New England Issue 97

NEW ENGLAND

June 2015 // Issue 97

PHIL MACFARLANE

Feature Story

Ainslie Breckenridge

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focusteam. team. focus

Welcome June edition of New England FOCUS. Welcome to to thethe November edition of New England FOCUS.

G O

’day readers. We have ann this month’s front other wonderfully interesting cover is Barbara Albury, edition for you this month. who stars in A Streetcar At the moment it’s a three Named Desire, showing at man team, with one our staff members, TAS Hoskins centre from the 21st of Lynda’s, child Sara being diagnosed with November December 6th.long Thisroad event Leukaemiato and starting the has a “stella” cast and will be sure to recovery. We have received manyto impress. wonderful warm wishes for their family.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE The New England Mutual have kindly Practicing accountant forpeople 40 organisedlocal a bank account for years, Bob Locke tells us how to donate much needed fundsadvancfor Sara es in technology have had a very big Lynch and her family. impact onwould the way is done If people likebusiness to donate, they can these do sodays. in person at any New England Mutual Branch toSewell the “Sara Lynch We talk to Lachie about whyFundhe raisingtoAppeal”. chose stay in Armidale; he tells us From are all the staff in the Newhere Enthere many jobhere opportunities gland region and right across the entire for the younger generation.

FOCUS weborn wishand Sarabred and Armithe We catchGroup, up with Lynch family our best wishes and all our dale lady Monique Howe, who shares love. her ambitions to become an actress ON tells THEus COVER and about the exciting moThis month we have “The Men Of ments from her career so far. Monique

Steel”. Rose Valley Steel Works has been studies at Screenwise Acting School a locally owned business for over 15 - Australia’s leading film and TV school years now, and they tell us about how for actors. it started, what they do and of course, We also speak to the wonderful Adewhat makes them the Men of Steel they laide author Sue Panagaris, who has have become. just released third book for Mills INSIDE THISher ISSUE &We Boon titled Falling for edition Dr December, have a jam packed for your with the story set in the New England enjoyment. For some students, the (taking place in both Armidale and transition from school to the workplace Uralla).

We at FOCUS were excited sometimes isn’t as easy as itvery sounds, and towe have a chat with Healey Sue and alsoO’Conhappy speak to Anne from that showcased New nor she’s Catholic College,the who hasEngland started area to the world. a twice weekly café within O’Connor We also travelled to the - Wholly Bean. This caféUralla gives Bowling students the opportunity to make ahas range of club, where Lyn Ferguson recently coffeeover andthe plate spectacular taken dining room asdishes, head which is a greatsatisfying kick start and to a moreish career in chef, producing hospitality. meals for the whole family to enjoy.

FOCUS talks with country Lyn has come backfamous to the New England musician Troy Cassar-Daley his region because she loves theabout mounnew album, Freedom Ride, his highlights tains and fresh air. Another big change the past plans for the future isfrom the name of year, the restaurant in the and of course, his upcoming concert at Uralla Bowling Club, now titled the Hill

the Armidale Ex-Services Club on the St Brasserie.

12th June.

And finally, read how a local golfing We learn about a truly inspirational community has come together to save Armidale local, Mark Wright, who after the Uralla Golf Club. moving to London tried out for a TV WELCOME TO JAMES BROOKS show called The Apprentice. Out of New England verytried proud tohe some 75,000FOCUS peopleiswho out, welcome James “Jimmy” Brooks to received a call from the producer, who our team. James hashe joined the team informed him that had been successasful aninadvertising consultant asthe wellfirst as in his application and was helping us to outachieve with photography, so on Australia this. Mark went please give…James a call if you have any to place find out inside! enquiries.

FINAL SAY FINAL “You SAY cannot live your life to please others.

The choice be your own” “You can’t dependmust on your eyes, Whiteyour Queen (Alice in Wonderland). when imagination is out of focus”- Mark Twain.

ADVERTISING ADVERTISINGMANAGER: MANAGER:Tracy TracyLe LeMessurier Messurier

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SUB EDITOR: Jo Atkins Louise Beaumont ACCOUNT MANAGER:

GRAPHIC GRAPHICDESIGNER: DESIGNER:Joey JoeyDable Dable

PHOTOGRAPHER: David Elkins SUB EDITOR: Jo Atkins

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Lookingto toadvertise advertisein inFOCUS? FOCUS? Looking Contactus usfor formore moreinformation. information.

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FOCUSISISPROUD PROUDTO TOSUPPORT SUPPORTTHESE THESEGREAT GREATCOMMUNITY COMMUNITYEVENTS EVENTSAND ANDPROGRAMS. PROGRAMS. FOCUS

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new england focus focus. 33

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inside this

Issue 97 - June 2015

Freedom Ride Troy Cassar-Daley.

8.

Mark Wright.

Most Australian backpackers who wind up in London use it as a base to visit nearby European cities, with cheap airfares and part-time jobs aplenty. But born and Bred Armidale lad, Mark Wright, was not your typical Australian backpacker. After a stint travelling the world, he entered the BBC show The Apprentice ...

26.

28.

26.

29.

Don’t miss Troy Cassar-Daley performing at the SerVies in conjuction with his latest album, Freedom Ride.

17.

The International Woolmark Prize.

This is a very special exhibition that showcases artworks from NERAM’s collections and contemporary fashion from the International Woolmark Prize archive.

The exhibition explores two ideas: the place of wool in the artistic imagination of Australia; and visual relationships between art and fashion.

usual suspects.

the

16. what’s on for June 18. eat featuring local restaurants 32. star guide with Terri

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new england focus. 5

focusinterview.

HE A D OF PL C A R MI D A L E J UNI O R SC HO O L

AINSLIE BRECKENRIDGE

SINCE TAKING OVER THE REINS AS HEAD IN TERM 2 LAST YEAR, THE PLC ARMIDALE JUNIOR SCHOOL HAS FLOURISHED UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF MRS AINSLIE BRECKENRIDGE. WE CHAT WITH AINSLIE ABOUT HER ROLE AND EXPERIENCES SINCE MOVING TO ARMIDALE IN 2010 AND HER INSIGHT INTO THE STRENGTHS OF PLC ARMIDALE JUNIOR SCHOOL.

W

hat attracted you, your husband Keiran and daughters, Georgia and Nina to Armidale? And more specifically, to PLC Armidale?

As a family, we decided that we wanted to live in a quieter environment, and Armidale seemed to tick all the boxes for us for a better lifestyle. We started to spend weekends in Armidale, and we fell in love with the community and all it had to offer our family.

As a PLC Sydney old girl, I knew of PLC Armidale. We chose the school for our girls as we knew the importance of an all girls’ education, and PLC Armidale presented itself as offering a well-balanced education in a very caring, nurturing environment.

How long have you been teaching?

Are you able to nominate your most memorable experiences and what inspires you in your role?

Since graduating in 1994, I have worked in both the independent and government systems. I have also studied along the way and completed a Graduate Diploma in Counselling, 6 new england focus.

which has been incredibly beneficial in my within a differentiated classroom setting. teaching career.

A PLC Armidale Junior School girl can feel My most memorable experiences in teaching comfortable to be who she is in a supportive are being part of students’ “light-bulb” and caring environment. moments when they begin to read and write.

What are the benefits of being part of a Being a part of the supportive PLC Pre K - Year 12 school?

Armidale community is a huge Girls flourish when they inspiration in my role. I are with girls! At PLC Our PLC School see so many involved Armidale, our size is community is families every day who our strength. We have , and extremely strong n are excited about their many opportunities tio a strong founda tu re . daughter’s education, throughout the year for fu leads to a strong and that in turn inspires girls right across the d and Our experience us in the Junior School school to learn from ed incredibly talent y ke as educators. each other and to be teachers are the ol ho Sc PLC Armidale Junior role models within the to the Junior School is growing from school community.

PLC success.” strength to strength.

Armidale is more than just What’s your secret? a school; it is a place where a Our PLC School community is girl can be confident to consider extremely strong, and a strong foundation the future and feel globally connected leads to a strong future. Our experienced through pastoral and educational and talented teachers are the key to experiences. the Junior School success. Their dedication PLC Armidale Junior School has been in creating challenging and interesting hosting a themed Open Afternoon for learning experiences is second to none. current and future families for a few years Each girl receives individualised attention now. What’s on the cards for next term

“

this year?

The Junior School Open Afternoon is on September 10 from 4pm. This year we are planning an “Historical Hiccups” afternoon.

As usual, our corridors and classrooms will be filled with engaging, fun and educational experiences. In addition, this term we are hosting an informal BBQ and Information Evening for our current and future Pre-Kinder and Kindergarten families. For more details, contact our Enrolments Manager, Sally McCook, enrolments@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au Many thanks for sharing your time and experiences, Ainslie.

the plug!

Come and hear how girls flourish right from the start at the PLC Armidale Junior School Pre-Kinder and Kindergarten on Wednesday, June 10 from 4:30pm. Meet the Principal, Head of Junior School and Pre-Kinder and Kindergarten teachers and visit the classrooms. Enjoy a casual BBQ with other future and current families.

Childcare available.

focusinterview.

WORKHEALTH AUSTRALIA YOUR PARTNERS IN INJURY PREVENTION AND WELLBEING This month sees the launch of a new Armidale-based business: Workhealth Australia.

Founded by Deborah Hunter of Rusden Street Physiotherapy, Workhealth Australia provides workplace assessment, risk prevention and wellbeing services to businesses across the New England and Northwest. Not only is this an exciting new business for Armidale, it is a showcase for the innovative use of digital technology.

What does Workhealth Australia do?

We partner with employers to improve the health and wellbeing of their staff through workstation assessments, follow-up physiotherapy intervention, and clinically based wellness programmes. We help improve your company’s bottom line by reducing business risk and insurance costs, and improving employee productivity.

Our service includes face-to-face assessment and intervention, as well as an online delivery component. We provide your employees with the knowledge and skills to self-manage their work health. Our services are tailored to meet the needs of each individual business.

Why invest in workplace assessment and prevention services?

Workers suffering from physical health problems are more likely to have higher rates of absenteeism and reduced productivity at work.

They are also more likely to pursue compensation claims and may be slow to return to work. Costs to a business escalate with potential staff replacement and insurance premiums related to claims.

Focusing on prevention can reduce the risk of WorkCover claims and absenteeism, improve employee productivity and retention, and improve the health and wellbeing of your employees.

How can this service help my business and my staff?

We often see people who are in pain while they are working, using the telephone or typing with poorly set up workstations. Their pain and discomfort can lead to impaired communication with colleagues and clients, sick days, and workers compensation claims.

Workhealth Australia physiotherapists can make adjustments to an employee’s workstation, make workplace recommendations and undertake follow-up physiotherapy to reduce their pain and prevent ongoing problems. This allows your staff to perform at their very best, improves productivi-

ty and reduces business risk and associated costs.

How can physiotherapy services be delivered online?

The online component involves follow-up consultations based on structured individual rehabilitation plans. Using digital technology to deliver a portion of our services provides a faster, more effective service and reduces your costs without compromising on quality.

What services are included?

We offer three integrated, clinically based services.

• Prevention Ergonomics: individual assessment and adjustment of employee workstation set-up; computer, keyboard and mouse to identify and prevent risk; and group education sessions.

• Intervention and Management: on-site physiotherapy assessment for individuals with identified pain and dysfunction; online follow-up consultation; and Return to Work management of an

injured employee following a workplace injury.

• Workplace Wellness programmes: stretching, strengthening; and postural education classes.

Clinical Pilates - delivered on-site and online.

So who is Workhealth Australia?

Workhealth Australia physiotherapists, Liz Maertin and Deborah Hunter, have extensive knowledge and understanding of the relationship between work history, work practice, work environment, lifestyle, and the mechanisms of injury and illness. This allows them to assess work environments and manage risk in all phases of the prevention through to the injury/illness recovery continuum. Workhealth Australia physiotherapists can actively contribute to preventing long-term disability, work loss, and lost productivity.

Liz and Deborah work together to provide a complete package of care to assist your staff in the workplace and reduce your business risk.

new england focus. 7

focusinterview.

TROY CASSAR-DALEY

H

D O N ’ T M I S S T R O Y C A S S A R- D A L E Y P E R F O R M I N G AT T H E S E RV I E S , T O U R I N G W I T H H I S L AT E S T A L B U M F R E E D O M R I D E .

i Troy. Tell us about your year so far ...

Well, I look back in my photo gallery in my iPhone since the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January, and I sure have done a couple of miles. But I love the travel; I still don't know why - I just like to move. I love my job and I’ve got itchy feet, so moving around and travelling is my perfect life. If I hadn’t been a country singer, I probably would have been a shearer’s cook or a youth worker.

Finally releasing my new album Freedom Ride in March has been a huge thrill; it’s always exciting to release an album. It's so nice to have something new to share with everyone. I set myself a challenge to find 12 different stories, whether they were parts of my life or parts of other people's. They become like 12 good friends, the songs, you know? You live with them like flat mates. I would describe my songwriting as leisurely, with a distinct focus on storytelling. Usually it’s a bit of scramble, but this time was really relaxed. I think country music, in general, is the heart of storytelling. You learn about someone’s life in one conversation and that is what a record is about, really.

A huge highlight for me this year was taking part in the 50th anniversary reenactment of the Freedom Ride throughout regional NSW. I did a project on the original Freedom Ride at school, and everyone was picking people like Lionel Rose, Jimmy Little and Evonne Goolagong to do projects on. I 8

new england focus.

decided to try and pick some sort of an event the places I visit have this charm, unlike big that was different. It was an amazing journey, cities; it's a true sense of community, and just reading about the Freedom Ride. 30that's special. Sometimes it might take us odd years later, I got in touch with Rachael five or six years to get back to some towns Perkins, Charles Perkins’ daughter, and she again. We’ve got a big country to cover, and I sent some beautiful bits and pieces for me always want to get back to the more remote to do some research on. I took all that stuff areas in particular that don’t usually get a down to Paul Kelly’s house in Melbourne, show. I live for it, and when you can get a and we sat there for a few hours scratching day off in a town such as Armidale, I have through documents and paper clippings and had some of the best times. watching this little DVD, and then we And you’re known to come wrote the song Freedom Ride. out after the show, give For Paul and I, it was some of your time and wonderful to then have a chat to the spend 10 days running audience too, which I think country through Walgett, is fantastic. Tell us music, in art of Dubbo, Kempsey and some stories about general, is the he arn le right over to Moree these moments? storytelling. You e in ’s lif on the 2015 Freedom What advice would about someone n and one conversatio rd is Ride re-enactment. you give to local co that is what a re The original freedom aspiring musicians? .” ly al re about, riders whom I met on These days we do the bus were fascinating small meet and greets people that still have a lot before the show that are of purpose in their lives and really enjoyable, then I put had some amazing stories. I think all my energy into my show! I’m it’s really important to just know that you always happy to meet my fans and still have an open mind [at the age of 45] have a yarn; people have such great stories to learn things on your way through life. to share. If there were one bit of advice I This time as you pass through our area would give to younger artists, it would be to with your latest tour, you’re visiting be prepared to play anywhere at anytime! some smaller towns, like Armidale A gig is a gig, and I did so many over my etc. What do you love most about time. Coming through the ranks, I was sort touring regional Australia? of ready for anything that would give me Firstly, the people appreciate us being experience. It's an amazing job when you in their towns, and it makes me want to finally make a living out of it. give them the best show I can. Secondly, This year’s tour is called Freedom Ride.

“

What can fans expect from this concert?

I love getting out of the road to play live.

Heading out to play songs from a new album is both exciting and nerve wracking at the same time. I can’t wait to share the new songs with everyone, but at the same time I want to bring some of the older songs to the front of the list to be heard again. Call it a trip down memory lane and a new musical adventure all in the same show. We have changed it up a bit, so people are in for some surprises. An instrumental here and there which breaks it all up a bit and also some stellar background vision, which adds a real dimension to the show. My band are terrific musical and “on the road” companions.

Plans for the future?

To be the best dad for my teenagers Clay and Jem and the best husband to my girl, Laurel. My family is very important to me; we spend as much time together as we can, and we will continue to do so. The kids and Laurel recorded songs with me for the album and also performed with me in Tamworth this year. I hope we can do more of that!

