Watagan Park News – Spring 2016

SPRING 2016

NEWS Family Festival a ‘cracker of a day’

AT HOME Couple can’t wait for dream home

SPORT Free kicks from worldclass football coaches

COOKING Banana berry muffins for the school lunchbox

GARDENING Sprouting success in the garden

Nature’s playground 10 top spots to make the most of local lakes and wilderness

ABOUT WATAGAN PARK At Watagan Park we believe in the outdoors and the lifestyle it has to offer. With the Watagan Mountains in the west and Lake Macquarie in the east, natural reserves, big backyards, trails, picnic spots, lookouts, waterfalls, beaches to explore and mountains to climb, families have more opportunity to get outside and live a healthy, safe and peaceful lifestyle.

GETTING AROUND Watagan Park is only seven minutes’ drive to the M1 and eight minutes to Morisset train station. You can be at Central Station in under two hours or at the end of the freeway in 50 minutes.

Newcastle is a 30 minute drive away.

WATAGAN PARK LIFESTYLE We’ve kept all our blocks of land large enough to accommodate the ultimate outdoor lifestyle – there’s room for veggie gardens, pools, backyard cricket or a back deck big enough to cater for the whole extended family – and they’re affordable too. With our flat blocks, tailored house and land packages and access to services, it’s easy to build that dream home you’ve always wanted for your family.

OUR COMMUNITY We live for a peaceful, safe and worry-free lifestyle, and community is an important part of that. To build a community people need to be outside, meeting neighbours and joining the conversation, which is why we have designed Watagan Park with integrating thoroughfares that connect each area of the community, and nice quiet streets for neighbourly cricket games.

Johnson Property Group is one of the largest private developers of residential land in New South Wales.

Combining a passion for creating vibrant and sustainable communities with a vision for the future.

Johnson Property Group is committed to the Watagan Park Community and investing in its success and growth in the future.

We’d love to hear from you about what you would like to see happen or change that we can potentially help play a part in.

Please email your feedback to marketing director Kristy Lee at kristy@johnsonpropertygroup.com.au Follow us on:

Watagan Park

EDITORIAL TEAM Editor: Kathryn Vukovljak Journalists: Kate Meikle and Alison Buckland Graphic design: Janet Ewen Proof reader: Glenda Anderson Front cover photo by: Perry Duffin Proudly published for Johnson Property Group by Macquarie Publishing Pty Ltd on 6262 9100 2 Watagan Park News • Spring, 2016

Pride at seeing Watagan Park prosper It never ceases to be a source of great personal pride to me to see our estates begin to thrive and prosper as families start building houses, setting out beautiful gardens and moving in.

And our exciting development at Watagan Park is no exception as we enjoy helping its growing community to realise the potential and enjoy the lifestyle benefits of this especially beautiful area.

Already, we are looking forward to welcoming the next big group of residents for Precinct 2 with more than

70 families poised for registration and settlement in September/October.

As spring brings growth to the environment, so it does to our emerging ambitions for the families of Watagan Park.

Keith Johnson, Managing Director, Johnson Property Group

LOCAL NEWS

MAJOR SPONSOR

Family Festival a ‘cracker of a day’

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amily Festival is set to be busy, fun, loud and colourful, says Kerrie Howells, who co-ordinates the event at the Avondale School Cooranbong campus.

The Festival, of which Watagan Park is a major sponsor, will be held on Sunday September 11, kicking off at 9am and finishing at 2pm, Kerrie says.

“It’s really a cracker of a day filled with live entertainment and carnival rides – something for all ages from toddlers up to grandparents!” she says.

“It started about 14 years ago as a school fete, but has since grown into a huge event – a gift from our school to the community.”

Starting with the littlies, visitors can expect a series of gentle things for young children to do, with Playland specially designed for under-fives.

There’s also the option to take the family on a 15-minute helicopter ride over Lake Macquarie.

The annual Fun Run starts at 9am for the sporty types who want to take on their family and friends, says Kerrie.

“There’s the untimed 1km or 3km event, with great prizes and a medal up for grabs!” she says. “Arrive at 8am and collect your entry armband, the race starts at 9am per person at $5 for 1km or $10 for 3km.

Early bird options are available, and all-day carnival ride armbands can be purchased online for $20 or bought on the day for $25.

