggest thing I get out our business is how fast people get results with our CrossFit program, and then how they go on to change their whole lifestyle and become fit, active and functional people. Plans for the future? We intend to continue offering our full CrossFit program and with the popularity of it, we will add more classes to the timetable very soon. We already run it 16 times a week, so it won’t be long before we are over 20 classes each week. We also want to add in some semi private training for people who want to train with friends or family – offering a service along the lines of our premium 1 on 1 service at a little less expense.
Phil Hewitt - AWFM My wife, Maria, and I have owned Armidale Wholesale Fruit Market for eight years now. At the fruity, we aim for quality fruit and veg at a competitive price, with great customer service. We have turned the fruity into your one stop shop for those who are time poor; wether it’s 8am, taking kids to school and need something for crunch and sip, or 5.30pm and need something for tea, you can pull up at the front door, grab some spuds, broccoli, carrots, packet of chops or snags, bread and milk ... whatever you need. Back in the car in 5 mins (and your groceries can be carried to the car for you) then home for a healthy tea. Or, if you need something for the weekend BBQ, grab some nuts, dips or gourmet sauces, which are exclusive to us through the market grocer range; their motto is “price and quality the big guys can’t meet”. So, if you are looking for quick and easy or that ingredient for a 5 course meal, ‘fly into the fruity’ today. Open 7.30am, 7 days.
Gentle Japanese Style
Acupuncture
for pain relief and good health
Tony Bennett B.Hlth Sc (Acu) Dip R.M. Dip C.H. A.A.C.M.A. Fellow A.T.M.S. Member A.H.P.R.A. Reg. No. CMR0001705370
experienced acupuncture practitioner and teacher 11 Alahna Drive, Armidale
6771 3964
www.synergyacupuncture.net.au new england focus 49
SportsPower Paul Schmude.
David Clifton Clifton Legal
Tim Barnsley Photography
Tell us about your business SportsPower Armidale is locally owned and has a proven combination – a local store that responds to local customers, and a business that’s part of a nationwide buying group. The last two years, SportsPower has won the national ‘Sportstore of the Year Award’. This is given by Roy Morgan Research and the success of SportsPower demonstrates value as a national group which supports local stores throughout Australia. It offers strong buying power on a national scale which allows competitive prices for the local community.
Tell us about your business. Clifton Legal is a new name with a fresh new look which evolved from a recent change in our structure but with the same professional team. We provide legal advice in all areas of law but we specialise in providing advice on residential, rural and commercial conveyancing, assisting in all types of property transactions. We provide advice on wills, powers of attorney, guardianship appointments including all aspects of estate planning, superannuation and succession planning. We also specialise in all areas of family law including property and parenting.
My first big interest in photography began when I became
What do you love most about your job? The best thing about having a sports store is meeting the needs of our customers. We do this either on the phone or instore by offering the best after-sales service based on our strong links with suppliers. We offer a clear advantage over internet buying, which may be fine when goods arrive but when problems develop, the customer needs help - and trying to resolve a problem over the internet is often frustrating and costly. What makes SportsPower a successful business? The key is a highly motivated team and a good supply line. Apart from the team in the store, I’m really grateful to have such a supportive family – my wife Veronica and our two sons, Luke & Angus.
Clifton Legal is a small business itself so we know and understand the problems and workings of a small business in a regional area. We advise businesses of all types and sizes when decisions are required about the conduct and operation of the business, particularly buying, selling and restructuring. As a client of Clifton Legal, what can I expect? The solicitors and staff operate as a team who are passionate about providing the most outstanding customer service to every client and who just enjoy working with people. No matter what the problem or transaction, the reward is the satisfaction of knowing the benefits to the client which follow successful completion.