Thanks Troy.

the plug!

See Troy at the Armidale Ex-Services Memorial Club on Friday 12th June.

Tickets available by booking in person at the club. or phone (02) 6776 0800 visit armidaleservies.com.au.

Adults - $35, Children U15 - $15 *booking fees may apply.

Mutual Benefit Well known and respected Home Lending Specialist Cath Richardson has recently joined the team at New England Mutual.

T

he passionate local with 25 years’ experience in the finance industry has proven to be a very valuable asset to many local home buyers in Armidale and surrounds.

Cath says there are many reasons she is delighted to join an organisation like New England Mutual.

“Joining such a relationship focused organisation, means I am able to do more of what I’m truly passionate about - taking the time to understand my clients and ultimately assisting them to achieve their goals.

“New England Mutual is very hands on, both with assisting members into their new

homes and refinancing; my team and I work with estate agents and solicitors to get members in their home sooner and make the process smoother for them.”

Cath says she is excited by the product range at New England Mutual, particularly the Partnership Advantage Home Loan.

“The Partnership Advantage Home Loan has an offset facility, which means my customers can budget and save whilst paying off their home.

“I can help my members set up, up to 8 offset accounts where their savings are then offset against their loan, so they are paying less interest!

“I am really looking forward to combining England Mutual, I’ve found they offer staff an my experience with these great products to additional two days leave a year just to assist really benefit my members,” she said. in the community. I really think that’s great!”

Cath has been actively involved in Dane O’Connor, New England Mutual many local activities, including Area Manager, has expressed his the Guyra Clay Target Club enthusiasm to have Cath in and the Guyra Touch the team.

Football Association, “Cath has a vast I am really with hopes to knowledge about the looking forward become further financial industry y to combining m involved in other and local real estate, experience with ts community events in which is invaluable ese great produc th both Armidale and expertise. my to really benefit Guyra.

“Both new and .” rs be mem “I, along with my existing members husband and two will really benefit from children, enjoy being a part such a passionate and of such a vibrant community. experienced specialist. She is We love to give back to it by a great fit for our team, and staff participating in community groups. and members alike are delighted to “I’m really excited to join an have her on board.” organisation that strongly values our If you want more from your banking local communities and allows me to be relationship, contact Cath Richardson from more involved in this area. Since joining New New England Mutual on 0428 463 927 today.

“

Fast approval times Local decision making Efficient working relationships with local real estate agents and solicitors A single point of contact that can save you time and effort along the way A tailored home loan to suit your needs Take advantage of a better banking relationship and enjoy the benefits happily ever after.

1 3 2 067 / www.c o m mun itymutual.com.au Your own Personal Banking Relationship Manager Terms, conditions, fees, charges and normal lending criteria apply. New England Mutual is a trading name of Community Mutual Ltd ABN 21 087 650 360 AFSL 241167 Australian credit licence 241167. 0218-0315

new england focus. 9

10 new england focus.

BUSINESS

ENTERPRISE CENTRE N E W

E N G L A N D

N O R T H

W E S T

SMALL BUSINESS IS SET TO LEAD DIGITAL INNOVATION IN THE NEW ENGLAND NORTH WEST, WITH SUPPORT FROM THE BUSINESS ENTERPRISE CENTRE AND FUNDED BY THE AUSTRALIAN SMALL BUSINESS ADVISORY SERVICES (ASBAS) PROGRAMME, AN AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE.

F

unded by an Australian Small Business Advisory Services (ASBAS) grant, the project provides additional services to the BEC’s existing programme of highquality small business advice.

The Innovative Digital Business Solutions programme is designed to assist small business take advantage of the digital economy, whether they are just starting out or building on an existing investment. The programme provides timely, relevant support in training in five areas: funding avenues and financial analysis; building and marketing your business; making the most of your talent and team; management capabilities; and digital engagement including e-commerce.

The BEC team covers the entire New England

North West region, with advisors based in Inverell, Glen Innes, Tamworth, Moree and servicing the townships in-between. This month we feature Irene Lemon, business advisor for the BEC, who is delivering the project in Armidale, Uralla and Walcha. Irene has lived and worked within the region for almost 20 years. As a successful international consultant, she has contributed to the export of services and professional skills in the fields of conflict resolution, community development and governance. Irene is a skilled and sought-after trainer for multi-media and digital storytelling and project impact measures.

Irene has a range of tools to assist small businesses to navigate the challenges of operating a successful regionally based business.

”It is a privilege to meet some of the New England North West’s most talented and entrepreneurial people, who are contributing to our regional economies in the most innovative and exciting ways.

“The BEC offers small business owners across our region the chance to develop their digital literacy skills and try new things in a supported and, I hope, inspiring environment, through the Innovative Digital Business Solutions programme,” she said.

For Irene, digital literacy is the key to success for our regional economy. “As a tech-dependent person myself, I know the power of connecting online, and the benefits of going online for me have been profound. However, for a small businessperson who does not have an email address or a Facebook page, getting into that mindset and taking advantage of the internet can be challenging. I like helping people to find solutions that work for them. I can also assist established businesses that feel trapped in the complexity of the online space.

“As a not-for-profit organisation, the BEC is

able to deliver high-quality, high-calibre, and affordable business advice. The BEC has skilled and experienced planners and business advisors available to help regional businesses navigate through the virtual and real-world environment.

It operates across the entire New England and North West region of NSW. “One key thing learned from running my own business is how essential a good team is to its overall success. I have had the good fortune to be invited into many businesses from all over our region to offer support and provide skills transfer to the entrepreneurial people who have decided to take the plunge into owning their own business, whether as a sole-trader or social enterprise, enterprising farmer or a fully-fledged company.

“The BEC also works with existing businesses that are ready to try something new or to successfully navigate through unexpected business challenges. I’m excited by the opportunity to grow small business and our regional economy through the Innovative Digital Business Solutions programme.”

new england focus.

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focusinterview.

WHOLLY O’CONNOR CATHOLIC COLLEGE

It’s lunchtime at O’Connor Catholic College and the staff are offered coffee, and sometimes food, at The College’s coffee shop, The Wholly Bean. Having a café is not the usual for a high school, especially not one that is run by staff and students. Teacher Anne Healey tells FOCUS how studying a VET course at O’Connor Catholic College can benefit students.

W

hat advantages are there for students who do Hospitality as part of their HSC ?

Studying a VET course has great and varied benefits.

Intrinsic to all VET courses, regardless of the area of study, is the development of “employability skills”: communication, teamwork, problem-solving, planning and organising, self-management, learning, technology and initiative and enterprise.

These are essential to successful and sustained employment. In addition to this, there are a number of core units that give students an understanding of employment law, safety legislation, the intricacies or working with colleagues and customers, environmental sustainability and working in socially diverse environments, therefore equipping the students with a sound awareness of their rights and responsibilities in the workplace, across all sectors of employment.

The Hospitality students also partcipate in a Hotel School, run over three days at the Seaworld Resort on the Gold Coast. This gives the students a solid overview of working across a variety of departments in a resort, an experience not readily available in Armidale.

In addition to gaining a nationally recognized qualfication (in this case, a Certificate II)

VET subjects can count as two of the 10 units has developed a skillset outside of the course, required by the NSW Board of Studies for the for example in their part-time job, they are HSC qualification. In 2014, results in Hospitaligiven an opportunity to have their compety contributed very well to the students’ ATAR. tencies assessed, within the course or at their Statistics show 63% of students studying part-time employment. This can fast track the Hospitality at OCC received a Band 5 or 6 reattainment of the Certificate II and allow them sult in the HSC, with 25% achieving a mark of more time to attend to other studies. Their 90 or better. These were very pleasing results, training is practically based and relevant to the which we plan to replicate in 2015! workplace, quite different to the Food TechnolAll VET subjects are competency ogy HSC course. Hospitality (and all based. What are the advanVET courses ) are competency tages for students with based. This means the stuthis form of assessdents practice a skill until y ment? it is achieved and relit ta The Hospi so al A standard feature corded as competent. ts studen el ot H a in of VET courses is that This form of assesste partcipa e re th er ov n ru , ol students are required to ment is both thorough Scho orld days at the Seaw complete 70 hours of and appropriate for old Resort on the G workplacement over the practical courses, and Co ast.” duration of the course. the students have the This gives them an opporbenefit of avoiding the tunity not only to apply their stress of having one chance skills in a realistic enterprise setto perform or fail. ting, but also to develop confidence The Wholly Bean coffee shop is a and make connections with employers great example of this. for potential employment opportunities.

What is The Wholly Bean and how are Our local employers have been tremenstudents able to use their knowledge and dously generous in taking students on in their skills gained in Hospitality once they leave business, and we are very grateful for their school? contributions to this and other VET courses.

Twice a week The Wholly Bean operates, Recognition of Prior Learning, or RPL, is an and Mrs Healey assists her students to master important aspect of VET courses. If a student the skills of a barista. Students are rostered on

“

to one coffee shop session per fortnight. In the early sessions, they set the machine up, take turns at preparing milk or extracting espresso and clean the machine at the end of the session. Towards the end of the semester, these baristas-in-training will take customer orders, prepare the beverage independently and be responsible for attending to any issues that arise during the service period. Not only do the staff love their Wholly Bean coffee, the students develop a great sense of pride in delivering a quality beverage to satisfied customers.

The Hospitality course aims to equip students with skills suitable for employment. A number of the current students are already employed in the industry. Moving students into the workplace can be difficult; there are many applicants for positions and the Hospitality course certainly gives them a competitive edge. Their qualifications are recognised nationally should they pursue an apprenticeship in the catering industry.

The students regularly plate spectacular dishes. They are enthusiastic students and passionate about cookery and presentation of food. It is possible that popular television programmes help to fuel their passions. Regardless as to wether they follow a career in this field or not, the skills achieved will be useful every day.

Thanks Anne. new england focus.

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focusinterview.

UNIplan U N I P L A N WA S P L E A S E D T O I N V I T E A DA M M A R S H A L M P A N D C R M U R AT T O T H E O P E N I N G O F T H E I R N E W C A F E T E R I A A N D T R A I N I N G FA C I L I T Y.

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his recently completed project deserve.” gives their staff world class Uniplan manufactures transportable homes, training and eating space that cabins and villas. These are installed all through you would expect to see NSW, southern Queensland and Victoria. They at companies like can produce a fully complete building Google. every single day, and it takes only Uniplan’s staggering 11 days from start to finish. growth and bright prospects The completed buildings r This furthe now sees the company include all fittings such as t en m invest t no employ over 100 staff. floor coverings, curtains and s ie lit ci fa into our r ou s This amazing growth appliances - ready to move se ea cr only in city, pa ca from a three man family in. Their success has been n tio uc od pr r staff business 15 years ago built on providing a hassle but also gives ou lities faci is fantastic for Armidale. free solution and customising the world class ” e. rv se de Along with the cafeteria their design to suit each and they and training space, Uniplan every client. have also recently completed Within the same business they an extension to their factory, also manufacture bathroom furniture pushing the total building area to over under the brand name Timberline. This an acre! production line uses up to the minute CNC Managing Director, Ben Scott, says, “Since machinery and streamline assembly processes starting the business in 1999, we have found to allow them to produce between 110 and 150 Armidale a fantastic place to grow our business. vanities per day! These are all custom made to Never in our dreams did we expect to grow this clients’ orders to their exact colour and handle quickly and provide stable employment for over choices and shipped within seven days all around 100 staff. This further investment into our facilities the country. not only increases our production capacity, but As Ben Scott says, “None of this would be also gives our staff the world class facilities they possible without the outstanding staff that form

14 new england focus.

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our team. While our first company value is ‘Spirited hard work’ this is backed up by ‘Enjoyment, fulfilment and reward’. Without our staff, we’ve got nothing. With all our staff pulling together for the company goals, we have the world at our feet.

It’s amazing what strong teamwork can achieve.”

This is MP Adam Marshal’s second visit to the company and he notes that, “In 1999, Uniplan started out in Armidale as a three man team, working from a rental property consisting of a small office and a shipping container with everything being built outdoors.

“Today, as one of the biggest employers in Armidale and a staff of 100, this family-based business now boasts a world-class manufacturing facility producing affordable, quality products and a reputation for customer service equally impressive. In opening this new work station/ building, I’d like to congratulate Managing Director Ben Scott and his team on their vision and commitment and wish them every success as they increase their output and grow their market.”

Uniplan is also currently working with the State Government with a view to securing additional land to allow for future expansion. By looking ahead, they are ensuring ongoing investment and growth for the Armidale region.

Go for gold, Uniplan!

new england focus.

15

AROUND THE REGION //JUNE 2015

First Saturday chats Our next First Saturday chats will be hosted by Elizabeth Stahlut, Solicitor, from 10am to 1pm at our offices on Saturday 6th June 2015. As this is a popular programme, bookings are essential on (02) 6788 1100.

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14

Kentucky Seasonal craft & Produce markets

Featuring local Kentucky businesses, local produce and locally made crafts, each market will be held in the Kentucky Memorial Hall on the second Sunday of each season.

When 9am - 1pm, Sunday 14th June 2015.

Where Kentucky Memorial Hall.

Contact Anne-Marie, KPA Secretary 0407 345 908; Kevin (Kel) Hughes, KPA President 0403 504 050.

MICHAEL TAYLOR: PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE FIELD This two day photography course will provide a maximum amount of practical time shooting images with your camera of choice. You will get an essential set of skills to shoot on the run in the field and capture those fleeting moments that often get by before we’re ready. Create photos that require not only technical skills, but open up your creativity to convey ideas and emotions that you may not normally consider possible.

When 6 - 7 June.

Ticket $200.

Where 500 Terrible Vale Rd, Kentucky NSW 2354 Contact 0412 351 792 www.gocreatenewengland.com

Seth Sentry Laughter YOGA We meet every Monday except the last Monday of the month; held on Tuesdays on the last week of the month, same time and place.

Easy and fun exercise for health and happiness.

When 1:30 pm - 2:30pm.

Where HWNS Hub Suite 9/10 New England Arcade, 188 - 192 Beardy St, Armidale.

Together with DJ Sizzle, Seth brings to the stage his trademark charm, quick wit, and the best raps in the game, with a show that is energetic, fast paced and not to be missed. We’re calling it; this is the biggest tour EVER by an Australian hip hop artist.

When Thursday 25th June 2015.

Where University of New England.

Tickets $28.60.

LET US CREATE SOMETHING SPECIAL

get your ticket TODay at the belgrave cinema

there’s more to life

for a full calendar of upcoming events, visit www.unelife.com.au/events 16 new england focus.

02) 6773 2349 www.unelife.com.au

focusinterview.

MARK WRIGHT

MARK THE APPRENTICE 2014 MOST AUSTRALIAN BACKPACKERS WHO WIND UP IN LONDON USE IT AS A BASE TO VISIT NEARBY EUROPEAN CITIES, WITH CHEAP AIRFARES AND PART-TIME JOBS APLENTY. BUT BORN AND BRED

ARMIDALE LAD MARK WRIGHT WAS NOT YOUR TYPICAL AUSTRALIAN BACKPACKER. AFTER A STINT TRAVELLING THE WORLD, HE ENTERED THE BBC SHOW THE APPRENTICE - AND WENT ON TO WIN IT AT THE END OF LAST YEAR.

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n Armidale local, why are you so passionate about Armidale?

I will always have a special place in my heart for Armidale; it’s where I have grown up and gone to school, as well as the town where all my family lives and works. I have travelled and worked in most major cities around the world, but still get excited going home.

Tell us about your family ...

My family own a local business in Armidale, Cliff Wright Motors … make sure you buy and service your car there! Ha ha!

I’m so lucky to have been brought up in a hard working family business; I believe it has given me the foundations to go on and win The Apprentice.

My parents, Mary and Gary, have always supported all the crazy things I have wanted to do and have really backed me. They did not force me to go to university, instead, encouraged me to find my own passion. My two brothers, Jason and Nick, have also this year moved away from Armidale to chase business ambitions. My goal is to make my business in the UK so successful, I can afford to retire my hardworking mum and dad in the next 10 years.

