Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and Hunter Valley | INTOUCH MAGAZINE MARCH ISSUE 2019

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Newcastle•Lake Macquarie•Hunter Valley•Port Stephens

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WWW.INTOUCHMAGAZINE.COM.AU

ISSUE #42 // MARCH 2019

MEET THE FREN FAMILY Our very own Travel Guides!

Hunter Valley Airshow Sodeisha Exhibition at NAG Over 55’s Living Feature Lovedale Long Lunch 2019

Special

HOME Feature

Lifestyle // Entertainment // Dining // Fashion // Community // Travel // Family // Home // Property

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From the Editors...

When road closures and redirections around the city impacted Newcastle Restauranteurs Mark and Cathy Fren, they wondered just how long they would be able to keep their previously busy restaurant afloat. So, when Channel 9 came knocking on their door with an invitation to appear in a new travel show on the network, the Frens jumped on the rollercoaster ride wholeheartedly.

And what a ride it has been. They’ve eaten chicken feet in Taipei, abseiled down the side of Table Mountain in South Africa, flown over glaciers and volcanoes, ridden on the backs of elephants and gotten up close and personal with the snapping jaws of a giant croc. But whether the experiences have pushed their boundaries or tickled their fancy, they all agree they wouldn’t have swapped the last three years for anything. Get to know the Fren Family on page 12 of this issue.

From high-flying Frens to hot air balloons, we also find out all about the upcoming Night Glow festival in the Hunter Valley in this month’s issue. In fact, it seems it will all be happening in the Hunter Valley over the coming weeks with the Hunter Valley Airshow coming up at the beginning of April, the infamous Gum Ball and of course the Lovedale Long Lunch. There’s certainly something for everyone to enjoy – and best of all it’s in our own backyard – so don’t forget to book your tickets.

Before making his debut for the Newcastle Jets as a 16-year-old, Jason Hoffman was lighting it up in the then-NBN State League with Hamilton Olympic – in fact, he missed the 2007 Grand Final with Olympic to make his debut for the Jets.

Personal milestones were far from the utility player’s mind though, so it was a surprise for him to hear that he would be playing his 200th A-League game last month – something that only a handful of players have achieved. This month we spoke to ‘Hoffy’ about his career highlights.

The first major exhibition in Australia to celebrate the legacy and influence of the pioneering Sodeisha group on contemporary ceramics will open this month at Newcastle Art Gallery. This internationally significant exhibition is a testament to the strength of the Gallery’s collection and is a major highlight of the 2019 exhibition program. Enjoy!

Stay intouch at getintouch@intouchmagazine.com.au

ISSUE #42 MARCH 2019 Features 12

Meet the Fren Family - Our Very Own Travel Guides!

15

Newcastle Writers Festival 2019 Program

16

Sodeisha Ceramics Exhibition at Newcastle Art Gallery

19

Fine Wine & Fabulous Food – Lovedale Long Lunch 2019

20

Hunter Valley Night Glow – Back to Dazzle Crowds in 2019

21

A Wholesome Approach to Life from The Source

23

International Flavour

26

Combating Asbestos Exposure

27

Home – Build Plan Renovate Feature

28

Add Colour to Your Space in 2019

38

Meet the Maker – Well Spotted

40

An Alternative Approach to Healing

43

Over 55's Feature

10

Horoscope

Contacts

25

Business + Finance

Publisher & Editors Two Tribes Media Quentin von Essen – quentin@intouchmagazine.com.au Di von Essen – di@intouchmagazine.com.au Phone (02) 4943 0888 Address Level 1, 216 Pacific Highway, Charlestown NSW 2290 Web www.intouchmagazine.com.au Email getintouch@intouchmagazine.com.au Advertising Sales Phone (02) 4943 0888

27

Home + Lifestyle

37

Family + Community

39

Health + Wellbeing

GET MOBILE! View this month’s Issue of intouch magazine on your iPhone, iPad, android tablet or android phone.

Simply download the QR code and get mobile!

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

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Have you met the Fren Family from Channel Nine's Travel Guides? This hilarious and relatable Newcastle family have had the chance of a lifetime, having now completed 24 week-long holidays for tv. Read more about them and what they get up to on holiday and at home on page 12.

Photo By Graeme Taylor.

Regulars What’s on Guide + Highlights

© Copyright 2019 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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Contents

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Marketing & Account Management Di von Essen and Olivia Rodgers Graphic Design Jess Codrington Feature Writers Michelle Meehan & Claire Bradshaw

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CONTRIBUTORS Michelle Meehan Jess Codrington Di von Essen Quentin von Essen Tanya Obreza Claire Bradshaw Mel Murray

Anne Ward Nick Milligan Mia Kyrikos Rosmarie Milsom Declan Payne Chelsea Vanderburg Gerard McMahon Lara O'Donnell Jason Bartlett Jamie-Lee Donohoe

The popular Hunter Valley Night Glow is back at Roche Estate in 2019!

The main event will be the spectacular balloon Night Glow which will see hot air balloons inflated and tethered in an exciting choreographed display. The Hunter Valley Night Glow promises to be a great family night out with night markets, live musical performance and plenty of fun activities to keep the kids entertained..

WHEN WHERE TICKETS

Saturday 13th April 2019 - 5.00pm - 9.00pm Roche Estate Cnr Broke Rd & McDonalds Road Pokolbin NSW 2320 balloonaloft.com/nightglow or rocheestate.com.au

TIC K E TS AVA I L A B LE N OW

What’s on?

FRIDAY, MARCH 1 First Class 18 Now in its 11th year, the First Class exhibition project celebrates the high calibre of work by the previous year’s HSC Visual Arts students.

Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery, until 31 March.

►COMING UP MAR FRIDAY 1ST Kempy Duke of Wellington Shivoo Mary Ellen Hotel Joel Procter Clarendon Hotel SATURDAY 2ND Darren Rolling Keys Shortland Hotel Club Esky The Beach Hotel Dean Kyrwood Mavericks On Darby Rubber Bullet Wests New Lambton SUNDAY 3RD The Coconut Trio Crown & Anchor Hotel Scully Mezz Bar Lithium Sydney Junction Hotel TUESDAY 5TH Belinda Carlisle Wests New Lambton WEDNESDAY 6TH Karise Eden Wests New Lambton Matt McLaren Kent Hotel THURSDAY 7TH Kid Ink (USA) Warners Bay Hotel FRIDAY 8TH Kaylah Anne Mavericks On Darby Music in the Podium Warners Bay Foreshore Tailgate Drive Cardiff RSL SATURDAY 9TH Sunhill Drive Gunyah Hotel Love That Hat Mary Ellen Hotel SUNDAY 10TH Mick Jones Honeysuckle Hotel FRIDAY 15TH Butterfingers The Cambridge Hotel Music in the Podium Warners Bay Foreshore Bob Evans 48 Watt St SATURDAY 16TH Julia Jacklin The Cambridge Hotel SUNDAY 17TH Crocq + Friends 5 Sawyers FRIDAY 22ND Lords of House 48 Watt St Max Jackson Hotel Delany Mike Vee Shortland Hotel SATURDAY 23RD Bryan Adams Bimbadgen Alessandro Crown & Anchor Hotel Karen O'Shea Mattara Hotel SUNDAY 24TH Jerome Duo 5 Sawyers Jordan Fleming Mezz Bar Hornet Sydney Junction Hotel WEDNESDAY 27TH Jethro Thorpe Customs House Hotel FRIDAY 29TH Pete McCredie Charlestown Leagues Club Felix Quinn Band Queens Wharf Hotel Boney Rivers Duke of Wellington Gen-R-8 Wests New Lambton SATURDAY 30TH All Access 80's Warners Bay Hotel Ashley Knight Crown & Anchor Hotel Sundays Record Warners Bay Hotel SUNDAY 31ST Jayde Corner Mezz Bar Jackson Broadway Gunyah Hotel Sundays Record Duo 5 Sawyers

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Regional Australia Bank The Show Three days of fun filled, action-packed entertainment and education at Newcastle Showground! 1–3 March. www.newcastleshow.com.au

SATURDAY, MARCH 2

Newcastle Food & Flower Markets Launch 1 Rural Drive, Sandgate, 8am–3pm.

The Killer Queen Experience See the hits and memories at Civic Theatre.

Tom Ballard & Luke McGregor Belmont 16s.

Newcastle City Hall Wedding Showcase Meet event planners and sample catering, 12pm–2pm.

Nashville Live This hit musical production delivers the energy, glamour and magic of the city it’s named after. Civic Theatre.

Piano Recital in the Art Gallery Gerard Willems AM, concert pianist and Beethoven scholar returns to the Art Gallery to play the Stuart & Sons studio grand piano. Tickets: www.nag.org.au

SUNDAY, MARCH 10

Olive Tree Market 9am–3pm, Civic Park.

The Hunter Record Fair $3 entry, bring plenty of cash. Kotara High School, 9am–4pm.

SODEISHA: Connected to Australia Newcastle Art Gallery, until 19 May.

SUNDAY, MARCH 3 Newcastle City Farmers Market March 3 (Broadmeadow Racecourse, from 9am), 10, 17, 24 + 31 at Newcastle Showground, 7am–1pm.

Paddlefest Visit Speers Point Park to join in or watch the kayaks, sups, dragon boats and outriggers race. www.paddlefest.com.au

Melanoma March Newcastle Join Melanoma Institute Australia’s major annual fundraising campaign and walk to support research. Islington Park, 7.30am–11am.

Beaumont St Carnivale A free community event attracting thousands to Beaumont Street!

TUESDAY, MARCH 12 Senior Moments A comedy revue performed by a cast who are old enough to know better! 12+13 March, Civic Theatre.

THURSDAY, MARCH 14 Ocean Film Festival World Tour Event Cinemas Kotara.

Autumn Seasons Plate One of the Hunter's signature culinary events at Dalwood Estate. www.dalwoodestate.com.au Cleanup Australia Day It's not too late to join a local cleanup around Newcastle. Find locations at www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au

THURSDAY, MARCH 7 The Gospel According to Paul Jonathan Biggins is Paul Keating in a highly anticipated new comedy.

Civic Theatre.

Hermit Crabs and Meteors The Royal Exchange, until 10. Tickets at www.trybooking.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 8 Eddie Izzard Wunderbar World Tour Eddie is back to his roots with an all-new rather personal show.

Civic Theatre.

Craft Alive Newcastle Packed full of the latest craft supplies, kits and equipment. Craft experts will also be hosting workshops. 14–17 March, Newcastle Racecourse, 9.30am–4pm. Tickets from $12 (online). Visit www.craftalive.com.au

FRIDAY, MARCH 15 Gratitude & Grief – Elixir Ft Katie Noonan & Michael Leunig A combination of spoken-word poetry, vocals, sublime improvisation and live drawing at Civic Theatre.

Peter Helliar Live Charlestown Bowling Club, tickets at www.stickytickets.com Knights Vs Sharks McDonald Jones Stadium.

SATURDAY, MARCH 16

Dogfight (The Musical) A heartbreaking yet beautiful story, by Newcastle Theatre Company.

8–23 March.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 Newcastle Fringe Festival 2019 A smorgasbord of entertainment and shows, 20–24 March.

FRIDAY, MARCH 22 I Want to Know What Love is Members of the public anonymously submit their stories of love – fragments, memories, confessions and admissions – and this is the result! Civic Theatre.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23 Raw Challenge Doyalson Test yourself on an 8km muddy obstacle course. 23+24 March.

House Plant Revival Newy's biggest plant sale, by Desert Sunday Collective. 23+24 March, Carrington Fruit Factory (3 Cowper St).

FRIDAY, MARCH 29 2019 Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival Rock n roll, classic cars, hot rods, fashion, music, dancing and everything good about the 50's and 60's – lots of free and ticketed events on offer. 29–31 March, visit www.kurrikurrinostalgiafestival.com.au

SATURDAY, MARCH 30 Newcastle Beer Fest 2019 Another year of craft beer, amazing food, and live music! www.newcastlebeerfest.com.au The Wiggle Fun Tour Civic Theatre.

SUNDAY, MARCH 31 Hunter Memory Walk & Jog 2km or 7.5km walk, jog or run to support people living with dementia, their families and carers. Register at www.memorywalk.com.au Christ Church Camerata – 10th Anniversary A gala concert featuring the Camerata's favourite music and soloists. 2.30pm, Christ Church Cathedral, Newcastle. www.cccamerata.com.au

SATURDAY, MARCH 9

Live at the Foreshore Returning bigger and better, this music festival is back at Newcastle Foreshore with a huge lineup of talent including Kate Ceberano and Leo Sayer. www.liveattheforeshore.com.au

All German Day This showcase event of fine German motor cars including Mercedes Benz, Porsche, Audi, BMW and VW is coordinated by the (Mercedes Benz) MB Classic Car Club Inc. Newcastle and Hunter Valley and is now in it’s 11th year. This not to be missed charity event supporting Nobby’s Surf Lifesaving Club attracts entrants from local and as far as Sydney and Canberra. Registration $15 per vehicle (on the day). 8am–2pm, Newcastle Foreshore.

SUNDAY, MARCH 17 5km Walk for Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation From 9am at the Rotunda, Speers Point Park. Stay around afterwards for a coffee, bite to eat and some entertainment. Tickets at www.stickytickets.com.au

Barrelled Wine, Beer & Food Festival At Jefferson Park, Merewether. 16+17 March, tickets and more information at www.barrelled.com.au Vine to the Glass Free grape stomping, barrel rolling, wine and gourmet food at McLeish Estate. Visit www.mcleishestatewines.com.au for more info.

Cinema in the Park Free rides, face painting, music, dancing and at sunset The Incredibles 2. From 3pm.

The Drop Festival Part of Surfest, at King Edward Park. www.thedropfestival.com

SURFEST 2019 CALENDAR MAR 2 Wandiyali Indigenous Classic Merewether Beach, 2+3 March.

MAR 5 Go Kindy High Schools Team Challenge 5+6 March.

MAR 8 Westfield Kotara Uni Team Challenge Merewether Beach.

MAR 9 Sanbah Cadet Cup South Bar Beach, 9+10 March.

MAR 11 WSL 6000 Burton Automotive Pro Men's + Holmes Civil Developments Women's Pro At Merewether Beach, 11–17 March.

MAR 15 Evolution Charity Cup Funds raised are going to the Mark Hughes Foundation.

Dixon Park beach.

Do you have a local event or gig coming up next month? Email us before the 15th of this month at getintouch@intouchmagazine.com.au

What’s on?

Coming Up APRIL Live & Cookin’

WEDNESDAY 3RD UoN BiG Day In - Careers Day Hear leading career speakers, exhibitors and more at the Great Hall, Callaghan. Tickets $10 at acsfoundation.cart.net.au

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

THURSDAY 4TH The ABBA Show Civic Theatre Newcastle.

MARCH

FRIDAY 5TH Newcastle Writers Festival 5–7 April. For the full program visit www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au

BURLESQUE IDOL Saturday 2

SATURDAY 6TH Hunter Valley Airshow Vintage aircraft, jets, aerobatics plus more at Cessnock Airport, 6+7 April. For more information and tickets visit www.huntervalleyairshow.com.au Newcastle Crystals Gems and Jewellery Festival Minerals, fossils, crystals, Jewellery and gemstones, $5 entry 10am– 5pm (4pm Sun). 6+7 April, Newcastle Leagues Club.

SUNDAY 7TH NewRun Includes the Marathon (relay option), Half Marathon, Hill to Harbour 10km, 5km and 2km Kids. www.newrun.com.au Wedding Fair 2019 At Hunter Valley Gardens. www.hvg.com.au Love Wedding Festival At Dalwood Estate, Dalwood. www.loveweddingfestival.com.au WEDNESDAY 10TH Howie the Rookie Award-winning Irish play by Mark O’Rowe is an electrifying and epic tale. 10–13 April, Civic Theatre.

SATURDAY 13TH A Little Bit of Italy in Broke Italian inspired food and wine in Broke Fordwich, 13+14 April. www.italyinbroke.com.au Mega Creatures Hunter Valley Gardens, 13–28 April.

Hunter Valley Nightglow At Roche Estate. Tickets at www.balloonaloft.com/nightglow SUNDAY 14TH Harlem Globetrotters The Original Harlem Globetrotters are on the road for their action packed tour! Ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry, this is one-of-a-kind family entertainment.

