New England Focus i75

NEW ENGLAND

August 2013 // Issue 75

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focus team.

Welcome to the August edition of New England FOCUS. elcome to our special ‘City Change’ issue. Armidale Council will be armed with this edition of FOCUS when they attend the 2013 Country and Regional Living Expo (CARLE) at Rosehill Racecourse. The Expo is designed to encourage city people to move to regional cities, and Armidale has a very strong presence each year.

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The team is flattered that Council chose to distribute FOCUS at the Expo, and it does make sense considering our motto is ‘we love were we live’. We are so proud of the beautiful New England region, and we love to help promote its benefits to any potential city changers.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE It’s all happening in the New England this month. The Film Festival is always held on the first weekend of August, so this year opening night is 2 August. It is a window on the world! There are 13 highly acclaimed films from Western and Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, Asia, South America, Africa and the Middle East.

There is a real sense of community amongst the members of Locals 4 Locals, a desire to give something back – but this is not always easy. We learnt all about the program and the benefits it provides

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

members and the community.

As one of the larger boarding institutions in NSW, NEGS attracts a number of students from Sydney keen to harness the perfect balance of academic excellence within a beautiful regional environment.

We speak with two of the six Sydney boarders currently residing at NEGS. We speak with Andrew McCann, who has revolutionised his business Webcessity and introduced Nucleo to offer cost effective and better results for his clients.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then this new 5 star luxury over 50s ‘resort’ will sell itself … nestled just 10 minutes from Port Macquarie on the southern side of Lake Cathie, this brand new community is changing the perception of village living, and we find out why.

Christine Perrott talks to us about her book, aptly named Patient Fortitude, which details the eight months she spent at the bedside of her gravely ill husband, Roy ... the ordeals, the set backs and the lighter moments. In the book she tells us about her decision to take him home and help him to walk again, against medical advice.

Neil Horton and The Armidale Drama and Musical Society are gearing up for their next big performance in August with their production of Show Boat, and FOCUS has the inside plans.

Starting off in 1982 with publicity in print media for the Armidale Old Boys Rugby Club, Steve McMillan tells us how great the New England has it for local sport.

FOCUS caught up with New England’s own Stuart Geddes, a young up and coming Rugby star, who is on the way to play for Australia.

A family friendly lifestyle, a strong teaching and academic culture and the opportunity to be part of work to strengthen Armidale’s medical services were all major factors behind a move to Armidale for new Armidale Hospital Director of Medical Services Dr Max Mansoor.

FINAL SAY “If we wait until we’re ready, we’ll be waiting for the rest of our lives.”- Lemony Snicket.

We speak to Chris O’Neill and Erin Foster, who are new stars at PLC after relocating to Armidale.

ADVERTISING MANAGER: Tracy Le Messurier

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ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Merry Abrams

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Kyle Rathbone

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PHOTOGRAPHER: Tim Barnsley

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Jeff Cowan

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ART DIRECTOR: Jay Beaumont

ACCOUNT MANAGER: Louise Beaumont

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SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Dylan Gaul

SUB EDITORS: Jo Atkins / Reg Brookhouse

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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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focuseditorial.

“Wouldn’t it if... ” ...there was a world class garden in Armidale!

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here would it be located? An ideal location is the area that used to house the Teachers College playing fields: the Moran Reserve. This area is already home to a number of communityoriented organisations: NERAM, Community Radio, ACCKP, the Armidale Family History Group, the Gymnastics Club, the Museum of Education, the Community Garden and the Rugby Club. The garden would occupy the remaining space.

It must be financially self-supporting. Any keen gardener knows that gardens are expensive. A less than world-class garden would be a financial burden and would fairly rapidly degenerate to a park. A world-class garden will attract visitors from far and wide. Since it will be an Armidale community garden, Armidalians will have free access, but since visitors will pay, the garden will be self-sustaining.

How will it happen? It will happen if enough of us want it to happen.

It will require the voluntary input of the full range of skills that are distributed among us, but voluntary labour is not enough.

Sub Substantial funds will have to be raised locally and from government and private philanthropic sources. No soil can be turned until we can clearly see a financial pathway, but the catch is that no potential donors will donate until they see evidence of strong community support.

Community Benefits “I’ll meet you in the garden,” will become a commonplace Armidalian phrase. Armidalians meet in cafés to chat, but there is no culture of meeting for a coffee and chat or stroll in a place of ever-changing outstanding beauty.

The garden will be a place of outstanding beauty, providing a place for friends and families to meet, stroll (with or without dog), sit, admire, drink coffee and tea and eat. It will be illuminated on warm (or warmish) evenings. There will be places for children to play. It will be a place for outdoor musical and dramatic performances in this city of cultural wealth. It will be a place for our children to wed.

Every dollar that a visitor spends in our city benefits all of us. A world-class garden will make Armidale the preferred stopover place for travellers on the New England Highway.

It will draw travellers from the coast to the

vote / share Visit heartofourcommunity.com.au to vote for this idea and share it with your friends!

Votes for a world class garden in Armidale! 62. inland route. The garden will strengthen Armidale businesses and provide jobs for our citizens.

Building the garden will only happen if we are successful in galvanising and sustaining the imagination, enthusiasm, generosity and industry of a broad swathe of the Armidale community on a scale not seen in every generation. If we succeed in doing this, there will be a benefit of social cohesion that will last as long as the Garden.

How can you help? If you believe that a world-class cool climate garden would be a worthy asset for Armidale, please vote for it.

be inspired...

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New England Mutual would like to thank FOCUS for their support of these inspiring community ideas.

Or, if you are prepared to contribute some of your time to help the idea become a reality, please sign the petition section.

This idea also has a petition: To sign the petition and support this idea, simply visit the petition ‘Armidale’s World Class Garden’ and click the sign this petition button.

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inside this

Issue 75 - August 2013

8.

Show Boat.

Neil Horton, the Armidale Drama and Musical Society and the Armidale Symphony Orchestra gear up for their next big concert in August ...

Steve McMillan.

12.

Steve started off in 1982 doing publicity in print media for the Armidale Old Boys Rugby Club.

He tells us how great the New England has it for local sport ...

14.

Andrew McCann.

Andrew McCann has revolutionised his business, Webcessity, and introduced Nucleo to offer cost effective and better results for his clients.

usual suspects.

the

10. what’s on for August 22. eat featuring local restaurants 40. star guide with Terri

No matter where you are in the world, d, read Focus for free online every month nth @

www.focusmag.com.au follow us on www.facebook.com/ne.focus w www.twitter.com/focusmag www.focusmag.com.au/eat

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focusinterview.

DOHERTY FAMILY

IT HAS BEEN ALMOST TOO EASY TO SETTLE INTO THE WARM AND ENGAGING ARMIDALE LIFE A REGION FOR THE DOHERTY FAMILY... ow long did you live in Sydney?

We have lived in Sydney for well over a decade. Terina moved to Sydney from the Hunter Valley post-school in 1990 while Bill, a Brisbane boy, moved down to begin his teaching career at Riverview in 1994. We left Sydney after the Olympics in 2000 for a four year stint in Singapore, before returning to Sydney again for the birth of our first child, Conor, in 2005.

What brought the move to Armidale?

After spending much of our life in some of major cities – Sydney, Singapore and Melbourne – we had returned to the Hunter Valley following the sudden sickness of Terina’s father. While the Hunter region is a great place, we had yearned for a true sense of country, as well as the opportunity for Bill to restart his career in education.

A chance meeting with a wonderful family from The Armidale School (TAS) paved the way for a visit to look at Armidale, the educational hub in the New England. We found a great little town that still maintained a city-centre and feel of genuine character and culture. We felt so many other larger regional centres were becoming fractured with multiple shopping zones and a lack of common identity and community feel. We happened to arrive on ANZAC Day, when the entire town was either watching or parading through the streets.

The town is truly an educational centre, with three well-respected independent schools (TAS as a boys school and PLC and NEGS as girls schools) that we believed would open up good learning opportunities for our children, Conor and Bella, not to mention the University of New England that adds its own positive flavour to the town and a range of options for life beyond school.

Add to this a great setting in the New England, a land that enjoys four distinct and beautiful seasons and a location that was right in-between Sydney and the Hunter (where Terina’s mum still lives) and Brisbane (where Bill’s dad has called home for the passed 70-odd years), the location seemed perfect. When an opportunity arose for Bill at The Armidale School shortly after, the pieces all came together, and the die was cast!

Have you all settled in?

It has been almost too easy to settle into Armidale life. The people of the entire region are

warm and engaging. Becoming part of a vibrant and engaging life at TAS, with Bill taking up the role of Head of Middle School Boarding and an active involvement in his other love of rugby, certainly helped with the transition. The staff and families of the broad school community allowed a seamless transition, and this was replicated by the PLC community, where Bella was enrolled for her schooling.

How would you describe your family’s life in Armidale?

The country life certainly promotes a clear sense of calmness and ease. Facilities are good, uncrowded and within easy reach. This is certainly a pleasing contrast to the reality of life in our big cities. And yet these cities remain in easy reach when needed, whether this be down to Coffs Harbour and the beaches some two hours to the east, or down to Sydney for a day’s drive or train trip or on one of the three of four flights each day.

Armidale people are wonderful travellers, whether that be visiting family and friends or in sporting competitions through the region, or heading off for a taste of the big smoke once in a while, even connecting seamlessly slipping onto a connecting international flight.

The pleasure of these experiences is often realised upon the return to the simple country life found in Armidale, where business and daily chores can be undertaken away from the hustle and bustle of the reality of big city life. Running a retail outlet or a boarding house does not allow enormous free time through the year, but nonetheless the easy access to town and picturesque surrounding district allows for plenty of family pleasures in between a holiday break.

Terina, you have recently opened Lime Hill Tell us about this?

Coming out of nearly two decades in the corporate world, the change of pace has been a tonic. I relished the time I had with Conor and Bella as we all settled into our new surroundings.

I guess though, I’m not one to sit still for too long.

I long held the dream of trying my hand in retail, supported by good experience in sales, marketing and the IT industry and a passion for all things related to making a house a home, from furnishings and decor to cooking. There simply seemed to be a niche for a quality classic homewares business that could tap into a sophis-

ticated town and rural market, while also taking advantage of the Brisbane to Sydney trade and transport route.

After many months of research and planning, we were fortunate to secure a good site that became available following the closing of another successful local business. The opening phase of the shop has obviously been frenetic, from the requirements of start-up for a small business, to the sourcing of appealing, quality, fresh products from around Australia and overseas.

The feedback and opening sales have been most gratifying, although the greatest reward has come from the wonderful interactions and conversations with the wide variety of patrons and passers-by who have helped to make the shopping experience the one that we had envisaged it could or should be.

Bill, how has it been since starting with The Armidale School?

The Armidale School is a wonderful community. Being actively involved in the boarding life of the school, as well as the sporting programme, largely through rugby, time has certainly not stood still.

The school is in an exciting stage of its development. While retaining a distinctly country flavour, it is also a member of the Sydney-based GPS association, which opens up an enormous range of opportunity for our boys, particularly in the highly competitive sporting competitions such as rugby, rowing and shooting. Through our association with other schools, we are also able to engage in academic extension opportunities such

as the Da Vinci Decathlon and our own annual Forensic Science Camp, which attracts talented boys and girls from across Australia.

Through these outstanding experiences, the wide range of other co-curricular pursuits, a diverse excursion programme to regional and city locales, an outstanding performing arts and outdoor education programme and a growing academic drive and culture through the school, the boys at TAS are able to enjoy every opportunity that their city GPS peers might enjoy, but within a reassuring ‘green-air’ environment that avoids the distractions and hectic nature of school and family life in our big cities.

And finally, you both have a stack of friends in the city. What would you say to them to help them discover a vibrant life in regional Australia?

Life in our big cities undoubtedly offers many things. They are dynamic and bustling places, although these can be both positive and negative experiences. A trip into the different pace of country life offers good things for the soul ...

For others though, such as ourselves, making a dynamic decision to move and raise our family in the clean, green air of the country, with the stimulation of the city at arm’s reach when needed, made and continues to make a lot of sense. We can often get locked into one line of thought ... We have been fortunate that, through travel and an adventurous spirit, we haven’t felt constrained by self-imposed constraints, and we enjoy pursuing our family destiny on our terms.

Thanks Bill and Terina. new england focus 7

focusinterview.

Neil Horton, the Armidale Drama and Musical Society and the Armidale Symphony Orchestra gear up for their next big concert in August

H

ow many shows does the ADMS is continuous, as it is vital for the effective running do a year? of the show. But for those who have been involved Well it can vary, but as a rule in the past, the rewards for putting on a successful of thumb we try to do at least 3. show are perhaps some of the best feelings of Having just completed a successful accomplishment one could imagine. season of our annual musical The Wedding Singer, Is this the first collaboration between the we are jumping straight back into the fifth of our Symphony Orchestra and the ADMS? biennial concerts with the Armidale Symphony Actually, it is the fifth. It was the original Orchestra to be staged on the weekend of brainchild of Bruce Menzies and myself (Neil August 17 and 18. We then follow it Horton), and we have been doing it up with the classic Henrik Ibsen every second year since. The first play, A Doll's House, directed collaboration was a Night on by the extremely talented Broadway with guest Peter This concert director, Martin Mantle.

Cousens, who is a west is essentially This play is also an HSC end star and ex TAS Old of the greatest hits ar text, so we will be keen boy. This was followed by sc O d Jerome Kern an e er w ey to publicise that to the The Magic of Gilbert and Th Hammerstein. c ifi ol pr t os region’s schools, as well Sullivan (As pictured above) m e perhaps th 20s 19 e th in as our local audiences. and two Opera Concerts. rs se compo an ic er m A in Martin has updated it These concerts have been 0s ’3 and e.” tr ea Th al ic to be set in Australia of characterised by high quality us M the 1950s. It should be a soloists, large choruses and the memorable night of theatre. wonderful sound of the full Armidale Next year we already have Symphony Orchestra. All have been the play Steel Magnolias booked in at hugely successful for both Societies and the TAS Hoskins Centre to be directed by have proved to be wonderful and top class Mark Bourne, with our annual musical to be entertainment for the region’s audiences. announced shortly as well. Once again, it will Do you have to audition to be part of this be a busy year for the ADMS. concert?

What is involved in putting on a show?

No, one of the great things about these concerts People's time and commitment, as with any is that we do not hold auditions for people who hobby, is entirely up to them. An actor in a play or want to be in the chorus. We are looking for as big musical can expect to give up 2 evenings a week a chorus as possible, and often we have up to 80 to rehearse. However, back stage and the creative plus people involved. The soloists, depending on design of a show can be as little or as large as the the show, usually comprise local individuals. In the volunteer is able to give. Obviously during the run case of this Kern and Hammerstein concert, you will of a show over 2 or 3 weekends that commitment see Neil Horton, Kylie Constantine, Inge Southcott,

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Ruth Strutt, Greg Balcombe, Mike Gibson, and Carol Elder, just to name and few.

How would someone interested be able to take part in this concert?

As no auditions are required, rehearsals begin immediately after our current production of The Wedding Singer on Tuesday 23 July at NECOM at 7.30pm. Anyone who is interested in singing in a massed choir is encouraged to turn up on the day.

Rehearsals will be every Tuesday and Thursday for 5 weeks. So the commitment is not too big, and the rewards are huge!

What is this concert about?

This concert is essentially the greatest hits of Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein. They were perhaps the most prolific composers in the 1920s and ‘30s in the American Musical Theatre. They also wrote heavily for the movie screen as well.

This concert will take audiences through some of the all time great musical melodies. Songs such as Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, Old Man River, Only Make Believe and Can’t Help Lovin Dat Man O’mine are some of the greatest musical theatre songs of any era, and the Armidale audience will be able to hear them with some of our best local soloists and a full symphony orchestra.

Where is the concert to be staged?

The Concert is to take place over the weekend of 17 and 18 August at the Lazenby Hall, UNE. The Saturday evening concert will start at 7.30pm, with pre-dinner drinks being available in the foyer from 6.30 pm. There will be a second concert on the Sunday afternoon at 3pm, as is traditional with the Symphony Orchestra. Bookings can be made at Carr’s NewsXpress in the Central Mall or online at www.adms.org.au Thanks Neil.

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AU G U S T

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The Angels featuring Dave Gleeson Live in concert is one of Australia’s most enduring Rock bands, on their Greatest Hits tour. The concert will showcase their huge string of Australian hits and the band’s pub-rock classics will once again resonate on the Aussie Rock landscape.

Show Boat A Taste of Italy Will be held on Friday 2 August from 6:30pm at the Armidale City Bowling Club. Tickets are $40 for adults, $20 for kids under 12 and $10 for kids under 5. Tickets include a drink on arrival, an extravagant Italian themed buffet with a delicious Italian dessert buffet. All those over 18 who buy their tickets before Wednesday 31 July will go in to a draw to win an amazing 3 nights’ accommodation on Hamilton Island.

When Friday 2 August.

More info events@armidalebowl.com.au or (02) 6772 5666.

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A concert of music of Jerome Kern and lyrics of Oscar Hammerstein. Presented by A.S.O., A.D.M.S, and friends at Lazenby Hall.

Conducted by Bruce Menzies. Pre-show and interval drinks available. Group bookings also available.

When 7.30pm Saturday, August 17 @ 3pm and Sunday, August 18.

Tickets - adults $25; children $15.

Book at www.adms.org.au or NewsXpress Carr's Newsagency.

When Saturday 10 August. Doors open 7.30pm.

Where The Armidale Servies.

Tickets $40, available from reception.

First Saturday chats First Saturday chats will be hosted by Navneet Mullee on Saturday 3 August 2013 from 10am to 1pm. As this is a popular program, bookings are essential on 1300 642 166.

When Saturday 3 August.

Where Legal Minds Office, 157 Beardy St Mall.

Contact 1300 642 166.

The 2013 Organising Committee: Caroline Downer, Linda Hess, Hilary Hutchinson, Martina Linnemann.

International Weekend

International A

Film Festival

W I N D O W

O N

T H E

W O R L D

What are your pick ks for the Festival this picks year?

Caroline - I’m looking forward to seeing g the Oscar winner and Palme d’Or winner, the very Ci Cinema. moving LOVE (Amour) a What makes is so special?

The aim of the highly acclaimed masterpiece.

Martina - This is the only foreign festival is to l But then again, I don’t language film festival in regional increase cultudra want to miss the beautiful NSW and is a unique opportunity awareness an le cinematography of the family to gain valuab for people in the region to have her drama SISTER (L'enfant d'en insights into ot access to films of this calibre. gh the cultures throu haut) a family drama set in a These superb films are rarely shown .” medium of film Swiss ski resort. in regional and rural areas.

