Newcastle & Lake Macquarie | April 2016

Newcastle and Lake Macquarie

TM

ISSUE #10 //APRIL 2016 WWW.INTOUCHMAGAZINE.COM.AU

CATHERINE BRITT ANZAC DAY 2016 Lest We Forget

SHIPS AHOY

Showcasing Newcastle Lifestyle // Entertainment // Dining // Fashion // Community // Travel // Family // Home // Money // Property

START YOUR SHOPPING NOW Search 100’s of brands and 1000’s of products. Explore the best deals, local events, dining options, cinema times and where to get the best orange heels.

VISIT WESTFIELD.COM.AU OR DOWNLOAD THE APP

INTOUCH WHAT'S ON Fort Scratchley Firing of the Guns and Open Day - Monday 25 April 2016, 12noon - 4pm, Fort Scratchley Gun firing: 1pm and 3pm Fort Scratchley - A four-gun Salute to the Fallen by the Mark 7 Guns at Fort Scratchley will be conducted at the conclusion of the Dawn Service at approximately 6am, this represents the Navy, Army, Air Force and ANZAC. At 1pm and 3pm the firing by the historic Mark 7 Guns that had fired on the Japanese submarine on the 8 June 1942, the firing will be supported by the fully restored World War II 25 Pound Field Gun.

Aaron Kearney – What ANZAC Day means to me (Aaron will light the ANZAC Flame at this years Ceremony at Camp Shortland)

ANZAC Day 2015 Images courtesy of Newcastle City Council /Photolook

Lest We Forget: A Multitude of Services to Commemorate ANZAC Day 2016 WORDS: Dana Fishcetti (Newcastle City Council) In recent years, more and more families are participating in ANZAC Day dawn services across Australia, and Newcastle is no exception. In addition to the city's well-attended Dawn Service at Nobbys, Novocastrians are fortunate to have access to a wide variety of ANZAC Day commemorative events.

Continuing with the Centenary of the ANZAC's 1915 to 1918, this year ANZAC Day commemorations will focus on the Western Front, the principal theatre of operations for British and Dominion forces for the duration of the First World War. The Western Front stretching 750 kilometres from the Belgian coast, through France to the Swiss border, was bogged down in trenches and mud. More than 295,000 Australians served here.

1916 campaigns included the Battle of the Somme or the Somme offensive, a series of battles fought between 1 July and 18 November 1916. The initial day of the offensive, 1 July 1916, remains the most costly day in the history of the British army which suffered almost 60,000 casualties, a third of whom were killed.

These battles and others will be remembered at a series of services across the city starting on Friday 22 April 2016 and continuing through until ANZAC Day, Monday 25 April 2016.

There are also ANZAC themed events and activities happening throughout April 2016, visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au Newcastle Memorial Walk sunset ceremony - Friday 22 April 2016, 5pm - 6pm This year, Australian Army Band, Newcastle under the command of Captain Michael Fitzpatrick will combine with The City of Newcastle RSL Pipe Band under the command of Drum Major David Harvey to present the inaugural sunset ceremony on the Newcastle Memorial Walk. The walk will be closed during the ceremony, best viewing for the ceremony will be from Memorial Drive.

Lighting of the ANZAC Memorial Flame - Saturday 23 April 2016, 6pm - 7pm Camp Shortland, Newcastle Foreshore - The flame represents life and maintaining a flame continually alight represents eternal life because a flame has no "body”. Its use symbolises the spirit of those who have died.

The Newcastle ANZAC Memorial Flame will be lit from the ANZAC Torch, one of only 22 in Australia. The Flame will burn

from 6pm on Saturday night until 12noon on ANZAC Day. Members of the public are invited to attend and if they wish, lay a tribute in memory of family or friends past. The flame will be lit by Aaron Kearney.

War Memorial Grove Candlelight Vigil - Sunday 24 April 2016, 5pm - 7pm Memorial Grove Civic Park - The Newcastle Civic Park War Memorial Grove Preservation Group will be holding a candlelight vigil in the Memorial Grove Civic Park, corner of Laman and Darby Streets (South Eastern Corner of Civic Park opposite the Newcastle Art Gallery). We are asking that all to be in attendance by 5pm to light and place candles. The service will commence at 5.30pm.

ANZAC Day Dawn Service - Monday 25 April 2016, 5am - 6am Camp Shortland, Newcastle Foreshore - The Dawn Service will begin at 5am and will include a band, choir, bugler and bagpiper. The service will conclude at approximately 6am with a four-gun Salute to the Fallen by the guns at Fort Scratchley. In keeping with tradition, there will be a controlled blackout of the site prior to the Dawn Service. Attendees are advised to bring a torch, warm clothing and wet weather protection.

World War II was the best and worst thing that ever happened to my late Grandfather and dear friend Jack Kearney. It was the greatest thing that ever happened to him because it took him from a butcher’s shop in Morpeth to places that were beyond imagination from Papua New Guinea to Japan and across the Middle East.

It also forged friendships that are only possible during wartime. Those friendships and memories were treasured until the day he died just a couple of years ago, well into his 90's. Jack Kearney was no fan of war, though.

He could harbour no bitterness for the Japanese, even as they tried to kill him. He would say to me: "I’d see one of their boys, lying there dead and all I could think about was the broken-hearted mother who suckled him at her breast getting the news her boy was gone."

Jack’s war stories never glorified what happened. In fact, war made him an avowed pacifist, something he passed on to me. But his stories gave me a great appreciation of those who lived and died in the great theatres of war and the debt we owe them.

I have marched in Sydney in his place and I have been to the Dawn Service at Bomana in PNG at the foot of the Kokoda Track. Lighting the flame in my home town and the town that Jack so loved, will be one of the great honours of my life.

In my mind will be the war veterans I got to know and who live among us now, but also those who never had the chance to have children and grandchildren and great grandchildren because of their sacrifice.

The flame is truly for them.

Aaron Kearney.

ANZAC Day March - Monday 25 April 2016, 9am - 10am Hunter Street Mall, Scott Street, Darby Street and King Street - Marchers are to form up in the Hunter Street Mall and side streets between Perkins and Newcomen Streets, Newcastle. Under Police control, the March will step-off at 9:15am and proceed west along Hunter Street, turn left into Darby Street, right into King Street and finish in Civic Park.

United Commemoration Service Monday 25 April 2016, 10am - 11am Civic Park - The Newcastle ANZAC Day United Commemoration Service will be held at the cenotaph in Civic Park commencing at 10am. The wet weather venue for this service will be in the Concert Hall at City Hall. www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 3

INSIDE INTOUCH

From the Editors...

If you’re looking for a little inspiration this month, then you’ll love our cover story… Catherine Britt. Since facing a diagnosis of Stage 2 Breast Cancer midway through 2015, you wouldn’t blame Catherine for slowing down a little - taking each day one step at a time. This was never going to be the case for the Novocastrian singer/songwriter, whose version of “one-step-ata-time” is somewhat similar to a gallop! Catherine shares her story with us and tells us what’s in store for fans with her upcoming FU Cancer concert series.

This crisp, hoppy brew is hugely refreshing on a hot day, but will always deliver no matter when you choose to drink it.

- PAGE 36

PAGE 28

In recent years, more and more families are participating in ANZAC Day dawn services across Australia and Newcastle is no exception. In addition to the city's well-attended Dawn Service at Nobbys, Novocastrians are fortunate to have access to a broad range of ANZAC Day commemorative events, you can find details within as well as a personal note from Aaron Kearney who will be lighting our ANZAC flame in 2016.

Contents//

It’s an Olympic year, so dust off the green and gold beanie and tune up your “Oi Oi Oi”! This month (and every month leading up to Rio 2016) we’ve teamed up with the Hunter Academy of Sport, who will delve into their archives to find us some locally trained talent we can all get behind on the Road to Rio (which is hopefully paved with Gold).

Features

We continue our focus on some of the region's most recognised areas this month when we get intouch with Wickham to Foreshore. It's an area of our city that is quietly transforming and reinventing itself to become one of our trendiest pockets, shedding its chequered history (which we also delve into) and providing hip homes to both residents and small business alike.

New Lambton has no shortage of boutiques, restaurants and cafes, but if you love fashion, have a flair for style and enjoy shopping for homewares, jewellery, designer shoes and clothing labels that are not typically available in shopping centres then make a trip to the New Lambton Village Courtyard. This month we visited the owners of each of these little gems to find out what makes the “Courtyard” so special.

Enjoy!

Stay intouch at getintouch@intouchmagazine.com.au Quentin and Di von Essen | Publishers

Got a great story to tell? Know someone who does?

Budding writer or sensational photographer?

3

Lest we Forget: Anzac Day 2016

6

Jack of Hearts

8

Cover Story - Getting on with Life: Catherine Britt

12

New Lambton Village Courtyard

16

Ships Ahoy!

23

Get to Know Your Immune System

25

Wickham to Foreshore Special Feature

25

Wickham - From Street Fights to Trendsville

26

Carrington - A Diamond in the Rough

31

The Exotic Wonders of South East Asia

43

Fee Free Courses at Hunter TAFE

44

The Road to Rio

5

Top Five on Five

10

What’s on Guide

18

Fashion + Beauty

22

Health + Wellbeing

30 Travel 32

Eat//Sip//Savour

39

On Your Doorstep

Contacts

43

Family + Community

46

Home

Phone (02) 4943 0888 Address Suite 4, 2 Smith Street, Charlestown NSW 2290 Web www.intouchmagazine.com.au Email getintouch@intouchmagazine.com.au Advertising Sales Quentin von Essen & Dan Hawkins Marketing & Account Management Di von Essen & Carla Elkin Graphic Design Jess Codrington © Copyright 2016 Two Tribes Media. Published monthly by Two Tribes Media. All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or quote excerpt granted by written request only. While every attempt has been made, Two Tribes Media cannot guarantee the legality, completeness or accuracy of the information presented and accepts no warranty or responsibility for such.

4 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

WIN! PAGE 17

Regulars

We love contributions, so drop us a line at getintouch@intouchmagazine.com.au

Publisher & Editors Two Tribes Media Quentin von Essen: quentin@intouchmagazine.com.au Di von Essen: di@intouchmagazine.com.au

PAGE 20

ISSUE #10 APRIL 16

PAGE 8

GET MOBILE! View this month’s Issue of intouch magazine on your iPhone, iPad, android tablet or android phone. Simply download the QR code and get mobile!

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT WWW.INTOUCHMAGAZINE.COM.AU FACEBOOK.COM/INTOUCHMAGAZINES INSTAGRAM @INTOUCHMAGAZINES

On the Cover This month’s cover brings together both our cover story and our special feature when the team got together to create these beautiful images of Catherine Britt under the historic Knowledge Tree at Wickham. Thanks to Amy Butterworth from Dunn & Dusted (makeup), Des Dunn from The Fox Den (Hair) and of course Brent Leggett for the gorgeous images (visit www.ignitemarketing.com. au) and many thanks to Catherine for sharing her story with us.

Regular Contributors Carla Elkin Jess Codrington Therese Ferry Dana Fishcetti Melissa Gearing Andrea Ciotti Deborah Bartlett

Michelle Meehan Di von Essen Claire Edwards Sonya Todd-Jones Emily Gallagher Sarah Saffo

Megan O'Sullivan Quentin von Essen Melinda Smith Sonya McNaughton Scott Webster Lisa Simmonds-Webb

TOPFIVEONFIVE Top Book AUSSIE MIDWIVES Fiona McArthur Nineteen Australian midwives share their incredible stories with passionate Kempsey midwife and bestselling author Fiona McArthur.

Meet Annie, working on the tiny island Dave of Saibai where Bean mothers arrive by dinghy; Kate, a clinical midwifery consultant, who sees women with high-risk pregnancies; Priscilla and Jillian who fly thousands of miles to get mothers and babies to hospital safely with the Royal Flying Doctor Service; and Louise, who gives impromptu consultations in the aisles of the local supermarket.

Funny one minute and heartbreaking the next, Aussie Midwives explores the joys, emotion and drama of childbirth and the lasting effect it has on the people who work in this extraordinary profession.

Photo of the Month Lest We Forget

Photo courtesy of Newcastle City Council/Photolook.

Top Gig THIRSTY MERC Cambridge Hotel

Top Drop

There is no better way for hard working touring rock band Thirsty Merc to introduce their new single, The Grind (from the Shifting Gears album), than with national tour Back to the Grind!

INNER CITY WINEMAKERS 2015 Flumé Blanc

The guys kick off their tour in the nation's capital on April 7, visiting over 20 cities and towns through to the end of May. With classic tracks such as Emancipate Myself, Someday Someday and In the Summertime, Thirsty Merc have sold more than 200,000 studio albums - this time round however, the band have tackled the recording and release of their fourth studio album independently, and much differently.

Don't miss out on your chance to see the guys live at The Cambridge Hotel in Newcastle on April 29th.

School Holidays Fun!

The Inner City Winemaker's 2015 Fumé Blanc has been made entirely from Sauvignon Blanc grapes sourced from the Orange region of NSW. TASTING The finish is fresh and crisp, showing flavours of white peach and nectarine with a hint of citrus. Careful fermentation in French oak has added complexity and depth.

CELLARING Drinking beautifully now but will age gracefully for another five years.

Top Movie

Top Spot

THE JUNGLE BOOK

BOLTON STREET PANTRY 45 Bolton Street, Newcastle

Based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories, The Jungle Book is a re-imagined, live action adventure of Disney's classic animated 1967 film. The story is about Mowgli, a man-cub who has been raised by a family of wolves in the jungle. But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome when fearsome tiger Shere Khan (voice of Idris Elba), who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat.

Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of selfdiscovery. Guided by Bagheera the black panther (voice of Ben Kingsley), and the free-spirited bear Baloo (voice of Bill Murray), Mowgli sets out on his journey all the while evading the man-hunting Shere Khan.

The Junglebook is in cinemas from April 7th.

Since opening toward the end of 2015 owner Zach Levien and the team at Bolton Street Pantry have earned a reputation for turning out some of the most delicious breakfasts and sumptuous lunches in Newcastle, and the coffee is just out of this world. The blend is superbly balanced by delicate flavours and aromas. You will want that second cup!

The service is excellent and Zach is always on hand to welcome you and help you out with what to order – or to pour you a coffee. Fresh, fun and funky – Bolton Street Pantry is definitely worth coming back for!

Open Monday to Friday 6.30am - 3pm, Saturday and Sunday 7am - 3pm. Ph 4048 1344. www.boltonstpantry.com.au

If you would like to contribute an idea or photo for our Top Five, simply send it to us at getintouch@intouchmagazine.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 5

What's happening at

It’s a busy time at Charlestown Square with the development works continuing; several new locations for popular stores plus school holidays in April, ending with a long weekend to commemorate Anzac Day on Monday 25 April. Please note the shops will be open on Anzac Day from 1pm to 4pm - check charlestownsquare.com.au for trading times for Reading Cinemas and the South Piazza cafes and restaurants.

We’re pleased to announce Aldi will be opening on the Ground Floor in the coming months – near Woolworths! And did you know Sheike and Wanted have recently relocated to fabulous new stores? Both remain located on Level 2 in brand new premises – it’s a great time to check out the new season ranges.

We've recently seen the end of an era with the closure of The ABC Shop in line with a national direction. The good news for ABC fans is that Dymocks, located Level 1 stock a range of popular ABC DVD’s, books and gifts.

Darrell Lea has returned to the Ground Level and now stocks a broad range of American candy, plus many of their beloved favourites and a range of cards and gifts – something for every taste!

INTOUCH WHAT'S ON but he can’t hack the pressure so he quits his job and is then deeply and unattractively unemployed for a long period of time which starts to irritate his wife and all his friends. I got quite self-conscious when David Williamson said ‘Chris, you are perfect for this role’, it’s like, when he thinks loser, he thinks Chris Taylor, which I thought was revealing. It’s a delight and a surprise to be asked by the great David Williamson to be part of his latest play for the Ensemble,” said Chris.

JACK OF HEARTS Ensemble Theatre brings Jack of Hearts, a brand new play from Australia's master of social comedy David Williamson, to the Civic Theatre for two shows (including a matinee performance) on Saturday 16 April.

Jack (Chris Taylor) adores his wife Emma (Paige Gardiner), and when she walks out on him for the older, more successful and arrogant Carl (Peter Mochrie) right after his career as a lawyer has crashed and burned, he’s devastated. His school friend Stu (Craig Reucassel), now an extremely successful businessman and married to the glamorous Denys (Brooke Satchwell), exacerbates the problem by expressing contempt rather than sympathy at his failure.

Jack of Hearts comes to Newcastle with the original cast following its highly successful premiere run at Ensemble Theatre in Sydney.

Tickets can be purchased through Ticketek.

ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT David Williamson is the most produced playwright in the country’s history. His satirical comedies have captured the pulse of this nation for many decades and his keen eye shows no sign of losing any of its acuteness or astuteness. After forty-seven plays, fourteen movies and five television series he gives us Jack of Hearts, one of his funniest, most human and warmest comedies to date.

The only job he can find is to deliver luggage on an upmarket island glamour resort. When his ex-wife and her new partner, and Stu and his new mistress arrive at the island to find him there, Jack suddenly finds the old adage “Revenge is sweet” isn’t too far wide of the mark. Lives and loves are ultimately sorted out, but not before our characters have experienced passion, anger, love and laughter in this humane and wry comedy about loss and resilience.

The development works continue, which currently include changing the shape of Centre Court to a more circular design. The escalators above Gloria Jeans are now being replaced with a new staircase, and it is anticipated these works will be finished in the coming weeks.

If you’re looking for fantastic value these school holidays – grab an Entertainment Pass, on sale at the Customer Service Desk. There are 3 great options to choose from – Kids, Super and Mega Pass where you can enjoy a movie at Reading Cinemas, fun at Strike Bowling and Timezone, plus delicious treats from a variety of participating food outlets. At just $37, the Kids Entertainment Pass is valued at $55 and now includes a kids meal at McDonalds. There’s no better way to enjoy the variety of fun available at Charlestown Square – all year round!

Having spent many years enjoying laughing out loud to The Chaser’s War on Everything, CNNNN and The Chaser’s Media Circus on ABC-TV, playwright/director David Williamson made a bold choice in asking journalists/writers/comedians Chris Taylor and Craig Reucassel to play two of the lead roles.

Speaking about their roles, both say they were shocked, flattered, thrilled and terrified at the prospect.

“I play a bit of a loser. Jack was once this brilliant student who came in dux of his school and got a great job at a top law firm

FIRST LADIES OF SOUL The First Ladies of Soul show is a tribute to the finest female soul singers of our time. Three of Sydney’s finest vocalists Jo Elms, Liza Ohlback and Amanda Easton will showcase the hits of Randy Crawford, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Etta James, Roberta Flack, Natalie Cole, Freda Payne, Chaka Khan, The Emotions, Tina Turner, Dusty Springfield and more!

Enjoy the Hunter’s largest shopping and entertainment destination during April.

Cheers,

Therese, Marketing Team

6 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

The show, consisting of well-known favourites, is full of divine harmonies and the brilliant musicianship of the band which feature some of Sydney’s finest musicians: Eric Rasmussen on guitar, Victor Rounds on bass, Brendan St.Ledger on keys, Kimi Tupaea on drums with Ray Cassar and David Weir on horns.

In 2011 this fabulous show gave it’s debut sell out performance at Lizottes Sydney and since then has been wowing Sydney audiences. 2016 marks the 5th year anniversary of The First Ladies of Soul show and the girls would love to make you a part of their anniversary experience when

PICTURED: Craig Reucassel and Brooke Satchwell

WIN!

We have a double pass to give away for the matinee performance of Jack of Hearts. Visit the Giveaways page at www.intouchmagazine.com.au for more info. Entries close April 10th.

they perform at Lizottes Newcastle on Saturday, April 9th, 2016. The anniversary show will also feature a live horn section to add to the authentic, soulful sound!

You’ll want to move along, groove along and sing along to all the classic songs of the First Ladies of Soul. For more information and tickets visit www.newcastle.lizottes.com.au

INTOUCH WHAT'S ON

Centenary of

ANZAC

Iconic Australian Houses: an exhibition by Karen McCartney, running until June 5th at Newcastle Museum, is a behind-the-scenes exploration of 29 of the most important Australian homes of the past 60 years.

Rosenburg Hills House from Iconic Australian Houses by Karen McCartney

The houses featured are brought to life through vivid photography, vibrant illustrations, 3D models and filmed interviews with the architects who designed the homes and the people who commissioned and live in them.

This exhibition is brought to Newcastle by Sydney Living Museums in partnership with the Architecture Foundation Australia. Entry is free.

Do you have the 100% Best House in Newcastle Forever?

This exhibition begins in the 1950's with the works of a new breed of Australian architects and culminates in key works from some of Australia’s contemporary masters. Iconic Australian Houses looks beyond the physical structures to shine a light on the stories of the architects and clients. The result is an intimate portrait of the design, building and lived-in experience of that most elusive of creations – the iconic house.

