intouch Special Feature Lift-Out - Warners Bay - Mar 2016

WARNERS BAY History and Discovery all in one place

Named after its first settler – Jonathan Warner, Warners Bay is full of history and discovery and the perfect place to spend a day or a weekend with family and friends and a popular meeting place. It’s also a great spot to take some time for yourself as you shop or browse for chic fashion, charming collectables, affordable accessories and one of a kind jewellery in the variety of boutiques spread throughout the two main shopping precincts. Alternatively, enjoy a quiet lunch or cup of coffee at one of the many cafes or restaurants while taking in the spectacular views.

The Early Years

Once home to the Awabakal People who lived on the foreshore of Lake Macquarie, Warners Bay is renowned for its beautiful and culturally significant sites and magnificent salt water lake which formed approximately 10,000 years ago when rising sea levels inundated the coast.

Named ’Biddabah’ (the silent resting place) by the original inhabitants, here a number of freshwater creeks drained into the lake providing a resource rich environment for a range of water birds, fish, shellfish, terrestrial animals and plant species.

European Settlement

The focus of white settlement was initially around the discovery of coal in the late eighteenth century, originating in Newcastle, then spreading to the shores of Lake Macquarie. The first non-Indigenous settlement in the area was a failed attempt by Reverend Threlkeld of the London Missionary Society, who in 1825 attempted to establish a mission among the Awabakal people at what is now Warners Bay. Unfortunately for Threlkeld, his mission came at a time when the traditional Aboriginal lifestyle was in decline largely brought about by European introduced diseases and conflict between the Aboriginal people and the Europeans and also with those Aborigines from neighbouring areas.

Jonathan Warner

Shortly after Threlkeld’s attempt to establish a mission in the area, in 1829, Jonathan Warner, a retired army lieutenant from

the New South Wales Royal Veteran Corp, obtained a grant of 1280 acres for the north-eastern portion of Lake Macquarie. The land he selected was at Threlkeld’s original mission site, where he built a two-storey weatherboard house which he named ‘Biddaba’ on a hill near the present Warners Bay Primary School and set about establishing a farm and orchard. In addition to his sons, Warner had a number of assigned convicts to work on the farm and transport farm produce to Newcastle.

In 1833, Warner was appointed Chamber Magistrate for Brisbane Water, which involved fortnightly horseback journeys to Gosford to attend court sittings which meant having to leave much of the establishment of the farm and orchard to his wife, sons and convict servants.

In 1840, a portion of land from Warner's estate was allocated for a township in 1/4 acres lots. At that time the colony was in the grip of a land boom which was shortly followed by the depression and the land remained unsold. Warner died in 1842, leaving his widow to manage the estate. The Warner Homestead was demolished in 1932.

Warners Bay – Taking Shape

In spite of numerous subdivisions, Warners Bay developed slowly during the first half of the 20th century and it was not until the end of petrol rationing and the widespread use of the private car that it gained popularity as a residential area.

In 1931, a private bus service operated from Speers Point to Broadmeadow via Warners Bay and Charlestown. In 1937 it was converted to a government service and its route extended to include Newcastle. A railway line was also planned for Warners Bay but never eventuated.

Warners Bay Primary School first opened as a provisional school in July 1892, later becoming a public school in April 1904. Warners Bay High School was opened in January 1966. The shopping precinct expanded rapidly from the 1980’s with the development of Warner's Bay Foreshore. In 2001 the conveniently located Warners Bay Village was built with capacity for more than 20 specialty retailers.

Mingled in between the cafés, bakeries and restaurants is a treasure trove of retail magic where there is truly something for everyone from unique jewellery, designer clothing and

accessories, health food and supplements, homemaker outlets, travel agencies, real estate, beauticians and professional services.

With spectacular views across Lake Macquarie, the Foreshore is a hub for recreational activity, specialty shopping, entertainment and dining. It’s also an important year round venue for community-based recreation and leisure activities that include walking, jogging, roller-blading, cycling, as well as significant festivals and large community events.

Annual events include The Hunter Track Classic, the Newcastle Permanent Lake Macquarie Running Festival held each August, Rotary Club’s Loop the Lake at Speers Point on the 13th of March and Lake Macquarie City Farmers Market held at neighbouring Speers Point on the fourth Saturday of every the month.

With its village atmosphere and unique combination of history, heritage and beauty, this bustling lakeside suburb is the ideal base to explore all that Lake Macquarie has to offer and has become a destination of note for food lovers and high quality retail shopping. With a surprising diversity of shops and stores for such a small town, it is little wonder that Warners Bay is so busy.