Family Festival will be held on September 11, 9am-2pm, at the Avondale School Cooranbong campus, 119 Avondale Road, Cooranbong. Visit avondaleschool.nsw.edu.au/newsand-events-fun-day for tickets and more information

Playland includes junior carnival rides, jumping castles, face painting, pony rides and a petting zoo, and costs $10 online, or $15 on the day, which includes absolutely everything for the young ones.

“It’s really great for parents too, as we include a chill-out zone for them to relax and have a coffee,” says Kerrie.

For the bigger kids, the event will see the return of the carnival rides including dodgem cars, Surf’s Up, Twister, the fun house and slot cars.

Kerrie says that this year’s event will feature Laser Tag for the first time.

“There will also be an obstacle course similar to “Wipeout” for anyone brave enough to have a go!” she says.

For the mums and dads, Kerrie says there will be plenty of market and produce stalls so they can do a bit of shopping, as well as live music and entertainment.

“There will always be music pumping, with professional bands, students from the music academy and NX FM broadcasting all day,” she says.

“Not to mention Food Alley, with everything from woodfired pizzas, a barbecue, pies, tarts, cakes and treats.”

Watagan Park News • Spring, 2016 3

WHAT’S ON

this spring

EXHIBITIONS

SEPTEMBER 30-NOVEMBER 13 ‘Research Through Design’ Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery, 1A First Street, Booragul This exhibition features the work of 13 PhD candidates at the School of Architecture and the Built Environment at the University of Newcastle. The design research approach sets out to use the architectural design process – in all of its diverse forms – as a mechanism for the explicit production of knowledge.

‘Glass: Art Design Architecture’ Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery, 1A First Street, Booragul This glass exhibition explores innovative ways that glass is being used by artists, designers and architects.

Sophie takes centre stage at NIDA

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ocal HSC student Sophie Shafeeva was one of 12 teenagers across the country recently accepted into a two-week acting course at The National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA).

Sophie is completing her HSC at Charlton Christian College, Fassifern, while also attending professional acting lessons with a former teacher at NIDA.

all took part in a small performance at the end of the two-week program.

“It is an amazing and life-changing opportunity to be involved in a production under the lead of incredibly talented teachers,” she says.

Individuals were scored and given feedback on the best study options for the future.

For more than 50 years, NIDA has selected only the most talented individuals from the thousands of aspiring actors, designers and technicians who audition for a place every year.

Sophie says she has always been passionate about performing on stage, but it was her recent role as the Wicked Witch in her school’s production of the Wizard of Oz that cemented her desire to perform full-time.

Famous graduates include Cate Blanchett, Mel Gibson, Sam Worthington, Richard Roxburgh, Colin Friels, Hugo Weaving and Miranda Otto.

“Playing one of the principal cast roles in the musical was my first major role and my starting point,” she says.

Sophie, from Bonnells Bay, says she learnt at NIDA what it takes to be a professional actor.

She says the students completed 11 hours of intensive acting per day, and

“It was then I understood performing was something I wanted to link my life with in the future and do full-time.”

Sophie will audition for a place in one of the leading acting universities later this year.

Sophie Shafeeva as the Wicked Witch of the West.

MARKETS EVERY SECOND SATURDAY Lake Macquarie City Farmers Market Speers Point Park, Park Road, Speers Point, NSW, from 8am to 1pm Support local farmers at the markets held on the second and fourth Saturday of the month.

Visit newcastlecityfarmersmarket.com.au

EVERY MONTH Healing Haven Markets Dudley Public School, Cnr of Ocean & Boundary Streets, Dudley This monthly, community holistic wellbeing market is held on the second Saturday of each month.

Visit healinghavenmarkets.com

EVERY SATURDAY The Entrance Arts & Crafts Market Waterfront Plaza, off Coral Street, The Entrance Take a stroll through The Entrance Arts & Crafts Market every Saturday from 9am till 4pm.

MUMS & BUBS SEPTEMBER 21 Breastfeeding class

New stages, new homes on the way

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t’s all happening at Watagan Park this season, with the majority of lots in stages 1E-1H having either moved in or at least commenced dwelling construction, says Keith Johnson, Managing Director of Johnson Property Group.

“These stages total 81 lots, and bring the total number of lots in Watagan Park to 198, including Kingfisher,” he says.

Mayfield Church of Christ, 37 Gregson Avenue, Mayfield

“Subdivision construction work is now also complete on stages 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3, with registration scheduled for September.”