Tell us about your journey in England ...

the 10th series of The Apprentice. It was an I came to the UK as a tour leader for an Australian travel company; I lived and amazing feeling. worked in Europe for a year taking summer I was selected as 1 of 20 entrepreneurs trips - it was amazing! After spending all from all around the world. my savings and coming into the winter, I To enter, I had to give up my flat and quit had to move to London and find work. I my job. You ran the risk of being fired was lucky to find work with a by business magnate Lord large internet marketing Alan Sugar in one day, or company, where I had a go all the way in 14 very successful two years weeks. Being the 00 living and working in optimistic bloke There were 75,0 London. people from all that I am, I was It was the After my second over the world . confident I would w days year, I was looking most intense fe go a fair way, so g I have for the next the hardest thin ed I happily gave it ct g sele done . After bein nd big challenge. One of all up. sa into the top thou e my colleagues at the on p Over 14 then into the to time suggested trying so close!” as w gruelling weeks I d, re nd hu out for a TV show the candidates were called The Apprentice; I thinned out from 20 had no idea what it was, to two. It came down but figured I would go along to Bianca Miller, a 25 year to the auditions. There were old lady from South London 75,000 people auditioning from all over proposing a luxury tights business, the world. It was the most intense few and myself proposing an internet days - the hardest thing I have done. After marketing business. The final is filmed over being selected into the top thousand then three days, and the final day is live in a into the top one hundred, I was so close! studio, where I was lucky enough to have Then in February 2014, I received a call from my parents and family over from Armidale. the producer of the show to inform me I It was a close and challenging final; would be the first Australian ever to go onto however, I triumphed as the winner of

“

the show. It was the best moment of my life and was so special to win, as I lost my grandfather, Cliff Wright, while the show was in production, and he has always been my best friend and inspiration. I felt he would have been happy with the win.

What has happened since your win on The Apprentice?

Since winning The Apprentice, I have gone on to become Lord Sugar’s business partner.

He has invested £250,000 ($480,000) into my business Climb Online, and we are now in our fourth month of trading. We have just invested in a new office, 10 staff, as well as other other start up items. We have over 85 customers, including Be Wiser insurance and Groupon, two of the biggest companies in the UK. Climb Online has turned a profit since our second trading month and has been named the most successful business to emerge from The Apprentice series.

Plans for the future?

While my personal and business life in the UK is doing extremely well, I still want to return to Australia in the next five years. My goal is to open Climb Online in Melbourne or Sydney and stay with the company and remain part of The Apprentice family. The UK is great, but nothing beats home.

Thanks Mark. new england focus.

17

mezze plate from blackjacks.

download our eat. dining guide for iPhone & Android www.focusmag.com.au/eat

18 new england focus.

merilba estate The Merilba Estate cellar door is also a perfect place to hold a special event or function. Why not speak to Kassy about your wedding, birthday party or special family gathering?

We do everything we can to make your event special and unique. Menus can be tailored to suit your taste and budget. We can do casual canapés and drinks, buffet meals and sit down dinners to your specific requirements.

Our venue is able to seat 100 guests and for standing functions, we can accommodate 180 guests.

Lunch or dinner arrangements are easily made; contact Kassy to discuss menu options and any additional requirements. The cellar door is available anytime for function bookings.

blackjacks tapas Farmer | Baker | Coffee Maker Introducing, drum roll please, our range of Tapas evenings from June 1st. Using only the finest local and freshest ingredients, our new chefs have developed a full range of Tapas including favourites such as slow cooked pork belly with spicy grilled watermelon, calamari with mango salsa, locally produced Chinese dumplings, mezze plate, or the house made crispy polenta with caramelised balsamic reduction and spiced dukkah. Why not bring some friends and share a beautiful dish over a bottle of matching wine! If style and ambience presses your buttons, then look no further than Blackjacks. Don’t forget that we have an extensive range of fresh breads and pasties produced daily, and a spectacular range of larder products including local organic flours for your home cooking or gifts.

146 Marsh Street, Armidale 0412 116 536

Kingstown Rd, Uralla NSW 6778 9145 Saturday and Sunday from 11am - 4pm for wine tasting and lunch (bookings essential).

6am - late.

Lamb shanks with mash and greens.

Handmade Gnocchi, Caponata and Parmigiano Reggiano.

flooded gums restaurant

The royal hotel

With the cooler months upon us, prepare your tastebuds for great, warming food, kept simple, though done extremely well. The new menu is hearty, flavourful and bold. Flooded Gums have received “1 Glass” (Wine Spectator Magazine Wine List of the Year Awards - only property in Regional NSW to be awarded “1 Glass”). A wine list featuring age release and current vintages from acclaimed producers in the greatest regions; the potential for serious food and wine matching is limitless.

The Royal Hotel is your family friendly pub, offering a generous menu.

North Bonville Road, Bonville 6653 4002 www.bonvillegolf.com.au Open 7 days; bookings essential.

Our bistro is also now offering themed food nights, which include Mexican Monday, Pizza Tuesday, Ribs & Wings Thursday and Steak Night Sunday.

All these meals, as well as our new menu dishes, are available dine-in in the bistro and as a takeaway meal too.

Executive Chef: Darren Ryan.

Drop in and let our chefs cook a delicious meal for you, or just unwind on our lounges with your favourite coffee and house-made cakes.

Head Chef Lennard Tanner.

107 Beardy Street Armidale (Crn Beardy & Marsh street) 6772 1444 royalhotelarmidale.com.au 7 days from 10 ‘til late. Lunch 12pm - 2pm Dinner 6pm - 9pm. new england focus.

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focuseditorial

The Butcher, the baker

WINEMAKER

QUALITY HOTEL POWERHOUSE BRIDAL FAIR After the success of their inaugural Bridal Fair last year, the Quality Hotel Powerhouse Armidale will once again be hosting this very popular event on Sunday 14 June.

There will be 13 wedding exhibitors showcasing the very latest products and services.

Get expert advice on the correct makeup for your skin type and the right hairstyle for the day. Enjoy the luxury of sitting in a limousine that can take the whole wedding party and see the latest trends in fashion in formal wear for the bridal party.

Caroline Wright, who has over 50 years’ experience in wedding styling and Monty Maguire, the General Manager of the Quality Hotel Powerhouse, will be on hand to offer advice and highlight the facilities the Quality Hotel Powerhouse can offer prospective brides.

These include function rooms, bridal suites and the newly renovated “Powerhouse

20 new england focus.

Cottage” which is adjacent to the hotel.

The cottage offers bridal parties the perfect place to get ready for the big day, as well as provids group accommodation with either 2, 3 or 5 bedroom self-contained options.

The Powerhouse has a reputation for innovation, quality and style. To make your wedding a stylish affair, don’t miss the Bridal Fair on Sunday, 14 June at the Quality Hotel Powerhouse between10am to 2pm.

For more information, phone Monty on at the Powerhouse on 6772 7788.

MERILBA ESTATE IS STAGING YET ANOTHER BUTCHER BAKER WINEMAKER ON SUNDAY 7TH JUNE. IT HAS BECOME A TRADITION FOR MERILBA ESTATE TO STAGE A FOOD AND WINE EVENT ON THE SUNDAY OF THE JUNE LONG WEEKEND, WHERE SOME OF THE REGION’S TOP MEAT AND BREAD PRODUCERS ARE INVITED TO COUPLE THEIR WARES WITH MERILBA ESTATE WINE.

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he Butcher This year the Butcher is Bindaree Beef, located at Inverell. Bindaree Beef has been operating in our region for more than 60 years. Committed to a superior beef product, Bindaree Beef grew from a family farm to Australia’s largest family owned beef abattoir. Employing more than 600 people, Bindaree Beef is strategically situated in Inverell to source quality cattle all year round. The focus at Bindaree is to supply a consistently superior beef product, where they hand select prime cattle and process them in a manner that enhances carcass quality. Bindaree Beef’s processing facility is highly regulated and tests the beef to ensure safety and quality.

Bindaree beef grades cattle for yield and marbling in the abattoir and are able to value add to the product on site before selling to retailers, foodservice providers and individual consumers.

The Baker Moon’s Bakery of Bridge Street, Uralla have once again been invited to bake bread for the event. The Moon family have been operating bakeries in our region for five generations - a remarkable feat when you consider the pressure that major supermarkets place on family owned bakeries. Moon’s bread and patisseries can be found in Uralla, Walcha where they have a shop in Fitzroy St and many corner stores in our region. Robyn Moon, the proprietor of Moon’s Bakery, believes the secret to longevity in the bakery industry has been commitment to quality. It has been some commitment with very early starts for six days a week.

The Winemaker Merilba Estate is a family owned vineyard, winery and cellar door located at Kingstown.

Merilba Estate produces five varieties of wines from the 11 ha vineyard, which include Chardonnay, Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc, Blanc de Blanc (sparkling Chardonnay), Shiraz and

Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines are produced by winemaker Shaun Cassidy onsite at Merilba.

The winery now also doubles as a Cidery, where fresh apples are processed to produce the region’s only cider, under the brand New England Cider Co. Coupled with all this activity, Merilba Estate operates a premier cellar door.

The cellar door building started out life as a stable for the early stagecoach industry; later, it became a shearing shed and ultimately a cellar door that sits in picturesque grounds adorned by roses. A special feature of the cellar door is the corrugated copper walls and beautiful vista of the surrounding country side.

At the Merilba Estate Cellar Door you can taste James Halliday four star rated wines, local cider and modern Australian dishes. Most visitors make a day of it, spending a pleasant afternoon enjoying great company, fine food and award winning wine. This time of year is particularly inviting, as there is a huge fireplace that creates an added ambience.

With tickets being $45/hd for a stunning two course meal, children will have their own special meal for $15/hd. Bookings can be made by contacting Merilba Estate on 6778 9145 or info@merilbaestatewines.com. au - you’d best hurry, as tickets sell extremely quickly.

the plug!

The Butcher Baker Winemaker will commence at noon on June 7th. $45 adult, including a stunning two course meal.

Children will have their own special meal for $15 per person.

Bookings can be made by contacting Merilba Estate on 6778 9145 or info@merilbaestatewines.com. au - you’d best hurry, as tickets sell extremely quickly.

ACBC’S NEW EVENTS ROOM

THE ACBC’S LATEST EVENT ROOMS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED ... THE HIGHLY QUALIFIED AND VERY EXPERIENCED EVENTS TEAM AT THE CLUB TELL US MORE. The upstairs function room has recently had a complete transformation, including brand new carpet, neutral palate paint job, beautiful floor to ceiling white plantation shutters, and an amazingly modern and stylish bar refurbishment. The new space offers more flexibility in its arrangement due to the removable dance floor, so we can literally customise the space and floor plan to suit your event. The whole space has everything you and your guests need, with its own bar, bathrooms and outdoor terrace so your guests never have to leave the room and can enjoy every second of your event.

This adds to other event venues the club has to offer; remind us of these ...

As well as our beautiful upstairs function room, we also have the freshly renovated Auditorium with its spacious 300 capacity area, fully refurbished bar, removable dance floor and the brand new modern light feature.

For our more intimate events we can also offer our Dangarsleigh room, with a 50 person capacity, bi-fold door entrance and neutral palate with beautiful patterned wall paper and pendant lights. For the more casual event, we also have the BBQ area and for your meeting requirements, we have available the two boardrooms.

The ACBC has become one the New England’s most popular venues to hold not only weddings, but other events as well. How can

the club cater for different functions?

We pride ourselves on offering the highest level of service not only to our weddings, but to all of our events. Our experienced event team can cater for any function, whether it is a conference, school formal, ball, birthday party, charity or community group event.

We will work with you to create the room layout, catering and styling that will make your event stand out from the rest. We love to create new and interesting looks for our events, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box to work with us and create something truly memorable and unique.

What’s on at the club in the coming months?

We have an exciting show coming up on the 17th July with Amber Lawrence and the Girls of Country Tour featuring Christie Lamb and Aleyce Simmonds, as well as The Herman’s Hermits show on the 3rd September. Our event winter/spring season is booking up fast with college balls, school formals, birthday parties and conferencing galore! It’s never quiet here at the Armidale City Bowling Club!

If you are recently engaged and are considering the club for your wedding day in 2016, we would love to see you! Please get in contact with us today and book an appointment with one of our event coordinators to view the new rooms and secure your date, as they fill up fast!

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21

Armidale Community Of Schools

Public schools are the schools of choice building citizens for the future of their communities

ARMIDALE COMMUNITY OF SCHOOLS - PROVIDING QUALITY PUBLIC EDUCATION. Our wonderful public schools in the Armidale district make up your Armidale

Students benefit from the latest technologies and resources. Disciplined, caring

Community of Schools.

environments and leadership programs encourage respect, tolerance, care and

These schools, large and small, work together to offer the children of our city the

citizenship.

quality education that develops articulate, responsible and successful adults.

Our excellent high and central schools offer an outstanding selection of

Our highly qualifi ed and dedicated teachers provide challenging and stimulating

traditional vocational and extended HSC curriculum choices and have a record of

learning environments to nurture the individual talents of our children.

excellent academic achievement.

We invite you to contact your local school principal to arrange a personal tour & discuss your child路s education Armidale City Public School

Armidale High School

Ben Venue Public School

Black Mountain Public School

Chandler Public School

Waterfall Way, WOLLOMOMBI Phone: 6778 1335 chandler-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Drummond Memorial Public School

Rusden Street, ARMIDALE Phone: 6772 3736 drummondm-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Duval High School

Ebor Public School

Guyra Public School

Faulkner Street, ARMIDALE Phone: 6772 3420 armidalec-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Black Mountain Road, BLACK MOUNTAIN Phone: 6775 0192 blackmtn-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Butler Street, ARMIDALE Phone: 6776 7466 armidale-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Erskine Street, ARMIDALE Phone: 6772 4263 benvenue-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Crest Road, ARMIDALE Phone: 6772 1266 duval-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Waterfall Way, EBOR Phone: 6775 9136 ebor-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Kellys Plains Public School

Kingstown Public School

Kelly路s Plains School Road, ARMIDALE Phone: 6775 1253 kellysplan-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Bundarra-Bendemeer Road, KINGSTOWN Phone: 6778 9131 kingstown-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Bona Vista Road, ARMIDALE Phone: 6772 3314 martinsgul-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Newling Public School

Rocky River Public School

Sandon Public School

england focus 27 Chapel Street, ARMIDALE Phone: 6772 1488 newling-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Bundarra Road, URALLA Phone: 6778 4122 rockyriver-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Thalgarrah Environmental Education Centre

Uralla Central School

Rockvale Road, ARMIDALE Phone: 6775 1736 thalgarrah-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au 22 new england focus.

Marne Street, GUYRA Phone: 6779 0844 guyra-c.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Martins Gully Public School

Erskine Street, ARMIDALE Phone: 6772 3349 sandon-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Park Street, URALLA Phone: 6778 4204 uralla-c.school@det.nsw.edu.au new england focus 27

focusinterview.

gully MARTIN’S

P U B L I C

S C H O O L

Martin’s Gully Public School has some exciting projects coming up. Principal Brad Hunt tells us more ...

Tell us about the programmes you offer at Martin’s Gully Public School ...

There are a number of whole school programmes implemented at Martin’s Gully Public School.

Our Peer Support programme commenced at the beginning of this year, with Year 6 students being trained at a leadership afternoon. Knowledge and techniques gained enable Year 6 students to now work with students from Kindergarten to Year 5 each week, endorsing skills and activities linked to our You Can Do It! programme.

The You Can Do It! programme is embedded throughout all aspects of the school, both in and out of the classroom and provides students with social and life skills focusing on resilience, confidence, organisation, persistence and getting along. Awards are presented each week at our Friday assembly as part of this programme.

In addition to outstanding literacy, numeracy and creative arts programmes, students continue to participate in daily PE lessons linked to our whole school PD/H/PE programme.

We understand that your school received a grant to work with other schools in the area. Can you tell us about this initiative?

The executive staff members from

Drummond, Sandon and Martin’s Gully Public Schools worked together on applying for a combined grant to assist teachers in demonstrating leadership with implementing the new mathematics syllabus.

