Newcastle & Lake Macquarie | May 2016

Newcastle and Lake Macquarie

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ISSUE #11 //MAY 2016 WWW.INTOUCHMAGAZINE.COM.AU

A Little Drama in the Hunter The Very Inspirational Beccy Cole Ripples of Hope for our Youth

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INTOUCH WITH ROALD DAHL “The two kind of go hand-in-hand, the professional industry level training and the holistic approach because to be really good at anything we believe you need to be good at being yourself first.”

Hunter Drama has certainly shown it’s really good at what it does, having developed a reputation for producing high-quality professional performances.

Every second year this includes the drama school’s major production, which is performed at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre.

In 2014, this was the highly acclaimed Disney’s Little Mermaid Jnr while this year they are gearing up to take on a real ogre of a challenge with their performance of DreamWorks’ Shrek the Musical Jnr. Set for a strictly limited three-day run at the start of the September school holidays (September 29-October 1), it will be a musical masterpiece of fairy tale mayhem, full of lavish costumes, great sets and a talented cast of Hunter Drama students.

There's Nothing Like a Little Drama!

WORDS: MICHELLE MEEHAN It’s a nerve-wracking thing, to stand on a stage in front of a room full of strangers and put on a performance.

But during the past nine years, Hunter Drama has encouraged, nurtured and taught thousands of would-be actors and actresses how to overcome the fear and find the confidence to shine on, and off, the stage.

Artistic Director Daniel Stoddart believes there is nothing better than drama when it comes to instilling confidence in a child.

“I just know what it did for me, the confidence that it gave me,” he said.

“It’s so nerve-wracking to put yourself out there because it’s live and there is the potential for things to go wrong, anything can happen when you’re out there.

“But it’s incredible, I know the change that just being part of one performance can make. Just watching those kids come off the stage after their first performance just glowing and absolutely over the moon, full of confidence, it’s quite incredible to see.

who found students taking his masterclasses at schools across Newcastle were coming up to him afterwards to see if there was anywhere they could learn more.

Beginning with just six students, the concept gained momentum quickly and by its second week around 26 eager thespians had turned up to learn more about acting.

By the end of its first year, the drama school had welcomed more than 126 students into its ranks, and it was not long before that number doubled again to hover around the 300 mark, where it was decided enrolments would be capped.

While the name has been shortened to just Hunter Drama, the school’s reputation as a centre of excellence and professionalism for young actor training and dramatic arts development has continued to grow.

“We offer great opportunities to perform and over the years we have got a reputation for producing really high-quality professional performances as well. So although we do have that holistic approach to developing young people, we’re really adamant about getting kids to industry level as well,” Daniel said.

“This year we’re doing DreamWorks’ Shrek the Musical on stage at the Civic Theatre, which is huge, it’s really exciting.

“For each production, we audition the kids just like they would in the real world.

“Generally about 30-50 of the kids get into each production and the rest of them go back to their classes and keep working on their skills to get that little bit better for the next one.”

For those that don’t make the musical there will be another opportunity to strut their stuff on stage, with Hunter Drama also preparing for its second annual Roald Dahl Festival, to be held at the Civic Theatre Playhouse from May 16-22.

“The Roald Dahl Festival started out last year as an opportunity for our students not in our productions to get on stage and test out the skills that they have been learning and to get an understanding of what it feels like to be on stage, because you can do all the training in the world but unless you’re up there putting it into practice it’s difficult to know where you’re up to with your development,” Daniel said.

“The kids put together little monologues and duologues based on Roald Dahl stories, and they got up to play their favourite character and perform five-minute skits based on the characters.

It caters to young people between the ages of 3 and 21, offering dynamic learning opportunities in acting, screen acting, “We also had some professional theatre companies present musical theatre, design, directing and writing. as part of the festival so the kids could go and watch the But the benefits go far beyond just training the next generation professional actors and it allowed the general public to come in “Of course, the big thing is getting the kids feeling comfortable and see Roald Dahl on stage as well. of actors and actresses to industry level – Hunter Drama also and confident in their own skin. has a far more straightforward and holistic aim.

“We’re repeating that model this year with a few tweaks. We’ve “We’re noticing it more and more now, kids find it a lot more got a lot of groups of about 10 to 20 kids doing little 10 “Although our primary focus is offering drama and acting challenging to interact with other people. I don’t know minute performances. There’s an Oompa Loompa training opportunities for kids in the forms of courses, workshops and whether that’s because of the age that we’re living in, with camp, there’s another group doing a performance based production opportunities where they can audition to perform the internet and social media - they’re more than confident to on the monkeys from The Twits, they’re making their own on stage, we also use drama and acting as a vehicle basically be communicating on social media to each other and in text to develop young people and challenge to do the best they can,” interpretation of the well-known stories in their classes with the messages, but putting the kids in the room together and getting help of their tutors.”

Daniel said. them to interact and socialise is really interesting.

Around 200 Hunter Drama students will perform twice each “We want to get them confident in getting up in front of people We try to inspire them to find out what’s over the first four nights, while on the last two nights of the and selling themselves; it’s probably one of the best skills you possible for themselves in their own life, to festival Shane Bransdon and Drew Homes will present a can give a kid in life, to be able to get up in front of people and performance based on The Twits, while an ensemble directed say this is who I am, this is what I’m about and sell themselves get them to think outside the box, to nurture

by Leanne Mueller will be putting on an adult interpretation of confidently.” them and encourage them to take risks in their the Roald Dahl’s delightfully twisted Revolting Rhymes.

The region’s premier independent training facility for young performance.

If you like the sounds of that then you’d better get in quick to people in the dramatic arts began its life in a small hall at book your tickets, with the professional performances selling Glendale in April 2007.

“We’re really passionate about developing young people out last year. Tickets are available from Ticketek.

Then known as Hunter Region Drama School, it was established because we know that they’re the future, and we’d like to change the future by inspiring them to be the best versions of

by Daniel, a University of Newcastle trained professional actor, themselves possible. www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 3

INSIDE INTOUCH

PAGE 35

From the Editors...

In celebration of Thyroid Awareness Month, get a 15 minute Thyroid Health Check with our Naturopath for just $15.

Friends often ask us what motivated us to pack up our property in the Hunter Valley and move into Newcastle to start intouch magazine. It’s a good question, and a year on we continue to reflect on our goals – which we are hopefully kicking with each and every issue.

There are so many great people in the area doing great things, but no-one seems to know about their terrific work. It’s our intention to tell the stories behind these great ambassadors for our area, and our May issue is testament to our mission.

It’s a nerve-wracking thing, to stand on a stage in front of a room full of strangers and put on a performance, but Hunter Drama Artistic Director Daniel Stoddart believes there is nothing better than a little bit of Drama to instill confidence in a child. In this issue, we talk to Daniel about all things dramatic, including the annual Roald Dahl Festival, which will hit the stage this month.

We also speak to Michelle Lee about instilling confidence and hope in our youth. Michelle works as a transformational youth coach with clients aged between 15 and 25 and is passionate about changing the tide of youth struggle.

- PAGE 22

Contents//

Features

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Roald Dahl Festival 2016

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Snapchat with the Choirboys

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Andre Rieu

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Cover Story - 2015 Archibald Prize Tour

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The Very Inspirational Beccy Cole

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Why You Should Get a Little Fermentation in Your Life

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Cooks Hill Special Feature

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Cooks Hill - Where Everything Old is New Again

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Discover the Romance of Rail

On the Road to Rio this month is local Paralympic Athlete Erin Cleaver. A fierce competitor, the Year 11 student from Whitebridge High School, is an inspiration to us all.

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Ripples of Hope and Inspiration For Young People

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The Road to Rio

Enjoy!

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On Tour With the Kid

Struggle is no stranger to Nigel Milsom, who produced the winning portrait in the 2015 Archibald Prize, which will be installed at Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery throughout May. We spoke to Nigel about the making of the winning portrait and his lifelong relationship with its subject, Barrister Charles Waterstreet.

Described as Australia’s greatest living painter, John Olsen returned to his hometown of Newcastle to announce that he will be creating a new masterpiece inspired by the Hunter River: The river is a strong brown God. We look very forward to viewing the work when it is unveiled at Newcastle Art Gallery later this year.

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

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Top Five on Five

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What’s on Guide

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Fashion + Beauty

20

Health + Wellbeing

26 Travel

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

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Contacts

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Family + Community

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Home

28 Eat//Sip//Savour On Your Doorstep

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© 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.

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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

WIN! PAGE 44

Regulars

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

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

PAGE 16

ISSUE #11 MAY 16

FACEBOOK.COM/INTOUCHMAGAZINES INSTAGRAM @INTOUCHMAGAZINES

On the Cover It took just 2 weeks for Nigel Milson to paint what went on to become the stand-out entry in the 2015 Archibald Prize. This month the prestigious Archibald Prize 2015 exhibition will grace the walls of Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery. See the finalists and award winners up close including our cover shot of the winner, Judo house pt 6 (the whiteboard), oil on linen 232 x 190 cm. © the artist © AGNSW, Mim Stirling.

Contributors Carla Elkin Jess Codrington Therese Ferry Sonya McNaughton Andrea Ciotti Dani Rivett

Michelle Meehan Di von Essen Melinda Smith Emily Gallagher Deborah Bartlett Alice Cowell

Megan O'Sullivan Quentin von Essen Sonya Todd-Jones Scott Webster Mel Murray Chloe Sullivan

TOPFIVEONFIVE Top Book TED TALKS Chris Anderson For anyone who has ever been inspired by a TED talk…

This is an insider’s guide to creating talks that are unforgettable!

Since taking over TED in the early 2000s, Chris Anderson has shown how carefully crafted short talks can be the key to unlocking empathy, stirring excitement, spreading Dave Bean knowledge, and promoting a shared dream. Done right, a talk can electrify a room and transform an audience’s worldview. Done right, a talk is more powerful than anything in written form.

This book explains how the miracle of powerful public speaking is achieved, and equips you to give it your best shot. There is no set formula; no two talks should be the same. The goal is for you to give the talk that only you can give. But don’t be intimidated. You may find it more natural than you think. Publishing May 3rd, 2016

Top Gig

Photo of the Month Merewether Baths

Stunning sunrise over Merewether Baths Pumphouse on the 11th March 2016 taken by Shane Williams of Striking Newcastle (see: www.strikingnewcastle.com.au).

If you love this still photo then you will love the time lapse photography that went into capturing this spectacular sunrise. Visit the current issue at www.intouchmagazine.com.au, click on the current issue and navigate to this page. Hover your mouse (or finger) over the image and click to watch.

Top Drop

PEACE TRAIN - A TRIBUTE TO CAT STEVENS Belmont 16s In a very special, limited season, of Saturday Night performances, Darren Coggan presents Peace Train – A tribute to Cat Stevens, Another Saturday Night tour.

Cat Stevens defined a generation with songs that the whole world sang along with. These timeless songs including Moonshadow, Wild World, Where Do the Children Play, Father & Son, Morning Has Broken, Another Saturday Night and many more. Darren Coggan takes the audience on a ride of discovery, in a celebration of the life of one of the most inspiring and prolific singer songwriters of our time, Cat Stevens.

Don't miss Darren Coggan live at Belmont 16's on May 21st. You can find tickets online at www.16s.com.au or from Belmont 16's for $50.

MEEREA PARK XYZ 2014 Shiraz From one of the one most acclaimed boutique wineries in the Country, the XYZ brand wines constitute modern styles of Hunter Valley Shiraz. The fruit for this wine is from the mature ‘Lochleven’ Shiraz vineyard located on the corner of McDonalds and Deasys roads in Pokolbin which was planted in 1973.

TASTING Deep crimson in colour with purple tinges belies intense aromas of blueberries and blackberries. The palate is medium-bodied but heading towards full, has ample flavour with plenty of varietal red and dark berries. Oak is present but because of the seamless balance, appears minimal.

FOOD MATCH Wonderful when paired with beef, lamb and cheese based cuisine.

Top Spot

Top Movie WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT

THE DISCERNING DROP 1/38 Bolton Street, Newcastle

An American biographical war drama/comedy, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is based on the memoir The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan by Kim Barker.

The Discerning Drop is definitely your one stop shop for those who are a little more selective in their choice of wine, want to try something new or simply want to enhance their dining and entertaining experience.

Dissatisfied with her low-profile journalist career, Kim Barker (Tina Fey) agrees to take a short assignment as a war correspondent in Afghanistan, befriending noted Australian correspondent Tanya Vanderpoel (Margot Robbie) and openly lecherous Scottish freelance photographer Iain MacKelpie (Martin Freeman).

Despite all the danger, Kim stays in Afghanistan for months, then years beyond her original assignment.

Owner Kathryn, who has spent many years working in the wine industry, has a superb eye (and of course palate) when it comes to wine. And it shows. Her shelves are stocked with a careful and handpicked selection of mostly small winemakers from the Hunter Valley, as well as Margaret River, Bordeaux and other regions in France, Spain and New Zealand (to name a few). Catering for all tastes, there is also a selection of ciders and craft beers, plus a supply of the more popular beer brands.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is in cinemas from May 12th.

Open 10am - 7pm Sunday to Wednesday, 10am - 8pm Thursday to Saturday. Ph 4048 0455.

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

INTOUCH WHAT'S ON The open day will include tasting to highlight the sensational wine and beer menu with Lizotte's famous Art Series from Bacchant Wines and some spectacular locally brewed craft beers from Murray's. Tasty morsels will also be on offer as Brian shows off our new regular table side cooking and the winter seasonal menu including beautiful dessert trolleys for those with a sweet tooth.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with us and spoil your mum with two free tickets to Reading Cinemas! Simply spend $75 at any store (excluding supermarkets) and receive this bonus gift, valued at $18! Rush in as this great offer is available until Sunday 8 May, or while stocks last. Details at the Customer Service Desk, Level 1 near JB Hi Fi. As the largest shopping and entertainment destination in The Hunter, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for whatever Mum is in your life. For the stylish mum – head to Myer, or over 120 fashion stores including Review, Sheike, Forever New, Country Road, Witchery for this season’s key trends. For the active mum, how about new active wear from Lorna Jane (now located level 2 opposite Apple), Rockwear, Nike or The Athlete’s Foot. Or for the gourmet mum – choose from the fabulous ranges and gadgets available at House, Robin’s Kitchen, Target or cook books from Dymocks, QBD Bookshop or Big W. This month Charlestown Square will welcome the first Universal Store to The Hunter on Level 2 near Reading Cinemas, opening mid-May. Come in to check out this season’s latest unisex urban wear!

During May you will notice there are new locations for Just Teez’n and Bloch. You will find these located Level 1 near the Pearson Street entrance. Check out Star Nails, also new to the Ground Floor next to Café Salt, and Aldi is currently fitting out their new store, next to Woolworths, which will open in late June. To be the first to know about retailer and development news, join our database at www.charlestownsquare.com.au There’s a refreshing chill in the air now, so if you’re looking for fashion inspiration, there is a range of Style Services available at the Style Centre @ Charlestown Square with our resident Stylist, Natalie Baker.

The popular FREE 20 minute Saturday styling sessions are now available every Saturday (except school holidays) or if you’d like more time, book for a 2 hour paid styling session and we’ll give you a $50 Gift Card to put towards your new season purchase! Our style services are designed to provide information on dressing for different body shapes, lifestyles and budget and bookings are essential at www.charlestownsquare.com.au And we have a great new service now available called Parcel Point. It’s the easiest way to collect and return your online purchases. You can now pick up and drop off parcels at the Customer Service Desk at Charlestown Square, anytime it suits you – including Thursday nights and weekends.

Enjoy the Hunter’s largest shopping and entertainment destination during May. Cheers,

Therese,

Marketing Team

If you haven't already done so, now is your chance to check out the stunning Royal Suite, a private booth for that special occasion or get together with friends. As part of sharing the Lizotte’s history with you, the carpet in the suite is from the Kincumber stage. With 10 years worth of rock royalty having stepped onto those threads including Jimmy Barnes, Diesel and Jon Stevens, you’ll be sure to want to stand a while and reflect.

A Very Royal Open Day for Lizotte's 7th Birthday Bash More than a century ago, the building at 31 Morehead Street in Lambton was opened to celebrate King Georges Coronation. On Sunday, June 5, from 11am to 4pm, Lizotte's will be throwing open the doors for a Lizotte's Royal Open Day. Celebrating not only the buildings 106 years but also the 7th year of Lizotte's looking after the social lives of the people in Newcastle.

As part of Brian and Jo Lizotte's renewed commitment to this stunning heritage space, the team will introduce Newcastle music lovers and foodies to some exciting changes on the day.

Everyone who comes through the doors on the day will go into the draw to win the King or Queen for a Day competition. The lucky winner (and their 3 besties) will be enthroned in the Royal Suite for an upcoming Premier Show (details to be released in coming weeks). There will also be loads more “money can't buy” giveaways and activities on the day.

Keep an eye on the Lizotte’s Facebook page for more details as the date draws nearer. If you are Lizotte’s regular, the team look forward to showing off recent changes and if you haven't been in since Lizottes moved in, now is your chance to make Lizotte's part of your social life!

We love one another more than ever, but it was not always that way.

Could you ever have imagined you would be so successful?

Actually, I imagined we would be much more successful, but my laziness got in the way.

What do you think it is about the Choirboys that has created such an enduring sound? How have you guys survived when many around you have fallen?

The truth is I think we are just a bunch of guys who stumble into walls. Most of what we do is accidental.

You are described as being an Aussie Pub Rock Band – how would you describe this ‘brand’?

SNAPCHAT WITH CHOIRBOYS’ MARK GABLE The iconic Choirboys are an essential part of our Australian culture having penned one of Australia's unofficial anthems Run to Paradise. Some would say Choirboys epitomise the essence of the Australian pub culture are viewed by many as the quintessential Australian rock band. Choirboys are headed our way and will play Lizotte’s on May 27th. For tickets visit www.newcastle.lizottes.com.au How did you guys get together? Whose idea was it? How did you come up with the name?

The band got together organically, this started in 1976.... You know, I know this guy, he is in a band with that guy (Brad and Ian were in a band called ‘Hot Lips’). The Northern Beaches of Sydney was a hotpot for up-and-coming bands in the 70s. The name came about because there were a bunch of bands with religious names – The Angels, The Saints, The Church.

How long exactly have you guys been together? Do you still get along with each other?

It will be 40 years together this year I guess (and it is a guess).

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In true Lizotte's style, the venue will be filled with the sounds of sensational local artists and the kitchen will be open for light lunch and hot coffee.

Loud. A chords hit hard. Beer. Pubs were the place to be and meet people. Coming out of the 60's into the 70's the pub was the village centre so the music grew out of that. There is no one in the world that can play rock like the guys/girls from that time in Australia.

After so many years of touring you could probably fill a book (is that on the cards?) with funny (and not so funny) “on the road” stories? What’s the funniest? And on the other side of the card – what was the worst tour experience and why?