Newcastle Entertainment Centre, www.nec.net.au THURSDAY 25 The Gum Ball 2019 Yet another amazing lineup at Dashville for this annual BYO camping festival! 25–28 April. For all ticket options visit www.thegumball.com.au

LUNCH WITH BOB BONGO STARKIE SKYHOOKS SHOW Sunday 3 ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO Tuesday 5

Reece Mastin

The teenage bad-boy Reece Mastin, who stole hearts across the country back in 2011, is no longer. In his place stands Mastin, a full-grown man; someone contemplative and earnest – a man who has already lived a lifetime of peaks and pitfalls, caused in part by the ruthless nature of a career in the commercial music industry.

Now 23 years old, Mastin is ready to show the world who he really is – and what better way to do that than with a brand new sound that is guaranteed to surprise and impress.

Mastin’s first single, Not The Man For You is a rock ‘n roll belter and completely unlike anything fans have heard from him before. To add to the excitement, the debut EP, Suitcase of Stories (available 6 April) follows in its wake, a release that truly solidifies Mastin as one of Australia’s most exciting new voices in rock ‘n roll. To celebrate, Mastin will be taking his band on the road for a sweeping tour of Australia including Lizottes on Friday 26 April. Don’t miss out – get your tickets at www.lizottes.com.au

Win!

LACHY DOLEY ALBUM LAUNCH Wed 6 LUKE BLOOM THE REFUGE TOUR Thurs 7 THE PIGS Friday 8

At Lizotte's, Friday April 26

FRIDAY 26TH Wizard of Oz Newcastle Entertainment Centre, www.nec.net.au SUNDAY 28TH Coastal Ascent A 25km/11km trail run, and the Kids Beach Bolt Mile from Dixon Park. www.coastalascent.com.au

NEXT Month!

Thanks to the crew at Lizotte’s we have 2 x double passes (show only) to give away to 2 lucky readers.

Visit www.intouchmagazine.com.au/Giveaways to enter – entries close midnight March 31st, 2019.

MR SOUL 50 YEARS OF TOM JONES Sat 9 LAZY SUNDAY LUNCH WITH BLUES BROTHERS REBOOTED Sunday 10 ROSS THE BOSS WILSON Sunday 10 LUKE KIDGELL THE TAMBOURINE TOUR Thursday 14

DAMIEN LEITH Friday 15 MONTEREY POP FESTIVAL Saturday 16 LUNCH WITH RONN MOSS Sunday 17 SARA STORER Sunday 17 MARK WILKINSON Friday 22 THE ARETHA FRANKLIN SONGBOOK Sat 23 MICK THOMAS Sun 24 LEZ ZEPPLIN Thursday 28 BROTHERS IN ARMS - THE DIRE STRAITS TRIBUTE Saturday 30

APRIL Summer Markets

LY 7 | AUG 4 AM - 3PM

NOV 3 | NOV 17 MARCH 2 | APRIL 6 | MAY 4 DEC 1 | DEC 15

CIVIC PARK 9AM - 3PM

CIVIC PARK 9AM - 3PM

art | design | music | food art

design

music

food

ASH GRUNWALD Thursday 4 EUGENE HIDEAWAY BRIDGES Friday 5

MORE SHOWS added daily.

LIVE SHOWS starting from $65 (including dinner)

Wednesday’s

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

lizottes.com.au or PH 4956 2066 www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 7

What's On

HIGHLIGHTS

The Perfect Friday Wind Down Every Friday evening in March Gather your picnic blankets, drinks, snacks, plus your family and friends each Friday at Newcastle's Pacific Park for Friday Chill. Run by the amazing Soul Café (who support the disadvantaged), this free, family-friendly live music event features a different local artist each week – you can also bring your own food (and alcohol), or grab something from one of the food trucks. So come chill every Friday in March from 6.30pm–8.30pm (weather permitting).

Music of the Guns

Melanoma March

Saturday, 9th March Presented by the Fort Scratchley Historical Society, this event features the Australian Army Band of Newcastle plus guests at Fort Scratchley – where the guns become part of the band. The Australian Army Band is one of Australia's oldest military bands, serving almost continuously since at least 1870. Their diverse and progressive range of ensembles will amaze and inspire, as the band creates the sights and sounds culminating into the past, finishing with Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture.

This iconic Newcastle heritage site is the perfect spot for a patriotic event, being family friendly and a cultural experience for the whole community.

Guests can bring along a picnic, small chair or rug along with a bottle of wine, with gates opening at 5.30pm for the 6.30pm concert (concluding 8.30pm).

Find tickets at www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

Sunday, 10th March Australia has one of the highest rates of Melanoma in the world, so much so that it is often referred to as 'Australia's national cancer'. With an average of 14,000 people diagnosed each year (and rising), around 1,800 will die from this disease each year. The Melanoma March is Melanoma Institute Australia’s major annual fundraising campaign to support melanoma research, with over 21 Marches confirmed across the country this year.

The event will be held at Islington Park (access from Maitland Road). You can register on the day from 7.30am – adults (18+) $25, children (5–17) $15 and under 5's free. There will be speeches and acknowledgements from approximately 8.40am, with the march beginning at 9am – a gentle 3.6km walk around the park. This community run event encourages all ages and abilities to join in, visit newcastle.melanomamarch.org.au for more information.

Barrelled Wine, Beer & Food Festival The Hunter Record Fair Saturday, 2nd March The Hunter's largest Record Fair is back again, with CDs, DVDs, bargains and rarities, LPs and 45's. The event is held at Kotara High School (Lexington Parade) from 9am–4pm, boasting alot more room than previous events – plenty of space for punters to rummage through the 1000's on offer! Entry is $3 (bring plenty of cash), and there will be the usual coffee, food and drinks available.

Saturday, 16th March + Sunday, 17th March What's better than wine, beer, food and the beach? We know Newcastle locals love any event involving all the above, and that's probably why this event has been added to the Surfest lineup!

Barrelled will be all of this and more at Jefferson Park, Merewether. The lineup of local vendors include the well-known Briar Ridge Vineyard, First Creek, Peterson House and Tulloch (plus more); beers by Ironbark Hill and Murray's Craft Brewing; and food by Restaurant Mason and Hunter Valley Cheese Factory. If you want extra, why not book yourself in for one of the workshops such as Queen Brie, Vino Virgins, Good Spirits or Crafty Corner – or go business Class for a 2 hour session of up to 16 wine tastings, private seating and a cheese plate. Buying tickets in advance is encouraged so you don't miss out – starting from $28.50 (incl tumbler + vouchers). Visit www.barrells.com.au

NO DOGS

• Newcastle City Farmers Market •

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Please check our websites for details

• www.nswfarmersmarket.com.au • • www.newcastlecityfarmersmarket.com.au • NSW Farmers Market Pty Ltd, P.O Box 152 MORPETH, NSW 2321

E: finefoodmarket@bigpond.com E: 0427 586 079

* Each Sunday at Broadmeadow SHOWGROUND Griffiths Road entry please

High-end Pre-loved Shopping

Ocean Film Festival World Tour Thursday, 14th March Showcasing over 2 hours worth of short films documenting the beauty and power of the ocean, the Ocean Film Festival World Tour is back at Event Cinemas, Kotara this month. This captivating footage of divers, swimmers and oceanographers will inspire and give you a new appreciation for the worlds oceans. Visit www.oceanfilmfestival.com.au for tickets.

Sunday, 24th March Raid My Wardrobe has become an iconic pre-loved clothing event with 50 hand selected stalls full of high quality, high end/street women's clothing, shoes, handbags jewellery and accessories for all sizes. You'll find good bargains and great brands such as Sass & Bide, Lisa Ho, Zimmerman, Alice McCall, Mimco, One Teaspoon, Alannah Hill and many more.

The event will run at Newcastle Basketball Stadium from 10am–1pm, make sure you bring cash or there will be an ATM available onsite. If you're lucky enough to get a VIP ticket ($25), you can avoid the crowds and start shopping an hour early at 9am. General tickets to the event are $5, available at the door or skip the queue by buying online. Visit www.raidmywardrobe.com.au

2019 Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival Friday, 29th – Sunday, 31st March This annual 3-day, free festival has been rockin’ and rollin’ for 15 years now, and has long been a staple on the Hunter Valley Festival calendar. The Nostalgia Festival attracts massive crowds from all over, showcasing the best from the 50‘s and 60’s – music, classic cars, hot rods, dancing and fashion (dressing up is encouraged)! The centre of Kurri Kurri is transformed into a bygone era, with over 150 retro market stalls and food vans, a show n shine, loads of free entertainment and dance demonstrations, talent quests, fashion parades and so much more. Ticketed events to book ahead for include the Retro High Tea, the Rock N Roll Express (a twilight train ride), and the Burlesque Idol Australia 2019 Grand Finale. There are also nightly events with lot’s of great rock 'n roll and dancing at local venues. For the full program of events visit www.kurrikurrinostalgiafestival.com.au

Shakespeare's Mysterious Muse Saturday, 23rd March + Sunday, 24th March How would singer/songwriter John Dowland's greatest hits have sounded if he had composed them this year? After all, echoes of his mastery occur again and again today – whether channelled by Ed Sheeran, Lorde, Pink, or a hundred other contemporary singer/songwriters.

Kiwi actor-countertenor, Glenn McKenzie explores this challenge in an eclectic and evocative romp through English music and theatre's most boisterous and creative days in his solo chamber work, Evensong. Painting a playful portrait of William Shakespeare's mysterious muse Mr W.H – the outrageous actor/singer who was the "master mistress of a poet's passion" – Evensong offers a fresh and contemporary interpretation of Dowland's finest songs and Henry Purcell's celebrated arias, framed by a selection of Shakespeare's most revealing scenes and sonnets.

This is part of the 2019 Newcastle Fringe Festival. For tickets visit www.newcastlefringe.com.au or Sticky Tickets.

All Seven Harry Potter Books in One!

NEXT Month!

Thursday, 11th – Sunday 14th April Potted Potter, created by Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, has taken on the ultimate challenge of condensing ALL 7 Harry Potter books (plus a live game of Quidditch) and turning them into 70 minutes of hilarity. The show features all your favourites plus endless costumes, a fire-breathing dragon, singing, ridiculous stage props and of course a dose of Hogwarts magic. This show has played to sold-out crowds all over the world, and is coming to Civic Theatre for 8 special performances – perfect for ages six to Dumbledore (old).

Visit www.civictheatre.com.au for tickets.

COOKS HILL GALLERIES PRESENTS

'Space Trip' Bronze 60 cms Ht.

STEVE GLASSBOROW Bronze Figurative Sculpture March 16–April 8 To view our online exhibitions visit www.cookshillgalleries.com.au.

Join our mailing list!

65 BULL STREET, COOKS HILL 2300 | OPEN FRI, SAT & MON 11AM-6PM, SUN 2PM-6PM, TUES BY APPOINTMENT. PH 0418 492 259 www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 9

Gemini 21 May – 21 June Mercury turns retrograde after the 11th which results in your zodiac neighbours being more cautious, but not you: you’re determined to take a leap of faith. Go for it, Gemini. You now have planetary permission to take what’s yours – but you should also rid your psyche of obstacles that threaten progress. Venus compensates with a socially sparkling final week when intimacy grows. Just don’t throw financial caution to the wind.

Astrologer TANYA OBREZA on what’s in the stars for March.

Pisces 19 February – 20 March You want, and deserve, only the best – which is exactly what your birthday this year brings. Sensational opportunities open new doors, as both work and relationships gather pace. At home, a sense of belonging becomes important, with singles wanting to settle down. Your birthday season offers some strong romantic contenders, but in case you’re unimpressed, sexy Venus provides more erotic encounters in the months to come, and Saturn brings a karmic relationship in the form of romance or friendship. But take care of whom you confide in; not everyone is trustworthy. Coupled Pisceans turn the bedroom into a sexual sauna. This impulsive spirit runs wild in financial matters too.

Aries 21 March – 20 April With Mercury going backwards after the 11th, focus on unfinished projects rather than starting anything new. To avoid errors, double-check your agenda, reconfirm appointments, have everything ready before a deadline and leave extra time for unexpected events. Another warning: the past has a cute way of reappearing on your doorstep when you least expect it.

Uncomfortable explanations may follow.

Taurus 21 April – 20 May When the Sun and Mercury settle into your sector of friendship, should you lay out a welcome mat or call pest control? Luckily, you’re dealing with a generous cosmos, so embrace this phase of good fortune and creativity.

Are we talking more friends, better money, hotter romance or improved career goals? Yes to one, or all! Treat March as a smorgasbord and choose where to shine.

Cancer 22 June – 22 July As life slows down when Mercury turns retrograde after the 11th, so should you. Hidden issues resurface, but rather than deny – it’s better to share how you feel. Sure, you may be anxious, but be honest, and you’ll enjoy a romantic renaissance as well as lots of laughter, renewed friendships and peace of mind. Money regains a niggling need, but there’s nothing like feeling the pinch to prompt ingenuity.

Leo 23 July – 22 August When those around you find their affairs riddled with complications, lucky lions will be purring with contentment. Most of your dealings are progressing superbly. But beware: Mars is running riot and bragging about your triumphs could earn you bad press – so it’s best to keep your most delicious conquests to yourself. The truth is, others are just a tad jealous.

Sometimes, it seems, that Leos do have all the fun!

Virgo 23 August – 22 September Don’t feel besieged if work is testing you. Some planets argue for a career change – others don’t. There’s no need to decide right now. Stay patient, because dreams need time to become a reality. Thankfully, with matters of the heart it’s all systems go - but let love develop at a steady pace. Again, don’t be in too much of a hurry to commit. Keep the focus on having fun, and the rest will follow.

Libra 23 September – 22 October Mercury goes into hibernation after the 11th, inviting Librans to do the same. This looks like a quiet stretch - but you can still expect the odd wakeup call. Talk could turn towards moving house or the need for repairs to a residence or relationship. Of course, life would be more exciting with the thrill of passion – but May isn’t too long to wait. Someone special is nearly within kissing distance!

Scorpio 23 October – 21 November Both Mars and Venus throw you a healthy dose of happiness this month.

With this bravado also extending to romance, your newfound confidence can’t help but be sexually alluring – hence the hike in potential suitors.

Professionally, you should be setting new targets and self-promoting until you get results. Network, Scorpio. Give it your all and soon you’ll be rewarded with financial and career boosts.

Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 This month a backward moving Mercury brings the full spectrum of emotions, and perhaps some conflict. But you’re not entirely innocent in all this. You can’t treat love as a battleground and not expect warfare. Take care that the past doesn’t spill into present battles. Others have been waiting patiently for your commitment, so make your mind up before they move on without you. If it’s peace you’re after, wave the white flag.

Capricorn December 22 – January 19 This is a major month for Capricorn. Mars settles in your sector of sexuality – encouraging Cupid to aim his intoxicating arrows your way. Set your sights on specific targets or people you would love to capture. With so many admirers, you won’t have to work hard for attention! At work, you may have some minor roadblocks to navigate. A colleague may be trying to sabotage your efforts, making life a little complicated.

Aquarius 20 January – 18 February A new mentor has a stabilising effect on your life. The hitch happens when Mercury turns retrograde on the 11th, confusing the direction of things. At work, files are lost, misunderstandings occur. Should finances plummet - reduce your debts and cut expenses. At home, emotions peak and plummet. If you feel you’ve been wronged, stand your ground: this is your chance to end or mend alliances.

TANYA OBREZA was born in Slovenija and emigrated to Australia with her parents as a young girl. It was during her first visit to England that Tanya was introduced to astrology, and in 1980 she gained her London Faculty of Astrological Studies qualifications. Over the years, Tanya has established an extensive and wide-ranging international following, mostly due to her reassuring, down to earth presence.

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BIGGER AND BETTER IN 2019 The Gum Ball The biggest Gum Ball in the event’s 15-year history returns on Anzac Day, Thursday, April 25 and runs until midday on Sunday, April 28. The four-day festival is a smorgasbord of activity, with organisers recently announcing an extensive program of activities for old and young punters alike.

Besides adding even more acts to the already robust bill, like Central Australian desert reggae outfit Tjupi Band, raw rock duo The Ruiins and the harp-inflected soundscapes of Newcastle’s Morgana Osaki, The Gum Ball has also announced a new element – the Tractor Shed.

The Tractor Shed is an intimate space that will host live Q&As with Gum Ball headline artists like Magic Dirt, Mojo Juju, and Tamam Shud. There will also be a screening of Waiting, an Australian documentary about cult American musician Van Duren, who will also be performing at Gum Ball and doing a live Q&A about the film. Added to that will be two comedy showcases curated by Newcastle’s Big Dog Comedy and a talk from author Stuart Coupe about his hit book Roadies.