Buying or Selling a Home or Property For advice on purchasing or selling a property, contract preparation and advice, DVVLVWDQFH ZLWK ÂżQDQFH VWDPS duty, building contracts and any other conveyancing issues
Clifton Legal 113 Faulkner Street Armidale T 02 6772 0966
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obsessed with Life, Time and National Geo magazines as a kid growing up in the early seventies. I was totally amazed by
images and photo essays shot from all over the world showing cultures, conflicts, wildlife and portraiture from places I had never really known much about. From here I began an interest in developing black and white film and printing my own images in high school. Later I began a career as a photojournalist working for magazines and newspapers both locally and nationally. The thing I love most in my work is that I am always meeting new and interesting people. I am also able to work both as a staff photographer for New England FOCUS as well as shoot for national media companies as well as local clients. I really am lucky and believe I have the best job in the world! As for the future I wish to continue at what I am doing with FOCUS and the other print media I shoot for, keep up the travel and photo tours to Vietnam. I am always looking for new and interesting photos and this is a constant learning process that I will be able to do as long as I can see!
Anthony Fittler AnK Sheds
Chris Walker - Chiropractor
David Barraclough St. Kilda
How long have you owned your business, and tell us about your team ... We had the opportunity to join the Ranbuild family; we have happily owned the Armidale dealership for 2 months and trade as A.n.K Sheds.
What prompted you to open your business? Walker Family Chiropractic was dreamt up back at university as a business planning assignment. When my wife fell pregnant and we decided to move back to Armidale to raise a family, we realised it was the perfect opportunity to put that plan into action.
I have been at the St Kilda Hotel for over 20 years, where I started as Night Manager, one day a week, while also working for Westlawn Investments. I now have been the licensee manager since 12 years ago for Harley. With staff we do have a very high turnover of young ones from the university, but we have been blessed with our staff – they pretty much run themselves and work hard when they are here. However, my thank you goes to Colleen and Lee, who both have a big hand in the running of the St Kilda. The services we offer are well known in the community, with the famous $7 lunch week long. Twenty years ago, the hotel was pumping out the lunches and dinner and in 2013, it is bigger than ever. We would be doing more meals than anyone we know.
We have 2 local employees and myself constructing the sheds, along with Karly in the office selling sheds and organising the team. Tell us about your services ... I have been a builder in the Armidale and surrounding areas for the past 13 years, building all types of structures under APF Constructions. Now with Ranbuild Sheds, it has allowed us to expand our business and deliver a one stop shop, supplying a full range of quality Ranbuild Australian made sheds from garden sheds, carports to commercial sheds and everything in between. The service that we can provide includes the design of your shed, approvals and a full construction service. Plans for the future? We are looking forward to servicing the New England area and provide a stress free service for your shed experience, with an emphasis on customer service.
Tell us about your services and the personal rewards you gain from your business? Walker Family Chiropractic is a modern chiropractic clinic offering safe and effective chiropractic care for all members of the community. Chiropractic is a mainstream healthcare alternative for neuro-musculoskeletal conditions. We provide effective treatment of acute and chronic spinal pain, headache and migraine, as well as many other conditions. The rewards are in the successes of the people who seek care. The more long standing or complex a condition a person has been suffering, the greater the reward in finding a solution. Plus, I love learning more about the function of the human body. Plans for the future? Like any business person, I am planning on growth – showing more people the benefits of chiropractic care, enabling more people to live a healthy life and expanding my knowledge to help more people.
We also offer accommodation, functions, pool tables, entertainment, special bus trips for our regulars – as a pub we rely on our regulars, full SKY and TAB facilities, Austar, Keno and pokies. I love my job, and that’s why I have been here so long. Every day is different in its own way. Well, it is too late to buy my own pub, and it is different now to what it was 20 years ago. You never know what will happen tomorrow but for as long as the Kilda stays the Kilda, I will be around.
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Thinking Estate Planning – with Chris Serow & Gurmeet Kaur
THINKING
ESTATE PLANNING o I need to make a will? Anyone over the age of 18 years needs to seriously consider making a will. Nearly everyone owns some form of property. The peace of mind of knowing who will receive your personal effects, finances and memorabilia, whether it be family or friends, is always preferable over the possibility that your estate might be vested in the Public Trustee or the subject of Court proceedings which may have to be paid out of your estate. The proper drafting of a short will or will with a testamentary trust is a positive step to ensure that your wishes are properly considered and may be given effect after your death.