Our application was successful, and every teacher in our school has consequently been involved in explicit training of the new Maths syllabus and developing new maths units of work. This is an ongoing initiative which will run for all of 2015. Our executive staff have been provided with opportunities to learn about leadership and to demonstrate these skills in leading workshops as part of the alliance.

What are some of the future projects and ideas for Martin’s Gully?

Martin’s Gully is an outstanding public school. We are a school wich offers an extensive academic curriculum as well as comprehensive sports, creative and performing arts programmes. We work closely with our community to build on our achievements.

Further professional learning on the new English and Science syllabuses and the full implementation of the new History syllabus are priorities for curriculum change in our school.

We will continue to build on our already strong welfare programmes using the You Can Do it! programme.

river ROCKY

P U B L I C

S C H O O L

Rocky River prides itself on a culture of values and community involvement. Principal Jo Thornton tells us how this "little school" helps many organisations in a "big way".

A rich programme of activities encourage our students to participate in local community activities as well as fundraising on a national level.

The You Can Do It! programme underpins the social, emotional and academic outcomes for our students. Social responsibility is one of the twelve Habits of the Mind that is central to the programme. This includes caring, doing your best, freedom, honesty, integrity, respect, responsibility, understanding, tolerance and inclusion.

School leaders attend the GRIP leadership programme on an annual basis.

This programme provides practical and interactive leadership training, which our leaders implement to support the Personal Development programmes in the school, including You Can Do It! Already this year, Rocky River Public School has been involved in a number of community activities. Firstly, we took part in a community research project in conjunction with the Uralla RSL. All Upper Division students researched a World War I Soldier who had been born or enlisted in Uralla. This culminated in 97% of our K - 6 Students marching in the Uralla ANZAC March and our school leaders addressing the community during the town service. In February I was contacted by the NRL HOGS On Harleys, who were travelling through NSW

promoting the Father Chris O’Brien programme for Youth Off The Streets. Students researched the programme and were astounded by the number of people who live on the streets, their ages and circumstances. Through a gold coin donation, the students were able to present Brad Fittler with a donation of $100. The students were rewarded with a talk from Brad Fittler and Nathan Hindmarsh, which concluded with every student receiving a football and some instruction from all of the footballers.

Cancer has touched a number of families in the Rocky River Community. The students held a Pink and Yellow Day to raise money for Breast Cancer and Kids with Cancer programmes. An Odd Sock Day was recently held to support people with Melanoma.

Other fund raising activities include Jeans for Genes and Red Nose Day. We conclude our academic year with a Safety Day which not only informs students about keeping safe in a fire, when swimming or bush walking and working on the farm, but students donate a gold coin for the privilege of being out of school uniform for the day. These proceeds go to the Westpac Helicopter Service.

Students at Rocky River Public School are empathetic to others who are less fortunate, and they are willing to accept their social responsibilities to support our local and wider communities. new england focus.

23

focuseditorial.

SHAUN MCINERNEY FRESH PRODUCE BUYER FOR ARMIDALE MARKET FRESH

Shaun McInerney has been a Sydney Markets Board Member since 2011.

He has over 30 years’ experience in the fruit and vegetable industry and is director of Fresh Fellas Pty Ltd. He tells of his special business relationship with Armidale Market Fresh.

I

met Phil and Maria from Armidale Market Fresh when Queensland was in the middle of a flood crisis and the Brisbane market was closed and they needed to source produce for their business.

Since then, we have built up a great working relationship. I have visited Armidale a few times to get a better understanding of their needs. Both Phil and Maria have visited the Sydney markets to see how things work, and they have also toured around many Sydney retailers. Every business needs

to look at themselves to see what they can improve, and Phil and Maria certainly do this regularly. They have recently renovated their premises, introduced new products, including fresh flowers, and have a very good online presence. They have put themselves “out there” with mystery shopping programmes for feedback from their customers and critics. I love being part of their continued success and growth. Phil and I talk on the phone many, many times a week; he asks questions about product range

availability and price; I am his eyes and ears. I have been trading in the markets for over 30 years, and I love being one step ahead of market trends and fluctuations and passing this on to my customers - this assists with their viability. I am very proud of my relationship with Armidale Market Fresh and the continued success of this business. I am sure the good people of Armidale have also benefited from this relationship.You just can’t beat dealing in the health and vitality of fresh Australian produce.

Laughing

YOGA

Ability Links COME REFRESH AND RENEW YOURSELF WITH A GOOD DOSE OF FUN AND LAUGHTER AT LAUGHTER YOGA.

T

he group has been running for two months, and feedback has been great. You can be as involved as you like or sit and laugh along. Sessions start with an introduction from our facilitator Dr Aditya Menon, Mental Health Promotion Officer from Hunter New England Local Health District, then to warm-up movements. We begin laughing with movements like Sumo Wrestling (no actual wrestling required!), lawn mowing, looking through windows and much more.

Relaxation practices are also included throughout the programme.

Laughing Yoga is held at the House

24 new england focus.

Linker with Pathfinders’ Ability Links with No Steps Hub (New England programme.

Arcade - off Mall) from The aim of Ability 1:30pm - 2:30pm every Links is to facilitate Monday, except the social inclusion last Monday of , It’s all for FREE for people of all the month, when and the go al abilities in the the group meets of the sessions is e community and on the Tuesday to help make th ier to help build a instead. It’s all community happ society where for FREE, and the and healthier.” people of all abilities goal of the sessions enjoy inclusive lives. is to help make the For further enquiries, community happier please contact Wae Jae Tan and healthier. Everyone is on 0409 137 993, (02) 6771 welcome!

1209 or The organiser of the programme, Wae Jae Tan, is a abilitylinks-arm@pathfinders-aus.org

“

focuseditorial.

PS ACCOUNTING End of Financial Year Another year has come and has almost gone.

N

As we approach 30th June it is wise to review your business performance to understand and influence your tax position.

Art shows its diversity

ERAM has a diversity of art currently on show. The first is the female nude represented by an exhibition drawn from the NERAM collections. It includes a Norman Lindsay saucy satyr ogling and fondling a complacent brunette on loan from the NSW Police (the painting, not the brunette). The painting is recovered stolen property, but they’re not sure who it was stolen from. The exhibition runs until 2 August.

This exhibition beautifully complements David Tucker’s selling exhibition Certain Rituals, which consists of some exquisite and deceptively simple nude drawings and a series of sculpted naked women fantasising about being red-tailed black cockatoos in a mating ritual. On until 14 June.

Photography is again represented in two exhibitions. The first of these is 52 Suburbs Around the World.

Photographer Louise Hawson has travelled the world and brilliantly captured some of the lesser byways of fourteen cities, from Berlin to Hong Kong, New York to Tokyo and Rome to Delhi. The result is a fascinating perspective on the cultures of the world that would appeal to any traveller. With its colourful portrayal of cultural diversity, it also offers a great way to educate our children about the fascinating world we live in. The exhibition finishes on 12 July.

Raphaela Rosella, in her exhibition about teenage pregnancy: You didn’t take away my future, you gave me a new one, photographs three young mothers, depicting a strength and resilience through powerful images and recordings of each mother’s personal story. This exhibition is a partnership with Beyond Empathy, who mentored Raphaela to such effect that she has recently won the International World Press Photography

prize for Portraiture. Exhibiting until 14 June.

The Art of Wool shows works from NERAM’s collections presented alongside fashion from the International Woolmark Prize, to explore the place of wool in the artistic imagination of Australia and creates a visual relationship between art and fashion. This unique exhibition is on display until 2 August and is one not to be missed by anyone who loves fashion, artistry, textiles and design.

This exhibition will be of great interest to students of textiles, design, art and history.

the plug!

NERAM Opening Hours: Tue - Sun, 10am - 4pm.

For more information: www.neram.com.au

Some factors influencing your taxable profit or loss include: • Carried forward losses • Repairs versus capital improvements and new assets • Depreciation and other “tax adjustments” • Is all my income “earned” and “assessable”?

• Do I qualify for any new budget measures or “perks”?

Opportunities to reduce your tax payable can include: • Tax deductible contributions into superannuation (within certain limits) • Deferring Income where possible • “Farm Management Deposits” for farmers • Bring forward tax deductible expenditures, including prepayments • New budget measures including write-offs for certain assets up to $20,000 Many strategies require sufficient cash-flow and possibly additional finance. Does the benefit outweigh the cost?

At PS Accounting, tax planning is a part of the services we provide to our clients. All work is conducted locally by our team of accounting professionals and we’d welcome the opportunity to talk with you.

The information above is general in nature. Advice for your specific situation should be sought from a qualified professional.

ELDERS

BUSINESS INSURANCE

WHEN IT COMES TO BUSINESS INSURANCE, MOST COMPANY OWNERS WANT LOCAL, PERSONALISED SERVICE AND THE RIGHT COVER AT GREAT VALUE.

E

lders Insurance provides exactly that. What's more, we make it easy for you.

We can consolidate all your policies into one insurance package.

This means your covers are simpler to manage, which lets you get on with doing what you do best - running your business.

When you deal with us, you can rest assured you will receive personalised service every step of the way.

Every business is unique - and that means every insurance package should be too.

From the moment you first sit down with your Elders Insurance team member, we will do all we can to provide you with the insurance package that best addresses your business needs.

The majority of business insurance claims can be processed through our local office. That means you know who you are dealing with and you are guaranteed

to receive personalised service.

On top of that, any repairs you require will be carried out by local tradespeople, while replacement goods will be sourced from local retailers.

This is just one of the ways that Elders Insurance puts money back into the New England region every year.

Call into Elders Insurance New England on Bundarra Road or call our office on 6775 4577 for advice on how we can assist you with all your insurance needs. new england focus.

25

focusinterview.

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

WOOLMARK THIS IS A VERY SPECIAL EXHIBITION THAT SHOWCASES ARTWORKS FROM NERAM’S COLLECTIONS AND CONTEMPORARY FASHION FROM THE INTERNATIONAL WOOLMARK PRIZE ARCHIVE. THE EXHIBITION EXPLORES TWO IDEAS: THE PLACE OF WOOL IN THE ARTISTIC IMAGINATION OF AUSTRALIA; AND VISUAL RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN ART AND FASHION. TANYA ZOE ROBINSON, EXHIBITION CURATOR, THE ART OF WOOL TELL FOCUS READERS MORE.

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hat inspired you to develop this exhibition?

It all started with NERAM’s collections.

NERAM has the most comprehensive art collection of any regional gallery in Australia. I was struck by the number of works that depicted sheep and wool - and I wondered why? It turns out that wool and sheep have inspired generations of Australian artists. From great properties to prize sheep, farm work to hand knitting, artists have captured every aspect of sheep and wool production. The artworks show the importance of rural life and our relationship to land. They speak to an Australian identity bedded in wool and landscape.

Why wool, art and fashion?

I’m also interested in fashion, so pairing the two together makes sense to me - especially as art and fashion are so closely related. They share an intertwined history, sense of creative expression, and desire to communicate visually. I noticed that details in the paintings are similar to features on the garments, and I liked the way both artists and designers had explored the technical and creative possibilities of their mediums. Some designers emphasise qualities of raw and knitted wool that are also captured by artists, or details in the paintings are similar to features on the garments. The bold painterly gestures, gently draping fabrics, detailed textures and sculptural shapes create a dialogue between art and fashion. It’s as if many artworks and garments were made for each other.

26 new england focus.

Where do the garments come from?

The International Woolmark Prize recognises outstanding rising fashion labels. Regional competitions are held around the world to choose finalists for the award. All entries have to use at least 80% Merino e The garments ar wool - most of which ey th amazing – will have come from this so different and l al e ar region. High profile judges tworks many are like ar At we have so many choose the winner during t. gh ri n ow in their great works in the international autumne ar t os the same time, m the exhibition. I winter fashion shows. So, ” e. very wearabl particularly love we are very fortunate to be the artworks that able to exhibit these garments. contrast the romance of As well as many international landscape with the work fashion designers, there are of production, so things such Australians Alistair Trung, Christopher as working shearing sheds and Esber, Dion Lee, ELLERY, Magdalena Velevska yards - you can really feel the heat and and STRATEUS.CARLUCCI. activity in those paintings. Rahul Mishra’s What will visitors see? dresses are truly amazing. He comes from It will be different for everyone - some India, so his garments combine a mix of old people will enjoy seeing the historic artworks, and new technology, intricate embroidery and or love reading about wool, art and fashion. hand weaving. Mishra also loves storytelling, For others it will be about the variety of so he strives to tell a story with every part of techniques or the incredible detail on some each garment. You can see this in the way garments. Others will love the exhibition his filmy fabrics contrast with heavy stitching because it’s their wool that’s on display! and merge representations of nature with The garments are amazing - they are all so the geometry of the city. It’s hard to believe different, and many are like artworks in their that this is his first time working with wool, own right. At the same time, most are very and that he’d never visited a wool growing wearable. It’s really interesting to see fashion property. He made his first trip to Australia from around the world alongside wooland got to see sheep first hand, shortly after inspired artworks from our collections. he won the Prize.

Are there any special works in the And what is special about the exhibition? exhibition?

The exhibition is attracting attention to this Its really hard to choose the best artworks -

“

region from all around the world and is part of the global Campaign for Wool, which has HRH the Prince of Wales as its patron. So for NERAM, it’s also a very special way to make a statement about the region to an international audience. Of course, the wool industry has always been so important locally - and the fashion on display is part of this story. These fashion designers have transformed wool from farm-based production, to design realisation, to the catwalks of the world’s fashion cities.

Another special part of the exhibition is the beautiful book that accompanies the exhibition. It has photos of many of the artworks and garments, and essays about the place of wool in Australian art, a history of wool fashion, and an interesting discussion about crossovers between art and fashion.

Thanks Tanya.

the plug!

The Art of Wool NERAM until 2 August 2015 Open 10am - 4pm, Tuesday - Sunday 106 - 114 Kentucky Street, Armidale.

An entry fee applies.

new england focus.

27

focusbeauty.

TOP5 T H I N G S

T O

L O O K

F O R

IN A BEAUTY THERAPIST Choosing a beauty therapist should be no different to choosing a personal trainer, a physiotherapist, a hairdresser or any other consultant you pay to assist you. Here are five attributes you should look for in a beauty therapist to ensure you’re receiving the best possible care and advice.

1. First impressions recommended a therapist, chances are you’ll From the get-go, a good therapist should be happier with the results than if you walked take time to understand all the factors that in off the street on a whim. Take the time contribute to the improved quality and texture to ask around to find a therapist who has a of your skin and, importantly, the results you reputation for providing good services and want to achieve. solutions.

2. Experience and Education 5. A road map Don’t be shy to ask a therapist about their There are no quick fixes in anything, and previous experience and where they beauty therapies are no exception. Your gained their qualifications. therapist should paint a picture If they’re accredited by a of how you can achieve your recognised educator skincare goals with a variety Next time you’ re (such as the Ella Baché of methods, to guide you a visit ng ni an pl College of Skin and in the right direction. sure to the salon, en Beauty Therapy) Skincare products, diet, that your chosen and they’ve been sun exposure, and other es id therapist prov in the industry for a environmental and ns tio lu skincare so al du vi while, they’re likely di lifestyle factors can all in as that are ” e. to have the skills and play a part in this strategy. ar u as yo experience needed to Look for a therapist provide a quality service. who’s willing to provide you They should also have an with a comprehensive road map understanding of the skin on a to achieving your skincare goals. biological level so that they can make an It’s all about you accurate skin diagnosis, and ensure you You wouldn’t accept a one-size-fitsare recommended the products that will all exercise programme, and if you were get you the best results. suffering from muscular aches and pains you’d 3. Good-quality products probably find a specialist massage therapist or Your treatments are only as effective as physiotherapist. So why should your skincare the products used to perform them. A good choices be any different? therapist will be able to educate you about the Next time you’re planning a visit to the active ingredients in the products they use to salon, ensure that your chosen therapist treat your skin and explain the benefits they provides skincare solutions that are as provide. individual as you are. Their knowledge and 4. Reputation dedication will go a long way to helping you The best advertisement for any business achieve the radiant, glowing complexion is word of mouth. If someone you know has you’re striving for.

“

28 new england focus.