In collaboration with local artist Trevor Dickinson, Newcastle Museum is on the hunt to find the best house in Newcastle. Is it yours? From crumbling terraces to fantastic fibros, we want you to submit your home and tell us why you think it's the best. Maybe it's the sunroom grandad built in the 70's, or the front verandah being perfectly shaded for a cool afternoon drink with your housemates or the way the sunlight gleams off the corrugated iron roof every morning.

“These houses were chosen because of their innovation, design and response to climate and place. They are the best representation of the extraordinary calibre of architects and thinking that Australia has produced over the past six decades,” said exhibition curator Karen McCartney, author of two successful architecture books on iconic Australian houses.

Whatever the reasons, take a picture of your house, upload it to Instagram and tell us why you think it deserves to win using the hashtag #besthouseinnewcastleforever

“The pioneering architects of the 50's, 60's and 70's took international design influences and reinterpreted them to suit the Australian landscape and climate. Since that time, architectural expression has really flourished in this country. It is something that we do really well.”

The winning house will be judged by Trevor Dickinson and announced via Newcastle Museum's website, Facebook and Instagram.

Trevor will also create a unique illustration of the winning house, which will be presented to the winner along with a rosette for their home.

Entries close on April 8. In order to be considered, your house must be local and you must currently reside in the house you submit. Help us find the ‘100% Best House in Newcastle Forever'!

The ride is full of mateship, teamwork, long days, blood, sweat and tears. However, it’s also full of fun, optimism and resilience. Together the riders struggle, laugh and conquer as one cohesive team, even though each rider participates in the event for their own, sometimes very personal, reasons.

CAMP QUALITY

This September, a group of local heroes will embark on a fundraising journey like no other.

1,000 Ks 4 Kids Supreme – Newcastle is all about ordinary people doing the extraordinary by riding 750km over an 8-day cycle adventure all to raise money for Camp Quality, and create the best quality of life for kids living with cancer across Australia.

Departing Warners Bay on September 4 the Tour de Hunter ride will pass through Singleton, Merriwa, Muswellbrook, Gresford, Gloucester, Bulahdelah and Dungog before pedalling to the finish line back in Warners Bay on September 11.

Camp Quality still has a few spots available for their upcoming 1,000 Ks 4 Kids Supreme ride, so why not be bold and push yourself for a good cause? For more information or to register please visit www.1000ks4kids.org.au or call their Newcastle office on 4947 3041.

Friday 22 April 2016 5pm Newcastle Memorial Walk sunset ceremony

Saturday 23 April 2016 5pm Lighting ANZAC flame at Nobbys Beach

Sunday 24 April 2016 All day Field of Remembrance installed at Newcastle Museum 6pm Candlelight vigil at the Memorial Grove, Civic Park

Monday 25 April ANZAC Day 5am Dawn service at Nobbys Beach 9.15am ANZAC March, Hunter St to Civic Park 10am United Commemoration Service, Civic Park 12noon - 4pm Firing of guns and tunnel tours, Fort Scratchley (1pm & 3pm for guns firing)

Road Closures There are several road closures at Camp Shortland, Hunter Street and Civic Park.

For more information on locations, visit Council’s website.

For public transport options, visit www.newcastlebuses.info, www.sydneytrains.info or www.newcastletaxis.com.au

2229MAR16

ICONIC AUSTRALIAN HOUSES EXHIBITION

2015 – 2018

For more information visit:

www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 7

COVER FEATURE STORY ROSS CATHERINE NOBLEBRITT WORDS: Michelle Meehan

CATHERINE BRITT

Getting on With Life

The country music star is coming off the back of a rollercoaster 12 months that began with the discovery of pre-cancerous cells in her cervix and will end this month with a string of concerts celebrating her fight against, and triumph over, breast cancer.

In between there were plenty of highs – launching and touring her album Boneshaker, getting married to husband James Beverley, an ARIA nomination and her third Female Artist of the Year award at the Golden Guitars.

But there were also plenty of lows, brought on by her diagnosis with stage two breast cancer last May, which required a lumpectomy to remove a large tumour.

It’s not unusual for a person who has survived cancer to say they are taking things one day or one step at a time.

Of course, it is not surprising that when that person is Newcastle singer-songwriter Catherine Britt, those steps are taken at a gallop.

This was followed by months of chemotherapy, which she finished on January 5 this year and four weeks of radiation therapy during February.

It was a scary and overwhelming time for Britt, but one that she tackled in an open and honest way, with her trademark sunny smile still plastered across her face.

“You don’t have a choice, you just have to get your head around it somehow,” she said.

“I’d never had an operation, especially a major operation like that. When I was diagnosed with the breast cancer, I’d also just previously been diagnosed with pre-cervical cancer so I had to get a LLETZ procedure as well, which meant it was quite a recovery.

“That was the scariest part for me, definitely, the operation, I was literally in the bed shaking and they were trying to calm me down because I’d just never been in that situation before and I had no idea what it felt like to go to sleep and to wake up.

“That was a lot to get my head around, but you just do, so all of a sudden I was asleep and all of a sudden you’re awake and you’re ok and you’re moving on and every day is a new challenge.

“Then it’s chemo for the first time, which was another whole degree of getting your head around something, especially when they’re suiting up and putting masks and gloves on to put it into you and you’re like, ‘What? This is going into my veins, so why are you so protected?’

“But you’ve got to get on with it and you’ve got to keep a smile on your face as best you can and my main objective through all of it was to be as positive as possible and try to get through it as well as possible.

“That’s all you can do, you don’t have a choice.”

Finally free of the disease and excited about the prospect of not having to spend any more time in the hospital, Britt is now turning her attention to an idea she first conceived not long after her diagnosis – saying “F U Cancer” the only way she knows how … through music.

It began with a very special “F U Cancer” song penned at Britt’s request by her friend Beccy Cole, with the help of Lyn Bowtell, on their way to this year’s Country Music Festival in Tamworth.

“It was kind of an idea I’ve been building up for a long time, as soon as I got diagnosed and got over the initial shock of it all I started planning what to do,” Britt said.

“That kind of gives you an insight into the wonderful craziness that is me, can’t slow down, just kind of wanted to make it as big and wonderful as possible, that’s my goal.

“So I approached Beccy about it and said ‘This is what I want to do, can you help me?’ and she’s like ‘I’m on it’ and all of a sudden I got a text with a little voice memo of the song on it and it made me cry, it was so funny and so good.

Photo by Brent Leggett Makeup Amy Butterworth (Dunn & Dusted) Hair Des Dunn (The Fox Den)

8 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

“I think that song is more an angry ‘why me?’ as well as it being for all the people out there who have had to deal with what I have had to deal with, which was like ‘I know how you feel, it totally sucks’.

COVER STORY CATHERINE BRITT “I really didn’t want (cancer) to mess with my life, to take over and become me,” she said.

“I’d read a lot of stuff about patients kind of getting really wrapped up in their diagnosis and going to the hospital all the time and it sort of overtakes their life.

“So I was really conscious of that and not wanting to let it happen, I really wanted to keep my life going as much as I possibly could and not let it interfere.

"I got diagnosed on Monday and had a gig on Wednesday, I just got on with it."

“Once you get diagnosed you don’t actually know what that means, you don’t know what it is until they go in and take it out.

So I could have sat around and worried about it or I could have gone out on tour and finished the tour.

“So that’s what we did, we did 10 days in Queensland on the Boneshaker Tour and kept going.

“It was a nice distraction, it was really good not to think about it all the time, even though you are thinking about it all the time. When I was on stage, I got lost every now and again and actually forgot, it was just really nice to forget about it.

Catherine and her husband James Beverley.

“So I really, really appreciated music during that time… well, it’s “By CB sharing her experience and taking this concept on the road, it will empower others, it will give hope and strength - both always been, my saviour.”

And now the concept it going on the road with four very special incredibly healing powers in the battle against cancer.

Music will certainly provide plenty of avenues to take Britt’s “F U Cancer” shows during April and May in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and, of course, a hometown gig in Newcastle.

“Catherine's bravery was already in place, you just need to listen mind off the inevitable doubts and fears that plague any person to her lyrics to understand her strength, she is kicking cancer’s who has been in a battle with cancer and won.

Britt has assembled an incredible array of artists to take part in arse, she is a pioneer, a very important role model for us all.”

Aside from the upcoming tour, Britt and her husband are various shows, including Josh Pyke, Troy Cassar-Daley, Shannon also still getting their heads around their recent purchase of Noll, Busby Marou, Wendy Matthews, Wes Carr, Ellie Drennan, Kasey Chambers was another artist all too ready to jump on respected music publication Rhythms Magazine, which they will Lloyd Spiegel and Danny Widdicombe. board to show her support for her friend. run together.

When the tour wraps up at Wests New Lambton on Sunday, “I’ve known Catherine since she was a young teenager singing After a turbulent 12 months, Britt said she is now ready to May 1, it will feature the trio behind the song – Britt, Cole and for the first time. We’ve toured together, recorded together, move on and make the most out of every day.

Bowtell - as well as special guest Kasey Chambers. written songs together and also been through a lot of ups and downs in our personal lives together,” Chambers said.

“My life at the moment is very much a rollercoaster and it has “It was kind of like an anthem really in all those aspects.”

"This tour is about raising awareness, but it’s also a celebration of life and a celebration of survival and a celebration of fighting."

“It’s hard to see friends go through tough times but it brings out the deepest strengths and that’s certainly what we’ve seen in Catherine.

“I’m feeling very honoured to be a part of this special night in May. Beyond helping to raise money and awareness, I love being a part of ‘music’ bringing people together and being a healer of its own. It’s going to be an amazing night!”

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate it all being over and getting on with it and trying to find a cure and all sorts of things, A number of the artists supporting Britt on the tour have also than with music and friends. got together to record a re-worked version of “F U Cancer”, which will help raise funds for the McGrath Foundation.

“For me it’s the perfect solution, I’m really looking forward to it, we’ve got some amazing people on board and we keep bringing Britt said it was her way of giving back to the McGrath more and more people on board all the time.”

Foundation nurses who were there to help her through the darkest times during her diagnosis and treatment.

Among those of course is Cole, who first met Britt when the Novocastrian was an 11-year-old fan who came backstage at a “The McGrath nurses are such a huge part of breast cancer concert with her father, who worked for a local radio station. and when you get diagnosed they’re really a big part of your recovery and helping you through that,” Britt said.

The women last toured together in 2012 when Britt opened Cole’s Songs and Pictures tour, and Cole said she was only too “For me, they were a big influence on me so I was really glad happy to return the favour for the “F U Cancer” shows. when they came on board (with the tour) because I wanted to give back to them a little bit.

“Catherine has extraordinary talent, as an artist, she is real, authentic. Her writing is brave, clever and heart-wrenching at “So we’ll have nurses at the show, which will be wonderful as times,” Cole said. we’ll get to thank them personally.

“I have been so impressed by the hard work and dedication to her craft for many years and as a person, she is sweet, funny, deep and generous. There was no hesitation to support CB in these concerts, we are friends and I am here for her.

“Part of the ticket sales will go to the McGrath Foundation and we’ll have bucket shakers on the night as well if people want to chuck in a couple of extra dollars towards the McGrath Foundation.

“We have all been touched by this horrible disease and are well aware of the suffering it causes. There is satisfaction in the solidarity of joining together and giving cancer the collective middle finger.

“It’s going to be pretty special, I’m really looking forward to it.”

For someone who has been passionate about music since she was a young child, it’s little wonder that Britt says she turned to it when times were tough.

been all along but it’s a different rollercoaster now, it’s like an after-the-storm-passes rollercoaster,” she said.

“It’s ‘oh my God I’m free, I don’t have to go to the hospital anymore’ highs to ‘oh my God, I’m scared to death and what if it comes back’ lows, so it’s a pretty tough road ahead but it’s also a really exciting one.

“The chances of it coming back are pretty slim but we all know that they’re there, that’s how it goes, so if I can get through those first five to seven years without anything coming back then I’ll be sweet.

“But you can’t live your life in fear either and that’s something I’m trying to get my head around because it’s definitely something people find really hard to deal with, after going through surviving cancer and surviving the diagnosis, is how to get on with your life without fear and living in fear constantly.

“They put you with a pretty wonderful team of people, psychologists and doctors and everyone who works with you to try and make that as easy as possible so I’ve got an amazing team around me who are really making it as easy as possible for me, so I’m really grateful for that.

“I’m just taking one day at a time, putting one foot in front of the other.

“I always was one to live life to the fullest but boy, it’s really more than ever now and we certainly do that every day, I don’t waste a day on this Earth at all and I don’t take it for granted.”

You can read more about Catherine, her music and tour dates at www.catherinebritt.com www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 9

What’s on?

FRIDAY, APRIL 1

►COMING

UP APRIL

FRIDAY 1ST Breeze Newcastle The Cambridge Hotel SATURDAY 2ND Tuka Don’t Wait Up Tour The Small Ballroom Kids Classics The Magical Music Time Machine Newcastle Conservatorium Dog Rescue Benefit The Cambridge Hotel WEDNESDAY 6TH East Pointers + The Mae Trio The Unorthodox Church of Groove, Newcastle THURSDAY 7TH The Bennies + Off With Their Heads + Hightime + The Cereal Picnic The Cambridge Hotel FRIDAY 8TH The Pigs Lizottes, Lambton SATURDAY 9TH Sarah Blasko Civic Theatre, Newcastle A Day On The Green with Chris Isaak + James Reyne Bimbadgen Winery, Hunter Valley Elvis To The Max Belmont 16s SUNDAY 10TH The Rehab Brass Band Lizottes, Lambton Mark Wells Band Wickham Park Hotel The Fabulous 60's and 70's Show Wests New Lambton FRIDAY 15TH INXS Tribute Show Nelson Bay Diggers Round Mountain Girls The Cambridge Hotel Pornskas + The Sure Things Wickham Park Hotel SATURDAY 16TH Red Hot Summer Tour Roche Estate, Hunter Valley Helen & Friends + Pat Capocci EP Launch Wickham Park Hotel SUNDAY 17TH Caligula's Horse The Small Ballroom Lennox Lust + Steve Edmonds Wickham Park Hotel WEDNESDAY 20TH Hawthorne Heights + Mest + London Falling + MC Jackal + Hey Reckless The Cambridge Hotel THURSDAY 21ST The Ten Sopranos Playhouse Theatre FRIDAY 22ND The Gumball Dashville Firewall Wickham Park Hotel SATURDAY 23RD Groovin the Moo Maitland Showground SUNDAY 24TH The Bushwackers + Fred Smith Lizottes, Lambton WEDNESDAY 27TH Lanks Golden Age Tour The Small Ballroom THURSDAY 28TH Goons of Doom The Cambridge Hotel Madchild The Small Ballroom FRIDAY 29TH Thirsty Merc The Cambridge Hotel SATURDAY 30TH ShockOne The Cambridge Hotel

10 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Newcastle Writers Festival This festival brings some of Australia's most respected writers and public figures to Newcastle for masterclasses, free talks, discussions and other events- half of which are free.

1―3 April. See the broad and interesting program at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au Judy Watson: A case study + First Class 15 Both until April 24, Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery.

Iconic Australian Houses An Exhibition by Karen McCartney See a behind-the-scenes exploration of 29 of the most important Australian homes of the past 60 years at Newcastle Museum. Free entry, running until June 5.

SATURDAY, APRIL 2

My Place Exhibition Opening and Open Day Demonstrations of printmaking techniques and opportunities to try printmaking first hand. Come along to chat with and discover how local artists work, with original artworks available for purchase. Free entry, Newcastle Printmakers Workshop, Adamstown, 11am till 3pm.

SUNDAY, APRIL 3

NEWRUN Featuring the Half Marathon, Hill to Harbour 10km, Fort5 5km and the 2K4Kids. Also held is the Mile High (Saturday) hill climb time trial event. www.newrun.com.au

Hunter Valley Steamfest This year marks the 30th anniversary of this great Hunter event. Maitland, April 9 + 10. www.steamfest.com.au

SUNDAY, APRIL 10

The Impossible Foodie Market at The Edwards A unique and dynamic market night held in the beautiful industrial ‘garage’ space in the heart of Newcastle West. A great opportunity to stock your pantry with the finest local produce and fill your bellies with happiness!

Newcastle Knights v West Tigers Hunter Stadium, 4pm Kick-off.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13

Legendary Voices of Rock starring Steve Augeri from iconic 80s band Journey, and Robby Steinhardt from classic rock band Kansas. Civic Theatre, Newcastle.

Newcastle Permanent Junior Ranger Fun Day Richley Reserve will come alive with snakes, reptiles, jumping castles, face painting, dipnetting and planting. Food and drinks available. 11am - 1pm, Blackbutt Reserve.

Funky fabric at Lake Mac Art Gallery Explore colourful fabric dying and printing techniques this school holidays! Please bring your own white t-shirt.

Cost is $20 per child. www.artgallery.lakemac.com.au

THURSDAY, APRIL 14

Art Bazaar Speers Point Park Markets, demonstrations, entertainment, food and drinks 10am - 3pm.

Disney's High School Musical Jr 14―16 April, Playhouse Theatre, Newcastle.

Love on the Lawn Newcastle Jockey Club, 10am 4pm. www.loveonthelawn.com.au

32.9° S 151.5 E° Fundraiser Exhibition Held at Newcastle Art Space on Parry St, Hamilton, this exhibition is open to all Newcastle themed artworks (prior April 11). Opening Night is 6pm-8pm Friday 15th. Exhibition runs from April 14 to May 1st.

Lake Side Wedding + Celebration Expo Toronto Workers Club, 10am - 4pm. For more information go to www.lakesidemarketing.com.au

03 APRIL

FRIDAY, APRIL 15

Tough Dog Tuff Truck Challenge 3 Days of Extreme 4x4 action at Australia's Biggest 4x4 Competition.

Come for the day or camp out for the full immersive rock crawling motorsport experience. 15―17 April, Milbrodale Hunter Valley. www.tufftruck.com.au

SATURDAY, APRIL 16

The Boardwalk Beer Festival Back for their 3rd year of food, beer, and entertainment in Honeysuckle, 12―5.30pm.

MONDAY, APRIL 4

16 APRIL

SUNDAY, APRIL 17

Love in the Vines Entertainment, fashion parades, workshops and seminars, plus much more at Lindemans Wines in the Hunter Valley. 10.30am 4pm. www.loveinthevines.com.au Cessnock Stomp Festival Sample the best wine, food and fun on offer, plus kick off your shoes and be prepared to crush Hunter Valley grapes with your bare feet! www.cessnockstompfestival.com.au

TUESDAY, APRIL 19

Hunter Arts Network Professional Development Night with Dani Marti 5.30pm, The Salvation Army Oasis Hunter, Newcastle.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20

Ross Noble Brain Dump Everybody’s favourite randomist is back and as always he has a lot of stuff backing up in his head and it’s time to let it all out. Come and be part of this truly unique stand up experience. Civic Theatre, Newcastle.

THURSDAY, APRIL 21

Stephen Hough Presented by Musicaviva City Hall.

NJC Race Day - FREE ENTRY A great opportunity to enjoy midweek racing at Broadmeadow Racecourse.

FRIDAY, APRIL 22

The Little Shop of Horrors with Live Live Cinema While the original 1960 film plays on stage, four performers work at break-neck speed to re-voice multiple characters in perfect lip synch whilst playing a brand new score and creating live Foley (sound effects). Civic Theatre, Newcastle.

The Gum Ball Music + Arts Festival This popular camping festival in Dashville continues in 2016 bigger, and better than ever! www.thegumball.com.au

SUNDAY, APRIL 24

Newcastle + Hunter Jazz Club Concert Andy Firth + Nova Swing Jazz Band at Central Charlestown Leagues Club, 2pm - 5pm. Members $10, guests $15.

Newcastle Dancers Market Costumes, Props, Accessories, Shoes, Bags + Dancewear, new or second-hand. $2 entry, kids free. 9am - 1pm, Broadmeadow PCYC.

MONDAY, APRIL 25

ANZAC Day Join Newcastle's ANZAC Day celebrations at the Dawn Service at Nobby's Beach or the march and commemoration at Civic Park.

25 APRIL

Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom Live on Stage! Civic Theatre, Newcastle.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6

NSW Water Industry Operations Conference and Exhibition Newcastle Jockey Club

SATURDAY, APRIL 9

A Little Bit of Italy in Broke A weekend of Italian food, wine, festivities and fun hosted throughout eleven venues in Broke Fordwich. Some events are ticketed. www.italyinbroke.com.au Ryan Ansell Investment Solutions Race Day Broadmeadow Racecourse.

Minions at Hunter Valley Gardens These school holidays is your chance to see the energetic, banana loving Minions. www.hvg.com.au

Jack of Hearts by David Williamson The Chaser’s Chris Taylor and Craig Reucassel, teaming up with David Williamson in a brand new play from the master of social comedy. Civic Theatre, Newcastle.