Book? Coming but not about Choirboys/me but about Australian Rock n’ Roll in general. Funniest Moment Wellington NSW: Girl walks backstage after show, band is naked, girl is unfazed, band is unfazed. The girl says “My mom will have mass orgs when I tell her I came backstage to meet you guys.” Worst Moment - Album launch in a record store in some suburb of Brisbane in 1991 I think. We arrive and are the only ones there (this story happens a lot it would appear).

If you had to go back 37 years and visit your younger selves – what advice would you give yourselves?

“Hey, you know those mistakes I know you will make?” “Here is a list, do them all in one week, I will see you back here in seven days, good luck.”

On behalf of our readers - thanks so much for your time!

INTOUCH WHAT'S ON features well-loved favourites such as Gabriel’s Oboe, Mascagni’s famous Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana, Mattinata, Felicità, Arrivederci Roma and excerpts from Verdi’s La Traviata and Puccini’s Madama Butterfly as well as his 2015 Maastricht DVD Wonderful World (Universal Music).

On stage André’s incredible musical prowess, passion, charisma and humour make for a magical spectacle. His romantic and fun concerts are the only ones where people regularly jump to their feet and dance in the aisles.

ANDRÉ RIEU

Announces Arena Tour For 2016!

International superstar André Rieu is thrilled to be returning to Australia with a brand new Arena Tour that includes – yes – Newcastle!

Every year, André, his Johann Strauss Orchestra, chorus and international soloists tour all over the world to perform in front of an audience of over 600,000 people and outsells mega artists such as Coldplay, AC/DC and Bruce Springsteen (yes really!)

His tours have been on Billboard’s Top 10 for the past ten years. André’s shows will make you laugh, weep and dance in the isles. His concerts are not like the stiff classical concerts you may have experienced. Be prepared for an evening full of fun!

André Rieu is quite simply a musical phenomenon like no other. The Dutch King of Waltz is the world’s most successful violinist ever having sold a massive 40 million CDs and DVDs. Along with his Johann Strauss Orchestra, André has created a global revival in waltz music, staging spectacular extravaganzas which are second to none. Having received over 400 Platinum Awards, he is one of the biggest solo male touring artists in the world.

Australians first became enthralled with André back in 2008 when he became the country’s Biggest Selling Artist for three straight years.

André now proudly calls Australia his “second home” and has immense love for his massive legion of loyal fans Down Under. He is always amazed at the fantastic reception he receives from captivated Aussie audiences.

“I am so much looking forward to finally coming back to Australia after three years. I remember well the first time I performed in Australia, it felt like people were waiting for us to come for a long time and they gave us such a warm welcome. I have never experienced that anywhere else,” said Andre.

Late 2015, André released his brand new album Roman Holiday (Universal Music) which

It’s not uncommon to see devoted Australian fans laughing, weeping, clapping, dancing and embracing as André and his orchestra belt out the most beautiful waltzes, classics from the world of opera, film and folk music, as well as iconic Australian songs like Waltzing Matilda.

“André Rieu puts on the biggest show on Earth.

Move over Rolling Stones, you ain’t got nothing on André Rieu.” - The Wall Street Journal Don’t miss your chance to see one of the most popular live acts in the world right here in Newcastle. Tickets are on sale now from Ticketek, visit www.ticketek.com.au

Fun Facts you really should know about Andre Rieu •He’s been married for 40 years to Marjorie, a former teacher of German and Italian. The couple has two sons, Marc (who is a painter) and Pierre (who is Vice President of André Rieu Productions). André and Marjorie enjoy spending time with their four lovely grandchildren.

•André lives and works in Maastricht. His company is called “André Rieu Productions.”

•94 employees work for André on a regular basis with about 100 freelancers while on tour.

•His orchestra members come from ten different nations.

•André has his own recording studio, travel agency, a kindergarten for the orchestra member’s children, his own buses (built by Mercedes-Benz) and owns a complete Atelier in which the costumes for his concerts are made.

•He owns four complete sets of the stage, instruments, costumes, etc •André Rieu and his orchestra travel with his own cooks, doctor and fitness trainer.

•Favourite Composer: Johann Strauss (not surprising) •Favourite Movie: Sound of Music (really not surprising) •Favourite Food: Italian! (OK, this is surprising!)

WIN GOLD TICKETS FOR MOTHERS DAY! Thanks to our friends at André Rieu Productions we have 2 x Double GOLD Tickets to giveaway to two lucky readers (worth over $200 per ticket!). Treat your Mum to a night she’ll never forget - visit the GIVEAWAYS page at www.intouchmagazine.com.au to enter.

Competition closes May 31st. Good Luck! www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 7

COVER STORY FEATURE ARCHIBALD ROSS NOBLE PRIZE 2015 Waterstreet represented Milsom throughout the court case, during which he pleaded guilty and was initially sentenced to six-and-ahalf years in prison before it was downgraded on appeal to just under 12 months.

blew the judges away with its stark yet immediately striking nature.

Waterstreet’s visage was rendered in an almost gothic style, painted as Milsom described it, in “an attempt to depict him as a giant: part man, part mythical creature, with hands that appear otherworldly”.

Art Gallery of New South Wales board of trustees President During that time, Waterstreet and Guido Belgiorno-Nettis called it “a magnificent painting” that Milsom formed a close bond, so it was both powerful and commanding. was only natural that at some stage “Apparently when they saw it, I was told, they all just agreed, the their roles would be reversed, and the barrister would become the subject of decision was pretty much immediate once they saw it,” Milsom said. the artist’s work.

“I’d known Charlie for a while, and I always looked at him as a painting; it wasn’t like I just chose someone and painted them for the Archibald,” Milson told intouch Magazine.

I think I started it three weeks before (entries closed), but I left a week for it to dry so it took me two weeks to paint it, and that was doing other things as well.

But I’d been thinking about it for three years. I had done a lot of preparation mentally for it.

Winner 2015 Archibald Prize Nigel Milsom with subject Charles Waterstreet Judo house pt 6 (the white board) oil on linen, 232 x 190 cm, © the artist, photo: © AGNSW, Mim Stirling.

ARCHIBALD PRIZE 2015 Exhibition WORDS: MICHELLE MEEHAN

It took just two weeks for Nigel Milsom to paint what went on to become the stand-out entry in the 2015 Archibald Prize.

“And then leading up to the Archibald I did it, and I thought I might as well enter it just because it looked like something that might get in or hold up in a room full of other portraits.”

Years later when Milsom was a well-regarded artist living in Sydney he sometimes crossed paths socially with Waterstreet, a prominent legal identity who was the inspiration for the ABC TV series Rake.

His style was inspired in part by a novella he was reading at the time – The Metamorphosis, by Franz Kafka - in which the main character wakes one morning to find he has turned into an insect.

But Milsom said he was also influenced by the way Waterstreet “reached out and helped out when I needed him.”

“Charlie restored my faith in the legal system,” Milsom said.

“He is a very complex person… he isn’t just a lawman. He’s a writer, a social environmentalist and does things in film, photography and theatre too.

“Despite his busy life, he has managed to dedicate most of his time to the welfare of others.”

But while the back story of Milsom and Waterstreet’s relationship is crucial to how the painting came about, the celebrated artist said it also almost threatened to overshadow the achievement of winning the Archibald Prize itself.

Milsom, who had previously won the related Sulman Prize, and was announced as the winner of the $150,000 Doug Moran National Portrait Prize while he was in prison, said in the weeks following the Archibald announcement he was forced to retell the back story time and time again – a process he said was quite uncomfortable.

“It was like repeating, being constantly asked the same questions. The whole thing felt surreal to me because of what I was beforehand and then to where I went, then back to where I was again,” he said.

It was a case of third time lucky for Milsom, who had previously been “People had known my work beforehand and then I was falling shortlisted for the $100,000 prize and then rising or just coming back to where I was before all with paintings of fellow artist and friend Adam Cullen and his art dealer of that happened. It was just this really fast, rapid, intense experience and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, even though I won Kerry Crowley. the Archibald and when I was in gaol I won the Doug Moran.

“Once it got in, I sort of thought well “It was a bit (uncomfortable talking about being in gaol); you get you know there’s 40 other paintings out, and you just want to put it behind you,” he said. in there, so I’m in with a chance just as much as everyone else,” he said.

“It’s not a nice experience, and so you feel like you’re almost “But you don’t think you can win, it doesn’t matter if you like the back in there because you’re talking about it so much.

But the work, a visually commanding oil on linen portrait of Milsom’s long-term friend and one-time painting or not because you’re not judging it. It was a shock really. barrister Charles Waterstreet, had been a lifetime “I didn’t show (Waterstreet) the finished painting until it got in the making.

Milsom’s association with the Waterstreet family began in Albury during 1975 when he was born just around the corner from the Waterstreet Hotel, which was owned and managed by Charles Waterstreet’s parents. His father sold fresh fish to the publicans to finance a boat he was building.

“Usually, the trustees have a bit of debate but apparently this time around they just went it’s the one.”

accepted, he didn’t see it, and when he did see it originally, he was a bit taken back with it and then he came around and thought it was great.

“I’ve found pretty much anyone that I’ve painted, their first response is that they don’t like it, that’s just always been the case, so I don’t say I’m going to enter it into the Archibald, and I don’t show them until it gets in. It’s just easier for me not to show the finished painting until it’s out of my hands.

“And sometimes people were more interested in talking about that than the painting.

“At the end of the day, I couldn’t leave it out of the picture because my whole relationship with Charlie kind of grew out of that.

“I still find it hard to comprehend that that’s where I ended up and so to be discussing it with people after winning the Archibald, you kind of don’t think it’s really happening … someone pinch me and wake me up.

“But I’ve pretty much put it behind me, it’s sort of been more quiet, kind of slow, just getting back to normal without the fuss “Even some friends said (of the Waterstreet painting) ‘You’re not of the Archibald. going to get in with that, it looks like Freddy Kruger.' I thought “It’s been good - you kind of get so lost in all of that, it just kind But it wasn’t until after one fateful night in April 2012 when those comments were funny.” of takes over your life after a few weeks and your painting kind Milsom and his drug dealer committed an armed robbery at a Not only did Milsom make the cut with the painting - the largest of suffers and you get a bit frustrated, but things settle back Glebe convenience store that their relationship took a new turn. in the exhibition and titled Judo house pt 6 (the white bird) - he down, which is good.”

8 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

COVER STORY ARCHIBALD PRIZE 2015

2015 Archibald Prize finalist Blak Douglas (aka Adam Hill) Smoke & mirrors (Uncle Max Eulo) acrylic on canvas, 214 x 214 cm, © the artist, photo: © AGNSW, Felicity Jenkins.

Of course, the fanfare around the Archibald Prize is about to reignite somewhat in the Hunter when Milsom’s painting and a selection of others make their way onto the walls of the Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery this month.

2015 Archibald Prize finalist Julian Meagher Daniel Johns oil on linen, 122 x 91 cm, © the artist, photo: © AGNSW, Mim Stirling.

Eulo, an Aboriginal cultural entertainer, also made the cut in the Archibald Prize last year.

Douglas was born Adam Douglas Hill on Dharug Country (Blacktown) in 1970 to an Aboriginal father and Australian mother.

2015 Archibald Prize finalist Bruno Jean Grasswill Michael Caton oil, 178.8 x 121.7 cm, © the artist, photo: © AGNSW, Felicity Jenkins.

“They both suffer from the same form of autoimmune arthritis, and this year I discovered I have bone trouble in both hips as well. We’re three young men in chronic pain, and I was fascinated with how Daniel has dealt with his,” he said.

“He introduced me to grunge as a teenager, when he was still a teenager himself. Over a 20-year career, he’s divulged his ups and downs honestly. He’s like that in person too.

While he studied photography, illustration, and graphics at the University of Western Sydney Nepean, he is a largely self-taught The Archibald Prize 2015 is an Art Gallery of New South Wales artist, whose work is classified in the genre of modern pop art. “The vantage point is slightly below the subject as if we’re touring exhibition and is supported by Principal Sponsor ANZ. viewing him from an audience. But he’s looking off in another While his paintings are included in collections nationally and direction.

I wanted to show that ambiguity and thoughtfulness Milsom said it was fantastic to see one of the country’s most internationally including at the National Gallery of Australia, he you get with Daniel.” highly respected and well-known exhibitions making its way to was elated to be the first identified Dhungatti Aboriginal artist regional areas such as the Hunter. selected as a finalist in the Archibald Prize.

Aside from the official winner, one of the most highly anticipated paintings on the tour is always the victor of the “I went up to Murwillumbah (in Queensland) when it was up Blak Douglas said the subject of his work had “etched his way Packing Room Prize In 2015, that portrait, an oil on canvas there and just seeing people get really excited about just going into modern Sydney Aboriginal culture somewhat enigmatically.” of iconic Australian actor Michael Caton, also took out the to their local art gallery, it generates that sort of excitement,” “I recall seeing him for the first time, a decade ago, at a launch People’s Choice Award. he said. in Ashfield. His introductory catchphrase was: ‘My name’s A close-up view of Caton’s head, French-born artist Bruno Jean “I think people have a good time, and it’s probably really good Uncle Max Eulo, and I’m from Bourke, where the crows fly Grasswill managed to capture within his brush strokes the for kids too to go and see a show in their local area that has backwards’,” he said. multi-faceted “vibe” and irascible charm of the much-loved quite a big reputation.

“Thereafter, I’ve seen Uncle Max at most Indigenous events, larrikin of the stage and screen who is probably still best known “I think a show like the Archibald is exciting and can inspire cleansing the scene with his coolamon (dish) and smoking gum for his portrayal of Daryl Kerrigan in the classic film The Castle. people to maybe go and visit another art gallery or get leaves.

Grasswill said he wanted to capture Caton’s contradictory involved in art or just looking at stuff. That’s what I found with “I thought this lovely man should be portrayed not only because rawness and sophistication: “an image of a discreet smile on Murwillumbah, they came from everywhere, Brisbane and out a well-known face peering into the dark side of life, mixing in the country, it was like the first time they’d been there (to the of his prepossessing face but the fact that he has become one of the most recognised artistic celebrities within the public Shakespearean comedy and tragedy.” gallery). performance arena. Where there’s smoke, there’s Uncle Max.” “He is a multi-faceted, inspiring character with attractive, “For many regional art galleries, it’s probably the only show The Archibald Prize is often filled with well-known entertainers, edgy contradictions: a sensitive, determined human rights where a broad array of people will go and view the gallery really musicians, and artists, as per the entry criteria set out in the campaigner, yet sometimes sour and dark,” he said. and I think that’s good for the local artists in the area and for terms of the will of the late JF Archibald on March 15, 1916. the people that run the gallery.”

The Archibald Prize 2015 will run at Lake Macquarie City Art This states that the portrait should be “preferentially of some The touring exhibition has been to Lake Macquarie many times man or woman distinguished in art, letters, science or politics.” Gallery from April 30 to June 5. For more information visit the gallery website at www.artgallery.lakemac.com.au throughout its history and always attracts a big crowd.

A familiar famous face for Novocastrians that will be on show This year’s exhibition will be officially opened at a free event during the touring exhibition is an arresting vision of Newcastle THE ARCHIBALD PRIZE AGAIN BRINGS US NEW STORIES on Sunday, May 1 from 2pm, with guest speakers including musician Daniel Johns.

AND PERSPECTIVES ON WHO WE ARE. FOR 94 YEARS THIS Milsom, 2015 finalist Kim Leutwyler, Art Gallery of NSW curator The former Silverchair frontman and now soloist was painted by EXHIBITION HAS CHRONICLED THE CHANGING FACE OF Anne Ryan and Councillor Jodie Harrison, Lord Mayor of Lake Sydney artist and former doctor Julian Meagher, who depicted AUSTRALIA AND REMAINS TODAY AN UNMATCHED VISUAL Macquarie. the Novocastrian with his shirt off, staring into the distance.

ACCOUNT OF OUR TIME AND PLACE. Aboriginal artist Blak Douglas (aka Adam Hill) will also speak Meagher revealed he was inspired while talking about Johns Michael Brand - Director, Art Gallery of New South Wales at the opening after his acrylic on canvas portrait of Uncle Max with his brother. www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 9

What’s on?

SUNDAY, MAY 1

Archibald Prize 2015 Regional Tour This prestigious and much anticipated highlight of the arts calendar stops at Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery, with its' celebrated 2015 winner Nigel Milsom. Until June 5.

►COMING

UP MAY

SUNDAY 1ST 1927 Lizottes WEDNESDAY 4TH Live n Local Lizottes FRIDAY 6TH Moving Pictures Picture This Belmont 16s The Sigit + Devil Electric The Small Ballroom SATURDAY 7TH Little May The Small Ballroom SUNDAY 8TH The Michael Bublé Experience Lizottes The Wonder Years The Cambridge Hotel MONDAY 9TH Coheed and Cambria The Cambridge Hotel WEDNESDAY 11TH Live n Local Lizottes FRIDAY 13TH The Drones The Cambridge Hotel Diesel Pieces of Americana Nelson Bay DIggers Mathas The Small Ballroom SATURDAY 14TH The Cat Empire Bar on the Hill, UoN ACCA DACCA The Small Ballroom Hurricane Fall Wickham Park Hotel Equinox of Sound Croatian Club, Wickham FACEplant The Cambridge Hotel SUNDAY 15TH Men from Earth Lizottes Mark Wood Wickham Park Hotel TUESDAY 17TH Whitebridge Music Showcase Lizottes WEDNESDAY 18TH Live n Local Lizottes THURSDAY 19TH Melody Pool Australian Tour 5 Sawyers SATURDAY 21ST Thunderstruck + Shadow Boxer + Rose Tattoo For You Cardiff Rsl Peace Train Another Saturday Night Cat Stevens Tribute Belmont 16s Sahara Beck Lizottes SUNDAY 22ND The Rehab Brass Band Lizottes TUESDAY 24TH Uni Music Lizottes THURSDAY 26TH Tully on Tully + Wallflower Bar on the Hill, UoN Basement + Turnover + Break Even The Cambridge Hotel FRIDAY 27TH Foster & Allen Wests New Lambton SATURDAY 28TH The Screaming Jets Belmont 16s SUNDAY 29TH Roy Orbison + The Everly Brothers Wests New Lambton

JUNE

WEDNESDAY 1ST Bagraiders The Cambridge Hotel TUESDAY 7TH Jeff Martin Lizottes SUNDAY 12TH Dylan Joel The Small Ballroom

10 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

F U Cancer - Catherine Britt + Beccy Cole + Kasey Chambers Country music star Catherine Britt is telling cancer where to go with four special shows appropriately titled ‘F U Cancer!’. Wests New Lambton. www.westsnewcastle.com.au

SUNDAY, MAY 8

Light the Lake for Ovarian Cancer This Mothers' Day evening, join the community for a walk around the lake to raise money and awareness for ovarian cancer. Registration is $20 - includes a light, wrist band, bottle of water and a teal bib to write who you are supporting. Speers Point Park, 4pm. BBQ and entertainment. www.supportersofcancer.com.au

UNTIL JUNE 30

MAY 8

THURSDAY, MAY 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

Nexus 18 Opening Night An annual art exhibition held at Newcastle Grammar School. The opening night starts at 7pm, with the exhibition also open on May 14 + 15, 11am - 3pm. Level 2, Holland Building, Newcomen Street, Newcastle.