A CALL TO ARMS TO DONATE

blood for Sara The brave battle of a young local girl with Leukaemia has inspired former Armidale nurse Jules Campbell to organise

J

a community blood drive in her name.

ules Campbell is calling on New up to and after the June long weekend, with England locals to lay down arms this the flu season combined with the long weekJune to show courage for 10 yearend often resulting in a drop in donations. old Sara Lynch, who needs blood Blood Service spokesperson Annie Curtis said transfusions to help her beat the cancer patients were the biggest users of blood disease. in Australia, and platelets were vital to prevent Sara was diagnosed on 4th March and has life-threatening bleeding during chemotherapy. already received donations from 10 generous “Platelets are difficult for us to collect, as Australians. they have a short shelf life of five days, and we Blood donations help cancer patients to particularly need them around public holidays recover from their intensive treatments, which and the winter months. often reduce the body’s ability to “Patients fighting cancer, infections generate platelets. and blood diseases are relying on Sara’s mother, Lynda, says donated blood to keep them the products Sarah has elets are at Pl healthy throughout winter. received have been life difficult for us “Around 900 Austrasaving, and more will collect , as they to lians are diagnosed with be needed. f have a short shel d acute Leukaemia every “Sarah has needed e days , an

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life of fiv

need year, and it’s inevitable blood to help her we particularly ic bl pu nd that people who play through during ou ar them e winter th d an s ay sport will be affected or chemotherapy and lid ho surgery; without blood months.” touched by the need for her life would be at blood at some point in their serious risk. lives.”

“Don’t be afraid; your conTo find out more about donating tribution will have a major positive blood, call 13 14 95 or visit donateimpact on the lives of others, which flows blood.com.au. down to family, friends, and the commuCANCER BLOOD FACTS nity.”

• Blood donations help cancer patients to Jules Campbell said people could help out by recover from their intensive treatments, which pledging a donation for Sara at Tamworth and often reduce the body’s ability to generate Armidale donor centres in June, with donations platelets. particularly needed during the winter months.

• 34% of all donated blood goes to cancer pa“As a former nurse, I know how important tients, and there are thousands of Australians blood donation is for cancer patients, and I am who rely of regular blood donations all year confident we will see people from the Armidale round for life saving treatments. community lay down their arms to save lives.

• Blood donation is one of the easiest ways to “We’re asking people for only an hour of help save the lives of cancer patients. their time in order to help patients like Sara; simply call the Red Cross Blood Service and make an appointment to donate in June.”

Armidale and Tamworth donor centres are looking for additional blood donors in the lead

• Blood donors know how valuable their donations are to patients with life-threatening conditions. What they may not know, is that they give platelets when they donate blood.

Expert Comprehensive Care of Skin Cancers

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rimary skin cancers The initial step in the treatment of skin cancer is to confirm the diagnosis. Quite often, this is a clinical decision made after examining the affected area with magnification.

Sometimes, a biopsy is done, where a small selection of the cancer is sent to a Pathologist for examination under a microscope. Appropriate treatment is then planned and this may be with Carbon Dioxide Laser for superficial skin cancers, or excision with a knife for deeper cancers. Reconstruction of the treated area, to leave it looking as near normal as possible and to preserve function, is often necessary and is usually carried out at the same time as removal of the cancer.

Residual or recurrent skin cancers The treatment of residual skin cancers, where initial treatment was inadequate and where there is persistence of cancer, and recurrent cancers where the cancer recurs after previous treatment, is more difficult. In a significant percentage of patients, surgery is done in a staged fashion, where excision is done to confirm adequacy of cancer removal and followed up, after 24 or 48 hours, by reconstruction with skin grafts or flaps (skin and fat) and sometimes with additional material such as cartilage from the ear

or the nose.

Frozen Section Examination of cancer tissue, where the cancer removed is handed over to a Pathologist for examination while the patient is still on the operating table, is used where there is difficulty in outlining the extent of the cancer, and often in cancers involving the eyelids, to preserve as much tissue as possible for satisfactory reconstruction.

The need for comprehensive care in skin cancer treatment There is a lot more to skin cancer treatment then cancer removal: Accurate diagnosis, adequate removal, appropriate reconstruction and proper and long term follow up care is needed. Preservation of function and appearance takes a while to be established due to the way tissue heal and mould and hence scar management is an important part of the treatment.

There may also be instances where more treatment may be required, in the form of surgery or sometimes, with Radiotherapy or occasionally with Chemotherapy.

Expert Care and Management, including reconstruction to maintain function and aesthetics is available at the Plastic Cosmetic Laser Surgery Centre.

Please seek a second opinion at The Centre if you are being sent out of town for treatment.

new england focus.

29

CYCLING FOR KIDS

WITH A DISABILITY SUPPORTING PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY TO LIVE A GOOD LIFE IS PART OF EVERYDAY WORK FOR DENISE AND LEA.

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oth ladies work for House with No Steps Armidale and love what they do! They’re both so passionate about ensuring a bright future for adults and children with a disability that they’ve signed up for the upcoming House with No Steps Cambodia Cycle Challenge.

You may have spotted Denise cruising the streets of Armidale on her bike or Lea training for the latest triathlon or marathon. In October 2015, this adventurous duo will be setting their sights on the rice paddies, sugar-palm plantations and small villages of Cambodia to help raise funds to support Aussie kids with a disability.

The funds raised will help provide vital new support equipment, furniture and furnishings to make House with No Steps Emergency Care and Respite facilities a home and away from home for kids in urgent need of care.

This adventure will take the ladies through the sights, sounds and smells of South East

Asia as they cycle 350 km over 6 days.

They will spend time in the tree-lined boulevards of Siem Reap and discover the magnificent Angkor Temple Complex, before cycling beyond the city that goal. Their fundraising limits. premiere of Pitch Perfect 2 ks to the an Th Denise and Lea raised an impressive $1,600 for wonderful were inspired to pport from the cause. su participate as an the Armidale They still have $5,000 left opportunity to “give community, they to raise, so to help get them to e back”. are getting clos ” . al across the line they are hosting go at “The adventure reaching th a Christmas in July Fundraising we are taking on is Dinner (except it’s in August). going to be challenging, Tickets are $40 a head and include rewarding and most of all, a two course dinner at Armidale SerVies it will give us a great sense of Club with entertainment by popular local achievement,” said Lea. band “Terra Firma”. There will also be a Before setting off they need to raise a

“

minimum of $3,500 each. Thanks to the wonderful support from the Armidale community, they are getting close to reaching

prize for the “best decorated table”, so get out your balloons, feather and confetti and put your thinking caps on. So get a table of

family, friends or work colleagues together to celebrate a mid year Christmas, where all the work is done for you.

DINNER DETAILS Two course Christmas Dinner with entertainment by “Terra Firma”.

When: Saturday 1 August 2015.

Where: Armidale SerVies Club.

Time: 6.30pm ‘til late.

Cost: $40/head.

To book your ticket, call The SerVies Club on (02) 6776 0800. For more information on the House with No Steps Cambodia Cycle Challenge, please visit www.hwns.com.au/ cambodia or to donate, contact Lea or Denise directly on (02) 5795 1887.

“House with No Steps has got me involved in different activities such as the advocacy group.

I’m getting much better at speaking up for myself.”

Jess

House with No Steps is a leading provider of quality, flexible and innovative services tailored to your needs.

For more information or to book an appointment, call 02 5795 1887 or email daldridge@hwns.com.au www.hwns.com.au

30 new england focus.

COSTLY PRICE OF WINTER

AS THE DAYS GROW SHORTER AND THE COOLER WEATHER SETS IN, HEATING THE HOME CAN BE A COSTLY EXERCISE.

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ith Winter fast approaching, to this is the laborious task of lifting and Seniors who live in older the chopping of wood, plus the cleaning at the end of homes face the challenge to insulate against the cold. the season.

Our villas have reverse cycle air Heating your old house Statistics prove the average conditioning which can be a costly expense household can use 200kg or more of firewood during for a pensioner. Many is a cost effective of these homes have fire winter, adding to the expense way to warm a places and wood stoves of running the home. home. which require a lot of wood At Oak Tree Retirement supply throughout winter and Village Armidale, all villas have need constant attention. Added insulation fitted to both walls and

ceiling, substantially reducing the heating requirements within the home.

Our villas have reverse cycle air conditioning which is a cost effective way to warm a house, add to this the modern designs to help you comfortably age in place ensures you will be safe and secure all year around.

Come along for a hot cup of tea and a chat at one of our many upcoming Open Days.

We would love to see you.

Meet Ken & Margaret

We find the village both very affordable and low maintenance, our fees cover almost everything including having a gardener to take care of the lovely community gardens. If we ever need anything done, our village manager always makes sure our needs are met.

It is so pleasant living at Oak Tree, really, why would we live anywhere else?

1300 367 155

www.oaktreegroup.com.au

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

JUNE 2015

with Terri

AQUARIUS. January 21 - February 19

Esteem issues need to be recognised and disolved. Look at your reflection and smile; it’s that easy! The more you like yourself, the easier it will be to receive the best. It is time for you now.

Calcite brings out our spontaneity and confidence.

PISCES.

February 20 - March 20 A new friend or special love is likely to touch your heart soon. Enjoy the vast differences between you. Much laughter can be expected, as you learn to look at things differently together. Amazonite is wonderful for personal truth.

ARIES.

March 21 - April 20 Celebrations are coming, so don’t give up your dream. You have needed to recognise your own strength and independence, so you can succeed. Don’t allow the frustration of feeling suspended to spoil your passion or focus. Ruby worn daily energises the aura with passion and persistence.

TA U R U S .

April 21 - May 21

Justice will prevail! Any unfinished business should be taken care of A.S.A.P. Recognise your fears, and shatter them with laughter.

Pay attention to your words; they can get you into or out of trouble. Rose Quartz is a powerful “loving” crystal.

32 new england focus.

GEMINI. May 22 - June 22

Relationships will be a major influence on your thoughts for some time. Avoid expectations, as they only lead you to disapointment. Instead, look at the uniquness of your partner and stay happy for knowing them. Sugilite helps to build emotional bridges, in a loving way.

CANCER.

June 23 - July 23

Love yourself enough to make the best choices in life. Your time is precious; spend it wisely to avoid feeling pulled in all directions at once. Be sure to prioritise fun in your schedule. Phenacite helps us recognise our own divinity.

LEO.

July 24 - August 23 Patience is the virtue Leos are learning about. Avoid self-destructive thoughts and remain positive, as this will connect you with your outcome. Changes begin with thoughts; set some fresh goals.

Aventurine is good for personal growth.

VIRGO.

August 24 - September 23 Time is approaching for you to have an uncomplicated emotional existance. There is likely to be a huge change in your thought processes, as you are changing quickly. Avoid being intolerant of people as they haven’t changed; you have. Lapis Lazuli amplifies our self-knowledge.

LIBRA.

September 24 - October 23 You are wise old souls. Listen to the wisdom of your own words, as you have all your answers. You avoid self confidence in making choice, only because change is a challenge. Feel your truth.

Ruby feeds our life force.

SCORPIO.

October 24 - November 22 You are about to tumble into the “unknown”, but it will be the best thing for your growth. You will learn a lot in a very short time, and you will be loving the experience. Be adventurous and enjoy.

Tourmaline strengthens inner peace.

S A G I T TA R I U S .

November 23 - December 21

Play with your ability to manifest. You only need to think about what you want and fill yourself with the excitement of having it and think “thanks”, then forget about it.

Clear quartz amplifies our “magical” abilities.

CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20

Set some fresh goals quickly if you haven’t recently, as you are about to have some good luck. Positve energy is likely to affect your thoughts over the next few weeks, so capitalise on this. Rhodochrosite keeps our inner child active with joy.

focusinterview.

WALDORF SCHOOL • 30 YEARS PRINCIPAL JOHN DAVIDSON

T H E A R M I DA L E WA L D OR F S C HO OL C E L E B R AT E S 30 Y E A R S T H I S Y E A R. PR I NC I PA L JOH N DAV I DS ON G I V E S FO C US R E A DE R S MOR E I NS IG H T I N TO T H I S U N IQ U E ST Y L E OF E DUCAT ION.

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ow long has The Waldorf School been going in Armidale?

Our school started thirty years ago. Celebrations are planned for later this year in November. It is my hope that people from town will come and visit. It doesn’t matter whether you have children or not, we would like you to come and see what we do. Feel welcome.

How is it different from other schools?

We have tried in building our school to fit in harmoniously with the natural environment.

This is a place where children can learn and play.

Often in education people talk about saving the environment. Care of where we are has been a strong part of this school right from the beginning. We have a reed bed system to filter wastes, and we catch the rain-water for use in the school. Solar panels on the roof have saved the school a lot in electricity expenses.

We make a big effort to consciously take in materials that can be recycled and to send things off site where this can happen. There is a large vegetable garden. We grow things, which the children can pick, and then we have a regular lunch every Friday from the harvest. This is not to labour “environmental consciousness” with the children, but simply how we wish to work.

With our lessons we start with two-hour lessons each morning. One subject focus for two hours, but taught in a way that is engaging, interesting and helps children have a love of learning. After three weeks we teach another subject in a block lesson like that. It enables the children to focus, develop a real depth in that subject, and then allows them time to digest

what they have learnt. The children love coming to school. You can see it on their faces Seven students have just when they arrive in the completed storage boxes morning. You get a rt in woodwork. These are fo ef g sense for that when bi a We make ke ta decorated with a brass y sl ou they go home after ci to cons be n ca plaque and are for their at th school. ls in materia nd se to classroom equipment. d an What does ed recycl re this he w te si Class One children f of Waldorf mean? gs thin ere is a are weaving a case for The name comes can happen . Th garden .” their recorder. Skills and large vegetable from a cigarette useful items. Things that brand. In 1919, Rudolf have been made with care.

Steiner described how Do you just focus on arts a new style of education and crafts? could be set up. He gave these Not at all. The education is very lectures in a cigarette factory in comprehensive. In mathematics we work a Stuttgart owned by a friend of his, Emil Molt. lot with real situations and examples. These Molt said, “You can start here”. The schools are are tools the children will need to know solidly sometimes called Steiner schools, sometimes and securely. In science we work a lot with Waldorf schools. It is not a brand; there is no experiments, so the children can perceive for organisation starting these schools. They begin themselves how simple machines work, how where parents want this style of education for heat and acoustics are. For example, we don’t their children. As simple as that. tell the children scientific ideas and say look.

Are ideas from 1919 still applicable to We say look at this, what can you see, and then children today? what can we make of this. This approach is like In many ways, we can see aspects of the a training for the children in practical science. world that are so different for children today, They take this research/evidence approach with even from when we were little. Children them into high school. themselves, however, long to play, to explore The foundation for all learning we see as the and to test things out. They want to discover socio-emotional wellbeing of the child. and understand this world around them. What How do these ideas fit in a rural city like we do, how we teach, allows them to do this.

Armidale?

The classroom materials are of high quality.

I have only been here a little while, but I am There is a strong accent on doing things with surprised how few people have actually visited the hands, and doing things that are beautiful.

When they make handcrafts, they make things the school. Just this week three musicians visited that are useful - things that they can use. Class for the first time and were delighted with the

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children they met, the environment and the tone of the place. They also were impressed with the acoustics of the space they played in.

I wish more people would come simply to see for themselves how it is, and if they have children, to see how it could be for their children.

A lot of what we do relates to a classical style; there is a strong emphasis on world history and quality literature, music and drama. Country people would recognise as well the value and importance of children having lots of outdoor experiences; with the camp programme they visit farms, and travel all over. Class Seven just completed a 12 day walk last term, along the coast, canoeing across the rivers, and walking more than 60 kilometres. Class 5/6 are currently doing Greek gymnastics, throwing javelin and discus, Class 1/2 go for walks in the bushland every week.

Armidale I sense has a cross between rugged Australian values and a strong cultural sense for the arts and academia. There has long been a connection between the university and the school, and also with cultural groups throughout the city.

Where do the students go when they leave your school? How do they fare?

Over 30 years they have gone to a variety of schools - they fit in easily, because our education provides a broad foundation for life and a love of learning. Even in the short time I have been here, I have heard from high school principals and university staff how successful our students have been. new england focus.