D
It is not compulsory to make a will, but the consequences of not having a will can be complicated and costly. If you die intestate (without making a will) then your estate will be distributed according to a statutory chain of inheritance. This ‘chain’ makes the assumption that you would have intended to give your property to your next of kin. So your spouse and children, if there are any, will be the primary beneficiaries. If the overall value of your estate is less than $200,000, your surviving spouse or de facto is usually the primary beneficiary, unless contested. If you die, have no spouse and no children, or grandchildren, then your estate will usually be distributed to other more remote members of your extended family. If you have no surviving relatives, then your estate will pass into the ownership of the state. Similarly, it is important to appoint an Executor or trustee of your will or it may be administered, at a cost to your estate, by the Public Trustee. Can I make a will myself? You can make your own will if you so choose – a ‘Will Kit’ is available from newsagents and most Australia Post stores. A will kit, however, does not provide you with independent professional legal advice, and errors can lead to lengthy delays in distribution and sometimes result in expensive litigation. To ensure proper estate planning, you should consider obtaining professional advice from your preferred accountant, financial adviser and solicitor.
It may not be in your best interests to draft a will yourself, as it is an important legal document. There have been many cases where self made or negligently prepared wills have either not properly been drafted or executed, were not clear, or caused an unwelcome tax liability. Some of these cases end up in court and have incurred significant expense to the deceased's estate and loss to beneficiaries. Most solicitors are prepared to draft a will and if required, a testamentary trust. Depending on the complexity of your requirements, the cost having your will drafted professionally is a responsible and sound investment. Obtaining professional legal advice is particularly important if any of the following circumstances apply, especially if you: (a) have children to different marriages; (b) have step children who are or have been dependent on you; (c) have a disabled child; (d) have children who have died, leaving children of their own; (e) are still technically married but are separated and in another relationship; or (f) are in a de facto relationship. If you have a large rural property from which you run a farming business, it is advisable that you discuss arrangements for succession planning with your solicitor. In addition to having a will, other instruments may include a power of attorney, appointment of enduring guardianship, a deed of family arrangement, considering a family trust or vesting the family property into a testamentary trust. Testamentary trusts are often preferred for asset protection to beneficiaries or for other financial benefits. There are many positive options available to provide for future generations. For more information and legal advice on these important documents, you should contact your solicitor. Christopher K C Serow Principal, Solicitor Director, Notary Public, Migration Agent MARN 0854319. Gurmeet Kaur Solicitor. new england focus 53
Armidale Newline Plumbing
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With winter fast approaching, we know that with it come those miserable cold days, ever-rising electricity bills, followed by that insidious flu and constant dry, scratchy skin ‌
it dust, mould and other invisible irritants.
ALL these can be avoided with a centrally heated home by Armidale Newline Plumbing! We can help make sure YOUR house is heatsmart this winter.
fire throughout the house, or help you take
The only systems that ensure YOUR complete comfort use Radiant Heat. Radiant heating systems such as in-slab heating and hydronic radiators allow us to heat your home without changing the natural balance of moisture and oxygen levels in the air. Most importantly, we keep your house free from dangerous chemical emissions and moving air, which can bring with
form that can be used as hydronic heating.
The choice of where you obtain this heat is now YOURS! We are competent installers of geothermal and solar heat collectors. We can transfer the heat from your wood advantage of gas without a ducted air system! Maybe you are producing your own electricity? We are even able to convert any excess into a Contact the HEATING SPECIALISTS at Armidale Newline Plumbing today to obtain a no-obligation quotation for your unique requirements. Be sure to visit us at www.newlineplumbing.com.au
St Vincent de Paul Society The St Vincent de Paul Society in Armidale provides care and support to members of the community in need of material assistance and to those in the community who are restricted to their homes, who live in aged care facilities and who are in hospital. In the Armidale region, the Society has fifty seven members who volunteer their time to carry out these services to others. In this membership are twenty six men, who are ably supported by thirty one women. Some men have given life long service in the work of the Society, men like Joe McNamara (deceased), Alan Kennedy, Don Hewitt, Harry Howard, Ross Campbell, current and former residents of Armidale, Ozzie Miller, Henry Carlon and Barry Sinclair residents of Uralla. Continuing this tradition of service are Noel Brennan, Paul Johnstone, Tony Zagami, John Fitzgerald, Rod Davis and George Keoghan. The Society in Armidale is always in need of new and younger volunteers to take up the rewarding challenge to assist the less fortunate in the Armidale community. The ongoing ability of the Society to provide its services relies heavily on the generous donations of material goods and money. Men with an interest in volunteering their time and skills in the service of others in Armidale can contact Tony Woods, executive officer of the Society in Armidale, on 6772 1785.