World Grand Masters Hockey World Cup 2016 Catch one of the largest Hockey events at the Newcastle International Hockey Centre, Broadmeadow from 2―13 May. www.wgmaworldcup2016.com Aneurysm Survivors Support Group For survivors and families. Contact Rosalynd - 0435 409 325 or rosalyndoshannassy@gmail.com. Belmont 16s, 11am.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4

Reclaim Lunchtime Interactive Tai Chi and Qigong sessions at Civic Park, 1pm - 2pm, every Wednesday!

Star Wars Trivia May the Fourth be with you Empire Coffee Co, 7pm, $20 entry. Crown St, Newcastle.

THURSDAY, MAY 5

The Peasant Prince Civic Theatre.

ACO 2016 Season Beethoven & Mozart V City Hall.

Big Mary Presented by St Francis Xavier College. 5―7 May, Playhouse Theatre.

FRIDAY, MAY 6

Australia vs New Zealand Test Match Hunter Stadium, 7.55pm kick off.

SATURDAY, MAY 14

Barry Morgan Australia’s celebrity organ salesman has been busy touring, returning for one special night of organ magic at the Playhouse Theatre.

Lovedale Long Lunch A stellar 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, MAY 15

Knights vs Sharks Hunter Stadium, 2pm kick off.

MONDAY, MAY 16

Vintage Bride Wedding Fair Newcastle City Hall 10am-2pm, $10 entry. www.vintagebridemag.com.au

TUESDAY, MAY 24

Sydney Symphony Orchestra Civic Theatre.

MONDAY, MAY 25

Celtic Thunder Legacy The show is a review of Celtic Thunder's most popular songs to date and sees Celtic Thunder soloists Colm Keegan, Keith Harkin, Ryan Kelly, Emmett Cahill and Neil Byrne joined by former cast mate Damian McGinty. Civic Theatre.

Sydney Symphony Orchestra Interactive Concert Students have the opportunity to interact with the conductor and musicians, while learning about the four families of orchestral instruments in a series of exciting orchestral works. City Hall.

THURSDAY, MAY 26

Port to Port MTB An annual 4-day stage race, where riders are be treated to the iconic local scenery of Port Stephens, Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, along with spectator points. www.porttoportmtb.com NJC Race Day FREE Entry, Broadmeadow Racecourse.

FRIDAY, MAY 27

Hunter Valley Caravan, Camping, 4WD, Fish and Boat Show $15 Adults, $11 Pensioners, Kids FREE up to 16 years (with adult). Maitland Showground, 27―29 May. www.ruralscene.com.au

16 - 21 MAY

Swanfest 2016 A fun-filled day of Hunter Valley wine, culinary delights, markets and music all in a great foreshore setting. Along the Swansea channel, adjacent to Swansea RSL, 10am to 4pm.

SATURDAY, MAY 28 SUNDAY, MAY 29

Hunter Memory Walk + Jog A fundraising event for Alzheimer's Australia NSW. www.memorywalk.com.au

Upper Hunter Wine and Food Affair 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

AHA NSW Race Day + Canadian Club Marquee Party Broadmeadow Racecourse.

Superhero Stride A 3km family fun walk along the Newcastle foreshore, with participants asked to dress as their favourite superhero! The event will raise funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, with music and entertainment at the end.

Registrations open on the day at 8.30am, or go to www.superherostride.com

Roald Dahl Festival Roald Dahl’s legendary language is famed throughout the world and now in its second year, Hunter Drama gives you the opportunity to present a short performance based on your favourite Roald Dahl short story, character or poem. 16―21 May, Playhouse Theatre.

SATURDAY, MAY 7

Free Comic Book Day Over fifty different Free Comic Book Day titles on offer new and old to choose from at Graphic Action Comics, Hunter Street.

SATURDAY, MAY 21 SUNDAY, MAY 22

FRIDAY, MAY 13

MONDAY, MAY 2

2016 Newcastle Lake Macquarie Career and Training Expo Over 100 exhibitors including major universities, leading training providers, employers and community organisations from across the region and interstate. Newcastle Jockey Club, 1pm - 3.30pm, $5 entry. www.newcastlecareerexpo.com.au

Newcastle Herald Race Day Broadmeadow Racecourse.

Surf n Turf Obstacle Race If you're not already registered to race, this will be great to watch! Think monkey bars, climbing walls, truck tyres, rope climbs etc. King Edward Park, from 9am.

Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival All throughout May and June, various events surrounding art, food and wine will be on at wineries and restaurants in wine country.

THURSDAY, MAY 19

TUESDAY, MAY 17

The 52 Storey Treehouse A Play by Richard Tulloch.

Adapted from the best selling book by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton. 17―18 May, Civic Theatre.

Raid My Wardrobe Quality preloved and vintage clothing all under one roof! Newcastle Basketball Stadium. $25 VIP entry 9am, or $5 general entry 10am, both until 1pm (cash only, no ATMs available).

VIP tickets from www.raidmywardrobe.com.au DROP IN NEWCASTLE: Eats, Beats and Bikes The finish line festival of Port to Port MTB. Market stalls, food, local brewers, Hunter Valley wine and entertainment, at Dixon Park, 12pm.

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

What’s on?

Coming Up IN JUNE

Live & Cookin’

WEDNESDAY 1 Westpac Rescue Helicopter Exhibition As part of their 40th anniversary, Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service will be having a month-long exhibit highlighting the history and future of the Service, those we have helped and those who make it possible at Newcastle Museum. Open 10am - 5pm, Tues to Sun.

THURSDAY 2 Comedy Night at Foghorn Brewhouse Lineup includes headliner Rhys Nicholson, Gareth Wasik, Isaac Butterfield, Matt Reddy, Brendan Knott and Kyle Legacy (UK) as MC. Tickets are $59, phone 4929 4721 or online through ticketbooth.

SUNDAY 5 World’s Biggest Car Boot Sale Newcastle Jockey Club.

FRIDAY 10 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow 10―12 June, Civic Theatre.

TUESDAY 21 Scholastic Children's Book Sale A large selection of children’s books will be 50―90% off including paperback novels, picture books, activity items and much more! Everyone welcome including schools. Newcastle Jockey Club, 8am - 5pm.

WEDNESDAY 22 Michael Jackson HIStory Show all of MJ’s greatest hits performed live by the multi-talented impersonator Dantanio. Civic Theatre.

THURSDAY 23 The Pink Floyd Experience Featuring a recreation of the music, staging and special effects used by Pink Floyd. Civic Theatre.

SATURDAY 25 Show Your Colours Newcastle A colourful fun run raising much needed funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. www.ow.ly/103Q0Z

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

THE WARM + POWERFUL MR. PERCIVAL Darren Percival is a singer, and he now enjoys the reputation not just as one of Australia’s most accomplished entertainers, but also a Gold album selling recording artist, a gifted musician, and dynamic radio presenter and vocal coach.

His voice is warm and powerful. Audiences are mesmerised by his stage presence, his original music, and his charm. He delivers astonishing performances and is a gifted vocalist with natural talent, imagination and skill.

He’s been artistically inspired since a young age and during high school while studying piano, singing and acting at a performing arts center in his hometown of Sydney. By the time he had graduated in 1989, Australian jazz icon James Morrison had discovered Darren and together they began a decade of musical adventures.

JACKIE WARD Thursday 5

THE BADLOVES Friday 6

RUMOURS - A TRIBUTE TO FLEETWOOD MAC Saturday 7 STEVE BALBI Thursday 12

LUKE OSHEA Saturday 14

PHIL JAMIESON - GRINSPOON Thursday 19

Darren released his debut album Falling Around The Sun in 2003, featuring his original music alongside other albums as Mr. Percival, showcasing his incredible solo vocal looping. He has worked the music festival circuit since 2004 with his inspiring projects Out Of The Loop plus Microphones and in the corporate arena with a long list of live performances featuring various lineups playing the music of Ray Charles and tracks from his covers albums.

PHIL WIGGINS (USA) + DOM TURNER (AUS) Wednesday 25

More recently, Darren lit up millions of TV screens with his soulstirring performances on the first season of The Voice Australia, where he was coached by Keith Urban and became the 2012 runner up. His album Happy Home debuted at number 3 on the ARIA chart and went Gold. Since then, Darren has been selling out his national tours.

RAY BEADLE, STEVIE RAY VAUGHN TRIBUTE Saturday 28

Darren and his wife Amanda live with their two children on the Sunshine Coast, where he presents his own radio program Up Close & Percival for EON Broadcasters. Away from the microphone he enjoys reading, cooking, painting and playing tennis.

Currently enthralled with writing and recording his own music and touring with his band, Darren’s also creating singing programs for children and adults in an endeavor to change the way people think about singing and being in a choir.

WIN!

Bistro Open Tuesday to SATURDAY

MAY

Through his career, Darren’s dulcet tones have featured on numerous recordings, jingles, and voice-overs. He’s toured as a backing singer, and you’ll find him on the album credits for many other well-known Australian artists.

Few artists paint with sound – Darren Percival is art for the ears…

Darren will be performing at Lizotte’s Newcastle on Saturday, June 11th. Visit www.Newcastle.Lizottes.com.au for more information.

•TAB •SPORTSBAR

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

MAIN MEAL & SHOW DOUBLE PASS! Win a double pass to enjoy the dulcet tones of Darren Percival at Lizotte’s Newcastle on June 11th.

Winning is simple – visit the GIVEAWAYS page at www.intouchmagazine.com.au. Entries will close May 31st. Good Luck!

THE BREWSTER BROTHERS Friday 20

MAT MCHUGH Thursday 26

CHOIRBOYS Friday 27

NOT SO LAZY LUNCH WITH BECCY COLE Sunday 29

JUNE MARK WILKINSON Wednesday 1

TRIBUTE TO STEELY DAN Friday 3

BONDI CIGARS Saturday 4

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 WHAT'S ON

OPERA HUNTER AND LAKE MACQUARIE CITY COUNCIL PRESENT

HUNTER OPERA

Bursting with Talent for Thirty Years

In 1986, a group of people came together with a vision of bringing operatic performances to stages throughout the Hunter. Thirty years and over 50 productions later, Opera Hunter is preparing for a sell-out of all performances of The Marriage of Figaro and shows no signs of slowing down.

In its early years, Opera Hunter staged operas such as Julius Caesar by Handel, La Traviata

by Verdi, The Magic Flute by Mozart, The Telephone by Menotti and Die Fledermaus by Strauss and Carmen by Bizet.

The years have also brought with them many exceptional performers such as Jennifer Barnes, Ross Fides, Susan Hart, Matthew Lazarus-Hall, Patricia Rhodes and Philip Sketchley. Mercia Buck was the inaugural president, is the current president and continues to be Opera Hunter’s driving force.

“I was at the very first meeting where Opera Hunter was created. Everyone involved was bursting with talent, and we were excited to see what we could make happen. I’ve had the pleasure of watching it develop and have been blessed to work with many wonderful people,” says Mercia.

“To celebrate our 30th year, we have gone back to our beginnings as an operatic company and will be staging a production of The Marriage of Figaro at Lake Macquarie Performing Arts Centre for nine performances and later at Maitland Town Hall (one performance only),” she said.

Mozart’s masterpiece based on a highly political play by the French writer Beaumarchais with libretto by the Italian da Ponte stands as one of the greatest of all operas.

Figaro’s success when first performed in Vienna in 1786 showed that audiences appreciated the battles between the aristocracy and the servant classes with their triumphs, the characters and their intrigues, and of course, the magic of Mozart’s music.

Figaro went on to be performed in Prague, Germany, Italy, Paris, London, New York, St. Petersburg and Rio de Janeiro. It has not been out of the repertoire in the 230 years since its debut at the Imperial Court Theatre in Vienna.

The work makes a mockery of the aristocrats of the eighteenth century, creates heroes of the servants Figaro and Susanna, and fills the stage with laughter, love, schemes and drama.

Opera Hunter, with the support of Lake 12 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Macquarie Council and sponsors Klosters, Orica, Scenic Tours and Tamburlaine Wines, will present a new production by Director Michael Blaxland, Music Director Susan Hart and Conductor Christopher Bearman. The part Figaro will be performed by Alex Sefton.

Baritone Alex Sefton is a graduate of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts with a Bachelor of Music and has a Diploma in Classical Voice. At Western Australia, he performed in many music theatre, opera and oratorio productions. He has toured for two years for Opera Australia throughout NSW performing at hundreds of schools in productions of Mozart’s The Magic Flute and Rossini’s The Barber of Seville. He has played leading roles in Carmen, La Boheme, and recently La Traviata for Opera New England.

Alex grew up in Newcastle and acted with many local companies: 2 till 5 Theatre, Tantrum Theatre, Newcastle Theatre Company, Maitland Gilbert & Sullivan, and Hunter Youth Drama Ensemble. He studied voice with Annabella Redman.

Soprano Ashlee Woodgate will be singing the role of Susanna, shared with soprano Marian Moroney. Ashlee graduated from The University of Newcastle in 2015 with a Bachelor of Music with Distinction. She has an Associate Diploma in singing. In 2016, she is studying for a Master of Music (Opera Performance) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. She has performed in Pacific Opera’s The Cunning Little Vixen and played Fiordiligi in Mozart’s Cosi van Tutti at the Newcastle Conservatorium in 2015. Over the past 14 years, she has sung in many musicals and performed Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance. She has received a number of scholarships and awards, including the Tamara Private Hospital Vocal Scholarship, and the Norman Bushman Scholarship for Vocal Studies.

You can catch this magical Opera at Lake Macquarie Performing Arts Centre (39 Lake St, Warners Bay) from the 15th until the 26th of June or Maitland Town Hall (285-287 High Street, Maitland) for one performance only on July 10th.

* IN ENGLISH * TRADITIONAL SETTING

LAKE MACQUARIE PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

15 JUNE TO 26 JUNE 2016 MAITLAND TOWN HALL 10TH JULY 2PM

MUSIC DIRECTOR Susan Hart DIRECTOR Michael Blaxland OPERA HUNTER ORCHESTRA conducted by Christopher Bearman OAM Starring ALEX SEFTON as Figaro

WIN WIN WIN Thanks to Opera Hunter we have 2 X Double Passes for 2 lucky readers to attend the opening night of The Marriage of Figaro on Wednesday 15 June 2016 at 7:30pm. To win, visit www.intouchmagazine.com.au – entries close May 31st, 2016. Good Luck!

TICKETS: STICKY TICKETS | MBUCK@EXEMAIL.COM.AU OPERAHUNTER.ORG.AU

INTOUCH WHAT'S ON

COMING UP AT CARDIFF RSL LEFT: John Olson plans new artwork from the air. Pictured here with Lauretta Morton, Manager, Newcastle Art Gallery.

BOTTOM: John OLSEN AO, OBE Life burst 1964 Acrylic on plaster on hardboard 146.4 x 641 cm Gift of the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation 1976 Newcastle Art Gallery collection

ARTIST JOHN OLSEN

to create a new major work for Newcastle and the Hunter Master painter John Olsen OBE, AO has announced that he will create a major new work this year to capture the essence of his birthplace.

Described as Australia’s greatest living painter, Olsen made the announcement upon emerging from a helicopter flight over the Hunter region to gain inspiration for the new painting. He said he wanted to "get up in the air to see the marvellous Hunter River with its branches and tendrils feeding the landscape."

"I am inspired by T.S. Eliot's The Dry Salvages, which describes the river as strong, brown and a God," he said. From that literary reference, Olsen created the title of the new painting: The river is a strong brown God. "I was born here, and I consider myself a Novocastrian," said Olsen. "Newcastle has a wonderful Art Gallery, and I'm so pleased to be working with the Gallery and to be making a work that celebrates the region. I am already dreaming of the wondrous possibilities."

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes greeted Olsen on his return from his helicopter flight to welcome him home and thank him for the announcement of the new work.

"This new Olsen painting will give us an exciting opportunity to see the incredible natural beauty of our region through the eyes of an internationally renowned artist," said the Lord Mayor.

The new work will be unveiled as part of a summer exhibition at Newcastle Art Gallery, JOHN OLSEN: The City's Son, opening 4 November 2016. Rather than being a survey of Olsen's career, this exhibition will consist of a collection of specially chosen works co-curated by Olsen and Gallery Manager Lauretta Morton.

"Hosting this exhibition and being able to include this brand new work is such an honour for Newcastle Art Gallery," said the Lord Mayor. "This project is very personal to John; it is a reflection

on his beginnings, his home and the place that he credits as generating the light-hearted lyricism in his paintings.

"This major exhibition is supported by the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation, which is committed to seeing that this major new work finds its permanent home in Newcastle," the Lord Mayor added.

John Olsen has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his prolific artistic career. He received an Order of Australia (A.O.) in 2001. In 1977, he was awarded the O.B.E. for services to the Arts and in 1993 he was awarded an Australian Creative Fellowship. He was also awarded the Wynne Prize in 1969 and 1985 and the Archibald Prize in 2005 amongst many other awards.

Newcastle Art Gallery, which is home to one of the most significant public collections in Australia, holds 35 works of art

by John Olsen spanning from the 1950s to the early 1990s. The gallery looks forward to unveiling his newest work as part of the upcoming exhibition.

"John continues to paint with great energy and insight in his late 80s," said the Lord Mayor. "His recent works are just as vital and as vibrant as those from previous decades. This newly announced painting will be an iconic work for future Novocastrians and Australians to view and appreciate the jewel that is the Hunter."

In 1980, Olsen revitalized his cultural connection to Newcastle when he returned to paint a mural commissioned for the foyer of Newcastle City Hall. The sheer exuberance of his Climbing sun over the Hunter still lights up the entry at the top of the stairs leading into the building.

Another stunning Olsen work resides in the Art Gallery's permanent collection. Life burst is over six metres long and was originally painted as a ceiling mural for the home of Olsen's Sydney art dealer in 1964. The title brilliantly captures the painting’s impact as a pyrotechnic science experiment, where miniature amoebic forms trace frenzied trajectories across the cream ground, colliding and exploding into massive sun creatures.

FREE ENTRY 8.30pm

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Cafe45 Cardiff RSL 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 | 13

INTOUCH WHAT'S ON

Brian + Beccy’s Big Nashville Country Music Festival Adventure! helloworld Signature Journeys are unique holiday tours catering for groups of between 20 and 30 people.