Cost: $20 for members and $90 for non-members (includes class and membership). 6.30pm-9.30pm.

Keith says that this will mean that construction on the first homes in these stages is expected to commence in late 2016 or early 2017.

Library activities Lake Mac Libraries, various locations There are many sessions for babies and toddlers (Books and Babies and Read and Rhyme Time, as well as Storytime. Visit library.lakemac.com.au/kids/activities 4 Watagan Park News • Spring, 2016

“There are 71 lots within stages 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 so that’s 71 families that are about to start their building journey within Watagan Park,” he says.

“It’s such an exciting time for residents and takes them all a

step closer to enjoying life at Watagan Park, with its ethos of exploring nature, climbing trees, neighbourly chats and fresh, forest air.”

Keith says that the subdivision construction work is underway for stage 2.6, with registration scheduled for November.

“We expect the first homes in this stage to commence in early 2017, with the completion of these stages bringing with it the extension of the shared pathway network within the Watagan Park site,” he says.

Keith says that close attention has always been paid to the environmental rehabilitation of conservation areas.

“This has been ongoing throughout all of 2016 and will continue into early 2017,” he says.

“This includes extensive weeding and the revegetation of areas within the master-planned community.”

LOCAL NEWS

WHAT’S ON

this spring

FESTIVAL & EVENTS SEPTEMBER 9 Spring Awakening

Darwin Street Cessnock TAFE, Cessnock This free family event celebrates the arrival of spring at dusk for an illuminated wonderland lantern parade (6pm-9pm). Pack a picnic, enjoy the melodies and experience a night of fire and light with family and friends.

SEPTEMBER 24 Living Smart Festival Speers Point Park

School fete promises to be bigger and better

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his year’s Cooranbong Public School Fete is going to be bigger and better than ever, says organiser Kay Fernance.

The event, to be held on November 27 at the school, will be the third fete the school has hosted, as it started out as a family fun night and progressed to a fete over the years, Kay says. Watagan Park is a gold sponsor of the fete.

“Every year we add more to the celebrations, and this year we will have the Hunter Valley Zoo bring their petting animals, two bands – the Fruit Trees and the Rough Diamonds – and a lot more rides than ever before,” she says.

“It will provide a full day of entertainment for all who attend, and there is truly something for everyone! There will be a range of rides, market stalls, entertainment and activities for the whole family to enjoy together.

“A large team of parents work to produce an event that showcases our school and gives everyone in attendance the opportunity to feel our school’s warm atmosphere and spirit.”

Cooranbong Public School is celebrating its 155th year this year, making it the oldest school in Lake Macquarie. It has been a major part of the Cooranbong township since 1861, and was the first school to be opened in the Lake Macquarie area.

Located at the base of the Watagan Mountains, the school says it thrives on its ability to provide individual opportunity for all students through academic excellence, innovative practices and genuine community partnerships.

The school says it offers a broad range of educational programs and opportunities in a nurturing and vibrant environment, working to maximise the potential of every child and creating caring citizens.

Stalls will include lucky dip, cake and lolly stall, pony rides, face painting, wet sponge throwing, doughnut stall, photo booth and a chocolate wheel.

Key features of the festival (8am-2pm) will include demonstrations and workshops on low-waste cooking and eco fashion, the native plant giveaway, free kids’ activities, farmers markets and more.

OCTOBER 8 Riverlights Multicultural Festival The Levee, High Street, Maitland Celebrating diversity through food, music, dance and interactive experiences, Riverlights transforms Central Maitland into a global village. Visitors can see, taste, feel and experience the different cultures, through live music, dancing, language classes, lantern making and cooking demonstrations, with fire shows and paper lantern flotilla at night.

OCTOBER 21-23 Newcastle Newkulele Festival Newcastle Jockey Club (Broadmeadow Racecourse), Chatham & Darling Streets, Hamilton South Come and see the cream of Australian ukulele musical and comedy excellence at this showcase for more than 370 local, national and international musicians, performing 36 sessions over three days.

NOVEMBER 5-6 Bitter and Twisted Boutique Beer Festival Maitland Gaol, John Street, East Maitland With music, food and beer aplenty for the adults, kids have not been forgotten, with plenty of fantastic entertainment, delicious treats and activities, especially on the Sunday.