© Images courtesy of Lake Macquarie Tourism www.visitlakemac.com.au

© Photography by Matt Shearer courtesy of Lake Macquarie Tourism www.visitlakemac.com.au

WHERE NURTURING AND EDUCATION GO HAND IN HAND.

At Ripples the owners, Kelly and Sharon are also the Directors. They are onsite everyday to ensure the educational and developmental needs of your child are the centre's number one priority.

With over 30 years of combined experience in childcare, education and welfare plus a highly quali ed team and dedicated physical educator, Ripples truly is a centre of excellence.

Ripples play spaces have been developed with sustainability and natural elements as a primary focus to enrich each child’s experience.

311 Hillsborough Rd, Warners Bay PH

49537665 W www.rippleselc.com.au

Second site opening at Rose Gum Rd, Warabrook mid-2016 (Enrolment enquiries PH 4956 8568)

the business for over 26 years. The friends originally met when their children started going to the same preschool 23 years ago and have remained close ever since.

The trio had all worked for Kadia in Toronto for many years before embarking on the adventure of business ownership and it didn’t take too long before the Toronto store had a sister store in Warners Bay,

“We get told time and again how beautiful and unique our jewellery is, and we could not be prouder. Our passion for our business and our customers shines through. We are committed to doing our very best for each and every person who walks through the door, and ensure that every experience is touched with thought and care,” said Sally.

The Ripples Effect on Early Childhood Education

There has been a great deal of discussion on the benefits and demand on early education centres over the last few years with more families than ever seeking early education and care for their children. This push to foster the well-being and lifelong potential of all children is creating new opportunities for early education centres and the need to stay ahead in their profession.

Family owned and operated, Ripples Early Learning Centre located on Hillsborough Rd at Warners Bay are renowned for the high standard of their care and education programs and for moving ahead with the times.

They are not into making headlines or big splashes, instead they are in the business of creating ‘ripples’ - actions that take on a life

of their own. The high quality of their early childhood education programs ensure the children continue to benefit for years to come.

With more than 30 years combined experience in childcare, education and welfare in both the private and public sectors, owners Kelly and Sharon are onsite each day ensuring the educational and developmental needs of the children remain a priority across their nursery, toddler and pre-school programs. All programs are designed to embrace and develop the current and growing interests of the child and stimulate their continued development. The children’s interests and special abilities as well as cultural backgrounds also form the basis of their curriculum and considered necessary for the development of well-adjusted and confident little people.

Learning through play and exploration coupled with more structured activities to develop skills are also key to the curriculum of the Centre which has climate controlled premises, unique indoor gross motor play areas for adverse weather conditions, School Readiness Programs that provide a solid educational foundation and an Outdoor Educator specifically employed to ensure children engage in gross motor activities on a daily basis.

With early education centres such as this, we all grow. And that growth will continue to enrich our communities for years to come.

Kadia Jewellery is a multi-award winning jewellery store located in Warners Bay and Toronto. Kadia Jewellery stocks some of the most stunning and unique jewellery in the region including highly sought after, one-off pieces from master craftsmen in Australia and overseas as well as fashionable, on-trend jewellery from respected brands.

Tucked away in a beautiful little shop in Lake Village Arcade, Warners Bay, Kadia is the venture of three close friends, Kaylene, Sally and Nita, who purchased the original Toronto store in 2013 from the founding owners Ruth and Dieter Pulik, who retired after running

With over 30 years in the industry, Nita says its “passion” that drives the stores success and growth, “making friendships with customers, seeing the changes within the industry both in trends and styles along with the discovery of and working with new gemstones,” were also major contributing factors.

Kaylene says that Kadia’s service is also second to none. “We have an enormous service department catering to all your jewellery and watch repair needs. We go that extra mile to help with your personal and extraordinary items. Our remakes are acclaimed, something we are immensely proud of… have you got old jewellery just lying around? Mmmm, time to come and see us!”

Drop into one of the Kadia Jewellery stores and be delighted by what you find!

Say goodbye to Summer people, Autumn is just around the corner! If you are looking for something extraordinary, Denise's Boutiques offer edgy European collections as well as homegrown brands with a collection that is unique (just like you)!

With 30 years experience in the fashion industry, we believe in moving with the times, being fashion-forward, providing friendly customer service and creating a feel good environment.

Stocking… NU, 7 Sisters, Motto, Cream, Wooden Ships, Fate, Pako Litto, Ridley, Foil.

In two great locations...