This isn’t Brian’s first tour, in fact, he’s now an experienced “special guest host” having just completed the Lizotte’s Southern Blues Tour in April. This 18-day tour started in Memphis and ended in New Orleans, taking in everything along the way!

Having Brian as the tour's special guest meant that the group was able to experience iconic sites such as Graceland and BB Kings Blues Club with Brian and his US buddies in true style.

THE VERY INSPIRATIONAL

BECCY COLE

even better, she’s been able to write songs about it and share them with the world.

“For me, every time I write songs it’s a very cathartic experience because I write about my life,” Beccy says.

“I think the more honest you are, the better the song is going to be. After I had written the book, I was ready to write songs – or at least ready to write some words that rhymed!”

Beccy’s book and personal memoir ‘Poster Girl’ (published 2015 www.hachette.com.au) is the inspirational story of a strong woman who epitomises the authentic spirit of Country songstress Beccy Cole has delighted country music, and of Australia. As Beccy’s remarkable story demonstrates, the truest measure of a life well-lived lies not in Australian listeners and concertgoers for more than twenty years. The Adelaide-born star’s glowing warmth, personal achievement, but in the people who choose to come along for the ride. honeyed voice, bawdy sense of humour and perpetual

smile have helped make Beccy one of the nation’s best-loved and most celebrated artists.

Best known for an amazing live show and bringing a crowd to fever pitch, what many don’t know about Beccy is that she is also an accomplished comedienne and often has an audience roaring with laughter at her wicked brand of humour.

Beccy is no stranger to the winner’s podium with nine Golden Guitars to her name (including four for Female Vocalist of the Year), as well as multiple ARIA Top 10 Country and Top 40 Mainstream albums, a Top 10 DVD, three Gold-certified releases, and more than a dozen No. 1 Australian country singles, Beccy Cole is one of Australia’s most successful singersongwriters.

Since 1997, Beccy has piloted a succession of stellar releases, including Songs & Pictures (2011), featuring the Golden Guitar-winning hits ‘Waitress’ and ‘Millionaires’ (with Kasey Chambers). Sweet Rebecca (2015) came hot on the heels of Beccy’s phenomenal collaboration with Melinda Schneider, Great Women of Country (2014).

Beccy Cole is the real deal. A divorced, working single mother who has always had the ability to laugh in the face of adversity, 14 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Success frequently comes at a personal cost. When Beccy married talented fiddle player Mick Albeck in the late 1990s, Kasey Chambers and Gina Jeffreys served as bridesmaids.

They were also there to help Beccy recover when the marriage ended eighteen months later.

In true showbiz style, Beccy took to the studio for therapy.

Beccy’s 2001 “divorce album” Wild At Heart featured trademark track ‘Lazy Bones’, a wry, witty dedication to Mick – who still performs as a regular member of Beccy’s band.

Intimate friendships such as these also helped Beccy through what was perhaps her greatest personal challenge. Beccy’s celebrated coming-out on ABC TV’s Australian Story program in July 2012 was the culmination of years of soul-searching and personal angst. Beccy now shares the ups and downs with partner in love, life, and lights Libby O’Donovan, in her cherished hometown of Adelaide.

Beccy will bring all your favourites to Lizotte's on May 29th, 2016, for a very Lazy Long Lunch with Brian Lizotte. The show will also serve as a farewell to Beccy and Brian before they depart on their 9-day musical tour of Nashville where they will be visiting the Country Music Festival as part of the helloworld Signature Journeys series.

Kerrie Jeffreys, Group Product and Marketing Co-ordinator of helloworld Newcastle accompanied Brian on the tour, which included a hosted group of about 20 music fans and agrees that this type of trip is a once in a lifetime experience.

“There are so many benefits to travelling in this way. The Special Guest Host is able to share their knowledge and contacts, and the group is able to experience the venues on an entirely different level,” she said.

Kerrie said that the Southern Blues tour group were all complete strangers at the start of the tour but had bonded amazingly throughout the tour. “Even though the group had never met each other (or Brian), they all shared a common bond – a love of music. They have made lifelong friends from this tour, and it’s been amazing to watch. The group all purchased guitars in Memphis and spent the rest of the tour jamming!”

Kerrie emphasised that the intimate group size was a key to the success of the tour. Between 20 and 30 people tour together and this gives everyone on the tour plenty of time to interact one on one with the guest hosts.

The Nashville Country Music Tour with Beccy and Brian is 9 days in duration and departs June 7th, 2016. Fans will party with their favourite country artists at Nashville’s event of the year, enjoy accommodation close to the venue and the guest hosts insider knowledge and connections combined with reserved Club Level seats at Nissan Stadium for the nightly performances and day concerts. By the end of the tour, the group will be enjoying bragging rights for years to come!

A celebration of country music, the festival includes 70 hours of live music and over four hundred Country Music Artists and entertainers. It is the most unique musical festival in the world bringing together artist/fan interaction, autograph signings, photo opportunities, and much more. And of course, they couldn’t leave out iconic sights such as the Country Music Hall of Fame, Music Row and The Grand Ole Opry.

If you are a true die-hard Country Music fan, then this Signature Journey is not to be missed, and the great news is that there are still a couple of places available on this tour.

The tour costs $7,970 per person (twin share) with many inclusions (visit the website for all inclusions).

Visit www.htg.com.au/group-travel for more information and booking details.

INTOUCH WHAT'S ON

Caped Crusaders and Superheroes Stride for Chopper

Gordon Bennett Number Five 2003 acrylic on linen 167 x 152cm Gift of Terrey P Arcus through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program 2012 Newcastle Art Gallery collection © The Estate of Gordon Bennett

BLACK WHITE

& RESTIVE 28 May - 7 August 2016

BLACK WHITE & RESTIVE is part of an ongoing national conversation that explores engagements between Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists. The artists brought together here represent the diversity of approaches to crosscultural art practice in works that span direct collaborations and more subtle, and at times controversial, forms of influence and exchange. The exhibition draws upon Newcastle Art Gallery’s collection of Hermannsburg watercolours and other modernist and postmodern paintings to contextualise cross-cultural currents in Australian contemporary art.

This project is supported by Arts NSW’s Curatorial Support Initiative grant, a devolved funding program administered by Museums & Galleries of NSW on behalf of the NSW Government.

Newcastle Art Gallery partners:

was a great opportunity for the young and the young at heart.

“Many of our Rescue Club members, volunteers, sponsors and supporters asked us to provide a fun way that they could also get their friends and family involved with the Service,” Mr Jones said.

Thousands of ‘superheroes’ are expected to “We think the people who support the work of join the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service to the Rescue Helicopters are ‘super’ and we help raise money and awareness of its work in know that the people of this region love to get May this year. active around our beautiful harbour,’ he said.

The Superhero Stride will be held at Newcastle Registration is just $15 per person ($10 for Foreshore on Sunday 22 May 2016 and is kids under 16) or $50 for a team of five. Visit a three kilometre walk along the Newcastle www.superherostride.com to pre-register, or Foreshore finishing at Nobby’s Beach Reserve last minute registrations can be made at with stacks of fun, food and entertainment.

8.30am on the day (this could be busy!).

Participants can dress as their favourite superhero and can involve friends, family, school, day care or sporting clubs.

Superheros can also win prizes for best male, female, team and kids costumes. Additionally, superheroes who raise more than $200, $500, $1,000 or $2,000 are in the running to win awesome prizes including a ride in the Rescue Helicopter.

Service General Manager, Richard Jones said that while the event would appeal to people who enjoyed a walk, the Superhero Stride

In December 1975 the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service began as a weekend beach patrol and today operates a 24-hour a day dedicated aeromedical service to the communities of the Hunter, Central Coast, Mid North Coast, Central West, New England and North West regions. Since 1975 more than 30,000 missions have been undertaken helping to save thousands of lives. No one has ever paid to be assisted by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

THE 52 STOREY TREEHOUSE 17 - 18 May - Civic Theatre So what are you waiting for? Come on up!

They’re back again! Andy and Terry’s Treehouse is now 52 storeys high, with yet more fantastic inventions: a rocket powered carrot launcher, the Disguise-o-matic 500 and even a Ninja Snail Training Academy!

Andy Griffiths’ and Terry Denton’s latest bestseller comes to life on the stage as the team behind the hit adaptations of The 13-Storey Treehouse and The 26-Storey Treehouse return with this crazy, imaginative and engaging play.

Today is a special day. It’s Andy’s birthday, but Terry has forgotten! To make matters worse Mr Big Nose has mysteriously disappeared, and to top it all off Jill has fallen into a deep sleep and they just can’t wake her up. So Andy and The 52 Storey Treehouse is a play by Richard Terry set off on a crazy adventure tackling a Tulloch and the Winner of Best Production for world of startling obstacles including a hungry Children at the 2015 Sydney Theatre Awards. caterpillar, an angry vegetable kingdom, and a For more information and tickets visit 100 year ninja-snail epic voyage. Will they solve www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au the mysteries and survive the dangers that test even their ingenuity? www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 15

INTOUCH WHAT'S ON Other Canadian fare on offer on the day (and needing no explanations!) include Canadian hot dogs topped with sauerkraut and mustard, mini corn dogs, Canadian Maple bacon strips, butter tarts and so the ex-pats don’t feel left out there will also be some traditional Aussie favourites!

exhileracing!

Entertainment by popular local band GEN R 8 will heat up the marquee from 12-5pm with covers of your favourite soulful, rock, swing and R&B hits including some from Canadian artists such as Avril Lavigne, Michael Bublé and Barenaked Ladies.

Tickets are $20 pre-purchased or $32 on the day and include a complimentary Canadian Club, $5 Food Voucher, live entertainment and tonnes of giveaways with a major prize to be won by a lucky racegoer.

UEE M A R QY PA R T

Get out your Maple Leaves...

It’s the Canadian Club Marquee Party!

Cool down with Canadian Club on Saturday 7 May at beautiful Broadmeadow for the AHA NSW Race Day and Canadian Club Marquee Party.

Back by popular demand, Broadmeadow racecourse will bring out the maple leaves and celebrate with a plethora of Canadian treats.

Canadian Club will be offered at a special price on the day of $8 while Canadian-themed pop-up food stalls will offer a range of quintessentially Canadian delights including poutine topped with cheese and bacon sauce and traditional poutine with cheese curds and gravy.

What is Poutine you may ask! Created in rural Quebec in the 50s, this French-Canadian dish is traditionally made with French fries and fresh cheese curds, covered with gravy.

Poutine can be crazy delicious — drawing you to eat more than your actual appetite would ever dictate!

Treat Mum on Race Day! With Mother’s Day falling on Sunday 8th May, perhaps a day at the races is a great way to treat your mum and kick off her special weekend at Broadmeadow.

Newcastle Jockey Club will host the AHA NSW Race Day on Saturday 7 May (along with the Canadian Club Marquee Party) but Mums haven’t been forgotten with a special menu planned for mums in Chevals Restaurant.

For only $55 per person, it’s an excellent way to celebrate with your mum! Price includes a glass of bubbly on arrival, a delicious two-course lunch in Chevals Restaurant, live entertainment and every mum will be taken care of with a racebook and a $5 Ladies betting voucher.

Book before 30 April to go into the draw to win the ultimate Mother’s Day Pamper Pack including lunch for two, a trip out to the barriers, a bottle of bubbly and a pamper pack from Pandora’s Hair.

To book your day at the Races visit www.njc.com.au or call 4961 1573.

organ party essentials - home care and maintenance, how to throw together that killer outfit, personal fitness and hygiene, creating the perfect catering pack and of course how to play the organ.

Barry will be demonstrating his famous One Finger Method where you can experience the safest way to get the most out of an organ with just one finger!

Barry Morgan puts the BOSS in Bossa Nova, the YES in Polyester and as the patron saint of the safari suit, he invites you to don your best safari suit or evening gown and bring your friends to the ultimate Home Organ Party Experience

Barry Morgans Home Organ Party Experience 14th May - Playhouse Theatre

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

16 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Australia’s celebrity organ salesman, Barry Morgan has been busy touring the countryside and is returning to Newcastle for a very special night of organ magic at the Playhouse Theatre Newcastle.

Barry will entertain, amaze and thrill you as he demonstrates all there is to know about hosting an organ party - in the privacy and comfort of your own home!

A Home Organ Party is a bit like a tupperware party but with less plastic and a lot more organ. Barry will teach you the 5

Barry Morgan was plucked from obscurity to perform on ABC’s Spicks and Specks where he became an instant audience favourite. He was voted the third best Spicks and Specks moment in 2011 and trended #2 on Twitter after his Spicks and Specks Finale appearance. Barry has also graced our screens on Gordon Street Tonight, The Marngrook Footy Show and on ABC’s New Years Eve Pub Quiz.

Barry has sold out live shows at Melbourne Comedy Festival, Sydney Comedy Festival, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth Fringe, the famous Spiegeltent; and performed to adoring young crowds at Homebake and Falls Festival.

In 2012, Barry travelled overseas to demonstrate his organ at NZ Comedy Festival and Edinburgh Fringe.

For more information and tickets visit the Civic Theatre website at www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

PH 4952 4996

The place where people meet.

PH 4965 5565

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!

PH 4952 7117

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

PH 4048 5422

PH 4952 5484

PH 4957 0010 www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 17

INTOUCH FASHION + BEAUTY

Fashion

+ Beauty...

THE 5 HOTTEST KNITWEAR TRENDS FOR WINTER

By Dani Rivett for #westfieldkotara It feels like we've had a never-ending summer, but the weather is starting to change and winter will be upon us before we know it. Investing in a great knit should be a top priority when updating your winter wardrobe; it will keep you cosy and you'll be able to wear it with almost anything. A perfect knit can see you through the entire season, so pick one that speaks to your style aesthetic.

The ultimate knits for the cooler months are now ready and waiting. From bell-sleeve knits to textured cable knits, read on for the top five knitwear trends this season.

1. THE OFF-THE-SHOULDER KNIT

Blue Illusion: Parisian Style with Caroline De Maigret Discover the secrets to Parisian style with the co-author of How to be Parisian, Caroline de Maigret. She shares her tips on pulling together key wardrobe staples for winter with a stylish twist.

"I like to take one strong piece – maybe a beautiful sweater, a strong coat, a blazer – and work it back with an everyday classic like denim. Denim works so well with everything," Caroline says.

Put simply, you can never own too many pairs of jeans. With its chic and infinite versatility, denim is an essential in every Parisian's wardrobe. A classic must-have, this timeless addition will take you from day to night in effortless style.

The beauty of denim is that it works with anything. To achieve a timelessly French look, simply pair white jeans with a longsleeve white top and white sneakers. Streamlined and smart, it's everyday elegance personified.

Layers play a key part this season, and it's all about making enough effort to look pulled together, but not like you spent a lot of time getting out the door. Layer warm autumn tones together with a cardigan, shirt, jeans and a belt.

Pictured top right: Caroline wears Blue Illusion 7/8 Skinny White Jeans, Blue Illusion Striped Top.

The perfect look for the

Autumn Races!

By Alice Cowell for #WestfieldKotara They might both be "the races", but when it comes to dress code, the Spring and Autumn Racing Carnivals could not be more different. Sure, the rules are the same (read: covered shoulders, no midriff, modest hemlines) but as the weather 18 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

The off-the-shoulder trend was huge during summer, so it's only natural that we try to make it work during winter. As the weather cools down, a cosy off-the-shoulder knit will be your new favourite essential, allowing you to show a little skin without freezing to the bone. Pair it with tailored trousers for a sleek look or dress it down with jeans. As for accessories, opt for a clutch or tote (or any bag without a shoulder strap).

5. THE GRAPHIC KNIT An eye-catching print adds just the right amount of drama to your winter outfit. Try a knit with a captivating print for something really glam, or wear a strong statement knit to complement luxe patterns. Quirky motifs are also big this season, with anything from crystals to cute character faces adorning our favourite knits.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Pictured: Country Road Off Shoulder Knit.

2. THE TIE-FRONT KNIT This season, we're seeing the emergance of the tie-front knit.

It's a very comfy winter essential featuring a fixed self-tie that can be wrapped around to cinch in the waist. With a nod to the '80s jumper-around-the-waist look, this nostalgic trend is best kept simple with block colours and simple accessories like felt hats and leather boots.

Pictured: Sussan Grey Tie Front Jumper.

3. THE TEXTURED KNIT This season, there are no guidlines when it comes to texture, with heavily-textured chunky knits to delicate weaves. The classic cable knit has definitley made a comeback and we are loving the oversized and heavily-weighted versions this season. Not sure how to style them? Textured knits look great with jeans and leather.

Pictured: Country Road Pointelle Lace Knit.

4. THE BELL-SLEEVE KNIT The bell sleeve is all about volume and oversized proportions.

From bell-sleeved summer blouses to the knits we are seeing this season, designers have really taken a strong hold of the bell-sleeve silhouette and they are not letting go anytime soon.

Pictured: Country Road Bell Sleeve Stripe Knit.

cools down, we tend to swap our white lace and straw hats for heavy fabrics and deep berry tones.

Are you heading to the Autumn Races (Check out NJC’s Canadian Club this month) and have no idea what to wear?

Be inspired by Alice's look!

ALICE WEARS: Asilio A Love Like That Dress from Myer, Wittner Genevieve Heels, Kookai Chic Headband, Olga Berg Clutch from Myer, Kookai Boston Bangle Set, Mimco Tempo Hinged Bangle and Kookai Lyon Ring.

Photo by Ale

xia Sinclair

Photo by

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.

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

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

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FREE Saturday Style Advice Book in for your FREE 20 Minute style session available on Saturdays* where Stylist Natalie will guide you on the right style for your body shape. Style sessions are available every Saturday, plus receive a 5 hour FREE parking pass and coffee card on us, valued at over $15. *Details and bookings at charlestownsquare.com.au

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 19

INTOUCH HEALTH + WELLBEING

Why you should get a little Fermentation in your life!

WORDS: Sonya Todd-Jones Owner/Manager of Mojo Health

Have you heard of fermented foods but not sure what they are or why we should include them in our diet? Fermentation is a natural chemical process where foods such as sauerkrauts or drinks like kombucha and kefir produce beneficial bacteria, known as probiotics, which are good for us and our immune system.

Fermented foods were an important way to preserve our foods before the industrial revolution gave us fridges and freezers, synthetic preservatives and food processing plants.

Fermentation would extend the shelf life of food – pickled vegetables, meats like salamis and cheeses – as well as being an important part of some traditional food cultures.

The process of fermentation is the conversion of sugar to produce lactic acids using yeasts and/or bacteria under anaerobic conditions – which means “without oxygen.” Sugar is bacteria’s favourite food so as they consume sugar, they thrive and grow into colonies which can contain up to a billion bacteria. And the good news is, fermented foods and drinks are low GI as there are minimal sugars left for us to consume.

So how do fermented foods and drinks help us? The fermentation process enriches food with proteins, essential amino and fatty acids and vitamins which help to fight off harmful bacteria in your gut.