The line-up for the popular Sunday Wind Down so far features internationally acclaimed songwriter Ben Salter, and Hunter Valley favourites Demi Mitchell, Dave Wells and Andy Abra & Big River.

The Gum Ball will again be a child-friendly experience.

The little ones will love clowning around in the Circus Playground, gawking at the reptile show, mask-making and theatre games with Curious Legends and puppet-making with The Squeaking Tribe. The House of Big Dreams crèche service also returns, so parents can drop the little ones off and enjoy the incredible live music. Not to mention free morning yoga classes for the energetic.

This year’s Gum Ball food line-up features flavours from around the world, with beloved Newcastle tastemakers Bao

T IC K E T S NE ARLYT! S OL D OU

Brothers joined by East Coast Paella Co., Rustic Pizza, Cyprus Kitchen, Natural Pancake Co and vego/vegan delights from Funky Food Van. The first rule of The Gum Ball is that there aren't any rules.

It's not a folk festival, a blues festival, a jazz festival or a rock festival. Nor is it a dance or hip hop festival. In its 15 years of existence, the annual boutique Belford bash is nothing more than a celebration of music in all its forms, for the purists and those people who possess a diverse palette, or those who want to bask in the glory days or dig into modern music to discover something new.

Heading the lineup is the towering titan of Aussie rock and his new outfit, Tex Perkins & The Fat Rubber Band. As the voice of the mighty Beasts of Bourbon, The Cruel Sea, Tex, Don and Charlie, Tex Perkins and the Dark Horses and the sell-out hit Johnny Cash tribute The Man in Black, Tex has etched his name into the annals of Australian music history. This new project, featuring guitarist and collaborator Matt Walker (Lost Ragas), rolls around in the mud of swampy blues-rock – expect new music and maybe a few Cruel Sea tunes.

Sampa the Great is one of the most important artists in the country. Small in stature but giant in voice, the Zambiaborn Botswana-raised singer, rapper and poetic lyricist tackles big issues and ideas with her hybrid of hip hop, soul, traditional African and pop. With her full band in tow, you can expect Sampa to be very great at The Gum Ball 2019.

The rest of the line-up features the likes of Augie March, William Crighton, Philadelphia Grand Jury, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets and an incredibly rare reunion by Newcastle legends The Hauntingly Beautiful Mousemoon. Limited tickets for The Gum Ball remain at www.humanitix.com

FULL�PROGRAM�OUT�NOW! SEE�IT�AT�WWW.THEGUMBALL.COM.AU

TEX PERKINS & THE FAT RUBBER BAND / SAMPA THE GREAT MAGIC DIRT / PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS / AUGIE MARCH MOJO JUJU / PHILADELPHIA GRAND JURY / WILLIAM CRIGHTON THE CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS (USA) / BEN SALTER */ PERRY KEYES VAN DUREN (USA) / CHEAP FAKES / MASCO SOUND SYSTEM BATTS / LOS KUNG-FU MONKEYS (MEX) / BEANS ON TOAST (UK) NICK BARKER & THE HEARTACHE STATE / CLAIRE ANNE TAYLOR TJUPI BAND / TAMAM SHUD / GRACE TURNER / THE REGIME / DAVE MAGPIE DIARIES / SHRIMP / THE HAUNTINGLY BEAUTIFUL MOUSEMOON MIDNIGHT TEA PARTY / ALLENSWORTH (USA) / KIMONO DRAG QUEENS BAGHEAD / THE RUIINS / WILLIAM JOHN JNR. / BATTLESNAKE THEN JOLENE / BURGER JOINT / DOC & THE DELEGATES CORAL LEE / DASHVILLE PROGRESS SOCIETY / MORGANA OSAKI +�A�FEW�MORE�AND�THE�BELOVED�OPTIONAL�*SUNDAY�WIND�DOWN

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 11

L–R Victoria. Mark, Cathy, Jonathan.

“Something that we said straight off was that we’re portrayed exactly how we are. And all the people in the show, how they act, and how Channel 9 portrays them is exactly how they act,” Cathy said.

Meet the FREN FAMILY! {Our very own Travel Guides} WORDS MICHELLE MEEHAN

When it comes to reality television, what you see is truly what you get with Newcastle’s most popular travellers, the Fren family.

Well known locally for their family-run German restaurant Oma’s Kitchen, in Watt Street, Newcastle, the Frens were catapulted into the national spotlight in 2017 when they starred in the inaugural season of Channel 9’s new reality television show – Travel Guides.

The premise was simple. Send six very different groups of “ordinary Australians” on week-long holidays across the country and around the world, road testing some of the destination’s most iconic, interesting and unusual hotels, attractions and culinary experiences. While the groups all 12 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

have the same encounters, their reactions and rating out of five stars are often wildly different.

For the Newcastle “travel guides” – parents Mark, 57, and Cathy, 55, and their adult children Jonathon, 27 and Victoria, 25 – the authenticity of their reactions is clearly where the crux of their popularity lies.

Mark is the upbeat and forthright dad who loves to negotiate hotel room upgrades. For more than 30 years he has been happily married to Cathy, whose quirky sense of humour and distinctive laugh is contagious. She jokes that marrying Mark was probably the “10th best thing to happen in my life”.

Victoria is always ready to voice an opinion but admits she tends to speak before she thinks, while Jonathon is the more reserved one of the bunch, often finding himself unwittingly involved in the family’s candid antics.

“And that's what we like. We’re ourselves.

Halfway through the first series, I said to a producer, ‘How are we going? Are we alright?’ And he went, ‘Oh, you’re hilarious.’

And I said, ‘Well, I didn't even know it was supposed to be a humorous show.’ We were just ourselves, so that's just the way it went.”

But while the Frens were clearly made for the show, becoming reality TV travel critics wasn’t something they ever planned to do.

In a case of something being meant to be, Mark and Cathy were actually approached by Channel 9 to audition for a completely different show – a short-lived cooking series called The Hotplate.

While that show was canned before a second season went into production as a result of legal action by Channel Seven, the Frens and their children were figuratively thrown out of the frying pan and into the fire with spots on Travel Guides.

Despite the completely different genre of the content, the Frens took it all in their stride and in the process became among the most popular stars of the show.

“A producer rang me from Channel 9 and had read all our restaurant reviews on the internet and asked would we audition for a restaurant competition,” Cathy said.

“So Mark and I auditioned for The Hotplate, which had been running for one season. They didn't do it anymore in the end because Channel Seven wasn't happy with the close similarity to My Kitchen Rules, so they asked Mark and I and the kids to audition for a new show they were bringing to Australia. So that’s how we got on (Travel Guides).

“Before we went, I said to the kids we’ll either love it or hate it, but it’ll be a great life experience. And I guess we like taking risks. Mark and I were school teachers for nearly 30 years in executive positions, and we opened the café to have

a family business, so we were keen (to give the show a try), and we loved it.”

Luckily for the Frens, audiences loved them as well, with the family invited back for the second season in 2018, followed by the third and current run of episodes, which are now showing Tuesday nights on Channel 9 at 9pm.

Mark said when they first signed on to the show, they never dreamed it would amount to anything more than the chance to enjoy a few free holidays.

But while the longevity of their stint with Travel Guides may have come as a surprise, he said the popularity of the format itself was an obvious winner.

“We thought basically it would’ve been like a lot of those shows where you get 12 months, and that's it,” he said.

“So after series one, we were delighted when they said series two, and then we were on the Today Show (in 2018) for series two, and they said, ‘Right, can you announce that there's a series three and you're back?’ I mean, we didn't even have a chance to process it. We had never told Cath's parents, we hadn't told our workers. So they’re all watching the Today Show and here we are saying we’re back for season three.

“So we'll see how this series goes, but it is rating really well, which they’re delighted with.

“It appeals to a wide audience, that’s what’s so good about the show. I’ve got kids that we taught from kindergarten and their families coming in to watch the show, and then you’ve got people in their eighties that love it; it’s got that broad demographic of people that just love holidays.

“And of course everyone loves holidays, but this gives a different perspective… it’s not the dolly birds from some of these other shows. We tell others how it is and because of the mixture of people on the show, you're getting the various

degrees of what you might like, I'll hate, and vice versa. That's why I think it's such a light-hearted and good fun show.

“A couple of episodes, like the one in Hawaii when Cathy was hugging Victoria after the surfing lesson, it just shows we are real people. In South Africa Cath was saying, ‘I never thought I’d be here with you kids to experience that’, and they’re the kind of things a lot of people relate to, that we’re just an ordinary family. We might be dickheads, I don't know, and laugh at each other, rip each other off. But we’re just a family that is just enjoying the ride and are so grateful for it.”

And what a ride it has been so far.

Overall the Fren family have been on 24 week-long holidays (including the episodes that are yet to air), travelling to everywhere from the Northern Territory and the Gold Coast to Bologna and Bali.

They’ve eaten chicken feet in Taipei (an experience Mark won’t likely forget) and abseiled down the side of Table Mountain in South Africa, flown over glaciers and volcanoes, ridden on the backs of elephants and gotten up close and personal with the snapping jaws of a giant croc – much to Victoria’s horror.

But whether the experiences have pushed their boundaries or tickled their fancy, they all agree they wouldn’t have swapped the last three years for anything.

“I'm a real believer of things happening for a reason,” Cathy said.

“If I were to be still teaching kindergarten, which I loved, I would never have had the opportunity to cook, to get invited by Channel 9 for a TV show, and to even get on Travel Guides.

“The destinations have just been amazing, and afterwards if you ever have a down day, you only have to think about (Continued next page) ►

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 13

(Continued) something we’ve done, and we just crack up. Even when we come back from trips, we say, ‘Did we really say that? Did we really do that?’ and have a good laugh about it.

“And I think people need to know that we’re not made to do anything either. Like they don’t say you have to do that. If you’re frightened or it's not your thing, you don’t have to do it.

We’re just crazy and choose to do it. I figure Channel 9 have worked it all out, and they're paying for it, so I'm going to go for it. That’s the attitude I think we’ve got.”

Known as the show’s resident “bargain hunters” with champagne taste on a beer budget, they often struggle without creature comforts when travelling, but their background working together at Oma’s Kitchen has certainly helped them cope with stressful family situations, allowing them to always find the funny side of any holiday disaster.

“I think we’re used to being together all the time because of the restaurant, so we’re lucky in that sense,” Victoria said.

“We know when someone’s going to have a meltdown, I guess, so we just let them go and do their own thing. But I’d say we get along pretty well the majority of the time.”

Cathy adds: “I actually think that working in hospitality, in a restaurant with usually only the four of us, we’re all really hard workers and we work long hours, and that has toughened us up to be able to do something like that.

Because I don’t think an ordinary family that doesn't work long hours would cope as well as we do.”

The fact that the four of them work so closely together in their restaurant also saw the Frens decide to temporarily close Oma’s Kitchen for the duration of the filming during the past two seasons.

Each year’s trips are all completed over a three-month period, with holidays often falling on back-to-back weeks, making it impossible to continue “business as usual”.

While they hired staff and a temporary manager during the first season, Cathy said tough economic conditions in Newcastle during the past few years, brought on by controversial inner-city street closures to allow for various infrastructure upgrades, had also helped force their hand in the matter.

But while they may have had to close for short periods, the unexpected upside for the restaurant is that it is now a beacon for the Frens’ adoring fan base.

Audience members regularly travel from far and wide to eat at Oma’s Kitchen, looking for a chance to enjoy a taste of more than just Cathy’s mother’s mouth-watering traditional German recipes.

“Channel 9’s been a lifeline,” Cathy said.

“I think we would actually be closed if it wasn’t for Travel Guides because it's been so bad in Newcastle… we lost 90 per cent of our trade (during the street closures).

“A lot of our customers now are most probably fans… we’ve actually created tourism for Newcastle because we have fans from all over Australia and from New Zealand who come to see us here.”

Marks adds: “We had somebody come down from Tamworth on Saturday and the weekend before, we would have had five different groups from Sydney. We’ve had a lady 14 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

ring up saying, ‘I’m coming up at Easter from Melbourne, but I want to make sure you're there’, and we had two ladies fly in from Tasmania that were going to the Gold Coast, who came to Newcastle, had dinner here, went back to Newcastle Airport and flew up to the Gold Coast for their holidays because they wanted to meet us. It’s really amazing.”

The Frens have been actively working to tap into the added interest in Oma’s Kitchen, creating a range of merchandise including coffee mugs, stubbie holders, tote bags and even a calendar, which are available via their website www.thefrenfamily.com Fans of the show – and their cooking – can also purchase the Frens’ range of traditional biscuits and shortbreads online, or try to snare a spot at the exclusive screening parties held at the restaurant each Tuesday night throughout the season. The events, which sell out within days of the tickets going on sale each week, offer food themed to the destination that is on air that night, along with the chance to mingle with the Frens while they all enjoy the onscreen antics.

“Well, the first time we had the event night, we were all sick all day thinking, ‘Shit, should we be watching this behind closed doors?’ because we don't know what makes the cut (for each show), we don’t see it until it is on air,” Mark said.

“What we think is really funny may not make the cut, but we really like that surprise of thinking we really don't know what happens until we watch it with everyone.

“And having 65 other people in here watching the show, it's just hysterical, everyone’s laughing, and that's what we like, the unknown.”

Jonathon said it had been a “humbling” experience seeing how many people go out of their way to contact his family.

“For me, it’s just personally really humbling because I'm so appreciative of people from Newcastle just coming up and saying, ‘Hi, I love the show’,” he said.

“Then there’s people coming out of their way or travelling three, four hours to come visit the restaurant. It’s just so amazingly humbling, to be honest, that people are willing to do that.”

Mark agreed and said the family really appreciates the reactions they get and the support they’ve received from viewers.

“A great story too is when we were in Israel filming, these people kept walking past backwards and forwards, backwards and forwards, and one of the sound guys said, ‘Do you know those people?’ And we said, ‘No.’ Anyway, when we finished filming, they came up because the show was screened in Israel and they recognised us and wanted to get photos with us,” he said.

“Even at airports, even going to Marketown now, we get pulled up. Bunnings yesterday was hysterical.

“We get a lot of emails, and people can contact us through the business … we’ve had emails from people that have been sick in hospital and nursing homes. A lady was having trouble with her pregnancy and was confined to the hospital for months, and she said the highlight of her week was watching us.

“Cath and I were down the street not so long ago, and this lady pulled us up and just broke down in tears and said she was going through such a rough time, but she put the TV on (to watch Travel Guides), and for that hour, she could just escape.”

Cathy adds: “It’s a real feel-good show. And I think for me that's been one of the big things that have come out of it, that we’ve made so many people laugh and be happy. That in itself is enough.”

Travel Guides screens Tuesday nights from 9pm on Channel 9. Oma’s Kitchen is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11am till late. ■

Newcastle Writers Festival 2019 Program

Clementine Ford Photo by Liam Driver

SHOUT OUT for Volunteers The festival wouldn't be possible without the support of our dedicated team of volunteers. Festival organisers are currently welcoming new volunteer registrations. Enjoy being a part of the behind-the-scenes action during the festival weekend and lend a helping hand. Register online today at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/volunteers

The Newcastle Writers Festival’s founding director, Rosemarie Milsom, launched the organisation’s seventh program late last month. With an exceptional lineup in store, you’ll need to book soon to see writers such as Clementine Ford, Trent Dalton, Rosalie Ham, Chloe Hooper and Michael Robotham, who are among some 130 writers participating in the April event.

This year’s program includes 130 writers and is inspired by the key theme, ‘Discover the stories behind the stories’, but Milsom also said she had been influenced by comedian Hannah Gadsby’s ground-breaking performance Nanette.

“Gadsby said that stories hold our cure and I believe that to be true,” said Milsom.

“When we ignore the stories of others, it’s easier to turn away from empathy. The power of Hannah Gadsby’s story is her resilience, and that also happens to be a strong theme in this year’s program.”

The launch also provided an opportunity for the event to reveal its vibrant rebranding, which was overseen by Newcastle creative agency and festival sponsor Enigma.

“It’s not just me who was looking a little tired,” joked Milsom.

“We were after a bold new image that conveys our purpose, which is to encourage people to look beyond the surface and step out of the social media echo chamber.

Reading is key to this.”