The Red Hot Summer Tour Bringing The Badloves, Mark Seymour, The Angels, Noiseworks and Jimmy Barnes to Roche Estate, Hunter Valley.

Newcastle Knights v Sea Eagles Hunter Stadium, 2pm Kick-off.

SATURDAY, APRIL 30

Archibald Prize 2015 Regional Tour Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery, until June 5.

Hunter Melanoma Foundation Race Day Broadmeadow Racecourse.

Do you have a local event or gig coming up? Email us today at getintouch@intouchmagazine.com.au

What’s on?

Coming Up IN MAY

Live & Cookin’

SUNDAY 1 F U Cancer - Catherine Britt + Beccy Cole + Special Guest Kasey Chambers Country music and this months cover girl Catherine Britt is telling cancer where to go with four special shows appropriately titled ‘F U Cancer!’. Wests New Lambton. www.westsnewcastle.com.au

31 Morehead Street, Lambton Doors open from 6pm FULLY LICENSED

THURSDAY 5 The Peasant Prince Adapted from a children's picture book, the courage, resilience and unwavering hope for a better life makes The Peasant Prince a story to ignite our own aspirations to be the best person we can be! Civic Theatre.

SATURDAY 7 Upper Hunter Wine and Food Affair (Denman Food + Wine Festival) Not only will you have a choice of the finest local Hunter wines, fantastic cider and delicious food at this iconic annual Denman festival, you can now enjoy beer! www.upperhunterwineandfoodaffair.com.au

THURSDAY 12 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour 2016 Showcasing over 2.5 hours of the most enthralling mountain adventure films that will have you planning your next adventure before the credits roll! Tower Cinemas. www.banffaustralia.com.au

SATURDAY 14 Lovedale Long Lunch A decadent line up of the Hunter Valley’s leading chefs team up with seven of Lovedale’s finest wineries and local entertainment for a weekend of wine and food! 14 + 15 May. www.lovedalelonglunch.com.au

SUNDAY 22 Superhero Stride A 3km family fun walk along the Newcastle foreshore, with participants asked to dress as their favourite superhero to raise funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

PH 4960 1397 • 284 Maitland Road, Mayfield

Mayfield Hotel TUESDAY Badge Draw WEDNESDAY Open Mic Night + Poker THURSDAY Comedy Night FRIDAY Live Music SATURDAY DJ SUNDAY Live Music

•TAB •SPORTSBAR Bistro Open Tuesday to SATURDAY

APRIL BIG DADDY WILSON (USA)

MOTHERS DAY MITCH CAPONE'S Bublé Experience

Friday 1

THE BEATNIX Saturday 2

GORDIE TENTREES (CAN) Wednesday 6

At Lizottes on Sunday, May 8th

ROBYN SCHALL - NY COMEDY GALA

The Michael Bublé Experience is an authentic reproduction of the sounds of Michael Bublé. Supported by The Wise Guys, this production leaves nothing to the imagination with local performer Mitch Capone paying attention to every nuance of Bublé’s performance, becoming Michael Bublé so much that even the most discerning Bublé fan will absolutely fall in love with his awesome style and the smooth tone of his voice.

Thursday 7

You will hear Bublés original hits including Haven't Met You Yet, It's A Beautiful Day, Everything, Home, Lost and classics like Feeling good, Me and Mrs Jones, plus many more!

Perfect for Mothers Day and teamed with Brian’s delicious lunch menu – treat your Mum to a delightful day out. For tickets visit www.newcastle.lizottes.com.au.

WIN!

A DOUBLE PASS (including lunch!)

Win a double pass to Mitch Capone's Bublé Experience on Mothers Day, Sunday 8th of May. Winning is simple – visit the GIVEAWAYS page at www.intouchmagazine.com.au.

Entries will close Saturday, April 30th. Good Luck!

BOWIE UNZIPPED Bowie Unzipped is a show like no other, a show put together with passion and respect for the once in a lifetime talent of the one and only David Bowie.

Aussie rock legend Jeff Duff takes you on a journey which leads to planet Bowie.

The Bowie Unzipped band features some of Australia's best musicians including the legendary Jeff Duff on vocals, Glenn Rhodes on keyboards, bass and vocals, Jess Ciampa on drums and vocals and Jak Housden on guitar and vocals.

You can catch Bowie Unzipped at Lizottes Newcastle on Saturday April 16th.

FIRST LADIES OF SOUL Saturday 9

ALEX BOWEN - TIME TO TALK ALBUM LAUNCH Friday 15 BOWIE UNZIPPED Saturday 16

MAGICAL LUNCH WITH JAY SCOTT BERRY Sunday 17 THE BLACK SORROWS Thursday 21

TEX PERKINS + MURRAY PATERSON Saturday 23

RYAN BINGHAM Sunday 24

ADAM HARVEY Friday 29

MAY JACKIE WARD Thursday 5

THE BADLOVES Friday 6

MOTHERS DAY LUNCH WITH THE MICHAEL BUBLE EXPERIENCE Sunday 8

MORE SHOWS added daily.

LIVE SHOWS starting from

$65 (including dinner)

BOOK ONLINE NOW + See who else is coming to dinner...

lizottes.com.au or PH 4956 2066 www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 11

INTOUCH WITH NEW LAMBTON VILLAGE The bakery focuses on traditional method sourdoughs, European-style house breads and handmade slices and tarts.

There are also a few modern classics such as scrolls and croissants, perfect for a quick bite on the run or the school lunchbox.

It’s been said that The Blind Baker produces Newcastle’s best pies and it’s hard to disagree. The beef and Guinness pie is made with real chunky beef, braised for six hours with vegetables, stock and stout. This filling is enclosed in flaky puff pastry and baked until golden brown. Be sure to get there early to avoid missing out on this masterpiece. Newcastle’s best?

You be the judge.

The Blind Baker also has wide range of gluten free products, with an emphasis on fresh baked bread and rolls, slices and pies. With a growing number of people experiencing food allergies, the team is happy to discuss the needs of customers so don’t hesitate to give them a call.

The Blind Baker is open from 6.30am to 4pm Tuesday to Friday and 6.30 to 1pm on Saturday.

Chaddies on Regent – Where locals love to meet

A Treasure Trove of Delights New Lambton has no shortage of boutiques, restaurants and cafés, but if you love fashion, have a flair for style and enjoy shopping for homewares, jewellery, designer shoes and clothing labels that are not typically available in shopping centres, then make a trip to the New Lambton Village Courtyard tucked away at 89 Regent Street New Lambton.

Located directly across from New Lambton Public School and just steps away from Alma Street, New Lambton Village Courtyard is a diverse collection of boutiques stocking men and women’s fashion, designer label shoes, homewares, jewellery, books and beautiful gifts as well as a bakery and restaurant café – all opening to an outside leafy courtyard.

This is where the local fashionistas go to play. Whether you’re looking for an edgy dress for a night out, a casual statement tee paired with bold accessories, or designer shoes you will find it amongst this delightful group of stores.

The Courtyard is also a popular meeting place for locals taking some time out over a relaxing coffee or a place to go for a delicious breakfast or lunch.

The Blind Baker – Local favourites from a local favourite To many The Blind Baker needs no introduction – they are famous for their delicious pies, breads and tarts.

No, the baker isn’t really blind. Instead, the name comes from the nearly lost art of baking pies and tarts wherein the pastry is covered with greaseproof paper, weighed down and baked before the filling is added a.k.a. ‘blind baking’.

The Blind Baker was started in 2015 by Lincoln and Kate Hertogs, who also manage the adjacent Chaddies on Regent.

They spotted an opportunity for New Lambton to have its own artisan bakery and embraced the challenge of creating something new and unique.

"People are becoming more interested in what they are eating, the story behind the product and the chance to support something local, " says Lincoln.

Renowned for its relaxed and homely atmosphere, Chaddies on Regent has been New Lambton’s favourite meeting spot for over twenty years. Set in a leafy courtyard, it’s the perfect spot for a quick coffee or a long, comfortable lunch with friends.

Breakfast favourites, such as corn fritters, freshly baked sourdough with mushrooms, or good old bacon and eggs are sure to satisfy any appetite.

Lunch offerings are home-style classics, the kind you would make at home if you had time! Quiche, jacket potatoes, fresh salads and a wide range of gourmet sandwiches will leave you spoilt for choice. But be warned, you will find it impossible to go past the famous passionfruit sponge cake, so make sure you leave some room.

It’s also rare these days to find a café which bakes its own cakes, but Chaddies prides itself on baking scones and cakes every day. They believe fresh is definitely best.

So what makes Chaddies so popular? Owner Lincoln believes it is the relaxed atmosphere, consistent food and the beautiful courtyard with its golden Robina tree which has made Chaddies on Regent such a stayer in the ever changing Newcastle café scene.

Chaddies is open on weekdays for breakfast and lunch from 7.30am to 3pm. Coffee and cake to 5pm and on Saturday 7.30am to 2pm.

Parker & Barrow – New Lambton’s first mixed men’s and women’s fashion boutique Parker & Barrow was created by Lisa Marks who previously managed the women’s clothing and homeware store Just Pink before then reinventing the store to create a younger more gender-neutral space. The aim was to provide wearable, affordable fashion for men and women aged 20 plus.

The name Parker & Barrow was taken from her two border collies Bonnie and Clyde and the infamous outlaws Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow.

“I wanted something to represent the male and female side of the store, something personal but not too cliché. I was google searching Bonnie and Clyde one day and once I read those surnames it just stuck with me” said Lisa.

Parker & Barrow carry lots of small independent Australian labels such as Dressy Bessy, Pink Stitch, August St, Jersey Girl and Outside the Five as well as some well-known and established labels such as Sass, Betty Basic, Elwood, St Goliath and Silent Theory.

"Here at The Blind Baker you can speak directly to the baker and They also stock beautiful body products for men and women ask how the bread is made and what’s in it. Try doing that at from Australian designed and manufactured label Urban the supermarket!"

Rituelle, as well as gorgeous bags and jewellery from labels that include asLokoa and B.Sirius.

12 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Kate Devine – A boutique as individual as you are Kate Devine is a unique women's boutique offering a range of clothing labels that are not available in the shopping centres and, for the most part, in other stores in Newcastle. At Kate Devine, their style is a relaxed, individual, lifestyle look which allows you to put your own personality into what you wear.

Mix and match in a way that works for you. Although the label line-up changes regularly to reflect new looks (and keep their regular customers inspired), some of their all-time favourite labels include Maud Dainty from Melbourne, Foil - a well-priced and easy to wear label from New Zealand, Vigorella which is designed and made in Australia and is such an easy label for all those who are travelling. There is also an ever changing selection of great leather bags from Oran leather and beautiful boho-inspired jewellery from Lazurah. Another big favourite is the range of superb candles from the Glasshouse candle range - a perfect pick me up or a great gift.

If you like to wander and browse, seeking inspiration for your new season wardrobe or if you are someone who prefers some guidance and assistance, they are more than happy to accommodate your needs. You'll get honest, helpful suggestions as well as friendly service and advice when you venture into Kate Devine. The one thing they value above everything else is providing women with clothes that work for their lifestyle and that they feel good in - pieces which will become favourites season after season.

Call in and have a look, there's lots of Autumn stock now being delivered.

Style on Regent – A treasure trove filled with beautiful shoes, clothing, handbags, scarves and jewellery For the past ten years, Style on Regent has successfully traded and built a loyal client base all over the Hunter and beyond.

When owner, Deslie Young purchased this unique boutique from the original owners over four years ago, she set about introducing a range of new and exciting labels while also keeping all the favourite brands such as Django and Juliette, I Love Billy and of course Katie'N'Me from a local designer. She has also sourced international labels Brazillio and Galani.

With much excitement, Deslie has also just announced that Style On Regent has secured the amazing clothing label BOOM SHANKAR – the Noosa based fashion house. Deslie has put together a fantastic Winter order and will be stocking all the favourite styles - reversible wrap skirts, Guru pants, Cleo skirts, wrap dresses and some awesome new pieces.

You will need plenty of time to wander around this beautiful boutique.

The Wandering Peacock – A gorgeous array of products sourced from all corners of the globe!

The recently opened The Wandering Peacock is full of beautiful homewares, jewellery, books, silk kaftans, organic cotton clothes from Byron Bay and lots of beautiful gifts.

Owner Karina Lusis is well known in New Lambton and in particular Regent Street where she was the previous owner of Wanderlust for Women which she sold four years ago to move to Melbourne. Unfortunately Wanderlust has since closed its doors, hence the reason Karina wanted to open The Wandering Peacock in Regent Street - a similar version of Wanderlust.

Karina has a real passion for retail, having worked with her father for 15 years in the family business at Wharf Furniture Warehouse, before it closed its doors due to the development of the Honeysuckle precinct.

The Wandering Peacock also has a beautiful range of candles from USA, and beautiful gemstones crafted into Sterling silver jewellery.

Experience it all at New Lambton Village Courtyard!

The place where people meet.

Perhaps Newcastle's best kept secret, New Lambton Village Courtyard truly is a little gem! Conveniently located within a sunny courtyard setting you'll find delicious coffee, gourmet bites and an eclectic mix of shops filled to the brim with unique fashion, gifts and homewares.

When you discover New Lambton Village Courtyard you'll want to keep it secret too!

Located Regent Street, New Lambton (Directly opposite New Lambton Public School)

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 13

THE BIG UGG BOOTS

INTOUCH WHAT'S ON 24 MAR - 10 APR

14 APR - 1 MAY

WELL CONNECTED + SOMEONES HOME + ALONG THE WAY WITH YOU

32.9°S 151.5°E

Opening Thursday 24 March 6-8pm

AN INITIATIVE OF NEWCASTLE COMMUNITY ARTS CENTRE

Newcastle Art Space Newcastle Art Space is calling out to artists to enter their Newcastle themed works into the upcoming fundraiser exhibition entitled 32.9° S 151.5 E°.

This show is a celebration of all things Newcastle and is a fundraiser for the galleries annual Newcastle Emerging Artist Prize (NEAP) which shall be held later in the year.

The exhibition will commence Thursday, April 14th and will run till Sunday, May 1st.

Triple J Unearthed winners and Newcastle locals Eat Your Heart Out.

Groovin' the MOO! SHOP - Browse Mortels large range of sheepskin & Australiana products.

MUSEUM - Be fascinated with Australia’s rich sheepskin history and Mortels 60 years of manufacturing.

CAFÉ - Sit, relax, and enjoy delicious meals & coffee at Mortels Café.

FACTORY TOURS - Watch, hear, feel and smell the real workings of an UGG boot factory on a fully guided tour.

Google Directions

mortels.com.au

MORTELS SHEEPSKIN FACTORY

1 Weakleys Drive, Thornton NSW • (+61) 02 4966 0990 • www.mortels.com.au 14 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

The enduring, annual Groovin’ the Moo tour is set to take place across Australia’s regional centres, with 2016 marking the twelfth year since the inaugural Groovin’ event which was held in Gloucester in 2005.

Groovin’s increasingly recognised trademark is that of a fun and value-packed day, complete with a twist of country hospitality. It’s also about connecting with the regional community by providing an annual, unique and enjoyable experience that everyone can be involved in – whether it be through simply enjoying the live music or via a business opportunity.

The Groovin' program tours artists from all genres, which in turn reflects the importance of diversity for the festival.

Each event is licensed and all ages with capacities remaining at a manageable number to ensure all in attendance enjoy the day in a laid-back and queue-free environment. This year the tour includes six events held on three consecutive weekends across six states and territories of Australia, kicking off in Maitland on Saturday 23 April.

OPEN TO ALL ARTISTS WORKS DUE TO NAS 11 APRIL 10-2PM Opening Friday 15 April 6-8pm

NEWCASTLE ART SPACE

ADDRESS 246 Parry St, Hamilton East NSW 2303 GALLERY HOURS Thursday to Sunday 12pm - 5pm

Why not come along for the Official Opening on Friday 15th April from 6 to 8pm – all welcome!

Open shows provide an excellent opportunity for local artists to connect with other artists and art appreciators. With high turnouts (especially on opening nights) they are also a wonderful way to promote any professional artist.

For more information visit the NAS website at www.newcastleartspace.blogspot.com.au, Facebook page (newcastleartspace) or visit the gallery at 246 Parry St, Hamilton East.

In addition to the stellar lineup, Groovin' will this year invite emerging local acts to the stage including (in Maitland) triple j Unearthed winners Eat Your Heart Out, a five-piece from Newcastle. Maitland concert-goers can also look forward witnessing L-Fresh The Lion’s commanding presence and thought-provoking lyrics, The Lulu Raes with their sun-soaked dance pop, Wafia with her beautiful vocals and the Moo Crew dancing amongst World Champion’s Avocado Galaxy.

The Plot stage will return for a second year featuring a mix of electronic, dancehall, hip hop, tech house, baile funk, cumbia and a hint of trap from a seriously exciting selection of producers and DJs - Bad Decisions, Human Movement, Jaytee Hazard, Kinder, LUEN and Argentine duo, Frikstailers.

Check out the complete line-up below and for tickets visit www.gtm.net.au – but be quick as this event will sell out!

The 2016 Groovin’ Line-up Alison Wonderland - Boo Seeka - Boy & Bear British India - Client Liaison Danny Brown (USA) - Drapht - Dz Deathrays Emma Louise Golden Features - Harts - Illy In Hearts Wake - Ms Mr (USA) Mutemath (Usa) - Ngaiire - Odesza (USA) Ratatat (Usa) - Remi - The Rubens Safia - Twenty One Pilots (USA) Vallis Alps - Vic Mensa (USA) Marshalled By The Meeting Tree With Studio Hosts Alex Dyson & Danny Clayton And introducing… Eat Your Heart Out (triple j Unearthed), L-Fresh The Lion, The Lulu Raes, Wafia, World Champion, Bad Decisions, Human Movement, Jaytee Hazard, Kinder, LUEN and Argentine duo, Frikstailers.

INTOUCH WHAT'S ON

We will remember them... ANZAC Day Races

exhileracing!

Wine Country Race Club will host the Jurds Real Estate ANZAC Day Races on Monday 25 April at Cessnock Racecourse.

From 11:30am try your hand at Two-Up and enjoy catching up with mates. With plenty of giveaways from XXXX Gold to win throughout the day, it’s set to be a great day out.

Enjoy entertainment by Venus Music with Sarah De Bono, who will perform throughout the afternoon, along with students from the Sarah De Bono Music Academy.

Relax while the kids enjoy FREE activities in the Kids’ Zone with face painting and a jumping castle.

Bring along a picnic and relax on the lawn or pick up something tasty from the course. A range of food will be available for purchase from $4.50 including fish n chips, sandwiches, pies and sausage rolls or grab a snag from the BBQ for $3.90 and a steak sandwich for $6.50. No beverages to be brought onto the course.

Book early and save! Buy 1 get 1 FREE before Monday 18 April by calling 4961 1573 or tickets are $10 per person on the day.

Gates open at 11am for the five-race meeting.

JURDS REAL ESTATE

ANZAC DAY

M O N D AY 2 5 A P R I L 2 0 1 6

RACES

In a tribute to the courageous men and women who have served our nation, a ceremony will take place to acknowledge the roles horses and jockeys played in the war. Concluding the ceremony will be the National Anthem sung by The Voice finalist Sarah De Bono.

CESSNOCK RACECOURSE

GATES OPEN 11AM • VENUS MUSIC WITH SARAH DE BONO MUSIC ACADEMY • TWO-UP • XXXX GOLD GIVEAWAYS • FREE KIDS ENTRY AND FREE ACTIVITIES Bring your own picnic or purchase a range of food on course. Drinks to be purchased on course.

WIN!

We have a double pass to see Ross Noble's Brain Dump live at the Civic Theatre, Newcastle on April 20th to giveaway!

BUY 1 GET 1 FREE PRE PURCHASE YOUR

$10 GENERAL ENTRY TICKET

BEFORE MONDAY 18TH APRIL AND RECEIVE A SECOND GENERAL ENTRY FOR FREE.

To win, head to the GIVEAWAYS page at www.intouchmagazine.com.au. Entries close April 14th, 2016. Goodluck!

ROSS NOBLE

Brain Dump

Everybody’s favourite randomist is back and as always he has a lot of stuff backing up in his head and it’s time to let it all out! Join Ross Noble as audience and performer come together for a massive BRAIN DUMP at the Civic Theatre Newcastle on April 20th, and be part of this truly unique stand-up experience!

With an on-stage presence like no other, his exuberance, spontaneity and cerebral style have established him as one of The World’s best-loved comedians. Freewheeling and off the cuff join the master surrealist as he uses an infinite imagination and plenty of tomfoolery in a night not to be missed.

Ross is a former Perrier Award nominee, Barry Award, Time Out Award winner for best live stand-up, and has won a shed load of other prestigious awards and nominations all around the globe.

Each year and each show have seen Noble’s live following grow to the point where he has been the best-selling show at both the Edinburgh Festival and Melbourne International Comedy Festival on more than one occasion. His shows have transferred to London and Sydney each year since 2003 and venues have grown in size to accommodate his ever growing audience.