Fermentation can also eliminate ‘anti-nutrients'. Anti-nutrients are compounds which interfere with the absorption of nutrients and can be found in foods we eat that are laced with preservatives and synthetic ingredients. Think packaged foods high in sugars, salts and trans-fats or fast food takeaways.

Fermented foods can help to ‘fight’ these anti-nutrients by putting beneficial probiotics into your gut.

So what do these probiotics do? Our gastrointestinal tract (also known at the gut) is responsible for ensuring our body absorbs all the good nutrients from the foods we have eaten and digested. The stomach produces acid to help break down the food but also to help kill any bad bacteria. The lining of the gut contains lymph tissue to help prevent bad bacteria from entering the blood stream and lymphatic system.

Most importantly the gut has its own good bacteria which helps to break down illness causing molecules. If these molecules or bad bacteria are absorbed into the blood or lymph they can create illness. Consuming fermented foods puts live good bacteria into our gut to help prevent damage from anti-nutrients and bad bacteria which can cause digestive complaints or disease.

As well as the gut playing a big role in helping to maintain good immunity, it also contributes to good mental health.

Current research is showing a healthy gut full of good bacteria contributes to good mood as well as helping to treat depression, anxiety and brain fog.

And the best thing about fermented foods and drinks is that they are nutritious AND tasty!

Visit our friendly and qualified team at Mojo Health to check out our range of probiotic supplements, sauerkrauts, kefirs, kombuchas and dairy free yoghurts.

MOJO HEALTH Ground Floor, Charlestown Square PH (02) 4023 5320 www.mojohealth.com.au

PICTURED: Katherine Kedzierska, Associate Professor at University of Melbourne.

Bully T Cells Key to Next-Generation Flu Vaccine Researchers are one step closer to creating a universal, one-shot influenza vaccine following the discovery that T cells, essential in the immune response to influenza, can recognise and attack emerging, mutant strains of the virus.

An international research collaboration led by University of Melbourne Associate Professor Katherine Kedzierska (from the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity and Dr Stephanie Gras from Monash University), used cutting edge single-cell technology, never before used in human influenza investigations, to hone in on human T cells one cell at a time to capture their response to the various strains.

Their four-year study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), found how the T cells reacted to new mutant strains of influenza as well as viruses they had previously been exposed to.

The team used crystallography technology at the Australian Synchrotron to scrutinise the structure of the cells and ►

GET

yours BACK!

20 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

HE A LTH

INTOUCH HEALTH + WELLBEING

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

identify how they recognise the mutant strains.

They found that it was their flexibility and ability to adapt that enabled the T cells to essentially bully the new strains into submission.

influenza, but we didn’t know why or how until now. By using state-of-the-art procedures, this study enabled us to dissect the immune response to understand how this immunity occurs.”

Associate Professor Kedzierska, the senior co-author on the paper, said finding this piece Associate Professor Kedzierska said further of the puzzle was a significant step forward on research was necessary before a universal the path to creating a one-shot, T cell-mediated vaccine could be created. influenza vaccine for life-long immunity against “Our past research has shown that only a the virus. seventh of the world’s population has the The World Health Organization estimates flu tissue makeup that provides universal infects between three and five million people immunity to influenza, the difference between globally every year. a runny nose and being bedridden,” she said.

“This is a game-changer in flu research,” Associate Professor Kedzierska said.

“Previous research has shown us that T cells provide universal, protective immunity to

“Now we know what to look for, our challenge is to find these receptors in those with a different tissue composition and elicit a similar response.” ■

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Scooters & Mobility Newcastle Scooters & Mobility Newcastle offers an extensive range of quality mobility products from leading suppliers. Visit the store to see a comprehensive variety of scooters, powerchairs and electric wheelchairs, electric lift and recline chairs, stairlifts, manual wheelchairs and walkers and mobility aids and accessories.

Scooters & Mobility Newcastle endeavour to meet customers’ needs by providing the very best brands (including Merits, Elite Scooters, Shoprider, Drive Medical and Bruno Stairlifts) and exceptional service either in-store or in your home.

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4/166 Hannell Street, Maryville. PH 4962 4004 sales@scootersandmobility.com • www.scootersandmobility.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 21

INTOUCH HEALTH + WELLBEING

Tired, not feeling your best, weight battles... It’s time to test your thyroid!

WORDS: Sonia McNaughton Naturopath & Medical Herbalist, Mayfield Medical Connection Waking up tired, gaining weight and not being able to think clearly could mean your thyroid is not working at its best! Blaming stress, the baby blues, aging or going through menopause could cause you to delay seeking help, potentially meaning years of unnecessary suffering.

Your thyroid controls your metabolism effecting how much energy every cell in your body has available. This small butterfly shaped organ sitting on your neck packs a big punch!

The reality of too little thyroid hormone is exhaustion, depression, constipation, aching muscles, forgetfulness and constantly feeling a little colder than those around you. Plus, with not enough thyroid hormone, falling pregnant may be difficult and the chance of miscarriage is much higher than normal.

Once diagnosed and treated, life often returns to normal for both the too-little and the toomuch thyroid hormone producers.

For the thyroid sufferers who do not get complete resolution of their symptoms with conventional treatment there are many nutritional and herbal remedies that work beautifully with thyroid medications and can help return quality of life.

So if your brain fog has not vanished, you still feel exhausted or your digestion is getting worse make sure you have a qualified naturopath who has done extra study in the field of thyroid conditions on your medical team.

If you suspect your thyroid is in trouble or your medication doesn’t deliver relief, we want to help! At Mayfield Medical Connection we approach thyroid conditions holistically via an integrated team of thyroid literate GPs and thyroid literate naturopaths.

Get a 15 minute ‘Thyroid Health Check’ with our Thyroid Naturopath for $15. Bookings are essential, phone 4968 2157. Offer valid until May 31 in celebration of Thyroid Awareness Month.

If you would like references or further information, please connect with on Facebook/ MayfieldMedical – ‘likes’ are appreciated.

On the flip-side too much thyroid hormone and you feel tired but wired. Anxiety, panic attacks, racing heart-beat, high blood pressure, diarrhea and feeling hotter than most people makes daily life a struggle.

Thyroid disease can affect anyone but women are much more likely to suffer than men and there are certain times in a woman’s life when she is most vulnerable to thyroid problems: during pregnancy, post-partum and around the time of menopause.

22 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

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

local men, boys and girls from 1877 to when the factory closed in 1942.

Unfortunately, the building is now demolished, but it is said to have been located opposite the present Aldi store. All that remains is the grand 1870 family home "Leslieville" at 63 Union Street – which neighbored the big, old biscuit factory.

Early residents recall a slow paced community once divided in two by the Burwood railway line, the odd red-light house, or two and bakeries and butcher shops co-existing with light industry like foundries, junkyards, garment factories and other similar industries.

Since then, there have been a great many changes and with a population of almost 4,000 people, today Cooks Hill is typified by its tree-lined streets, rows of Victorian terrace housing and turn of the century timber cottages.

The area is also home to many of the city's well-known pubs, such as The Cricketers Arms Hotel, The Oriental Hotel, The Delaney and the Commonwealth Hotel. These are the four remaining local pubs after 5 other local drinking holes were closed in Cooks Hill in the early 1900’s.

Beyond fashion, Cooks Hill is also home to the Newcastle Regional Art Gallery in Laman Street, featuring national and international exhibitions year-round and where the many works by significant artists, including works by Sidney Nolan, William Dobell, and John Olsen can be found.

Image courtesy of Newcastle NOW.

COOKS HILL

Where Everything Old is New Again Cooks Hill is the place to be, the place to eat, shop and also the place for art. Diverse, friendly, relaxed, offbeat, cosmopolitan, and bohemian, Cooks Hill offers the quintessential inner city lifestyle, with iconic beaches, magnificent coastal walks and vibrant shopping and eateries all within close proximity.

A little-known fact is that Cooks Hill literally grew out of the ground – starting life as a 19th-century coal mining township and later a working class suburb before it became the modern, middle-class suburb it is today. Built on sand flats known as the Wallaby Ground, inner city Cooks Hill is one of Newcastle's most diverse and fascinating places. And it’s become trendier over the years with local designers and trendsetters completing the picture.

Cooks Hill was part of the historic Australian Agricultural Company's 2000 acre grant which was to be used to raise sheep to produce quality wool which was fetching high prices in London in 1830. That was until Sir William Edward Parry (1790-1855) arrived in Sydney as the new commissioner of the

A.A.Company in 1829 and decided to establish Newcastle’s coal mining industry.

As coal reserves at the A.A.Company's Hamilton pits began to dry up in the 1880s, the company commenced work at the old coal workings of C-Pit near Cooks Hill. A new pit, known as the "New Winning", or Sea Pit, was opened, mining a lease nearly 4 kilometres out to sea and employing up to 600 men and boys before closing in 1916.

There are also several private galleries where local artists in residence are often available for a chat, while photographic studios and quirky gift stores mean it’s easy to while away the day checking out the original works and innovative ideas of some of the region’s, most talented creative professionals.

Cooks Hill also has a number of smaller inner city art galleries, including the now closed, but historically significant Von Bertouch Gallery founded by the late Anne Von Bertouch. Built in 1877 by Henry Alderton, the building at 61 Laman Street was bought by Ms von Bertouch in 1969, who added the modern extensions and converted the building into a gallery and residence – creating Australia’s first commercial gallery outside a capital city and an essential part of the artistic landscape of Newcastle. Unfortunately, the building was damaged in the Newcastle earthquake and sold after Ms von Bertouch’s death in 2003.

Cooks Hill Galleries in Bull Street has been representing artists and selling collectable artworks since 1975 and is regarded as Newcastle's premier commercial art gallery with monthly exhibitions of quality artworks by professional artists from the Hunter region and beyond.

Today, the names of the company’s representatives that include Corlette, Dumaresq, Tooke and Dawson can be seen throughout the suburb. Darby Street, which was originally known as Lake Macquarie Rd before the 1860’s, was named after company Also on Bull Street and open from Friday to Sunday you will surveyor George Darby, who was responsible for the town's find the Back to Back Galleries for ceramic artists, potters, clay planning. What developed was a working class suburb, and workers, sculptors, art lovers and collectors. ► Darby Street became the commercial centre it is today.

Another large employer in the area at the time was William Arnott's biscuit factory in Union Street employing up to 300

Your success is our success.

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www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 23

Image courtesy of Newcastle NOW.

for a tempting selection of wonderfully authentic Vietnamese dishes.

In addition to being a chocolate-lovers' haven, Coco Monde Chocolateria, has plenty on offer for breakfast, lunch, dinner and, of course, sweet treats. The family-owned-and-operated business has its own range of top-quality handcrafted chocolates, classic chocolate treats, desserts and savoury meals and the sharing plates are an excellent way to sample several chocolate treats.

The latest arrival is Terminus on Darby, which is fast becoming the place to hide from the daily grind and known for their fantastic food, beer, wine and taking their cocktails seriously!

It is also one of the few places in town that keep the kitchen open late.

Another popular spot is 5 Sawyers, a ''bar with food'', also serving cocktails in a relaxed setting and chilled staff. Nearby Of some cultural interest and a visual sign of the city’s vibrant is The Depot on Darby, an industrial-inspired restaurant and bar artistic scene, on the corner of Darby and Queen Street, is where the Hit the Brick festival transformed an otherwise empty serving meals and tapas with a fruit-dominated cocktail menu and a wine list full of Hunter Valley labels. wall into an open air art gallery, thanks to the creative flair of some of the most accomplished and revered street artists from A serious challenger for the title of the country’s coffee capital, around Australia.

Newcastle boasts plenty of options for cravers of caffeine – and some them call Darby Street home, most notably local With a rich food scene that’s quickly cementing the city’s institution Goldberg’s Coffee House, Frankie’s Place, Zinc on reputation as one of Australia’s must-visit regional dining Darby, Core Espresso and Glee Coffee on Darby. There’s no destinations, Darby Street is renowned for it's diverse and excuse not to find the perfect grind. laid back dining style. With more than 25 cool cafes and restaurants offering relaxed indoor and al fresco dining options, You can also nurse your hangover here the next morning as that invite you to spend a slow morning over breakfast, a long many are also open every day for breakfast and lunch. lunch, cocktails, and dinner.

And while it’s acclaimed as Newcastle’s original eat street, As Newcastle’s most exciting dining strip, Darby Street is sure Darby Street has increasingly become famed for its eclectic to have something for everyone from Italian, Vietnamese, Thai mix of boutiques focusing on fashion, alternative music, and Modern Australian cuisine to pub food and just about homewares, second-hand book shops and jewelry, with plenty everything in-between. of one-off finds. In fact, Darby Street is a haunt for up-andcoming designers of stylish urban wear for the young – and the Hot spots include Delucas, a cosy pizza parlour serving rustic young at heart.

Italian staples with menus scribbled on mirrors and Vietking

Among them is Jean Bas with limited edition designs and over 30 years’ experience in the fashion industry and High Tea with Mrs. Woo, with their unique, wearable East-meets-West pieces designed in Newcastle and made in Australia. Guanabana has an exotic, bohemian range of womenswear, which is designed, manufactured and sold in Newcastle while Blackbird Corner shows the work of local designers.

If you have time for only one store, then pick Ramjet Assortments. Hip jeans, hot cowboy boots, and beautiful dresses. Don't postpone a visit to Darby Street; it won't remain underestimated for long! ■

Image courtesy of Newcastle NOW.

offer exceptional, unbiased service - all tailored to the Australian lifestyle and household needs.

Visit Winning Appliances’ Newcastle store at 61 Darby Street to learn about the latest kitchen design trends and experience the winning difference.

We are Australia’s leading kitchen and laundry appliance specialist

The Kitchen Trends Winning over the Hunter Regions

Experience the Winning Difference

Newcastle

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24 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

winningappliances.com.au

•Commercial style appliances are increasing in popularity with more Australians wanting the tools to cook like a pro at home. Steam ovens, slow cooking warming drawers, SousVide, commercial style fridge systems and commercial-sized appliances will appear in Australian homes in 2016.

Founded in 1906, Winning Appliances is a fourth generation Australian family •Minimalism is still on trend, and although appliance retailer with a distinct focus on integrating dishwashers, fridges, and fridge providing exceptional customer service and experience. With a strong century-old heritage, drawers, is nothing new, Australians are now looking to integrate their cooking appliances the business has helped generations of as well.

Australians create their dream kitchens and laundries.

•Colour is increasingly becoming a statement feature in kitchens, with more Australians Responding to strong demand, Winning looking to experiment with colourful tap, sink Appliances opened its doors in Newcastle's and appliance designs. stylish Darby Street precinct in 2003, giving the Hunter region access to the world’s leading •Technology is driving appliance innovation. In appliance brands like Sub Zero and Wolf, any Winning Appliances store, there are more V-ZUG, Miele, AEG, Smeg and more. than 450 trademarked or patented innovations that are revolutionizing the capability of Unlike many other appliance retailers appliances and how we use them in the home. in Australia, Winning Appliances has an It’s technology with a purpose. unmatched selection of outstanding products, exclusive brands, and expert salespeople who

Terminus on Darby Street A Rising Star

ENJOY...

Terminus on Darby St

Terminus on Darby is the perfect place to sit back and let the world go by.

Here you will enjoy all-day dining, from breakfast to start your work day, a lazy lunch (or lunch on the go) and of course dinner and classic cocktails in the evening.

The friendly staff will assist you with share plates, bar snacks or a perhaps a delicious gourmet cheese plate as well as delectable main meals.

Monday to Friday, Terminus on Darby aim to cater for those who are working and don't have a lot of time, but still want a tasty lunch with a display fridge full of fresh healthy options. If you are running short of time why not grab an almond chia pudding or croissant for breakfast, or a fresh salad, wrap or toasty for lunch, to eat in or takeaway.

Weekends allow diners to enjoy a more extensive weekend breakfast menu.

The Terminus on Darby team has a vibrant attitude towards customer service – with a dedicated team creating a naturally welcoming atmosphere.

One visit will ensure you return to enjoy an experience that is relaxing, care free and most of all… mouth-watering.

Terminus on Darby Street is the perfect place to escape to. It’s somewhere you can go to chill and enjoy some well-earned time for yourself or spend valuable quality time with friends and family. It’s a fresh, bright and contemporary space while relaxing over a coffee, a delicious meal or sipping on a glass of wine or a cocktail at the end of the day.

Owned by locals Joel and Casey Syme, at Terminus on Darby Street, their philosophy is simple –and that is to provide you with the best dining experience that will have you returning for more… and it works! Today, Terminus is fast becoming a local favourite and the ultimate destination to sit back and let the world go by.

With a lengthy career managing restaurants and cafes, Joel first opened the doors to this exciting new eatery on 29th of February and named it after the famed 1927 Terminus and Sussman Bike Race.

"We chose that particular day to open for a number of reasons", said Joel.

"Not only was it a unique date for being a leap year, but all the planets were perfectly aligned and it also coincided with Chinese New Year – so it has to be a good thing - a good omen".

Popular amongst the locals, the coffee at Terminus is widely spoken about and for good reason – it’s exciting, deliciously silky smooth and fresh.

When it comes to food and drink, everything is covered from breakfast to your work day lunch and of course dinner, wine, craft beer and cocktails in the evening.

1/88 Darby Street, Cooks Hill OPEN Mon + Tues 7am - 5pm | Tues to Sat 7am - late | Sun 8am - 5pm www.terminusondarby.com.au

Created by Head Chef Bree Tyler, the menu is diverse and full of unusual flavour combinations and options that include share plates, light meals including a delicious gourmet cheese plate and main meals as well as a selection of desserts.

Open 7 days for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menus are exciting and extensive. At

Terminus, you get to wake up to the most wonderful breakfast during the weekday as they cater for those who are working with fresh, healthy and quick "express" breakfasts so you don't have to wait. These are available eat-in or takeaway.

Of course, they also have more substantial eatin options where you can enjoy a choice of fruit and nut sourdough, a blueberry, plain bagel w/ cream cheese or bacon and egg roll with tomato relish on a toasted ciabatta. There is also the warm green breakfast bowl consisting of quinoa, kale, baby spinach and grilled halloumi served with avocado and a poached egg and of course the traditional grilled tomato, bacon and 2 eggs served with thick sliced toast.

An extended weekend breakfast menu is available and includes tasty delights such as seasoned avocado, heirloom tomatoes and feta on toasted soy linseed sourdough; strawberry shortcake pancakes with Chantilly cream and strawberry coulis and the big "brekky" consisting of 2 eggs, bacon, grilled tomato and sautéed mushrooms.

The lunch menu is just as delicious and served until 3 pm. Try the tender slow cooked lamb on a long brioche roll with house made beetroot relish, salad leaves, tzatziki, and chips or the coconut and lemongrass grilled chicken skewers with pineapple and chilli salsa, dressed salad leaves, polenta. Other popular dishes include the wonderfully prepared herb grilled barramundi with smashed kipflers and salad and the prawn risotto with peas, lemon, thyme, and pecorino. All are out of this world!