Kay says there will also be racing cars, trucks, cars on the oval, live music, Morisset spinners and weavers demo, Harrington’s Entertainment providing three jumping castles, a bungee run, a pirate ship, teacups, fairy floss, sno cones and popcorn. And so much more, including showbags galore!

NOVEMBER 6 Live at the Foreshore

“We invite everyone to come and see the beautiful school, enthusiastic teachers and bright students we have here while enjoying a great day out,” says Kay.

The line up includes Ross Wilson, Richard Clapton, Wendy Matthews, Rose Tattoo, Steve Kilbey (The Church), Thirsty Merc, Pseudo Echo, Dale Ryder (Boom Crash Opera), Sharon O’Neill, Dynamic Hepnotics and Chocolate Starfish! Cost: $99, 12.30pm-8pm.

Cooranbong Public School, 3 Government Road, Cooranbong, NSW 2265

Wharf Road, Newcastle

Watagan Park News • Spring, 2016 5

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Heatons Picnic Area 1

If you are after a picnic with a view, look no further. A laidback picnic spot with tables, fire pits and amenities available, Heatons Picnic Area is one not to be missed.

Pack up the snags, kids and some sunscreen for a great day out in the Watagan National Park.

Don’t forget to bring your camera as the picnic area boasts unparalleled views from Newcastle to the Central Coast.

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Monkey Face lookout

Family fun is all around

Morisset Park

Lake Mac Kayak and bike hire

Explore your backyard from the water and hire a kayak from Lake Mac Kayak. A mobile business, they bring the kayaks, stand-up paddle boards or bikes to you, show you how it’s done and then pick them up when you’re done with the day’s adventure!

You can also hire them for your trip away and even take part in beginners’ lessons if you haven’t used any of the equipment before.

With rolling views of the valley this is a beautiful spot if you’re after some peace and quiet. It’s also near several abseiling spots for the more adventurous. After something a little more low key? Stretch out the legs on the easy 1.3km loop track which will take about 45 minutes and has plenty of spots to stop and soak in the view.

There are some picnic tables available at the lookout, but no drinking water or other amenities so don’t forget to pack plenty of water and anything else you may need.

Heatons picnic area

10 Morisset Park If you’re an animal lover, make sure to visit Morisset Park. It is a well-known spot to see and interact with kangaroos up close. It is located inside the grounds of the psychiatric hospital so it can be tough to find, but once you’re there it is well worth it.

Take along a picnic as well and make a full day of fun, but don’t feed the kangaroos. The kangaroos are friendly but they are wild animals and human food isn’t good for them.

Monkey Face Lookout

Lake Mac Kayak

Surrounded by beautiful lakes and on the doorstep of some of Australia’s most stunning wilderness, residents of Watagan Park will never run out of ways to entertain the whole family.

With everything from walking trails, water sports, quiet picnic spots to beautiful beaches, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, from the youngest in your family to the oldest.

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The South Sea Islands Museum

The South Sea Islands Museum is only a 10-minute walk from Watagan Park and specialises in artefacts and history from the South Pacific. It includes everything from weapons, to intricately woven baskets and traditional clothing. It only has limited opening hours, Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday from 2pm to 4pm, but you can contact the museum to make an appointment for other times.

Why not visit with the family and immerse yourself in the history of the South Pacific.

South Sea Islands Museum

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LIFESTYLE

Bangalow Camp Ground

Only a 20-minute drive from Watagan Park is the free campground, Bangalow. There are plenty of picnic tables, barbecues, toilets and parking but the sites are unpowered.

There’s plenty to see and do, from cycling and walking tracks, bird watching or just settling in by the fire and listening to the kookaburras.

It is open all year round, but roads can become boggy after heavy rain, so make sure to check the national parks website before heading out.

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Swing Bridge

Loved by locals and visitors alike is the Cooranbong Swing Bridge. You can ride or walk over it, swim and kayak under it or even picnic next to it. For those looking for a little bit of fun, there’s also some rope swings nearby – nothing better on a warm summers days.

The bridge is heritage listed and holds many memories for locals who use it to cross Dora Creek. It’s also a beautiful spot to capture some unique photos, showcasing a part of the region’s history.

Bangalow camp ground

Swing bridge

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Shingle Splitters Point

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Taking advantage of the stunning Lake Macquarie is Shingle Splitters Point playground and picnic area.