26 Lake Street, Warners Bay PH 4948 2333

32A The Boulevarde, Toronto PH 4959 8444

of vibrant colour and floral designs. The boutique accommodates a fresh and smart casual attire for the 40 plus demographic and is a favourite amongst Lake Macquarie ladies, with two thriving stores located in Warners Bay and Toronto. The boutique also draws clientele from the Hunter Valley and Central Coast areas with brands such as NU, Cream, 7 Sisters and

Motto

The mother and daughter duo, Denise and Amy, thrive on stocking their store full of quality product, but only order one of every size per style to ensure their customer’s an exclusive look. Intimately knowing their product allows them to effectively assist customers in finding the right style and size to ensure a flattering finish. Offering an enjoyable shopping experience is important at Denise’s Boutique and their staff are trained to ensure that their customers feel welcome and leave their store satisfied.

Out and About... Warners Bay Village

Who doesn't like shopping? Thankfully shopping in Warners Bay goes way beyond the typical large and overcrowded mall where you frustratingly spend half your time looking for that elusive parking spot before having to wrestle your way through crowds of shoppers. Conveniently located in John Street and offering free parking, Warners Bay Village offers an enriching hassle free, shopping experience and an easy place to shop, dine, be pampered and complete your everyday to-do list!

As one of two main shopping arcades, Warners Bay Shopping Village has its very own charm. Here you will find a diverse retail offer including Coles, Guardian Pharmacy, Warners Bay Newsagency, Healthy Therapy Centre, Bakers Delight, Darby’s Fresh Bake, Glamour Nails and Beauty, Vitology - Health Food and more, Warners Bay Village is a neighbourhood centre which immerses itself in the Lake Macquarie lifestyle.

And just when you are in need of a break stop in at Coffee Guru or Michel’s Patisserie and enjoy a much needed coffee, tea or a delicious snack.

Quality Motel

Fully renovated, amazing location.

This Easter, Warners Bay Village will make it easy to create a family feast with festive recipes available in-centre in the lead up to the holidays. The kids won’t want to miss their chance to meet the Easter Bunny on Thursday 24th, Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th March, with a chocolate treat for every ‘little one’ while stocks last!

EXCLUSIVE LOOKS at Denise's Boutique

By Katherine Ashton www.KatherineAshtonStyling.com.au

Denise’s stock a range of Australian and European brands and their product resembles a woman that enjoys a naturally chic style. There is a classic and coastal feel to their clothes with a good base of stripes, black, white and navy, nicely broken up by pops

Next time you are enjoying a coffee in Warners Bay Boulevard, take a stroll around the corner (opposite the park and community hall) to see the ladies at Denise’s Boutique and pick up some quality basics which will surely get a good work out in your daily wardrobe.

Denise, Amy and the staff would like to take this opportunity to give their well-loved customer’s a shout out for their loyalty and support over the years and look forward to assisting you for many more years to come.

Family Holidays • Weekend Away Business Trips • Weddings

The newly refurbished Esplanade Motel on the parkland shores of Beautiful Lake Macquarie is a minutes’ drive or a leisurely stroll to boutiques, shops, cafes and restaurants with free WIFI, quality rooms and a sparkling pool.

568 The Esplanade, Warners Bay PH 4948 9666

E info@theesplanademotel.com.au W www.theesplanademotel.com.au

Relax and enjoy your trip at The Esplanade Motel

The newly refurbished The Esplanade Motel, located on the Warners Bay foreshore offers quality accommodation in a great location. With new owners and new management, the motel is perfect for all your accommodation needs. Whether you are planning a family holiday, a weekend away for two, attending a local wedding or even travelling on business, the motel has a range of rooms from family suites to studio rooms.

Relax in the tranquil pool area and utilise the BBQ and Pizza oven or enjoy the fantastic onsite Fukusui Japanese Teppanyaki

restaurant. If you’re in the mood for fine wine then the Hunter Valley is just a hop, skip and jump away and buses depart locally for all the best Hunter Valley concert venues. Situated on Lake Macquarie with 15kms of walking trails at your doorstep. Shop, boutiques, cafes and restaurants are an easy 7 minute walk away and a short drive will find you at pristine beaches, golf courses, public and private hospitals and major shopping centres.

Managers John and Dawn Coleman look forward to welcoming you to The Esplanade Hotel. For more information and bookings visit www.theesplanademotel.com.au, email info@theesplanademotel.com.au or phone 4948 9666.

Where the Locals Meet...

Hippo Espresso + Brown Dog

Is there anything more appealing than the sound of grinding coffee, the smell of bacon and eggs and the spectacular views of the bay in the morning?