Linda – And don’t’ forget Mads Caroline - It is also a wonderful Mikkelsen! THE HUNT (Jagten) is set community event – most films tend to in a small, tight-knit community in rural sell out, so there is an amazing atmosphere Denmark, where a man must defend himself in the cinema ... a perfect way to spend an Armidale against the innocent lies told by a child. winter’s weekend. New Englanders can come in from the Martina - It is so difficult to pick only one film! We cold, put their feet up and enjoy a feast of international have so many on the Oscar shortlist for Best Foreign films.

Language Films, including WAR WITCH (Rebelle), a How do you select the films? confronting drama depicting the plight of a 12 year old Linda - It takes the committee 9 months to put the girl soldier; NO, the political thriller about an advertising festival program together. We do lots of research, read executive's campaign to defeat Pinochet in Chile's 1988 many reviews, discuss recommendations; some of us referendum; and IN DARKNESS (W ciemnosci), the manage to go to film festivals like Sydney or Wellington.

Caroline - We take into consideration awards as well – inspiring story of the rescue of a dozen Jews in Nazioccupied Poland.

Oscars, Cannes, and Berlin, for example.

Hilary - I think that the beauty of our festival is that Martina - Once we have a short list, we plan a we mix genres, languages and cultures, and experience program that has variety – from documentaries to a whole range of emotions over three days. So many thrillers and everything in between. unmissable films – I don't know how I can contain my Hilary - Some films that we choose are not available excitement! for regional viewing, but we are very grateful to Samson So where do I get the tickets? and Sarah at the Belgrave, who spend much time and Martina - Festival Pass Tickets have already sold out, energy chasing the film distributors. but there are still individual tickets left for a number of Do you have sponsors for this Festival? the films. You will need to go to the Belgrave Cinema Linda - We are fortunate to have the support of to choose your seat, as seats are numbered on Saturday the University of New England, UNE Services and the and Sunday. For any further information, go to our blog Belgrave Cinema and of course, the Armidale community http://blog.une.edu.au/aiff/ where you can also sign up that comes to our festival each year. And we would also for any festival updates. like to acknowledge our promotional media partner – Thanks ladies.

ABC New England North West.

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ell ll us a littl little about b t th the Armidale International Film Festival ...

Caroline - The Festival is always held on the first weekend of August, so this year opening night is on 2 August. It is a window on the world! There are 13 highly acclaimed films from Western and Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, Asia, South America, Africa and the Middle East. All films will be subtitled.

What is the history of this festival?

Linda - It is our 10th birthday this year! The first festival was held in 2004 and was organised by the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics at the University of New England as part of the university’s 50th birthday celebrations. It has established itself as an important annual cultural event on Armidale’s calendar and since 2006, has been a community project.

The aim of the festival is to increase cultural awareness and to gain valuable insights into other cultures through the medium of film. The connection with UNE still remains strong; our current patron is Mary Barber, and we continue to have the support of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

Martina - We are celebrating this year with some wonderful films from Bollywood, thrillers, dramas, to documentaries. This year’s films have it all! We will be seeing these films in the new upgraded and spectacular 2K digital format, which is being installed at the Belgrave

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focusinterview.

Steve started off in 1982 doing publicity in print media for the Armidale Old Boys Rugby Club. He tells us how great the New England has it for local sport ...

S teve

H

ave you always been interested in sport?

Yes, for as long as I can remember I played soccer, rugby league, and cricket when younger, and I still play vets

ccricket currently.

What inspired you to deliver news on local sport?

When Armidale Old Boys Rugby Club was formed way back in 1982, no one wanted to do publicity. So I thought, “This can’t be too hard,” and put my hand up to do that role. It was print media only at that stage.

From that, I then went into being the publicity person for New England Rugby in the early 1990s, and that meant dealing with all kinds of media.

What really brought things home was when I was faced with a media situation that occurred when a rugby player had a maul collapse upon him. What happened after that I still get shudders about – that Sunday – the day after, but that made me realise what the media could do for sport.

Describe some of the different sports offered in Armidale?

Baseball is just about the only sport I know of that is not around the New England; you can play any other sport. Football and touch are the big two numbers wise. Netball, hockey, basketball also have good numbers, and sports like archery and mountain biking are climbing up the numbers board. Sports such as under water hockey, to snooker, to boxing, squash, bow hunters archery, are just some of the sports not that well known that can be played or participated in around the New England.

Tell us about some of the successful sporting groups in the New England area?

I have been impressed in recent times the way

12 new england focus.

the netballers, Barbarians Rugby and Barbets The Sports Council is looking at several things: Netball, mountain bikers and the Golf Club have the design for a play area at the netball courts, gone about trying new ways of attracting new and the building of such a play ground, the players and members. It shows, I think, building at the Rologas fields, some that going outside the square and change rooms and a few other having those abilities inside your things to happen; plus, we organisations ... well, basically When Armidale hope to be able to look Old Boys Rugby they can be the difference at a few other items on way Club was formed e in having a successful year our priority list. It all on back in 1982, no icity. or not, both on and off the depends upon funding, bl wanted to do pu can’ t fields. which is very hard to get s hi So I thought, “T y I have been around the nowadays. m t pu d an be too hard,” state and to Melbourne, One final thing is at role. It hand up to do th ly at and the Armidale and something to think about; on ia ed m t in was pr District Netball Association is there are many reasons ” e. ag st that used as an example of how a people play sport, no matter sporting organisation should be the age. There are also many run – they lead the state in things like reasons why people leave sport ... their Facebook page. It is a great thing and all the major concerns like no money, something I am proud of, and I know that the travel, parents work and kids cannot get there Netball Association is too. ... all those, but what about these two?

Are there any large sporting events being Getting in the car for the drive home and being held in the New England soon? berated by Mum or Dad – to the tune that the kids There are two big ones close together. The under 17 years just leave the sport. Dad says to women's vets state hockey titles; between 60 his son, “You should have done this or that; you and 70 teams will be in town to contest over 35, missed two tackles that cost your team the win. I 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 year age divisions, 26 - 28 pay good money for you to have a go – better get July. The good thing here is that New England up them next time!”... all those sorts of things. are defending title holders in over 35, 40, 45 Or you’re playing, doing your best, and your and over 50. The other is the Australian archery parents are getting up opposition players or the titles; they will be held in the centre of town from referees,“He's blind; he is just out of nappies – why 2 - 5 August at the Armidale sports ground. New is he or she refereeing? He is way too big to play Zealand competitors, as well as local competitors against my little bloke, get off him! All this will will attend, with around 100 of the best archers in make a kid turn off sport. town for this one.

Before you speak to your under 17 year old, just Plus, starting July 20 TAS will have visiting think, be positive, be constructive, and encourage schools playing up to 16 matches of rugby at the them to participate ... not p*ss them off so they do school. not play the game again.

Are there any plans for the future?

Thanks Steve.

“

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new england focus

13

focusinterview.

An d rew Mc C an n h a s rev ol ut i o ni se d hi s b u si n e s s , We b c e s sit y , an d introduced Nucleo to offer cost effective and better results for his clients.

A n d r e w

G

M c C a n n

ive us an insight into your business.

Nucleo is an evolution from my previous web design business, Webcessity. It became clear to me that our clients were looking for a holistic solution – that our clients did not want to deal with five different companies to help them market their business.

We were perhaps becoming too specialised, which meant we were lacking the ability to deliver a full solution to clients. By introducing Nucleo and by expanding our team and rethinking the business model, we have been able to boost the level of our service, quality of work and the gamut of our services. We are happier, because there is a clearer vision to the work we do, and clients find the model delivers better results more cost-effectively.

Unlike most agencies, we’re not ‘admin-heavy’.

We don’t have layers and layers of people to manage work; this means at Nucleo we can offer high quality service at a low cost.

What services do you offer?

Nucleo designs are for paper and pixels. We are a full-service creative agency, so that means we pretty well do anything in the creative and marketing space.

Our team of 12 all have specialist skills in branding, graphic design, web development, commerce, social media and strategic marketing.

In fact, we have just employed a specialist in search engine marketing that will reap huge benefits for

14 new england focus.

our clients. direction, which is what business is about. I am not Who can benefit from this business? sure if I ‘chose it’, but I am not looking back.

It is a clichéd answer, but we hope everyone. We Where can people find your business? are not looking at particular market segments or We are in the old Masonic Lodge at the corner trying to be elitist in creating Nucleo. of Faulkner Street and Beardy Street; our In fact, the most enjoyable jobs for entry is on the Barney Street side. It’s us tend to be projects for small a fantastic space and we have business. done the fit out ourselves – We have developed a which was hard work, but t Unlike mos business model that keeps t no re e’ great fun. w , agencies costs down, and we are t n’ do e W ’.

We welcome people vy ‘admin-hea definitely geared up for rs of ye la d an rs to drop in anytime; our ye have la jobs ranging from small work; e ag an m to le coffee is pretty good, and peop to big. All our staff are ucleo we this means at N we love a chat and to ality empowered to deal with can offer high qu st.” meet new people. co clients and produce work in service at a low Our website is the most cost-effective way Nucleo.com.au and we are possible. also contactable on Facebook Today, I know we are working as Nucleoarmidale and Twitter as on a few small logo designs, websites Nucleo_studio. and we are also continuing on a very Plans for the future? large commerce project for a global sporting In the immediate future we’re just looking at company, so it really is ‘no job too big or small’ consolidating after a period of rapid growth. We business. have implemented some interesting cloud based What made you choose this profession?

I have always been a passionate software collaborative tools to help manage our work and programmer and enjoyed working in the web improve efficiency. Our software solution, sqimple, development space as it has evolved. To be honest, is now ready and will start powering more online I never imagined I would be a CEO of a creative stores and websites over the coming months. The agency even just a year ago. We have really just longer term vision is to establish small offices in been listening to our clients and morphed into Brisbane and Sydney. this as kind of a natural progression as the right Thanks Andrew.

“

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Phone: Phone: Phone:02 02 026651 6651 66511929 1929 1929IIIwww.thesummitatcoffs.com.au www.thesummitatcoffs.com.au www.thesummitatcoffs.com.au Phone: Phone: Phone:02 02 026651 6651 66511929 1929 1929IIIwww.thesummitatcoffs.com.au www.thesummitatcoffs.com.au www.thesummitatcoffs.com.au new england focus 15

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Meet Dr Mansoor A family friendly lifestyle, a strong teaching and academic culture and the opportunity to be part of work to strengthen Armidale’s medical services were all major factors behind a move to Armidale for new Armidale Hospital Director of Medical Services Dr Max Mansoor.

D

r Mansoor, or Dr Max as he is known Dr Mansoor said doctor recruitment will by his patients, arrived in Armidale also hinge on academic opportunities provided earlier this year, trading Queensland through the University of New England. humidity for Armidale’s four seasons.

“Many of our existing doctors, and those In his Director role, Dr Mansoor works with looking at Armidale as a career option, are keen hospital staff and partnering organisations to to spend more time teaching and in research,” strengthen the hospital’s clinical services. His Dr Mansoor said. priority in the short-term is to attract a full “Opportunities to work with the university complement of staff specialist doctors to the were an extra attraction when I was looking hospital to enhance the stability of local services to move to Armidale. I now hold an adjunct and provide clinical leadership to hospital staff. appointment at the University of New England “We have been successful in attracting School of Health. By moving to Armidale I’m specialists in the past six months, and we’re curable to work as a GP, continue health service rently in the process of recruiting a few more to management in my role with Armidale Hospital complete the full complement of specialists,” Dr and be involved in developing a new curriculum Mansoor said. for a Master’s degree in Health Services “Part of the strategy is to Management. promote Armidale as a place “For me, there were many reafor cosmopolitan friendly sons to come and work in Arid lifestyle, a centre for edumidale. I’m sure many other “ Dr Mansoor sa cation and the natural doctors will find a move to t doctor recruitmen beauty of the region.

Armidale as rewarding as I will also hinge “Armidale has its have.” ic em ad unique strengths and opA GP by trade, Dr on ac ” ... portunities – we just have Mansoor also contributes to opportunities to let the right doctors Armidale’s GP services, seeing know what we have on ofpatients through the Integral fer to enhance their lifestyles.”

Health Medical Practice.

Dr Mansoor said enhanced Dr Mansoor started his GP career relationships forged through the New in Tasmania before working throughout England Health Alliance are the key to rerural Australia. He later obtained a Masters cruiting, supporting and retaining a strong in Health Planning from the University of NSW workforce and services in Armidale. and took up the position of Deputy Director of “Local organisations, including Armidale Medical Services for the former Southern Area Hospital, the New England Medicare Local, UniHealth Service in the 1990s. He then became versity of New England and Armidale Dumaresq Medical Manager of Mental Health Services Council, are all working together as part of the with the former Hunter Area Health Service, in Alliance to action a clear strategy to continue Newcastle. the efforts we’ve already invested in recruitment During his career he also sat on the Federal this year.

Australian Medical Association Council of Gen“As well as recruiting staff specialists, it’s eral Practitioners. Most recently he was Director important we recognise the role of local GPs of Medical Services at Mackay Base Hospital, in providing quality patient care,” Dr Mansoor before he and his family made the move to said. “Involving GPs in hospital services, and Armidale.

“We are loving lifestyle in Armidale,” Dr Manensuring hospital and primary healthcare sersoor said. “It’s a pretty place with a lot to offer vices work together in a team culture, we can – we believe we’ve made the right choice.” provide better outcomes for our patients.”

16 new england focus.

focusupdate

Video OF THE

2:02

MONTH

Watch on your smartphone

VIDEO BY: CSIRO. ABOUT: CSIRO and the University of New England have set up a demonstration Smart Farm in Armidale, NSW, to investigate and demonstrate the impact of broadband and related digital services for Australia’s rural sector.

WATCH AT: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WX2PR3fJHg

Image of the month.

LOCAL

“This photo was taken whilst on a road trip through the lesser known areas of the New England. The afternoon light was spot on when I drove through Wollun, and I just had to set up the film loaded Fuji and take this shot.”

Photo by: Jon Clay. Camera: Fuji GW690II on Kodak TMax 100

READ

Title. In Great Spirits.

Author. Archie Barwick.

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

This diary is simply a treasure – vivid, alive, compelling. His description of the war is by turns down-to-earth, horrifying, illuminating, funny, touching and terribly sad. Yet his voice and personality shine through. In his diary, Archie describes someone as being “merry & bright & never downhearted”, and this could be a description of Archie himself.

with Robert Gasparre from Armidale Farmers’ Market

Archie Barwick was a WWI soldier and Croix de Guerre recipient who settled in Armidale after the war and raised a family. He died in 1966 and is buried in Armidale Available to buy at Amazon, iBookstore and on Google Play. Search ‘In Great Spirits’.

WH

Promote your local book or EP. Send us the details to editor@focusmag.com.au

AT ’ S I N

CORIANDER

Coriander is a wonderful example of how a delicate, fresh herb can grow vigorously throughout the winterr chill; unharmed by frost, they go their merry way. Having an Asian heritage, it is a plant that is very abundant and enjoys repeat picking.

The seeds are large and aromatic and also used in cooking.

I am currently using coriander that has sprung ung up in my rows of garlic. Together with other er wonderful weeds, including Bok Choy, Wild d Rocket (not Aragula), parsley, baby lettuce and juicy young perpetual spinach, my weeds eds combine to make an interesting salad.

Full of vitamins and minerals, coriander willl always add a unique aroma to the kitchen.

WHERE

The Armidale Farmer’s Market is on the first and third Sunday of every month in Curtis Park. For more information visit www.armidalemarket.com

focusreview.

with Jeff Cowan

local dr p.

Deetswood Cabernet Merlot 2011

Sometimes all you’re after is a supple and soft drop like this delicious Cabernet Merlot. With a generous nose of perfumed spice followed by sweet stewed berries on the palate, this dusty wine develops nicely with some aeration. There is an enjoyable mild mint chocolate finish, both smooth and savoury. Another winter pleaser from Deetswood.

GOES WITH: BBQ lamb rack or vintage cheeses.

COST: $20.

AVAILABLE: Select wine shops and restaurants, cellar door or online at www.deetswoodwines.com.au

new england focus 17

18 new england focus.

new england focus

19

focuseditorial.

I N M E M O RY O F

... the love new parents have for their baby is something I never tire of seeing.

Studio 22 Photography.

M E E T L E A N DA F RO M S T U D I O 2 2 P H O T O G R A P H Y

How long have you been a professional photographer?

I’ve always had a strong interest in the Visual Arts and 4 years ago, with the encouragement of my husband and a good friend, I started Studio 22 Photography.

Who do you photograph?

I specialise in photographing families with newborn babies and young children. Photographing clients as they anticipate the arrival of their new baby in a few weeks’ time is always exciting. And it’s a real privilege to be invited into their homes during the first few precious days with their new baby. Seeing the love new parents have for their baby is something I never tire of seeing. Capturing the, sometimes priceless, expressions of older siblings as they interact with their new baby brother or sister is also wonderful.

Plans for the future?

I’m excited to be among the select few professional photographers in Australia who now offer birth photography.

It’s something I’m very passionate about, so it feels like the perfect addition to the sessions I currently offer. Watching the expressions on my clients’ faces when they see their images for the first time is just the icing on the cake!

H A N N A' S WO U L D L I K E T O AC K N OW L E D G E T H E C O N T R I B U T I O N O F J U N E T H O M P S O N. JUNE THOMPSON came to Armidale with her late husband, Allan, in 1966. June and Allan opened their curtain making business in 1974. June later commenced work exclusively with Hanna’s in 1993 as a seamstress, dress maker and curtain maker. In the last 5 years she operated her alterations business at Hanna’s Department Store. June was a devoted member of the St. Mary's west Armidale Anglican church.

She was a member of Probus public speaking group, a local representative of the Australian board of missions, and the St Mary’s representative to the St Peter's parish council. June and her husband were also involved

in work for the national trust at Saumerez Homestead. They organised 5 holiday trips by bus during the 1990s. June is survived by her 2 sons, David and Andrew, her daughter, Allison, and her 5 grandchildren and 4 great grand children, who all reside outside Armidale.

Hanna’s department store and the Hanna family would like to take this opportunity to thank June Thompson for her many years of loyal service. Her company brought a smile to our faces. She created a sense of community and family with her warm, gentle nature and kindness to everyone. She was a true inspiration and a great example to us all.

focuseditorial.

WHEN ONLY THE BEST WILL DO

C

lose to historic Anglican and Catholic churches and just a stone’s throw from Town Beach, Mercure Centro hotel is ideally located offering luxury accommodation and premium reception facilities, making it the perfect venue for any style of wedding celebration.

As Port Macquarie’s newest hotel, the spacious function rooms present a sleek and contemporary setting and provide a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. The Waterline function room gives guests the option to rendezvous inside or celebrate alfresco out on the terrace.