This year’s program includes some of Australia’s most respected fiction and non-fiction writers, including award-winning journalists Trent Dalton and Kerry O’Brien, comedians Ellen Briggs, Hung Le and Mandy Nolan, Aboriginal activist and mental health advocate Joe Williams, feminist commentator Clementine Ford, academic and former president of the Australian Human Rights Commission Gillian Triggs, best-selling authors Rosalie Ham (The Dressmaker), founder of 1 Million Women Natalie Isaacs, and popular crime writer Michael Robotham, who will appear with local writer Barry Maitland at a special evening event at Cessnock Performing Arts Centre on 6 April.

The festival spans three days from Friday, 5 April to Sunday 7 April, and is held in the Civic Precinct. The program features a fund-raising literary trivia night, a series of writing workshops supported by the University of Newcastle, panel discussions, readings, one-on-one interviews, book launches, and tours of Newcastle City Library’s archives.

Session topics traverse the fallout from the banking royal commission, humour, history, artificial intelligence, poetry, true crime, community activism, the art of the interview, and the history of LGBTQI conversion therapy.

Thanks to a partnership with the local Catfish Charity Foundation, there is a free family event in Newcastle City Library from 11am to 1pm on Sunday, 7 April, featuring local and visiting children’s writers and illustrators.

Tickets are available in person at MacLean’s Booksellers, 69 Beaumont Street Hamilton and online via www.trybooking.com/eventlist/nwf – Free sessions do not require bookings. For more information visit www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN The first round of funding for Orica’s 2019 Community Investment Program is now open, with up to $65,000 in grants available to local community groups.

The Orica Community Investment Program supports initiatives that seek to promote education and lifelong learning, improve and protect the environment, and build strong communities.

Application forms and supporting documents are available at orica.com/kooragang Applications for this round of funding will close on 31 March, with successful recipients notified in April.

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 15

Satoru HOSHINO Beginning Form – Spiral ‘17 2017 Smoked Earthenware 850°C, Black Stoneware Artist Collection

INTERNATIONALLY SIGNIFICANT EXHIBITION OPENS

At Newcastle Art Gallery

A nationally significant exhibition will open at Newcastle Art Gallery on Saturday 2 March 2019, drawn from the Gallery’s substantial collection of Japanese Sodeisha ceramics and the result of a collaboration of curators and artists across Australia and Japan. Newcastle Art Gallery has been able to achieve this ambitious exhibition and program of events through the support of the Dobell Exhibition Grant, funded by the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation and managed by Museums & Galleries of NSW. SODEISHA: connected to Australia celebrates Newcastle Art Gallery’s significant holdings of Japanese ceramics with ten displays of contemporary ceramic artists from Australia

and Japan alongside the Gallery's Sodeisha collection. The exhibition will continue through until 19 May 2019.

The Australian artists involved include Alterfact Studio, Penny Byrne, Juz Kitson, Julie Bartholomew, and Kenji Uranishi, while artists Takashi Hinoda, Satoru Hoshino, Yusaku Ishida, Rokubei Kiyomizu, and Hideo Matsumoto will represent Japan in the exhibition.

“This is the first major exhibition in Australia to celebrate the legacy and influence of the pioneering Sodeisha group on contemporary ceramics, and is a testament to the strength of Newcastle Art Gallery’s collection,” said Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton.

“More than 37 years after the acquisition of this internationally significant collection, it continues to be a valuable cultural asset for the city of Newcastle as well as the nation.”

"This exhibition is one of the major highlights of our 2019 exhibition program and will enable us to create new dialogues between this significant movement and contemporary ceramic artists today. Sodeisha artists were ground-breakers- revolutionaries if you will – and they have forever impacted on the contemporary landscape of ceramics and art," said Morton.

SODEISHA: connected to Australia provides the first opportunity for the Newcastle Art Gallery to develop an international, cultural partnership project based on the city’s collection.

The exhibition brings together curatorial advisor Kevin White – a MEXT Scholar and exhibiting artist Satoru Hoshino – an original member of the Sodeisha group. Hoshino will arrive in Newcastle from Japan to ensconce a major wall and floor mounted ceramic installation and joins Professor White and Gallery staff to take part in a range of dynamic public events.

2 March - 19 May 2019

This exhibition is supported by the Dobell Exhibition Grant, funded by the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation and managed by Museums & Galleries of NSW.

www.nag.org.au

Museums & Galleries of NSW

This organisation is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW, Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation & Newcastle Art Gallery Society.

Image: Tadayasu SASAYAMA Waves cube B n.d. (detail) stoneware plates on wood base 28.5 x 21.0 x 14.5cm Gift of members of the Sodeisha Group 1981 Newcastle Art Gallery collection.

16 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

About the Japanese Sodeisha ceramics in the Newcastle Art Gallery collection Newcastle Art Gallery holds 58 Sodeisha ceramics, one of the largest collections by this important group of post-war avant-garde artists outside of Japan.

In 1979 Newcastle Art Gallery hosted a contemporary Sodeisha Japanese ceramics exhibition arranged by the Australian Gallery Directors Council in association with the Crafts Board of the Australia Council and the Japan Foundation.

It was the first major exhibition held in Australia that brought attention to the groundbreaking work of the Sodeisha group of ceramic artists and featured 62 works of art by 32 members of the group including founding members Osamu Suzuki (1926–2001), Kazuo Yagi (1918–1979), and Hikaru Yamada (1924–2001). After two years of touring the exhibition to a number of state and regional Australian galleries, the Sodiesha group elected to gift 58 of the original 62 works of art to Newcastle Art Gallery.

Public programs supporting the exhibition A comprehensive suite of public programs will support the exhibition, including masterclasses, artist-led workshops and forums, and regional clay community activities, drawing in new audiences for this ancient and contemporary art form.

Supporting events include the exhibition opening event on Friday, March 1 (from 5.30pm); Artist Forum: Sodeisha and ceramics today on Saturday 2 March from 2pm to 3pm and Raky Clay Masterclasses with Satoru Hoshino on Saturday 9 March and Sunday 10 March.

For the full program visit www.nag.org.au/whats-on

18 & 19 MAY 2019 Round up your friends. Come and join in the celebration that is The Hunter’s BIGGEST Wine & Food Festival

www.lovedalelonglunch.com.au

Fine Wine and Fabulous Food...

It’s Lovedale Long Lunch Time!

The Lovedale Long Lunch is celebrating fine wine, fabulous food and friendship on the 18 + 19 May with seven of Lovedale’s best boutique cellar doors and vineyards paired up to celebrated local restaurants and great live entertainment. The iconic progressive-style lunch is like no other – celebrating the food and wine treasures of the Hunter Valley.

Set in the grounds of seven of the area’s most elegant and exciting cellar doors and vineyards, the iconic event serves up a weekend of premium wine tasting, accompanied by a mouth-watering menu put together by some of the finest chefs in the Hunter Valley.

Saturday is the big day, lots of fun and enjoyment with many loyal long lunchers – groups of family and friends, big and small. The weekend sees everything from themed attire to elegant day wear. From the charming men, young and mature, in smart shirts, trousers and sometimes jackets to the lovely ladies of all ages in attire which would not look out of place at the polo or a garden party. No matter what you wear, or your style, we want you to look your best.

For those of you that like your days tasting wine and food a bit more chilled, Sundays are alot less busy and a little

more laid back. Grab your ticket, spend a relaxing day visiting your favourite Lovedale Long Lunch destinations, take advantage of the tasting tents, sample the extensive range of wonderful wines and sit back and enjoy a drink with your friends. You’ll experience casual al fresco dining with food from the best and enjoy the laid-back music, reminiscent of days past of the Lovedale Long Lunch. Fewer people, great wine, great food and great music make Sunday Session the best day for Novocastrians and locals.

Live entertainment is on offer at each venue on both days, with music from some of the region’s most popular bands and solo acts guaranteed to keep the party atmosphere pumping for the thousands of visitors who flock to the annual event.

Celebrating its 26th year in 2019, the Lovedale Long Lunch will be held across the following wineries: Allandale Winery, Emma’s Cottage Vineyard, Gartelmann Wines, Saltire Estate, Sandalyn Wilderness Estate, Tatler Wines and Wandin Estate.

Event tickets can be purchased for either the Saturday or Sunday, or as a weekend package, which includes entry to three wineries each day, vouchers for three main meals, and

two dessert or cheese tokens.

An institution on the Hunter tourism calendar, tickets for the event always sell quickly, so make sure you secure yours early.

A number of bus tour companies offer combined ticket and transport packages, while other visitors prefer to arrange their own private charter to allow them to select their preferred itinerary.

For the sake of your fellow long-lunchers, please remember to check entry conditions, bring your ID and ticket, leave your alcohol at home and arrive at your last venue before 3pm as there will be an event-wide lock-out. As always – there will be no exceptions and no tolerance for disorderly or aggressive behaviour.

For those who have never been to the Lovedale Long Lunch, the weekend offers a wine and food tasting experience not to be missed, with the Saturday known for its big, party vibe and the Sunday perfect for those looking for a more laidback affair.

WHAT 2019 Lovedale Long Lunch WHEN 18 + 19 May 2019, 10am to 4pm daily TICKETS & INFO www.lovedalelonglunch.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 19

HUNTER VALLEY

Night Glow!

Back to Dazzle Crowds in 2019 With a long and daring history, hot air ballooning has, for the most part, seen it all.

Believe it or not, the first “manned” hot air balloon took flight on the 19th of September 1783. The balloon held passengers including a sheep, duck, and rooster. Understandably, this was quite a sight to behold. WORDS MIA KYRIKOS Not long after this, the first real manned flight saw lift off on the 21st of November 1783 in Paris, France. The pilots were Pilatre De Rozier and Marquis d’Arlandes. These two men flew for about 20 minutes and travelled roughly 8 kilometres, landing safely and receiving awards for their brave efforts.

And brave they were! Built by the infamous Montgolfier brothers, the balloon was practically made from paper.

Combined with air on the inside being heated by an open fire, this was clearly not ideal.

Fast forward 236 years later, hot air balloon technology has thankfully seen many advances. Rather than a serious mode of transport, hot air balloons have become for some a leisure activity and for others a sport. What hasn't changed is that to this day, hot air balloons are still considered a sight to behold.

With this in mind, it is no wonder that major hot air ballooning festivals have become so popular worldwide.

Luckily for us, we even have one in our very own backyard.

Following the roaring success of the first event, we are pleased to say that Hunter Valley Night Glow is back to dazzle crowds on Saturday 13th April 2019! Hosted by Balloon Aloft and Roche Estate, the event will no doubt 20 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

offer a fantastic start to the school holidays for both kids and parents alike. Located in the heart of Hunter Valley wine country, Roche Estate is a premier events venue, often hosting concerts and artists from all over the globe.

Inspired by incredible bazaars around the world, the evening will kick-off with a family-friendly night market offering some of the Hunter Valley’s best food, wine, and hand-made crafts. Coupled with stunning views, the festivities will also include musical performances throughout the night.

Notably, the live performance by acoustic band, The Coconut Trio, is set to be a crowd-pleaser. The Newcastle group including three members, Olivia, Sophia, and Frank, bonded over their love of music. They hope to share this love with audiences both near and far, with influences including Jackson 5, Bob Marley, The Beatles and even Bruno Mars.

Along with The Coconut Trio, there will be no shortage of entertainment as roving performers, face-painting and jumping castles are sure to keep kids of all ages entertained.

Hot air ballooning enthusiasts will be in seventh heaven with the opportunity to meet former two-time Women's World Ballooning Champion, Nicola Scaife. Working as a

commercial balloon pilot for Balloon Aloft, Nicola will be on hand to answer any of your ballooning questions as you walk through a semi-inflated hot air balloon and learn how a balloon operates. This will also make the perfect photo opportunity with people welcome to take a selfie from inside the balloon envelope.

From here, grab the kids and make sure to explore the amazing balloon display. Back by popular demand, the Nudie and Heart Shape Balloon will be part of the display with other special surprises in store. As well, the enormous Roche Estate Balloon will also be on display. This incredible balloon is one not to miss, standing over nine storeys high, this impressive balloon carries 24 passengers and is the biggest passenger balloon in Australia! Known as being one of the best parts of the evening, Balloon Aloft senior pilot Matthew Scaife said, “We are so excited to have these balloons, and spectators will be too. There will be no shortage of photographic opportunities”.

The event hopes to inspire everyone to “get their glow on”, and really involve audiences in lighting up the night. Glow-inthe-dark t-shirts, glasses, headbands, and other glow items will all be available for purchase during the event.

Michelle Wills from Balloon Aloft explains, “The night is just a real celebration, for kids and families… and we have really worked to ensure we are making this a family-friendly night, for the younger generations as well as the mums and dad and grandparents.”

The main celebration and the highlight of the evening will start at 8pm when the spectacular balloon night glow performance sees hot air balloons light up their burners and take flight in the dark. Over 12 months in the making, with approximately eight balloons, the performance is set to delight. Tethered to the ground, balloons will drift upwards lighting up the night sky, dancing to the music. Both kids and parents are sure to be mesmerised, with the incredible Hunter Valley acting as the perfect stage for this amazing performance. And of course, the performance is set to end with a bang, thanks to a spectacular firework display over Roche Estate to conclude the event.

Don’t miss the most magical event of the year! Be sure to bring a picnic rug to enjoy dinner under the stars and start the school holidays with a bang. With online tickets priced from just $19.50 for adults and $11.50 for children, the event is sure to make for a wonderful night out for the whole family. To book your tickets to the night glow visit www.huntervalleynightglow.eventbrite.com.au. For further event information go to www.balloonaloft.com/nightglow

A WHOLESOME Approach to Life from The Source WORDS CLAIRE BRADSHAW

‘Sustainability’ is a word on a lot of lips at the moment. And for good reason: with waste levels dangerously high around the world, our planet is paying the price – something we’re particularly reminded of every March on Clean Up Australia Day. Fortunately, more and more individuals are now doing what they can to lead a more sustainable life. But striving for a completely zero-waste lifestyle isn’t easy. Most weekly grocery shops inevitably lead to waste in some form or another, even for those shopping with the best intentions.

That’s where a little store called The Source Bulk Foods can help. Tucked away in Marketown Shopping Centre, The Source has a zero-waste philosophy and a passion for healthy, unpackaged wholefoods.

Opened in December 2017, the store is owned and operated by Newcastle locals, Leanne and Greg Saunders.

The pair were in search of a business opportunity for Leanne to run when, by chance, they stumbled across The Source.

“We had ourselves adopted a non-processed wholefood approach in our daily lives,” explains Leanne. “We had considered cafes and food businesses but didn’t really know where to start. Then I came across this beautiful store that

was The Source Bulk Foods! I walked in and was like a kid in a candy store – literally. I told my husband about it and said, ‘This is it – this is the business for me!’”

The Newcastle store is one of 47 locally owned and run franchises in the Source Bulk Foods family. The ideas behind the brand are simple: eat more healthily, shop more consciously, and approach waste more responsibly.

Beginning as a family-run Byron Bay business back in 2010, The Source Bulk Foods has experienced huge growth since expanding to franchises in 2014, with stores now spread across Australia, New Zealand and the UK. Step inside the Newcastle store, opposite Woolies at Marketown, and you’ll find yourself in a health foodie’s paradise. The neat rows of tubs and shelves are filled with over 350 bulk products, from nuts, seeds, flours, grains and beans to muesli, snack mixes and better-for-you sweet

ENJOY ME FOR FREE!

treats. Pantry staples like pasta, spices, herbs and oils are also available, as well as special ingredients that can be hard to find in your standard grocery shop. “We also offer a great range of products for customers looking for organic, Australian, gluten-free, paleo or vegan options,” adds Leanne.

Shoppers can purchase or bring along reusable containers and jars to fill with as much or as little of a product as they need. The store is, of course, completely plastic-bag-free, with a focus on generating as little waste as possible throughout the supply chain process.

Plus, you’ll not only be boosting your health and doing your bit for the environment when you visit The Source – you’ll also experience a friendly, ‘old-fashioned’ customer service experience every time you walk through the doors.

“I am a people person and love to get to know my customers and make them feel special when they walk in my store and return time and time again,” says Leanne. “I make an effort to get to know the names of my regular customers and welcome them to the store by name.”

So, how has the Newcastle community responded to The Source and its sustainable living philosophy over the past 14 months? Extremely well, according to Leanne.

“It is very rewarding to see Newcastle embrace the store and its concept, whether it be from the ‘buy just what you need’ angle, or the zero-waste, reduce, reuse and refill angle,” she explains, adding, “There is so much I love about running the store – from the wonderful team of girls that I work with to the variety of customers that come to our store every week.”