Ross Noble is now perhaps the most successful cult comedian of our time, with a loyal fan base derived largely from the ‘word-of-mouth’ recommendations of those having seen him perform live. For tickets visit Ticketek or the Civic Theatre website

NJC.COM.AU BOOK NOW CALL 4961 1573 THINK ABOUT YOUR CHOICES. CALL GAMBLING HELP ON 1800 858 858 OR VISIT WWW.GAMBLINGHELP.NSW.GOV.AU

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 15

INTOUCH WITH SHIPS The project may also make it possible for Newcastle to become a home port, which would allow cruises to begin and end in the Hunter – providing a whole new avenue through which to grow the region’s involvement in the cruising industry.

All 10 projects, which have a combined value of $77 million, are being considered under stage two of the evaluation process by the Hunter Infrastructure and Investment Fund, which will then make recommendations to the NSW Government on the projects to be funded.

The Channel Berth can currently accommodate vessels up to 320m in length, and in March played host to its biggest cruise liner to date, the Celebrity Solstice, which measures 317m in length and accommodates around 2850 passengers.

Ships AHOY! WORDS: Michelle Meehan There’s something about seeing a mammoth of the waterways steaming into port that captures the imagination.

Staring in awe as it comes into view around the headland, you are captivated by its noble bow cutting gracefully through the waves; by its sleek lines and tier upon tier of decks that conjure up visions of poolside deck chairs, glittering chandeliers and grand staircases sweeping upwards on either side of the ballroom.

For Novocastrians, it is a sight that has become far more commonplace - but no less inspiring - during the past decade or so as increasing numbers of cruise liners choose to weigh anchor for a day in the Port of Newcastle as part of their overall cruising itinerary.

The cruise liners that visited Newcastle this year ranged in length from 180m (the Azamara Quest on its maiden voyage to the city) to the undoubted queen of the season, the Celebrity Solstice, with most of the ships measuring between 240m-300m long.

Queen Elizabeth photos Courtesy of Port of Newcastle.

more cruise liners identify Newcastle as an ideal place to stop along their routes.

The port is certainly more than up to the task, with around 2200 vessels of all sorts docking at its various berths each year.

While these are predominately coal ships (the Port of Newcastle is recognised as the largest coal export operation in the world), the authority that runs the commercial aspects of the port recognises the importance of a diversified user base.

Trade development, including liaising with cruise ship operators to attract more cruise ships to Newcastle, is a key part of Port of Newcastle’s role.

This also includes liaising with tourism bodies and providers, bus companies, and Newcastle City Council to ensure a coordinated approach to cruise ship visits.

Port of Newcastle CEO Geoff Crowe said it was important to Since 2003, a total of 85 cruise ships carrying more than continue to foster the development of the region as a cruise 140,000 passengers have visited the Hunter during the destination. traditional cruising season, which runs from late spring through “Novocastrians’ warm welcome to cruise ships is a point of to late autumn. difference for ships and their passengers,” he said.

In 2015/2016 alone 11 cruise ships will dock at the Channel “We appreciate the community’s support for cruise shipping Berth within the port’s Carrington Precinct, with five of those and the port and the warm welcome that members of the making their maiden visits to the region. community have provided to vessels like Queen Elizabeth.

This included the recent arrival of the 294m-long Queen “The Port is visited by around 2200 ships per year, including Elizabeth – the first time any of the luxurious Cunard cruise 11 cruise ships. While cruise shipping is a relatively small liners has visited Newcastle. trade in port terms, we recognise its value and importance to The 90,000-tonne ship was part-way through a 121-day world the region’s tourism economy and in raising the profile of our voyage, which began in Southampton, UK on January 10 and stunning city and region.” would visit places like Spain, South Africa, South Korea, Egypt That recognition is also reflected in the proposal prepared by and, of course, Newcastle - on its journey. the Port Authority of NSW and the Port of Newcastle for a $20 Her arrival and departure were met with a reception truly million multi-purpose cruise terminal to be built in Newcastle at worthy of royalty, with hundreds of people lining the foreshore Carrington’s Channel Berth, located at Dyke Point. to see her arrive early on February 22 and then farewell her The plan was one of 10 projects shortlisted in December for a once more late that afternoon to the sounds of a three-gun share of the $50 million allocated to the Hunter Infrastructure salute from Fort Scratchley. and Investment Fund by Restart NSW. And with more than 2500 passengers on board, many of whom According to the project summary, this would include the disembarked for a day of sight-seeing around Newcastle, Port construction a 4000m² multi-purpose facility with a car park for Stephens and the Hunter’s renowned wine region, her arrival more than 200 vehicles; hardstand to facilitate ship resupply was certainly something to get excited about. and associated stevedore operations; wharf upgrades to safely The Australian Cruise Association estimates that the cruise dock larger vessels; and improvements to port access, traffic season adds around $11 million to the Hunter’s economy management and precinct beautification. annually – a figure likely to grow even higher in the future as 16 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

A spokesperson for the Port of Newcastle said the authority regularly engages with cruise operators and the Harbour Master about the Port’s ability to meet the future requirements of the cruise shipping industry. In particular, there is a focus on how to best meet the needs of the increasingly larger cruise ships forecast to visit Australia in future.

Despite their size, cruise ships can be quite manoeuvrable - the Queen Elizabeth had to rotate almost 360 degrees in order to reverse towards the berth at Carrington.

But the Port of Newcastle has also conducted a number of simulation exercises to test the safe navigation and berthing arrangements in the port for large cruise ships and assist with future planning.

While the current cruise season is coming to a close, there are still a few opportunities for Novocastrians to take in the majesty of our waterborne tourists.

While it will be hard to top the recent visit of one of the most highly rated vessels operated by Celebrity Cruises, those wishing to dream of a life of luxury on the high seas should highlight May 8 and 31 in their diaries.

Oceania Cruises’ luxury liner Insignia will make an all-day stop at Carrington on May 8 in its first visit to the city, while the Pacific Dawn, which opened Newcastle’s 2015-2016 cruising calendar in November last year, will return to the port at 7 am on May 31 before closing out the schedule of visiting ships for another season when it departs at 4 pm.

For those looking for the best vantage point to watch ships arrive at and depart, head to the Newcastle Foreshore and the Stockton Foreshore. For more information visit www.portofnewcastle.com.au

INTOUCH WHAT'S ON “Americana” is such a broad term and means different things to different people, Diesel says.

“From moving out here from America, then moving back and forth again I wonder if I would have as much fascination and love for American music if I had just stayed in America all my life and never made it out to Australia? It’s safe to say I probably wouldn’t,” Diesel said.

The music may be American, but Diesel will approach it the only way he knows how - in an Australian way!

DIESEL

Pieces of Americana Tour Diesel will return to Nelson Bay Diggers on Friday the 13th of May as part of his ‘Pieces Of Americana’ tour that is serving as an introduction to his upcoming album by the same name to be released mid-2016.

The show will see Diesel giving fans the opportunity to hear the tracks raw (the way he first approached them but with the added experience of having just recorded Americana.)

The upcoming album will see Diesel pay tribute to the artists that influenced his own musical stew by putting his unique stamp on some classic songs.

“It’s very Australian what I’m doing,” he says. “That mongrel thing, taking music - whether it’s from England or America - then crossing things over. We’re not scared of mixing things up here and breaking the rules. Never have been. The selection process has been torturous. It’s really hard ’cos it’s such a deep well; how far back do you go? I literally went: OK, I’ve got five minutes, grab the most essential things out of your house before the house burns down!”

With recording underway, Diesel will be taking his concept out on the road, infusing his Americana selections into his live set before releasing the album mid-2016 (you can also catch Diesel at Lizottes Newcastle from the 24th to the 26th June).

For tickets to the Nelson Bay Diggers show visit www.westsnewcastle.com.au

WIN WIN WIN

We have a double pass to give away to see Diesel at Nelson Bay Diggers on Friday May 13th. Visit the GIVEAWAYS page at www.intouchmagazine.com.au for more information. Entries close April 30th, 2016.

ANZAC DAY at cardiff rsl 5.15am - DAWN SERVICE Front Cenotaph weather permitting

6.00am - CLUB OPENS 6.00am - BREAKFAST

Purchase your Breakfast tickets at reception from 11th April $7 FOR ADULTS $3 FOR CHILDREN Limited tickets available on the day

7.00am - TWO UP

Two up in the Members Lounge from 7am until 11am

7.30am - BBQ

Sausage sizzle for a kind donation in the outdoor BBQ area

MEMBERS SWIPE DRAW

DRAWN SUNDAY 24TH APRIL AT 7.30PM MEMBERS MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN

Win a share in $2000 Coles and Woolworths vouchers!

Good Times and Good Vibes... The Gum Ball 2016!

The Gum Ball is all about musical discovery and has a reputation for selecting a line-up of some of Australia’s greatest established and emerging acts, locally and abroad - creating a diverse musical programme for the ultimate live music experience.

After taking a year off following the celebration of its tenth anniversary in 2014, the Hunter Valley’s very own and unique Gum Ball Music and Arts Festival is returning in April running from Friday 22nd through to Sunday 24th. The date coincides with the last weekend of the school holidays, which is also the ANZAC Day long weekend, making it one of the go-to family destinations on the Aussie festival calendar.

This year, The Gum Ball has reached a self-proclaimed milestone with the inclusion of You Am I - one of the most successful and internationally admired Australian bands as well as another incredible Australian performer Dan Sultan. Amongst the 30 or so other acts is Melbourne’s instrumental soul band The Cactus Channel, Australian-based musician Jeff Lang, Instrumental surf rock act The Break, Van Walker's Heartbrokers, local reggae outfit The Buzzard Mix, all brass Brisbane band Bullhorn, ARIA winning Dan Brodie and Melbourne songstress Suzannah Espie with her intoxicating mix of country, folk, blues, to name a few.

Held each year at Dashville, Belford in the Hunter Valley, The Gum Ball is now one of Australia's most loved boutique music festivals - a slice of true country gold providing a unique, inspiring and relaxing weekend away for families and people of all ages.

All tickets include onsite camping in the lush surrounding bushland. Although there is an onsite bar "The Bird Bath" the festival is proudly BYO – booze and food. For further information on the event and line-up of performers including directions on how to get there, visit www.thegumball.com.au

!

8.00pm m o r f s y night a d s e n d Wed ash an C b u l C ouchers drink v n RSL to be wo Cardiff

45 Macquarie Road, Cardiff NSW 2285 PO Box 61, Cardiff NSW 2285 www.cardiffrsl.com.au PH: 02 4954 0766 / F: 02 4956 6627 www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 17

INTOUCH FASHION + BEAUTY doors, you’ll find a spacious and glamorous boutique with walls lined in all the latest styles for every special occasion including formal dresses, bridesmaid dresses, evening wear, school formal dresses, mother of the bride dresses, cocktail dresses and dresses for the races. To complement the range, you’ll also find glamour jewellery and clutches to add the finishing touches to your look.

The current list of designers represented includes Sherri Hill, Elle Zeitoune, Bronx & Banco, Jovani, Pizzuto, Rose Noir, Giselle & Sophia, Lounge, and Langhem. Boutique owner, Vera Rosic is always experimenting with different labels to ensure her customers expectations are exceeded.

Stay Calm… and go to Gorgeous Gowns!

Speaking with Vera, it becomes apparent that bringing designer gowns to Newcastle is her absolute passion and she understands that part of shopping for that unique piece is the experience itself, which is often enjoyed alongside other family members. For Vera, it’s all about having happy customers.

If you’re looking for a unique and special formal dress that’s sure to turn heads, look no further “I don’t believe in telling a client something than Gorgeous Gowns at Charlestown. looks great for the sake of a sale, nor do I try to squeeze a square peg into a round hole! Part We all know the scenario… the big event is of what I enjoy the most is listening to what my looming and you need something spectacular customers want and helping them to feel extra to wear. The good news is that you no longer special in the process,” Vera says. need to take the long trek to Sydney to find exactly what you are looking for. Without a doubt, your dream designer gown is waiting for you at Gorgeous Gowns!

167 Pacific Highway Charlestown • PH 4009 1492 E info@gorgeousgowns.net W www.gorgeousgowns.net and culturally significant visitor experience to the growing number of domestic and international tourists to the beautiful Hunter Region of NSW.

MORTELS SHEEPSKIN FACTORY – home of the worlds biggest ugg boots!

When Frank Mortel (master shoe craftsman) and his wife Rita emigrated from the Netherlands in 1956, they brought with them the trade of shoe crafting, a trade that was passed down through the Mortel family for over 150 years. Mortels Shoes commenced in Sydney that year and in 1958, they began making ugg boots to add to their range of quality footwear.

Since 1958, the Mortel family has established a name and reputation solidly built on expertise and experience. Today, the same skills and dedication are exercised by the Mortel family in the manufacture of an exciting range of premium quality sheepskin products.

In 2015, Mortels Sheepskin Factory expanded to introduce a unique, interactive 18 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

“If I genuinely can’t help I always try to provide advice as to where else to try. Although I can’t remember the last time that happened,” Vera Located on the Pacific Highway at Charlestown, laughs. the ever-changing window display offers So don’t panic ladies – save your petrol and passers-by a sneak peek into the extensive head over to Gorgeous Gowns. You’re sure to range of exquisite, dazzling, daring, and be the Belle of the Ball! beautiful pieces that lay within. Beyond the lift and Myer. This innovative concept has been installed to activate the area impacted by the current development, which will bring international retailers to the Hunter in the coming months.

From their purpose built Australiana shearing shed style premises in Thornton, fully guided tours are conducted through the factory on a raised viewing platform where visitors can experience the sights and sounds of a fully operational manufacturing plant. Visitors watch and learn about the making of Mortels UGG boots, from the raw materials used through to the finished product. The tour finishes in the store where the very product they have watched being made can be purchased giving visitors greater shopping enjoyment.

In addition to the tour, visitors can enjoy coffee, sweets, breakfast, and lunch from the Café and Gift Gallery at Mortels, plus visit The Sheep’s Back Museum. Here you can enjoy the history of the ugg boot and culturally significant stories through the history of sheepskin manufacturing and raising of wool throughout Australia.

Mortels Sheepskin Factory is proud to be the home of The Big UGG Boots - the biggest ugg boots in the world. Australia’s iconic uggs are now a significant landmark that offers a prime photo opportunity! You can also enjoy browsing online through the wide range of quality Australian made goods. For more information, visit www.mortels.com.au

Market Alley features 5 pop up shops and multiple opportunities for ‘selfies’ through the interactive artwork created, by local artist Trevor Dickinson. The huge hoarding, which equates to approximately 530 square metres, has been designed to be quirky, interesting and fun!

The purpose built pop up shops within Market Alley have been designed to be flexible and adaptable so that they can be utilised by a variety of products and usages.

SHARE A SNAP AND WIN!

Dwight Hodgetts, Charlestown Square General Manager said, "We took the opportunity to activate this development impacted area in a unique way, with an Novocastrian flair by working with Trevor Dickinson.

"We like to do things differently here at Charlestown Square, and given the scale of this development hoarding, we decided the area lent itself to create and install an interactive and quirky alley type destination. We’re proud of Market Alley and have noticed scores of guests stopping to take selfies and have fun Market Alley at Charlestown Square is a unique with the fantastic artwork Trevor has created for us." collection of pop-up shops and sideshow selfies located on level 1 between the glass If you think your child is the future Prime Minster of Australia, or the cheekiest child around, or that your family really is a freak show, head to Market Alley at Charlestown Square, take a snap, share it and be in with a chance to win a Gift Card. Intrigued?

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 19

INTOUCH FASHION + BEAUTY

4 New Season Colours for Your Autumn Wardrobe

4 MAKEUP LOOKS to Revamp Your Beauty Style

By Sarah Saffo for Westfield Kotara #fashionobsessed

By Claire Edwards for Westfield Kotara #fashionobsessed

We all have one face, but that doesn't mean we can only have one persona. Own your individual look and be creative by experimenting with different makeup combinations – don’t shy away from testing out new styles that are out of the ordinary for you.

Prepare for the season ahead with a new colour palette to add to your Autumn wardrobe.

Whether you prefer to add a pop of colour with a lipstick or opt for a head-to-toe single-colour outfit, these are the colours you'll be wearing this Autumn.

The challenge for you is to work these four makeup styles to complement your outfits this season! Be confident, be bold and try something new.

1. Be a new-age goddess A look full of sandy and cocoa shades is given a modern twist by matching the intensity of eyes and lips. Use a mixture of nude and brown eyeshadows to create a gradient shade and add gel liner to define the upper and lower lash lines. Opt for a deep brown coloured lip liner to line and fill in lips and top with a matching lipstick.

Burgundy Inject this rich colour into the

mix with dark cherry heels, burgundy knits, raisin-toned handbags and red wine-tinged accessories. There is a piece in this shade for add to any outfit.

Blush pinks The ideal colour to add softness to a winter outfit, it's the perfect partner for denim, grey knitwear and black.

Navy Venture into the blue with the ultimate classic colour: navy. It offers effortless sophistication in pants, sleek leather accessories or an elegant scarf – the ideal shade to replace the regular go-to black.

Grey From grey marle to metallics and any

Pictured: Napoleon Perdis China Doll Gel Liner, Maybelline Eyestudio Hyperdiamonds Eye Shadow in Bronze Diamonds.

2. Be a seductress

shade in between, a slouchy knit or fitted dress is the perfect base for the office or weekend as we transition to the cooler months.

Be sultry and sexy with a bombshell makeup look we all know and love.

Use an ultra-black lengthening mascara and line upper and lower lash lines with a pencil eyeliner. Use a mixture of black and grey eyeshadows for the lids. Focus black shadow on the top of the eyeliner and use dark grey tones for the lid. To keep the focus on your eyes, apply a soft shade to the lips.

Top Left: Country Road Cable Knit, Top Right: Witchery Leather Button Skirt, Bottom Left: Oroton Pioneer Satchel, Bottom Right: Mimco Kinetica Timepeace.

BETTER SKIN...

Start now!

“What, if anything, would you like to change about your face?” This was a question posed in a consumer and plastic surgery poll of 510 people aged 18-60 years conducted by ACA Research. 47% of respondents said they wanted better skin.

Pictured: The Body Shop - Matte Kajal Eyeliner.

3. Be chic

Good skin is clear, even in colour, smooth, bright and glowing. It is associated with general good health and wellbeing.

From the minute we’re born, ageing effects start to change our skin. Intrinsic ageing is caused by genetics, it’s something you can’t change. This includes expression lines, gravity, nutritional and hormonal issues.

Extrinsic ageing is damage caused by our environment, such as pigment changes, broken blood vessels, wrinkles, dryness, blackheads, milia, solar keratoses and skin cancers.

In Australia, 80% of skin damage is solar. We see this starting in primary school kids with freckling, and then into late teens as lines and wrinkles start. Learning to make sun protection, exercise and healthy eating part of your lifestyle from a young age will make a huge difference to how your skin survives life.

Dr Kathryn Holmes recommends a professional assessment before tackling skin issues.

In an industry that’s growing faster than it can be regulated, it has never been more important to make sure you get professional medical advice and management when it comes to treating your skin.

Dr Kathryn Holmes from The Mayah Clinic has 25 years experience in medicine and provides expert assessments and wellresearched treatment options. These options range from effective topical products for home and clinic use (such as Rationale Skin Care and Facials), through to the latest LED light, cold laser, broadband light, micro needling, fractional and ablative lasers to assist in correcting damage and achieve better-looking skin.

The range of products and treatments advertised for skin is growing every day. Many Visit www.themayahclinic.com.au for more of these products promise brilliant results but information about The Mayah Clinic and the have no research backing and just don’t work. full range of services provided.

20 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Go old school Hollywood glam with effortless beauty focusing on fresh skin and a bold lip. Use a silky foundation for your base and contour the hollows of your cheeks with a bronzer and apricot blush duo. Add the same contour tones to the crease in your eyelid. With a red lip liner, fill in your lips and add a matte red lipstick to finish.

Pictured: Napoleon Perdis Blush Patrol.

4. Be unique Feel free to experiment and try out new things with a dark vampy lip. Keep your base light and dewy and focus on highlighting with an illuminator. Use matte brown eyeshadows around your lids, focusing on the areas closest to your lash line. Use an eyeliner in the outer corners of your eyes, smudging for a diffused finish. Complete the look with a dark maroon lip.

Pictured: Guerlain Meteorite Pearl, MAC Viva Glam Lipstick both from David Jones.

INTOUCH FASHION + BEAUTY

Photo by Ale

xia Sinclair

REAL Shopping.

WORDS: LISA SIMMONDS-WEBB Fashion Guru & Owner of Princess Bazaar

I love shopping - it’s my favourite thing. I’m talking about real shopping, not grocery shopping. I hate hardware shopping. That’s not real shopping - that’s boys shopping. My husband loves that sort of shopping. I do however have an incredible talent for finding good things in the most unlikely of places (think velvet coat hangers at Bunnings!), but that is because I am an expert shopper as a result of gazillions of years of shopping experience.