Hippo Espresso, or more affectionately known as ‘Hippo’ opened its doors in 2008 and has since become an icon of the local café scene. With a reputation for being the place to meet, Hippo has twice undergone extensions to cope with the growing numbers of customers.

Popular amongst locals and visitors to this quaint lakeside town, with its casual sophistication, Hippo Espresso is a beacon of good food and great coffee. This laid-back eatery goes well beyond your run of the mill suburban café - instead Hippo has an inner city family feel about it, with plenty to entertain the little ones complete with indoor play area with toys and books. Also available are parent changing rooms, high chairs, privacy and kids meals.

New owners Aaryn Algie and Joe Stapleton, who also own Brown Dog just a few doors down, are out to please and their philosophy is simple - to serve great food , deliver excellent customer service and provide a memorable dining experience at all times.

Judging by the growing number of regulars that frequent Hippo each day, they are clearly heading in the right direction.

Aaryn, who is also a qualified golf pro with a strong background in hospitality and Joe – an IT specialist, spent many months searching for the ideal location to open their restaurant and café business. For them, Warners Bay and the purchase of Hippo Espresso and Brown Dog ticked all the boxes.

Open from 5.30am to 5.00pm every day, the menu at Hippo has something for everyone serving an all-day breakfast and a lunch menu that has everything from lights meals to fresh sandwiches, salads, wraps, burgers and schnitzels. They also offer BYO.

So what makes Hippo Espresso so successful in an area that has no shortage of great restaurants and cafes? Is it the Toby’s Estate coffee, the spacious dining area, the family friendly atmosphere or the consistently fresh and tasty menu? Perhaps it’s the laid-back vibe and happy staff that look after your every need. Or is it that the abundant car parking out back? According to Aaryn it’s all of these things and more.

Just a little further down the esplanade is Brown Dogthe trendy and yet relaxed local grill house with more that is attracting families and locals with its friendly vibe and varied menu.

While sister restaurant (Hippo) can be described as being modern with a casual sophistication, the fit-out by the crew at Brown Dog is trendy, upbeat and a hint of industrial - with its polished concrete floor, slate columns, retro incandescent lightbulbs, long rustic timber tables and plenty of natural light coming through large bi-fold windows that open to the breezeway and also to a view of Lake Macquarie.

Popular for coffee and lunches, Brown Dog is also licensed and open from 11am to late during the week. With breakfasts served on Saturday and Sunday, the opening times on weekends are from 8am to late.

The menu is varied and renowned for its grilled hamburgers, steaks, ribs, fish, schnitzel and buffalo wings which are great value and also hard to beat. The house specialty of steak is slow cooked at a low heat for ultimate tenderness.

Vegetarians are not forgotten, with a good choice of starters and burgers. Gluten free options are also available.

With Brown Dog, the owners have created a family friendly, comfortable environment that is the perfect place to kick back and just take in the beauty of Lake Macquarie, while enjoying a barista made coffee, a glass of wine or a beer and having a bite to eat.

Just New owners - New attitude.

Mortels. Australian Grown, Australian Made... Naturally!

Mortels Sheepskin Factory is a multi-award winning Australianowned family business. Mortels story began with Frank Mortel (master shoe craftsman) and wife Rita emigrating from the Netherlands in 1956 bringing with them the trade of shoe crafting, a trade that was passed down through the Mortel family for over 150 years.

Mortels Shoes commenced in Sydney that year and in 1958, they began making ugg boots to add to their range of quality footwear. The Mortel family relocated from Sydney to the Maitland area in 1978 and from a shed in Lochinvar, the family continued developing their range of sheepskin products and growing their brand.

In 1992, Tony Mortel and wife Stephanie took over the reins of the business. Tony and Stephanie branched out from the Maitland region in early 1993 opening a store in Charlestown. For 17 years Mortels sold their sheepskin products from a tiny 35 square metre shop with an additional 35 square metre

INTOUCH WITH WARNERS BAY

storeroom below. In 2010, Mortels moved to their current premises in Warners Bay, 300 square metres in size.

Mortels Warners Bay site is a factory outlet for their products, the manufacturing takes place at their Thornton site. Mortels produces a broad range of premium quality sheepskin Australian-made goods, including ugg boots and slippers, car and motorbike seat covers, bed underlays, medical products, baby products, pet gear, toys, headgear and clothing.