Keep your home warm in winter. You can control the temperature of your home in winter without relying on power-hungry heating appliances. Fitting curtains that reduce heat loss and trap warmth saves on power bills and reduces our impact on the environment. Did you know, windows are a big source of unwanted heat loss and heat gain in your home? Choosing the right window coverings means you can improve the comfort of your home all-year-round, reduce your power bills by around $60 or more, and cut carbon pollution by 200 kg each year. Heat loss occurs more readily in winter, where your windows are prone to condensation and chill. A 1 degree fall in temperature in your home adds 10% to your heating bill. Proper window coverings such as heavy drapes can preserve up to 20% of total heat. Closely woven, close fitting curtains are a very effective way of protecting windows from heat loss at night. They also provide extra summer protections, especially with reflective linings. A snug fit on both sides of the window and at the top of the curtain stops warm air from moving down behind the curtain and cooling. Boxed pelmets or solid strips above the curtain rail are essential.
Donate to the Vinnies Winter Appeal Appea and help us reach even more Australians in their time of need.
#vinniesAU
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Armidale Keeping
Australia
Beautiful
Armidale Dumaresq Council (ADC) is pleased to announce Armidale’s win in two categories of the Keep Australia Beautiful National Awards. The ceremony took place in Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland on Friday 17 May.
T
he Armidale community should be proud that its collective efforts have secured a win in the following two of eight categories:
• Community Action and Partnerships; • Resource Recovery and Waste Management; “We are number one in the country for the way we work so well together as a community, and the way we manage our waste – these are two fantastic achievements,” said the Mayor, Cr Jim Maher. Armidale was also highly commended (runner up) for the Water Conservation category, thus proving it is very highly regarded in this area in the whole of the nation. Armidale’s award-winning achievements are: • The community’s participation in the City to Soil program. The Program has been going for over 15 months and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Contamination in the green waste bins is less than half of 1%. This means that households are making optimal use of the service,
and that Council is able to produce high quality compost that’s sold back to local gardeners. • Our sewage treatment plant. At the We are number try plant, ADC is turning one in the coun k or w e w a waste product for the way as a into a profit-making so well together protecting the environment. d the way resource. About 50% community, an These include: planting days waste – we manage our of the treated effluent organised by Landcare, Arntastic these are two fa and all of the bio-solids midale Urban Rivercare Group achievements.” are being reused to and Armidale City Bowling grow crops, trees and Club; the Armidale Tree Group, a fatten cattle on the plant’s community-owned nursery serving own land. Council has dramatiArmidale for 30 years; Sustainable Living cally cut its environmental impact on Armidale’s monthly forums at Kent House; and local waterways and saved thousands of dollars working bees and social gatherings organised at in environmental licensing fees by irrigating and Black Gully and the Community Garden behind fertilizing 200 hectares of crops, pasture and trees New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM). with treated effluent and bio-solids. • Environmental goals and plans tied to our annual • A diverse range of projects that make up the State of the Environment Report that measures the community‘s longstanding commitment to impact of our collective actions.
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ADC’s Cr Colin Gadd was also at the awards ceremony and thoroughly congratulates every member of the Armidale community who helped to put the city in the national spotlight. “Well done to everyone who contributed to our wins. Armidale is well recognised as a place where people get involved in volunteering and this award is proof that people are passionate about sustainability in Armidale, are not afraid to roll their sleeves up and get involved,” says Cr Gadd. If you’re involved in a local project to protect the environment please contact Carol Davies, ADC’s Sustainability Coordinator on 6770 3686 or cdavies@armidale.nsw.gov.au ADC especially wants to hear about what’s happening in our local schools.