If you’re looking to make some changes in your eating and shopping habits, The Source Bulk Foods is a perfect place to start. Your body and the environment will thank you for it!

AN ABSOLUTE FOODIE HEAVEN! WITH OVER 250 AMAZING PRODUC TS INCLUDING HEALTH FOODS, NUTS, GRAINS, SUPERFOODS, CHOCOLATES & OILS TO NAME A FEW. COME IN, BRING IN YOUR CONTAINERS TO REFILL, BUY AS LIT TLE OR AS MUCH AS YOU NEED & ENJOY A ZERO WASTE GROCERY SHOPPING EXPERIENCE! THE SOURCE BULK FOODS NEWCASTLE MARKETOWN SHOPPING CENTRE NEWCASTLE WEST

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www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 21

More than 10,000 different products from over 60 countries – all under one roof !

England • Scotland • Ireland • Holland • Germany • France • Poland • Portugal • Spain Italy • Greece • Macedonia • Slovakia • South Africa • USA • Brazil • Canada • Mexico China • Japan • Israel • Turkey • New Zealand... plus many more...

THE FOODIES WAREHOUSE • 355 Hillsborough Road Warners Bay Weekdays 8-5, Thurs till 7pm, Sat 8.30-4, closed Sun & Hols • Ph 4954 6044

www.bibina.com.au

Flavour!

Spanish olives. Italian pasta. South African Biltong. Russian Caviar.

Turkish delight in a huge range of flavours, Swiss chocolates and Pop Tarts, and that is only scratching the surface of the thousands of imported foods from over 60 countries you’ll find at Bibina.

For ex-pats and migrants it’s a treasure-trove of the foods you love, that you grew up eating that you can’t find in Australian supermarkets. For Australians it’s a way to try international tastes without a long-haul flight.

The mix of international products at Bibina is extensive – from snack foods to soft drinks to spices to baked goods to chocolates to breakfast cereals to cheeses… from jars to cans to chilled and frozen foods.

Of particular note is Bibina's cheese room, which has a huge range of European, American and Australian cheeses, specially selected for quality, taste and value. Bibina sells them as whole imported wheels and blocks, or cut into smaller wedges.

The demand for quality chocolates grew over the years so much that Bibina now has a dedicated climatecontrolled chocolate room with a huge range of local and imported chocolates, and even a range of dairy-free chocolates.

Mediterranean

Bibina was founded by a Mediterranean family which sourced olives, olive oil, antipasto, pasta and many of the other foods Bibina is famous for.

Today Bibina stocks hundreds of different olive oils from all corners of the globe, Australian and imported olives, peppers, pasta, sausage, salami, anchovies, dressings and coffee. There are lots of imported cheeses from the region too including goat's cheese, offering a huge range of flavours and styles.

From the Southern side of the Med is North Africa and the Middle East, where Bibina’s enormous range of Turkish Delight, Baklava, Kourambiethes Shortbread and Turkish coffee all originated.

Europe

Foods from Poland, Germany, France, Spain and Britain all feature at Bibina. From French duck fat and Monin syrups

to German pumpernickel, mustard and gruenkohl (green kale), Polish cucumbers, Polish sauerkraut, Russian liquorice, cheeses, biscuits and wafers, Dutch liquorice, Swiss chocolates… Bibina’s range of European foods is huge.

Americas

Bibina carries foods from Canada to Brazil, and everywhere in-between.

There’s Canadian and local maple syrups and Acai Superfood from Brazil.

The range of foods from the USA is huge – from breakfast cereals and Pop Tarts to American snack foods to corn chips to sauces and even canned pumpkin for pumpkin pie!

The American hot and barbecue sauces are incredibly popular, with sweet, mild, hot and ridiculous all in stock.

If you’re after ingredients for cooking American dishes head for Bibina where you’ll find lots of American staples in cans, bags and frozen – even American liquid cheese.

Central and South Americans love their chilli, beans and corn chips, and Bibina stocks them all. With Bibina you can make South American dishes just like the locals, full of flavour and aroma.

Bibina also stocks frozen churros and packets of churro mix so you can make this delightful South American dessert easily at home, and lots of sauces to dip them in.

Africa

Sauces, rubs and of course South Africa Biltong are all available at Bibina. There’s also imported maize meal, South African pilchards and more.

Asia

Cooking Asian dishes – from the Far East to the subcontinent – is easy with Bibina. From noodles to sauces, mild to hot, sweet and savoury, Bibina has you covered with Ayam and Kikkomann just to mention a couple of brands.

There’s also a range of Japanese mayonnaise, noodles, rice and condiments at Bibina. In our frozen section we have Asian-style dumplings, spring rolls, dim sims, cooked dishes and chicken. Bibina’s range of different rice – organic, white, jasmine and more – and sizes is second to none.

Bibina is open six days per week and Thursday nights until 7pm, or you can call the friendly crew on 4954 6044 for more information about the huge range of imported, organic, gluten-free, vegetarian, lollies, chocolates, cheeses and other foods in stock. www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 23

Photo credit: Sprouls

Home-Grown Hoffy Hits Career Milestone WORDS DECLAN PAYNE

The group of players that have appeared in 200 or more Hyundai A-League matches since the league’s inception in 2005 is an exclusive group. Only 26 players can currently claim membership of that particular club, but in early February one more name was added to that list.

Jason Hoffman, after making his debut in the Championship-winning Hyundai A-League 2007/08 season,

marked game number 200 when he stepped out onto the pitch against Wellington Phoenix last month.

Personal milestones are something which are far from the utility player’s mind, though – in fact; it was a surprise for him to hear that the landmark match was approaching.

“To be told it’s my 200th game on Thursday, it’s an achievement I’m very proud. For it to be at home, in Newcastle, is also very special for me,” Hoffman said, speaking before the milestone game.

“I think, from a pretty young age, I started playing football.

Through your younger years, you play for enjoyment, and then you hit a certain level where you realise there’s an opportunity to make a living out of the game.

“For me, I never had a goal of how many years or matches I’d try to play in my pro career; I just knew that it’s what I wanted to do and I wanted to continue to enjoy my football.

“I knew if I could do that and improve, I’d hopefully stay in the game for a long time.”

What’s more for Hoffman though, is that games number one and 200 have both come for the Newcastle Jets – his hometown Club. Before making his debut for the Club as a 16-year-old, Hoffman was lighting it up in the then-NBN State League with Hamilton Olympic – in fact, he missed the 2007 Grand Final with Olympic to make his debut for the Jets. It was a match made in heaven for the Newcastle boy though, a fan of football in the region for as long as he could remember.

“I started my pro football here at the Jets, and before that, I was a fan of the club,” Hoffman said.

“I supported Newcastle Breakers, then Newcastle United, and when the A-League started, and they were the Jets, I think I was at the first game.

“I didn’t miss many matches as a fan of the club, so to make my pro debut for the club was something that meant a lot to me, and I really wanted to be successful because it was a club I supported.

“I did play a fair chunk of my 200 A-League games in Melbourne [80 in total for Heart/City], but I’m proud that a majority of those have been for the Jets.”

There have been plenty of ups and downs throughout those 12 seasons of professional football for the Newcastle junior though.

From the highs of winning a Championship in his debut season to the heartbreak of letting a second winners medal slip in front of a home crowd last season. The attacker singled out four moments which have stood out above the rest to him over the stretch, with three coming relatively early on in his career.

His debut in September 2007 and the Grand Final victory in 2008, coming off the bench to help hold a tight 1-0 lead, were obvious highlights for Hoffman.

Qualifying and playing in the 2009 AFC Champions League was another one, and with another round of qualifiers approaching the opportunity to play in Asia once again.

However, it’s last season’s run in the Hyundai A-League Finals Series which stands out above the rest.

“Last year, the semi-final, scoring the goal to put us into the GF was something special, and something that makes you hungry to have more of those moments,” Hoffman said.

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t create another one a week later in the Grand Final, but that match still stands out for me, to see a packed home stadium and the fans really get behind us throughout the finals period was something that brought a lot of pride back to Newcastle football.”

For all your Australian, sustainably caught, fresh local seafood needs, you wouldn't go anywhere else, other than the Fishermen’s Co-Op!

SWANSEA - 69 Lakeside Drive, Ph 4971 4762 • OPEN Tues - Fri 8.30am to 4pm + Sat 8.30am to 1pm

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WICKHAM - 97 Hannell Street, Ph 4965 4229 • OPEN Mon - Fri 8.30am to 5pm, Sat 8.30am to 3pm, Sun 10am to 2pm • www.fishcoop.com.au

AUTHENTIC | STRATEGIC | DEPENDABLE

Business and Commercial Law • Property Law Employment Law • Estate Planning and Probate Public Notary • Not-For-Profit Law 24 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

www.jenkinslegal.com.au | PH 4929 2000

DATA DELIGHT How 'live data' is boosting local businesses, and that's good for all of us WORDS JASON BARTLETT - Partner, DFK Crosbie

Have you noticed how everyone seems to be talking about their data these days like it's a precious commodity? Running out of data before the end of the month is a common complaint. Maybe you've experienced billshock. Those data boosts can really catch you out.

But if you're a local business operator, especially an SME (small to medium enterprise), the term 'live data' has a whole new meaning. It's no longer a secret that using your own data is a recipe for success and will boost your business.

What's live data? It's the raw information that’s fed into the business accounting system every day. It factors in every incoming and outgoing banking transaction, and all trade liabilities. Live data gives you an up-to-date overview.

Once upon a time business owners would wait until the end of the quarter or financial year to identify trouble. Not anymore. Problems or downturns aren't left to fester for months or even worse a full year. Small business operators all over the region are using their live data to look ahead, rather than always playing catch up, and their strategic approach is paying off. The chances of a profit slump or the business failing are greatly reduced.

A successful small business sector in Newcastle and the Hunter means a healthy, vibrant economy. That means job opportunities and services for all of us.

If you’re an SME owner or operator and you're not already using live data and today’s accounting technology to benefit your business, now's the time to start. It

makes great sense. Get your business advisor to steer you in the right direction, and you'll be amazed how easy it is to use, and the time you save.

Maybe you're contemplating a change and thinking about buying a business or perhaps starting one for the first time. If that's you, the same applies. Knowing about the power of live data from the outset will be a real advantage.

Every business needs a regular health check too (this is sometimes called management reporting). It's simply the information you need to run the business better, factoring in live data and other accounting insights. Successful business owners are pro-active with this — they don't do it once a year at tax time. It’s a strategic exercise to look at the business from the outside in. Business systems, profits and goals can be adapted quickly if need be.

Owners aren't left wondering how their business is tracking. A proper strategic plan covers off potential cash flow pressures, resourcing issues and market fluctuations.

Being in business should not be wrapped up in daily stress and worry.

The peace of mind that comes with live data and regular management reporting is too valuable to ignore. Owners I work with tell me these things allow them to sleep at night — and that's the way it should be.

A successful small business sector is good for all of us.

Jason Bartlett is a Partner at leading accountants and business advisers DFK Crosbie, which is proudly based in Newcastle. He's been helping small to medium business owners achieve their goals for more than 25 years.

Peace of mind for you and your business • Health • Hospitality • Not For Profit (NFP) • Superannuation (SMSF) • Finance • Wealth Management

Phone 02 4923 4000 Email theteam@dfkcrosbie.com.au

www.dfkcrosbie.com.au

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 25

COMBATING

ASBESTOS EXPOSURE WORDS GERARD MCMAHON - Partner Turner Freeman Lawyers Newcastle

Asbestos is a unique mineral. It's fibrous, heat resistant and has high tensile strength. It has been used since Roman times.

Three types of asbestos have been mined commercially: white asbestos (Chrysotile), brown asbestos (Amosite) and blue asbestos (Crocidolite).

Asbestos was widely used in a variety of products in Australia until recent times. It was used primarily in insulation and building products until the mid-1980s, and brake linings containing asbestos were available in Australia until 2001.

The use of asbestos in building products was so common that any home built before 1984 would have some building products containing asbestos, if only in the eaves linings. In the 1950s and 1960s, it was common for entire houses to be built from asbestos cement sheets. Asbestos was also used in vinyl tiles, carpet underlay, office air conditioning systems, cigarette and wine filters, adhesives, gaskets, theatre curtains, a range of protective clothing and even Christmas decorations.

When asbestos fibre becomes airborne (for example, through cutting or breaking fibro sheeting) and is inhaled, it can cause lung disease as many asbestos fibres are lodged

in the lung and remain there. There are four basic types of asbestos disease: • Benign pleural disease; • Asbestosis; • Lung cancer; and • Mesothelioma Most asbestos-related disease occurs in people who worked with asbestos-containing products over a number of years.

In Newcastle, many who worked at the State Dockyard, BHP Steelworks (and other similar enterprises) and in the building and construction industry during the period 1945 up until the early 1980s have contracted the asbestos-related disease. Nowadays, asbestos has been removed from most workplaces, but some older workplaces still have "fibro" sheeting on the rooves and walls.

Even though most asbestos-related disease occurs in individuals who worked with asbestos-containing products, mesothelioma – a cancer of the lining of the lung and abdominal organs – can occur in an individual who has only had brief contact with asbestos products. For example, as a consequence of a weekend's worth of home renovation work.

There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos when it comes to mesothelioma. Cutting or breaking up a few fibro sheets is enough to cause it. It is relatively rare for mesothelioma to occur as a consequence of such very low exposure, but there are still hundreds of documented cases of it happening. Unfortunately, I know this from first-hand experience. Factors such as asbestos fibre type and genetic predisposition are thought to be key ingredients in low exposure cases.

In recent years, "do it yourself" home renovation work has been at an all-time high. Home renovators are particularly at risk of contracting mesothelioma. There is a temptation to dismiss the risk of contracting mesothelioma as the home renovator would not notice that he or she had inhaled asbestos dust. The problem is there is a latency period- on average, 35 years- from the time of exposure to the time the disease emerges. The only way to safeguard yourself if you intend performing home renovation work is to have your home inspected and any asbestos building products removed by a licensed contractor.

An individual who develops the asbestos-related disease as a consequence of exposure to asbestos at work has the right to make a claim on the Dust Diseases Authority of NSW which will pay a pension and all medical costs. In addition, that person can claim a lump sum from a former employer, the manufacturer of the asbestos products or the occupier of the premises at which they were exposed. A person who contracts mesothelioma as a consequence of home renovation work can only make a claim against the manufacturer of the product.

Gerard has more than 25 years of experience in personal injury law and 13 years of experience representing clients suffering from various dust diseases.

Turner Freeman offers specialist legal advice and representation in the following areas...

Asbestos Claims | Conveyancing and Property Law | Wills and Probate Law | Trust and Estate Planning | Will Disputes: Contesting or defending a claim | Purchase and Sale of a Business | All Negligence and Compensation Claims | Employment Claims

National Strength – Local Focus Law Society Accredited Specialists Home and Hospital Visits Available

Phone 13 43 63

Level 3, 384 Hunter Street, Newcastle NEWCASTLE | CAMPBELLTOWN | SYDNEY | PARRAMATTA | WOLLONGONG | WINDSOR | 26 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

www.turnerfreeman.com.au

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A simple and stylish natural colour palette in the home can suit both inland and coastal homes with ease, the elements and texture adding interest to any room without the use of bold colours. Here is a dose of local inspiration!

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From Tailored HQ 5

1 Comores Basket, $60 2 Leiluca Mug (made locally), $45 3 La Palma Euro Cushion, $150 4 Natures Flower Cushion, $94 5 Jessica Lumbar Cushion, $163.

From OzDesign 6 Lady Peacock Chair Natural, $599 7 Arlo Chair Natural, $529 8 Anna III Natural Rug, $199–$529.

9 HOMES ON DISPLAY ACROSS THE HUNTER Eden Brae Homes is a leading, multi-award winning home builder delivering stunning, affordable and quality homes with exceptional customer service for over 18 years.

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HUNTER REGION

For more information on Eden Brae Homes Display Centres visit: www.edenbraehomes.com.au or call 1300 570 193 for more info regarding our house and land packages.

Newington 22 Thorngate Facade

HomeWorld Thornton Cnr Brookland Prom & Kingham Cct, Thornton (02) 9045 4402

Harvest Estate Harvest Blvd Chisholm (02) 8860 0732

Huntlee Estate Parnell St North Rothbury (02) 8860 0735

Wallis Creek Estate Redwood Dr, Gillieston Heights (02) 4937 6505

Landscaping not supplied by Eden Brae Homes. www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 27

ADD COLOUR

To Your Space in 2019 WORDS LARA O'DONNELL - Tailored HQ

Interior Design | Curtains & Blinds Custom Furniture | Art | Accessories At Tailored HQ we work to make spaces as unique as you are. Our dedicated team has everything you need to customise your home to achieve your dream look.