The dinner menu comes out from 5 pm and includes an excellent selection of tempting dishes. My favourite – the Miso glazed salmon fillet with soba noodle salad.

This is food for the soul - fresh, full of flavour and created with passion and pride. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available.

Open until late from Wednesday to Sunday each week, Terminus on Darby Street has recently introduced Happy Hours, Tapas Thursdays and a Cocktail menu with a selection of innovative drinks to choose from.

This latest star on "Eat Street" is the place to be for great coffee and food or to just unwind with a glass of wine, craft beer or your choice of cocktail while you relax after a day at work. www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 25

INTOUCH TRAVEL PROMOTION

By Megan O'Sullivan

Why travel by train?

No Hassle Travel from city centre to city centre, smoothly and efficiently. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride and passing scenery! No stress driving on the wrong side of the road or arguments deciphering maps!

Go where you want With 240,000kms of track, rail reaches into virtually every corner of Europe through spectacular and untouched landscapes that you just can’t access by road.

Save Money Discounted tickets are often available when booked in advance. Rail Passes are great value and allow unlimited travel within a date range.

Go when you want With multiple train services everyday on most routes, you can make the most of your trip. There is no need to compromise your itinerary as there is bound to be a train that suits your needs.

Easy day trips Board the train in the morning in one city and you can be in another in time for lunch, do some shopping and sightseeing, returning in late afternoon.

Travel in style Most of today’s modern train fleets offer comfortable, spacious interiors and a choice of 1st and 2nd class. Some services include a meal in the fare, many offer a trolley service and some feature bar cars.

Discover the Romance of Rail

BY MEGAN O’SULLIVAN

Meet the locals Train travel gives you the opportunity to meet the locals, learn more about their country and get tips on secret destinations only locals know about.

There’s something both magical and nostalgic about taking the train. Perhaps it’s the way in which rail travel can really bring a country to life, gliding through the very heart of each destination. Maybe it’s the ability to access remote areas no other mode of transport can reach. Or it might be the simple pleasure of experiencing life abroad in a comfortable, convenient and completely relaxing way.

Your rail travel will be a unique part of your holiday experience and will leave you with memories that last a lifetime. Contact us for information on rail sectors and passes anywhere in the world.

Whatever the appeal, it won’t take you long to realise why so many people rave about taking the train in Europe. Which is why we’re absolutely thrilled that Travelmarvel have partnered with award-winning tour operator Great Rail Journeys to introduce you to the many wonders of European train travel.

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itravel Warners Bay

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26 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

From modern, high-speed networks to fantastic heritage lines, rail travel across this vast continent has captured the imaginations of travellers around the globe. So whether you’re following the tracks between the undulating hills of Tuscany, admiring quiet lochs and windswept glens in the Scottish Highlands, or passing Andalucia’s lofty villages, the train provides the ideal viewpoint, making each journey a contrast and a highlight.

Art Deco dining cars and lavish cabins, you’ll feel as though the calendar has turned back and the golden age of travel is truly alive once again.

Between your adventures on the railroad, you’ll stay in premium accommodation, well located to explore the region you’re travelling through, and enjoy the diverse flavours of Europe with many meals included throughout.

What’s more, Travelmarvel make sure the majority of your holiday costs are covered before you leave home. This includes all rail travel, airport transfers, gratuities, sightseeing and much more. And on select departures, they also provide total porterage – meaning your luggage will be transported from place to place and waiting for you at each destination!

You’ll never regret the time spent relaxing in your seat as glorious landscapes, dazzling cities and isolated villages drift slowly by. Every rail journey is a new and inspiring adventure that is sure to leave you looking forward to the next one.

Book now and take advantage of great savings on Travelmarvel’s Great Rail Journeys. The Early Bird offer is a saving of $1000* per couple, and if you book as a group of 6 or For instance, the moment you pull away from the station aboard more you can save a further $400 per couple. itravel are also the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, you will have offering NO credit card fees for payments made by Visa and entered a world of romance and mystique.

Mastercard on these packages.

Suspended between Venice and Paris, this iconic route harks back to the années folles (crazy years) of the Roaring Twenties – a time of great social, cultural and artistic change. Within the

These are limited offers, available until sold out, so contact us today – itravel The Junction 4962 1116 or itravel Warners Bay 4947 1116.

GREAT RAIL JOURNEYS

GREAT RAIL JOURNEYS GREAT RAIL Premium Escorted RailJOURNEYS Travel Through Europe Premium Escorted Rail Travel Through Europe Premium Escorted Rail Travel Through Europe

2017 DEPARTURES AND NEW TOURS 2017 DEPARTURES 2017 DEPARTURES NOW AVAILABLE! NEW TOURS ANDAND NEW TOURS NOW AVAILABLE! NOW AVAILABLE!

Edinburgh, the Highlands & Islands

PREMIUM CRUISING & TOURING

Edinburgh, the Highlands & Islands Edinburgh, the SAVING Highlands & Islands $1,000 PER COUPLE* SAVING PER COUPLE* $1,000$1,000 SAVING PER COUPLE*

PREMIUM CRUISING & TOURING

PREMIUM CRUISING & TOURING Be transported back to a golden era of holidaying, when train travel was a highlight in itself.

Committed to offering more choice, have partnered with Be transported back to a golden era of holidaying,we when train travel was a Be transported back to a golden era of holidaying, when train travel was a Great Rail Journeys who bring more than 30more years’ experience onpartnered some of with highlight in itself.

Committed to offering choice, we have highlight in itself. Committed to offering more choice, we have partnered with Europe’s most Great Railrenowned Journeys railways. who bring more than 30 years’ experience on some of

INVERNESS Kyle Line 3 Kyle of INVERNESS Kyle Line Lochalsh 3 Ness INVERNESS Kyle Line Kyle of Loch KyleMallaig ofLochalsh 3 Lochalsh Loch Ness William Jacobite Mallaig LochFort Ness Steam Train Mallaig 3Fort BALLACHULISH William Jacobite Fort William Jacobite Steam Train 3 BALLACHULISH Steam Train Isle of Oban 3 BALLACHULISH Mullof Oban West Isle Oban

Great Rail Journeys who bring more than 30 years’ experience on some of Europe’s most renowned railways.

Europe’s most renowned railways.

9 The perfect balance of comprehensive inclusions, 9 The perfectand balance of comprehensive inclusions, key sightseeing free time to explore at your pace 9 The perfect balance of comprehensive inclusions, key sightseeing and free time to explore at your pace sightseeing and free time to Rail explore at your pace 9 key Included – Premium Escorted travel 9 Included – Premium Escorted Rail travel 9 Escorted Rail travel transfers, 9 Included Included––Premium Locally guided sightseeing, 9 Included – Locally guided sightseeing, transfers, tipping and many guided meals sightseeing, 9 Included – Locally transfers, tipping and many meals tipping and many meals

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28 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

ESS Located on the corner of Bolton and King streets and owned by Babak (Bob) Abbaszadeh and his wife, The Persian Place restaurant sits proudly as the only Persian or Middle Eastern restaurant in Newcastle.

The name says it all and it is everything you can expect - Authentic Iranian Cuisine, full of earthy flavours, herbs and spices with slow cooked meats, stews and casserole dishes with rice and bread to soak up the rich sauce.

After a brief renovation in 2015, The Persian Place emerged as a tribute to Babak’s life in Iran, where he lived in Tehran working as a chef in Italian and French restaurants, and his desire to introduce Newcastle to the authentic cuisine and flavours of his homeland.

Wonderfully Authentic Iranian Cuisine Iranian cuisine or Persian cuisine is the traditional and modern style of cooking in Iran (formerly Persia) - a culinary style that is unique to Iran even though it has historically influenced and also been influenced by Iran's neighbouring regions. The ancient Babylonians, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, and Turks are just a few of the groups that have had an influence on Iranian culture and its cuisine.

As you enter the restaurant, you cannot miss the wonderful sweet aromas of Middle Eastern cuisine.

Although it is often lumped under the category of general "Middle Eastern" fare, Iranian cuisine retains its uniqueness in a variety of ways. One of these ways is preparing meals with contrasting flavours, such as a combination of sweet and sour or mild and spicy.

At The Persian Place, classic Iranian flavours are very present with herbs, delicious meats and sauces, vegetables such as eggplant and potatoes and a definite presence of saffron throughout.

Menu favourites include Goat Kofteh or goat meatballs served with seasonal green beans and saffron rice and Coo-Coo which is a fresh herb and veggie patties with coriander and mint sauce. Other typical Iranian dishes include Meygoo or Saffron battered prawns in coriander, chilli and tamarind sauce with rice. The Persian dessert, Baklava is a must try. Vegan and vegetarian options are available and all menu items are gluten free - apart from the bread.

As Babak will explain, Persian food is all about the spice – not necessarily the hot variety, but instead, the aromatic type which provides a subtle flavour to each dish.

"It’s all authentic Iranian, Persian food using mostly family The space is warm and loaded with atmosphere with dark recipes, and those made from scratch." wooden tables and chairs, wonderfully gold-stitched tablecloths, When it comes to the wine list, the focus is on local producers intricate paintings, cushions galore and Persian rugs covering with an excellent selection of Hunter Valley wines including every inch of floor-space. those from Newcastle’s own Innercity Winemakers.

The service is friendly and unrushed and the menu is a mazzehIf you love Iranian or Middle Eastern food - join their VIP club style affair with all dishes designed to be shared and eaten which gets you a 25% discount to experience the Persian slowly to stimulate conversation. This is true Middle Eastern journey of flavours. As an ongoing member, you also get to be style dining! amongst the first to know about their exclusive promotions that Iranian (Persian) food is amongst the most delicious cuisines in they run all year round as well as other new events and specials. its region. It is also quite healthy, using only small amounts of This is the real deal - a delightful and intimate restaurant red meat - usually lamb or beef, emphasising larger amounts of serving up delicious authentic Iranian cuisine coupled with grains - especially rice, fruits, and vegetables. the traditional warmth and hospitality. An authentic cultural experience!

Take Your Tastebuds on a Journey...

The unique fine food and casual atmosphere of The Persian Place will take your senses on a journey you won't soon forget.

Teamed with the Hunter region's wine and craft beer, The Persian Place has something to offer from a quiet night for two to a function that is sure to impress.

Experience the sharing style Persian menu...

•99% gluten free •Vegetarian and vegan heaven •Best sharing banquet around •Lunch specials from $10 weekdays

43 Bolton Street, Newcastle PH 4926 5500 Open 7 nights for Dinner 6pm-9pm Thursday - Sunday for Lunch 12pm-2.30pm www.thepersianplace.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 29

ESS Practice makes perfect when pairing food with wine WORDS: SCOTT WEBSTER

it is likely to taste ‘flabby’ or heavy. Serve up a salad with an extra brut Champagne rather than a buttery Chardonnay.

Improve an earthy wine with food that is even earthier such as a delicious mushroom stroganoff as it will help the wine taste more fruity. Old wine on its own can taste very earthy and tart.

There are also some foods that are quite challenging to match with wine including asparagus, green beans, artichokes, brussel sprouts and chocolate.

Everyone knows I love good food, and it can be made even better when it’s served with an excellent wine. Your favourite wine will fit into either a dry white, sweet white, rich white, sparkling, light red, medium red, bold red or dessert wine varieties. And you can probably remember a dining experience that was made less enjoyable by a poor choice of accompanying wine by either yourself or your host which spoiled the occasion.

Some expertise is required to know which wines go best with certain foods, and there’s a plethora of advice on offer. Winefolly.com features five basic tips which provide a good and simple guideline to making the best wine and food pairings at home.

Champion the wine as it needs to shine instead of fighting against the food. Focus on the wine’s particular characteristics and best qualities - a high tannin red wine will taste like sweet cherries when paired with the right dish.

Keep in mind that wine style and flavour will always be influenced by regional soils and climate with the Hunter renowned for its Semillon and Shiraz grapes. Combine either of those varieties with fresh seafood or a great steak and you can’t go wrong.

If you’re interested in knowing more about how to pair food with the right wine my advice is to start to gather some knowledge about wine and its many characteristics, just as you do when you’re cooking and learning about food.

There are some great wine clubs, websites, books and even knowledgeable friends that can help you discover how to get the most enjoyment out of your dining experience.

FRESH AND FUN DONE WELL • 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

Experimenting can be fun and if at first you don’t succeed… you know the answer!

Bitter + Bitter = Bad so try not to pair bitter food and high tannin wine as our taste buds tend to be very sensitive. Green beans with a Cabernet Sauvignon will multiply bitter tastes.

Wine should be sweeter than the food you are pairing. If not, the wine is likely to taste bitter and tart which is why Port is an ideal dessert wine.

Wine should be tarter and have a higher acidity level than the food it’s matched with otherwise

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.

$18 Special

MONDAY NIGHTS

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

He owns the awardwinning Carrington Place, emporium-style food store Throsby Street Providore, and three star Osia Steak & Seafood Grill in Singapore. Scott is also an international food consultant, manufacturer and exporter.

Only

House specialty, Emerald Valley scotch fillet cooked so slow & low, your teeth will melt into it!!

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 30 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

U2/450 The Esplanade Warners Bay PH 4948 1115 NEW OWNERS - NEW ATTITUDE

ESS - Anonymous Wine Lover

Welcome back to the Eastern Tiger Restaurant!

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.

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.

1/38 bolton street, newcastle. ph 4048 0455

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

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

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 31

ESS

Quite a familiar story, so what is it that makes Dennis Beer Co different?

What's pouring?

May Feature Tap at The Grain Store

Upcoming Beergustation Dinners

Corey Crooks | The Grain Store This month from Grain Store’s feature tap Beer Co's Rocket Science Galactic Ale.

MAY 4TH – DENNIS BEER CO

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

ABV 4.6% IBU 35 425ml $8 320ml $6

JUNE 16TH – AKASHA BREWING

This approachable brew is an interpretation of an American Pale Ale (APA) with assertive hopping, it also delivers notes of a German Altbier with the copper colour, and a distinctive caramelised maltiness.

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 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.

The term ‘Galactic’ in the name derives from the use of Galaxy hops, which along with Nelson Sauvin hops drive the nose and bitterness profile. The end result is the extra body that balances out the firm hopping regime, supported by pungent aromas of passionfruit, citrus and pine resin that are prominent throughout.

Dennis Beer Co is the beery brainchild of three blokes, with a passion for craft beer and big flavours.

For Mike Archer, Dan Kemp and Steve Moore, beer is what led them to become buddies in the first place. Mike and Dan met each other working at one of the big breweries and over a collective 15-year career have become great mates. They met up with Steve over the amber liquid some few years later. Since then, the three lads have been casually talking about the day that they will launch Dennis Beer Co – their outlet to express their passion for craft beer.

Why Dennis? It’s a nickname that they have for each other that none of them can – nor curiously will – divulge the meaning of. “It’s not Rocket Science” were the four ‘tongue-in-cheek’ words often uttered during discussions of starting their craft beer label. So, it seemed only natural that this fact was commemorated by the company’s inaugural brew, which is called... you guessed it, “Rocket Science Galactic Ale.” Since the release of Rocket Science Galactic Ale back in 2012 the boys have continued with their theme and the Rocket, Science galaxy has now expanded to some other planets including an India Red Ale – naturally called Rocket Science Red Planet. A Japanese-influenced Belgian Witbier by the name of Rocket Science Obi Wan Shinobi and their hugely popular tea-infused IPA Rocket Science Mad Hatter.

“The premise behind Dennis Beer Co is to produce what we call ‘curiously quaffable beers,'” says co-founder Mike Archer. “Our creations are only available in draught at this stage, and we’ve been getting great support from craft beer-focused venues across the State” although we hear whispers of possibly seeing their beers in cans in the near future.

Good people drink good beer - Corey.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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

102 Hunter Street, Newcastle PH (02) 4929 3393 www.reservewinebar.com.au 32 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Spanish Penne SERVES 4 · PREP 10mins · COOK 21mins 500g penne pasta 500g napoli sauce 200g chorizo ½kg green prawns 2 lemons 100g rocket 2 tsp minced garlic 4 tbsp olive oil ¼ cup white wine 50g butter ½ tsp of fresh chopped or dried chilli

1. Boil water in large saucepan and cook pasta.

2. Dice chorizo into small pieces.

Peel and clean prawns. Heat pan on high heat with olive oil. Cook chorizo for approximately 5 mins stirring occasionally.

Add the prawns and cook for approximately 3 mins turning prawns.

3. Add garlic, chilli and butter and cook for a further 3 mins stirring occasionally.

Add wine and the juice of both lemons.

Cook for 5 mins stirring occasionally.

4. Add napoli sauce and bring to boil.

Lower heat and simmer for 5 mins.

Drain pasta and add to sauce.

5. Add rocket and toss all together.

Serve immediately with panna de casa bread.

Warners Bay Village

facebook.com/warnersbayvillage

Mistletoe Wines 2014 Grand Reserve Shiraz

Wine Dine Stay

Play

Travel the Expressway for Top Autumn Drops.

It’s that time of year again. Time for wrapping oneself up, getting cosy in front of the fire and, of course, enjoying a glass of something suitably fortifying as the last nuance of summer ebbs away.

Picking wine is as much about mood as it is about colour, taste, texture and weight and when the sun starts to go down at 7pm and the cooler temperatures close in, it’s impossible to continue pretending that autumn is not here.

● ● ● ● ● ●

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)

Just as you choose lighter clothing in hot weather and heavier layers in the cold, so too, do we gravitate toward more delicate wines in summer and those sturdier drops in winter. And now, as the air begins to sharpen it’s time to think about wines with a little more heft and texture.

The below wines are a selection of excellent quality wines that are just perfect for drinking at this time of the year and chosen for their weight and texture – and perfect for getting cosy with that special someone in front of the fire.

Adina Vineyard 2015 Pinot Gris 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

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 34 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Adina’s award winning wines include Semillon, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Adina has also become very well known for their Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris – produced from some of the oldest commercial Pinot Gris vines in Australia.

Tasting A clean, light strawberry coloured wine with apple and peach tones. Delicate, full fruit flavours throughout the palate with a clean, crisp finish.

Food Match An excellent aperitif that compliments antipasto foods, seafood dishes, Atlantic salmon, chicken dishes and all types of Thai stir-fry.

Gartelmann Wines 2014 Sarah Elizabeth Chardonnay Gartelmann Wines has a well-deserved reputation for producing premium Hunter Chardonnay and the 2014 Sarah Elizabeth Chardonnay is one of the best to date.

Tasting The wine shows layers of primary fruit characters and is highlighted by creamy notes from its time on lees. A zesty, elegant Chardonnay with a palate of peaches, melons and soft oak integration.

Food Match This wine is an ideal match with creamy dishes and grilled salmon.