Armidale wins two Keep Australia Beautiful National Awards: • Community Action and Partnerships • Resource Recovery and Waste Management
congratulations
Armidale Armidale City
Bowling Club
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Motoring with Lynda Lynch
This week , our good friends at Mazda provided me with a beautiful Mazda 6 to test drive. I am of the opinion that this is the most technologically advanced motor car I have ever driven.
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pon entering the car, I was drawn to the new car feel and fine finish to the interior. The Mazda 6 has a sporty dash and modern console which is accompanied by 5.8 inch touch activated screen with many features, including satellite navigation and a reverse camera. I particularly love the reverse camera feature, as I live near young children, and the assistance it provides me with when reversing gives me peace of mind. I utilised the car for family and work purposes, and the practicality of the vehicle did not let me down. Not only being a very comfortable car to drive, the 6 speaker sound system provided superb quality sound. The media versatility did not go unnoticed, as I utilised the Bluetooth and USB features. The audio and cruise control panels on the steering wheel made operating the features very easy and enhanced the safety aspect whilst driving. Whilst the car was in my possession, Armidale was experiencing a sudden fluctuation in warm and cold temperatures, which allowed me to utilise the air conditioning and heating functions. What I found very useful was the dual climate control. I was able to regulate different temperatures in the front and back of the vehicle, to accommodate myself and family. This worked a treat.
I took the car for my weekly grocery shop, and as a mum with young growing children (and a husband with a big appetite!) there seems to be a never ending, overflowing trolley. The many bags of groceries were easily accommodated by the spacious boot, and there was plenty of room to spare. Putting the car through its paces on the open road and city driv-
ng. The Mazda 6 is ing, there was no lack of power and handling. powered by a newly developed 16 valve engine with direct fuel injection, which delivers 138 kWs yet only averages 6.6 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, which is exceptional. This is where I have found the Mazda 6 to be a technological masterpiece. Mazda have introduced a world first energy saving feature named i-ELOOP. The kinetic energy generated whilst braking is stored in a capacitor. The energy captured is used to power systems such as the headlights, climate control, audio and engine management. This system can reduce fuel consumption by up to 10%, which is a massive saving. The Mazda 6 also comes with another fuel and energy saving feature named i-STOP. Basically, when the vehicle comes to a standstill, the engine switches off and then restarts immediately when you are in the process of lifting your foot off the brake pedal to press the accelerator. The Mazda 6 comes with many safety features, which is a big plus for me. It comes with 6 air bags, including an air curtain. The Dynamic Stability and Traction Control Systems enhance safety and handling of the vehicle. If you are required to brake for an emergency reason, the car will recognise this and apply maximum brake force and automatically activate the hazard lights to warn other drivers. I can see that Mazda have taken safety to a new level. Overall, the Mazda 6 totally impressed me in all areas. It was a pleasure to drive, and I fully recommend anyone considering purchasing a new car to give the Mazda 6 a try. Don’t forget, the Mazda 6 comes with a 3-year unlimited kilometre factory warranty and a 6 year panel protection warranty.
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Icing on the cake with Susie Dunn
Icing Crisp, frosty mornings, open fires, red wine, slow cooked delights, scarves, boots, jumpers and beanies....winter in Armidale is perfect. Visitors to this region are amazed at the overnight temperatures and they relish the opportunity to experience heavy frosts. They tell stories and show photos of their winter experiences, such as camping in -10 deg or icicles hanging off their caravans. These experiences create wonderful memories of their frosty, winter holiday in Armidale. ‘Experience the Highs’ is an all encompassing tag line that covers Nature, Food, Wine, Accommodation, Culture, History, Arts and Sport. The campaign boasts that everything is better when you experience it ‘up high’. It is our altitude which is responsible for a wonderful and unique environment of spectacular waterfalls, gorges, world-heritage national parks, coolclimate vineyards and a fascinating and diverse cultural heritage. Bush walking, mountain biking, birdwatching, trout fishing and other outdoor adventures take on an exciting new dimension up high. Visitors to the region are delighted not only by the great outdoors but equally when they come inside and discover the galleries, museums, fine food and wine. The Experience the Highs iPad and iPhone App is a wonderful tool designed to showcase New England High Country. This App won the 2012 award for the Best Travel app in Australia. It can be downloaded from the App Store and contains wonderful photography as well as 360 degree panoramic imagery that puts the viewer right in Dangars Gorge, Gostwyck Chapel, Ebor Falls, Weeping Rock, Gara Gorge and Apsley Falls. It will amaze you...check it out! The Experience the Highs Facebook page, fb.com/experiencethehighs, is
another way to learn about the region as well as engage with other enthusiastic people who post photos of the New England region. Simply ‘like’ us on Facebook to experience this region through the eyes of award winning photographers and amateurs alike.