Suite 1A, Ground Floor, 41-45 Hunter Street, Newcastle. Phone 4047 2330

www.tailoredhq.com.au 28 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

With a new year comes a new Pantone colour of the year, Living Coral, and thoughts of freshening up the design of the home come time mind. 2019 is bringing in some wonderful new design trends that we should all see come through in many forms shortly. Starting to steer away from the Scandi pared-back look, we’re excited to see colour, pattern and texture appearing in homes again through more adventurous design.

For those wanting to utilise the brighter colours without being overly bold, a subtle introduction of the new colour is the way to go. Use a mix of tones within the colour range to ensure one isn’t overdone or pare it back with the use of neutrals surrounding the splash of colour. It can be brought in the form of thought-provoking artworks with large matting and simple timber frames, or abstract design rugs, where boldness can be expected but is not in your face.

The location of the colour is key to the impact of it too. Usually, the trending colour is found in bedrooms and living rooms in soft furnishings or wall finishes. However, as the pastels have already made it into these areas in recent years and will sticking around, this year we will start to see them in hard finishes and fixed surfaces. For example, you’ll start to see the colours come into kitchen cabinetry. A calm and neutral benchtop and splashback around mint coloured cupboards will bring the daring colour down to earth (and back to a re-saleability level that most homeowners try to keep top of mind). For those not so adventurous, start smaller with a toaster or blender to ensure the colour is right for you.

Earthy hues and textures will also abound. Think natural products and colours

such as taupe, timber and leather, but found in more unusual places such as bar fronts in kitchens or paired with bright colours and patterns. This is the year to create a personality in the home while being sustainable. Mass produced furniture that creates the same look in every home will not be the norm. Eco-friendly pieces or revived existing pieces will not only be better for the environment but also give individuality to your space. With this, you can recover a beloved timber armchair with deep purple velvet or a large houndstooth print fabric – or both!

Furniture and accessories will also play a large part in this year’s trends. A softening of edges will come through, with curved lounges, chairs and tables found. This not only provides comfort without compromising on style but also ensures a pliable design element to stand the test of time.

Art deco inspired lighting and accessories will be seen and add sophistication to a space. The details of the finishes will be the key to the success of the piece. Irregular design vase shapes will come in, with the subtle use of colour incorporated. Think smoked blue or amber glass, fading to clear with a splash of gold foil accent. A cluster of these in various shapes on a tray on a dining table will not only bring that colour into the space but is also a textural and artistic element for a centrepiece.

Any venture into a new design trend must be taken with continuity in mind. With colours coming in the form of fixed or more expensive pieces, a sound design direction when investing in these must be considered.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help from an interior designer if you want to embrace a unique and adventurous design style with confidence.

March Opening Hours Fri, Sat & Sun 10am – 4pm

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Outdoor furniture you can trust...

The Alfresco Outdoor Living furniture business was started in 1984 in Bennetts Green. In 1989 it relocated to its current location in beautiful Warners Bay, where it has been operating continually since.

So, at more than 30 years, Alfresco is the longest established independent outdoor furniture store in Australia.

So why has it had such long-term success, in the face of competition from all the majors, with their huge advertising budgets? The owner, Morye Carter, feels sure that her success is due to always moving with the times, with creating the unique Alfresco range of designer Signature lines, and with a total commitment to quality in all aspects of the business.

Personalised customer service, founded on good old-fashioned values, is also a key feature. Morye has been there from the beginning and her customers have grown with her.

Whether moving up or downsizing, they have continually returned to make fresh purchases.

These customers know that, even though styles do change, the quality does not. With all those years of experience in this very specialised field, and an excellent memory for products and customers, Morye is able to give the right advice, to suit each customer’s special situation. Alfresco has a large showroom, displaying a wide range of stock, tastefully displayed.

The atmosphere is relaxed and personal. If you are moving, renovating, upsizing or downsizing, or just simply browsing to see the latest trends, please come in and enjoy the innovative ideas on display. Have a chat with Morye. She may be able to find just the right solution to your outdoor furniture needs.

A pleasant shopping experience is guaranteed.

Shop 3/311 Hillsborough Road, Warners Bay PH 4954 7500 E sales@alfrescooutdoorliving.com.au

www.alfrescooutdoorliving.com.au (Currently Under Renovations)

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E DAKOTA buffet | SILVER PRTOEA boxed framed canvas

CE L

SOHO sofa | WESLEY coffee table + side table

ATING R B

MORNINGTON dining table | BELMONT chairs

TEMPEST sofa | FABIO coffee table

SINCE 1979

OZ DESIGN FURNITURE KOTARA SHOP 13 KOTARA HOME, 150 PARK AVE, KOTARA | PH (02) 8834 4690 OZ DESIGN FURNITURE RUTHERFORD HUNTER SUPA CENTRE, SHOP 10/11,343 NEW ENGLAND HWY, RUTHERFORD | PH (02) 8834 4733

www.ozdesignfurniture.com.au

Jeff McCloy with Mitchell Pearce (McCloy Group Ambassador) alongside one of the public art pieces.

MAKING A STATEMENT

For Community Living Property development in the Hunter Region has been booming for a while now. In recent years, most of the chatter has revolved around the transformation of the Newcastle CBD, but there has been plenty happening in the residential community sector around the region as well. And if there’s one company at the forefront of that sector, it’s the McCloy Group.

With over five decades of experience, the McCloy Group is associated with many popular residential communities throughout the Hunter, New England and Northern Rivers regions. Each McCloy community is unique, but all have one thing in common: they've been designed with a particular focus on creating an ‘exceptional living environment’. So what does this mean, exactly?

“We ultimately see ourselves as creating communities, not doing subdivisions and chopping up blocks of land,” says McCloy Group Chairman, Jeff McCloy.

“There’s a whole different philosophy when you think like that.”

Each of the McCloy Group’s master-planned developments feature meticulously designed streetscapes

WORDS CLAIRE BRADSHAW

and landscaping, vibrant public art, statement entry features and lifestyle-focused amenities.

“When you come home, you come through the entry statements, you have a sense of pride in the quality that’s there,” continues Jeff. “You’ve got parks or playgrounds for the kids to play in, for grandparents to take their grandchildren. And on top of that, our public art, to add interest.”

Carefully selected public art installations are a prominent aspect within all McCloy communities. Viewed as a key element of any community”s cultural foundation, public art is something that’s long been important to the Group and its Chairman.

“Lake Macquarie Council has actually taken up the challenge of public art, and is doing a marvellous job of placing public art in its communities,” notes Jeff.

“It does make a difference to your living [environment]; it is good for a city, and we've been doing it for a long time now.

In fact, we’re upping the ante – we’re putting some beautiful bronzes in some of our subdivisions, and will increase the standard of our public art as years go on.”

The art, the entry statements, the landscape design – all of these elements are blended seamlessly to create an overarching sense of both quality and community. The

McCloy Group’s latest Medowie project, The Gardens (currently in development), is a prime example of this cohesion. “We go into an enormous amount of detail in planning those gardens,” explains Jeff.

“Where we put the gardens, how we put the public art in the gardens, the entry statements… It’s a lot of fun for our staff and me, but also it’s a great thing to be able to provide in the community.”

So with 15+ residential developments already under their belts, what’s next in the pipeline for the McCloy Group?

When asked where he believes the current property market is heading, and how the McCloy Group is responding, Jeff explains, “We try to create our own markets. The Labor government is saying it’s going to attack negative gearing and capital gains tax – that will have a substantial effect on investors, but our company particularly hasn’t chased investors that much. We’ve preferred to look for permanent owners for our estates, and have done that deliberately. I think that’s probably going to be a good strategy that we adopted a long time ago.”

The Group’s focus on creating “inspiring neighbourhoods in which people love to live” is set to continue into 2019 and beyond. Approval is currently being sought for several more residential subdivisions, but there’s an additional large-scale venture currently underway, and it’s a first for the company: a foray into retirement living.

The McCloy and Stevens Groups have partnered to undertake the Principle Living project – a joint venture to own, develop and operate retirement villages. Pitched as ‘a premium lifestyle offering for seniors’, the project will involve retirement communities in both horizontal (villa) and vertical (apartment) styles.

There’s been a renewed focus on Australia’s ageing population in recent years, which is set to ramp up in 2019 through initiatives like the Royal Commission into Aged Care and new codes of conduct for retirement village operators.

The McCloy and Stevens Groups have pledged to align the Principle Living project with the government’s ageing-inplace initiatives, using their combined skills and experience to deliver an effective result. “The combined skills of the companies add to and reinforce the individual skills we’ve got,” says Jeff of the partnership.

The first of the Principle Living retirement villages is proposed as an addition to The Bower, a residential subdivision launched in Medowie in 2016. Set amongst The Bower’s 416 homesites, the village will house 100 retirement living villas to the value of $45 million. Several other sites with potential for incorporating retirement living have been identified, including the McCloy Group’s Heritage Parc community, a Thornton North site also owned by McCloy, and the Stevens Group’s expansive Pokolbin estate, The Vintage.

The aims underpinning the Principle Living venture circle back to the community philosophy behind all McCloy projects.

“Instead of just finding some land, buying it and developing it and selling it, we have an ongoing commitment to that particular community, by fostering retirement villages in the land that we have developed,” Jeff says.

Each retirement village will revolve around high-quality, fitfor-purpose housing paired with signature McCloy community features and facilities. There are also plans to incorporate a variety of onsite services – “bringing in that dimension of being able to have the lawn mowed, or the windows washed,” explains Jeff.

With all this in the pipeline, as well as another potential commercial development in the Newcastle CBD (stay tuned for further news on that in future), the McCloy Group is set for an exciting year – with a focus on community living that’s stronger than ever. www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 31

The Newest Designs on the Block!

McDonald Jones Homes are thrilled to announce the opening of four new and distinctly different display homes, right on the doorstep of the Hunter, at the new HomeWorld Warnervale.

Selecting which designs to build as display homes is always a great challenge, and McDonald Jones’ newest homes have been selected to help home builders better understand how their range of home designs can adapt from the coast to the country.

Complementing McDonald Jones’ numerous existing display homes in the region was an integral part of the decision-making process. So too was recognising just how inspiring it can be to walk through a display home.

“When visualising your future, there is nothing quite like experiencing the functionality of great home design, imagining yourself and your family enjoying the heartfelt moments that come with living in a stylish newly built home,” said Hunter General Manager, Matthew Edwards.

“The new homes on display at Warnervale will both excite and inspire home builders. They tick all the boxes!”

The Saxonvale 40 – Stepping inside the stunning Hamptons styled two storey home will take your breath away. The high gloss dark timber flooring accents the dreamy Hamptons inspired decorative joinery throughout the entry, living, home office and children’s activity room.

Luxurious white marble is featured in the oversized kitchen island, butler’s pantry, benchtops and bathrooms, completing the Hamptons styling feel and adding a distinctive touch to the home.

This light filled home will have you imagining family celebrations flowing out effortlessly onto the Alfresco. The privacy and thoughtful design of the master suite hidden away in the upstairs accommodation area appeals to parents who envisage retreating into the serenity of their space at the end of a busy day.

The Coolum One – Walk next door and be transported to the coastal oasis that is the Coolum One. You will feel like you’ve just stepped into a luxury beach villa on your favourite island destination thanks to the colour palette of crisp whites, natural textures, gold accents and soft blues featured throughout this stunning home.

This Coolum One showcases the newest selections available, from on-trend gold tapware to the aspirational panelled feature walls. No doubt you will be looking for the sun lounge as soon as you reach the outdoor entertaining area.

The highly flexible design of the Coolum One can be easily adapted to meet changing lifestyles and is also suitable for smaller blocks. Open plan living spaces and privacy for the master suite within a separate accommodation wing ensures that everyone’s needs are met.

The San Marino Executive 16 – The consideration of spaces throughout this innovative design allows for both privacy and flexibility, capturing the very essence of contemporary family living.

The timeless and practical styling makes this home a standout from all the others, featuring timber flooring, black detailing in tapware, trims coupled with the understated luxury of feature tiling and integrated joinery.

There is something truly special about an architecturally designed home – the feeling of abundance throughout each of the individual spaces and the connection and flow throughout the home truly make it a home, not just a house.

The Santa Fe One – This contemporary architectural design is ideal for narrow blocks making it the perfect first home or an ideal design for metropolitan knock down rebuild scenarios.

The industrial styling compliments the practical and thoughtful design that maximises the living spaces by positioning them at the rear of this home with understated natural and grey tones, with crisp whites and black accents to complete this modern, urban style.

McDonald Jones Homes are a multi-award-winning company with over 30 years in the building business. All homes utilise the strength of steel, with Australian made Supaloc steel frames that incorporate TRUECORE steel and are backed by a 50-year structural warranty, ensuring peace of mind for many years to come.

Experience the McDonald Jones HomeWorld Warnervale display homes to discover a home design that suits your lifestyle for today, tomorrow and into your future. For more information on McDonald Jones call 1300 55382 or visit www.mcdonaldjoneshomes.com.au

Using state-of-the-art equipment, 4 Seasons Property Detailing provide the highest quality services: • Pressure Washing • Building Washing • Window Cleaning • Carpet Cleaning • Tile & Grout Cleaning • Fully Insured

We clean facades, windows, concrete paths and driveways, retaining walls and much more.

Our friendly and professional team will assess the job and provide you with a free quote.

Proudly built on referrals! info@4spropertydetailing.com www.4spropertydetailing.com 32 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Check out our Gallery!

Call us today! 1300 839 936

Life’s too short for ordinary.

Bronte Executive Grand Manor One On display at Lochinvar

Transform the way you live.

Visit us today and find yourself at home.

DISPLAY HOMES OPEN 10AM – 5PM EVERY DAY Hunter: NEW The Bower | Huntlee | Billy’s Lookout | Homeworld Thornton Harvest | Waterford County | Wallis Creek | Lochinvar Central Coast: NEW Homeworld Warnervale

mcdonaldjoneshomes.com.au | 1300 555 382 Image is for illustrative purposes only and may contain optional upgrades and variations not included in our standard specification or supplied by McDonald Jones Homes. For detailed information on home pricing, visit our website or talk to one of our consultants.

NSW: Newcastle Quality Constructions Pty Ltd ABN 82 003 687 232, NSW BLN: 41628, T/A McDonald Jones Homes. MJHD0096FPITM.

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Phone us today on 4952 1466 or visit our showroom at 22 Garden Grove Pde, Adamstown Heights www.carpetone.com.au/adamstown-heights

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Terry Johnston

“We also stock an extensive range of luxury vinyl tiles and planks which are the greenest types of flooring on the market and a category that has seen significant technological advances and improvements in quality over the years.”

But luxury vinyl is far from the only flooring product that’s drawing consumer attention.

Carpet is becoming more environmentally friendly, and a few manufacturers are creating fibre combinations that take softness to a whole new level.

“When it comes to carpet, the eco-friendly choices already exist in the form of wool, wool-bamboo blends, or the popular ECO+ range that uses 37% corn sugar in manufacturing the yarn,” said Terry.

“In addition to our choice of Dunlop Underlay, which is made from 90% recycled material and is 100% recyclable, we offer the most environmentally sensitive carpets available.”

Choosing the Best Flooring for your Home

Personal Service With Global Buying Power When it comes to selecting a floor covering for our home or office, we are spoiled for choice. So much so that deciding on what floor type to choose can be a confusing experience involving much deliberation over the different options suitability, practicality, colour, texture and price.

The floor covering business is a highly competitive Industry driven by technological developments and designer trends with flooring providers now able to offer an extensive choice of flooring solutions.

Newcastle Carpet One in Adamstown Heights is the local flooring expert - it’s what they do, and as a member of the global Carpet One co-operative, they are part of one of the world’s largest retail floor covering group which means that they have huge buying power.

All of their stores (and there are over 1,700 of them worldwide), are individually owned, with each store offering a large range of carpet, timber, vinyl and laminate. Newcastle Carpet One also offers window furnishings such as curtains, blinds and shutters.

“The flooring products market is a mature and highly competitive market broadly categorized into four types that include soft coverings (carpet, carpet tiles and rugs), resilient flooring (vinyl, rubber, cork, linoleum), non-resilient flooring (slate, tile, solid wood and engineered wood) and seamless flooring (polished concrete and resin),” explained Carpet One Managing Director, Terry Johnston.