Alternatively, you may choose to astonish your guests with our rooftop setting. This breathtaking space offers panoramic city and water views and provides a stunning backdrop for your photography.

The Mercure Centro rooftop reception room offers a venue that is different to the traditional style, with indoor/outdoor areas which are fully air conditioned for both heating and cooling.

Once a reception booking has been confirmed, the bride-tobe will be assigned a dedicated wedding venue coordinator to ensure that they have professional help at their finger tips. Our wedding packages are designed to assist you in creating the perfect wedding.

We are also able to tailor our packages to suit your requirements, whether cocktail style, banquet or buffet, and we have the desire and ability to meet your personal style and wishes.

We also offer a Wedding Ceremony facility in case of inclement weather, or just because you like it best! A Mercure Centro wedding – limited only by your imagination!

the plug! www.centrohotel.com.au events@centrohotel.com.au 20

new england focus.

(02) 6583 0830

A MERCURE CENTRO WEDDING – LIMITED ONLY BY YOUR IMAGINATION!

focuseditorial.

The New England Regional Art Museum will open six new exhibitions at their Gala Exhibition Opening on 9 August at 6pm, with everyone welcome to attend.

P

rint Circle exhibition, The Sheltering Tree, celebrates artworks by a diverse group of Sydney printmakers. The Print Circle was established in 1970 by a small group of women artists based at the Workshop Arts Centre in Willoughby in Sydney.

The aim was to break new ground in the printmaking media – while also acting as a support group for women printmakers. The Sheltering Tree is inspired by the trees in the landscape, part of a beautiful and fragile ecosystem and one that invites our support as it supports us, to the tree as a sacred object, the life force or the mother, and the wider support systems in our lives of personal relationships.

In Drawn through the Year, artist Pam French shares with us a ‘visual intimacy’ of her diary drawings and paintings from 2012. Drawing most days was a challenge she set herself: “My discipline to draw gave me time out to look – my most valued lesson in the year.” These are quick drawings, in ink, pen and wa-

tercolour, from places visited, the studio and family life.

The exhibitions Sensory Visions and Yellow both feature artworks from NERAM’s Permanent Collections to stimulate all our senses. Sensory Visions explores just how a dusty road, an icy abstract and the sound of a song trigger associations that can stimulate our emotions and memories.

The colour yellow conjures up images of warmth and the smell of fruit and flowers, yellow Daffodils, butter and sunshine. The Hinton, Coventry and NERAM collections include diverse paintings and works on paper which include the colour or idea of yellow. From the warmth of John Coburn’s Mellow Yellow to the luscious colour of Nora Heysen’s Quinces, the exhibition Yellow will brighten your day!

Creating Memories is an innovative intergenerational project co-created by students from Armidale High School working with Digital Media artist Laszlo Szabo and participants from Autumn

Lodge Retirement Village. This exhibition invites audiences to experience how younger and older generations whose shared stories and co-created memories have been captured using the medium of film, photography and mixed media.

Everyone is welcome to come along and experience these six new exciting exhibitions.

Exhibition Dates: Print Circle: The Sheltering Tree (9 August-20 October); Permanent Collections: Sensory Visions and Yellow (9 August – 10 November); Creating Memories; Pamela French: Drawn through the Year (9 August – 15 September).

the plug!

NERAM Opening Hours: Tuesday - Friday (10am-5pm), Saturday - Sunday (10am- 4pm) For more information: www.neram.com.au

focuseditorial.

N E W E N G L A N D Lifestyle.

O

ne of the special lifestyle features of the New England and Granite Belt region is its four distinct seasons: mild summers, colourful autumns, winters with occasional snow that call for a crackling fire, and blossoming springs.

And, centred around the cities and towns of Tamworth, Uralla, Armidale, Guyra, Glen Innes, Tenterfield and Stanthorpe, our region has plenty to offer in the way of facilities, services, events and attractions. www.rurallifestyleforsale.com is a locally developed website that assists sellers to promote the seasonality and unique lifestyle features of their rural or

Special lifestyle property in a very To list your property, visit introductory pricing starts neat and effective way. It www.rurallifestyleforsale. at just $110. also assists buyers from anycom and click through to where in the world to find the the ‘List With Us’ page. Folrural lifestyle property they’ve low the prompts to insert your been dreaming of! listing information, upload your Properties listed may be ‘for sale by photographs and pay for your chosen owner’, or for sale through an agent – listing type using Paypal. It’s that easy! the site promotes both. Special introducFor more information, please call tory pricing starts at just $110 until sold!

Karen on 0427 473 706. new england focus 21

New England

The Love Boat cocktail from The New England Brasserie.

eat. Dining Guide is available for iPhone & Android mobiles. www.focusmag.com.au/eat 22 new england focus focus.

eat.

Prue & Olive

The Whitebull Hotel Steakhouse Restaurant

Prue & Olive has always had a great reputation. I wanted to maintain Prue & Olive’s reputation for great food but add more of a ‘can do’ customer service approach and bring a friendly, community spirit into play. I had no experience running a café – just a dream to make every customer’s experience a warm, welcoming one and treat them to a wonderful, fresh, simple menu with plenty of choice and great coffee to match. Finally, I believe I’ve struck the right mix:

The award winning Whitebull Hotel Restaurant has a cosy double fire and lounge, creating a romantic atmosphere for a ‘special’ dinner with that ‘special’ person in your life. Renowned for its full flavoured meals, using quality local products where available. Serving mouthwatering steaks that are second to none, including the ‘BULL’ Hereford Prime Scotch Fillet Steak on the Bone (min size 500 grams). Reasonable prices, served by happy and helpful staff, and boasting a great selection of local wines, Premium Penfold wines and a selection of bubbles so that your life is ‘NEVER’ flat.

• 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’ and customers are our business.

• A fantastic new coffee, and many hours spent practicing to achieve consistently good results.

And for any celebration, to watch a sporting event or a conference where you require a private space, then our upstairs private function room can cater for your needs, having a private bar, comfy leather lounges and access to the outside verandah.

Prue & Olive’s commitment is to create a special experience and offer a delicious menu and specials.

Shop 2/ 14 Moore St, Armidale t 6772 6262

117 Marsh Street, Armidale t 6772 3833 open Monday to Saturday from 10am, until late.

Sunday opening times are from 11am until 10pm.

open Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm. Sat: 8am-2pm.

Every second Sun of the month for high tea: 10am-2pm

New England Hotel

Café Midale

HEAD CHEF “Mike Dean” and his team introduces a menu reflecting simple fresh flavours and favourites.

Café Midale is located in the heart of the Armidale Mall.

Choose from our extensive breakfast and lunch menu, in which local produce is always used. Local produce also influences our daily specials board.

Utilising familiar core ingredients, fresh, classic and traditional flavours and focus is on taste and consistency.

A selection of Napoli style pizza, Premium meats for the grill.

Small to Large share plates inc: “12 hour slow roast salt bush lamb shoulder” or as starter “Braised ox-tail pithivier with parsnip puree, dutch carrots, broad beans, kale & bull’s blood” to share “NZ King Salmon Carpaccio with avocado mousse, cucumber, snow pea tendrils, radish, pomegranate & lime dressing”.

The ability to identify with our food and hope that all our dishes are both satisfying and morish.

196 Beardy Street, Armidale t 6772 1004 w www.thenewenglandhotel.com.au open 7 Days. Lunch and Dinner.

Be delighted with the range of sweets, desserts, tea coffee, frappes and smoothies and more!

Come in and meet us.

Enjoy a coffee outdoors.

173 Beardy Street, The Centre Mall, Armidale t 6771 4414 open Mon-Fri, 7.30am til 4.30pm Sat-Sun 8am til 2pm.

new england focus 23

focusinterview.

Cafe Midale Maree Burr tells FOCUS about about her latest venture as the new owner of Café Midale. hat prompted you to buy Café Midale?

I started working in this industry at Jessie’s Restaurant in 1986. During the years which followed, I business and community, because in turn they have worked in all areas of the hospitality insupport us. dustry, from washing dishes to restaurant and Describe your menu? function management. It has always been a When creating our menu we aimed to move thought in the back of my mind of owning and away from mass produced and frozen food running my own business, and when the in favour of fresh home made on opportunity for Café Midale came the premises, such as our cakes, up this year, it was at the right time. I decided to go for it scones and slices. Our caramel and have not looked back.

Wherever possible slice is very popular and seems we like to support Tell us about your staff? to always be on the baking local business When looking for staff, list. This allows us the flexibiland community, we were looking for ity to cater to our customers’ because in turn they people who took pride and requirements or any special support us. ownership in what they do – requests or suggestions. otherwise, it simply would not Café Midale's menu offers a work. The team we have at Café selection of gluten free, vegetarian Midale each bring their own qualiand low carb options. ties and are enthusiastic about it. They have Plans for the future? a genuine commitment and love of providing Café Midale is somewhat of an Armidale great food, great coffee and service. institution. I remember going there when it Melissa is our Chief Barista and has been first opened. Now the mantle has been passed with Café Midale for 15 years, and she truly on to me, and I would like to continue to is the queen of making coffee; it helps she is improve on the positive work already in place also a family member of mine. Our two Chefs, for in house and catering customers, while also Adam and Levi, have great experience behind adding my own touch. them and they complement each other’s Our mission is to ensure our customers are strengths brilliantly in the kitchen, and this happy and to provide great food, great coffee shows in their food. and service with a smile.

Do you source your produce locally?

Thanks Maree.

Wherever possible we like to support local

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Locals 4 Locals There is a real sense of community amongst the members of Locals 4 Locals, a desire to give something back - but this is not always easy.

To enable local business to support the community business needs to be prosperous, and Locals 4 Locals are not going to die wondering. t has been tough for businesses after twelve years of drought in regional New South Wales and then the Global Financial Crisis.

The struggle though, has brought a group of like-minded business owners and managers together, in a new organisation called Locals 4 Locals. There are now over 50 members who are campaigning to promote the positive impact that member businesses have in the community, through grassroots support of charities, sports and a broad range of groups and events.

You can make a difference by supporting businesses which display the Locals 4 Locals logo or poster. They are encouraging consumers, businesses and organisations to think twice about how and where they choose to spend their money.

Locals 4 Locals was founded by current President, Greg Jackson of Jackson’s Quality Meats.

"Our motto is 'Show support for local community, by supporting your local businesses. Locals 4 Locals’! The branding of businesses that are Locals 4 Locals with a clear logo makes it clear that in choosing them, you're supporting a local who is there for locals – simple as that," he said.

Mr Jackson explained what prompted Locals 4 Locals. "In recent years, I've been watching how businesses were really being affected by online trading, with the popularity of online stores and the eBay phenomenon. Then, you've got itinerant traders and the local operations sourcing goods direct from outside the region. It all drags money out of the area. It does not simply affect individual local businesses; it diminishes the local economy as a whole."

Locals 4 Locals is about increasing the percentage of dollars that stay in the economy of the Armidale area.

"We estimate that if you spend $100 in town, you would probably have about a 70 percent chance that the money would circulate through the town and support the community. If you spend the same dollar in,

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say, Tamworth, you may have about a 20 percent chance of it coming back to the Armidale community. If you spend your money in Sydney or Brisbane, you can probably work on a 1 or 2 percent chance and if you buy overseas, the money has not only gone from Armidale, it has gone from the country altogether," Mr Jackson said.

"The challenges businesses face have increased, but the level of requests from the community for our (charitable) support has not," he said. "In the past 18 months, my business alone has handed out over 48 separate sponsorships.

"The owners, managers and staff in this area are proud of the role that their business plays in their community. It is rewarding for us to help get jerseys on kids in a sporting team or contribute to charities that benefit locals in times of need, like the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. Locals 4 Locals is saying to the community 'think about supporting the businesses that support you'," Mr Jackson said."Of course, we understand that the consumer has the right to spend their money how and where they see fit. We just want to keep the message out there about the flow-on benefits of giving a local a go.

When you shop at a multinational, do you ask for a discount? Do you get the personal service and attention you should? What if you are in need of some support for your sporting club or school fete? Are they able to help?

"I've heard so many stories: of people trying on clothes in a unique, home-grown store just so they get the size right when they buy online, of local butchers who have been called on in a pinch when a regular out-oftown supplier fails to deliver, of retailers giving their time to educate a customer about the technical specifications of a product only to be asked to match an online price, of local businesses asked to service often inferior or ill-fitting things bought online or elsewhere – and they go on. You can imagine how these kinds of practices make the local business people feel, when they do so much for their

community," Mr Jackson said.

JOIN NOW AND BE AMONG THE LOCALS 4 LOCALS If any local business people would like to join the Locals 4 Locals team, they can either ring or contact Greg Jackson at Jackson’s Quality Meats, Di Johnston at Armidale Toys or ask a participating business that displays the logo. Additionally, more information and a form for membership can be found on the website: www.locals4locals.com.au Membership entails an annual fee, which covers Locals 4 Locals' marketing and promotions.

Andrew Korsch from MyCar Sound and Communications: "We joined because we had a lot of people coming in and asking for sponsorships. We've supported a lot of things like Ronald McDonald House, APEX and Rotary. A lot more people are buying online these days. Internet sellers can sell products a lot cheaper than a shop, which has rent, electricity, wages and other costs to account for. We think it is important to highlight the flow-on benefits of shopping locally, such as the personal service and what we put back into the community," he said.

Mr Korsch reiterated that the Locals 4 Locals message is aimed at businesses and organisations, not just private shoppers. "If all the businesses in town can source the goods and services that they need locally, wherever possible, then that will make a difference," he said. "More businesses involved in Locals 4 Locals will help to get the message out, through their staff and regulars."

Locals 4 Locals has produced an unexpected spin-off. It has strengthened and demonstrated the unity, akin to team spirit, that exists in the Armidale business sector. "It shows that a lot of businesses are aware of what's happening, that they are supportive of each other, as they all try to do the right thing for the community," Mr Korsch said.

"Many young people get their first job in retail. It's very important for the community to have these jobs available. If people keep putting the bottom line first, above all, then

those jobs will keep declining and might not exist for our kids and grandchildren. Beyond the wages, the work experience from a local business can mean so much more, in terms of the insights, the one-on-one training and the sense of community. There is a broad cross-section of businesses involved in Locals 4 Locals. I hope to see even more sign up.

The more we have on board, the better we can support and educate each other and the community. In many cases, people don't even know that a local supplier exists or that their prices are competitive. The fact that dealing with a local will involve superior service and convenience should be clear to anyone," he said.

COORDINATOR TO REVITALISE THE CITY Locals 4 Locals is raising public awareness of the benefits of shopping locally. Their commitment to restoring confidence in the local retail sector received a boost recently when Armidale Dumaresq Council voted unanimously to contribute $20,000 towards the employment of a CBD Coordinator by Locals 4 Locals. This new role will be working with all stakeholders to promote Armidale and to increase pedestrian traffic in the CBD through activities and events.

Project Manager, Economic Development Tourism and Marketing for Armidale Dumaresq Council, Harold Ritch, said, “We have a beautiful city, wonderful boutique shopping and a variety of businesses which would be the envy of most regional centres. We need to be strategic in how we sell our story and how we encourage people to visit and participate. This project is exciting, and Locals 4 Locals is ideally placed to manage the new CBD Coordinators role.”

Look for the sign that identifies a Locals 4 locals business and says: • It’s a locally owned Business.

• It’s employing Locals.

• It’s supporting Local charities.

• It’s supporting Local fund raisers.

• It’s supporting the Local schools.

• It’s supporting Local sporting groups.

• It’s supporting Local special interest groups.

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Aging Gracefully.

Time takes its toll on the human body in different ways, and skin is no exception. In fact, the effects of excessive exposure of fair skin to the harsh Australian sun compounds the effects of aging. nitially, the changes are noted on the surface as blotchy, pigmented marks and fine blood vessels on the face. Later, skin begins to thin and sag due to collagen in the dermis (deeper part of skin) losing substance and the thinning of the fat layer beneath the skin.

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Facial Rejuvenation is now well established, using skin care and protection as well as lasers and surgical methods as the basic building blocks.

Skin care is a must and refers to adequate moisturising of skin and avoidance of the use of drying agents including some soaps and cosmetics. Skin protection is the use of suitable clothes and sunblocks and the avoidance of overexposure to the sun.

‘PhotoThermoLysis’ (photo+light/thermal=heat/ lysis=destroy) is the principle by which lasers work to rejuvenate skin. Both ‘skin peeling’ and ‘non skin peeling’ methods are available and PhotoThermoLysis produces new collagen, with a resultant increase in skin

e in the sagging of sk kin. In tone (firmness) and a decrease skin. addition, the skin looks and feels better too. ic ‘Dermal filters’ are injections used to place synthetic collagen in the dermis and are appropriate for softening facial lines and grooves; in effect, this temporarily reproduces the effects of the laser treatment.

Surgical methods of facial Skin care is a rejuvenation have become more to must and refers sophisticated over the years, g in uris adequate moist nce of with the emphasis more on da oi av d an in of sk agents restoration rather than removal ng yi the use of dr aps so e m and/or tightening. In a facelift so including s.” ic et sm operation, where previously skin and co removal and tightening were the mainstays, now there is much less removal and much more restoration of tissues to the original site, reducing the effects of sagging and stretch.

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Christine Perrott has written a book, aptly named Patient Fortitude, about the eight months she spent at the bedside of her gravely ill husband, Roy ... the ordeals, the set backs and the lighter moments. In the book she details her decision to take him home and help him to walk again, against medical advice. After ten more months of hard work, they succeeded against all the odds.

Daily R Ritual has moved!

CHRISTINE P E R R O T T

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hat inspired you to write Patient Fortitude, and how did you find a publisher?

A supportive medico friend urged me to do so, because of the story’s potential to illustrate for health professionals the feelings and experiences of patients and carers and to look beyond the clinical and medical side of things. I also believed it was a good story with a heartening side to it, despite the pain and illness. Good human emotions like love and courage are celebrated through what happens.

Finding a publisher is difficult. I sought out memoirs in bookshops and book reviews and noted the publishers. Then I found their websites and, if they accepted unsolicited manuscripts, followed their instructions.

Some required one chapter, others more, and all wanted a biography and a prĂŠcis of the book. I received lots of refusals, but my conviction that it was a good story kept me trying. Eventually Sid Harta Publishers accepted. This process took nearly as long as writing the book!

You spent eight months with your husband while he was in hospital. How did you manage?

It was hard ... VERY hard. We have cousins in Tamworth where I stayed so I had a supportive base and a home to return to every night. Our Armidale friends visited us, usually coming by train. I bought a mobile phone, which I’d avoided until then.