Why not enjoy the Threlfall Track at Gara Gorge, just a 20 minute drive along Castledoyle Road? It is of significant historical importance to the region as it was the first commercial hydro-electric scheme in Australia. A perfect way to spend a Sunday with family and friends is to rug up, grab a picnic, BBQ or some local delights from the Farmers market and head out to Gara Gorge. After lunch the Threlfall walk, (rated medium), is a pleasant 5 ½ km loop walk that follows the route of the flumes used by the hydro – electric scheme and offers magnificent views of the Gara Gorge as well as an abundance of wildlife. Echidna and platypus are often showing themselves for those who keep their eyes peeled. The Blue Hole is a popular local swimming spot in the warmer months and in the cooler months you can explore the cascades and pools downstream. Do not attempt to access the pools and cascades after rain or heavy flooding. If experiencing nature is not for you then the month of June has a number of indoor options including: • • • •
Exhibitions at NERAM Exhibitions at Armidale Art Gallery Saumarez Homestead Tour Armidale Eisteddfod
For further ‘what’s on’ information please visit www.armidaletourism.com. au/events/calendar/
Choose a 360o panorama
Gara Gorge
Weeping Rock
Ebor Falls
Gostwyck Chapel
Apsley Falls
cake
June is a wonderful time to encourage friends and family to visit the region and take the opportunity to explore what is all too often taken for granted by those living here. With the cool nights and clear days the views from Cathedral Rock are inspiring.
To have an event added to the website calendar please email: tourism@armidale.nsw.gov.au
Dangars Falls
on ON
A ‘LOVE-IN’ ?
Goodness. That’s what David Waugh told us to have when we were at an Armidale National Broadband Network Business Forum – a “Love-in with the NBN”! avid, the Creative Director of Armidale start-up Nucleo, was the last speaker at the Forum before question time. He gave the point of view of a local small business and their expanding experience with the NBN. He said that yes, there are hiccups, but really that embracing the journey was absolutely worthwhile and showed the way to a very different future where Armidale had the edge and we should use it.
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Speakers underlined the business and personal opportunities and potential of this new fact of life which is establishing itself in our city. There is no doubt that it opens up into a whole new world out there that, understandably, has to be learned, and we are being provided with the tools to learn. To follow up so we can use them seems to be the sensible thing to do. It just seems to be all taking forever to get to me. I’m certainly no technophile but I think we have to accept that, undoubtedly and inevitably, they are practicing on us. Someone has to be first with totally new concepts and while there are problems to be ironed out, we still have the opportunity of early advantage. David and the other speakers certainly believe in where they stand, and both political parties seem to accept that the NBN is a fact of life. One unfortunate aftermath of the Forum was that, in searching for a quick meal afterwards at about 7.30pm, we found kitchen after kitchen closed in town ... and were embarrassed to meet a visiting group who had been very complimentary about Armidale in their speeches, also searching desperately. Not a good look for a serious city.
Experience more... inside Natural wonders
9
History & heritage
12
Arts & culture
14
Food & wine
18
Scenic drives
20
Excellence in education
22
Sport
28
Armidale
30
Uralla
33
Guyra
36
Walcha
38
Accommodation
41
BRISBANE
Armidale
HOW TO GET HERE? COFFS HARBOUR
Armidale is located on the Great Dividing Range, midway between Sydney and Brisbane, on the New England Highway and a 2 ½ hour drive from Coffs Harbour along the Waterfall Way. Transport to the area includes coach (services daily to and from Sydney and Brisbane); rail (services daily to and from Sydney); air (several flights daily to Sydney and several flights weekly to Brisbane). Most major car hire companies are represented in Armidale.