“Owing to growing demand from home developments and home renovators, the market for flooring products has seen significant growth over the past few years which can also be attributed to changing consumer lifestyles,” said Terry.

“Also, with escalating home prices and buyers motivated by quality finishes, people also realise that having good quality flooring improves the overall value of their home.”

“When it comes to innovation and trends in the flooring world, what we are seeing is typically soft furnishings in bedrooms, rumpus and at least one living space and resilient flooring in all other areas. We are also seeing a deviation to more cost-effective and even eco-friendly flooring,” Terry says that installing ‘green floors’ has become increasingly popular. “As a result, we offer a number of products that promote sustainability such as bamboo and cork floating floors, wool, wool blends or corn sugar blended products. In the absence of sustainable choices, we select products from environmentally aware suppliers.”

Renovating your home and picking a type of flooring can be challenging but the process can come down to a simple equation: match performance and durability to the space and get the aesthetics right!

Different types of flooring each have their merits, but certain types are better for certain situations. For example, if you live alone and want to create a luxury feel to your home versus being in a relationship and having small children and pets will decide the appropriate type of flooring for that situation.

Hard flooring is the easiest to clean; therefore, if you have a family where spills and accidents happen regularly on your floors, you might want to consider a hard floor option. Timber, tiles, vinyl and laminate are all appropriate choices.

If the occupants are all adults, then you have far more options available to you. Hard flooring is a good choice here too, but you also have the added benefit of being able to choose more delicate materials and lighter colours.

You also need to consider the UV resistance of any flooring you place in front of any large windows that expose the interior surfaces to harsh sunlight. While wool is a lovely fibre for carpets, a Solution Dyed Nylon (or SDN) will likely withstand UV exposure better in the long term. Tiles are generally colour stable, with laminates and vinyl planks being less so but more resilient than natural materials such as timber.

When choosing flooring for your kitchen, you will want a product that is easy to clean and maintain, generally, hard flooring like tile, stone and timber are good choices. Some softer floorings such as vinyl can also work well in kitchens.

When it comes to the bedroom, carpet is king. It looks and feels soft and luxurious, comes in numerous shades and colours, is aesthetically pleasing and provides excellent sound and temperature insulation. Timber is the next most popular choice, and it does look great and is easy to care for.

The rough treatment dealt out in a kid’s playroom begs for hard-wearing flooring, and preferably cheap enough to withstand the creative consequences of crayon and paint.

The style of your home will also dictate the style of flooring. A beach house may suit a Scandi or Hamptons look while a country house might favour a bohemian or French country look. City apartments could be modern, industrial or classic.

But remember, the best place to start is to speak with a professional. This will ensure you don’t make costly mistakes that can turn to big regrets in the future. Visit the Newcastle Carpet One website for more information at www.carpetone.com.au/adamstown-heights www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 35

•

MAITLAND

•

NEW DESIGN CELEBRATES MAJOR MILESTONE

at OzDesign!

It’s a milestone year – OZ Design Furniture turn 40 and celebrations are in full swing!

Established in 1979, by John Loch, the business was known as the Great Australian Design Company with its first store located in Auburn (Sydney), followed closely by stores in St Leonards in NSW and Fyshwick in the ACT. The franchise owner of the St Leonards store Warwick Shedden eventually bought out the small store network from John Loch with his brother Neil. The pair went on to grow the chain to 25 franchise stores until Warwick’s untimely death in 2001 aged only 48.

Today, trading as OZ Design Furniture, the business operates 33 stores along the eastern seaboard of Australia.

The second generation – four siblings, now work in the business across various key roles, to

S AY D N 7 TO N N PE R O HO T

THE BIG UGG BOOTS

continue their family’s vision and provide stylish furniture to fill living and dining rooms across Australia.

Australian owned and operated; OZ Design Furniture remain focused on providing innovative furniture and homewares collections that follow world trends and provide comfort always with style.

In honour of the late shareholder Warwick Shedden, a limited edition, Australian made and designed sofa has been manufactured to support the Australian industry and offer a simple yet timeless design for Australian homes.

With years of Industry experience and some employees who’ve clocked up over 20 years, OZ Design Furniture is proud of the business they are at age 40 and look forward to continually providing inspiring collections that help Australians feel like ‘there is no place like home’!

Helping you get on top of things We help you deal with issues that stand in the way of where you want to be in life.

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www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 37

MAD-MARCH OF FOOTBALL ACTION

MEET THE MAKER

ADAMSTOWN ROSEBUD FC Get down to Adamstown Oval and support your local side as the NPL Season kicks off this month!

NATIONAL PREMIER LEAGUE Saturday 9th March Adamstown Rosebud FC v Valentine FC Main Game Kick off 5.30PM (U18 1.55pm & U20 3.40pm)

Saturday 16th March Adamstown Rosebud FC v Weston Workers FC Main Game Kick off 5.30PM (U18 1.55pm & U20 3.40pm)

Saturday 30th March Adamstown Rosebud FC v Broadmeadow Magic FC Main Game Kick off 5.30PM (U18 1.55pm & U20 3.40pm) National Premier Youth League

WELL SPOTTED! WORDS CLAIRE BRADSHAW

‘Inner Westie’… ‘The Force Is Strong With This One’... ‘Truth!

Justice! And Stuff Like That…’

These are just a handful of the phrases splashed boldly across T-shirts from Sydney-based clothing brand, Well Spotted. Hand-printed by owner Tony Clayton, the kids’ and

Sunday 10th March Adamstown Rosebud FC v Maitland FC Saturday 23rd March Adamstown Rosebud FC v Charlestown City Blues FC Sunday 31st March Adamstown Rosebud FC v Broadmeadow Magic FC

Community Calendar

Fall in Love...

And then call me.

Edward Taylor ·MARRIAGE CELEBRANT·

Phone 0414 912 364 www.celebrant46.com.au www.facebook.com/celebrant.ed NON-STOP FOOTBALL ACTION! For Season Tickets visit www.adamstownrosebudfc.org.au 38 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

adults’ ranges from Well Spotted are designed to stand out in a sea of forgettable slogan tees.

First appearing almost 60 years ago, this particular type of T-shirt is everywhere nowadays. Glance around at any park, beach or shopping centre, and you’ll see shirts emblazoned with brand names, pop culture references, political statements and everything in between.

Somewhere in that special ‘in-between’ category lies Well Spotted. With a special focus on quality kids’ shirts, accompanied by a handful of adult designs, these quirky tees are designed to catch the eye – and, in the case of much of the kids’ range, ‘to provide a witty commentary on parenthood’.

There’s also a focus on keeping the production process as local as possible. All shirts are screen-printed by hand in Bankstown, combating the approach taken by most clothing labels of manufacturing garments offshore. Well Spotted is doing its bit to keep the industry thriving at home, lest the art of clothing creation is lost.

“Imagine that, an Australia where nobody knows how to make a T-shirt! Not going to happen on Well Spotted’s watch,” says Tony Clayton – the man behind the brand.

Tony first discovered a love for shirts and screen printing at a tender age.

“It all started with an apple,” explains Tony.

“A bright red apple printed onto a bright yellow T-shirt with a paper stencil in year three art class to be precise, and the rest, as they say...”

Fast-forward to the 1980's and Tony could be found at the famous Paddington Markets, selling a range of tees best described as ‘Picasso meets the Ramones’. Soon after, he spent a decade working for iconic Australian clothing brand, Mambo, before living in New York for a year – and ►

Authorised Celebrant performing Civil Ceremonies Also Religious Marriage Celebrant

SATURDAY 2 MARCH Pelican Foreshore Markets 9am–1pm.

SUNDAY 3 MARCH Newcastle City Farmers Market 3, 10, 17, 24 + 31 March, 7am–1pm. Check website for locations.

Five Senses Twilight Market 4pm–8pm, Lambton Park.

TUESDAY 5 MARCH Newcastle Family History Society Monthly Meeting Guest Speaker, Dr Helen English of UON will speak about the 1919 Spanish Flu epidemic’s effects on the Newcastle community.

7.30pm, at the Mechanics Institute 68 Elder St Lambton.

Phone 4957 8296 or visit www.nfhs.org.au WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH Toronto Toastmasters Learn to have confidence and speak effectively for any occasion. Every Wednesday, 7pm at Club Macquarie Argenton. www.torontotoastmasters.org.au SATURDAY 9 MARCH Aussie Night Markets Dixon Park, 4pm–10pm 9+10 March.

SATURDAY 16 MARCH Valuation Sessions Get up to 3 objects valued at Newcastle Museum. $15, bookings essential – visit the NM website.

Warners Bay Markets 8am–2pm, Warners Bay Foreshore.

TUESDAY 19 MARCH Free Scenic Getaway Travel Showcase Learn about Scenic’s exciting range of destinations and experiences at Merewether Surfhouse. Register at https://goo.gl/ecvMFv SATURDAY 30 MARCH Feast Fest 12pm–9pm, Stockton Foreshore.

State Pedigree and Companion Cat Show See cats/kittens and speak to breeders. Sausage sizzle avail. $3 adults, $2 kids/seniors. Lambton High School, 9am–4pm.

LIST YOUR EVENT - getintouch@intouchmagazine.com.au

firmly deciding that, when he returned, he wanted to work for himself and no one else.

Tony began with an adults’ T-shirt range in the early 2000s, but before long, he noticed a few gaps in the children’s clothing market. In response to a lack of highquality, locally made kids’ tees (not to mention a lack of prints outside the usual plethora of trucks, trains and cute animals), Tony took the first steps towards transforming Well Spotted into the brand it is today.

And what is that brand, exactly? Well, you need only scroll through Well Spotted’s online shop or browse its market stalls to see it’s not your stock-standard kids’ clothing range.

It’s bold, fun and a little bit left-field. Brightly coloured tees proclaim that ‘Every Day Is An Adventure’ and ask ‘What Could Possibly Go Wrong?’. They warn that the wearer is ‘Rough As Guts’, and assure adults that ‘I’m Small But I Know Stuff’. And there’s plenty for little Star Wars fans, too, with quotes and references galore.

Parents will be stoked to hear that Well Spotted isn’t just for the kids. There’s also an adults’ range, with a few crossover designs – most notably, the popular ‘Helvetica list’-style T-shirts featuring lists of famous names and places.

Kids and adults alike can proudly display Sydney’s inner-west suburbs on their chests, as well as lists of iconic beaches (including Newcastle’s own ‘Stockton & Nobbys & Dixon Park & Merewether & Redhead’). And for any adults fearing they’re not cool enough to wear slogan tees anymore, Well Spotted has you covered: the ‘Still Hip & Relevant’ print says it all, really.

The Well Spotted kids’ range caters for tiny tots to teenagers, with sizing options from 3–6 months all the way through to 14 years. Men’s and women’s tees are also available. Visit www.wellspotted.com.au to view the full

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range, and keep an eye out for Tony and his crew at the Olive Tree Market at Civic Park throughout the year! The next market is Saturday 2 March, followed by another market day on Saturday 6 April. For market dates and more information visit www.theolivetreemarket.com.au ■

WHAT’S ON AT COOKS HILL GALLERIES? This month, Cooks Hill Galleries presents Steve Glassborow – Anti-Gravity, Understanding Bronze. The exhibition opens on 15 March and will continue at CHG until 8 April 2019.

Steve Glassborow is a sculptor who presents human figures in a unique way. They are, at the one time, classical and abstract. It is almost as if his figures have chosen their relationship with their environment after an initial struggle to retain their integrity.

"I attempt to bend the traditional attitudes of the figure, while still retaining my view of an aesthetic balance," he says.

CHG Director, Mark Widdup says Glassborow sculptures immediately command the viewers attention with striking imagery, forms and design.

“His sculptures often relate to an art deco form which has morphed into themes influenced by fashion, robotic figures and animals in recent years,” he adds.

Born in Hammersmith in the UK, it was while studying Fine Arts at the Brighton College of Art that Glassborow realised he preferred the physicality and structure of sculpture to the discipline of painting. So began his journey with clay, developing the myriad of skills that are required to master sculpturing.

He travelled for four years exhibiting his work and releasing limited edition art deco and art nouveau figurines and lamps, both in the UK and in Australia. In 1983 he became a permanent resident of Australia.

5/149 Ambleside Circuit, Lakelands PH 4954 5044 www.themayahclinic.com.au

For more information visit www.cookshillgalleries.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 39

CAMERON

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www.cameronhypnotics.com.au 40 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

An Alternative Approach to Healing at Cameron Hypnotics WORDS CLAIRE BRADSHAW

When most people hear the word ‘hypnosis’, they tend to picture a pocket watch swinging back and forth, perhaps accompanied by a voice murmuring, ‘You’re feeling very sleepy…’ But clinical hypnotherapy involves a whole lot more – as Brett Cameron of Cameron Hypnotics can attest.

Originally from Newcastle, Brett been a practising hypnotherapist for the past 13 years. He worked in Sydney and Coffs Harbour before settling back home and establishing Cameron Hypnotics in 2013. Combining formal training in clinical hypnotherapy and neuro-linguistic programming with studies in sociology and experience in coaching and mentoring, it’s safe to say Brett knows what he’s doing.

Hypnotherapy can be used to aid in the treatment of a wide range of problems, from stress, anxiety and trauma through to smoking addiction and weight issues. Brett offers clients an alternative approach to healing the mind, breaking bad habits and behaviours, and surpassing the things that are holding them back from happiness and success. While it might not be for everyone, a quick glance at the testimonials for Cameron Hypnotics shows that many people have experienced great success with this type of treatment.

This month, we chatted with Brett about his career path, the hypnotherapy process, and what can be expected when you visit Cameron Hypnotics for a session.

How did you get into this line of work?

If someone told me when I was 40 that I’d be working as a hypnotherapist, I think my first question would have been, ‘What’s a hypnotherapist?’ It was something that I got into later in life. My first wife was practising as a hypnotherapist in Sydney, so it was through observing her, and observing what she was achieving through hypnosis that enabled me to see the benefits of hypnotherapy. I was really interested in business coaching and executive coaching, and that led me through to NLP [neuro-linguistic programming],

and then to hypnosis. And since I discovered hypnosis, I thought, ‘That’s it – I love this.’

It’s beautiful to find something where you just want to jump out of bed in the morning because you just don’t know who’s going to walk through the door. I love it.

What qualifications are required to be a clinical hypnotherapist?

It’s interesting because hypnotherapy is an unregulated industry – which means that unfortunately, someone can do a weekend workshop and put up a shingle saying, ‘I’m a hypnotherapist’, and there’s nothing to stop them doing that.

However, to be a clinical hypnotherapist, firstly you have to do training equivalent to about 650 hours, and then you also have to be able to prove that you have over 500 hours of face-to-face work with clients.

You’ve been practising hypnotherapy for 13 years. When did you start Cameron Hypnotics?

I moved back to Newcastle six years ago, and that’s when I started with Cameron Hypnotics. That’s when I put on a serious hat and thought, ‘Let’s go down a professional road entirely,’ and it’s certainly paid off – it’s been great.

Newcastle has been very kind to me.

What do you like most about running your business?

What I find most rewarding is observing people experiencing change. As an example, I had one lady who refused to get on a plane, and yet her son was living in London, and she wanted to go and visit him. I saw her about two years ago, and then I bumped into her shopping before Christmas [last year], and she told me she’d been to England three times now. There are little things like that where it just gives you that little moment of joy, realising that you have helped someone to move away from whatever was holding them back.

What can clients expect when they visit for the first time?

Firstly, they will experience hypnosis. A hypnotic trance is basically where we are disengaging the conscious ►

mind, which is your thinking mind, and where I can access the unconscious mind, which is where we store our habits and behaviours. That’s where the real work is. My goal is for [clients] to experience change so that, in the first session, we can get rid of whatever it is that’s holding them back. It’s about finding out what it is that the individual wants to achieve, and then allowing them, at a deep subconscious level, to make those changes.

Can hypnotherapy work on everyone?

What it won’t work with is someone who doesn’t want to work with me. I say to people, ‘Look, you’re the orchestra, I’m the conductor. And my job is to get you playing in tune. At the moment there are a few parts of the orchestra that are playing their own song, and we have to get them all playing together.’

If the orchestra doesn’t turn up, the conductor’s on their own.

What types of trends are you seeing in the hypnotherapy industry?