33

focusinterview.

Unlimited Crates Unlimited Crates are the best thing for the environment. Under the ARS new contract, which commenced in 2012, residents

have been allowed to put out on the kerbside an unlimited number of crates on a weekly basis.

T

he community has responded strongly, with more and more residents boosting their recycling and reducing landfill.

Armidale Dumaresq and Guyra Councils took the tough decision

many years ago to go with the crate system, despite some protests from the big multi national operators.

The community participation that has led to the massive reduction in landfill continues to succeed and grow and has proven the crate system was the correct decision.

Another main reason for the success of the recycling operation is the individual crates allowing separation of the products at the source by the residents, ensuring the quality of the

34 new england focus.

The community participation the that has lead to n in io ct du re massive to s ue in nt co l landfil and ow succeed and gr e at cr e th has proven ect rr co e th as system w decision .”

“

recyclables will remain intact and desirable to the market.

Armidale Dumaresq and Guyra residents now have a cutting edge recycling service with a 96 per cent capture rate from kerbside recycling (approx 3,700 tonnes) with only 4 per cent going to landfill.

ARS now employs 17 people and has five trucks - operating seven days a week.

Personal service - ARS staff regularly call on householders to explain about recycling and check whether they need any advice or more crates.

SUSTAINABILITY MESSAGE • Empowering and informing the community • Quality service • Compliance process • High capture rates - higher rate of recycling.

• Stops waste going to landfill • More local jobs RECYCLING TIPS • Buy extra crates from Council • Don’t dispose of recyclables with regular waste • Rinse and clean jars, plastic bottles etc • Keep paper and cardboard dry and clean • Take lids off bottles and jars

• Never put hazardous waste in recycling containers.

We provide training programmes for our staff, who will receive Certificate III in Waste Management and a greater understanding of the waste industry, OH&S, processing and impact of recycling on the environment.

The latest addition to our service has been the introduction of the plastic bag collection through the kerbside crates. Plastic shopping bags and plastic film have been a major problem to the landfill and in turn, the environment.

People can recycle their household plastic shopping bags by placing all the empty bags into one main plastic bag. The main bag is then tied off and placed in the crate with the bottles and cans ready for collection.

LIFEBLOOD When 18 month-old Emelia Cook needed brain surgery, the generosity of anonymous blood donors saved her tiny life. Emelia’s mother, Naomi, shared what it means to receive the gift of blood.

critical blood donations are. I was raised in a household where blood donation was encouraged; however, you don’t often get to witness firsthand what an impact those donations can have.

Tell us how Emelia ended up needing a lifesaving blood transfusion.

In 2013, Emelia was diagnosed with a rare form of brain tumour. She had significant blood loss during surgery and, due to her age and being quite small, this was potentially life threatening.

I still have my beautiful daughter and get to witness her grow up, healthy and happy. I don’t think I could ever express how grateful I am for the Australian Red Cross Blood Service and those who do donate blood.

Without the transfusions, Emelia would most likely not have survived. I attribute her survival to both the skill of the medical team and to the blood donors who provided those life-saving transfusions.

How do you view blood donation now?

I think it has made us more aware of how

What would you say to anyone thinking about giving blood?

Give it a go. It takes little time, the staff are wonderful, and your donation can save lives.

To save lives like Emelia’s this winter, give blood at Armidale Donor Centre at 226 Rusden St. Book now on 13 14 95 or at donateblood.com.au

SAVE LIVES THIS WINTER IN ARMIDALE During flu season, many regular donors are unable to give blood.

Help boost blood stocks this winter and give blood in Armidale.

Armidale Blood Donor Centre 226 Rusden Street

Call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au new england focus.

35

focusinterview.

I65

Lodge Unity Number 6

C E L E B R A T E

Y E A R S

L O D G E

U N I T Y

N U M B E R

6

FOCUS talks to Max Tavener and Kevin Mortimer about one of the world’s oldest and largest fraternal societies, The Freemasons. Max and Kevin are members of Lodge Unity Number 6, which is celebrating 165 years and is looking for new members to join in and help their community and various causes. hat is Freemasonry?

Freemasonary is a organisation of men who strive to live by the fundamental principles of integrity, goodwill and charity. It is a non-profit community organisation that is heavily involved in supporting charity and community service.

Freemasonry is a society that unifies ordinary men 18 years and older, of all religions and backgrounds, who share a concern for human values, moral standards and a respect for the laws of society and the rights of individuals.

Why do you choose to be a Freemason?

There are many reasons a man will choose to be a freemason. It is an organisation that promotes self development, family and community values. It also provides men with an opportunity for public service and hands-on involvement in charitable and community issues, as well as a chance to socialise with men from

36 new england focus.

all walks of life without political or religious barriers.

Tell us, is Freemasonry a “secret society or a religion”?

No. This is a misconception. There is nothing secret about Freemasonry, and it is made up of men who come from many different religions.

The policy until recently was for members to be discreet about the organisation, their community work and even their membership. But times have changed.

What do the Freemasons do for the community locally?

We have raised lots of money for various charities. Every month to six weeks we have a BBQ at Bunnings to raise money for Ken Thompson Lodge for people in dire needs and underprivileged children. We help raise money for Royal Freemasons Benevolent Institution, we helped raise donations for the play equipment at Galloway Street and much more. We also

Firstly, you gain self ip, esteem , friendsh , ce en id nf co and self ry on as m ee Fr and is based around less helping people ...” e at un rt fo

“

built the weather shed in Allingham Street, and we’ve donated many items to the Oncology Ward at the Hospital. The great part of this is Masonic Care, who match our raised donations dollar for dollar.

What will I get out of joining?

Firstly, you gain self esteem, friendship, and self confidence, and Freemasonry is based around helping people less fortunate; whether it be helping disadvantaged people and families, or communities in disasters, freemasonry can

make you a better person in the community.

How can readers join?

There are two ways you can go about becoming a Freemason. The traditional way is to approach a Freemason known to you and express your desire to join. You can contact Max Tavener on 0408 634 806 or Kevin Mortimer on 0412 788 381. Also, you can contact our membership coordinator at the Masonic Grand Lodge on (02) 9284 2828 and he will direct you. All you have to do is ask.

focus_business.

with Susan Cull

• ARMIDALE BUSINESS CHAMBER •

PRESIDENT’S report Susan Cull.

OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS, THE ARMIDALE BUSINESS CHAMBER HAS GROWN TO INCLUDE MORE THAN 200 COMPANIES - AND NEARLY 600 PEOPLE - REPRESENTING MORE THAN 70% OF ARMIDALE’S GDP.

A

nd in 2015, the Chamber is becoming “the voice of business” in more ways than ever.

Our briefings series continues: in June, you’re invited to join us for lunchtime Webinars that help boost your management skills, while our Enterprising Women series - which has seen us breakfast with NSW Farmer’s President, Fiona Simson, the CEO of Best & Less, Holly Kramer and other notable women - continues.

This month, we also launch the Chamber Business Awards 2015. The Awards are your opportunity to recognise - and be recognised for - business excellence. I can’t overemphasise how exciting it is for local businesses, and their teams, to gain recognition - as an Awards nominee, finalist or even winner - for doing their best, day in and day out: so I do hope you will join us in singling out local businesses for their work.

And it’s clear that our businesses are up there with the best. Superair, the Chamber’s 2014 Business of the Year, went on to also win the NSW Chamber’s Business of the Year: an Award that has seen them gain continued publicity throughout 2014-15.

And who knows, it could be you - or your favourite business - who takes out the Award in 2015!

Meanwhile, the Chamber is also forging ahead on projects around our core mission of inspiring, energising and resourcing local business.

In recent weeks, we’ve helped local

business and primary producers get help to take their first steps into the China market.

At last, there are solid programmes available that can help local businesses get into the right mindset, and - in low-cost ways start targeting Chinese customers for their products and services, and we’re keen that New Englanders take full advantage of these programmes.

The Chamber is also involved in efforts to help local businesses make full use of the Industry Skills Fund, which helps with the cost of upskilling yourself and your staff.

The Chamber also initiated a Welcome to Armidale Programme and appointed some thirty Welcome Ambassadors across the business and wider community. A simple idea, to make new families feel welcome and connected. Welcoming Ambassadors are making it their mission to connect with new residents, and are now actively giving feedback to the Chamber on problems which newcomers to Armidale face.

We believe there’s a wealth of opportunity for local businesses to “grow better” - to innovate, collaborate and together gain an edge in ever-more-competitive markets. Our role is to bring business together along the way - and we warmly invite you to share the journey with us.

We welcome your involvement in Chamber events - our Pub Chats, seminars and more.

We also welcome your thoughts and ideas, on Chamber programmes and on the broader issue of inspiring, energising and resourcing our business community. new england focus.

37

focusinterview.

ROWINA POST

Artists Q&A

GILL DE LA MOTTE J A N E O ’ S U L L I VA N

GALLERY 126 EXHIBITIONS KRISTINE JACKSON

E

ach artist has interpreted the landscape of the New England and environs in their own style.

They were asked to discuss their work and their inspiration.

KRISTINE JACKSON

Growing up in the New Englan, I spent a

GALLERY 126 HAS CURATED AN EXHIBITION OF PAINTINGS BY FOUR EMERGING LOCAL ARTISTS, KRISTINE JACKSON, GILL DE LA MOTTE, JANE O’SULLIVAN AND ROWENA POST, WHICH WILL OPEN ON FRIDAY 12TH JUNE AT 5PM. I make a work; it urges me on.

For this exhibition I have produced some

lucky enough to have been taught by and to have worked alongside some amazing artists -

ROWENA POST For the most part I concentrate on paint-

small watercolour landscapes on paper and a

which spurs on my own creative practice.

ings that could be described or interpreted as

group of mono prints in oil paints.

JANE O’SULLIVAN

landscape based abstract works. The source or

GILL DE LA MOTTE

I relocated to Armidale from Newcastle in

origin for these works is based more on mem-

My current body of work is landscapes,

1996 to take up a lectureship at UNE. For my

ories of emotions experienced in situations or

mostly painted on site in our local national

first twelve years here, I lived on five acres out

places where I have been, rather than as an

lot of time in the countryside. For this reason

parks. I work to capture the vision of the

of town with sweeping views out towards

attempt to describe the place itself.

I constantly find myself coming back to the

moment: the quality of light, the patterns of

Mount Duval. I have mostly worked with

landscapes in my paintings and drawings; the

light and shade and a sense of the complex

acrylic paints, and am currently interested in a

take the listener on long journeys through

landscape and nature around me is a constant

arrangements of line, forms and colour found

process of abstracting the built landscape.

raw emotions where they can feel love, pain,

thread in my work. The earthy palette around

in the landscape.

us is forever changing; it’s hard to avoid being

Over the last few years I have been taught,

Some of my favourite composers of music

sorrow, helplessness etc. My paintings are a

Our natural environment overwhelms me

encouraged and inspired by the many exhi-

visual attempt to do the same, although each

affected by the vivid colours all around us.

with the size and scale, the sense of ancient

bitions in art galleries both in Armidale and

painting tends to deal with only one or two of

During the winter months the atmospheric

forms of rock, decades old trees, the cracks,

beyond and by a number of local artists in

these emotions at a time.

muted tones are equally interesting.

breaks and distortions. This contrasts so

workshops and art classes. During that time,

much with the rampant, quick-growing, the

I have made many trips back and forth to

attention on works on canvas using acrylic

means and techniques. I am interested in

fast-moving, the transient, the moving, noisy

Newcastle, and the industrial harbour and

paint, but I also enjoy working on paper with

drawing, printmaking and sculpture - any-

life of the bush and waterways and the signs

foreshore there, as imagined from above,

coloured pencil when time permits.

thing to broaden my art practice. Making

of its passing: damage and debris left behind.

perhaps from the pilot’s section of an aircraft

I like to experiment and explore different

work encourages me to explore the possibilities. I always try to learn something each time

38 new england focus.

We have such a talented and diverse community of artists in our region. I've been

Currently I am focusing most of my

The Exhibition opens on Friday 12th June,

coming in to land, has been the subject of my

5pm to 7pm and continues until Saturday

most recent work.

18th July.

focusinterview.

Peter Sargeant Acacia sleep & respiratory service

Tell us about Acacia Sleep & Respiratory Service?

Acacia Sleep and Respiratory Service is an Armidale based company providing a professional Sleep and Respiratory Diagnostic and Treatment Service for Clients and Medical Practitioners throughout Regional NSW. Our service is tailored to fit in with clinical team procedures and provides clients with a quality local professional Sleep Apnoea service.

What specifically does ASRS offer to the public?

• Overnight 10 Channel Home-based Diagnostic Sleep Studies • Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Treatment and long term client support • Overnight Oximetry testing and reporting • Sleep Physician Specialist Telehealth Services • Spirometry testing and reporting

• ECG Holter Monitoring and reporting • 24 hour Blood Pressure Monitoring and reporting • Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) measuring and reporting What benefits can ASRS offer?

• We have dedicated staff and sleep technologists providing clients with advice, knowledge, equipment and support through excellent and personalised customer service • Ease of client referral system for GPs using our service • Direct Sleep and Respiratory Physician input for all clients.

• All Sleep Study reports and treatment recommendations sent to referring health professionals • Client Care plans for long term treatment and compliance

• All Administration and client appointments handled by Acacia Sleep & Respiratory Service • Education and information presentations to medical teams, clinical staff and students on products and services How many years has ASRS been operating?

I have been involved in Sleep Apnoea treatment since 1995 and formed a dedicated company, Acacia Sleep & Respiratory Services, in 2010. We currently have a staff of eight, with six being based in Armidale and two based in our regional clinics. Our team consists of Sleep Technologists, Trained Sleep Consultants and administration staff, and we have recently employed a Registered Nurse/Clinical Manager.

We also contract three Sleep Polysomnography Technologists, who provide clinical data scoring for our Home Sleep Studies and a separate team of Sleep Physician Specialists from Central Coast Respiratory (based in Gosford) who overview the diagnostic and treatment pathways for each individual client and provide Telehealth Consultations.

What sort of equipment can you supply?

We provide a large range of Sleep Apnoea Treatment Systems, with many different styles and brands of mask to suit each individual. We have a range of oxygen concentrators that are available for hire or purchase, including very

small and lightweight portable devices that are popular for travelling. Accessories, parts and servicing are available.

Tell us about your new Ankle Brachial Index Monitoring Service?

The automated ankle-brachial index measuring device is the fastest screening tool for Peripheral Arterial Disease. It is based on oscillometric method (one of the plethysmographic techniques). It is a relatively new procedure where the blood pressure on the upper and lower extremities is measured simultaneously, resulting in the calculation of the ankle-brachial index (ABI). The result of the examination is clear and straight forward. The measurement is repeatable and can be performed in only three minutes, instead of the usual 30 minutes that are required by the current ultrasound method.

Are there any other benefits you can you offer clients?

Yes - New England Mutual are offering competitive personal loan specials to our valued customers. We recommend them not only for their competitive products, but their high-touch service: like ASRS, New England Mutual are dedicated to their customers.

How do clients access your services?

Through referral from their GP/Specialist or by calling us for further information.

new england focus.

39

Pathfinders

superbooth australia

Further boost for Tilbuster Station

Photo booths have been around since oldies were wild young things and black and white was the only filter. They keep on rocking on ... why? Because they are fun. Fun in a print that you can keep forever!

Tilbuster Station has just been given further support with Barnaby Joyce, Federal Member for the New England, announcing $500,000 in funding from the National Stronger Regions Fund.

This funding will go towards the upgrade of the building at Tilbuster Station, as well as an accommodation and support centre in Glen Innes.

Tilbuster Station is a regional hub for the youth of Armidale and surrounding communities. In April alone, over 50 young people have visited the farm to learn agricultural skills, horsemanship and attend welding courses. Tilbuster Station has also seen a marked increase in volunteers willing to assist and mentor our young people.

In both Armidale and Glen Innes, up to 700 young, disadvantaged and homeless people will benefit from this funding, with the potential to turn their lives around by supporting them with accommodation, support networks and living skills. These young people will become self-reliant and participating citizens of our community, and this will help to reduce the economic and social costs that occur through homeless and disadvantaged young people.