I learnt how to text, so I had constant contact and support, especially from our family who don’t live locally. They nevertheless made the effort to come and see us, and the grandchildren sent lots of drawings which we used to decorate the hospital room along with all the get well cards. Never downplay the importance of sending greetings and good wishes to people in distressing circumstances, because I can vouch for its strengthening effects.

What were some of the most difficult hurdles you had to overcome?

One difficult hurdle was negotiating the hospital’s inflexibility about visiting hours.

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Roy could not feed himself at first, so I had a battle to help at breakfasts. I had to be there for other meals also, because the staff are so pressed for time they usually can’t spend it feeding patients.

Another hurdle was dealing with stress and anxiety and fear of what would be the next bad news from the doctors – often not delivered very gently, either! Sometimes you feel as though you’re reeling from one crisis to another.

One of the biggest hurdles, however, wed involved having to insist that Roy be allowed nto to come home on discharge and not go into a care facility.

When the Specialist congratulated Roy on his amazing resilience, Roy replied, �Well, Christine wouldn’t let me go�. This had the outcome of a personal battle or hurdle for me with wondering and worrying whether I’d done the right thing in this – especially when it was predicted he’d never walk again.

What advice do you have for other carers coping with someone enduring a long stay in hospital?

It is important to address the anxiety problem. One thing I did was to keep a daily journal. It was like a best friend and didn’t even answer back! Actually, it was because of this that I was able to write Patient Fortitude and be sure it is an authentic memoir and not written from possibly unreliable memory.

I made myself have a daily afternoon rest back at the cousins’, usually at the same time as the hospital rest time. During the many waiting times, like when Roy was in Theatre or at the Fracture Clinic for attention to a plaster cast, I’d knit. I made 5 garments, and at least two beanies! If you don’t knit, do some other favourite pastime: sketch; write letters; embroider or do tapestry; write poetry; do crosswords, or whatever. Also, try to lighten up like we did while we were at the hospital for Christmas. I wrapped inexpensive small presents and placed them under a little tree in a pot. We gave a ‘pot luck pick’ to everyone on the staff who came into our room over the Christmas period,

A Story of Love, Courage and Support amidst Incomprehensible and Sometimes Insensitive Institutional Behaviour

Daily Rit Ritual has moved to a beautiful new space on Dangar Stree Street! With a more airy feel than the previous space, our n new shop allows us to stock all of the same great products and more around the walls within easy access and eyesight.

Whilst creating a modern space, we have still managed to maintain a quiet and relaxing yet inviting environment for our customers to sit and enjoy their coffee.

and they opened them there and then then. Fun! You need to look after your own health because you are no use if sick – routine hours, decent and nutritious meals, some recreation; for example, go to the movies.

You took on a great challenge helping Roy walk again. How did you both manage, and do you feel your decision was the right one?

We managed this by working together on a demanding exercise regime – something every day, even if it had to be while Roy was in bed. A Physiotherapist and a Remedial Therapist gave assistance and advice when we asked. We agreed that even if walking could not be achieved, Roy needed to build his strength and body mobility. His muscles had disappeared, and he came home rather like a rag doll. This is why it was definitely the right decision.

Would you do anything differently if you had to experience it all over again?

I’d try to be less crabby after Roy came home and not on a short fuse so much.

However, exhaustion, stress and the constancy of being a carer 24/7 makes it hard.

Actually, there is not much to be gained from thinking like this. Stuff happens, and you deal with it the best you can at the time.

Patient Fortitude is available at bookstores and from the author, C. Perrott, phone: 6771 4828. email: rahandc@bigpond.com

Here at Daily Ritual we still have our huge selection of over 160 different loose leaf teas and our award winning range of coffee blends to choose from. We cater for all of your coffee and tea necessities, from plungers to novelty tea infusers, Nespresso machines and pods, high quality hand-made Japanese teapots, tea caddies and any other accessory you may need. We have excitingly added a new line of gorgeous hand-made Ninas chocolates as well, which are tantalisingly tempting to treat yourself alongside a coffee, or treat a loved one with a beautiful and unique gift.

Soon we will be introducing a huge chocolate menu, allowing our customers to indulge in some chocolaty, yummy and decadent treats. We are also planning on elaborating our food menu, introducing some gourmet styled paninis to fill that spot at brekky or lunch time. Our new shop is open 5 ½ days, with extended hours later in the afternoon with a 5pm close.

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SportUNE ... family fitness Armidale is home to SportUNE, one of the top university sporting precincts in Australia.

Located at the University of New England (UNE), our facilities rival our city cousins when it comes to sporting and fitness opportunities for the whole family.

SportUNE is open to everyone. Approximately half of our memberships are community, and our classes and facilities are designed to suit all ages and types – from swimming lessons for the kids in our indoor heated pool to Mobility Plus classes for seniors. We also offer over 40 group fitness classes each week, as well as men’s and women’s 4-week StartUp fitness programs.

Natural Treatments Jo Neilson Acupuncturist What prompted you to open your business? My family moved to Armidale just over a year ago from Sydney. We saw numerous advantages to raising our children in a regional centre. Not long after arriving, I started my clinic in Armidale. I have been practicing Acupuncture for close to fifteen years and have enjoyed every minute of it.

How long have you owned Groves Natural Therapy? We established GNT 10 years ago. Having separate practices, we integrated our clinics to form GNT in 2003, both sharing the same passion to provide a service to help people achieve their health goals and address their health issues. With over 15 years of experience in Brisbane treating all manner of complaints and symptoms, we now offer this service to the New England area.

Tell us about your services? We offer Naturopathy, Nutrition and Herbal Medicine. Through consultation you gain awareness about your current symptoms, while addressing the underlining cause. Common symptoms we regularly see are: bloating, indigestion, cravings, poor memory, chronic fatigue, colds and flu, IBS, PMT, insomnia, acne and eczema. We use different modalities and tests such as: pathology, hair tissue mineral analysis, Hemaview – live blood screening, iridology, rayid and Bioimpedance analysis (Healthy Aging Program). When symptoms and underlining deficiencies are balanced, your body can return to a healthy state.

Our members are very important to us and we want to ensure that they continue to get the best service possible from SportUNE. We also know how essential a little motivation can be – particularly if it’s from a partner, so we’ve made it easier for family members to train together. If one person joins, the additional members of the immediate family will get 20% off their membership fees*. This is a special deal for community members only.

Tell us about your services and personal rewards you gain from your business? I practice Acupuncture from the Han Dynasty (206BC - 220Ad). This was a particularly fertile period in the evolution of Acupuncture. My tools of the trade are very simply needles and moxibustion, which is a herb we burn near a persons skin. These tools allow me to treat a huge variety of conditions. For most people, an acupuncture treatment is a very relaxing experience.

SportUNE memberships offer great value, and from a little over $10 week, members have unlimited access to group fitness classes, the indoor heated pool and our strength and conditioning gym.

It gives me enormous pleasure to help a person feel better. After fifteen years of practice, not a day goes by that I am not bewildered by the efficacy of this system of medicine.

Plans for the future? To develop educational programs for groups to learn health and wellbeing practices.

SportUNE offers you an easy and fun sporting and fitness experience, and a great place to help you and your family achieve a more balanced lifestyle. Check us out at sportune.com.au or call on 02 6773 3856. *Conditions apply.

Plans for the future? I recently got back from the USA, where I completed my Bikram Yoga Teacher Training. I plan on opening a Bikram Hot Yoga School in Armidale in the near future. I believe that combining the Acumoxa and the hot yoga will make it possible to achieve some brilliant health changes.

To hold regular talks on health in Armidale on children’s issues, women’s health and lifestyle recommendations. The next talk is on ‘health and detoxification’ at Kent House on Saturday 21 September from 1pm - 2.30pm. Cost is $15 - please call Nadine or Brendon on 6775 2567 to book.

fitness... the core to wellbeing

ZHHN ÀWQHVV start up programs on now mens & womens classes

sportune.com.au

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New England Girls’ School (NEGS) has a long history dating back to 1895, with boarding an integral feature of the history and character of the school. As one of the larger boarding institutions in NSW, it attracts a number of students from Sydney keen to harness the perfect balance of academic excellence within a beautiful regional environment. We speak with two of the six Sydney boarders currently residing at NEGS.

Simonne Sakker & Georgia Everingham Why boarding at NEGS provides fabulous opportunities ...

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imonne, why did you choose NEGS? Prior to NEGS I had attended a large private girl’s school on the North Shore, and it was just too big. My older sister had been to NEGS and while she excelled academically, she also had a wonderful time boarding. She described it as the best experience of her life and how it had opened up so many opportunities for her, so I guess I was keen for the same experience.

How do you think it compares academically to Sydney schools?

I have found it to be a vast improvement because the classes are so much smaller, and I am already doing far better at NEGS than my previous school. I also find there is less distraction, as we have quite strict routines.

Facebook and other distractions are monitored, and the compulsory study times and prep are really beneficial.

The teachers are really eager to help and I feel with a smaller class I am more likely to put my hand up and ask questions, whereas before I was quite intimidated.

Last year my sister won a scholarship to a musical theatre school in LA, and a huge part of this was due to the skill and encouragement from her amazing singing and music teachers here at NEGS. Do regional schools have an advantage over their city counterparts?

Well, I do know that the students and teachers are really friendly and everyone is so nice, you really become aware of this having lived in a larger city like Sydney. I feel I am noticed more and people are more interested.

NEGS has a really strong school community, and the boarding school is a big contributor to this.

What are the pros for boarding?

It definitely gives me more independence. I have to look after myself a lot more, I do my own washing, keep my room tidy and I’m responsible for my homework. I love being with my friends; you become so close and I know that the friends I make and the skills I learn

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will forever be a part of me. My confidence has really concentrate on your studies and focus on riding at the increased and I think the school really strives to teach the same time. girls the tools to becoming independent young women.

Were you nervous?

For me, it has been a step forward and definitely the At first I was really scared but it only took me 2 weeks right decision so far. to feel 100% settled in, and I haven’t felt homesick at Georgia Everingham is a Year 12 boarder, all. The very first weekend I started, the Year 11 girls having started at NEGS in 2012. asked me to the movies; they were so welcoming, so it From Sans Souci to Armidale: What was easy to make the transition into boarding. brought you to NEGS? In terms of life experiences, what I have always had a strong does boarding have to offer? er st interest in the agricultural and si y Boarding is an incredible m Last year p hi rs equine areas and was tossing la ho confi dence builder. I am so much sc won a e tr ea up between several regional th more independent than I was 18 al ic to a mus ge hu a d an , schools but when I toured LA months ago and am now much in school due to the as w is NEGS and saw their stateth of less reliant on my parents. Before rt pa agement of-the-art equestrian centre, if I was ringing up to buy a new skill and encour singing g my mind was made up. The from her amazin horse, I would be terrified and rs here he ac te ic us and m school offered everything I make Mum and Dad do it, but now at NEGS.” needed, including boarding for I have so much more faith in myself. my horse, so it was perfect.

I would say it is the best experience of What do you like most about my life so far. boarding?

Thanks Simonne and Georgia.

Definitely the friendships I have made. I pretty NEGS is delighted to announce that in 2014 much try and convince all my Sydney friends to give it changes will take place in the boarding structure a go. I love that it feels like one big family and all the of NEGS. A significant upgrade in facilities will be years mix with each other in boarding; for example, the undertaken in order to provide a contemporary Year 12s look after the Year 7s. It is a great cross-section. ‘home away from home’ and a sense of belonging The house mothers and the head of boarding are really for every girl who boards. Boarding scholarships lovely. The communication between staff and boarders are available. Please contact NEGS for further is amazing, so if there is an issue they are open to information. discussion and things can be changed.

Does boarding help or hinder studying?

I have found it to be a really positive experience, as at the plug! prep time the teachers are there if you need extra help or For more information, contact NEGS if you want someone to check over your work. When I was in Sydney, my horse was stabled a few suburbs away 6774 8700. Uralla Rd, Armidale and I spent a lot of my time travelling back and forth. www.negs.nsw.edu.au I know NEGS has the right balance, because you can

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megayard.

It doesn't have to be complicated with Volvo. Stress disappears, fun begins. Luxury car drivers simply expect perfection – with exhilaration on demand and personalisation in every detail.

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olvo S60 With two chassis settings, your ride can be tailored to fit your needs: more comfort or more sporty. The Volvo S60 R-Design meets the needs of the most demanding driver.

Its combination of exclusive exterior and interior styling, optional sports chassis and responsive engines create a sporty yet refined 4-door performance sedan.

It is smooth sailing at any speed. Adaptive Cruise Control goes beyond the basic accelerator management of ordinary cruise control by working with the advanced brake system. The interactions between your car's stop-quicker and go-faster functions managed by ACC – and informed by continuous input from its camera and radar scouts on point – helps you maintain a comfortable speed and safe distance from the vehicle ahead.

In an effort to further eliminate blind-spot question marks, a special panoramic camera is now available to be discreetly mounted on the front grille. What's more, it makes parking in tight spots easier, as does the rear park assist camera.

The S60 is the most dynamic Volvo ever built; it is a luxury car that's smarter and stronger in all the right places.

Volvo XC60 The XC60 R-Design sport chassis is What’s more, made to get your pulse powerful rectracing. But before you turbocharged di with a isn't complicated. Stress s– even turn the ignition, injection engine t en ci ffi disappears and fun begins. r-e pe the sporty seats, patented, hy t an st in an Luxury car drivers simply er liv pedals and steering design – de gh hi e th ith expect perfection – with w se wheel will put a smile respon engines o lv Vo at exhilaration on demand th ue on your face. This is a torq r.” fo n ow and personalisation in every kn e ar car for the love of the detail.

The magic of introducing road. The XC60 takes a ingenuity without complication, new approach to design – durability without boredom and luxury combining the high waistline of without superfi ciality is distinctively and the XC range and the sporty contour of proudly, a Volvo tradition. the coupes. It’s the physical manifestation of an idea that encompasses active life and a love of Volvo V60 The Volvo V60 R-Design meets style. the needs of the most demanding driver. Its combination of exclusive exterior and interior What's more, powerful turbocharged directstyling, optional sports chassis and responsive injection engines – with a patented, hyperengines create a sporty yet refined 5-door efficient design – deliver an instant response performance sportswagon. This is a luxury car with the high torque that Volvo engines are by any measure and one that promises more known for. Packed with safety features, and it

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than rewarding comfort and class-leading style.

The engine program is built on some strong foundations: over 80 years of knowledge and experience. Under the bonnet of your V60, you can drop in an engine that's among the most advanced and forward-thinking in the automotive world.

Through the application of smart design, we've created what we believe is one of the world's most agreeable, functional and comfortable driving environments. Safety is key with the V60 and it is devised to make the roads safer for everyone, every one of these features has been created in the true Volvo tradition in so much as you won't even realise they're there until you need them.

The Volvo V60 is simple, because the best ideas usually are.

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Erin Foster

Chris O’Neill

S h i n i n g NEW STARS at PLC ARMIDALE Earlier this year, Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Armidale, welcomed two enthusiastic new teachers to their innovative and inspiring academic staff.

Our shining new stars at PLC Armidale – staff members Chris O’Neill and Erin Foster – have recently relocated to Armidale. Here are their stories ...

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hris is originally from Sydney and has an Honours degree in German. After spending the best part of the last seven years between Australia and Europe, teaching at various educational institutions in Germany, Austria, Finland and Australia, Chris and his partner, Sophie, relocated to Armidale, where Chris is now teaching German, English and History at PLC. After completing her Bachelor of Arts at Sydney University in 2003 and travelling overseas, Erin then returned to Sydney to work in recruitment. After five years, she then decided to change career paths and study teaching at UNE. Erin got the taste for regional living whilst undertaking an AIS internship at PLC Armidale last year, so she applied for the advertised permanent position of English/History teacher.

Both Chris and Erin are enjoying challenging and inspiring the next generation of scholars, linguists and historians from regional NSW. Why did you choose to move to Armidale?

Chris: I came to Armidale from Finland, because I gained employment as a teacher at PLC Armidale. It was a culture shock to say the least, but I have found life here relaxed and enjoyable.

Erin: I have lived in Sydney and London for the past ten years; both are large, dynamic cities, which I love immensely. Having said this, I felt it was time for a change and that change came in the form of regional hub, Armidale.

Some people opt for a sea change; I opted for a tree change!

And why specifically PLC Armidale?

PLC Armidale’s tagline is “educating successful women of tomorrow”. How are you endeavoring to do that?

Chris: I knew PLC Armidale had a very strong tradition of language teaching and 34 new england focus.

offering students the chance to go on exchange, and that really appealed to me. Also, the school’s use of ICT in the classroom, where PLC Armidale every student has is by far the e access to a laptop best school in gthby its n gi or an iPad, as well region, jud h standing as the NBN conextremely higunity, work in one minute (two nection facilitating in the comm & on a busy day) and I love video-conferencing the expertise of its staff it!

Also, people here are commitment tly high opportunities, has very open and willing to and consisten enormous potential ” help.

I imagine it would be s. academic succes for both teaching and quite hard to return to city learning. living after this.

I believe it is vital to Erin: Armidale has changed my ensure that the girls are made entire view of regional centres. It is a fully aware of their potential – not just in thriving place with plenty of opportunities to their schooling life, but in life in general. As a indulge in cultural activities and commune with teacher, it is my job not only to teach, but also nature. A Day on the Green at Peterson’s Winto set an example and motivate students to ery and the Archibald Prize viewing at NERAM believe in themselves and to be the best they (New England Regional Art Museum) were can be. I believe PLC Armidale provides an both highlights of my autumn calendar. environment in which I can do both.

It would be difficult not to appreciate the Erin: PLC Armidale is blessed to have a cobeauty of a New England sunset and the surhort that has a thirst for knowledge. I’ve been rounding National Parks – in particular, Ebor very fortunate to have travelled quite extenFalls. I definitely get out and about more in the sively and worked for some excellent organisagreat outdoors since moving away from the tions both in Australia and the UK. city.

As a result, every day provides an opporJobs, real estate and education are three tunity for me to share with students both my of the main things people look for when subject knowledge, as well as insight garnered relocating. What was your experience? from life experience. The beautiful thing about Chris: We were lucky that we found a place being an educator is that learning is a two-way perfect for us and snapped it up quickly. Buystreet, and I find myself learning just as much ing a house in Armidale was a far cry from from the girls in return. what I hear city buyers have to go through. It What similarities and/or differences have was all very casual, and there was none of the you experienced living in a regional centre cut-throat tactics you often hear of in the city. compared to the city?

It’s a buyers' market up here!

Chris: That’s easy … no traffic! It is my pet Erin: I was fortunate enough to have my hate, and so much time is wasted sitting in role with PLC Armidale before relocating and traffic congestion. Here in Armidale, I’m at with the help of some generous community

“

members, I also had accommodation, so my experience was especially smooth. Since relocating, I have made connections with UNE’s colleges and I'm enjoying spending more time on campus as Alumni than when I was a student!