The trend I’m seeing is that across Australia now, hypnotherapy is becoming more mainstream – where I think for a long time it was seen as the weird, wacky cousin sitting in the corner. I think there seems to be more of a general acceptance of the role that effective hypnotherapy can play in helping people to make a change. Like all industries, there’s always going to be some areas of hypnotherapy that perhaps give the profession a dodgy name, but I think that’s becoming less and less [common].

What do you like to get up to when you’re not working?

Thankfully I live close to the beach, so I love to walk our schnauzer of a morning around the beaches at Merewether and have a morning coffee. I love my gardening; I love cooking, I love reading, I love my wife! And I love to travel whenever the opportunity arises. I’m feeling very blessed in life at the moment.

I’m also involved on a voluntary basis on the organising committee with the Newcastle Institute, and I’m in the Australian Hypnotherapists’ Association as an executive. I am passionate about the hypnosis industry. I certainly want it to prosper as well.

For more information about Cameron Hypnotics visit www.cameronhypnotics.com.au ■

Making the Most Out of Your Gym Experience WORDS JAMIE-LEE DONOHOE – Manager of Planet Fitness Lambton

Last month Janai touched base on New Year’s resolutions and group fitness. How is this going? Have you "bitten the bullet" and made your way to the gym?

If your answer is no, ask yourself why this is? Maybe it’s too daunting, or maybe it is work or family commitments. Yes, they take up time and are important to you, but what about your goals and dreams? Please, take the time to nurture you!

The first step is always the hardest to make. Come on; you got this! Take the time to look after yourself - emotionally, spiritually and physically.

If your answer was yes, this is amazing! Now ask yourself if what you’re doing is helping you to reach your goals. Do you need to step it up a little, or do you need to change it up??

Too many people train harder, not smarter. Change is the key. Break your goal down into smaller goals that are manageable. Be kind to yourself mentally; you are already creating a new life pattern.

If you have just joined Planet Fitness, you are eligible for a free 30 min orientation session with one of our Personal Trainers who can show you how to use some of our equipment and touch base on training styles and potentially the change you may be needing to reach your goals.

If you joined with a Platinum membership, you can bring along a friend. We all know that a training buddy is a great way to stay accountable and pushes you to jump out of bed in the morning when sometimes you might prefer just to pull the covers over your head. They are that person who you know helps push you a little more to reach your goals.

As a Platinum member, you can also participate in a variety of our group fitness classes within all Planet Fitness facilities. These classes are perfect and will help change up your training routine.

This membership also gives you access to our Spa facility, which will help you relax and recharge on our massage bed or in one of our massage chairs after your training session, and you may even want to book a time slot to experience our

fantastic infra-red sauna to chill and unwind from the daily noise.

Don’t stress if you did not join on the Platinum membership, Fast track members can also participate in our group fitness class at a small charge per class, and if you really love them, you can always upgrade your membership to the Platinum.

If you would prefer to utilise our Personal Trainers, we can book you in to see one of them too, and you can access the first 3 x 30 mins sessions at a discounted rate.

This brings me to one of the BIG questions, to use a Personal Trainer (PT) or participate in the group fitness classes??

It all depends on what challenges you the most within your training sessions. You could shake it up, do both or even register for our Bootcamps - you never know till you try it.

Personally, I absolutely love group fitness training. For me, it is the energy of everyone in the room. It becomes infectious and exciting, and this makes me want to push a little harder in the group environment.

But if you are looking for a more specific program, have injuries or health concerns you are worried about, you may want to look at our Personal Trainers.

They can tailor a program with your specific goals and/or limitations in mind. We also have an Exercise Physiologist if your medical practitioner has expressed this is best for you to start your fitness journey.

Are you training smarter not harder? Take the time to look after you – emotionally, spiritually and physically – you deserve it!

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 41

THE IMPORTANCE of Sleep For Health WORDS ANNE WARD – Mindinsight

It seems we are suffering from a sleep deprivation epidemic – enough to cause the federal government to call for a parliamentary inquiry into sleep health awareness in late 2018.

In 2017 the National Sleep Foundation commissioned a review on sleep health. The review found that almost 40% of Australians report getting inadequate sleep. The review went on to describe the impact on a range of factors to do with health, wellbeing and productivity. It estimated the cost to individuals, workplaces and the health system of around $40 billion.

Sleep is fundamental to health. Disordered sleep is common to many mental illnesses, including depression,

post-traumatic stress disorder and dementia. In addition, there are lifestyle factors that impact sleep quality, including shift work, being overweight, alcohol use and computer screen usage after dark. Feeling drowsy before midday is a sign that you are not getting enough sleep. Other signs include “foggy brain” and problems with memory recall.

We need sleep to learn. Sleep allows the brain to undertake a range of functions necessary for good brain health - including washing the brain, remodelling neural circuits, organising storage space for new information and transferring short-term memory into long-term memory. Our memory is a massive storage system that contains all the information that we need to make our way in the world. If we can’t remember, we don’t learn, and we will find that managing life is more difficult. Inadequate sleep ages the brain.

Sleep helps creativity. During REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, many of the emotional regions of the brain become active, with associations (i.e. dreams) being made between new information and information in long-term memory storage. “Sleeping on a problem” makes sense and often we awake with a solution or insight that seemed previously elusive. During sleep, our brain has “joined the dots”.

In healthy people, sleep is inevitable and is regulated by two hormones – melatonin and adenosine. Melatonin acts as a signal generator, sending a message to the brain that it is time to sleep. But melatonin doesn’t make us sleep. This is the job of adenosine, which acts like a chemical pump that builds up pressure during waking hours, creating a desire to sleep. It acts like a bank – when the mortgage is due, we must make payment or face the consequences.

Improving Sleep Create a healthy sleep routine. Try to regulate sleep according to your body’s natural clock. Going to sleep and waking up at the same time creates a good “sleep habit”.

Prefer books to screens before bed. LED-powered devices (e.g. tablets) suppress melatonin release and disrupt REM sleep. Late-night catching up on work emails might make it harder for you to recall information the next day.

Avoid over-heating. A cooler room temperature is better for sleep.

Moderate caffeine and avoid alcohol before bed.

Although alcohol is a sedative, it disrupts the brain functions that regulate sleep. Alcohol suppresses REM sleep, which can have serious consequences for brain health over time.

Retrain your brain. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is recommended as a first-line treatment for insomnia. It targets the mental (or cognitive) factors such as the racing thoughts and worry that are part of sleep difficulties and the behavioural factors that help create the right environment for sleep, helping the mind re-establish a positive anticipation about sleep.

There is much more to sleep than we might imagine. If you are having difficulties with sleep, think about improving your sleep habits. If problems persist, have a chat with your GP.

Anne Ward is principal psychologist of Mindinsight, providing evidence-based psychology services to adults, children and adolescents. Mindinsight is located in the T&G Building at 45 Hunter Street Newcastle.

Visit www.mindinsight.com.au or phone 4942 7660.

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42 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

The Rise

Of an Ageing Market

Unless you've been under a rock for the past 15 years, you would know that here in Australia we are living in a rapidly ageing community with the most recent population snapshot released by the ABS clearly illustrating how Australia is getting older…fast.

According to the ABS, the resident population of Australia in January 2017 was more than 24.3 million people. This accounted for at least 3.8 million people aged 65 or older or 15.6% of the population - an increase from 319,000 (or 5%) in 1927, and 1.3 million (9%) in 1977*.

The number and proportion of older Australians is expected to continue to grow. By 2057, it is projected there will be 8.8 million older people in Australia (22% of the population) and by 2097, 12.8 million people (25%) will be aged 65 and over**.

Leaping forward a few decades, by 2101, the over 65

market is expected to represent 33.8% of the Australian population (and the over 55 market 46.3 %).

Geographically, this demographic is largely concentrated in the eastern seaboard states, with South Australia and Western Australia also holding reasonably sized aged populations. Tasmania and the territories have much smaller aged populations.

This maturing population presents many challenges for governing authorities, but also opportunities around health, travel, aged care and housing.

An Abundance of Opportunities – Not surprisingly, many marketers now recognise the significant benefits that come with this growing senior market. A market which has rapidly expanded to become one of the largest and fastest growing sectors of consumers in Australia.

One indication of this is the number of luxury lifestyle communities for the over-55s which have exploded over the past few years, with many developers taking the opportunity to meet the unique requirements of the retirement sector.

Most people over 55 and many over the age of 65 are still in full-time employment, have low or no mortgage commitments and have significant discretionary spending power. They are also some of the biggest purchasers of travel, wine, home renovations, furnishings and homewares, cars, computers, mobile phones and eating out. Most are social media savvy, educated and informed.

The New ‘Young Old’ – This marketplace is diverse.

Australians over 65 years old do not view themselves as “older people” hence they are also interested in products that are usually targeted towards younger consumers.

People in this demographic today want to be treated much the same as the younger generation. Like any other adult age group, they like to purchase cars and clothes, have

an interest in travelling, eating out and being entertained.

They are also concerned about health and fitness.

Not to mention, they are also spending on mobile phones, computers and other technological products.

When Age is Just a Number – Forget the twilight years as a time for winding down. When it comes to travel, older Australians are increasingly getting on planes and cruise ships to see the world and tick off their bucket lists, with the over 65’s sector being the fastest-growing globe-trotting age group. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of people aged 65 to 74 holidaying overseas jumped more than 80 per cent in the past five years.

Older people are also more actively looking for recreational activity and taking part in sports like golf.

According to Golf Australia, 9.5% of golf players are aged 65 or over. Moreover, 60% of club members belong to the 55+ age group.

However, with longer life expectancy, comes a need for additional specialist housing – that includes a mixture of retirement housing and aged care facilities.

As a result, we are seeing developers construct villa-style dwellings and "vertical villages" in areas where only detached homes would normally be allowed – specifically catering for people aged over 55 and those with a disability.

The bottom line is that high life expectancy and low birth rates have resulted in an ageing population. As Australia’s fertility rate falls to 10-year low, it’s clear that the older demographic will control a large portion of Australia’s economy going forward. *Source AIHW Report into Older people: www.aihw.gov.au/reports-data/ population-groups **Source Australian Bureau of Statistics – Population Trends & Estimates (abs.gov.au)

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morning coffee or a relaxing drink with friends. Each villa also comes with a 24/7 emergency call system for extra peace of mind.

When you visit Aveo Newcastle you can’t help but notice the welcoming and relaxed nature of the residents and a real sense of community. Administrations Officer, Deborah Ramage, sums it up by saying, “Our residents really look out for each other. Just little things like checking to make sure everything’s OK with a neighbour or feeding their pets and watering plants when they’re away on holidays, goes a long way to building a community where residents feel like they belong.�

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We all know that life is better when it’s shared with loved ones. This becomes more apparent as we get older and have more free time to spend with those we care about most. So, what can we do to keep ourselves socially active in our senior years? In Newcastle, many retirees have found that living in a vibrant community with like-minded people has been beneficial for their health and wellbeing and this is especially true at Aveo Newcastle.

The whole community is designed so residents truly feel like they belong. Perched on a gentle tree-fringed ridge and straddling the fairways of Shortland Waters Golf Club, this unique community is ideal for the social retiree. The recently redeveloped course and clubhouse provide a great opportunity for residents to get together for a round of golf or a few drinks and dinner. A new community centre also provides a hub for residents to participate in the host of activities on offer.

Along with regular trivia and movie nights, residents also enjoy high teas, arts and crafts, barefoot bowls, yoga and exercise in the fully-equipped gym. Every week the resident social committee is thinking of new things to do. In that way,

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Retirement Living Where it’s Easy to Belong

no two days need to be alike. Last year the residents enjoyed a bus trip to the Hunter Valley Vineyards and recently they headed to the Hawkesbury to go on the Postman’s Run. Now they are looking forward to a trip to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and a Lake Macquarie Lunch Cruise.

All this social interaction can make a big difference to the health and wellbeing of seniors. According to Professor Michael Nilsson, Director of the Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle, our brains are wired for social interaction, so we unconsciously yearn connection.

Aveo Newcastle have taken this thinking on board and applied it to their amenities and services.

There is a Health and Wellness Centre on site where residents can receive tailored care planning so they can stay as active and independent as possible. Aveo have also partnered with The Physio Co, an experienced team of qualified physiotherapists that conveniently offer treatment in the comfort of their home. They can provide rehabilitation and ongoing management of pain and conditions such as arthritis. And with planned residential aged care, residents can stay at Aveo Newcastle, close to friends and family even if their care needs change.

Aveo understands that by helping residents stay active they can make the most of their retirement and enjoy everything Australia’s second oldest city has to offer. Close by is The Forum Swimming Centre that residents have easy access to. Hospitals, shopping, parks, restaurants and beaches are also within easy reach and regular bus trips take residents to various events and places in and around the city.

Closer to home, the spacious villas are linked by green walkways, offering views over the golf course and making the most of natural light. The open plan living and dining areas extend to private terraces where residents can enjoy a

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44 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Belong, at Aveo Newcastle Perched on a tree-fringed ridge, straddling the fairways, Aveo Newcastle has everything you need to enjoy a relaxed and social retirement where you truly belong. Your new, stylish Independent Living Villa will provide the perfect home to base your lifestyle around with easy access to the new Clubhouse and Community Centre, including a lounge bar and gym. And with a Wellness Centre and planned Residential Aged Care, you will have access to care and support if you need it.

Friends and family are welcome to stay

Pets are welcome*

24/7 emergency support system

Wide range of social activities and events

Exercise classes

The Ridgleline villas are selling now.

To see how you’d belong at Aveo Newcastle, book a tour by calling 13 28 36 or visit aveo.com.au/newcastle

Aveo Newcastle | 33 Shearwater Drive, Shortland 13 28 36 | aveo.com.au/newcastle *Subject to approval. AVN839-ITM

H EL P I N G YO U

U P S I ZE YO U R NEW HO M E S FROM $350K

lifestyle

Looking to upsize your lifestyle and be central to it all? We can help.

We understand that the prospect of moving is daunting for most people. That's why we offer a service to help our new residents move into their brand new home! Whether you need help valuating, presenting or selling your home, or just moving your cherished belongings into your new abode, the Central Village team can help. Making sure you have the support you need to ease into your new home and new lifestyle is just one of the ways we lend a helping hand.

Meet our bustling community of over-55s who enjoy a new lifestyle, central to it all. Situated just five kilometres from the Newcastle CBD, stunning beaches and thriving cafe culture, Central Village is the ideal choice when upsizing your lifestyle.

If you’re ready for the ease of living that comes with a new home, we invite you to discover Central Village. Combining style and functionality, these architecturally designed, single level cottages offer a unique lifestyle for over 55s. Visit our beautiful community, view our newly-built homes, learn about upsizing your lifestyle and have all your questions about moving answered.

Take a tour of the village, Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm. For more information visit centralvillagenewcastle.com.au or call 0419 449 649.

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FREE TALKS, LUNCH AND GIVEAWAYS! PLUS TIME TO CHAT WITH OUR SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS

Senior’s Day Join us as we discuss the topics everyone wants to know!

KICKS OFF 10AM THURSDAY 14TH MARCH, CLUB MACQUARIE 458 LAKE RD, ARGENTON

GERIATRICIAN TIPS ON HEALTHY AGEING

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BALANCE, DIZZINESS, FALLS & YOU

REMAINING HAPPY AT HOME WITH SUPPORT

10.30am - Don’t miss Hunter Geriatrician, Dr John Ward’s professional advice and strategies to maintain your health and wellbeing as you age.

11am - Learn about the estate planning considerations of downsizing, gifting & maximising your pension. Presented by Financial Planner, Julian Payne.

Don’t miss these financial tips.

11.30am - Hear from Newcastle’s only Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, Natalie Pulsford as she talks about maintaining balance, fall prevention and dizziness - what’s normal?

12.30pm - Following lunch we outline how you can apply & use a home care package to remain independent and happy at home.

Presented by Chris Giles, General Manager Community Care.

LUCKY PRIZE DOOR

APPLE IPAD

Join us as we host a fabulous FREE Senior’s Day that includes a wonderful line up of talks, lunch and the chance to mingle amongst our stalls. Our event stalls will include our special guest speakers, our team of experts in Palliative Care, Home Care, Residential Care and Retirement Living, as well as Lake Macquarie City Council. PLUS be in the running to WIN an Apple iPad and other giveaways!

Doors open at 10am for morning tea with our first speaker commencing at 10.30am and concludes 2pm.

Reserve your seat today! You can RSVP for catering purposes right up until the day via text or call to 0400 455 298 or via an email to bookings@anglicancare.com.au For more information call (02) 4958 0095 or visit anglicancare.com.au/seniors-day