SYDNEY
Scan the QR code to view region maps, tourist drives and more detailed travel information. Or go to the website: www.experiencethehighs.com.au
The Councils of Armidale, Guyra, Uralla and Walcha would like to thank NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for their support and use of imagery.
@experiencehighs
Every attempt has been made to ensure that the information contained in the Guide is correct at the time of printing. The prices and services set out in this publication are subject to change or withdrawal without notice at any time. Armidale Dumaresq, Guyra, Uralla and Walcha Councils expressly disclaim liability to any entity
Experience the Highs
for any loss, cost or damage whatsoever arising out of or connected with its reliance on the contents of this brochure. All material is subject to copyright. Published April 2012.
Armidale
www.experiencethehighs.com.au Download your free app for the iPad on the App Store: ‘Experience the Highs’
Guyra
Uralla
Walcha
Visitor Information Centre
Visitor Information Centre
Visitor Information Centre
Visitor Information Centre
82 Marsh Street Armidale NSW 2350 P: 02. 6770 3888 tourism@armidale.nsw.gov.au www.armidaletourism.com.au
New England Highway Guyra NSW 2365 P: 02. 6779 1876 raftersofguyrainfo@bigpond.com www.guyra.nsw.gov.au
104 Bridge Street Uralla NSW 2358 P: 02. 6778 4496 visit@uralla.com www.uralla.com
51w Fitzroy Street Walcha NSW 2354 P: 02. 6774 2460 council@walcha.nsw.gov.au www.walchansw.com.au
experience the highs
Visitor Guide
WEBSITE
armidaletourism.com.au
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Free award-winning app for iPad and iPhone Search ‘Experience the Highs’
As the marvellous seasonal colours of this dry autumn transform our district, we have many changes happening around us. Elections need some serious thinking before we tick the required boxes. It’s sometimes hard to avoid instant knee jerk reactions. We need to consider who is most likely to stand up for US in forums that mostly, sadly, have little real idea of regional Australia. We need our voice to be strong and very measured and sure for the sake
of all Australians. Regional Australia is too important nationally to slip to the sidelines. And we need more than talk and promises. To change from thinking politics, our State Governor, Marie Bashir, knows our district well and always charms everyone she meets on her visits. She really is one special and extraordinary lady, whatever angle you come from! As Patron of the New England Regional Art Gallery, she recently gave a reception at Government House in Sydney to celebrate the 30th birthday of NERAM and said how vividly she remembers each of her nine visits to the gallery over the years. Another recent return visitor to Armidale was the Russian pianist Konstantin Shamray, who gave a passionate performance at the New England Conservatorium of Music. This was his fourth visit since winning the Sydney international Piano Competition, and he says that Armidale is a special destination for him. (I do have to say on a personal note, that he is also an absolute heartthrob!). NECOM has added so much to the established music scene, which here manages to embrace music for all tastes. We are so so lucky, and the Armidale Club and others each are putting a lot of energy into giving their followers what they want. Among the good things of life we have the sadnesses. Someone said to me a while ago: “We hear of so many deaths – do you think that there might be something environmental here?” “Yes, definitely,” I had to answer. “I’m afraid it’s birth.” Life is such a great adventure, and death is the greatest adventure of all. We have lost some good people this year, and I raise a glass to ‘Absent Friends’. And I regret that I never knocked on the door to meet and say thank you to Tom Hillard while he lived – every year the dahlias that packed his garden, sheltered by a rainbow canopy of umbrellas, gave such magic joy.
Susie Dunn.
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St John’s A unique learning experience where students love to learn.
St John’s Co-Educational Junior School: Transition to Year 6 Enrolling now for 2014 - Contact NEGS Enrolments Office on 02 6774 8752
Uralla Road, Armidale NSW 2350 T 02 6774 8700 E enrolments@negs.nsw.edu.au www.negs.nsw.edu.au