Have you any words of wisdom for anyone considering moving here?

Chris: Everyone I know who has moved here has not left and probably never will! It is a great place with lots of culture, sport, cafés, natural scenery and of course, schools.

I happen to think PLC Armidale is by far the best school in the region, judging by its extremely high standing in the community, the expertise and commitment of its staff and consistently high academic success. My word of wisdom would be: move here in the summer! If you have ever experienced an Armidale winter, you’ll know why!

Erin: Moving so far away from the city was definitely a daunting experience for me; however, PLC Armidale has provided me with a warm home away from home.

I would recommend anyone moving to the area to encourage their daughters to come and partake in one of the experience days PLC Armidale offers to see how the warm, caring environment of the school community can ease them into their transition to the New England region.

Chris and Erin, thank you for your personal accounts of your move to Armidale.

new england focus 35

focusinterview.

Family’s choice shows W H Y

ARMIDALE TOPS A NATIONAL INDEX

Bowral couple Rhod and Sally Carmichael decided to send their sons to board at The Armidale School because Rhod had spent many happy school years of his own there. But when they saw the quality of life Armidale had to offer, they put their house on the market and decided to move north. We ask them why.

S

ally: Armidale is a city full of creative arts, excellent schools and sporting opportunities. It offers a stunning rural existence with the benefits of big city living, and the regional airport and daily train and bus services mean we are linked to larger centres daily if needed. We just thought it was the right thing to do.

What is it you love about the place?

Sally: We love the fact that on Saturday afternoons there is always a rugby or hockey game to attend, a gallery or an antique shop to check out. Our children have had experiences we had never dreamed of whilst we were living in the Southern Highlands. Both Duncan and Sam have represented their school in rowing, including at the GPS Head of the River in Sydney. And both have also undertaken school service trips to an orphanage in Fiji, renovating dormitories and installing a solar hot water service, which students fundraised for.

Your eldest son, Duncan, is very keen on the creative arts. What’s been on offer for him at TAS, and Armidale?

Sally: He may be miles from a capital city, but that hasn’t stopped him from having voice coaching from an ex-Australian Opera singer, Stephen Tall, who moved to Armidale some years ago. He has toured London and Vienna

with The New England Singers, won several catused by many creative groups. egories in the Armidale Eisteddfod and was part Rhod, you had an IT business in Bowral. of the school’s singing group that took out the What has appealed to you about the move?

New England Choral Championships. This year Rhod: The opportunities presented to Aralone, he has had roles in school productions midale as the first mainland centre that will be of Les Miserables, and Antigone, and entirely connected to the National joined the cast for the Armidale Broadband Network are very Drama and Musical Society’s exciting. From a lifestyle production of The Wedding point of view, I really ene th Singer last month. All three joy walking down the to According e al id productions were staged street and bumping rm A index, e th as w A in the school’s Michael into fellows I went to LG Dumaresq rming fo er t-p es Hoskins Creative Arts school with 30 years gh hi state’s region an lit po ro et Centre, which is a wonago. I particularly m nony areas derful facility. enjoy the GPS rugby in two of three ke d l, an – human capita In what way? season when we host ” n. tio in nova Sally: It is an intimate Sydney schools; the performing space that seats visitors always comment around 240 people – there’s on our country hospitality. really no other venue in Armidale So Sally and Rhod – you feel like it. It is managed by Emma Buzo, the you’ve made the right decision? daughter of renowned Australian playwright Sally: Absolutely! In fact, our daughAlex Buzo and a former Sydney actor and ter, Alice, is so taken with the city, she has teacher in her own right. chosen to attend the University of New England Through Emma’s connections, the Sydney next year after returning to Australia from a Theatre Company and other professional comyear in the UK. We have been welcomed so panies have brought shows to Armidale that warmly by Armidalians, and we know we have have delighted regional audiences and allowed made the right decision for all of us – not just us to have equivalent cultural experiences to our kids. people in the city. It’s a real community asset Thanks everyone.

“

The experience of the Carmichaels reflect why Armidale was last month named at the top of a national index that ranks regions according to their potential for development and long term prosperity.

Developed by the Regional Australia Institute and Deloitte Access Economics, the InSight index tracks the competitiveness of Australia’s 560 Local Government Areas and 55 Regional Development Australia regions, across 10 key areas – technological readiness, innovation, market size, human capital, infrastructure and essential services, business sophistication, labour market efficiency, economic fundamentals, natural resources, and institutions.

According to the index, Armidale Dumaresq LGA was the state’s highest-performing nonmetropolitan region in two of three key areas – human capital, and innovation.

Education is a key industry in Armidale, and its university and schools are significant economic drivers for the city. Schools like TAS not only provide economic benefits through their boarding (including, increasingly, to families from Sydney), their reputation for quality education is just one attraction for families with city skills who are interested in moving to the country for a better quality of life – like the Carmichaels.

QUALITY EDUCATION IN ARMIDALE

TAS The Armidale School is a leading independent day and boarding school for boys where all students are encourage to explore, experience and excel - for more information contact our Registrar, Pip Warrick on 1800 677 303 or www.as.edu.au

36 new england focus.

Walk on wheels

new england focus 37

focusinterview.

Gallery 126.

PA I N T I N G S D R AW I N G S GA L L E RY 126 W I L L F E AT U R E PA I N T I NG S A N D DR AW I NG S BY A RT I STS B OB RODE N A N D A RT H U R C H A F F EY F ROM J U LY 26. T H E E X H I B I T ION I S T H E FOU RT H T I M E T H EY H AV E E X H I B I T E D TO G E T H E R.

W

hile the landscape is the focus of the exhibition, much of the merit lies in how each artist journeys towards a personal understanding of the representation of the natural world.

Both artists have recently benefitted from attending Ross Laurie’s classes at Neram with a fine and dedicated group of artists.

Bob Roden has a background in science with a major in botany and later studied art in Lismore. A longstanding commitment to Buddhism has complemented a deep and enduring interest in art.

His works consist of crayons and acrylic paintings. The acrylics explore the use of colour to explore space with powerful emotional impacts.

"They’re like metaphysical arguments in colour" an artist friend recently described them.

The drawings intensely convey his close observations of Dangar Falls and other places around Armidale.

With a background in botanical drawing at the Sydney Herbarium, these drawings are darkly lyrical evocations of the landscape and

38 new england focus.

human emotion.

Arthur Chaffey first attended drawing classes with artist Fay Porter at TAFE. A former English teacher, he enjoys the connection to the visual arts through history, novels, poetry and the sciences.

Much of his earlier work has focused on the Yuraygir National Park around Wooli and Diggers Camp. These paintings and The works drawings are more oriented shows around observations along the influence of the Gara River.

Aboriginal art in d The works shows the colour choice an influence of Aboriginal art often make use of an overhead in colour choice and often perspective. ” make use of an overhead perspective. They struggle toof the trade have at times been wards a sense of a ‘white fella’s pragmatic, rather than refined. dreaming’.

"I still remember Bob waving a two Being without a studio, most of these works inch brush from a hardware store laconiwent through a testing, at times brutal process cally under my nose at one of Ross’ classes," of creation. Some painting were spread out on recalls Arthur. "You’ve just got to get one of kitchen floors. At other times drying canvases these". had to be defended from art hungry dogs.

Both artists acknowledge the input of Ross Some are the result of joint expeditions into Laurie in to their work. So much of art classes the surrounding environs. As a result, the tools are about dialogue that runs so much wider

“

than art. Or, it is a measure of where art can take your reflections and give you delight.

Ultimately, you are led back to the proposition that so much of what you accomplish is about how you get there, the multitude that surrounds the canvas.

The artists look forward to you viewing their works at Gallery 126 in July and August. The exhibition opens Friday 26th July and runs until 24th August.

focusinterview.

FOCUS CAUGHT UP WITH STUART GEDDES, ES, A YOUNG UP P AND ND COMING RUGBY STA STAR AR W WHO IS ON THE W WAY TO PLAY LAY FOR AUSTRALIA.

W

here are you from and how long have you lived in Armidale?

I was born in Darwin in 2000, and lived there until my dad got moved to Fremantle in WA in 2005 to run a Harvey Norman store. We then moved to Lithgow in 2007, and then we moved to Armidale in 2009 and have been here since.

How did you first get into rugby?

I think it started when I got to meet the Wallabies in Darwin; they had a training camp there before the World Cup in 2002.

My dad used to play in Darwin when he was younger, and he had an influence as well.

When we moved to Perth, my dad took me to a club called Cottesloe in Perth to see if I wanted to play and also if I liked rugby. I played the whole season and enjoyed it and made a few friends. While we were in Perth, Dad and Mum used to take us to all the Western Forces games, as we were members.

On game days we used to get there early, so my brother and sister and I could enjoy

all the entertainment which was around the ground. I think watching the super rugby games live as well as playing rugby got me involved, and I wanted to see how far I could go with it.

Who do you play for, and how often do you train?

I currently play for the Tamworth Tricolours U14s. This is my second year with the Tamworth club, as I played U12 last year with them. I started playing with the Armidale Junior Blues but when I got to the U12s, we only had a couple of players. I wanted to play Representative Rugby, so while I was at the rugby camp at the uni, I spoke to some other kids and coaches and found out I would need to train with a full team rather than a couple of players.

I asked Dad what he thought, as he had coached me for the last few years. He agreed and offered to drive me to either Tamworth or Inverell to train, but I had to make a commitment and put everything into it. I chose Tamworth, as I knew a couple of players from there. Tamworth train every Thursday, so Dad

drives me and my brother to training after play in the NSW Junior Country Championschool. I also do some fitness training with ships.

Dad, as well as some basic skills.

Is there anyone you would like to thank, Where do you travel to play? whose helped you get to this level?

We have carnivals all over the I would like to thank Mum central north region, even in and Dad for their support Armidale. Some of the towns and their belief in me, as d we play against are Scone, well as all my coaches. “ I think it starte t the Moree, Inverell, GunneI find that you learn when I got to mee ; in w ar dah, Walcha, Narrabri, something from every D in es bi la Wal Barraba, Quirindi and coach you have, as ng ni ai tr a they had Armidale. There are other they are all different. e th re camp there befo age groups that play at You just have to listen 02. �

World Cup in 20 these, starting at U6s and and then take it to the going to U14. field.

Have you made a rep side, What are your plans for and in what position? the future?

Since playing for Tamworth, I have My goal next year is to hopemade the Central North U12s last year and fully make the NSW Country U14s team. the U13s this year. But I also made the New I would also like to make the New England England U13s while playing for the Junior Schools team, as well as the Central North Blues in 2011. I made the Central North Rep teams in the same year, I think that teams as a run on second row both years, would be cool. I just want to keep playing but also have played various positions in the and see where it takes me. forwards in these teams. These rep teams Thanks Stuart.

new england focus 39

AUGUST 2013

WITH TERRI

AQUARIUS.

GEMINI.

January 21 - February 19

May 22 - June 22

It is an exciting time for you and you need to be focused positively, yet you may have taken on some-one else’s stressful problem, which could be leaving you drained of energy.

Imagine yourself inside a bubble, and fill it up with happy thoughts. An abundance is coming your way. ENJOY! Clear Quartz is a wonderful amplifier.

PISCES. February 20 - March 20

You may be feeling disgruntled in relationships at present. Relax! You’re not alone. Avoid making any ‘hasty’ decisions. Soon you will notice personal change and higher selfesteem. Good Luck in your goal setting. Live in the present moment more and try to have no expectations, GOOD or BAD, of your relationship.

Citrine shatters negative energy.

ARIES. March 21 - April 20

Re-connect with passion for what you are doing. You feel like you’re running on ‘autopilot’, achieving goals but to no satisfaction.

Try making the most out of every breath.

As you inhale, think happy. Try keeping a gratitude diary (3 things daily you’re grateful for) for a month.

Ruby re-ignites passion.

40 new england focus.

September 24 - October 23

Reconnect with your talent in teaching people.

You are able to share the most amazing insights and experiences, yet you’re afraid to speak for fear of how your words may be accepted. Focus on your intention or motive.

Rose Quartz is very nurturing for all situations.

Family matters are likely to be an issue at present. Don’t expect the worst, or you will be missing the point. Instead, take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to heal yourself and all others involved. Besides ... did it occur to you that you may just be the only one who can fix things?

Rose Quartz and Turquoise together help us to express loving, healing words without judgment.

CANCER.

SCORPIO.

June 23 - July 23 Ju

You have been experiencing high levels of energy lately, which has led to the discovery of new talents. Congratulations. These new talents need to be honoured, so enjoy that typical ‘CANCERIAN’ luck. Go have fun and play.

Citrine will enable you to maintain high energy levels.

LEO. July 24 - August 23

If only you knew your worth! JUDGMENT is your major hurdle at present.

You may be self-doubting, and this is likely to affect relationships. Avoid major decisions until you are feeling a little more positive about yourself.

Orange Calcite washes away self-doubt.

TAURUS.

VIRGO.

April 21 - May 21

August 24 - September 23 A

Now is a great time to wake up an old dream and play with creating change.

You have recently experienced personal challenges and have gained enormous strength.

Focusing on your newfound qualities will help to keep you safe from your self-doubt.

Turquoise is great for self-validation.

LIBRA.

You are the MAGICIAN, remember? All you’re needing is a little clear direction.

As soon as you have set some goals, things will shift and change will be yours, effortlessly.

Spend some time in nature to release your tension.

Blue Quartz clears the mind, energises the body and connects us to our soul.

October 24 - November 22

Your judgment is hurting you at the moment.

Listen to your inner voice, as you know your own answer. Others’ opinions are serving to confuse you further, and you are still not hearing what you want to hear. Like yourself enough to listen to you.

Turquoise gives self-confidence a boost.

SAGITTARIUS. November 23 - December 21

You’re always searching for and chasing ‘that dream’. This is not a bad thing if you are living in the now. Avoid chasing something that WAS and think about the ‘you’ you need to be to achieve your dream. Living in the moment is the key to happiness.

Clear Quartz helps focus attention on the task at hand.

CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20

You may be confused by choice at the moment, especially since you may have wished for what you have. Remember if it isn’t absolutely right, then it’s NOT right.

Allow this challenge to give you a new standard to live by, and don’t compromise that standard.

Selenite stimulates our inner brightness.

focusinterview.

After four years of training to be a PE teacher, Ann Joy decided to take on a career of unique character, of many challenges and many achievements.

Ann Joy

W

hen did you h

It was on the Mid North Coast

I undertook was the attempted mur-

decide to d

that I was promoted to the rank

der of John Orrock Stewart, a partner

become a b

of Sergeant and returned to the

in the New South Wales Equestrian

police ofp

field of general duties as the sector

Centre at Lochinvar, Hunter Valley. I

ficer?

supervisor at Nambucca Heads Police

headed a two year investigation that

Station. I have spent the last nine

resulted in the conviction of three

officer after concluding four years

years working at that location. Whilst

offenders, who were solicited by a

of training at teachers college as

working as a Sergeant at Nambucca

fourth party to murder him on 18

a physical education teacher in

Heads Police Station, I completed

December 1997. At the conclusion of

Newcastle. At the time teaching

further tertiary studies, part time,

that investigation, I received a Deputy

jobs were quite scarce, so I looked

at the University of New

for a new career. I joined the New

England, completing

South Wales Police Force in 1984

a Bachelor of Law

and completed my initial training at

in 2011. I was

the Redfern Police Academy. After

fortunate to be

choosing that career path, I soon

promoted to

decided that this was a career of

the position

unique character, of many challenges

of Crime

and many achievements.

Manager,

What training did you undergo

New England

for your qualifications?

Local Area

I decided to become a police

When I joined the New South

Commissioners Commendation undertaking an extensive, ethical investiga-

I enjoy the challenge of interpreting the rmine evidence to dete the direction an s to ed investigation ne take ... ”

tion into that

“

offence.

What do you enjoy outside of work?

Outside of work, I play com-

Command in No-

petitive table tennis

Wales Police Force, I completed

vember, 2012 and

twelve weeks of initial training be-

returned to the work

fore being placed at Newtown Police

that has been my passion for

Station as my first posting. I worked

the best part of my career.

in Sydney for eighteen months

The best part of your job

Armidale.

before moving back to the Newcastle

would be ...?

Are there any goals set for the

area, working at Mayfield and then

The best part of my job has always

and have joined the Armidale Table Tennis Club, playing each week at the PCYC,

future?

The future for me now involves an

Maitland Police Stations. I spent

been about solving crime, no matter

six years as a general duties police

what type of crime or scale of crime

ongoing commitment to my posi-

officer before deciding to undertake

I am investigating. I enjoy the chal-

tion in the New England. I aim to

training as a detective. I spent fifteen

lenge of interpreting the evidence to

enjoy my free time outside of work

years working as a detective in the

determine the direction an investiga-

that has in the past been filled with

Maitland area, then transferred to

tion needs to take.

external studies – perhaps travelling

the criminal investigation branch at

Any memorable moments?

overseas in the future.

Macksville on the Mid North Coast.

The most memorable investigation

Thanks Ann.

new england focus 41

focusinterview.

42 new england focus focus.

Walk on wheels Through the efforts of local retailer Tony Patton, the New England region now has direct access to a brand new and exciting range of mobility equipment, products and spare parts.

H

aving run a successful retail business since 20 2005, 005, and taking advantage of flexible business hours during d this time, Tony has also been casually employed with the Armidale Private Hospital, and then later was offered more permanent employment for a period of 18 months with a medical equipment supplier in Armidale.

and manually operated wheel chairs (made to measure), patient lifters and bedding. Other products include lift/recline chairs, seat walkers, walking sticks and crutches, day and nursing chairs, bedroom, bathroom, daily living and comfort aids. We also have access to a ‘Special Products Division’, which offers:

In early 2013, Tony was approached by a very progressive supplier of medical and mobility equipment, operating many successful dealerships in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. Walk on Wheels Head Office, located at Warners Bay in Newcastle, has been keen to see a dealership in the New England area for some years. Upon learning of Tony’s experience in this field, WOW management were very enthusiastic to see the idea of opening a new store in Armidale come to fruition.

HASOMED – functional electrical stimulation for stroke, spinal cord injury and cerebral palsy patients.

Walk on Wheels has developed relationships with overseas suppliers over the last decade, developing and enhancing products.

This helps to provide customers with the best value for money. As the leading importer of CTM Mobility Scooters and Power Chairs into Australia and New Zealand, over 20,000 happy customers speaks for itself.

Thus, a new dealership has now been born, located in The Viaduct Centre, West Armidale.