This is a big wine for the Hunter, a direct result of the dry and hot conditions experienced leading up to the exceptional 2014 vintage, showcasing how good Hunter Shiraz can be.

Tasting This elegant wine has amazing mid-palate fruit and great length of the palate that combine to give this wine near perfect balance with a generous tannin structure. Showcasing typical red plum fruit flavours that are well supported by the oak input, this is a wine to enjoy for many years to come.

Food Match A wonderful match with any red meat dish.

Pokolbin Estate 2013 Belebula Sangiovese With a freakish competition record, Pokolbin Estate has a reputation for producing outstanding wines and have had significant success with their Mediterranean-style red wines which include the Sangiovese grown on their Belebula Vineyard.

Tasting The popular Belebula Sangiovese does not disappoint. This is an elegant, fruit driven style of wine that has a plethora of berry fruit and a touch of pepper and spice.

Food Match Just superb with wood fire pizza, tomato-based pasta dishes, risotto or Mediterranean salads.

McLeish Estate 2015 Semillon The 2015 McLeish Estate Semillon is of a winning pedigree, hand-harvested from the single estate vineyard that has achieved the title of the World’s Semillon at the London International Wine Challenge, also starred as the Best Small Wine Producer and Best NSW Wine at the Sydney Royal Wine Show.

Tasting Vibrant quartz colour as a delicate youthful wine, this wine has a lively harmonious lemon and lime zest aroma. The palate delivers a balance of lemon with delicate passion fruit and quince flavours that are supported by equally fresh acidity.

Food Match Perfectly paired with freshly shucked oysters and seafood.

Meerea Park 2014 ‘XYZ’ Shiraz From one of the one most acclaimed boutique wineries in the Country, the XYZ brand wines constitute modern styles of Hunter Valley Shiraz.

The fruit for this wine is from the mature ‘Lochleven’ Shiraz vineyard located on the corner of McDonalds and Deasys roads in Pokolbin which was planted in 1973.

Tasting Deep crimson in colour with purple tinges belies intense aromas of blueberries and blackberries. The palate is medium-bodied but heading towards full, has ample flavour with plenty of varietal red and dark berries. Oak is present but because of the seamless balance, appears minimal.

Food Match Wonderful when paired with beef, lamb and cheese based cuisine.

Entry tickets can be pre-purchased for $20 per person or for $25 per person on the day and include five tasting vouchers valid across 40 different exhibitors. Entry to the Festival is complimentary for children under 18 years old.

Festival organiser, Jenny Farrell, said that the new-style festival was a great way to discover the range and quality of Hunter Valley wines in the one very attractive venue.

HUNTER VALLEY WINE FESTIVAL 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

Food and wine lovers take note, the 4th Annual Hunter Valley Wine Festival is returning to the grounds of Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, on Saturday June 4 where the picturesque vineyards and surrounding mountain ranges provide a stunning backdrop to an action-packed day.

With an extensive array of wine, food, beer and cider on offer, this community event promises to be one to remember and, as always, festival goers will be spoilt for choice as they wine and dine with the region’s best winemakers, brewers and culinary talent.

“The festival offers a great weekend getaway for those who love the Hunter and want to enjoy an entertaining Saturday with family and friends, and with the festival utilising both the award winning Hunter Valley Conference and Events Centre and the hotel’s grounds, we are covered for all weather conditions,” said Ms Farrell.

Ms Farrell said that the festival would be a family friendly event, with a miniature train, carousel, lemonade stall and other activities aimed at keeping children occupied while the adults enjoyed the tastings and entertainment.

With plenty of family-friendly activities and great entertainment on offer, this much loved Schwartz Family Company community event has something for everyone. All funds raised during the festival will benefit the local Rural Fire Service.

For those interested in transportation to and from the event, Hunter Valley Wine Festival is offering return coach transfers from Newcastle.

For tickets and further Festival information visit www.huntervalleywinefestival.com

Australia’s Most Awarded Boutique Winery Celebrating our 31st Vintage

MCLEISH ESTATE 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

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 www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 35

BLENDED: The Hunter's Shiraz Showdown!

LOVEDALE LONG LUNCH

on arrival, as you mix and mingle with your rivals and team mates. Join your team at the Blending Tables and prepare for battle!

Each table (of up to 10 participants) will sip, taste and enjoy the wines you are blending, and get creative over a cheese plate as your team comes up with the perfect name and pitch for your wine.

over the weekend, while enjoying a glass of wine, gourmet food and fabulous music.

With the events popularity increasing each year it is expected that this year’s event will attract more than 20,000 people to the seven participating Lovedale wineries – Allandale Winery, Tatler Wines, Gartelmann Hunter Valley, Wandin Hunter Valley, Saltire Wines, Sandalyn Estate and Emma’s Cottage Vineyard.

Wine and food lovers mark Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th May in your diary for the 23rd annual Lovedale Long Lunch. This progressive style lunch will see a decadent line up of the Hunter Valley’s leading chefs team up with seven of Lovedale’s finest wineries for a weekend of foodie fun! There will also be live entertainment at each winery, so lunch-goers can wine, dine and dance their way around the participating wineries

So why not gather a group of friends, stay in Lovedale accommodation, build your itinerary, book a bus and enjoy a fun and relaxing weekend away at the Hunter Valley’s biggest food and wine event of the year.

This year the organisers have changed the booking system slightly, in an attempt to spread the crowds and minimise the queues.

You are now required to book into your preferred winery - but be quick, as once they sell-out you aren't guaranteed entry on the day without a booking. Tickets start at $65 + booking fee. For more information or tickets, visit www.lovedalelonglunch.com.au

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 36 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Join some of the Hunter Valley’s leading winemakers in an entertaining ‘friendly’ team blend-off against other wineries, to make the ‘best Shiraz based blend in the valley’. It's an afternoon of feverish fun in the 'battle of the blends' where serious competition meets sensual wine making in a showdown not to be missed! Each table will be hosted by a local winery who will bring along their Shiraz and other selected red wines for you to craft your unique blend into something worth bottling.

Blended: The Hunter's Shiraz Showdown will begin with canapes and sparkling wine

The winning team will receive the perpetual Blended trophy (and individual wine makers medallions) and have their unique blend and label design professionally recreated by their host winery, so each team member can receive a bottle of their winning blend.

Tickets are $105 pp, includes canapes and sparkling wine on arrival, blending wines and cheese platters. To book, contact Hunter Valley events on 4933 5400 or info@huntervalleyevents.com.au, or you can contact a Hunter Valley winery to join their team.

Participating wineries include First Creek, Thomas Allen Wines, David Hook Wines, Calais Estate, McGuigan Wines, Glandore Estate Wines, De luliis, Tempus Two, Allandale Winery and Draytons Family Wines.

Shopping Village OPEN 7 DAYS FROM 10AM

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

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 37

Introducing the Hunter Valley's

POKOLBIN ESTATE VIN EYARD

Morpeth Chapel Jazz Of course there’s more to the Hunter than just fine wine and gourmet food - and the region’s festival calendar is packed with events to feed the soul as well as the stomach. One of these festivals includes the annual Morpeth Chapel Jazz, a three-day mecca for tourists and locals alike, running from May 13 to 15.

The sounds of eight amazing bands will set feet tapping around the churches, Closebourne House and a number of local businesses during the three-day community event, which like many others on the Hunter calendar is focussed on bringing more visitors to the quaint heritage town.

While the historic town was the home of a major street-based jazz festival in the late 90’s and early 2000’s (until it outgrew the location), the traditional jazz tempo has been taken back up in more recent years by the Catholic, Anglican and Uniting churches of Morpeth.

A great free event for jazz lovers and their families! You can find the full line-up of events on both their facebook page and on the website. For more information, visit www.chapeljazz.com

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

Hunter Valley Caravan, Camping, 4WD, Fish & Boat Show The Hunter Valley Caravan, Camping, 4WD, Fish and Boat Show is in it's 21st year this year, and with over 300 exhibitors the show still proves to be the biggest on the Rural Scene calendar!

The show will run from Friday, May 27th until Sunday 29th, providing a fantastic opportunity for both exhibitors and visitors to browse products, see new innovations and talk to other outdoor enthusiasts.

The event is known as a caravaner's delight, with around 100 on show in various shapes and layouts, with the option to personalise your purchase.

Free entertainment comes in the form of reptile displays (with snake safety 38 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

demonstrations), Flair Riders BMX and freestyle bike shows (Sat and Sun), plus the Australian Travelling Fishing Show, where you can get a fish eye view of angler demonstrations. All the shows are entertaining, exciting, informative and free!

Just the thing to keep the kids happy.

Keep an eye on Rural Scene Promotions facebook page for updates, free giveaways and discounted tickets. Tickets are $15 for adults, aged pensioners $11 and kids up to 16 free (with an adult). The show runs from 9am - 5pm on the Friday and Saturday, finishing up at 4pm on the Sunday.

Visit www.ruralscene.com.au for more information.

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

INTOUCH FAMILY AND COMMUNITY

Ben Lee with Brian Lizotte at Hunter Tafe.

Owner, Brian Lizotte has a passion for

supporting local talent both on and off the Ben Lee visit stage.

105 year-old theatre, turned music venue, kicks off of unique “The has a constant stream of local, national and international talent gracing its stage. This training program puts Lizotte's in a perfect position to provide

Australian actor and singer, Ben Lee joined students for an intimate recording session at Hunter TAFE’s music studio last month as part of a new training initiative, which will help the next generation build practical industry skills.

After a number of years working closely with Hunter TAFE’s Regional Institute of Performing Arts (RIPA) and Regional Music Institute (RMI), Lizotte’s have formalised their partnership with a focus on providing students with experience and skills that will prepare them for a career in what is a highly competitive industry.

RIPA and RMI are two Hunter TAFE schools dedicated to tertiary vocational training in music and performing arts.

With plans to expand the program in the future, the partnership will initially offer RIPA and RMI students the opportunity to perform and record music at Lizotte’s live music venue in new Lambton and bring high-profile artists on campus to work with Hunter TAFE students.

Internationally renowned recording artist and actor, Ben Lee was the first artist to visit and record music with RIPA and RMI students, helping to launch the innovative partnership between Lizotte’s and Hunter TAFE.

students with unique learning experiences which will be invaluable for their career,” said Mr Lizotte.

“Our partnership with Hunter TAFE will allow RMI and RIPA students studying in many different areas of music and performing arts to gain real-world, hands-on experience with high profile artists.”

Hunter TAFE Head teacher Music and Performing Arts, Teresa Conicella said the partnership is a great outcome for everyone involved and will provide invaluable learning experiences for students and staff.

“When it comes to a career in the entertainment industry, most people will tell you there is no substitute for experience and that is what this program is all about.”

“This partnership is part of a wider strategy, which focuses on developing new and innovative training delivery methods and learning experiences for our students, which ultimately enable them to build skills relevant to the work they will do in industry, in a way they want to learn,” said Ms Conicella.

Later this year RMI will add to its recording studio with the addition of a 48-channel SSL Duality console, which will place Hunter TAFE’s RMI studio as one of the best training facilities in Australia.

Aneurysm Survivors Support Group Rosalynd O’Shannassy never expected to be organising an Aneurysm Survivors Support Group and she certainly never expected to be an aneurysm survivor herself. Flash back to the 29th of October 2014 when Rosalynd awoke with a severe headache in her neck and at the back of her skull. Knowing it was more than a regular headache she woke her husband, who called an ambulance before she collapsed.

Westpac Rescue Chopper transferred her to Sydney for life-saving surgery.

The first group, Coffee n' Chat, will be held at Belmont 16s at 11am on Monday, May 2nd. If you are interested in joining the group (which is for survivors and their families – all are This is the last thing Rosalynd remembers before waking up in Royal North Shore Hospital welcome), please contact Rosalynd on 0435 409 325 or email her at in Sydney. In between, Rosalynd had spent rosalyndoshannassy@gmail.com. time at the John Hunter Hospital before the

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www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 39

INTOUCH FAMILY AND COMMUNITY “My vision is for each young person to walk away, with at least one life skill they intend to use, feeling inspired, hopeful, and confident that they too can make a unique positive difference in the world.”

Michelle also hopes to inspire people through her book, Ripples, which features four of the speakers at the “Youth On Purpose” event including Andrew Morello and Justin “Mad Dog” Morris, a champion international cyclist who advocates internationally for Diabetes 1.

It will be officially launched at the May 25 event.

“My first book, Ripples 7 Young People| 7 Inspiring Stories is a collection of real stories of courage, passion, and contribution,” Michelle said.

“The purpose of the book is to help inspire through stories, and it also highlights many important life skills.

television series, Andrew Morello, who will share their own stories of triumph over adversity.

Ripples of Hope and Inspiration for Young People WORDS: MICHELLE MEEHAN

Michelle Lee knows all too well the ripple effect one event or one person can have on another person’s life. She was just 11 when an incident at school set her on a path of poor selfconfidence and, as she calls it, being in a state of struggle.

She hopes it will have the same effect on the attendees as a pebble dropped into a body of water – creating ripples of hope, inspiration and positive energy to help youth find their way.

“I met Andrew Morello at the end of 2015. We share a similar vision to help inspire and empower young people, help them see and take opportunities and to live life on purpose,” Michelle said.

“We don’t have to see the statistics to be alarmed.

Everyone knows of a young person in struggle.

We are surrounded by young people who have lost or are quickly losing their sense of self. They are struggling to belong, despite continually trying to ‘fit in’ due to the pressures of their surroundings.

“The young people in this book each have a different story, different outlook and have journeyed in their own unique way.

“My wish is for each individual, young or old reading the book, to be touched by at least one story, or even part of a story, so much so that it inspires them to take action, to make a positive change in their own life.”

Michelle also believes in the benefits of contributing to help people effect positive change in their own lives and the lives of others.

“Apart from the difference it can make to a cause, there is a lot to be gained personally from giving,” she said.

“Taking the focus away from self to help another/environment/ animals etc., is healing, liberating and highly rewarding.

“For some, it can be a way to feel significant and for others, it is about belonging, loving, caring, connecting.

“Andrew kindly offered to be a keynote speaker if I set up an “I would love to see more youth involved in contribution. It opens event. His generous spirit inspired me to build the event to them to possibilities and can even spark a passion. include other inspirational young speakers, so on May 25th, I At the time, Michelle, who was born in the United Kingdom, was am bringing together five speakers aged 20-29 from Newcastle, "The ripple effect of just one person’s energy on their Sydney, and Maitland. They have all demonstrated incredible living with her family on the island of Mauritius. A bright young community can be far-reaching, causing other ripples courage, are passionate about what they do and are giving girl, she scored what she thought was an outstanding mark on to start. Whole communities, countries, the world, can back to their world. a test – 99/100 – only to have her perception of success torn benefit from the passion of one person contributing." down around her.

“They want to share the life tools they are using and to inspire Michelle herself volunteers as a Rotarian, a youth mentor at “After scoring the highest mark in a test, 99/100, my classmates young people to do the same.” two local high schools and as a rural firefighter. and I were lined up against the walls of the classroom in order Michelle said youth were often mislabelled as lazy, of scores,” she said. irresponsible or unmotivated when really they just lack the She is also the co-ordinator of the Newcastle Basket Brigade skills and knowledge of how to be “on purpose.” not-for-profit organisation, which brings baskets of hope to “As the teacher walked towards me, I was expecting praise. families in need at Christmas time.

Instead, he grabbed my ears, threw my head up against a “Tap beneath the surface and you discover young people who concrete wall, and I received one lash of a split bamboo stick have an immense desire to make a difference – they just crave “The experience has been absolutely rewarding. Last year we for missing the one mark. some guidance, valuable life skills, structure and a lot of love,” attracted 214 volunteers, which was fantastic,” Michelle said. she said.

“My classmates received more, however, at that moment I felt “The most rewarding experience for our volunteers is when not the physical pain but a deep emotional betrayal.

“I want them to harness the courage to be authentic, to have the they go out and deliver the baskets. They witness joy, relief, courage to be themselves, to build a dream, to step out of their gratitude, shock, hugs and tears from the recipients.

“What ensued was that I spent nearly three decades in struggle comfort zones. because I had no real purpose except to succeed in the way I “Some volunteers have a little teary moment themselves. Others thought others thought I should.”

“Instead of trying to fit in, why not stand out? With that have their eyes opened as to how some people are really authenticity and awareness, a spark is often ignited for a struggling and come back feeling gratitude for the lives they Michelle’s salvation came around 2013 when she ventured into have. the world of personal development and found her true calling – unique passion, which when fuelled will energise a zest for life every single day. helping young people to find their purpose.

“Personally, my biggest joy from running the brigade is the “Imagine the energy and confidence of a young person ‘on number of young people involved. I have an enthusiastic Youth The former physiotherapist now works as a transformational purpose.'

They automatically light up their world, contributing Brigade aged 14-18, which I hope to see lead the brigade one youth coach with clients aged 15 to 25 and is passionate about their unique ripples to all around them. day. I see their eyes light up when they know they have helped changing the tide of youth struggle. to make a difference in someone else’s life.

This month she will host a “Youth On Purpose” event at Souths “The objective of the ‘Youth On Purpose’ event is to share life skills through the stories of courage, passion, and contribution, “After 106 baskets were delivered in our first year in 2014, we Merewether, bringing together five inspirational speakers show them that challenges can be overcome, dreams built. managed an almost sevenfold increase with 700 delivered." including the winner of the first Australian Apprentice reality 40 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

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The City of Newcastle was instrumental in the creation of Port to Port and understanding the vision for cycling tourism in the region. Port to Port attracts riders from all over Australia and the Asia Pacific Region, and provides an exceptional event tourism experience,” said Event Director, Chris Heverin.

Mr Heverin also announced a new event with the DROP IN NEWCASTLE: Eats, Beats and Bikes – the brand new finish line festival at Dixon Park on Sunday, May 29, 2016. “This initiative will be a further opportunity to engage tourists and the Hunter community,” he said.

Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Cr Nuatali Nelmes The east coast’s number one multi-stage has been an avid supporter of Port to Port mountain bike event, Port to Port MTB has and believes that the entire event is a great officially announced their return to the City showcase of Newcastle and the Hunter Region. of Newcastle for the third consecutive year, "Taking in national parks, state forests and running from May 26th to 29th and travelling through Port Stephens, the Hunter Valley, Lake vineyards before a final celebration at Dixon Park, it's an excellent way to expose our region Macquarie and culminating in the finish at to the world, and I look forward to welcoming Dixon Park, Newcastle. the event back," she said.

In just two years Port to Port has grown to Port to Port is all about the experience, so be a major sporting event for regional NSW, together with their accommodation partner, attracting participants locally, nationally and Crowne Plaza the Port to Port event team have internationally. This unique event utilises developed an all-inclusive package to ensure the best mountain bike trails in the country that riders and their support crew have an and organisers have worked hard to create a unforgettable, stress-free, adventure-filled stay. world-class course with amazing trails that will appeal to riders of all ages, abilities and fitness Keen to compete? Whip out the lycra and levels. register now at www.porttoportmtb.com or by “We are excited to bring Port to Port back to Newcastle and the Hunter for the third year.