But booths are not dark little boxes anymore ... They have studio lighting and DSLR cameras, customised prints and social media sharing - all to show you at your best. They may be enclosed for that old school cosy feel or open air to capture the crowd. Superbooth photo booth took the open air format to a whole new level, when they shot the RSPCA Armidale Million Paws Walk at Curtis Park in May. Doggies and their BFFs lined up to pose, and for a gold coin donation, they received a high quality print to immortalise the day. We were glad to help raise money for the RSPCA. To see the results visit our Facebook page.

So for your next function, think outside the box. Think about something that creates a moment of fun that you and your guests can keep/treasure forever. We make events memorable and special; we assure you that it will be a night to remember.

Think Superbooth Australia - Armidale’s number one Photo Booth Hire servicing New England and its surrounds. Call us now on 0410 958 530, contact us through www.superboothoz.com or type /superboothoz into Google and you’ll find us.

photo booth hire. for your face. www.superboothoz.com

40 new england focus.

Sandra, Marilyn (Supervisor) Kara and Lynette

Finding the right insurance for your car.

Damien Howe’s ELECTRICAL

chilli driving school

Damien Howe’s Electrical is a locally family owned and operated business offering general domestic, commercial and industrial electrical services and repair of appliances within Armidale and surrounding area. Damien Howe’s Electrical was established in October 2014 with a vision of providing friendly, reliable and affordable electrical services with a focus on finding the best solution for customers’ electrical needs.

Is it just about passing the test or developing higher order skills in an independent driver? The skyrocket risk of P plate driving is derived mostly from inexperience, but most learners are underprepared to move on to solo driving. There are three levels of Learner Driver:

Owner operator Damien Howe is an electrical and appliance technician who has extensive experience in all aspects of domestic, commercial and industrial electrical work. Damien commenced his trade working with one of the largest electrical services on the Sunshine Coast in Noosa before returning to Armidale and working for a private company and then spent three years at the Armidale Rural Referral Hospital as the Plant Electrician.

Damien Howe’s Electrical provide a range of services to real estates, businesses and private clientele, including electrical maintenance, fault repairs, data networking, TV systems, intercoms, plant maintenance to new installations, renovations, test and tag, and split system and air conditioner installations.

As a local business they pride ourselves on quality customer service, from turning up on time, courteous calls, to cleaning up after their work before leaving your home or business.

From your first contact with them to the completion of your job, you’ll experience personalised, courteous and professional service.

Dependent Learner At this stage, driving may be completely new and help needed to get it right. There may be some bad habits needing correction, leading to tension between learner and supervisor. Most functions are usually controlled by the supervisor, which keeps risks low.

Competent Learner The learner should be able to perform most tasks to an acceptable and safe level when asked, but may feel stressed with unfamiliar situations and locations. Supervisors may feel some anxiety and still make comments. Learners may feel they are ready to pass the test, but risks will be high upon solo driving.

Independent Learner Learners should be able to drive anywhere, anytime with confidence. They should identify what they are doing wrong and fix it for themselves. They should remain calm in new and difficult situations which arise and should be given some freedom with where they go. This includes different passengers in the car and dealing with distractions. Importantly, the supervisor is present but only as a passenger with little anxiety or need to intervene. The test can be easily passed with low risk of harm in solo driving.

Hi, I’m Marilyn from NRMA Armidale. My friendly team have been helping the people of Armidale for many years with their insurance.

Did you know that not all Compulsory Third Party Insurances (CTP) Greenslips are the same - so don’t go choosing your CTP purely on price.

What does this Insurance Cover? This insurance policy provides cover for personal injury when you, or the person driving your vehicle, are at fault in an accident.

Australia wide, this CTP insurance covers: • Your passengers • Other road users, such as drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, motor cyclists and pillion passengers • Injuries caused through the use of a trailer It does not Cover: • Damage to property or other vehicles To cover damage caused to property or to other vehicles, you would need to hold a comprehensive insurance policy or third party property damage insurance policy.

But what about your injuries? NRMA Insurance offers atfault driver cover to protect you for certain serious injuries up to $300,000, where we agree you are at-fault.

With the NRMA Loyalty Discount, the more eligible policies you have and the longer you stay with NRMA, the more you can save*. (*CTP insurance policies count towards your Loyalty Discount Policy Count, but do not receive the Loyalty Discount.)

So visit our friendly team at NRMA Armidale, located outside the Armidale Plaza in Dangar Street. We are open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, or call us on 6771 1322. Marilyn, Sandra, Lynette and Kara.

DON’T CHOOSE YOUR CTP GREENSLIP PURELY ON PRICE Did you know that not all CTP Greenslips are the same?

Many don’t actually cover you, if you’re the driver at fault in an accident.

NRMA CTP At-fault Driver cover automatically covers you, for up to $300,000 for certain specified injuries, when you’re involved in an accident and it’s your fault.

So, don’t just go with the cheapest price, talk to the leading CTP provider in NSW and make sure you’re covered.

CTP GREENSLIP INSURANCE, NRMADE BETTER NRMA Armidale located outside Armidale Plaza, Dangar Street 6771 1322 Insurance Australia Limited trading as NRMA Insurance. new england focus.

41

focusinterview.

focusTourism.

DONNA

DJ’S FOODIE BLISS

Tourism

SMItH OUR LOCAL FOODIE

With winter upon us, now is the time to pack your plate full of the season’s stars and focus on eating delicious immune boosting nutrients found in real food.

In June 2012 we launched the Experience the Highs Campaign and introduced the concept of New England High Country.

D

uring the past three years this campaign has proven highly successful, winning a number of awards such as the Regional Development Australia Northern Inland award and the Experience the Highs App won a “Mobie” National award.

In 2012 we commenced our Social Media campaign, which has grown to in excess of 3,050 Facebook followers who actively engage with the campaign. From Uralla to Guyra, along the New England Highway, there are six Supersite Billboards that are all branded Experience the Highs!

During the past three years we have hosted a number of journalists that have resulted in substantial exposure through Your 4x4 (TV show), RM Williams Outback magazine, SMH Travel Section and the Daily Telegraph.

The Australian Traveller Magazine’s readers voted Armidale in their “100 Incredible Travel Secrets” and the big announcement came in 2014 when readers voted Armidale No.3 “Hottest Travel Destinations” for 2014.

Through working with neighbouring Councils, we have now expanded New England High Country to include Glen Innes, Tenterfield and Inverell, in addition to Armidale, Guyra, Uralla and Walcha. This is an important initiative and sets us on course to establish the brand that represents our region - New England High Country.

The New England High Country marketing group recently received government funding to the tune of $158,500. This amount has been matched by local Councils and tourism associations, making a budget of $317,000 for the second campaign.

The two main campaign objectives will be to establish the New England High Country brand as a destination in its own right, and to adopt the mantle of being home to Australia’s premier motorcycle touring itineraries. Some of Australia’s top touring routes come through our 42 new england focus.

region, including Waterfall Way, Thunderbolt’s Way, Oxley, Gwydir and Bruxner Highways. This is currently an untapped market, and one that we can readily appeal to with our world class natural assets, four seasons, history, heritage, culture, boutique accommodation and food and wine.

The motorcycle touring campaign will be developed and ready to go into market in the spring. We are very excited to have partnered with a major media partner, Bauer Media, whose portfolio includes Australian Gourmet Traveller, Australian Women’s Weekly, Woman’s Day and Australian Geographic, to name but a few.

In addition, we are also involved in the development of a digital infrastructure project which has been co-funded by the State Government, Inland NSW Tourism and Bauer Media. This project will involve all tourism operators across the region, providing them with an opportunity to develop “packages” as well as touring itineraries and will form an integral part of the New England High Country campaign.

To other things, June is a busy month, with a number of events scheduled such as the Eisteddfod, and world class exhibitions at NERAM and the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place. Please visit www. armidaletourism.com.au/events/calendar/ Alternatively, if you would like the “What’s On” emailed to you weekly, please contact the Armidale Visitor Information Centre on 6770 3888 and we can place you on our distribution list.

To have an event added to the website calendar, email tourism@armidale.nsw.gov.au Are you planning a conference or event this year? The Visitor Information Centre can organise lovely information bags containing maps, visitor guides and things to do in Armidale. Please contact the Visitor Information Centre to arrange this on 6770 3888.

S

o many fruits and veggies thrive fibre, iron, zinc, and many other immunethrough the frosts. Winter is boosting vitamins. Soak them overnight before the Brassica family’s time to using to help break down their carbohydrates, shine. These are your cabbages, then simmer with the soup for one or two hours. broccoli, silverbeet, brussel Sounds delicious! Do you have any other sprouts - leafy greens that are suggestions for unique flavour additions? highly nutritious, particularly when they’re My personal favourite ingredient is hot steamed, stir-fried or eaten raw. chorizo. I chop it finely and add it to a big pot Citrus fruits are also available in abundance of minestrone soup. It adds a real fiery kick! during the colder months. Our locally Another great one is saffron. A good pinch of produced mandarins have been a saffron threads gives a delicate flavour, hit in the past month. Plus, it especially when they’re soaked in won’t be long until we see boiling water for 15 minutes the delicious low acid before being added to the al on My pers cara cara navels, as well soup. ite favour as blood oranges. All And if you’re doing some t ho is nt ingredie it of these are packed winter baking, you can’t op ch I o. iz chor it to a d with vitamins and go past beetroot. It sounds ad d an y el fin trone antioxidants, making unusual, but adding grated big pot of mines al them great cold and or mashed beetroot helps soup. It adds a re !” ck ki flu fighters. cakes to retain their moisture fiery What other immunityand sweetness. It especially boosting foods can you complements chocolate - I recommend? can’t get enough of our chocolate Kale is definitely worth beetroot brownies! mentioning. As a member of the Brassica Do you have any final advice for the family, it is highly regarded as one of the months ahead? healthiest vegetables around. It is rich in When it comes to flu-fighting foods, it can vitamin K, vitamin C, calcium, and many other be as easy as adding small ingredients to your nutrients. It also contains sulforaphane, which is meals. Garlic is a superfood when it comes to a potent cancer-fighting chemical. And one of immunity-boosting nutrition, so add a few extra the unique things about kale is that it actually cloves to your stews and stir-fries. Ginger can act becomes sweeter and more flavoursome after as a decongestant to ease cold symptoms when it is exposed to frost - perfect for our Armidale added to a soup or made into tea. You could also weather! It’s best to avoid boiling it, as this can stir turmeric through warming curries to benefit detract from the integrity of its nutrition. Instead, from its potent antibacterial properties. try lightly sautéing the leaves, add them raw to There are plenty of foods available this winter, juices and salads, or bake them with olive oil and from the miscellaneous to the tried-and-true a pinch of salt for some delicious kale chips. favourites. And they’re all delicious!

But if you’re looking for some hearty winter warmers, I recommend adding ingredients like lentils and chickpeas to your soups or stews. the plug!

Lentils are one of the most protein-rich legumes you can find, as well as being a nutritious source We are open 6 days a week from 7:30am. of dietary fibre. Simply pop them in the pot and Located at 26 Rockvale Rd give them around 30 minutes to soften and in the Mount View Shopping Plaza. absorb the flavours. Meanwhile, chickpeas are Call (02) 6772 4108 or shop online at little powerhouses of nutrition, offering protein, www.djsmarketcafe.com.au

“

Thinking Traffic Law with Elizabeth Stahlut, Solicitor

THINKING

TRAFFIC LAW

Traffic offences often represent a large part of criminal law practice and is a common way to find oneself in front of a local court magistrate. It is therefore useful to know something about the law relating to driving offences.

I

t is worth remembering that public holidays – such as Easter or Christmas – are usually ‘double demerit’ periods, where you may lose double the normal amount of points on your licence, if the police “pull you over” for speeding or certain other driving offences. In some cases, you may be at risk of losing enough points “in one hit” to lose your licence, not to mention incurring a very substantial fine. There are also some offences for which your licence can be immediately suspended, by the police. Obviously, the best way to keep both your licence and your money, is to drive sensibly and obey the road rules.

If you have never committed a driving offence, you will have zero demerit points on your record. If you hold an unrestricted driver’s licence, you will usually have your licence suspended by the Roads and Maritime Services (the RMS) if you accumulate 13 or more demerit points on your licence within a three year period. The period of suspension can be between three to five months. However, if you have a “P plate” licence, you may only be able to accumulate 4 to 7 (depending on whether you have a P1 or a P2 licence) demerit points, before your licence is suspended. This suspension is an administrative process by the RMS, it is not part of a court process. Also, not all decisions by the RMS to suspend a licence, are appellable to the Local Court, so it is advisable to seek legal advice, if you are thinking of appealing a licence suspension by the RMS. It should be remembered, that if you pay a fine that is imposed on you, this will only form part of your traffic history and would be the end of the matter. If you elect to take the

matter to court, there is the risk of having a criminal history, as such matters are dealt with, as criminal charges. A Court can impose a period of suspension that might be greater than what the RMS might have imposed, plus it may also impose a higher fine and other penalties that can include imprisonment, depending on the seriousness of the offence. It may be useful to look at the RMS website, as there may be alternative administrative options to appealing an RMS decision in court. There are generally time limits, for using these options, so if you are subjected to a licence suspension, it is best to act quickly. A lawyer can advise you as to the best options to consider.

There are certain driving offences (such as drink driving offences) for which the Court must automatically impose a minimum period of disqualification, in addition to whatever penalty is imposed for the offence. This period of disqualification can be up to two years, depending on the seriousness of the offence and whether or not this is a subsequent offence within a five year period. Indeed, if you are convicted of three “relevant” offences within a five year period, you can be declared a habitual traffic offender, which would attract an automatic minimum disqualification period of five years. “Relevant” offences can include any serious offence, not just serious driving offences.

It is strongly recommended that you seek legal advice, if you are dealing with any issues that involve the potential loss of your licence, especially if there are criminal charges, as a lawyer can advise you of your options and what steps you need to take, as well as your realistic chances of success. new england focus.

43

Health Tips from the

Dai Fu

The núcleo Approach WE HERE AT NÚCLEO ARE BUSY LITTLE BEES. WE DON’T JUST MAKE WEBSITES; WE DON’T JUST DRAFT CAMPAIGNS; WE DON’T JUST CREATE SUCCESSFUL BRANDS.

n

o - we do all that and much, much more. núcleo is an innovative, creative, full-service agency; we can handle every facet of planning, designing, implementing and reporting, leaving you free to concentrate on running a great business.

We call this the núcleo approach, and it can work for your business like nothing else.

navigate the labyrinth of available channels to distribute and share your business, and ensure that your campaign is targeted, tweaked and transmitted to customers who have genuine interest in your products and services.

You might think this would be the end, but the job is not yet over.

At this point, the núcleo team compiles the results, studies the reports, ek and determines the We se d Our multitude of effectiveness of your to fin services are devoted campaigns, so we solutions that to one key outcome: can gauge the future enhance your securing the success success of your business and of your business. business. We keep influence you, your business, your potential We create s.” er m o st and your customers cu communication that at the forefront of our is specifically catered to minds throughout the entire your needs. We will work process. And by maintaining this closely with you to determine level of awareness and connectivity your company’s current requirements with your campaign, we can create, and future goals, and lay out a game change and improve our plans to help you plan for the strategy of your campaign, stand out from the crowd. the target audience, the ultimate objectives,

“

and the means of achieving them.

We seek to find solutions that enhance your business and influence your potential customers.

From there, our talented team can bring life to these creative solutions. We produce the campaign materials across a huge range of media forms, including print, web, social media, video, photography, and more. With these components on hand, we are ready to 44 new england focus.

All of this comes down to commitment.

From beginning to end, núcleo works with clients to build lasting relationships, invests in your company’s outcome, adopts your marketing vision, and fights for every achievement.

It’s simple.

We want your business to succeed, and in order to succeed, you need the right approach - the núcleo approach.

PREVIOUSLY I HAVE MENTIONED THE CONCEPT OF THE FIVE ELEMENTS AND HOW ALL THINGS IN OUR WORLD ARE INTERWOVEN. AS WINTER DESCENDS UPON US, WE MOVE FROM METAL INTO WATER, AND I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU SOME WAYS TO BETTER ADAPT TO OUR COLDEST SEASON.