Most of the products we offer are exclusive to the Walk on Wheels group of individually owned stores and agents, such as CTM power scooters and wheel chairs, and Vermeiren power

MOTOmed – software controlled movement therapy device.

Rehacom Cognitive Therapy – training in attention, memory, executive functions.

Uppertone – unassisted muscle strengthening and conditioning system for quadriplegics.

Walk on Wheels NSW has an Occupational Therapist based at the Warners Bay store, who can demonstrate and advise on ‘Special Products Division’ equipment (by appointment).

nine, with other stores well established at Tweed Heads, Ballina, Taree, Narellan, Hornsby, Umina Beach, Shoalhaven and the head office at Warners Bay.

Offering seven day a week sales, service and repairs to scooters, powerchairs, lift chairs and walkers, pick-up and delivery is also available.

Walk on Wheels New England is a part of the family owned NEW ENGLAND SOLUTIONS PTY LTD group of companies, incorporating Walk on Wheels New England, Northern Inland Catering Equipment, New England Plastics and Cuttle Plumbing.

For information on any of these businesses, call in to Shop 1a, ‘The Viaduct Centre’, 140 Miller Street Armidale, or phone New England Solutions on (02) 6772 6007.

Plans for the future of Walk on Wheels New England are bright, with the area encompassing Inverell, Glen Innes, Walcha, Guyra and Tamworth. The business will service hospitals, nursing homes, retirement villages, institutions and domestic clients, and will grow as other Walk on Wheels dealerships have. The New England store will bring the total number of dealerships in New South Wales to

All Walk on Wheels products can be seen on the national website www.wownsw.com.au

new england focus 43

Armidale

Care for Seniors Inc.

Armidale Care for Seniors Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation that takes pride in offering social activities and support to senior members of the Armidale and surrounding community. very Thursday and 2nd and 4th Tuesday, our Social Seniors meet to catch up with friends, meet new people and share a meal with good company. The days always start with morning tea, then the rest of the day can vary from a guest speaker, visits from the local school children, or maybe some craft or trivia has been organised. You may feel happier just sitting back and listening to what is going on around you. These days are what you want them to be, and our focus is to make this happen!

to meet every Wednesday with a common

the 1st Tuesday of the month to share their

and surrounding community to remain

interest in woodwork. Members come to learn

knowledge, catch up with mates and enjoy

independent in their own home by providing

something new, and this is well supported with

whatever is organised for the morning. On

more tailored support to people to assist them

the invaluable support of our volunteers.

occasions, these men will head out of town or

to carry out everyday tasks such as banking,

For those already skilled, they have an

go out for lunch.

opportunity to continue their hobby. Either

During the school term, computer classes for

way, everyone is only limited by their

seniors are held in the neighbourhood centre

imagination, and to some degree the size of

on Mondays and Fridays. Again, from novice

the project. Both men and women attend this

to expert, with the support of some very

group, and they are very welcoming of new

knowledgeable and dedicated volunteers, they

shopping might be just what you need to feel

members. From novice to expert, everyone feels

can support you to achieve your goals.

safe and help you maintain your independence.

Our well-equipped Splinter Group workshop provides an opportunity for the members

comfortable and can achieve in this group.

Armidale Care for Seniors Inc. also assists

For more information about Armidale Care for

Senior Gents meet for a couple of hours on

the senior members of the Armidale

Seniors Inc. please contact the office.

E

44 new england focus.

shopping, getting to and from appointments and other individual requests.

Sometimes just having one of our volunteers pop in and have a coffee, or help you with your

Living in Armidale is easy to imagine.

Imagine the beautiful home that you would buy for a fraction of the cost of a home in Sydney. Imagine getting to work in 5 minutes, with no traffic jams to contend with. Think about your children walking to school, just around the corner from your home and not feeling worried.

I

magine working in an environment where you have the time to see your child receive an award at school. Imagine not having to worry about water restrictions, and think how your garden will blossom.

Living in Armidale is not a figment of your imagination; it is an everyday reality for thousands of people.

Armidale differs from most inland regional centres because it has a long established university, transforming it from a rural town to a sophisticated and cosmopolitan small city.

Through the university, TAFE, private and fine public schools, the city has become a significant education centre, creating a wider range of jobs and business opportunities than usually found in the country. It has a well educated and diverse population who

stimulate change and demand a high standard of living.

There are 60 direct flights between Armidale and Sydney each week and a daily train service. Armidale is serviced by all major coach companies each day enroute to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The coast is only two hours away along one of the most beautiful scenic drives in Australia, the Waterfall Way. Armidale has one of the best regional art galleries in NSW, with major collections valued at over $40 million. This is set to grow further with the recent acquisition of a major work by the late Margaret Olley. The city has a twin cinema which shows mainstream and art house movies. There is the New England Conservatorium of Music, a Symphony

Orchestra, a Youth Orchestra, a biennial Bach Festival and several choral groups. The Armidale Playhouse Theatre, Armidale Musical Society, Stage One Theatre for Children and the University of New England Department of Theatre Studies perform regularly during the year.

The University of New England has established a Rural Medical School with an intake of 60 students each year. As a result, the local health service has attracted more medical specialists than ever before and the local hospital is being upgraded for tertiary teaching purposes with the building of the Tablelands Clinical School and General Practice Training Facility. A private hospital is also located in the grounds of the public hospital.

The city has first class sporting facilities. For

those who like the outdoors, there are hobby farms on the outskirts of the city to follow rural pursuits, bushwalking in nearby world heritage National Parks, trout fishing, white water rafting, sailing on Malpas Dam, helifishing and abseiling.

As for business, there are many successful business enterprises in Armidale related to university research and education, to farming and grazing, professional services, retail, manufacturing and information technology.

Many Armidale businesses are involved in thriving global ventures.

We welcome your interest and enquiries and encourage you to come to Armidale and to witness the lifestyle that awaits those who choose to make Armidale their home.

Armidale wins two Keep Australia Beautiful National Awards: • Community Action and Partnerships • Resource Recovery and Waste Management

congratulations

Armidale Armidale City

Bowling Club

new england focus 45

This is our backyard...

Spectacular waterfalls, gorges, and World-Heritage National Parks.

As an Evocity, Armidale offers the upsides of a major city, with none of the downsides. First-class education, the National Broadband Network and a diverse economy, packaged into a cosmopolitan city with a fabulous culture, stunning environment, ďŹ ne food and great coffee.

experiencethehighs.com.au facebook.com/experiencethehighs twitter.com/experiencehighs

46 new england focus.

focusTourism.

ARMIDALE Club

Tourism Katrina George Cosy B&Bs, open fires, toasted marshmallows, frosty mornings, and a dusting of snow. iving in the New England region we take these things for granted, and maybe we don’t appreciate the beauty and wonder of our winter months. We are very enthusiastic about our amazing autumn colours, spring gardens and mild summers; additionally, our cool climate and high altitude creates an exciting and alternate tourism destination.

L

This month we launched Armidale’s first winter marketing campaign under the Experience the Highs banner. Winter tourism has been a highly successful drawcard for the Southern Highlands and Blue Mountains, and the New England region is a wonderful new winter destination for people to explore. Through the use of beautiful imagery and fun tag lines such as 'Only Wimps go to Noosa for Winter', we are creating awareness of this region as an exciting new holiday destination.

'Winter in Armidale' is promoted through a strategic, online marketing campaign via Facebook and banner advertisements. We have targeted specific interest groups that are active in winter, such as photography and mountain biking. In future online marketing campaigns we will target other interest groups, such as bushwalking, fishing and bird watching. To view the campaign, please visit http://www.experiencethehighs.com.au/ winter The Facebook Experience the Highs Winter Campaign has been a resounding success, with 74 new likes in 1 week to bring our total number of followers to 1405, and we have increased our weekly total reach to 26,970.

We would like to encourage all New England residents to ‘Like’ us on Facebook to follow this Winter Campaign and other future campaigns that we use to promote this region to visitors.

To ensure the success of the Winter Marketing Campaign, we invited all motels, guesthouses, B&Bs and Locals 4 Locals members to design an exclusive special for this Winter Campaign. Thank you to all of the businesses that are participating and supporting tourism in the New England Region: Alluna Motel, Amber Lodge, Anglea House B&B, Armidale

City Bowling Club, Armidale Executive Short Stay Apartments, Armidale Ex-Services Club, Armidale Golf Club, Armidale Tourist Park, Armidale Toys, Aurelia’s Farm B&B, Black Dot Music, Boobooks, Bindawalla B&B, Concepts of Armidale, Country Road Caravan Park, Cruickshanks Armidale B&B, Dalrympleanna Cottage, Econo Lodge Armidale, Generation Ink, Glenhope Alpacas B&B, Independent Sports, Kentucky General Store and Café, New England Brass & Iron Lace Foundry Museum, New England Brewing Company, Petersons Armidale Winery and Guesthouse, Poppy’s Cottage B&B, Rene on the Mews, Sportspower, The Armidale Motel, Uralla Caravan Park, Valley Views Cottage, Wayward Jerseys B&B and Wright Robertson of Glencoe.

The Visitor Information Centre in Armidale is undergoing some major renovations to create a modern, professional Visitor Information Centre that is a reflection of this beautiful city and surrounds. Through the use of graphic imagery, we are creating a centre that will excite our visitors to explore all that the region has to offer. The centre will have specific sections for promoting Armidale and they will be under the headings of Natural Wonders, Boutique Shopping, Food and Wine, History and Heritage, Art and Culture, and Events.

Whilst we are completing the renovations, we have relocated the Visitor Information Centre to the coach station on the same premises.

Do you have a business that you would like to promote at the Visitor Information Centre?

There is no charge for flyers and brochures to be displayed and if you would like further information, please contact Katrina George on 6770 3906. If you would like to produce a flyer to promote your business, Evans Printing are offering a special deal, with up to 50% discount; call 1300 853 700.

Please contact us if you are planning any events, such as Christmas in July, live music, themed dinners, plays, musicals or concerts.

We would love to promote your activity through our Events Calendar and display your flyers and posters in the Visitor Information Centre. These details can be emailed to tourism@armidale.nsw.gov.au

The best thing The Armidale Club has going for it is a dynamic future.

After staging one of the greatest comebacks from the brink of closure, the Club has stepped up to greater heights with a renewed vigour. his Club is a proud member of Night every Thursday.

Locals 4 Locals and is now 'debt Other exciting regular events at TAC are … free'. Following a positive AGM, every Wednesday night is Games Night with all four new Board members were forms of board games, card games, Go, and appointed and new directions reSouthern Cross Poker. Thursday Night’s rotate leased to pave the way for long term financial sta- with Live Music, Open Mic or Unplugged acoustic bility, increased membership and diversity in live acts. Every Friday Night starts off with a massive entertainment and events for the Club's members TAC Pool Comp. All Friday and Saturday night and guests. The Club has also secured its planning features live entertainment, concerts or special and management following the appointment of events. The Club is also available for private funcSteve Jackson as Club Manager/Licencee, Summer tions.

Weston as the new Operations Manager and a The choices of drinks at the old fifties Bar are new Membership Secretary and friendly but firm very exciting, which has tripled in brands, availRSA Marshall to ensure enjoyment and security ability and added quality. for all Club patrons.

The quality of performers has been The Club is dedicated entirely to outstanding with recent shows embracing the social dynamic being Deborah Conway & Willy is b lu of Armidale's community, Zygier, The Melbourne InternaC he T dedicated businesses and musicians. tional Comedy Roadshow, bracing entirely to em It is a location well known Good Oak, Turn the Page mic the social dyna for members, guests and Tour with Luke Austin, Travis of Armidale's visitors from out of Armidale Collins, Luke Dickens and y, it commun to engage at their favourite Liam Brew and our annual businesses and musicians...” community lounge room and burlesque night, Ooh La La enjoy the diverse range of local featuring Ms Briana Blubell. On and visiting artists performing live line ticketing has helped to ensure music, shows, entertainment and fesmembers can obtain their tickets early tivals. The new stage is sensational courtesy to avoid missing out as many events are sell of Duncan Clyde- Smith, Lindsay Rowland and outs!

Andrew Fiveash with new digital lighting; fold Up and coming performances include Don back monitors, SM-58 microphones, donated by Walker (Cold Chisel), Split Syndicate and the anMark Cooper and Captain Kennedy (Neil Young nual the black tie The Armidale Club Winter Ball tribute night) all adding to the Artist and Patrons which will feature Al Heeney's Rhythm & Blues sound and visual experience.

Experience on Saturday 10 August 2013 and This new resurgents has also flowed on to the launch of the long awaited Armidale Club other areas of the Club. John Harris, restaurateur Foundation. Tickets to this year's Winter Ball are of Turn Tables (TT), is experiencing the busiest available from trybooking on the Club website at time since making the Club his kitchen a few www.thearmidaleclub.com years ago. From humble beginnings, TT is making The old house is still a rocking, with all its retro a name for itself throughout Armidale as a fabufifties/sixties charm, the huge central fire setting, lous dining experience. Bar Snacks available 'til with some of the old familiar faces from the very late and free snacks each Friday happy hour.

Club's early beginnings and a new wave of fans, TTs also continues to feature its very popular Trivia friends and families … and those old green chairs.

“

new england focus 47

The township of Walcha offers the new resident the opportunity to enjoy a friendly country lifestyle, while still having access to a range of services, including medical facilities, educational institutions and shopping.

es a “ Walcha providtu ral na of e ng wide ra d an attractions pursuits, agricultural y of plus a variet ion and accommodat dining options. ”

welcomes you! ituated halfway between Sydney and Brisbane (65 km from Armidale and 92 km from Tamworth) and offering an inland alternative route to the Pacific Highway, Walcha provides the ideal location for business development and residential establishment.

Walcha is also serviced by rail and air facilities, with Walcha Road Train Station 17 km west of Walcha, and Walcha’s light aircraft landing strip situated only minutes from the Walcha township.

Other air services, including daily flights to and from Sydney, are provided at Armidale Airport (45 minutes’ drive) and Tamworth Airport (1 hour 10 minutes’ drive).

S

48 new england focus.

hool ho ol Walcha is well serviced by a public scho school catering for primary and secondary students and a privatee primary school and preschool close by.

The Walcha Home and Community Care Service provides services for people who are frail aged, or people with disabilities and their carers who need additional support to enable them to live comfortably in their own homes.

Walcha’s Multi Purpose Service (Hunter New England Area Health Service) is licensed for both acute and aged care beds.

There’s also Riverview Aged Persons Hostel, which is run by Presbyterian Aged Care and has a capacity of approximately 29 permanent and 2 respite beds.

Walcha has a wide range of natural attractions, including waterfalls and National Parks. The Apsley Falls are the first falls in a succession of dramatic drops that are the start of the Oxley Wild Rivers Gorge system. Riverside, in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, is the only area in Australia where visitors can gain vehicular access to a wilderness core. The district provides some of the best fishing waters in New South Wales for a variety of fish, mainly

trout.

The area is located in the sub-humid temperate zone. The average rainfall for Walcha is 809 mm per annum. The local soil type, rainfall, altitude and pastures provide an ideal foundation for our highly regarded grazing industries. The Walcha district is suited to almost all types of grazing pursuits; however, wool and prime lamb production, together with cattle breeding and fattening, are the major grazing activities.

Production of fine merino wool, prime lamb such as Poll Dorset and White Suffolk and Hereford and Angus beef have put Walcha on the world export map.

Walcha boasts a large variety of dining and accommodation properties, ranging from restaurants, cafés, takeaways, supermarkets, motel and caravan park, hotels, clubs, bed and breakfast establishments, farm stays and cottages available to cater for the weary travellers, adventure seekers, wilderness explorers and families wanting to escape the stress of everyday life and spend quality time reconnecting with family members.

For further information, please call the Visitor Centre on 6774 2460 or email: council@walcha.nsw.gov.au

focuseducation.

A University and a life with a difference.

T

he University of New England offers an education that’s truly world class. State-of-the-art teaching and research facilities, sporting amenities and vibrant residences mean that you have everything that you need to discover the best in yourself.

The University of New England was the first Australian university established outside a capital city and with a history extending back to the 1930s, UNE has a well-earned reputation as one of Australia’s great teaching, training and research universities with a focus on issues of concern to regional, rural and disadvantaged communities, globally.

While UNE has a long history and strong tradition, their outlook is dynamic and fresh. UNE’s focus is on the future and with wide ranging engagements with industry, UNE ensures that your education and qualifications are relevant to tomorrow’s employment opportunities. More than 80,000 people now hold UNE qualifications; many hold senior positions in Australia and overseas and are leaders in their fields of commerce, industry, politics or social concern.

At UNE you can experience a personalised education experience that will set you apart.

Talking to many of the UNE alumni, one of the most memorable and rewarding aspects of studying on campus at UNE can be the residen-

tial experience, living in UNE’s highly regarded on-campus accommodation.

Living on campus allows you to enjoy your community learning experience to the full. Both academically and socially, you are right at the heart of the action. Lectures, library, venues and services such as shopping, banking, hairdressing and medical services are all within easy walking distance of the College precinct.

First and foremast students in residence enjoy a social, community experience. As part of a close-knit community where someone is always just across the hall or down the corridor to help out, it is rare to feel lonely or alone. As part of that community, a vibrant social calendar provides many opportunities to build lasting friendships and support networks. Residents take a leading role in the organisation of formal dinners, College Balls and the other regular social events on their College’s calendar. This provides valuable experience in developing leadership and working as part of a team.

Sport is a major aspect of college life. UNE’s sporting clubs cater for a wide range of interests from martial arts to mountaineering; football to water polo and UNE Colleges engage in a wide range of inter College competition to suit all skill levels. SportUNE, the university’s sport precinct and exercise centre, is considered one of the best university sporting facilities in Aus-

tralia, offering variety, flexibility and a range of new programs and services to suit every athletic need and it’s right on your doorstep.

If drama, music, film, business or community service is your passion, there is plenty of opportunity to develop those interests with each College managing a calendar of events filled with variety. Most of the time, the organisation of these events is again led by the students body so they are matched to the aspirations of the residents themselves.

Most importantly however the UNE College experience includes personalised academic support from faculty staff and student mentors who’ve already suffered and solved the problems you may be facing. This focus on academic excellence provides the atmosphere and the tools to help you achieve your learning goals.

UNE College accommodation consists of 7

colleges and a village of self-contained units with a variety of catering options. Each college has its own distinct character and traditions but all welcome the new student into friendly, inclusive and supportive communities where lifelong friendships can prosper. Indeed one of the richest aspects of life at a UNE College is the regular and personal interaction current residents have with their College alumni. These relationships are often a valuable source of experience, advice and support to residents but also a source of inspiration for alumni as well. These networks built at a College can also open the door to future work experience and career opportunity.