With nearly 60 years of experience, Mortels have played a leading role in the evolution and direction of the Australian sheepskin industry. Mortels have driven improvements in the industry – from the quality of raw materials and the way they are processed – to developments in the manufacturing process, standards and designs. Proudly Aussie owned and dedicated to manufacturing a premium quality sheepskin product, Mortels are one of the oldest, continuous running ugg boot manufacturers in the world.

Weekly, the Mortel factory workers, create upwards of 1000 pairs of ugg boots in all styles and colours. Mortels source their sheepskins from a Tamworth based abattoir and have them tanned to their meticulous standards before being handcrafted at Thornton into a Mortel product.

“What sets us apart from all other manufacturers of sheepskin products is all our sheepskin batches are tested and certified for chemicals and dyes in strict accordance with European Safety standards,” explained Stephanie Mortel.

“Domestic and imported sheepskins and textiles are not subject to any custom requirements of meeting safety standards and the chemicals and dyes used in fabrics can cause cancer, chronic fatigue, asthma, skin conditions, allergies and many other diseases. We choose to test and certify as a measure of consideration for the health and wellbeing of customers and staff.”

Purchasers will know they have purchased a genuine Mortel product as Mortels only distribute within Australia through their own retail outlets to preserve their brand and the quality of Australian manufacturing. They also offer a large range of their products through their website www.mortels.com.au for direct sales to local, national and international customers.

On the back of Mortels expansion of their Thornton site, the home of The Big UGG Boots, Mortels are excited to announce a new Warners Bay store to open the 1st week of April. The new store will be double in size, offer more and greater ease of car parking, and a modern showroom with a country feel reflecting Mortels strong homegrown values.

With the opening of the new store, Mortels will expand their range of Australiana products. The new range will consist of country clothing including Australian made leather hats, oilskin coats, vests, hats, quality accessories and Mortels own range of skin care products, which are created right here in the Hunter using natural lanolin as the main ingredient. The range will also include furnishings such as small and large ottomans and pillows covered in genuine cowhides to compliment Mortels large range of full-size cowhide floor rugs. The new store will be close by to their current store, about 30 metres across. There is no doubting the Mortels commitment to their business and the sheepskin industry as a whole. Mortels Thornton manufacturing site also houses a large factory outlet store (which the new Warners Bay store will replicate), a museum showcasing Australia’s rich sheepskin history and Mortels 60 years of manufacturing and a café serving all day breakfast, great coffee and lunches. From the Thornton site, Mortels staff conduct daily (Monday-Friday) factory tours at 11 am where visitors can watch, hear, feel and smell the real workings of an UGG boot factory.

boots and slippers, car and motorbike seat covers, bed underlays, medical products, baby products, pet gear, toys, headgear and clothing and now with the opening of the new store, we will expand our range of Australiana products. Come in and check out our new range of country clothing including Australian made leather hats; oilskin, quality accessories and our very own range of skin care products.

Join the celebrations at Resort

BY

About an hour’s drive south-east of Los Angeles you’ll find Anaheim. In the heart of Southern California, the unique region offers beautiful sunny weather and mild temperatures. It is a haven of fun and relaxation and has a vibrant yet laid back feel with a creative spirit and a diverse range of activities. Home to world-famous theme parks, fabulous shopping centres and close to trendy beach towns, Anaheim is the perfect place to experience a Southern Californian adventure.

Visitors are welcomed from all corners of the globe who are seeking thrills, entertainment, action adventure and sunshine. Surrounding Anaheim, the Orange County region has fabulous beaches, dazzling dining, shopping choices and a broad selection of hotels.

The core of Anaheim and the most famous draw card is the Disneyland Resort encompassing Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, Downtown Disney District and three resort hotels plus the USA’s first theme park Knott’s Berry Farm. Kids and adults alike flock to Anaheim to experience the world’s most iconic theme park and for 60 years, there’s been

there’s nothing like a Disney celebration—and there’s no better place on the planet to celebrate than at The Happiest Place on Earth!

Freestyle Holidays and itravel are offering intouch readers a fabulous package in Anaheim this month with fabulous

inclusions of 3 day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper tickets and a Character Dining breakfast. There are also short stay add-ons to San Francisco, San Diego and Las Vegas. Packages are on sale until 31st March 2016. Conditions and travel periods apply, contact itravel The Junction on 4962 1117 or itravel Warners Bay 4947 1116 for details.

Meet the real Easter Bunny at Warners Bay Village

Come and meet our Easter Bunny as he hops around the centre and get a delicious chocolate treat!*

*One chocolate per child, per day. While stocks last.

Thursday 24th March ......... 11am - 2pm

Saturday 26th March 11am - 2pm

Sunday 27th March 11am - 2pm