For me, there is nothing better than exploring those intriguing little boutiques that you find in those out of the way towns that pepper our countryside. I love Berry, love Katoomba and Leura, Mt Victoria can be good, Daylesford is fantastic, it’s what brought me to Morpeth initially – shopping.

It’s not just shopping, it’s real shopping. It’s the whole meandering along, discovering new things, some good, some not so good, stopping for morning tea, bagging the odd bargain or just finding that special something that you just have to have, breathing in the fresh air as you wander the high street. (Note: high street, not shopping mall) Taking time out for an extended lunch discussing all of the treasures that you’ve found. Ohh, I love shopping, real shopping.

My all time favourite place to shop is Noosa.

I love Noosa and while I’m up that way, Eumundi - this would have to be the home of the best markets ever. I can always find some amazing artwork, piece of jewellery, tie-dyed doily top or overnight bag from Tibet. There is always something or 27 somethings that you just have to have, utterly useless mostly, but it’s that sense of real shopping that makes you do it.

I also love markets. Newcastle has an excellent fresh produce market. It’s important to note that this is very different from Woolies shopping. There is something particularly appealing about filling your cane shopping basket with freshly baked bread and organically grown tomatoes, figs soaked in Muscat, a wheel of fresh brie – yum. It all sounds so romantic, who possibly could not love this type of real shopping.

Photo by

So what is it about real shopping. Some people collect stamps, some people love to cook, some people love the football, for mine, I just love real shopping. Here is a tip, it is always more fun when you have a few dollars in your pocket (yep, it's not that much fun when you are broke), but… real shopping is my Nirvana. It’s probably why I own a shop – I love shopping for my shop.

clair

Alexia Sin

WHERE SMART GIRLS SHOP! Stockists of Desigual, Boo Radley, Bleu Blanc Rouge, Savage Culture, Smash, Threadz, Holmes & Fallon, Dolce Vita, Ana Alcazar, Darling, Honey & Beau, Funki Beat, Joe Browns, Jana... to name a few. Sizes 8 to 20.

On-trend clothing for kids!

I spend my days off with the fashion agents in Sydney. I love it, there is something magical about seeing what’s coming in for next season from Europe – it’s not even like work. The downside is that sometimes not everyone is so passionate about the things that I am sure are winners (note to self: pink fur vests are fun and probably more suited to 7-yr-olds who want to be fairies, not the well-dressed ladies of the Hunter).

163 Swan St, Morpeth. PH 4933 0455 Open 7 days from 10’ish until late | www.princessbazaar.com.au

But what about Internet shopping I hear you say? Hmm, well, I don’t really rate it. It's just not real shopping in my book. Everything I’ve ever ordered has ended up in my child's toy box – that exotic black feathered fascinator that was a bargain at $49.95 didn’t quite look like the picture on the website. It was more like a mashed magpie and went straight to the toy box, along with beaded mules that the beads fell off, the gold eyeshadow that makes my eyes sting (actually that one probably shouldn’t be in the toy box but I’m sure that Barbie won't object), and the gold velvet jacket that’s a little bit too Kings Cross for my liking.

But anyway – there is that moment when your parcel arrives, all eager anticipation then that nasty after taste. This, however, never happens when you do real shopping.

You know what you’re getting with real shopping because you have hunted it down, seen it from all sides, touched the fabric, smelled the scent, tried it on – pictured it hanging in your already overflowing wardrobe.

And then there’s that feeling of walking down the street swinging all of your purchases in clever little shopping bags – it makes you feel kind of special, and that ladies, is the appeal of real shopping.

At Rosie’s Closet you’ll find everything from your practical everyday options, to the fun, fantastical, and fabulous. A carefully selected range of toys, décor, and accessories make Rosie’s a great place to source a gift and the attentive staff love nothing more than assisting.

Shop 17/10 Kenrick St, The Junction PH 4969 7349 • www.rosiescloset.com.au OPEN Mon to Fri 9am - 5.30pm, Sat 9am - 3pm. Closed Sunday www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 21

INTOUCH HEALTH + WELLBEING

Sky Dental is a specialised, high-end dental laboratory and denture clinic, dedicated to offering dentists first-class products and services.

Life Changing

Treatment & Relief!

Our Guarantee to Patients •100% Australian-made products and leading technology •Master craftsmanship •Affordable prices Sky Central West Building Level 3, 28 Smart Street Charlestown PH (02) 4032 7290 E info@skydental.com.au www.skydental.com.au

FREE CONSULTATION AND $200 OFF For full upper or lower dentures when you present this voucher to Sky Dental Labratories

24-30 April 2016 - WORLD IMMUNISATION WEEK Aims to promote

the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease. Immunisation saves millions of lives and is widely recognised as one of the world’s most successful and cost-effective health interventions. This will be the second year of the Close the Immunisation Gap campaign, which celebrates the enormous successes to date in

reaching children all over the world with life-saving vaccines while also stressing the challenges we still face. The 2016 campaign additionally stresses the need for immunization among adolescents and adults - throughout life and seeks to draw the world’s attention to the critical importance of reaching vulnerable people living in conflict situations or in the wake of emergencies. Stay up to date with programs and events at www.immunise.health.gov.au

As well as being the most established remedial clinic in the area with a long history of providing effective diagnosis and treatment programs for sports and workplace injuries, Charlestown Remedial Sports Injuries Clinic has a particular focus on Neuromuscular Therapy and nutrition.

After a lifetime of experience working in the sports recreation industry and recognising a need for a more specialised treatment, Phillip Muller started his clinic in Smith Street, Charlestown. His treatment is based on neuromuscular treatment which uses a combination of deep tissue and soft tissue work for injuries that include sprains, strains, torn ligaments, neck injuries and back pain.

Since opening the doors to his practice more than 30 years ago, Phillip has treated well over 15,000 people for a wide range of conditions that include sports injuries, motor vehicle accident injuries and work related injuries. In that time he has built a very successful clinic based around integrity and honesty. As a result his business has thrived

on word of mouth and referrals with many leading surgeons referring their patients to his clinic for treatment.

For Phillip, who is a qualified neuromuscular therapist, herbalist, acupuncturist and nutritionist, much of his treatment focuses on neuromuscular therapy combined with addressing nutritional imbalances and deficiencies.

"I find that most of my patients are deficient in magnesium and iodine. As a result we use ancient magnesium oil in all our treatments to assist in the relaxation of muscles and reducing joint damage" says Phillip.

Charlestown Remedial Sports Injuries Clinic has a reputation for not only providing treatment that works, but they also arm you with the information - nutritional advice and exercises to do at home, to help you treat the injury yourself.

Charlestown Remedial Sports Injuries Clinic is also the national distributor for KT Tape in Australia and New Zealand.

GET

yours BACK!

22 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

HE A LTH

INTOUCH HEALTH + WELLBEING

Get to know your

immune system!

WORDS: Melissa Gearing for Mojo Health

Medical Herbalist, Nutritionist & Iridologist.

ADV. WHM. Dip. Iridology. Bach. Health Sci (Comp Med) current.

What is autoimmune? It is when the immune system malfunctions and starts to see some part of its normal anatomy as a problem, so it creates antibodies that attack your own tissue. The body mistakenly launches an attack on itself which would generally be reserved for pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. This can lead to deterioration and sometimes destruction of that tissue.

Can you name an autoimmune disease? Over 90% of people can’t. Yet, they are the third leading cause of illness and death in the industrialised world, surpassed only by cancer and heart disease. They affect 1 in 20 people and most are women.

Autoimmune is an umbrella term that has over 80 different known states of the disease under it. For this reason, there is an enormous variation in those affected by autoimmune disease. Autoimmune disease can present in a particular part of the body, like Autoimmune Thyroid Disease. Or it can be systemic where the effects are felt throughout the body, such as Lupus. Some are quite common and others are very rare.

Due to the array of autoimmune presentations, there are countless different symptoms which are individual to the disease and to the person. However, common themes seen in most conditions include inflammation, food intolerances and leaky gut.

What is leaky gut? Leaky gut is when the junctions of the gut are not nice and tight and, therefore, become ‘leaky’. There is a theory that leaky gut may be the cause if not, at least, a trigger in many autoimmune conditions. Food particles are thought to cross into the blood and act as triggers. Leaky gut affects the entire body and has been linked to anxiety,

depression, ADHD, skin disorders, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Joint inflammation and allergies.

It is thought that a series of triggers such as stress, drugs, viruses or chronic inflammation may play a part in the development of an autoimmune disease but we do not know for sure.

Genetic susceptibility is also thought to be a possible cause, with researchers from the National Institute of Aging finding 89 variations in human genetics that are believed to be responsible for autoimmune conditions such as coeliac disease and multiple sclerosis.

So, if you are female, have the right predisposing genes as well as chronic inflammation from something as simple as food intolerance, you are at a higher risk of developing autoimmune disease.

Although there is no cure for many autoimmune conditions, there are successful ways to manage individual conditions.

If you would like to know more join me on Thursday 21st April at 6.30pm for an informative talk on autoimmune disease. Book your ticket at www.eventbrite.com.au MOJO HEALTH Ground Floor, Charlestown Square PH (02) 4023 5320 www.mojohealth.com.au

Charlestown Remedial Sports Injuries Clinic EST. 1988

THE Clinic.. Providing professional care with the highest

ethical standards and integrity for the whole family.

• Treatments for all injuries – general to sporting – acute to chronic pain • Neuromuscular massage • Orthopaedic massage • Magnesium massage • No manipulation of the spine or joints • Pregnancy and post-natal • Muscular and joint complaints • Neck, back, rotator cuff and shoulder pain • Knee, calf, shin splints, ankle, quad and groin strains • Achilles, tendonitis, peroneal tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, AC joints • Headaches/migraines, ITBS, carpel tunnel, tennis/golf elbow, tennis shoulder • Nutritional advice – general to chronic problems, detoxification, stress/tension, weight loss, anxiety/depression, fatigue

Call Jaclyn or Jessica for an appointment with Sara or Phil.

PH 4943 3082

TREATMENT THAT WORKS Proven over 28 years at THE Clinic No time limit on treatment

54 Smith St, Charlestown (opposite Fire Station) • info@kttape.com.au

www.remedialclinic.com.au

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 23

INTOUCH HEALTH + WELLBEING your risk of developing the fastest growing chronic disease in Australia - diabetes type 2. In fact, it’s the body’s response to the sugars we eat that causes 85% of diabetes cases in Australia.

One Australian every five minutes is diagnosed with diabetes which means for them a higher risk of heart disease and stroke, blindness, kidney failure, limb amputation and death.

Preventing or delaying diabetes type 2 means taking control of your lifestyle specifically: • Maintaining a healthy body weight • Being physically active for at least 30 minutes on most days • Eating food that is rich in fibre with a minimum of 3 to 5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day • Reducing simple and especially refined, sugary foods • Avoiding smoking

Preventing Australia’s fastest growing chronic disease.

WORDS: Sonia McNaughton Naturopath & Medical Herbalist, Mayfield Medical Connection By the time Easter hits our resolutions are starting to waver and the lure of creamy, chocolate eggs and buttery, hot cross buns provides the perfect excuse to ditch the diet. But the combination of sugar, flour and chocolate that makes Easter such a delicious holiday, packs on the pounds and increases

24 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

For a lot of us, these common sense approaches to our daily routine which sound so simple are in reality very complicated as we change the eating and movement habits of a lifetime and find non-food based solutions to stress relief and energy.

This is where seeking the advice of a naturopath, dietician and GP can help. Your GP can assess your current health and risks, a dietician can give specific dietary advice and a naturopath can help support you achieve your goals by providing evidencebased solutions to stop cravings, manage stress and help you feel fuller for longer.

So this April if you are constantly hungry and more tired than usual, dashing to the toilet to wee a lot or feeling the need to carry a water bottle to quench your thirst you might be on your way to a diabetes diagnosis - seek help early.

Mayfield Medical Connection 55 Hanbury Street, Mayfield 2304 PH (02) 4968 2157 www.mayfieldmedicalconnection.com.au

Photo courtesy of Janine Adele + Halfstars Street Art Carnivale

Photo courtesy of Janine Adele

A Vibrant future Since 1994, a loyal band of locals proud to call Wickham home or their place of business, have been working to embrace the beauty of the waterfront suburb and promote its ongoing revitalisation under the banner of a community-based organisation called GLOW (Great Lifestyle of Wickham).

WICKHAM

From Street Fights to Trendsville WORDS: Michelle Meehan

Quietly, in an inner city suburb just 2km from the heart of Newcastle, a transformation is taking place.

Slowly but surely, the historic suburb of Wickham is shedding its heavy industrial past for a vibrant mixed business and residential future. It's flourishing along the banks of Throsby Creek as it winds its way into the Hunter River.

Settlement The Wickham of today is a far cry from the small settlement that sprung up in the 1800s on land to the north of Cottage Creek, which was formerly known as Whyte’s Paddock.

An abattoir was established in the mid-19th century to provide meat for the residents of the city and the crews of the visiting ships in the harbour, reportedly slaughtering more than 5000 head of cattle and 50,000 sheep each year.

In 1899 Goninan’s engineering works were also founded at Wickham, providing more jobs for the residents of the area.

However, a need to expand the site saw them transferred to Broadmeadow around 1918.

Residential growth Wickham has a long history of rapid residential growth and impressive property prices.

When the suburb was officially established in the late 19th century, it covered an area of 986 acres (399ha) and was It was officially incorporated on February 25, 1871, as Wickham, home to 250 residents, with the rateable property valued at around 5000 pounds. although the roots of its name and its short-lived original spelling were derived from the settlement of Whickham, a Just over 20 years later the population had grown to substantial area located in North East England near the city of approximately 5900 people, while the suburb experienced Newcastle upon Tyne. its first real estate boom with the value of rateable property

Prior to white settlement, however, the area is thought to have long been home to an Aboriginal community, with a number of Aboriginal middens discovered in the area.

Historic newspaper reports in the early to mid-1900s also describe the memories of a former Wickham resident, Mrs Janet Farnham, who recalled watching an Aboriginal corroboree on the site of the former St James Church on Church Street in the mid-1800s.

More recently these reports and some other factors have led people to believe the evocative and well-known painting Corroboree at Newcastle, created in 1818 by celebrated colonial artist Joseph Lycett, actually depicted this ancient ceremonial ground in Wickham.

Industrial past Wickham’s location close to the harbour, surrounding coal mines and nearby railway line made it an attractive area for early industrial activity in the region.

Less than a year after it was incorporated, a number of industries had set up shop at Wickham, including a soap and candle factory and one of the biggest steam sawmills in Newcastle at the time.

skyrocketing to 763,383 pounds, likely on the back of mining, engineering and maritime activity in the area.

The growth also saw the construction and then the expansion of Wickham Public School, described in the early 1900's as one of the finest and most important schools outside of Sydney.

During the region’s early colonial times Wickham was renowned for its many fine homes and was one of the most fashionable residential areas in the city.

And while the suburb may have developed a grittier, less desirable reputation over the intervening years, it has certainly been returning to its more appealing roots for quite a while now.

In 2014, it was highlighted by Smart Property Investment Magazine as one of the Fast 50 suburbs across Australia likely to boom within the next 12 months, based on its transformation away from its industrial roots and close location to the CBD. While the area of Wickham has shrunk significantly over the years - the suburb now comprises just 70ha and around 950 residents - property values are still on the up and up, with a 12-month growth of just under 20 percent putting the median price for housing at $588,000.

And the group certainly has plenty of reasons to promote one of the real gems of inner city Newcastle.

For many years, Wickham has been shrugging off its blue-collar background of soap factories and sawmills for a blue vein future of providores and trendy cafes.

Foodies will find plenty of destinations for degustation delights here, from the wide range of fare on offer at the Throsby Street Providore to the coffee-lovers’ haven hiding among the classic Wickham warehouses - Dark Horse Espresso.

The extensively renovated Albion Hotel has also cast off its “colourful” history to emerge as a stylish and upmarket venue offering fine dining and craft beer for locals and visitors alike, while just down the road you can discover the unique and unexpected delight of the Inner City Winemakers cellar door and winery.

With so many treasures hidden around every corner, it's little wonder more and more people are flocking to live and do business in this waterfront wonder.

Wickham Transport Interchange When it was released in 2012, the Newcastle Urban Renewal Strategy, included a range of initiatives to revitalise Hunter Street and improve links between the city centre and the waterfront.

One of the major initiatives of the renewal strategy is the Newcastle Light Rail project which includes the delivery of a new transport interchange at Wickham - chosen for its proximity to the city centre and its potential to trigger economic development and growth to the area.

Labelled the "people’s project" by Premier Mike Baird, and due for completion in 2017, the Wickham Transport Interchange is currently under construction and is expected to deliver a transport hub connecting passengers with trains, the light rail, buses and taxis.

The Transport Interchange will have the following features: • Fully accessible platforms and concourse • Provision for future Light Rail • ‘Kiss and ride’ and taxi bays • Integrated security system, including CCTV • Opal electronic ticketing systems • Modern way-finding and signage systems The project is not without its critics with the original design criticised for its lack of detail on matters concerning the expected traffic impact on Stewart Avenue and information on bus layover for interstate buses, drop-off and pick up points for vehicles and whether buses will run from Wickham to Newcastle.

There is an expectation that the name will be changed to the "Newcastle Interchange." www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 25

View of Carrington Photo courtesy of Hunter Development Corporation.

Carrington continued to grow and when BHP commenced operations, steelworkers moved into the area, taking advantage of the proximity to the fledgling BHP works.

Carrington’s future seemed assured. However, the 1930's depression proved disastrous for Carrington with 58% unemployment or those lucky enough to be working were on reduced wages, so much so that a shanty town called 'Texas' sprung up to provide struggling families with basic accommodation

CARRINGTON

A Diamond in the Rough When Newcastle was settled in 1804 as a place of secondary punishment for unruly convicts, Carrington, as we know it today, did not exist. Instead it was a tidal mud island that the local Aboriginal people named "wuna-r tee" - the place of the mud crab and known to be abundant with fish, mud crabs and oysters. The local Aboriginal people also referred to it as Onebygamba – meaning “large mound”.

Early European visitors to the Hunter River described the site of Carrington as a mud flat that was mostly dry at low water and soon recognised the potential for reclamation of land.

Originally named Chapman’s Island (and later Bullock Island), Carrington is a testament to the early European settlers' need to reshape the environment. By the 1850s, rock ballast dumped from sailing ships from all over the world, residue from the smelter works at Port Waratah and later, sand pumped from the harbour during major port development built up the eastern side of the island forming an embankment which eventually saw the island grow out of the mud. Ships could unload and load cargo here.

Sail and steam vessels came from many countries to load coal and with the ships came sailors from just about every nation, making Bullock Island, its hotels and boarding houses, a cosmopolitan centre.

Carrington survived the Great Depression and continued to grow as a tough, no-nonsense, Newcastle working class suburb with its proximity to the railway, wharves and associated industries providing workers with stable employment. This is also evident in the amount of pubs in Carrington, with a pub on nearly every corner! Even with the closure of BHP in 1999 and the relocation of many supporting business, Carrington, once again proved resilient and has since become quite transformed with new and young families taking advantage of its village life and proximity to Newcastle.

Village life in Carrington includes 5 parks, a boat ramp, waterside walks and trendy eateries that include the Carrington Place Hotel - offering premium quality "Guesthouse" style accommodation, an 80 seat dining room, casual café and wine bar, and a private dining room.

Today Carrington remains an industrial suburb, dominated by the Hunter Port Corporation, however, it is still dotted with many historic buildings that are over 100 years old, including the Hydraulic Power House, Public School, Post Office, Council Chambers, hotels and numerous private houses that give the suburb it's unique rough diamond character.

Up until recently, the Newcastle Foreshore was little more than disused State Rail owned land and disconnected from the city. That is until a national competition was held in the 1980s for the design and construction of a new public recreation precinct, to be built around the harbour’s southern edge, from Nobby’s beach to the Honeysuckle area. The objective of the project was to regain Newcastle community’s engagement and ownership of the harbour for public use.

Melbourne landscape architecture firm Tract Consultants went on to win the competition with a design that featured an extended Queen’s Wharf hospitality development, a signature tower structure on the harbour’s edge, and a long pedestrian promenade and parkland running the length of the Foreshore.

In 1985, construction work began on the redevelopment of the site and in 1988 Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the Foreshore as part of Australia’s bicentenary celebrations.

For the adventurous, and those with an interest in historical sites, the Foreshore has an array of interesting attractions that include Nobbys Head and Nobbys Lighthouse, the historically significant Fort Scratchley with its breathtaking views over Nobbys Beach and Newcastle Harbour and also the site of Australia’s first coal mine dating back to 1801. Newcastle Ocean Baths on Shortland Esplanade, with its distinctive and architecturally significant Art Deco pavilion, is well worth a visit and is also a popular informal open air studio for amateur photographers.