So, all in all, considering the academic, social, community and economic benefits of a life on campus, if you wanted to live a life less ordinary, you could do no better that choose to live on campus at a UNE College.

new england focus 49

focuseditorial

Icing on the cake with Susie Dunn

Icing

Your Invitation How did the UNE Colleges Chamber in Ensembles come about? I interviewed Austin College’s First Year students early in the year.

One was with a Med student who’s an AMus level violinist. She asked me if there was an orchestra at UNE which she could join to keep her practice and skills alive while studying here. That was the We want beginning – I got to thinking not just the that there might be other University, but orchestral musicians trained to the Armidale community to our a very high standard, in each enjoy and utiliseivate of the colleges, wanting to ensembles at pr ts .” play with ‘like kinds’. public even

on ON

cake

“ and

I contacted local music teacher Deidre Rickards, who was equally keen on the project idea and a survey was sent out to all the colleges asking what instrument they played and their level of training.

An amazing 30 students responded! They were excited that we’re offering this opportunity to rehearse and perform whilst studying and living at UNE. What are the four ensembles? We have a flute quartet and a string quintet, with Deidre Rickards as Musical Director. Also a Jazz Combo directed

by Warwick Dunham and a Beethoven Ensemble directed by Alana Blackburn. The students are so fortunate to have such experienced professionals

IT’S COMPLICATED. on call.

Plans for the future? On July 17, the flute quartet will be playing at Earle Page College’s Politics Dinner, on Wednesday August 7. We’re giving our first public concert at Austin College and a second concert will be held in Lazenby Hall on September 25. We want not just the University, but the Armidale community to enjoy and utilise our ensembles at private and public events.

No, not talking about the movie with Meryl Streep – more about the chord struck by the latest Dr. Who. Lately (and yes, obviously I’m a fan) he’s taken to pausing and then saying, “It’s complicated …” nd I find more and more that echoes

people are lessening personal Facebook updating;

how I feel when I look at issues. But

it’s just too time-consuming to maintain.

do I envy those people who are totally

Just remember that we are being drawn into

sure about absolutely everything?

multitudes of commercial operations enfolding

A

Absolutely not!

us into their business intentions. And we may

We’ll be surveying and auditioning new students each year.

As we grow up, surely sometimes Cromwell’s

not wish to go where our own information leads

famous advice might find an echo: think it

– there are an increasing number of legal cases

I intend that the UNE Colleges’ Chamber Ensembles will be embedded as one of the many offerings that future students can consider in choosing to study and live at UNE.

possible that you may be mistaken.

delivering landmark judgements. Be careful. It’s

Seeing different points of view can help make us

complicated.

human, whether our feet are on the earth or on

I know it marks me as a dinosaur (with attractive

the bitumen. City people are certainly increasingly

scales, I hope) but the application of what used

disengaged from the realities of the Australia

to be called common sense to cut through to

beyond their comfort zone. We have to get

the nub of things seems often to be lost. I’d like

informed and mediated information that doesn’t

to make a small prediction: those people who

reflect bias and self-interest out to them. For their

cut through to action on an issue will have an

sakes.

tick-the-box advice. Yes, use the technology, think

us, unclouded by political point-scoring. And we

about the objective and get on with it, cutting

want an end to the disgraceful conduct of too

out the needless chatter. And a human, face to

many politicians inside and outside the House. I

face meeting is still hard to beat – quaint, old-

simply cannot stand the uncivil language so often used by some party representatives and their supporters. We want national conduct that brings us self and international respect.

Should that be complicated?

And, while I’m at it – is twittering best staying among the birds? I tend to think it is although I know many people who are addicted. That’s the problem, it seems to become an actual addiction and people lose their senses in sending mindless, pointless comments that they can often regret.

I hate the acceptance of vitriolic comment from anonymous sources – if you believe something so

50 new england focus.

advantage ahead of those who are buried in

We want realistic management of issues affecting

fashioned thing that I am.

The amount of unsolicited words pouring into our lives is increasingly exhausting. My bank asked me to take 13 minutes to answer a survey but couldn’t give me two minutes to answer a question. We want service – not surveys.

Technology is here – revolutionising virtually everything: farming, developing pills that send emails back to our doctor’s computer for analysis, GPS devices on our parents or children to know what they’re up to … and devices checking what we are up to.

much what’s wrong with putting your name to

Okay – got all that off my chest, and believe it …

it? Tweeting can have a serious use, but on the

I really am for the wonders the 21st Century is

whole that seems to be looking for the grain of

bringing us – I just don’t want my life to be lived

sand on the beach – unless you’re fomenting a

through electronic objects. It was a relief to hear

revolution.

Bill Gates say that everyone should take time out

We should take time to reflect on mediated facts

each day to turn off all their devices and to live in

– beware false information on the net.

the actual world.

Even listening to the time on the radio is

Seeing people having lunch together all looking

problematic. There is a time delay on digital

at their phones instead of each other drives me to

broadcasts as the signal has to be ‘processed’,

despair. They have become components in their

so the time we hear in New England is actually

own machines.

more correct than the time they hear in Sydney on

Let’s bring back thinking first and then reacting.

digital radio. It’s complicated.

Let’s enjoy life and each other.

It’s interesting to see statistically that a lot of

Is that complicated? – Susie Dunn.

focus_travel.

A word from Vicki Kembery.

Travel

195

Recently the World Airline Awards were announced, with Top 10 Awards being given in a whole lot of different categories based on passenger satisfaction surveys conducted in 160 countries around the world.

T

he awards are not linked with any airline or trade group and are generally considered to be the global benchmark for excellence.

Class and number 2 for their meals in economy – both beating Qantas in each category.

And yes, I am looking mainly at economy class because that’s the way I travel; I think most of us

So, I thought I’d share a couple of the awards with you, because I think you might be a bit surprised at some of the outcomes. As a Travel Agent I’m often asked, “What’s airline ABC like”, and my answers are either based on personal experience or on feedback from other clients. Unfortunately, I haven’t flown on every airline in the world, or for that matter even every airline that flies from Australia – but if there are any airlines out there that would like to offer me a free sampler flight, I’m able and willing!

do, so that’s the part of the plane the majority

I was, in fact, pleasantly surprised by some of the airlines included in the Top 10 lists because now when I say, “That airline isn’t really so bad, I’ve flown with them and found them to be fine”, I can back it up with the fact they appear in the Top 10 category instead of having people look at me as though I’m mad. People’s preconceived ideas on certain airlines will be tested with some of the results, I think.

relax in between flights!) and number 2 being

So, let’s start with the Top 10 Airlines of the world as voted by passengers who were asked to rate airlines according to such things as service, comfort and being on-time. No surprises to see Emirates, Qatar and Singapore in the Top 3 possies. Even seeing Cathay at 6, Etihad at 7 and Qantas at 10 wouldn’t surprise many, and ANA All Nippon coming in at 4 is credible.

the Top 20 (even Auckland pipped us at number

But what will surprise many, I think (just based on the number of times I’m asked, “Are they OK”, or “I’d rather fly with another airline” whenever I suggest them) are the airlines coming in at 8 and 9 (yep, above our very own Qantas!) – which were Garuda and Turkish Airlines – two airlines that are perceived by a lot of travellers to be second rate. WRONG! And just to make an even stronger case for these two much maligned airlines, Garuda has come in at Number 1 Best Economy Class (based on product and service); number 1 Best Economy Seats; and number 6 Best Economy meals! Turkish Airlines come in at 7 for Economy

of travellers are interested in! No doubt if we looked at Business Class and First Class services, the Emirates, Singapore, Qantas and Qatar Airlines of the world would come into their own.

So then I thought I’d check out the Top 10 Airports in the world, and again there were very few surprises, with the number 1 airport being Changi Singapore Airport (understandable when you think it has a swimming pool you can Incheon Airport in Seoul. The others in the Top 10 are spread pretty evenly between Asia and Europe, with Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Beijing, Munich, Zurich, Tokyo and London all earning a stripe – the only North American airport to get in the Top 10 at number 8 was Vancouver.

Unfortunately, the Aussie airports didn’t get in 12) with Brisbane at 21, Melbourne at 29 and Sydney at 31.

So what does this mean if you want to have a really good start to your European holiday by flying with one of the top 10 airlines and hanging out at one of the top 10 airports enroute?

Looking at the results, it would seem you need to fly with Singapore Airlines (3rd Top Airline; 3rd best economy class; 4th best economy class seat; 3rd best economy meals) via Singapore (best airport) to land in Heathrow (10th best airport) closely followed by Cathay via Hong Kong.

But if it’s just Bali you’re wanting to visit, then it’s Garuda hands down! Although I doubt very much that Denpasar Airport will get into the Top 10 very soon!

Happy flying. new england focus 51

www.locals4locals.com.au

LOCALS LOCALS

4

Locals 4 Locals is raising public awareness of the benefits of shopping locally. Show support for your local community, by supporting your local businesses, Locals 4 Locals! So far, Locals 4 Locals have almost 50 members.

Story hy Feature nie Murp Mela

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IDALmemorial te S ARMhold a emora of the HMA ALE will to comm g 1 & 2 the sinkin Dec of TS ARMID ALE. nd on rsary weeke annive ARMID the 70th HMAS

R and KLETara’s life, who are A WIN ed children,inspired TAR dia chang she Trust. of many sation en’s to Cambo the lives organi Childr A trip dian uentlyfor by the conseqcared the Cambo now supports, and

ARMIDALE SERVIES CLUB.

CUTTLE PLUMBING. Since starting in October 2012, Cuttle

Centre, 140 Miller St, and shop local.

The Armidale SerVies Club plays an

And don’t forget the beautiful new bar

Plumbing has grown steadily into

www.cuttleplumbing.com.au

active role within our community,

to catch up with family and friends at.

Phone: 6772 6007

providing support to a range of sporting

Phone: (02) 6776 0800

a thriving and efficient plumbing maintenance firm. Initially a one man

and community groups with donations,

show, it became apparent that to

free room hire and sponsorships.

keep up with demand from our local

Recently we launched our ‘Giving More

businesses and residents, something

Back to Members Program’ centred

would have to change. After employing

on providing not only the community

an experienced apprentice and still

and our members with more support,

needing to expand, Cuttle Plumbing

benefits and value but also more ways

is now a member of the newly

to win at the club!

formed, local and family owned NEW ENGLAND SOLUTIONS PTY LTD group of companies. Along with an already strong desire to see our local economy grow, this family venture now has the support and efficiency of a larger enterprise while still being 100% locally owned and operated. Drop in to Shop 1a Viaduct

www.armidaleservies.com.au.

On average we give away over $5,000 per week through our promotions and activities, so if you haven’t been into the club lately than come and visit us and experience the difference. We’ve also got a fantastic new menu at the new Mill Bistro to suit all diners, kids too!

DIGITAL COLOUR AUSTRALIA.

HANNON’S.

Locals businesses lead by example.

At Hannon’s, we want to help you

and medical questions, or talk to our

Two Armidale businesses Nucleo &

understand more about your medicine

pharmacists, who will offer clear advice

Digital Colour Australia demonstrate the

so you can achieve better health faster.

and answer any of your questions.

Our pharmacists and staff will take the

Hannons proudly supporting our local

time to explain how your medication

community.

benefits of dealing locally by using each others expertise. Nucleo provide Digital Colour Australia with Web Design and Hosting, Digital Colour Australia provide Nucleo with colour digital printing hardware and support. Nucleo & Digital Colour Australia understand the positive impact these business relationships have for the Armidale Community from both an economic and employment

works and how to take it properly.

We’ll also help you remember your doctor’s instructions and provide written information.

Is maintaining your health important to you? We provide one on one consultation and advice, and professional service. At Hannon’s, all of our staff have been trained so they

perspective.

can best serve you, and provide you

Phone: (02) 6772 4033

with outstanding health information

www.digicolour.com.au

and services. You can browse through a large selection of our products, receive valuable solutions to your health

52 new england focus.

Phone: (02) 6772 7557

The more businesses involved, the better we can support and educate each other and the community.

In many cases, people don’t even know that a local supplier exists or that their prices are competitive. Many people have asked which businesses are involved, and here they are.

Keep an eye on the website to see an up-to-date list of businesses involved, as it’s increasing all the time. If you’re a local business interested in joining Locals 4 Locals, more information and a form for membership can be found on the website: www.locals4locals.com.au

ARMIDALE BICYCLE CENTRE.

LEGAL MINDS.

At the Armidale Bicycle Centre we continually keep up to date with technology and many years of experience.

We’ve had the opportunity to be involved with cycling at the highest level, dealing with people who’ve represented their country, and conversely, we also help people who are purchasing their first bike.

Jock has been the Australian Cycling Team Mechanic at 6 X Olympics, and Mark has been a mechanic at events such as the Beijing Paralympics. Third generation, Mitchell, is also currently racing in world class events.

We’d like to thank all our loyal customers and the community for their help and support over the years. We’ll continue to support them as best as we possibly can in the future.

The Legal Minds team provide

qualified migration services and access

professional legal advice and support in

to our Notary Public for international

relation to family law, business, corporate

transactions. So talk to us. You’ll be

services, conveyancing, environment,

inspired!

Phone: 6772 3718

local government, insurance matters,

Phone: 1300 642 166

2/224 Beardy Street, Armidale

wills and estate planning and most

157 Beardy Street (Mall), Armidale

armcycles@bluepin.net.au

areas of litigation. In addition to general

www.legalminds.com.au

www.jockbullensarmidalebicyclecentre.com.au

areas of law, the company also provides

talktous@legalminds.com.au

On your next visit to the sporting fields, have a look at the sponsorship in the area; the majority is local business. When we need a job for our kids, or help with fundraising, whom do we approach?

LOCAL BUSINESS. Supporting local business provides a lot more than just a product or service.

LOCALS 4 LOCALS BUSINESSES. Adventure Travel 195 Armidale Bicycle Centre Armidale Chainsaw & Mower Centre Armidale City Signs Armidale Electric Company Armidale Ex-Services Club Armidale Pet Shop Armidale Toys Armidale Wholesale Fruit Market Ascent Group Black Dot Music Carrs Newsxpress Cliff Wright Motors Computer Support Team Concepts Cuttle Plumbing

Digital Colour Easy as Coffee Face 2 Face Grant McCarroll Armidale Grazag Gym Ridz Hannons Pharmacy Hardmans of Armidale Hunts Carpets Hutchinson & Harlow Inland Fine Foods JQM Pty Ltd K Hickey (Norco) Killens Smash Repairs Legal Minds Pty Ltd Lockmans Doors Moxons Bakery

My Car Sound & Communications New England Solar Power NTIB Armidale Office Express Railway Hotel Richardsons Hardware Ridley Mini Skips Smith Sharpe & Abbott Sportspower Talk M Landscapes The Armidale Club The Big Lightbulb Wards Auto Paints Westend Sound Webcessity Westside Espresso

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

THAT SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY.

www.locals4locals.com.au new england focus 53

Cushioning is essential for all day comfort.

Essential support for hard working feet ...

Support is essential for hard working feet.

If you are on your feet all day, wearing shoes lacking support can be painful. Ascent shoe technology will help to deliver results against heel, knee and lower back pain.

How? The Ascent Duty Range provide stability to the heel with an excellent heel counter, support your arch with a contoured insole and midfoot stabiliser.

Cushioning is essential for all day comfort. The polyurethane cushioned insole is soft, providing lasting cushioning directly under the foot.

Cushioning is also supplied by the moulded sponge midsole material throughout the midsole area of the shoe.

Working on your feet all day often causes sweaty and hot feet. This can lead to blistering and discomfort. In the Ascent Duty and Walking Shoes, your foot is surrounded by a special smooth, cushioned mesh.

Air mesh found in Ascent Duty Shoes is filled

54 new england focus.

UNE 75th Anniversary Celebrations.

with a fibre that allows the air to flow around your foot within the mesh itself, keeping it cooler. To aid in selecting well fitting footwear suited to your foot type, our Fit Technicians will use our exclusive Fitprint technology to ensure you get the right fit for any activity.

The Athlete’s Foot also rewards individual customers; it’s just our way of saying thanks for their loyalty. As a Clubfit Member, for every $1 spent in store you will earn a point and once you reach 500 points, you automatically receive a $50 voucher in the mail, which can be redeemed at any Athlete’s Foot Store.

This year UNE celebrates the 75th Anniversary of the opening of the New England University College (NEUC). The college began in 1938 at the request of a committee representing citizens from Northern NSW and was established as an outpost of the University of Sydney in Booloominbah which had been donated by Thomas Richmond Forster in 1937.

Edgar Booth was appointed as Warden of NEUC on 1 Jan 1938, with lectures beginning in March, 1938. There were five lecturers and 24 students.

Booth, his secretary, the College’s Matron, four of the five lecturers, and 15 of the 16 full-time students (nine men and six women) all lived in “Booloominbah”, which also housed administration offices, lecture rooms, library, dining room and common room. There was some concern in the local community about the perceived impropriety of young adult male and female students

living under the same roof – something quite unheard-of in Australia before then.

On Saturday 30 April, 1938, the College was officially opened in the presence of the Governor of NSW, Lord Wakehurst, and Mr Justice Halse Rogers and Professor Robert Wallace, the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sydney.

The ceremony, and the elegant garden party that followed, drew a distinguished gathering of more than 1,200 people from right across NSW. At the vice-regal ball the previous night, all but one of the full-time female students made their formal debut into adult society.

NEUC prospered despite the war years being the early years in which it had to prove itself viable.

The experiment to manage tertiary education outside of Sydney proved so successful that NEUC gained autonomy in 1954 – as what we know now as the University of New England.

Motoring with Lynda Lynch

If you’re in the market for a SUV, the Mazda CX-5 is nothing but a hit.

The interior is sophisticated; it is spacious for both the driver and passengers, accommodating 5 people easily.

L

he CX-5 is available in various models ad come with either a 2.2 diesel or 2.5 petrol Skyactiv engine. Skyactiv technology redefines all aspects of performance handling and fuel economy. The CX-5 takes the driving experience beyond the ordinary with steering wheel controls and Bluetooth and MP3 Connectivity which is always handing for long trips or work calls. A 5.8inch touch activated screen automatically links me to the standard reverse camera and incorporates a multi information displace showing Bluetooth and audio settings. The reverse camera gave me a clear view of what was behind me at all times in full colour.

The interior is sophisticated, it is spacious for both the driver and passengers, accommodating 5 people easily. Looking around and you’ll find cup holders and storage spaces that are integrated thoughtfully. With plenty to do with my

family the large cargo area can swallow four big golf bags and by splitting the rear seats it helps The Mazda CX-5 accommodate takes the drive nary. larger or beyond the ordi ounted -m el he w ng Steeri unusually shaped charge in controls put me ntrol cargo on a co se of audio, crui virtually flat floor. oth.”