I

f you consider winter as the season of the Element Water, it is not hard to visualise some of its properties, as it relates to concepts like death, storage and old age. As we move through the seasons of the year, we move through the Elements - as we do in life from birth through to old age and death.

become weaker, our hearing diminishes, we have considerably less energy and for many, the libido declines. It is interesting to note that people with large ears often have a strong kidney constitution, and in their early days are often the life of the party. Conversely, those with small ears are more likely to take better care of their health and probably withdrew somewhat earlier in the evening.

Looking at the landscape, we can see that all of the deciduous trees have “died off” for How then can we nurture our kidney energy the winter and have all their energy and improve our general health? deep inside the plant until they Whilst it is probably not practical burst forth with new growth for us to hibernate for winter, it in the spring time. Even the is certainly beneficial to dress is t This concep snakes have gone into warmly, ensuring that our n he w easily seen hibernation for the winn kidney area and feet in io ss re og pr we observe ter, ready to emerge in h et particular are kept warm te e th e: into old ag the spring and bring e m and get plenty of rest. co be s ne and bo new life.

It is best to minimise our he aring

“

weaker,

have In the human body, late nights and excessive diminishes, we ss energy le ly ab the organs associreproductive activities consider e libido ated with Water are during the winter months. and for many, th declines .” the Kidneys (yin) and Our main aim in the Bladder (yang) and they winter is to keep warm and are adversely affected by the eat appropriately. As I have said cold. The energy of the Water previously, eat foods that are in season, element is related to urinary and reproducas nature kindly provides us with the appropritive functions, it expands into the scalp hair ate foods for our needs. Generally speaking, and nourishes the bones and teeth. Our sense meat is warming in nature, especially red meat of hearing relates to the kidney energy; in fact, and lamb is particularly warming. As far as fruit the size of our ears is relative to the size of our and vegetables go, leave the salads for summer kidneys. Kidneys are responsible for storing our and cook your veges. Stews and casseroles vital essence and supplementing this through are excellent winter fare. For most people, our the process of transforming energy from the air needs are fairly obvious. We are drawn to fresh that we breathe and the food that we eat. fruit and salad in the summer. In the winter we This concept is easily seen when we observe progression into old age: the teeth and bones

tend to crave things like roasts and hot apple pie. Unfortunately, I know I do!

new england focus.

45

Tax time FEATURE

focus

Tax

TIME

f e a t u r e

Financial advice makes a difference

FORSYTHS Your Heading Here!

OFFICEHeading EXPRESSHere!

Your Office Express is locally owned and operated and the staff are experts in what they do! Being a member of Australia’s largest buying group, “Office Brands”, means that we can choose from an extensive range at the best possible prices.

What our Customers Say ...

“Jonathon and the team at Office Express provide an excellent service for all our office requirements. Not only are they a local business, which we are very happy to support, but they are prompt, polite and extremely helpful when we need to find something new to meet our needs.”

Mary Single, Armidale Private Hospital “Home Nursing Group is committed to supporting other local businesses. Office Express provides service, quality and value for money to beat the ‘big boys’ and always with a smile.”

Gorm Kirsch, Home Nursing Group “We choose to use Office Express not only to keep things local, but because they are always so helpful and get everything we need in without any drama, and it’s always done with a smile.”

Emily Hammond, Hillgrove Mines “It is a joy to visit Office Express. There is always a friendly, energetic person with a smile, a laugh and a funny comment when the opportunity arises, ready to serve and help you find what you need.”

Garry Slocombe, Legal Minds

Forsyths Chartered Accountants and Financial Advisers is a business committed to assisting clients achieve their business and personal financial goals. Forsyths has its origins in the New England area and has serviced this region for more than 90 years.

Today the business employs a team of more than 100 individuals across five locations, including Armidale and Tamworth. Forsyths look after a wide range of clientele across primary production, small business, local government and individuals. The Forsyths team provides access to a wealth of resources and advice across the following areas of specialisation: • Agri and business planning solutions • Accounting and taxation • Financial services, including planning, portfolio management and personal insurance • Superannuation, including self managed super funds (SMSFs) • Audit and assurance services By choosing to partner with Forsyths, you are able to benefit from the provision of an integrated service all under one roof. Whether you require tax planning advice or investment solutions appropriate to today’s environment, Forsyths can advise and assist you. In recent years, Forsyths has ranked among the top ten fastest growing accounting firms in Australia and as the second largest rural accounting firm (BRW). Forsyths was recognised for “Excellence in Business” by the Tamworth Business Chamber and “Employer of Choice” in the New England North West Business Chamber Regional Awards in 2014. Forsyths is committed to enhancing the financial security and success of our clients through quality advice and personal service.

If you’re considering your financial future, Bridges one of Australia’s largest financial planning and stockbroking firms can provide you with professional advice on: >

Retirement planning & superannuation

>

Stockbroking

>

Salary packaging

>

Life insurance

>

Estate planning

>

Aged care advice

Bridges Financial Services Pty Ltd (Bridges). ABN 60 003 474 977.

ASX Participant. AFSL No 240837.

Part of the IOOF group

46 new england focus.

WMA-16635

To arrange your complimentary, obligation-free, initial appointment with Bryan McNamara, Bridges financial planner, call Bridges Armidale office on 02 6771 2989 or email armidale@bridges.com.au

Tax time FEATURE

focuseditorial

Icing on the cake with Susie Dunn

Icing ON

cake WAYNE CANNONHere!

Your Heading Wayne Cannon and his family moved to Armidale in 1990 and, after complaining about the cold for several years, decided that this was where he wanted to be! Wayne studied economics and financial administration at the University of New England and also developed his interest in the taxation system. After graduating, he decided to open his own business specialising in book keeping for small business. This then expanded when the opportunity arose to join the ITP (Income Tax Professionals) franchise in 1995 and after 20 years, the rest, as the cliché says, is history.

The business has now evolved into a small, family operated practice that specialises in taxation. Wayne is passionate about ensuring that all clients understand their taxation position.

Whether the client has a refund or owes money

to the ATO, the practice mantra is that the reasons behind the result are fully explained and advice is given if the client wishes to change their position. Wayne and his staff are fully conversant with the full range of tax reporting required by the ATO and specialise in assisting micro businesses (tradesmen, family daycare, massage therapists etc.) with meeting taxation obligations.

Wayne is also passionate about ensuring young tax payers understand their obligations and in helping all clients with tax planning. He is happy to meet with clients to explain record keeping, documentation etc. and will explain how to keep such records. The business also offers clients a book keeping service for those clients who do not want to do this themselves. Contact the office today to find out how Wayne can assist.

C

CHANGE IS INEVITABLE AND AN INGREDIENT OF LIFE.

hanges in technology have speeded up since they really kicked off in the early 20th Century and so, inevitably, have changes in the way we live. Sorting press cuttings recently, I found a 2012 article on the future of television - laughably out of date in guiding the average 2015 shopper. Totally new product developments on multiple fronts in our lives, built - in obsolescence - it’s all a whirl.

As such early adopters, we’re breathless adjusting. We must retain the informed ability to filter and mediate information we’re being given.

It’s thought-provoking, for example, to read that it’s planned that by 2017 teachers are to have “taught” computers to mark the written component of NAPLAN exams instead of teachers doing the assessing.

Armidale should have multiple opportunities to sort through and take on this new world.

Increasing revenue rather than simply cutting costs as well as job creation is basic. The recent Northern Inland participation in the CeBIT Expo through the tireless efforts of Peter Sniekers (NSW Trade & Investment) puts Armidale in the market to promote doing business here in the IT and digital world.

With a respected university so much part of what is, in reality, a pretty balanced city, we should take up what’s on offer. We have the ingredients to thrive in a well-balanced environment, assuming imaginative and aware leadership.

Since the days when probably reading one book made you a doctor, the practice of caring for the sick has accelerated exponentially. A recent stay in Armidale Hospital underlined a truly caring profession in all its forms. Under whatever constraints it is carried out, it is the human component making the difference. Not everyone can or should choose this career, but the vast majority do so with humanity and dedication. The few that can’t should be doing something else.

People want to follow credible positivity, optimism and hope, while accepting there are priorities and realities. The Civic Precinct ideas certainly have validity. Although the ADC has not currently given backing, there is nonetheless no reason that the principle shouldn’t be part of the intent for our city.

I’ve written before about archaeologists being problem solvers. So are universities, generally. Professor Iain Young, Environment & Rural Science Head of School, says UNE is taking “groundbreaking steps for the country’s agricultural industry”. The recent $70M investment plan for staff and facilities makes them the “pre-eminent University for Agri-Business”. The Smart Farm already points the way to agriculture’s future. Professor David Lamb says the new project with Horticulture Innovation Australia where Federal Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce has announced a $3.4 million funding boost, “puts UNE on the international stage as far as satellite remote sensing in precision agriculture goes”. Minister Joyce supports the future of agriculture and UNE’s place in frontline research.

UNE courses aim at educating problem solvers across society. I must say I really like the “Together we can do this” advertising campaign running in the media. It’s fresh, innovative and attention getting.

UNE staff like Professor Brian Dollery, UNE Business School and local government expert, and Professor Helen Ware, Peace Studies, are examples of many continually interviewed and quoted for their informed, valued views.

The Armidale Business Chamber has announced a “ strong cross section of Armidale’s business community” for its 2015 Management Committee, working to “inspire, energise and resource Armidale’s business”. Sounds good.

I was sorry to miss the opening of NERAM’S The Art of Wool exhibition showing relevant NERAM artworks with garments from the International Woolmark Prize archive, underlining the frontline diversity of our district.

The periodic appearance of the Pop Up Store in town is always fun, with quirky pieces from The Eclective and yummies from Sister Spice among my personal favourites.

And in a town rich with music (Yes! to AcO2’s visit and Voci Stupende!) it was lovely to be surprised by the very special Deidre Rickards and the PLC strings playing amid busy shoppers. Be glad for what we have and the future.

Susie Dunn.

P.s. Steve McMillan tells me that sporting events for April brought $2,160,535. new england focus.

47

48 new england focus.

L O C A L L Y

P H I L

O W N E D

M A C F A R L A N E

Peter moved e into Web b Plac 13 .

Armidale approx ch years ago, at whi ung yo a d un point he fo med na ee oy pl keen em ” Phil Macfarlane.

“

A N D

O P E R A T E D

ROSE VALLEY STEEL WORKS IS A LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESS THAT HAS CONTINUED TO EXPAND AND DEVELOP UNDER THE DIRECTION AND GUIDANCE OF MANAGING DIRECTOR PHIL MACFARLANE. ROSE VALLEY STEEL WORKS CONTINUES TO STRIVE TO POSITION THEMSELVES AS OUR REGION’S BEST CUSTOM METAL FABRICATION AND STEEL SUPPLY BUSINESS.

ow long has this company been operating?

The company was started 15 years ago by another local, Peter Wilkinson, who on the property “Rose Valley” decided to go out and buy himself a cut off saw and welder, and open a business. Like everything good, it grew just a little big for a small shed operation and required new premises to be able to continue to grow. Peter moved into Webb Place, Armidale approx.13 years ago, at which point he found a young keen employee named Phil Macfarlane. Phil

was eager to get into business for himself and saw this business as a great opportunity to “drought proof” himself from the life he knew, growing up a farmer’s son.

How has the company changed and grown in the past 15 years?

When Phil began with the company, it was with a total of two employees including Phil, and the main item on the production line in those days was the farm gate. The company now has 12 employees including Phil, bigger premises, and it incorporates another business - ShedBoss Armidale - which is a fantastic subsidiary to the structural side of the business.

new england focus.

49

L O C A L L Y

We have an item list that includes many types of agricultural products; it is very rare these days to make a gate (even though we all still enjoy making them) but we do still make gates - good ones too. We now have a team that has a wealth of experience in many styles of metalwork and also structural steel design, fabrication and erection.

Describe some of your most unusual work?

In the past five years we have had to install structural steel and viewing platforms on to the side of the gorge in the National Parks, full Stainless Steel kitchens, the entire structural steel components for houses, we have built commercial premises, residential garages, farm

O W N E D

A N D

O P E R A T E D

We now have a

“

1900’s vintage car. sheds, carports, patios. Beteam that has a ce ing a custom metal shop, Tell us about your en ri pe wealth of ex of we are very fortunate services? es yl st in many d an in that we have a very As mentioned, we k or w metal eel st al ur ct broad variety of work are a custom metal ru st so al ion brought to us for repair or fabrication compadesign , fabricat even to provide a solution ny - that means that and erection.” from concept to creation anything you can imagine if required. As far as unusual or draw, we can make out of metal. If you have something goes, we really do have a long list, broken that’s made from metal, any but how about some extremes as an example: in that same period we were involved metal, we can generally repair it. If you with the latest cutting edge technology in an have an idea, we have a team of experience electric car and in the same year we had to reand some real out of the box thinkers who search and replicate the front bumper of a early would love to help you turn it into a reality.

Not just steel building products...

building solutions in steel.

Stramit Building Products works in partnership with builders, developers and designers to deliver innovative, high quality steel building solutions.

Call (02) 6656 3800 or visit www.stramit.com.au

®Trademark of Stramit Corporation Pty Limited ABN 57 005 010 195 Trading as Stramit Building Products. A member of the Fletcher Building Group.

50 new england focus.

We have a range of agricultural products, stock feeders, panels, gates and stay systems.

Full sheet metal shop service, including the fabrication of Alloy, Stainless and Mild Steel products. Fabrication of ute trays, ladder racks, canopies, and tool boxes.

Steel processing, including band saw, shear and punch, drilling and bending/rolling pipe and RHS. oxy cutting.

We have a computer aided design programme that we use to do most of our workshop drawings.

Usually if a job comes through the door, there will be at least one person that has done that job in the past.

L O C A L L Y

O W N E D

We are also the New England’s franchisee for ShedBoss. ShedBoss is a very well known and respected name in the pre fabricated building market, or in other words, the shed business. We are very proud of the fact that we were chosen to represent this company. We have found the product to be a great fit for Rose Valley Steel Works and exactly what we were looking for when it came to standing behind a brand we could trust.

Tell us about your team ...

Todd runs the ShedBoss side of things and has been with us since 2008.

Jason O'Connell is our steel salesman at the front counter with his friendly greetings and handy tips.

Jason Sillitoe is our structural steel and Jobbing Manager also helps at the sales counter.

Dan Sim operates the sheet metal shop and is very good at his job - probably the best in town.

Bill Chapman specialises in the structural steel side of the business and can turn his hand to any job.

Mike Halloran specialises in ute trays and has a real eye for finishing a job off.

Paul Mayled does all fabrication and specialises in trailers.

Peter Stumer does all types of fabrication, with years of valuable experience.

Simon Leyton is our 4th year apprentice and has

A N D

O P E R A T E D

only a couple of weeks ‘til he has completed his trade.

Congratulations, Simon.

Andrew Graham is our shed erector and came on board as a result of being a shed customer.

Bec Edwards is our cleaner.

All of our staff put together are an extremely valuable team that make the business function - and they are a great bunch to work with too.

You are having a special event soon; tell us more ...

Our special event is going to be a first birthday in our new premises at 284 Mann St (the old Metalcorp Shed) on the 26th and 27th June.

We will have specials on steel on the days and a BBQ. Plenty of giveaways!

You will have to come down for a look to find out what the specials are.

Plans for the future ...

Our plans for the future are to improve on what we have going already, and we will be on the lookout for any new opportunities in the future. Business as usual.

new england focus.

51

TAS Junior School

Building the foundation of your child’s future

T TAS Junior Schoo

To explore the TAS difference, visit www.as.edu.au or call 6776 5800

TAS is an IB candidate school

B

Building the foundatio of your School child’s futu TAS Junior

Building the foundation is an IB candidate sc of your child’s TAS future To explore the TAS diff

To explore the TAS difference, visit www.as.edu.au or call 6776 5

To explore the TAS difference, visit www.as.edu.au or call 6776 5800 TAS is an IB candidate school 52 new england focus.