Other interesting and historically significant landmarks include the convict-hewn Bogey Hole built around 1820 for the personal use of Commandant James T. Morriset and the Convict Lumber Yard, the location of Australia’s first industrial site.

If you are looking for something to do in Carrington, take a walk through time and explore the Carrington Hydraulic Power Station - arguably the most significant surviving building from Newcastle's nineteenth century industrial past. This temple to industry was the secret behind the port's success in its formative years, from the 1870's onwards during the port's first great coal rush.

Heading eastward along the Promenade toward the Queens Wharf Precinct and with wonderful views of the harbour through its floor to ceiling windows is Scratchley’s On The Wharf restaurant. Owned by well-known restaurateur Neil Slater and his wife Donna, Scratchley’s commenced operation in 1989 on what was once the site of the old Stockton Ferry Terminal before it was moved to Queens Wharf.

Explore Newcastle’s Foreshore

Developed as part of the Foreshore redevelopment, Queens Wharf was the vision of Joy Cummings, Lord Mayor of Newcastle in 1974 and the first woman ever to hold such a position in Australia.

By 1865 Bullock Island was a place of coal mines and coal loaders, grain silos and dockyards, iron foundries and engineering establishments. Miners, wharf and railway workers and skilled tradesmen found the island a convenient place to live.

A stroll or ride along the Foreshore promenade, exploring the harbour foreshore from Honeysuckle to Nobby’s is the quintessential Newcastle experience and Foreshore Park is an excellent vantage point to view the busy harbour while watching the bulk carriers and the ever efficient tug boats navigate the waters.

It was at this time, that Bullock Island began to emerge as a residential suburb when many people moved to the island to escape the dirt and noise of the city or were forced off Honeysuckle Point as a result of land reclamation. Early access to the island was by rowboat or punt across Throsby creek or on the Onebygamba express - a two-horse coach. At one point there was also a footbridge from Honeysuckle. Despite its relatively small size, the island was progressive and was one of the few areas of Crown Land close to Newcastle, the rest of the land in the area was owned by large companies or private individuals.

The Foreshore is located on the southern side of the Newcastle Harbour and covers an area of over eleven hectares. It extends 1.5 kilometres from Nobbys Beach in the east to almost the start of the Honeysuckle Development in the west. It is one of Newcastle’s premier and most popular attractions showcasing the harbour and heritage of the area. It is the city’s major park with connections to the central business district, Honeysuckle precinct, the harbour, Nobbys Beach, the ferry terminal and the historically significant sites of Fort Scratchley, the Convict Lumberyard and Customs House. A mix of residential and commercial development also borders the park to the south.

In 1887 Bullock Island became a Municipality and renamed Carrington after Lord Carrington the then Governor of New South Wales. By 1900, the population had grown to 2200, and Carrington had developed as a working class suburb with a fearsome reputation – no doubt fuelled by the 10 pubs located in the vicinity. Some of these pubs still survive today, but Carrington itself has changed dramatically and is now a sought after place of residence.

Today, the Foreshore is made up of the three distinct sectors Joy Cummings Promenade, Foreshore Park and Camp Shortland.

26 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

sporting events and music festivals such as This That and Live at the Foreshore.

The park is used regularly by both local community members and regional visitors for walking, cycling, fitness training and other forms of recreation. Special events are regularly held in Foreshore Park and Camp Shortland which range from small scale community events such as markets to large scale

As well as being one of the many excellent starting (or finishing) points for self-directed walks around Newcastle, Queens Wharf is also home to the recently refurbished Queen’s Wharf Hotel – previously known as The Queens Wharf Brewery and the perfect place to meet up for a relaxing meal or drink with family or friends after a day exploring Newcastle.

Kids on bikes at the Marina.

Photo courtesy of Hunter Development Corporation.

1989

1999

Ph 4929 1111 | www.scratchleys.com.au outlet will remain open for the entire building process as the majority of the building works will be undertaken at the western end. The restaurant will undergo a cosmetic upgrade during this process, but the same fabulous food and service that Scratchleys have become synonymous with will remain constant. It has been a very successful formula for 27 years so they intend to continue to cater for their large numbers of loyal customers.

“The journey so far has been a fabulous one. Donna and I see this as the next exciting chapter and the gradual evolution of Scratchleys from the small BYO restaurant that we started out as in 1989 into a more modern restaurant, and finally, the iconic building it will become,” said Neil Co-owner (with wife Donna) of Scratchleys.

Iconic Restaurant Transforms to meet Changing City Scratchleys is possibly Newcastle Harbour’s most iconic restaurant, offering visitors absolute waterfront dining and a place to enjoy not just the food but all the on-water activity of the bustling port of Newcastle Harbour.

Scratchleys has undergone a couple of transformations over its 27-year history. 2016 will see another change, as the restaurant is transformed into a modern and sophisticated space which blends everything we’ve grown to love about Scratchleys with the need to service the growing Novocastrian bar- scene.

“The new Tapas Bar will be open from 12pm to 12am from Mondays to Saturdays, and from 12pm to 10pm on Sundays.

We anticipate the new space will be enjoyed by both tourists and locals alike. On offer will be fine tapas and share plates with wines by the glass, amazing cocktails and a great selection of beers and spirits – all overlooking our beautiful Harbour, he said.

Much of the work will be focused on the western end of Scratchleys which will be transformed into a fantastic Tapas Bar Of course, diners can still choose to dine in Scratchleys to satisfy the growing need for a casual but classy bar scene Restaurant for a more traditional dining experience with full with spectacular views to boot. table service and all the trimmings.

"The competition in the restaurant and bar scene is ever When the renovations are completed, Scrathleys will provide increasing as Newcastle evolves into a more modern and dining options to suit every taste. A takeaway and a casual sophisticated city, so now is a great time for Scratchleys to bar and tapas as well as a sensational restaurant all in one capitalise on their fabulous Harbourside position to become fabulous location. Neil said the team will continue to cater to the restaurant/bar of choice for diners," said restauranteur Neil their very loyal customers.

Slater.

“We would like to thank each and every one of them for their While the team at Scratchleys anticipate opening in early past and ongoing patronage. We truly value their loyalty and October, the physical changes will be evident to all those people look forward to introducing them to our new offering. It is a strolling by and utilising the magnificent foreshore during the very exciting time for us, our terrific staff and our wonderful renovations. customers.”

The popular Scratchleys Restaurant and Takeaway food

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 27

INNER CITY WINEMAKERS Cellar Door Ambience…

City Convenience...

Unique Wine Tasting Experience.

8 Church Street, Wickham PH (02) 4962 3545 Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 5pm www.innercitywinemakers.com.au

Bringing the Wine Country Experience to Newcastle Inner City Winemakers is a cellar door and winery in one and provides locals and visitors a unique opportunity to sample a wonderful range of wines made at the onsite winery in Wickham.

as little interference as possible. For Rob, the grapes dictate the style of wine he makes.

With this diversity Rob has been able to craft an extensive collection of wines that include Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Sangiovese Shiraz, Cabernet Merlot and Shiraz amongst the reds, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Verdelho, Fume Blanc and Gewurztraminer amongst the whites.

The selection also includes three Sparkling Wines and two Fortified wines.

For owner and winemaker Rob Wilce, the winemaking process starts in the vineyard At the moment Rob is busy making the 2016 and he takes great pride in sourcing only the Pinot Noir, followed by the Fume Blanc and best grapes from some of the finest vineyards Tempranillo. in wine regions that include the Hunter Valley, New England and Orange. This makes the wine The results are terrific - world-class wines being making process much easier and with produced in an urban wine country.

TICKETS ARE $40 WHICH INCLUDES:

• Tasting Glass • 10 Tasting Tokens • 1 Food Token • • Vouchers for Participating Restaurants •

www.boardwalkbeerfestival.com.au

Creative Courses Learn from the professionals Courses, customised training, workshops, and events delivered in a vibrant learning environment

Get Pumped for a Design Career at The Pumphouse Contact for full course information: info@pumphouseschool.com.au 4962 4985

See website for complete list of courses: www.pumphouseschool.com.au 28 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Pumphouse School of Design is a unique business geared towards delivering creative courses and workshops, with tutors who blend commercial experience with a hands-on teaching philosophy in small class sizes.

Commencing in July is a fantastic opportunity for recent design graduates who want to supercharge their skills in a design studio environment – Advanced Design Skills is a funded course validated by Hunter TAFE.

For business owners and managers, Pumphouse has a unique range of courses to help you engage with your customers, including Manage and Market Your Online Business, Using Adobe InDesign in Your Business, and Creativity: The New Economy.

But you don’t have to be a professional designer! Pumphouse also offers courses to extend your creativity, like Designing a Children’s Book, Photoshop for Photographers, or Design Your Own Home Space, a practical approach to interior design principles.

See their website www.pumphouseschool.com.au for the full list.

East Meets West at the Boardwalk Beer Festival!

The Happy Wombat and Nagisa will once again stage Newcastle's biggest and best craft beer and cider show - The Boardwalk Beer Festival! Into its third year and getting bigger and more exciting with every year that goes by, the Boardwalk Beerfest is fast becoming a Novocastrian institution. Get your tickets fast as this event sold out in 2015 and it looks to be doing the same again this year.

The Happy Wombat has become one of Newcastle's favourite places in the short time since its opening. With a strong emphasis on high quality ethical produce, delivered in a casual relaxed atmosphere, The Happy Wombat also enjoys happy customers, providing diners with 5 star food ‘without the price tag’.

Specialising in Australian owned and made Craft beer, Hunter Valley wines, and Toby's

It’s Always Sunny at Queens Wharf Hotel!

With Autumn here and Winter close behind things won’t be slowing down at The Queens Wharf Hotel. Newcastle’s most iconic venue right on the harbour has lots in store over the coming months to keep you entertained.

Since the renovations, the hotel has a whole new vibe and a delicious new menu to match.

Keep your eye out for the regular dinner specials Sundays to Fridays as well as daily chef specials on the board. The menu features fresh seafood, share plates such as seafood mezze, charcuterie board and hotel classics like the lamb burger, schnitzel and pizzas – something for everyone.

As always you can choose a seat on the wharf in the sun, upstairs on the balcony, in the

Estate Coffee, The Happy Wombat offers something for everyone, at any time of the day.

Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Drop in today - you won't be disappointed!

You’ll find The Happy Wombat at 575 Hunter St (Newcastle West). Opening times are Monday to Friday, 7.30am until late, and Saturday and Sunday 8am until late.

For bookings, phone 4926 2010.

Skiff Bar (with a fire for the colder days!) or just grab a stool at the main bar to enjoy a drink and catch up with friends. The staff are friendly and helpful; always making sure customers have a great time.

The extensive wine list, craft beers on tap and the ever-changing cocktail menu will ensure that along with the incredible sunsets you will find a drink to suit you.

Entertainment On Friday and Saturday nights, join local DJ's up in the Skiff bar with cool tunes to get your weekend off to a good start.

Saturday and Sunday lunch Wharf entertainment has live musicians creating a relaxed vibe. Then watch Sundays heat up with The Sunday Shift on the Wharf from 4 pm - a blend of DJ’s, Musicians and Artists to keep the weekend going.

Drink specials can be enjoyed every Sunday with cocktail jugs to share, craft beer and other tasty treats – check out the website for more!

For more information call 4929 6333 or visit www.queenswharfhotel.com.au

OPEN 7 DAYS LUNCH AND DINNER queenswharfhotel.com.au |

4929 6333 www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 29

INTOUCH TRAVEL

TOURISM NEWS New agreement secures major football matches in NSW for five years

By Megan O'Sullivan

The world is full of wonderful places to visit and experience but sometimes the unexpected can happen, (even before you go), which is why we always recommend you take out Travel insurance as soon as you deposit on your holiday.

You need to have full comprehensive travel insurance which covers all medical expenses for injury or illness, as well as theft of valuables, damage to baggage and cancellations or interruptions to flight plans.

Our most popular insurer is Suresave who offer a comprehensive and reliable insurance coverage.

They recently created the very clever ‘Suresave travel safety app’ which is free with your travel insurance policy and provides personalised travel safety information for your trip.

Once you have purchased a policy you have access to your personalised trip guide where you can access up to the minute articles and advice customised for your trip. As well as practical expert advice about: • Visas, health and other requirements • How to avoid trouble on the road • Dealing with incidents while you are away • What you should do in an emergency, whether big or small • A voice phrase book to help communicate with the locals • Assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and local numbers for emergency services and consular advise.

It is basically a travel safety net in your pocket, one that you can’t afford to travel without!

This month we would like to offer intouch readers 20% off your next Suresave Travel Insurance policy with itravel The Junction and itravel Warners Bay. Contact us for an insurance quote today.

itravel The Junction

PH 4962 1116

194 Union Street sales@itravelthejunction.com.au

itravel Warners Bay

PH 4947 1116

Shop 8a, 478 The Esplanade sales@itravelwarnersbay.com.au

Follow us on facebook!

30 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

A new agreement has guaranteed major international football matches will be staged in NSW for the next five years with five Socceroos games and six Matildas matches secured for the State.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said the new long-term partnership with Football Federation Australia (FFA) ensures NSW receives an annual supply of quality international football.

“The Socceroos and Matildas are our two premier football teams, representing Australia in men’s and women’s football. I am delighted that we have come to an agreement with the FFA through our tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, to secure at least 11 games featuring these teams for NSW between 2016-2020,” Mr Ayres said.

“These international matches will attract thousands of visitors to the State, with a total estimated visitor impact of more than $20 million. This is great news for local hotels, restaurants and businesses, as well as local football fans.”

The agreement will see the Socceroos play World Cup Qualifying matches in Sydney in 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2020.

In 2018, they will also play an International Friendly.

The first of these matches will be played at Allianz Stadium on 29 March against Jordan. The agreement will also see six international Matildas matches and three U/23 Olyroos matches between 2016-2020.

FFA Chief Executive Officer David Gallop said, “The Caltex Socceroos and the Westfield Matildas are the national teams that truly represent Australia in all its diversity and they have a fantastic supporter base in NSW.” “These teams are premium brands in the sports landscape and their matches are always popular. We are delighted to sign a long term five year deal with the NSW Government that will ensure certainty for these premium matches.”

Tickets are currently on sale for both upcoming Socceroos matches against Jordan and Greece, and can be purchased at socceroos.com.au/tickets Pictured Left to Right: FFA CEO David Gallop, Socceroo Mark Milligan, Socceroos Head Coach Ange Postecoglou, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres

Sydney’s swashbuckling line-up of holiday activities With the Autumn school holidays looming – a day out in Sydney might be just the trick to break up a few squabbles and declarations of “I’m bored” with a fun-filled calendar of events and activities including swashbuckling pirate exhibitions, exhilarating adventure activities and superhero sleepovers on offer.

From exciting arts-focused workshops at the 20th Biennale of Sydney to superhero-themed activities at the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney has all you’ll need to excite the family for the whole holiday break.

• Superman fans and Batman buffs will love the actionpacked line-up of events and activities running at the Powerhouse Museum these school holidays. Be sure to check out the popular Art of the Brick: DC Comics exhibition featuring more than 120 large-scale LEGO sculptures inspired by legendary characters such as Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Joker, Harley Quinn and others. Dress up as your favourite superhero and star in your own green screen photograph, contribute to the Museum’s giant comic strip, or book the popular Minecraft, moviemaking, coding and claymation workshops. Budding superheroes are invited to see the Museum after dark at a Powerhouse Museum Sleepover from 15 – 16 April. Dressed up as your favourite comic book character take a tour of the museum by torchlight, hearing your favourite superhero stories before settling down for the night at the Museum.

• Australia’s largest and most exciting contemporary arts festival, the 20th Biennale of Sydney, is on from 18 March to 5 June with the full program of events, exhibitions and family days free to the public. Pick up a Kids’ Passport, designed specifically to guide children and families through the city to explore a variety of artworks across all the Biennale precincts.

Collect stamps in your passport at each venue you visit. Art-loving kids may also want to join a dropin contemporary art workshop at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), or Tour for Tots, an artmaking tour for 3-5 year olds at the Art Gallery of NSW. • Ahoy me hearties! Swashbuckling lads and lasses can walk the plank these school holidays, all the way to the Australian National Maritime Museum for Horrible Histories – Pirates: the exhibition, an interactive, hands-on exhibition based on the bestselling children’s books, Horrible Histories. Take command of a pirate ship, design and project your own pirate flag, test out cannons and cutlasses and find your fate on the wheel of misfortune. Horrible Histories – Pirates: the exhibition is on until 27 April 2016 and runs in conjunction with a full program of school holiday activities at the National Maritime Museum including daily art making, games and dress ups as well as lively and interactive Science Show Performances and Family Film Screenings.

• For those who are after a little adventure these school holidays, spend a day or two at the adrenalinefuelled adventure facilities in Penrith. Book into indoor skydiving at iFly for the chance to feel the exhilaration of flight in a high-tech wind tunnel, or get wet at Penrith Whitewater Stadium on a guided or self-guided whitewater rafting course. Head to Jetpack Adventures to fly as high as 15 metres above the water on your very own jet pack, or jump on a fly board to soar super-hero style above the water before diving under it like a dolphin.

INTOUCH TRAVEL

2016/2017 signals the inaugural sailing season for Scenic Spirit which launched on the Mekong in January 2016 - travelling over eight days between Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and Siem Reap, and Scenic Aura; launching in September 2016 on the Irrawaddy and travelling over 11 days between the cities of Mandalay and Pyay.

The exotic wonders of South East Asia river cruising

BY MEGAN O’SULLIVAN With diverse histories, vibrant cities, ancient villages, beautiful landscapes and tantalising cuisine, South East Asia will astound you with its sheer diversity, and envelop you in the warmth of its people.

Wonder at the exotic treasures of this region where ancient monuments share the landscape with beautiful buildings from the colonial era. From the sights, sounds and smells of the local markets to bright turquoise waters and stunning emerald green rice fields – you’ll find Indochina a sensual delight that will invigorate and inspire you.

Both ships provide a boutique and intimate environment with all-balcony suites – 34 suites on Scenic Spirit and 22 suites on Scenic Aura. All suites feature a separate bedroom, living room and balcony and range in size from Scenic Aura’s 24sqm Balcony Suite complete with Scenic Sun Lounge up to Scenic Spirit’s impressive 80sqm Royal Panorama Suite, which is the largest suite on the Mekong. Scenic Spirit and Scenic Aura also boast a choice of dining venues from a la carte to casual dining, a resort style pool deck and bar area, spacious bar and lounge, Sun Deck with open air cinema, complimentary beverages, butler service for all guests plus a guest laundry. With an almost 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio, these ships bring an unprecedented level of luxury to the region.

The program sees the launch of some new free choice activities including a Red Bridge cooking class in Hoi An; a cycle journey around Hanoi’s West Lake; art tour of Saigon; and tour of Dong Ha Hiep Island by sampan. In 2017, guests can also enjoy new Enrich events in Siem Reap including a themed gala dinner and Apsara dance performance, and a tethered balloon ride over Angor Wat at sunrise.

For full details of these beautiful ships and itineraries, please contact your Scenic Agent at itravel The Junction 4962 1116 or itravel Warners Bay 4947 1116.

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 31

32 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

ESS FRESH AND FUN DONE WELL HOME DELIVERY

SPECIAL OFFER Receive a $25 Voucher with your First Order!

• Breakfast and lunch 7 days • Fresh, produce driven, seasonal food • Coffee by 'The Grounds of Alexandria' • Daily sweets, cakes and slices • Australian owned and made gourmet pantry items for sale • Phone/pre orders and catering available

OPEN Monday to Friday 6:30am – 3pm Saturday to Sunday 7am – 3pm 45 Bolton Street, Newcastle PH (02) 4048 1344 www.boltonstpantry.com @boltonstpantry

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 33

ESS Keep cooking for special diets simple.

- Anonymous Wine Lover

WORDS: Scott Webster

Food trends and dietary requirements are not new but are definitely on the rise as health issues become more frequent and we are caring more about the benefits of eating nutritious food.

Remember, you don’t have to customise every single dish and if you want to include some old favourites, don’t feel you have to forego these even if it means some of your guests won’t join in. Just make sure there are some alternatives for them to enjoy as well.

As cooks, requests for gluten, dairy, egg, nut and lactose-free meals along with low fat, GI and salt, cholesterol-friendly, vegetarian, vegan and paleo diets can seem a daunting challenge whether you are a household gourmet or a professional chef.

There is a plethora of high-quality produce and products available today and while cost can be an issue at times, the overall benefits to your health and well-being need to take priority.

In my trade, I believe people with dietary requirements shouldn’t be ignored or considered ‘difficult’, nor should catering for special dietary needs when you are hosting a meal for guests at your home. It’s time to integrate all dietary issues in our menus and challenge ourselves to be more adventurous.

Whatever special food you are preparing make sure you know what needs to be included and what needs to be left out. Keep it simple and always try to buy great ingredients.