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INTOUCH FAMILY AND COMMUNITY

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the plane this winter with a strong “The skills I have learned while being part of The Academy have made me less anxious when selected on the teams performance in June at a team for the Australian Junior Championships and IPC World relay camp and meeting on the Championships.”

Gold Coast.

Diagnosed at the age of one with right sided hemiplegia, a form of cerebral palsy, Erin is challenged with a right arm and leg that fatigue more quickly than her left side. Erin has what she would consider a “very mild disability,” which has not stopped her from pursuing a career in the elite world of track and field.

Erin first competed in the T38 division at the NSW CHS titles in 2013 where she cleaned up five gold medals (100m, 200m, long jump and javelin for athletes with a disability) and garnered the attention of Newcastle jump and sprint coach Shaun Fletcher.

with Local Athlete Erin Cleaver WORDS: Andrea Ciotti – Hunter Academy of Sport We don’t need to look far into the history books this month to bring you this month’s athlete – Erin Cleaver. Erin is a young Paralympic hopeful who is currently competing with the Hunter Academy athletics squad.

A year eleven student from Whitebridge High School, Erin is currently on the Road to Rio and hopes to secure her seat on

Being a regional elite athlete has been challenging for the Charlestown based athlete in her pathway to the Paralympics.

“Newcastle has some great facilities and I have a great local physiotherapist and fantastic coach who has experience with cerebral palsy athletes. I was selected as a NSW Institute of Sport athlete and the only challenge I face now is that I am unable to use the NSWIS facilities as often as I would like to, due to the distance.“ In addition to squad sessions with the Hunter Academy, Erin trains regularly with her local squad Torque Athletics Newcastle where she trains five to six days per week at the Hunter Sports Centre in Glendale as well as at Planet Fitness in Lambton.

In April, Erin competed at the Australian National Championships where she took home bronze in the women’s 200m ambulant final and placed fifth in the long jump with 4.47m. The Olympic qualifying distance is 4.69m.

To make it to Rio Erin will need to peak. The big question now is how will preparing for her qualifying competition next month differ from her prep for the Australian National Championships and to that her answer is simple, “My coach Shaun has Erin made her international track and field debut in Doha, Qatar everything mapped out so I will just do what I am told. I at the IPC Athletics World Championships last October where suppose being in Year 11 will also add some complications, but she leaped to a personal best of 4.45m, earning a fourth place I will deal with those as they happen.” Spoken like a true young finish in the T38 long jump; an outstanding accomplishment Olympian. given she’s never competed seriously on an athletics track until You can follow Erin’s journey to Rio by keeping up with three years ago. the Hunter Academy Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ Erin credits the Hunter Academy on assisting with her nerves hunteracademy/) and Athletics Australia. when being selected to national teams for the NSW State Team and Australian National Team.

Shaun (also a Hunter Academy coach) has worked with Erin for the past three years to fast-track (pun intended) her development to become the fierce competitor she is today.

NOMINATIONS OPEN

The Hunter Academy of Sport is excited to announce that nominations are now open for the following 2016 programs:

Sailing • Triathlon • Cricket • Golf The 2016 programs include key pathway events such as Regional and State titles in the respective sports. To check eligibility and to access the online nomination form visit www.HunterAcademy.org.au today. Nominations close 31 May, 2016.

PH (02) 4926 4892 E info@hunteracademy.org.au W www.hunteracademy.org.au 42 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

INTOUCH FAMILY AND COMMUNITY

On Tour With The Kid

VERVE RESIDENCES

BY CHLOE SULLIVAN I'm Chloe Sullivan. I'm a business owner, music lover and most importantly, a single mother of a bright, adventurous toddler.

While looking for holiday destinations I was a bit taken back to discover that a lot of the recommendations including kids were kids club or other ways that I could have her looked after so I could 'go have fun'. This is not the way we like to travel. When I get a break, I want to spend it making memories WITH my kid. Follow my journey to discover adventures that are about bonding, not babysitting each month in intouch magazine or at my blog ontourwiththekid.freeblog.site For me, travel has always been intrinsically linked to music. It certainly wasn't due to the state of the art music system in the car I holidayed in as a child. On the contrary, In the late 70s when my travel memories began neither the Kombi, the Moke or the Datsun 180B that mum owned consecutively had so much as a working radio. My mother did, however, have a sensational vinyl collection at home and the turntable was always spinning.

From as early as I can remember road trips with mum meant singing together in the car.

At five, I knew all the words to Arlo Guthrie's Alice's Restaurant. I wondered to myself why America couldn't have just named the horse, what Billy Joel did when the stranger came along and that there were good old boys somewhere drinking whisky and rye... though I admit for a long time I thought that rye was an abbreviation for Ribena. Before I could read Byron, Keats or Herrick I knew the joy of poetry and the power of a well-written verse thanks to Buckingham, Nicks, Taylor, King, Moss and Walker. I will be forever grateful to my hippy mother for her eclectic taste and passion for music.

My best childhood memories are not about fancy hotel rooms or of doing craft activities with a hotels babysitter. They are of camping, swimming in the creek, long drives on unsealed country roads on the way to folk festivals. Stopping at every roadside stand to buy things directly from the farm where there were produced including honeycomb straight from the hive. Which is kind of a metaphor for our holidays, messy but amazing.

By the time I was ten I had raced a camel across the salt flats in Alice Springs with the most famous camel man in Australia. I had sung on stage with The Bushwhackers at the Gulgong Folk Festival (I was 6 and knew all the words to the Rye Buck Shearer and to be fair I didn't really give them a chance to say

INTOUCH HOME

no). Pro Hart had drawn a picture on a napkin just for me, I'd seen Arlo Guthrie in concert. I had swum at the bottom of a waterfall. Feed a deer from my hand and seen a sheep give birth. I'd spent time with the traditional owners of the land and I had eaten some of the best food in the country.

None of these things relied on staying in a 5-star resort. Not that there is anything wrong with a luxurious holiday. I love a great hotel pool and room service as much as the next person and I'm sure there will be some great hotels in our not too distance future. When you can afford it, you should treat yourself but a great hotel should add to your holiday experience not encompass it. It would be a shame to miss some soul changing experiences and memories that will last a lifetime, thinking that is the only kind of holiday worth having.

Every time I see the morning sun beaming through a window, I'm transported back to the kitchen at our family farm in rural NSW. Waking up early, packing the car and the dogs and heading off on our next big adventure. That's how I want the kid to feel about travel. These are all the great memories given to me by my devoted, hard-working, totally engaged single mum. Who never once made me feel like someone she needed a break from, even though at times I'm sure she did. Now it's time for me to pay it forward.

My plan is to have at least one adventure a month with my gorgeous little girl until the end of 2016. She is a good traveller and better behaved in restaurants and at shows than lots of adults so I think we'll be okay. My hope is that the trips will be full of fun, history, nostalgia and the kind of characters you can only meet when you stop at a country pub for a schnitzel.

Just a warning... Those things that happen that are so embarrassing you hope no one ever finds out, those things happen to me all the time. My best friend can attest to the fact that I can get myself into a situation worthy of an I Love Lucy special somewhere as inane as a McDonalds drive through. So if you are happy to laugh along with the girl and I, please feel free to check back in for our June adventure!

A $130m vote of confidence in Newcastle City Renowned property developer Miller Property Corporation announces plans for a stunning contemporary development to reach new levels, the likes of which are unprecedented in other inner city residential developments.

A Development Application was lodged in April with Newcastle City Council for the construction of this multi-storey, mixed used building at 464 King Street Newcastle.

Occupying 4585 sq metres, the development integrates the benefits of contemporary city apartment living with architectural design excellence, in visually stunning dual towers to be known as Verve Residences.

Offering a diverse range of residential apartment types, sizes and configurations Verve Residences has city living options available to suit a range of budgets; from 1, 2, 3 bedroom residences through to 5 bedroom sub penthouses and penthouse. With 197 residences in total, these will be the most spacious, stylish and diverse homes in the sky ever offered in Newcastle with unparalleled quality and finish.

Verve Residences will boast unprecedented luxury and security with an integrated building management and concierge service. Generous communal garden spaces will become great attractions for future residents, assisting to maintain a sense of community and allow for easy socialisation with visitors and other residents. The inclusion of the development’s retail and commercial spaces will add diversity to the area and the proximity of Verve Residences to a major transport hub promotes exceptional live/work opportunities. The location will also provide extreme shopping amenity to residents with Marketown nearby. These features create an opportunity for Verve Residences to quickly become one of Newcastle’s most desirable addresses.

Majestic rather than imposing, Verve Residences have a distinctive architectural character, scale and silhouette that will be an appropriate addition to Newcastle’s

urban streetscape and skyline. A design feature unseen in other Newcastle residential or commercial projects, Verve Residences features two fan shaped towers, linked by an internal ‘podium’ space with private recreational areas and gardens.

The developer, Miller Property Corporation, has extensive development experience and a strong history with Newcastle, dating back to 1974 with the development of The Castle Tavern but most recently with The Darby (Darby Street, Cooks Hill) and Eclipse (Union Street, Cooks Hill).

The architectural design is a collaborative effort between the award winning teams of, local firm CKDS Architecture and Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects and has been developed with extensive consultation with Council’s Design Review Panel and the Government Architects appointed Design Excellence Panel. The design is a considered response to the scale and character of the site and the area’s urbanity.

Through the resolution of these urban, architectural, environmental and social design considerations, the proposed design for Verve Residences will be an outstanding addition to the existing urban landscape, while signalling the revitalisation of the central area of the Newcastle CBD.

Verve Residences Quick Stats •Site – 464 King Street, Newcastle •4585m² total footprint •Main towers - 19 storeys (66m) •King Street frontage – 5 storeys •Concealed tower – 8 storeys •Approximately 197 residential apartments •1, 2,3 and 5 bedroom apartments, subpenthouses and penthouse •Retail and commercial space •Approximate retail value of $130m •Estimated sales commencement date 4th June, 2016 www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 43

INTOUCH HOME The obvious solution to housing also important if you have family who regularly stay, or maybe of this increasing population, he less importance if you want your own space! says, is to increase densities •Privacy and noise - consider the closeness to your neighbours where people want to live and and look at the possibility of hearing others and them hearing this is generally around railway you. stations and close to work •Smaller living space - are you ready to downsize? opportunities. House prices •No clothes line - a lot of apartments have restrictions on also tell us that more and more hanging your washing on balconies, you would need to use a people want to live in the Inner clothes horse or a dryer.

West and areas close to the Trading your family home for an apartment is a big decision, Sydney CBD, which is urban and it isn’t for everyone. So, do yourself a favour and research and cosmopolitan apartment fully, before you take that next step. living are at its greatest. (see: http://ow.ly/4mNkx6) Before you take the plunge into apartment living, it’s a good idea to create a “Pros and Cons” list. Here are some ideas…

Possible Pro’s •Central location - you can walk to our beautiful beaches, enjoy the many new bars and cafes popping up in unexpected places. Leave the car at home.

•Economical - swap the large electricity and gas bill for a smaller one. Save on fuel and get fit at the same time. Lose that last bit of your mortgage. Insurance policies will also be cheaper, check what is covered within the body corporate fees and charges – you should only have contents as an extra to insure.

WORDS: Deborah Bartlett & Chris Williams from insideout •Security - live in a secured environment.

•Simplified lifestyle – eliminate the unnecessary. De-cluttering There is a lot to be said for apartment living. The two major also has a positive impact. reasons Australians choose an apartment is to streamline finances in retirement and/or have found themselves single for •Redecorate how you want. This can be a very exciting time.

•Amenities - Swimming pool, gym or common BBQ area. a variety of reasons.

•No maintenance - let the body corporate take care of these While in Europe, apartment living in cities is the norm not only issues. for retirees and couples but also for families. Some families Possible Con’s want to be closer to what city life has to offer, but have no option other than apartment style living due to the unaffordable •Body corporate charges and rules - always make sure they are housing costs in the CBD. well understood and factored into your financial plan.

•Limitations of common property - check out rules governing According to Sydney Morning Herald writer, Chris Johnson, the common areas. Amenities are all shared areas. (Are you OK Sydney leads the way on high-density. He says this is happening with that?) because the city is reaching the limits of its horizontal spread •The proximity of your parking space to your front door - is your as the distant suburbs reach the ring of national parks that weekly grocery shop going to be more trouble than it is worth. contain the Sydney basin. The city can't keep spreading as Ease of access will make life less of a hassle. Visitor parking is this forces longer and longer travel times, yet our population continues to increase.

Suburban Empty Nester?

Maybe Apartment Living is For You!

Tips on Styling Apartments.

1. When ordering furniture always check that it is possible to be delivered easily. Have your lift measurements handy so you can make sure it will fit.

2. Swap bulky bookcases for wall mounted shelving using the same colour as the walls and take them as high as you can.

Vertical storage solutions are better.

3. Round furniture such as a dining table and coffee table create a sense of flow when moving around the apartment. You could also use a round ottoman with a lid to replace the coffee table (and provide storage).

4. Use large mirrors and large rugs to help create a feeling of space and buy furniture with a dual purpose where possible.

5. Place a wide ledge at a window to serve as a desk and use a chair that is also an occasional piece for extra seating.

6. The scale of furniture is important. Not everything needs to be tiny - you can find a balance and have a larger sofa and make it the focus point of the room. Just don’t over clutter with small pieces.

7. Lighter walls and floors do make a space look larger but can also be boring if you don’t layer the room with similarly toned colours and different textures… this will help to create a depth that is needed to finish off your look.

8. Ask an expert! Visit www.insideoutstyle.com.au or take a trip to the store where the friendly staff are always happy to help.

WIN WIN WIN Do you live in a city apartment and would like some styling assistance? This month the team at Insideout Newcastle are giving readers the opportunity to win one of 3 Free Consultations. Simply visit the GIVEAWAYS Page at www. intouchmagazine.com.au to enter. Entries close 31st May, 2016.

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INTOUCH HOME

Newcastle’s LARGEST CAR PRECINCT... The One Stop Shop For Car Buying So you're in the market for a new(ish) set of wheels? The good news is that the used car industry in Australia is big business, so there is no shortage of potentially suitable vehicles out there with your name on them.

It’s a very good time to be in the market for a car – satisfying our craving for mobility and independence as well as our new found indulgence for flashy metal – whether it be new or second hand. That's partly thanks to cheaper entry-level models, stiff competition, lower interest rates and of course fuel prices.

The bad news is you might be spoiled not only for choice but by methods in which to find them. With countless used car sites, private offerings and dealerships to pick from, it can be an overwhelming experience and if you think the used car market is just a scattering of people trying to offload old cars, think again!

Sometimes buying a used vehicle is less straightforward than buying new. You’ll have to do a lot more homework and be willing to wear out your shoe leather. So before you decide to buy Uncle Ben’s old Toyota because it's just easier that way, here are some tips to help you navigate the used car market, as well as a few ideas to keep in mind before handing over your hard-earned cash.

When deciding to buy new versus second hand, buying a used car is almost always a better deal over the long term than buying or leasing a new one. That's the classic personal finance advice anyway, and it still applies.

the car, you’ll get more of your money back because your car will have retained more of its value.

with quality used cars – over 400 Subaru, Mazda, Holden and Kia to choose from at any one time.

For many, the biggest deterrent when it comes to buying a brand new car is that additional and often unforeseen cost the mind-boggling drop in value as soon as the rubber meets the road. Of course, another looming issue for buyers of new wheels is the greater depreciation that will come when the leases on many vehicles expire and hit their balloon in a more crowded used-car market.

For many it’s the convenience of having so many cars to choose from in one place and the comfort of knowing that they are all certified and come with a warranty. For others, it’s the fact they are dealing with a company with a reputation for delivering both quality and value. Of course, everyone loves the fact that the enormous showrooms are all under cover – perfect for car shopping no matter what the weather is like.

When it comes down to your search for your used car, you’ve done your research, and you have narrowed down your list of requirements, you may even know what type of car you want.

Fantastic – so what do you do now? Where do you start? There are just so many options available that include buying privately, through a car dealer or by auction.

Car auctions are another very popular way to get a great deal on used cars and where buyers can often get a car well below book value. Just adjacent to Newcastle Cheapest Cars, you will also find United Auctions Australia where you can browse through the numerous cars up for auction and place a pre-bid price on any vehicle that meets your requirements.

Car dealers like Newcastle Cheapest Cars take the daunting aspect out of buying a car, and you always know what you are getting.

UAA public auctions are held each Friday from 10 am, and the showroom is filled with 150 to 200 different cars so you always have a good selection from which to choose. They look new, have low mileage, have been cleaned up and are certified as mechanically sound.

Located at 254 Hannell Street in Wickham, Newcastle Cheapest Cars share the 20acre site with United Auctions Australia and dealerships that include Holden, Mazda, Kia and Subaru – making it the largest new and used car precinct in Newcastle.

"You don’t buy a car every day of the week, so take your time and do your research" said Richard when asked what tips he would give to car buyers looking for a used car.

"Not all used cars are created equal, and every used car has a different story to tell – different mileage on the clock, different owners and used for various purposes".

‘It’s therefore important that if buying from a private dealer that Over the years, the quality and reliability of cars have improved "We aim to provide a one-stop shop for people looking to buy you understand the cars history and registration details. Have dramatically. Today’s cars are built to last and can be expected a car without the hassle and the haggle" said Richard Bailey, the car checked out by a mechanic before taking possession. to run for at least 150,000 to 200,000 kilometres when they’re General Manager of Newcastle Cheapest Cars and also United There are mobile specialist mechanics who can provide you properly maintained. Also many used cars, especially those less Auctions Australia. with a comprehensive vehicle inspection. But, at the very least than four years old, have low mileage and look new. If you have buy a vehicle history report. This confirms the cars ownership, them checked out mechanically, you won’t have to worry about "Another fundamental difference and significant benefit is is under finance or has undergone repairs". that when you are dealing with us you are dealing with the buying someone else’s problem, and you can expect years of Automotive Holdings Group (AHG) – the largest and most "Buying from a dealer is less risky, and because you get a safe, dependable service. respected new and used car dealership in Australia, so you statutory warranty, you know what you're buying and are Also, when you buy a used car, the original owner has absorbed know what you are getting and that you are dealing with a well- protected. But buying a car is a big deal emotionally and the early depreciation, so instead of paying $30,000, you may established and reputable company - which is crucial.” financially so still do your homework when it comes to the car pay $21,000, which is 30% less than the original owner paid. and make sure it suits your personality and lifestyle.”

When you arrive at Newcastle Cheapest Cars, the first thing you You also have far less to finance, so your monthly payments, note is the gigantic showrooms filled from one end to the other insurance, and fees will be lower. When the time comes to sell

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