Parents can relax and enjoy a picnic while kids burn off energy on the playground, or you can launch your boat, go water-skiing, cast a line for some fishing or just sit and watch the sun go down at the end of the day.

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Shingle Splitters Point For more fun ideas check out Watagan Park’s free app – Nature’s Playground.

It’s filled with lots of great ideas and information about the region.

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The Elephant Shop

Right next door to Cooranbong Takeaway is a little slice of the exotic.

The Elephant Shop specialises in precious gems, minerals, gifts, collectables, jewellery and even furniture.

A great place to pick up a gift, or a little something for yourself, there’s something for every budget.

People travel from all around to visit this unique shop, located right on the doorstep of Watagan Park.

The Elephant Shop

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Cooranbong Takeaway

Recently expanding to include a sit-down café, this is a great spot for a coffee with friends or to take the kids along for a bite to eat. As well as burgers, sandwiches and the usual café fare, there are also plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options so everyone is well catered for.

You will also be hard pressed to leave without at least checking out the wide variety of cakes in the display casé. This local café is known for its friendly service and large menu and is one not to be missed.

Cooranbong Takeaway

SPORT

Free kicks from world-class football coaches

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ree football coaching with mentoring by world-class players is on offer at Charlton Christian College, says Peter Lalor, the primary sport coordinator at the school.

professionally one day.

“Staff at the College are excited about the program as it offers a great mix of fun, with high quality teaching and mentoring by world-class coaches,” he says.

“The Football Academy aims to develop students football skills in a fun and safe environment, whilst offering a mentoring program for senior students who are also interested in coaching,” he says.

“Best of all, it’s free!”

Central Coast Mariners professional player Josh Rose is managing the academy along with Leo Bertos, who plays as a midfielder for Hamilton Olympic.

“I really look forward to my Friday morning training sessions with the students,” Leo says.

General knowledge crossword

“Upon its launch earlier this year, it quickly had 30 students registered each week,” Peter says.

“By Term 2, the Academy had more than doubled and is expected to have over 100 students registered by the end of the year.

While the academy is still in its early stages, Leo and Josh say they have a long-term goal to provide a high-performance program for elite players who hope to play football

“There is a lot of potential for football at the College and it has been a real privilege to be part of setting up Charlton’s first ever football program.”

Across 1 Name one of the red suits of playing cards.

8 Which metallic element has the symbol Ti? 9 Name the PNG trail in which WWII Australian soldiers successfully thwarted the Japanese invasion.

10 What is a particular grape, especially in the dried form as a raisin?

11 What, in music, is the characteristic quality of sound produced by an instrument or voice?

12 Name a small, semi-aquatic salamander.

13 What is a feeling or outlook of dread, fear, etc?

16 What are short metrical compositions combining words and music?

19 Name the monetary unit of the Republic of South Africa.

21 Which term refers to standards of perfection?

22 What is a concluding part added to a literary work?

23 Name another word for stables or sheds for horses.

24 To once more come into view, is to do what?

25 Which word describes lords entitled to allegiance and service?

Down 2 Name the process by which the surface of the earth is worn away by water, winds, etc.

3 What is an oblique-angled equilateral parallelogram?

4 Name the pollen-bearing organ of a flower.

5 What are taps also known as?

6 Which term describes a made-up story?

7 What are objects superstitiously worn to ward off evil?

13 Which mathematical art uses letters and symbols?

14 Name the Liberal NSW premier from 1988 to 1992, Nicholas ...

15 What, in Australian history, was a mounted police officer called?

17 To perform a surgical task, is to do what?

18 Which racehorse won both the 1966 Melbourne and Caulfield cups?

20 The Australian rock singer, Mark Lizotte is known as what?

8 Watagan Park News • Spring, 2016

With a wealth of football knowledge and experience behind them, it comes as no surprise to see the Football Academy flourish in numbers.

“They are a great group of players who are always willing to learn and better themselves.”

Coach Josh Rose with two of his football students.

PUZZLES

Peter says the program is one of a kind in that it is offered free to students who are enrolled at the College.

Sudoku – hard

LIFESTYLE

Time to spring clean our lives James Greensill pastor in the suburbs

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hen I think of spring, I think about new life, warm sunshine, time out with family and spring cleaning!