Browse a premium selection of local & imported wines, craft beer, cider & cigars.

enhance your experience with delicacies including fine french cheeses, spices, oils & balsamics, plus much more.

So I’d like to offer some advice - keep it simple and wherever you can, always go for quality products.

There are a lot of great and versatile vegetables that you can always use to help make a meal a little more exciting and enjoyable. Try char grilled leek with a hazelnut vinaigrette, wilted leaves, goat cheese and crab meat. There is also a wide variety of vegetarian and glutenfree products now available including great pasta where you can select delicious dietfriendly accompanying sauces (currently on the shelves at Throsby Street Providore).

Some easy tips for when you are cooking at home for guests with special dietary needs include making sure you check with them beforehand to find out how you can best accommodate their diets and reading the labels on any packaged foods to make sure they are free of dairy, gluten and animal ingredients if they need to be.

For your vegetarian or vegan friends, use vegetable stock instead of chicken or beef and keep all toppings and sauces separate on the serving dish.

1/38 bolton street, newcastle. ph 4048 0455

open 10am - 7pm sunday to wednesday + 10am - 8pm thursday to saturday

Scott Webster is a Newcastle-born renowned chef who has worked at leading international hotels and restaurants in Australia and abroad.

He owns the award winning Carrington Place, emporium-style food store Throsby Street Providore, and Osia Bar and Restaurant in Singapore. Scott is also an international consultant and food manufacturer and exporter.

Inner City Winemakers Inner City Winemakers is a totally unique cellar door and winery situated at Wickham and within walking distance of Newcastle’s bustling CBD and harbour.

Stop in today for a tasting of our quality wines crafted from grapes sourced from only the best vineyards throughout NSW Wine Regions and enjoy not only fine wines but fine art in our gallery!

ADDRESS 28 Church Street, Wickham OPEN Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 5pm PH (02) 4962 3545 W www.innercitywinemakers.com.au

New owners - New attitude.

New lunch menu now being served.

450 The Esplanade, Warners Bay Ph 4948 1115.

Breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea with beautiful views along the Warners Bay Esplanade. Spacious, stylish and yet laid-back, Hippo Espresso attracts families and locals with its friendly vibe, great coffee and varied menu.

468 The Esplanade, Warners Bay • Bookings on 4948 0800 • Open 7 days for breakfast and lunch, and afternoon coffee and cake. www.hippoespresso.com 34 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Panfried Salmon with Cucumber Salad

A fresh and healthy treat!

SERVES 4 ¡ PREP 15mins ¡ COOK 8mins 4 fillets salmon 2 lebanese cucumbers (diced) 1 small white onion (diced) 1 red capsicum (diced) 1 bunch dill (chopped) 2 lemons 6 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar Salt & pepper to taste 1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in pan on medium heat. Place salmon on pan and cook approx 4 mins on each side.

Remove salmon from heat and let rest.

2. Mix the remaining olive oil, white wine vinegar, dill, the juice of both lemons and salt in a large bowl.

3. Add cucumber, onion and capsicum to the dressing. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

4. Serve on the side of salmon.

East Coast Meats

Your local fresh food retailers:

Warners Bay Village

warnersbayvillage

32 John Street, Warners Bay

ESS Nose Citrus, pineapple from the hops and some biscuit malts.

Taste Orange, grapefruit and grass. Sweet biscuity malt. Gradually increasing resin bitterness.

ABV 6% IBU 35 $$ 425ml $8, 320ml $6

About BentSpoke Brewing Co.

Love your hops?

Then have a go at a Cranky!

Upcoming Beergustation Dinners

Corey Crooks | The Grain Store

MAY 4TH – DENNIS BEER CO

This month from Grain Store’s feature tap BentSpoke's Crankshaft IPA.

May the Fourth Dinner (Star Wars theme) ft. Rocket Science Beers, $85 pp.

JUNE 16TH – AKASHA BREWING 6 Course dinner paired with Akasha Beers, $85 pp.

INTOUCH SPECIAL CODE “10BEERBUCKS”

For a discount when booking 4 or more.

@grainstorebar

64-66 Scott Street, Newcastle East PH (02) 4023 2707 www.grainstorenewcastle.com.au

BentSpoke Brewing Co is an innovative Microbrewery and Taphouse located in the heart of Braddon, Canberra. After an explosive opening in June 2014, selling 3000L of beer in the first week, BentSpoke Brewing Co has continued to evolve and cement itself in the Canberra beer scene. On the back of widespread support from appreciative patrons, BentSpoke created 34 different brews and served in the order of 160,000L of beer and cider in its first year of operation to critical acclaim. BentSpoke is now undergoing expansion into a second venue, which will also function as a packaging and distribution facility for its increasingly popular beer.

By definition, an India Pale Ale is hoppier and higher in alcohol than its little brother the pale ale and this beer deliver in spades.

18 different varieties of beer and cider are The creation of Newcastle raised Richard available at any one time all brewed on Watkins, who happens to be one of the most premise, including ales, Saisons, seasonal well respected and award winning brewers one-off batches, Belgian styles and hand in the country, BentSpoke’s Orange IPA is crushed ciders. With the brewery on fullbursting with hop flavours and aroma from display, you can watch the head brewer hard the generous use of Equinox, Simcoe, Citra, at work on the next batch as you sample a Mosaic hops, all perfectly balanced by a subtle selection of brews in a Sample Bar. malt character. This crisp, hoppy brew is hugely refreshing on a hot day, but will always Good people drink good beer - Corey. deliver no matter when you choose to drink it.

Image by Ben Howland

Reserve Wine Bar was voted 'Australia's Best Small Bar' in 2014 by Restaurant and Catering, and proudly hold the only three glass rating in NSW outside of Sydney as judged by Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine.

The Reserve offers tasty, contemporary share food and snacks that partner well with an extensive by the glass selection, or let us choose for you with a personalised flight of three different wines.

We are...

Reserve Wine Bar Patrick Haddock | Reserve Wine Bar Newcastle

We are Newcastle’s first grape emporium, a place to worship wine in all its guises.

Wine should be entertaining not intimidating.

Fun, not fraught with indecision. We believe the best wine is the one you like drinking, not the one you are supposed to think is the best. That's why with over 300 wines at our disposal we are guaranteed to find one you'll like drinking.

36 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

We have hosted countless wine dinners and tastings over the past two years and continue to offer some of the best wine focussed events in Newcastle. Make sure you follow us on Facebook or Instagram or check the "what's on" section on our website.

This year we are doing more collaborations with guest chefs so look out for these events as they are guaranteed to sell out quickly. Also, every Tuesday we celebrate Taiwanese street food and have the fabulous Bao Brothers Eatery producing their special steamed buns filled with meaty and vegetarian offerings. If you've not tried them before, plan to get here early as they sell out quickly. Every Tuesday from 5pm - 9pm.

Remember, we reserve the right to pleasure your palates! - Patrick.

Every Tuesday, Reserve Wine bar transforms into ‘Reserve Wine Bao’ as we collaborate with the Bao Brothers Eatery and deliver the delicious taste of Taiwanese steamed buns.

If you’ve not tried this delicacy before you are in for a treat especially when paired with a glass of wine, a beer or a cocktail.

Every Tuesday from 5pm - 9pm at Reserve Wine Bar. To enjoy a free glass of house wine just mention this very special intouch offer.

102 Hunter Street, Newcastle PH (02) 4929 3393 www.reservewinebar.com.au

EAT FREE FOR A YEAR!

Eat FREE for a Year Competition

That’s right, Eat for FREE at The Persian Place until April 2017!

For your chance to win, simply fill in your details on one of the entry forms provided in our Restaurant and hand to our friendly staff.

1 entry per person 3 winners!

Entries close April 18th, 2016.

Winner announced May 1st, 2016.

T&Cs apply.

43 Bolton Street, Newcastle PH 4926 5500 Open 7 days Lunch 12pm - 2:30pm Dinner 6pm - 9pm www.thepersianplace.com.au

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 37

ESS

To say that Sapphire Indian Restaurant is the latest and greatest Indian Restaurant in Newcastle really does not do this establishment justice - it is so much more! The cuisine is fine-dining and exceptional, the service inviting and warm and the newly refurbished dining room is modern and classy.

Sapphire Indian Restaurant boasts an extensive list of wines, beers and spirits to complement their delicious meals ( BYO wine only, corkage $5).

If you're unable to come in and enjoy the full Sapphire Indian fine-dining experience, you can order both online and via their downloadable app for pick up and delivery to some areas.

Catering available upon request (indoor and outdoor).

ADDRESS 367-369 Glebe Rd, Merewether OPEN 7 days 5pm - 10pm, Sunday Lunch 12pm - 3pm PH (02) 4963 2369 W www.sapphireindianrestaurant.com.au

Enjoy quality wines and craft beers from around Australia with your meal, from our bar.

Love Tree Cafe is somewhere you can escape and enjoy some time for yourself, with friends, your family or that special someone; Human or furry! A great cafe and restaurant to enjoy a dinner in Hamilton.

Our food is fresh, full of flavour and created with passion and pride. Our menu includes gluten free and vegan options and we will try our best to meet any dietary requirements you may have.

Our philosophy is for you to have a dining experience that will entice you to come back and be a regular part of the Love Tree Cafe family.

Welcome back to the Eastern Tiger Restaurant!

Love Tree Cafe wants you to have the best, so our coffee is from the exciting and delicious Fish River Roasters in the O’Connell Valley NSW. At Fish River Roasters they roast in small batches so they can deliver to us fresh and fast. Their philosophy is simple: source the best coffee beans and roast each variety to bring out their best flavours and aroma.

Located at Cardiff RSL Club, the Eastern Tiger Restaurant is one of Newcastle’s favourite all-you-can-eat Asian restaurants with a long standing reputation for providing a delectable buffet menu which now includes a delicious new Sushi Bar. Open every day of the year for lunch and dinner with mid-week Member discounts available, the Eastern Tiger Restaurant’s menu can also be incorporated into private and corporate function bookings and is a popular venue of choice for weddings, birthdays, family get-togethers, special celebrations and Christmas Day. We look forward to welcoming you to the best value restaurant in the Newcastle where you will be treated to quality, variety and freshness like no other.

Open 7 days – lunch and dinner!

Cardiff RSL Club, 45 Macquarie Road, Cardiff PH (02) 4956 7183 . www.cardiffrsl.com.au 38 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

ADDRESS Shop 5, 79 Beaumont Street, Hamilton OPEN 8am - 4pm Breakfast and Lunch 7 days Dinner 5pm til late Wednesday to Saturday PH (02) 4940 0006 W www.lovetreecafe.com.au

Image Credit: Mount View Tourism

The very hospitable Hunter Valley Warm hospitality, a love of life, world class wines, fine food, alfresco dining, gourmet produce, craft beer, concerts, markets, music festivals, day spas, horse-riding, ballooning, championship golf courses and a seemingly endless choice of accommodation - this is Hunter Valley Wine Country!

For decades the Hunter Valley has been Newcastle and Lake Macquarie’s playground, a place to enjoy a weekend away in the country with family and friends all washed down with a healthy dose of the local tipple – be it Semillon, Chardonnay, Verdelho or Shiraz.

Now with the Hunter Expressway making it an easy 30 minute drive - it's perfect for a day visit and also far enough to get away

from it all and enjoy a relaxing short break.

Wine

Today, there is so much more than wine that is attracting visitors to the Hunter Valley with the area now widely recognised for having some of the most talented chefs and finest restaurants in the country not to mention the abundance of fresh local produce. Of course there is also the fact that the Hunter Valley is home to 4 championship golf courses and the spectacular Hunter Valley Gardens.

With a regular program of concerts, music festivals and wine and food events spread throughout the year, there is always something happening in the Hunter Valley.

Popular events coming up in the next few months include A Little Bit of Italy in Broke which is held in April, the Lovedale Long Lunch in May and Wine & Food Month which is now held over May and June - showcasing the region's diverse wine and food culture with a series of themed activities.

Between the wines, food, activities, entertainment and the views, it’s easy to see why the region has been voted by TripAdvisor as one the top 10 Australian travel destinations for the past two years and the 12th best tourist destination in the South Pacific region. And it's right on your doorstep!

Boutique Shopping and a whole lot more! at Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village.

SHOP... SAVOUR... DINE... PAMPER AND PLAY at 18 shops, 4 Restaurants & Cafes and Aqua Golf!

HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS, BROKE RD, POKOLBIN.

www.huntervalleyshopping.com.au

Dine Stay

● ● ● ● ● ●

Play

Premium Hunter Valley wines Cellar Door Open 10am - 5pm Daily Beautiful farm fresh olive and providore products for tasting and sales Fabulous accommodation overlooking the vines Emersons Café & Restaurant and Hunter Valley Reflections Day Spa on-site Centrally located 3 minutes from M15 Hunter Expressway (Lovedale exit) ADDRESS 492 Lovedale Road, Lovedale OPEN Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm PH (02) 4930 7473 W www.adinavineyard.com.au

Shopping Village OPEN 7 DAYS FROM 10AM www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 39

ing Now tast ous the fabul ter 2014 Hun Shiraz!

2014 - arguably the best vintage in 50 years or more!

MISTLETOE is a small family owned and run winery that was established by the current owners in 1989. Now in its 26th year, Mistletoe’s “no-compromise” approach to producing small quantities of “true to origin” premium quality wine has seen it rewarded with many, many hundreds of awards and accolades.

With over 20 different wines, including Sparkling, Whites, Reds, Rosés, Fortified and Dessert styles on tasting, Mistletoe has one of the most comprehensive ranges of wines to be seen in the Hunter.

• • • •

All wines are made in our onsite winery Winery tastings available for larger groups – bookings essential!

Mistletoe Wines are only available for purchase from the Winery Cellar Door Knowledgeable and friendly staff to make you welcome

When visiting Mistletoe be sure to take time to visit POKOLBIN GALLERY and MISTLETOE SCULPTURE GARDEN also in the grounds of the Cellar Door.

With three generations now actively engaged in the day to day operation of Mistletoe, it is truly a unique family winery.

Come up and meet the Mistletoe Girls who will make your visit all the more special.

Mistletoe is now just 35 minutes form Newcastle – take the Hunter Expressway M15 which becomes the A15 (New England Highway) at Branxton and then take the Hermitage Road exit.

Open 10am until 6pm daily | 771 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin 2320

PH 1800 055 080 FAX 02 4998 7792 E office@mistletoewines.com.au | W www.mistletoewines.com.au 40 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Introducing the Hunter Valley's

POKOLBIN ESTATE VIN EYARD

A LITTLE BIT OF ITALY IN BROKE

LOVE IN THE VINES WEDDING FESTIVAL

Transport yourself to the rustic ambience and sensational aromas of Italy, as the largely untouched, romantic and authentic Broke Fordwich Wine Region comes alive with A Little Bit of Italy. Now in its 11th year, the festival that started out as a private dinner catered by an Italian Chef has grown into a major celebration for the area with over 3,000 people attending each year.

Love in the Vines is not just another wedding expo, brought to you by ‘Your Hunter Valley Wedding Planner’, it is an amazing, unique and creative Hunter Valley Wedding Festival!

8th – 10th April

Sunday 17th April at Lindeman’s Estate

With over $2,000 worth of local premium wines, gourmet produce and accommodation to be won, this is a unique experience that should not be missed!

Prepare to be entertained and inspired by an amazing array of talented wedding professionals, gathered at one gorgeous vineyard location and ready to bring your dream wedding to life! On arrival, you'll be greeted with a glass of their finest sparkling and mouth-watering canapes. You can also expect live entertainment, free workshops and seminars, stunning displays, fashion displays, goodie bags plus more.

For more information, visit www.brokefordwich.com.au

For more information visit www.loveinthevines.com.au

Tempranillo | Nebbiolo | Sangiovese Get your taste for adventure today at ...Pokolbin Estate.

Pokolbin Estate | 298 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin Open 7 Days 9am-5pm | PH 4998 7524 | www.pokolbinestate.com.au

Indulge with

Hunter Valley

Chocolate We invite you to indulge in our fine range of unique hand-made chocolate products and our huge variety of freshly made fudge, or relax at our factory and retail centre at 2320 Broke Road, Pokolbin.

BOUTIQUE FACTORY & SHOWROOM 2320 Broke Rd, Pokolbin Ph 4998-6999 Also at Peterson Champagne House Ph 4998-7301 and Shop 5 Hunter Valley Gardens Village Ph 4998-7221

www.hvchocolate.com.au • admin@hvchocolate.com.au

Just two of our many gold medal and trophy winning wines.

OPEN 7 DAYS • PH (02) 4930 7113 701 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale NSW 2320 • www.gartelmann.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 41

With the cellar door located at the Roche Estate facility in Pokolbin, Meerea Park specialise in individual vineyard wines sourced primarily from the Hunter region and produced at their winery in Palmers Lane - also in Pokolbin, which they purchased in 2007.

With a focus on Shiraz, Semillon and Chardonnay, Meerea Park wines are handcrafted from grapes grown on specifically selected single plot vineyards which have a track record for producing the best possible fruit. The result being that the wines have a reputation as ''true to the earth'' - reflecting the natural relationship between the vineyard soil, vintage conditions, climate and the skills of the winemaker - the ''terroir''.

MEEREA PARK Owned by brothers Rhys and Garth Eather, Meerea Park is a relatively small winery that’s made quite a splash over the past decade to establish itself as one of the Hunter Valley’s leading boutique wine producers.

Meerea Park's wine show success at both national and international level, together with their reputation for producing consistently high quality wines, reasonable prices and relatively limited supply have made wine critics and consumers sit up and take notice.

Rhys Eather is the winemaker and a Roseworthy graduate in Wine Science and has also gained international winemaking experience in France, where he completed a vintage at the world famous M. Chapoutier in the Rhone Valley - giving Rhys the experience and insight required to craft top quality Rhone styled wines. Rhys also completed two vintages in Italy (Puglia and Piedmonte) rounding out his international winemaking experience.

Winemaking is not new to the Eather family who can trace their winemaking roots in the Hunter Valley back to the 1850's when Alexander Munro, their great-great-grandfather established the 'Bebeah' vineyard at Singleton and was at one stage the largest and most successful winemaker in New South Wales.

James Halliday - TOP 100 WINERY Meerea Park is considered to be in the top echelon of boutique wineries, not only in the Hunter Valley, but Australia as well, carrying the rare and prestigious 5 Red Star and Red Name rating from James Halliday.

Established in 1991, Meerea Park has built a reputation on producing high quality Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz. Many of these wines are from ‘Individual Vineyard’ origin.

Visit the cellar door located within the Roche Estate complex to sample and purchase from the highly awarded range of wines.

ADDRESS Roche Estate Complex, Pavilion B, 2144 Broke Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320 OPEN 7 days 10am - 5pm PH (02) 4998 7474 W www.meereapark.com.au

Australia’s Most Awarded Boutique Winery Celebrating our 30th Vintage

MCLEISH ESTATE TROPHY Best ‘Named Vineyard’ Semillon 2015 Hunter Valley Wine Show TWO TROPHIES 2015 Hunter Valley Boutique Wine Show NSW Wine of the Year 2014 FOUR TROPHIES 2014 Sydney Royal Wine Show TROPHIES Best Semillon in 2013 & 2014 Sydney International Wine Competition TROPHY Best International Semillon 2012 & 2013 London International Wine Challenge Experience our ultra-premium range of Estate grown single vineyard wines at our Boutique Cellar Door.

OPEN 7 DAYS 10am - 5pm 462 DeBeyers Road POKOLBIN NSW PH (02) 4998 7754 E info@mcleishhunterwines.com.au W www.mcleishhunterwines.com.au 42 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Oishii Japanese Thai Restaurant Australia’s only Asian restaurant in a winery!

Located at the Tempus Two winery, in the heart of the Hunter Valley, Oishii has become a favourite for locals and visitors alike. Whether dining inside the minimalist Asian themed dining hall or on the outside undercover terrace overlooking the vines encircling the architecturally designed amphitheatre, Oishii has become a “must dining experience”.

Oishii’s Asian chefs have composed an extensive menu of lightly prepared fragrant dishes showcasing regional produce. In true Asian style dishes are perfect for sharing and ideal for families and friends.

The fast take away options are also delicious.

ADDRESS Roche Estate Complex, Corner of Broke and Mcdonald Rd’s, Pokolbin RESTAURANT 7 Days, Lunch and Dinner PH (02) 4998 7051 W www.oishii.com.au

INTOUCH FAMILY AND COMMUNITY

BY Emily Gallagher for Hunter TAFE One of the biggest challenges for teenagers towards the completion of high school is pinpointing exactly what they want to do when they leave school. For some, those plans for the future have been crystal clear since the time they learnt their seven times tables, but for others, the pathway isn’t so sharp.

With many of the 2015 graduating class now attending the first weeks of class at TAFEs, training colleges or universities across the country, there are others that have taken a ‘gap’ year to travel, work and earn money while collecting significant life experience and figuring out ‘what next?’ along the way.