“

and Blueto

With the Mazda CX-5 the highest safety standards are on your side. Its extremely rigid body integrates six SRS airbags, including front, side (front) and curtain (front and rear).

In every seat you are reminded to wear your belt which was great for the kids. I felt confident no matter what the road conditions were because of the Dynamic Stability Control that incorporates Traction

Control System. The brakes back you up with large discs all around, ABS and Electronic Brake-force Distribution which optimises braking force according to vehicle loads. Emergency Brake Assist boosts stopping power at just the right time, by monitoring pedal force to recognise emergency braking. Not only that the Emergency Stop Signal automatically flashes the hazard lights to warn the driver behind you when you’re suddenly braking.

Mazda CX-5 gives you spirited performance

and great features and with the Mazda Genuine Accessories, Mazda CX-5 ownership is even more enjoyable. They allow you to personalise your car, and protect your investment. What’s more, they deliver superb design, quality and safety, all backed by a Mazda Genuine Warranty.

Mazda Genuine Accessories give you even more Zoom-Zoom.

Even more impressive is the quality built into Mazda CX-5 is backed by a 3-year, unlimited kilometre factory warranty and 6-year panel protection warranty.

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Thinking Education – with Chris Serow

THINKING

EDUCATION

ducation Law is as complex in form as is the diversity of the education industry. The requirement of good governance; the regulation, development and implementation of appropriate policies; and, the enforcement and protection of entitlements for academics, teachers, students, parents and administrators, are just some of the underlying foundations that ensure the quality and integrity of our education system.

E

Far too often we can forget the importance of appropriate regulation. The volume of statutory and common law that currently applies to the education industry may seem to make education over complicated or, in the alternative, under regulated. In any event, we should be mindful of the social and economic impact that changes to our education system and its regulatory framework have on our lives and community.

The Right to Education.

Australia has ratified and is a signatory to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

Both treaties recognise our right to education.

Under the umbrella of the CRC, the best interests of the child are considered to be paramount and children are recognised as having the right to participate in decision-making in association with matters that affect them.

The CRC and the Hague Convention are recognised as part of the amendments made to the Family Law Act concerning parenting matters and an important consideration in relation to medical and privacy matters. Article 28(1)(a) of the CRC also provides that children have a right to education including that primary education is to be free and compulsory (for ages between 6 and 15 years).

Accordingly, matters concerning public policy, government funding, truancy and accessibility to education are important matters that we all must consider and uphold consistent with the international treaties that we have accepted. Although students have freedom in relation to choice in tertiary education and (to some extent) in relation to subjects chosen in later years of secondary education, it is not clear as to the appropriate

56 new england focus.

level of involvement that primary school children should have in determining their own education.

Gonski Report In past years, respective Federal governments have made proposals to legislate for many changes in our education system including debate over proposals for a national curriculum and in 2010 commissioned a review known as the Gonski Report.

That report particularly focused on a review of funding for schools throughout Australia. The report made findings that education standards have declined in the period between 2000 and 2009 and there is a significant gap between our county’s highest and lowest performing students.

The report found that low levels of achievement were found particularly among students of low level socioeconomic and Indigenous backgrounds. Ultimately the Gonski Report concluded that in order to strengthen Australia’s future funding arrangements by Federal and State governments required restructuring with provision for additional investment by around $5 billion per year across all schooling sectors.

Not only does the Gonski Report conclude about the importance of a schooling system that is among the best in the world for its quality, equity and access but also the importance of good governance and transparent regulation. The Gonski Report has led to many proposals that will undoubtedly result in significant reorganisation of the entire framework and content of Australian education systems.

Education Law is part of the regulation of the education industry and provides a framework to maintain the integrity and value that we all place on our education system and the rights of its participants. It is an area of law that has a direct impact on all of our lives and the community and lifestyles that we enjoy. Developments and proposed changes are an important consideration to all of us, let alone the impact that current proposals could have on education providers within the New England and wider Australian communities.

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

the

New England

difference “When Lifestyle matters!”

$450,000 - $500,000

Perfectly positioned for enjoying the local lifestyle, this spacious & contemporary-style house located in a quiet cul de sac on north hill offers expansive views over the town landscape. This home is the epitome of convenience, character and showstopping views! Only minutes walk to town centre.

Property features: Large north facing windows Àowing into kitchen, dining & main living.

Q Paved outdoor entertaining area.

Q Private yard w established garden & native trees.

Q Fully secure dog friendly yard.

Q Polished timber Àoors throughout the home adding to its appeal & character Q Stainless steel open plan kitchen, very user friendly.

Q Formal entry w handy wet area.

Q Main living Q Large second living w entertaining deck showcasing spectacular views over town’s centre.

Q Bedroom 1 also features town views.

Q Bedroom 2 is a playful boys room, great size with Q

large built in robe.

The main bathroom’s skylight drenches the shower, basin, toilet & tub in this family friendly room.

Q Bedroom 3 again has generous proportions and includes a built in robe.

Q Main bedroom is a feature of this home, showcasing stunning views over town from its very own balcony, walk-in robe and elegant adjoining bathroom/ensuite with spa and under Àoor heating.

Q home of¿ce could double as a 5th bedroom if required, but features built-in wall cabinetry and handy TV space.

Q Downstairs provides amazing storage areas and also includes a single lock up garage w internal access.

Q large under cover carport off garage.

Q Heating is plentiful with your choice of wood, gas Q

The secret of the New England and in particular Armidale is well and truly out of the bag! In the last 5 years in particular it has been a regular occurrence in our office to deal with tree changers from metropolitan Australia.

91-99 Glen Innes Road This beautifully presented double brick home is located on the edge of Armidale and is set on approx 3 acres of Àat land with subdivision potential. The home has been freshly painted and carpeted through-out and has updated bathrooms. Truly magni¿cent inside and out, from the home and its ample garages and shedding, to its manicured grounds and established gardens and water features.

Property features: Q 4 large bedrooms, all built-in, main with ensuite Q Open plan living/kitchen/dining area opening outdoor

$775,000 area

Q Fully covered verandah and outdoor area with

amazing water feature Q Large separate games/rumpus room with bar Q Formal lounge with ducted wood ¿re heating Q Elegant timber and glass kitchen with stone tops Q Large 4 bay garage with storage, workspace and toilet Q Separate 4 bay shed with awning currently returning $125p.w Q Colourful gardens and established trees. Landscaped with timber sleepers for rustic charm Q Subdivision potential to 500sqm blocks

89 Fittler Close Property features: Q Fabulous 3 bedroom brick and tile home in an elevated North location.

Q All bedrooms with built in robes.

Q Single lock up garage with internal access.

$319,000 Great North facing private paved alfresco area.

Main bathroom with separate bath and shower, plus shower off laundry.

Q Separate living areas, main lounge with wood heating.

Q Current rental appraisal of $350-$370 per week.

Q Q

Armidale

TOWN & COUNTRY Dangar St, Armidale Phone: 6772 2111 Fax: 6772 6054

I

t has been a real joy to help our city clients secure property here in Armidale but to also see them in the street and discuss with them the life they have been able to get back by being out of the rat race and by being a part of the community!

Armidale is unique in the fact that it has such a diverse range of citizens, from the academically minded right through to the blue collar worker. The arts and education are really the heart of our community, though sports and sporting events seem to be the life blood.

settled in from a metro area you can be sure to hear them say that the pace of the town is great! They love being able to run their kids to school, go home for lunch and pick their kids up of an afternoon and take them to sport! We also hear how well priced our marketplace is compared to some other No traffic is a regional centers and that big one we hear they were surprised to o, the all the time. Als e know that by selling th added bonus of estic in Sydney, Brisbane or m NBN and our do in ly Melbourne they could high airport feature why to not only purchase the as s on si us disc idale as house of their dreams they chose Arm ” in Armidale but they their new home. had surplus funds left over to purchase an investment property or go on a nice overseas vacation!

“

The choice of public and private schooling is second to none in regional NSW and adding to this is the ever expanding University of New England providing the new generation of leading minds in this country.

No traffic is a big one we hear all the time.

Also the added bonus of the NBN and our domestic airport feature highly in discussions as to why they chose Armidale as their new home.

The UNE ads so much to our towns economy and in particular our real estate market, but more than that it adds to the energy of the place with a diverse range and age students both nationally and internationally.

If you and your family have had enough of struggling to deal with life in the city, it’s time to look at Armidale! Give the team at Armidale Town & Country a call today and discuss your rental or purchase needs with the team today on 6772 2111.

Whenever we speak to anyone who has

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Window Coverings – a good investment

A luxury rural retreat For Sale.

Only four years old, this designer home on 385 acres of granite soils sites on pristine bushland with open grazing pockets and a timber deck facing the north east.

It is a luxury rural retreat, a builder’s own home with great features including 4 bedrooms, three bathrooms, stone tiles with the master bedroom having ensuite and walk through robe. The living area has lopi wood heater with feature stone wall, a stone and timber construction with cathedral ceilings. The mezzanine level library and double office space overlooks the huge open plan living area and this could easily be converted into a large bedroom. The home is complemented with a designer chef's kitchen with a walk in pantry and quality stainless steel appliances, gas cooking and wood burning, slow combustion

58 new england focus.

cooker.

Outside there are one large under cover entertaining areas with a built in BBQ and landscaped gardens. There is also other accommodation with a second three bedroom timber home that could be converted to a farm stay with minimal effort. A couple of older style sheds exist for small tractor and other farm items. A small shearing shed and sheep yards that are in working order.

An impressive 29,000 gallon water tank to the main house and a 9,000 gallon tank to the second house.

Situated only 20 minutes from the city centre, this property would suit someone looking for peace and quiet or looking to get a start in the rural grazing sector. For an inspection, contact Fred Keeping 0427 751 600.

People are often surprised at the cost of a good pair of lined curtains, but once they are up, clients will often say: “I had no idea they would keep the house so warm”. Think of them as a good investment – as important to your home as the best method of heating. Why spend a lot of money warming your house only to have the hot air leak out through the windows overnight? Two layers of fabric, a decorative front layer and a backed lining provide good thermal protection as the air caught between the two layers acts as insulation, similar to how a double-glazed window works. When you are renovating or building, put into your budget a generous allowance for your window coverings; we recommend about $1,000 per window or door. Then when you get to the end of the building process, you can have what you want, rather than sheets for a few years.

These days, curtains are only one way of covering a window. Well-fitted shutters offer the same thermal protection as a pair of lined

curtains with a pelmet. Cellular or honeycomb blinds are also a trim and attractive window covering with good thermal qualities.

Keep the warm air inside this winter and invest in good quality window coverings.

Fabrics Naturally can help with all types – curtains, shutters, all types of blinds and cellular blinds. Come in for a chat before you build or renovate.

The curtains in this photo were made from Sanderson Dandelion Clocks fabric for an Armidale client. Photo courtesy of David Doyle Photography.

... looking for a New England or Granite Belt lifestyle?

Rural Lifestyle for sale.

What is your new business, and what prompted you to start it? Recently, we decided to place our own 540 acre grazing property on the market using the internet.

However, dissatisfied with the quality of independent online marketing options – most existing websites available to us were too broad in scope, dated in design, or couldn’t showcase our property’s uniqueness and seasonality – we decided to create a new website called www.rurallifestyleforsale.com

privately or through an agent.

Friends became excited with the idea and asked if they could list with us, prompting us to create a site that has the potential to expand.

Plans for the future? We believe a site like this has the potential to attract new families and new investment into our region. Our next step is to grow the site’s client base, and further meet client and target audience needs. Online business is the way of the future, but being new to such a venture, we welcome enquiries and feedback at info@ rurallifestyleforsale.com.au

What do you specialise in, and who is your target audience? Our clients are those wishing to promote their rural lifestyle property for sale using the internet, on a clean, modern site, whether it is for sale

Our target audience is anyone looking for a New England or Granite Belt lifestyle and who requires a new home, occupation or enterprise.

Because it’s regionally focused, the site helps visitors better understand our region and its special features. Our Regional Information page provides links to more information about the towns, climate, special places and events.

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Profi TreeHere!

Change Yourtable Heading

Thinking of relocating?

Being born and bred on the land has given rural property agent Graham MacDougall an edge in sorting out the hay from the chaff when it comes to rural lifestyle blocks in New England.

Your ArmidaleHeading is the regionalHere! city servicing the New England district.

“One of the most satisfying things in my job is matching people and properties to one another. Some are looking for a hundred acres of bush purely to hide themselves; others are after more productive country and infrastructure to run a small cattle stud or perhaps a horse facility.”

Currently, Graham is marketing ‘Wollowra’, just 9 kilometres east of Armidale. With a 5 bedroom brick veneer homestead, sheds galore and solid fencing and yards sitting on 87 hectares (215 acres) of well watered productive country, ‘Wollowra’ is a classic example of a lifestyle property which gives the owners the ability to run a rural enterprise alongside more traditional nine to five employment.

Its close proximity to Armidale means there is no need to miss the kids’ sports or other extracurricular activity. Put simply, ‘Wollowra’ offers the best of both worlds.

More images may be found at www.macdougall.com.au. For further details or to arrange an inspection of ‘Wollowra’, please call Graham MacDougall of MacDougall Rural Property on

6772 4200.

60 new england focus.

Or, spreading the wings? Do your research carefully.

Landmark Harcourts also services the New England district in rural, and urban-rural real estate. Geoff Leedham has been associated with rural property in the New England for 40 years. He knows the district, and his knowledge can be most beneficial to those making the exciting change to the ‘bush’.

‘Hillgrove Station’, featured below, an iconic Armidale district property, is only 24 km from the city. Renowned for its fine quality wool, and prime beef and lambs, a huge feature is the water – 2 reliable creeks, 2 spring fed gullies, 13 dams, and 866 mm rainfall – it doesn’t get any safer in the New England.

Landmark Harcourts have another Waterfall Way property with a 2.5 km river frontage. The 67 ha property is gently undulating to the north east, with wonderful home-sites. A shed is converted to very comfortable accommodation, the property is only 30 minutes’ drive to Armidale.

Undoubtedly one of the pick addresses in the New England, Landmark Harcourts have this brilliant recreational property of 200 ha.

It produces beef, grows magnificent timber and has many other income earning activities. It has 3 km frontage to the pristine Styx River. Call anytime for a chat. If buying or selling hobby farms or large rural holdings, Landmark Harcourts are the experts.

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focusinterview.

I F A P I C T U R E I S WO RT H A T HOUSA N D WOR DS, then this new 5 star luxury over 50s ‘resort’ will sell itself … nestled just 10 minutes from Port Macquarie on the southern side of Lake Cathie, this brand new community is changing the perception of village living. Here it’s low maintenance, private living for your early retirement years – but nothing and we mean nothing has been left out when it comes to lifestyle facilities. We talk to a resident, Anna Wilson and John Gilmour the resort developer...

i Anna. Thanks for allowing us into your beautiful new home at The Ocean Club Resort. You’ve moved here just recently; where from?

My husband, David Wilson, and I lived in Armidale most of our lives. We decided to look for a new home and searched along the coast between Newcastle and the Gold Coast. Luckily, we found Ocean Club Resort.

When did you move in?

Just 5 weeks ago, so we’re still finding our feet.

Tell us about your home.

We wanted to downsize, given that we’re not big gardeners but we needed a 2 bedroom home plus a study and 2 bathrooms, so the grandchildren could come to stay. When we first visited, our home was being built, and I was impressed with the quality of the workmanship – look at the timber flooring!

The design is open plan and as you can see, we have plenty of space, so our furniture has fitted in beautifully.

What are you looking forward to most?

Settling into our new home, the new friendships we’re making and a more relaxed lifestyle, because the resort has all the facilities one could need right at the doorstep.

David jokes that we don’t need to go on holidays now! But when we do, it’s great to know that our home will be looked after. The security aspect gives me peace of mind in that respect.

Tell us about the other residents.

Well, they’re just like us! They’re friendly 62 new england focus.

and very sociable; in fact, we’re having drinks at 4 o’clock this afternoon in the clubhouse.

Thanks Anna, for sharing your new life with us.

I N T E RV I E W W I T H J O H N Hi John. Please introduce yourself.

My name is John Gilmour. I am one of the two partners in the development of The Ocean Club Resort.

So what is The Ocean Club Resort?

It’s NSW’s first 5 star over 50s resort. The Resort is pitched to those who are not ready to move into a retirement village. What we are creating here is a young, vibrant and active community and giving people all the facilities to enjoy their early retirement years.

How is the development different from other over 50s seniors communities?

Firstly, this community will be much younger than the others. Secondly, our architect designed slab on ground homes are actually a first in NSW, and our facilities here are unparalleled.

Tell us about the key features of the homes.

They are just like a normal slab on ground home. All of them have en-suites and large garages with storage areas. Our main focus has been to make sure the homes are absolutely private, because it is medium density living. Our unique selling proposition is that we are enabling people to live in a brand new architect designed, free standing home, but without any of the maintenance. It is a set and forget style of arrangement – we do all of the landscaping and gardening for

ub “ The Ocean Cl rst fi Resort is NSW’s sort. re 5 star over 50s hed tc The Resort is pi not e ar at people who a to in ready to move ” . ge retirement villa

them if they choose.

What other standout facilities do you have?

There is a long list of amazing facilities that Anna alluded to, which includes: a championship tennis court; golf driving nets and challenging golf putting area; commercial level free standing gym and wellness centre; a 25 metre heated pool. We have Yoga and Tai Chi spaces; and a $5 million Clubhouse with a private cinema, bar, commercial kitchen, lounge and dining areas, as well as a library and craft area. We also have a full competition size bowling rink and at the rear of the Resort and we have secure RV and boat parking and shortly men’s shed.

So what is the price guide for a new home at The Ocean Club Resort?

Pricing starts at $330,000 and goes through to the high $300,000s.

What makes Lake Cathie the idyllic location for this Resort?

We chose Lake Cathie as it is halfway up the coast – it has the perfect climate, according to the CSIRO and is the perfect location in a new urban growth area.

Thank you, John, for your time.

the plug!

For those interested in The Ocean Club Resort, contact Karen or Darren on 1800 462 326. www.oceanclubresort.com.au

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NEGS

"

7

Academic & Boarding Enrolments now being taken for 2014 NEGS has a long history dating back to 1895 and is the proud custodian of 60 hectares of grounds incorporating heritage listed buildings, playing ďŹ elds and an on-site Equestrian Centre.

The School’s versatility extends to Music, a wide range of sports and outdoor activities as well as an active Exchange program through the world wide Round Square movement.

Contact us for your personal academic or boarding experience - P: 02 6774 8752

Uralla Road, Armidale NSW 2350 T +61 02 6774 8700 E enrolments@negs.nsw.edu.au www.negs.nsw.edu.au Transition - Year 12, Anglican Day and Boarding School