There is also the question of not always knowing what career possibilities are out there. How many people have you spoken to who have said, “if I weren't a banker, teacher, builder or IT manager, I’d be a marine biologist, doctor, tour guide or chef”? Often when questioned further the explanation is one version or another of not really knowing all of the options available, or how to go about gaining the right skills for the job.

It is said that Generation Y will have, on average, five different careers over their working life. With so many possibilities out there, finding a starting point on your pathway to a career is one of the most important steps for young people to take. Often it will only be after trying a few different hats on through work experience, short courses, school holiday workshops, or even the first year of a postsecondary education course that the path will become clear.

In 2016, the NSW Government has launched a range of fee-free* courses that are designed to provide young people with an opportunity to try out one or more courses before committing to a full qualification, or develop skills to help them progress in their current jobs.

The short courses are based on full TAFE qualifications and cover skills that have been

identified as priority areas for employers and industry right across the country. Feefree courses are fully subsidised, providing students meet the eligibility criteria, and the enrolment fee is also waived.

Students who complete a fee-free course at Hunter TAFE will receive a Statement of Attainment certificate detailing the nationally recognised competencies and skills achieved.

You can then use your new skills to advance your career, join a new workplace or return to Hunter TAFE to do a full qualification and gain credit for the units you have already completed.

Here in the Hunter region, Hunter TAFE is offering more than 100 fee-free courses in a range of career areas from recruitment, sports coaching and accounts administration to maritime and marine, hair, and beauty, digital and audio editing, commercial cookery, and many more in-between. With a choice like this, there is sure to be something to suit everyone.

Fee-free courses will be offered throughout the year with many commencing soon or as classes fill up.

Whether you are a recent graduate contemplating your future or an experienced professional looking to gain some new skills, the fee-free courses offer a unique opportunity to take up a new challenge and try out a future career area or skill set. With the fully subsidised training available to most NSW residents older than 15 years of age, there has never been a better time to get started.

If you are ready to take the plunge and enrol in a full qualification at Hunter TAFE, there are more than 450 courses on offer in 17 different career areas. With the huge range of options available for people who are looking to pursue further education but are after a more practical, hands-on experience that provides training that is relevant to the modern workplace.

Let 2016 be the year that you explore your career interests via the fee-free courses available at your local Hunter TAFE Campus. *This training is fully subsidised by the NSW Government.

You must meet eligibility criteria for training subsidised by the NSW Government. Fee-free courses are based on qualifications listed on the 2016 NSW Skills List and have been developed to provide employment outcomes or lead to further study.

WANT TO DIP YOUR TOE IN SOME TRAINING FOR FREE? Hunter TAFE now offers Fee Free* courses

!

You can now try a new area of study, find out if a career area is for you or upskill your workforce.

Contact Hunter TAFE today to find out what courses are available.

*This training is fully subsidised by the NSW Government. You must meet eligibility criteria for training subsidised by the NSW Government. Fee-free courses are based on qualifications listed on the 2016 NSW Skills List, and have been developed to provide employment outcomes or lead to further study. Provider 90002 TAFE NSW Hunter Institute.

See website for full program details.

Google Hunter TAFE

Call 131 225

MA16025

Explore pathways to a future career you might never have imagined

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 43

INTOUCH FAMILY AND COMMUNITY suggested that I give one a go. The closest Tri club was Maitland Triathlon club, so dad and I drove the 30 minutes from Newcastle to Maitland one Sunday morning to give it a go. I had no idea what I was doing, but I had a blast. I was a swimmer who ran well so those two were fine, and what kid doesn’t love riding their bike? So those 3 added together was a new level of awesomeness!”

Aaron cemented himself as a strong contender on the Road to Rio back in 2012 when he was named the Under-23 World Champion and then in 2014 was awarded the title of Australian Male Triathlete of the Year. Royle finished the 2015 season on a high with bronze at the Stockholm WTS race and a fifth place finish in Edmonton.

When asked about the qualifying event that secured his spot on the Australian Olympic team, Aaron explains that this event was very different to a lot of ITU (International Triathlon Union) events that he was accustomed to.

Aaron Royle, Triathlete WORDS: Andrea Ciotti – Hunter Academy of Sport It’s an Olympic year, so dust off the green and gold beanie and tune up your “Oi Oi Oi”! This month (and every month leading up to Rio), Hunter Academy of Sports will delve into their archives to find us some locally trained talent we can all get behind on the Road to Rio - which is hopefully paved with Gold.

This month’s athlete is the one and only Aaron Royle. Aaron is currently Australia's highest ranked International Triathlon Union Triathlete and it’s no surprise that Royle has already earned an elusive spot on the Australian Olympic Team for Rio after securing a sixth place finish at the Rio Test Event in August 2015.

But before the 25-year-old debuted on the international stage, Aaron (also affectionately known as “Bugs”) competed right here in Newcastle as a member of the Hunter Academy of Sport Triathlon squad from 2003 to 2008. Currently, the Hunter Academy triathlon squad boasts five members under 18yrs who will compete in the national competition, with another six ranked in the top-20 triathletes in NSW. Reminiscing about his time in Newcastle, Aaron comments that Triathalon was not originally his chosen sport.

“When I was younger I played just about all the ‘popular’ sports that many Aussie kids play these days. Cricket, Swimming, Soccer, Running, Football to name a few. It was quickly established that anything that involved a ball or any hand-eye coordination wasn’t really my strong point, ” Aaron laughs.

“Triathlon started for me at about the age of 13. My swim coach at the time, who participated in age group races,

“For starters, the swim in Rio was different to a lot of ITU (International Triathlon Union) swims. Beach start, choppy ocean water and a one lap swim. I thought those three factors would suit my swimming style and I was happy to see that by the first buoy I was in the first handful.

“There was talk about a very tough bike course in Rio, and while it may have had a bit more hype than it deserved it was definitely a tough course with a high chance of a small group off the front. I didn’t dare look back at the start of the bike to see where others were; I just concentrated on helping our lead group work well together to establish a group off the front. Top 10 was all I needed to qualify for the Olympics so I set out to run the first few laps a bit conservatively and although it wasn’t a super quick run, I was able to hold onto 6th and qualify.”

Aaron is currently competing in Wollongong as he prepares for his Olympic debut. Stay up to date with Aaron via his website www.aaronroyle.com

About the Hunter Academy of Sport The Hunter Academy of Sport is one of eleven sports academies assisting talented athletes from regional areas of NSW. The Academy provides advice in areas such as sports administration, coaching, refereeing/ umpiring, facilities, injuries, fitness testing and training, sports psychology, dental and eye care, public speaking, ethics in sport, nutrition and personal development.

Many HAS athletes have gone on to represent at international, national or state level in their chosen sports.

For more on the Hunter Academy of Sport as well as a list of sports programs offered and upcoming events, please visit www.hunteracademy.org.au

Dan Ball and Luke McCarthy.

Here’s a great customer service experience that will make you smile…

As the largest shopping and entertainment destination in The Hunter, Charlestown Square has thousands of customers that visit the Centre every day, including mobility impaired shoppers.

Recently, Luke McCarthy, a member of the Charlestown Square Parking Team came up with a creative solution to assist mobility guests who have difficulty reaching and accessing the parking ticket machines by designing the ‘Gucci’ device.

Beth Robinson of Caves Beach, who is missing an arm, was the inspiration for the device. Each time Beth visited the centre she had to get out of her car to press the ticket button and collect her ticket and then exit her car again to insert her ticket as she exited the centre. Luke noticed this and put his inventive skills to work, creating a device which features a Parking Pass on the end of a long stick. A simple design that is making a big difference to Beth!

“I was delighted to receive my new Pass Card Stick, it has made such a difference as I don’t have to get out of my car to get a ticket each time I visit Charlestown Square. The Parking team at Charlestown Square were so helpful and went above and beyond to assist me and now I love visiting Charlestown Square even more!” said Beth.

Therese Ferry, GPT Group Senior Marketing Manager, said that since Luke’s invention another shopper had raised a similar problem.

“I had a conversation with another guest who struggles to access our car park following a double mastectomy. She explained to me that she only visits here if there is someone to drive her as its too difficult for her to enter our car park. Luckily the Parking team are now in the process of creating another ‘Gucci’ parking pass for this guest as well, ” she said.

Well done to the team for implementing this device – they have certainly gone above and beyond the call of duty and kudos to Charlestown Square for helping to make the shopping experience more accessible for all.

JOIN OUR TEAM

The Hunter Academy is seeking partners to take advantage of our many sponsorship opportunities. Let us be your gateway to increase exposure and heighten awareness of your organisation by supporting talented youth athletes, or sponsoring events and community programs.

Give us a call today to become involved in the Hunter Academy.

PH (02) 4926 4892 E info@hunteracademy.org.au W www.hunteracademy.org.au 44 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

INTOUCH FAMILY AND COMMUNITY

Purpose built Tillys Childcare Centre ready to open its doors at Bolwarra Tillys childcare are very excited to announce that the newest Tillys centre at Bolwarra is nearly completed and will be opening soon.

This is an incredible 22 years after the first and run Tillys centre openeditsFamily doorsowned in 1994.

nutritious meals provided and menus planned from "Good for kids, good for life" guidelines.

The team at Tillys also run a Transition to school/School Readiness program for preschool children designed by two of their senior Educational Leaders and run by university qualified early childhood teachers to ensureLimited every child is well prepared for Vacancies Kindergarten.

Call Today

For younger children, programs are designed specifically to suit the child’s individual needs  All meals provided and development with a routine that works for  School readiness preschool program The centre is a beautiful, architecturally  Individualised programs for all parents children and the child's individuality, in their designed building with large play spaces and  CCB and CCR available to eligible families own beautifully designed play spaces. a huge art room incorporated in the design.

Its  Architecturally designed  Natural playgrounds with swings, sandpits, slides, bike large natural playgrounds have been designed for Tillys today where good beginnings tracks, river beds, gardens andRegister centre pets by owner Donna MacIntyre and her daughter never end! Very limited vacancies.

Jessica and include large mature shade trees, fruit trees, vegetable gardens, chickens and guinea pigs with a water feature allowing the children to fill up theirOur watering cans to at: help in centres are located 49304010 - Bolwarra 49387211 - Greta 49387211 the nurturing and care Abermain of this area.

Muswellbrook 65413224 - Singleton 65731811 -

Waratah Sandpits, swings and a dry creek bed1 49602802 are also- Waratah 2 49677399 features of the playground along with a large www.tillyschildcare.com.au bike track that overlooks the horses in the paddock next door and is surrounded by logs for sitting and bordered by colourful tropical plants.

Tillys is a family run centre and offers education and care to children from birth to 12 years, including before & after school care and vacation care.

School holidays are upon us again (is it possible that this year could be flashing by so quickly you ask!) Don’t despair, there’s a great range of activities for children of all ages during the April school holidays in Newcastle.

Blackbutt Reserve - Newcastle Permanent Junior Ranger Fun Day - Nature Venture! Richley Reserve comes to life with a feast of school holiday activities including junior ranger arts and crafts, face painting, pot a plant, critter encounters, and jumping castles. When: Wednesday 13 April 2016, 11am - 1pm. Where: Richley Reserve (off Freyberg Street, New Lambton). This is a free event, no bookings required. Parental supervision is

tracks, river beds, gardens and centre pets

Our centres are located at: Abermain 4930 4010 • Bolwarra 4938 7211 • Greta 4938 7211 Muswellbrook 6541 3224 • Singleton 6573 1811 Waratah (1) 4960 2802 • Waratah (2) 4967 7399

Vacation care offers fun & exciting activities and excursions for school-age children during the school holiday period. Tillys is a service that provides care for the whole family with

KEEPING THE KIDS BUSY this School Holidays

Limited  Family owned and run Vacancies  All meals provided CALL TODAY !  School readiness preschool program  Individualised programs for all children  CCB and CCR available to eligible families  Architecturally designed  Natural playgrounds with swings, sandpits, slides, bike

www.tillyschildcare.com.au compulsory and children must wear fully enclosed shoes. For more information phone 4904 3344.

Newcastle Art Gallery - Newcastle Art Gallery will be running art workshops during the school holidays inspired by the exhibitions Just Draw and A Dirty Business: Devine, Styan & Tilley.

Children will engage in fun-filled activities that teach basic art techniques. Check out Newcastle Art Gallery website for all the details. Young artists are invited to become creative inventors, designing and building their very own mechanical drawing hand or design and create their own unique stamps, and use them to smudge and spatter onto paper and fabric. Find out more at www.nag.org.au Newcastle Museum - Kids can enjoy a journey of scientific discovery as they explore exciting experiments and some surprising science they can do at home. Programs include

Science Shows!, The Great Drawing Adventure, Whose House and Home Amongst the Gum Trees. Fees vary for each program.

Find out what's on and book in early at www.newcastlemuseum. com.au Newcastle Region Libraries - April school holidays are out of this world at Newcastle Region Libraries! Celebrate Star Wars, Aliens, and all things cosmic through a variety of programming.

Visit the Library's website for a complete list of holiday programs.

Find out more at www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Library/Home And don’t forget Charlestown Square's awesome Entertainment Passes. At just $37, the Kids Entertainment Pass is valued at $55 and now includes a kids meal at McDonalds. Visit the Concierge desk to pick up some passes for the kids and keep them entertained all day! www.charlestownsquare.com.au

Barnardos Australia urgently needs shortterm foster carers for local children in need.

We provide support, training and a generous tax free allowance of $1050 per fortnight.

Call us today.

1800 663 441

barnardos.org.au/wecare ABN 18 068 557 906 | A Company Limited by Guarantee | Registered Charity | Models used to protect privacy_CC_15_00324

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 45

INTOUCH HOME The broken screen or handle, peeling paint, cracked plaster, broken light fittings all the things we tend not to notice. Fix them or organise for someone else to. If the paintwork looks in top condition, a buyer can feel it is ready to move into.

Painting a tired room makes a big difference. New handles in the kitchen or where required is also an inexpensive outlay to spruce up a tired décor. The floors also need a critical eye.

Tips to help prepare your home for sale WORDS: Deborah Bartlett & Chris Williams from insideout Newcastle Homes become a part of who we are after many years and our styles reflect the way we like to live and our personality.

So you’ve made the decision to put your home on the market, now what? Of course, you’ll want to maximise the number of potential buyers you attract by making your house appeal to a broader majority of buyers. To do this, the number 1 tip is to de-clutter and de-personalise.

1. De-cluttering – Remove all clutter, put all your little collectables in storage.

Take note of your kitchen benches, sideboards, buffets, bedroom furniture and bathroom vanities... Also, any unnecessary baskets etc. laying around on the floor, shoes by the front and back doors… Go through the pantry and linen closets, sort and tidy so they look more spacious and organized, this will give the impression of functional space.

2. De-personalising – Remove family photographs and trophies and replace with artwork that will tie the room together. Large artwork can help give the impression of a larger room or higher ceilings. Ask an expert for advice as you want to be sure to create a neutral pallet. Mirrors are also a great way to create space if used in the right areas. Neutralise brightly coloured walls and leave for the buyers to imagine what they can do when they move in.

Now that you have de-cluttered and depersonalised you need to use a critical eye in every room and note the items to fix.

Lighting is a big deterrent if rooms look dull and corners look dark. If you can't afford an electrician, change dated and damaged light fixtures. Invest in some lovely floor lamps that up-light and a few table lamps that will add to the layering effect of light in the room.

Open all curtains and blinds where you can to let in natural light. This will create a greater sense of space (be mindful of the view, you may need some sheer curtains if it doesn’t feel private or the outlook isn’t pleasant.)

Letting in fresh air with the natural light is a great combination to create a welcoming space. Take large oversized plants away from corners to open up the area. Make the house as comfortable as possible, use fans or air conditioning to cool rooms down and heating to warm them up.

"Clean" means different things to different people. It may be common sense to some but the best way to maintain the value of your investment is to follow a regular cleaning schedule. A professional cleaner to help with the kitchen, bathroom and windows is a great start, then a regular routine will be much easier for you to maintain.

Professional Cleaning Tips If hiring a professional cleaner is a little out of your budget, we’ve gathered some tips from the pros to help you tackle the job quickly and efficiently yourself.

First, make a checklist. Put on there everything you need to do. Don’t worry if it looks too long, just keep adding items. Take it with you in your pocket to every room and a pencil, too. The idea is to cross off everything you finish so you get a great sense of accomplishment as you move through the house. It also reminds you of things you might forget, so you never have to go backwards.

Always start at one end of the house and work your way to the other.

If its multiple stories start at the top and work your way down. If it's one level, begin in the bedrooms and work your way to the kitchen.

If you have pets, be mindful of odours and to have them removed when showing someone through your property.

Brewing coffee or baking is still a tip I often see in editorials and provide a ‘homely’ aroma when entering any property.

You can get some lovely scented candles, but be sure not to have them too overpowering especially floral or vanilla. Fresh flowers look beautiful and also add to the fragrances.

In each room, always clean top to bottom. Start at the ceilings with cobwebs and spider webs and work your way down the walls, windows and to the floors.

First impressions count, so tidy and clean the front and back yards. Add a few plants and some mulch after weeding and tidying gardens. Some extra pots around the entrance with annuals could add some personality to verandahs or porch entries.

Unplug the phone and turn off the T.V. Eliminate clutter as you go, too. An uncluttered home looks better than one that is dust-free but strewn with odds and ends.

Finally - be prepared before you put your property on the market. Asking for advice from professionals can add to the value of your home and will help you sell quicker. Hiring furniture or paying for good advice will make your preparations faster and the money spent will be recouped in the sale.

Wash walls, windows and then vacuum. After vacuuming, dust start at the top and work down. Be mobile and prepared. Take all your cleaning tools with you into each room to avoid unnecessary trips back and forth.

A house that smells fresh will give the impression of cleanliness.

Leave baking soda on carpeting for the night to absorb musty odours, then vacuum in the morning. Lightly scented but not overpowering cleaners will give your home that special "nose sparkle" clean, fresh scent.

Keep a big mat on both front and back porches to cut down on tracked in dirt. To cut down on accumulating clutter, keep a basket in the kitchen for the mail, newspaper, car keys to help with and a hamper in every bathroom and in each child's room.

PLANTATION TIMBER FURNITURE Looking for quality, yet affordable furniture made from beautiful Australian plantation hardwood that is hand made locally?

Looking for furniture that’s fresh and contemporary, where you can have your own design ideas created?

Look no further than Wildflower Giftware!

Open 6 Days Monday to Saturday 9am till 4.30pm.

262 Macquarie Road, Warners Bay NSW 2282 • PH 4953 7390 • www.w 46 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

The Vintage In the heart of the Hunter Valley Wine Country

30 MIN NEWC TO AS HUNTSUBURBS TLE ER ON EXPR ESSW AY

View over the 15th hole and 16th fairway

The Vintage is a luxury residential golf course estate set around an 18-hole, Greg Norman designed golf course. Enjoy views of the golf course, parklands, reserves, neighbouring vineyards & mountains plus facilities including gym, swimming pool, tennis courts, Château Élan day spa & The Vintage Clubhouse. Take a short trip to Pokolbin and see for yourself.

JUST SOME OF THE HOUSES AND LAND FOR SALE

20 Casuarina Drive $685,000  4 Bed+ study, 2 Bath (incl ensuite)  Open living/dining/kitchen  Media room + Games room  Adjoining parkland to rear

53 Angophora Drive $763,000 D L  4 Bedrooms,S2O Bathrooms  High ceilings, timber floorboards  Wood fireplace, golf views  Less than 12 months old !

26 Peppertree Drive $960,000  3 Bed+ study, 2 Bath (incl ensuite)  Stunning golf course views  Multiple living & alfresco zones  Adjoining parkland to rear

LAND FOR SALE

Golf Course

Bimbadgen Vineyard

23 Ironbark Drive $975,000  4 Bed+ study, 3 Bath (incl ensuite)  Golf, vineyard & parkland views  Multiple living & alfresco zones  Triple garage + golf buggy

35 Verdale Close $1,250,000  4 Bed+ study, 4 Ensuites

 Wine cellar, fireplace, timber floors  High ceilings, gourmet kitchen  Vineyard & golf course views!

1800 889 889

Lot C11 618m2

Golf front

$209,000

Lot C91 820m2

Parkland

$214,990

Lot i75

923m2

Golf front

$230,000

Lot i60

915m2

Parkland

$245,000

Lot E35* 899m2

Parkland

$260,000

Lot D5

604m2

Golf Front

$279,000

Lot E25*

1,470m2

Golf Front

$375,000

More land for sale. Contact our office for more information.

thevintage.com.au

OPEN 7 DAYS *Agent declares interest

FROM ONE PIECE TO A WHOLE HOUSE, OUR INHOUSE DESIGNERS WILL HELP YOU FIND YOUR STYLE!

make an appointment today!

192 parry street, newcastle west, nsw 2302 t 02 4962 5577 f 02 4962 5588 w www.insideoutstyle.com.au facebook.com/insideoutstore

pinterest.com/insideoutstore

instagram.com/insideoutnewcastle