Cleaning doesn’t sound that inviting, but spring is a great time to clear out the cobwebs and take stock of what you don’t need and get rid of things that are just taking up space.

Just like our homes, our lives get a little cluttered and stale and need a good physical and spiritual clean up. Paul, a biblical writer said this: “Or do you not know that your body is a temple (dwelling place) of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?” (1 Corinthians 6:19)

James Clode, with daughters Charlotte, 7, Grace, 5, and Abigail, 3... “The best part is the end, when we get to eat,” says Charlotte. Photo by Andrew Finch

Lights, action; family time in the kitchen

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IDS learn so many things through cooking, says teacher James Clode, from communication and teamwork to measuring, basic maths and nutrition, which is why he loves cooking with his three daughters.

James started his YouTube channel, Dad’s Apron, three months ago as something to do with his kids during the school holidays.

“When my wife Claire went back to work, I had the holidays with the kids and I wanted to do some fun activities with them, and to get them in the kitchen,” he says.

“We started cooking together, just little snacks or sweet treats that they could help to make themselves.”

James says his three daughters, Charlotte, seven, Grace, five, and Abigail, three, really enjoy the cooking sessions although he says they’re under no obligation to comply.

“It’s not scripted, but we tell the girls beforehand what we’re going to be making,” he says.

“It’s generally pretty smooth, although there are times when I’ve asked Grace to put in the sugar and she’ll say no. But generally they enjoy getting in there and doing it, and they just do their thing, unless one of them is distracted by a toy or something.

“We don’t force them – one time Charlotte didn’t feel like being on camera and that’s always fine. It’s up to them.”

Claire does the camera work and creates all the recipes, from Disney’s “Frozen” jelly cups to chocolate brownies, egg and bacon snack baskets and herbie crackers,

while James does the editing and leads the cooking on camera.

“We have friends who say they watch the videos and make the recipes every week which is really lovely,” says Claire.

“We also like watching them back and we have a laugh together at the girls’ antics.”

“It’s family time for us, we’re all there together and I think it helps us to stay connected,” says James.

“We chat about life, what’s going on at school and it’s fun to eat the snacks together.”

Dad’s Apron has made around 20 episodes so far and James says they have committed to releasing one every Tuesday.

“It’s amazing how much the girls have changed already since we started, so I also think it will be nice for us to look back on,” says James.

“We use Instagram to share our recipes to the greater community and link to our Youtube channel, so there’s a marketing element that I enjoy. If the opportunity arose and the interest continues to grow we would consider monetising Dad’s Apron but at this stage it’s more for fun.

“Generally it takes us a couple of hours to film it on a Sunday morning, or some weeks we’ll film two episodes at once.”

The girls say they like cooking and seeing themselves on the TV afterwards.

“The best part is the end, when we get to eat,” says Charlotte.

Check out the Dad’s Apron channel on YouTube, follow instagram.com/ dadsapron/ or facebook.com/dadsapron

Banana berry muffins This recipe is easy to make and a healthy snack for the lunchbox or after school.

Ingredients (makes 12 muffins) 2 ripe bananas ½ cup olive oil 2 eggs ½ cup plain yoghurt ½ cup brown sugar 2 cups self-raising flour Pinch of cinnamon ½ punnet of strawberries, diced

Method • Preheat the oven to 180°C. • Line a 12-cup muffin baking tray with muffin cases.

• Peel the bananas and mash them with a fork in a large mixing bowl.

• Add the oil, eggs, yoghurt, sugar, flour, cinnamon and strawberries.

• Mix together by folding gently until combined.

• Fill the muffin cases half to three-quarters full of the mixture, and bake for 25 minutes.

• Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before eating.

The idea of the God of the universe dwelling in our imperfect, broken lives, sounds a little scary.

Perhaps it’s because all of us have unwanted clutter we need to deal with, like old ideas, bad habits or toxic relationships.

The encouraging thing about God is that He doesn’t distance himself from us in our weakness.

He wants to help us and lead us to an abundant life full of peace, purpose and direction. All you need to do is ask. Why not ask him now?

Pastor James Greensill Gateway Community Church Gateway Church is all about loving the community and connecting with Jesus. Agespecific programs for primary and high school aged young people are available, as well as adult connect groups every Saturday morning from 9.30am-10.30am. The main service starts afterwards at 11am, and on the first Saturday of every month everyone is invited to lunch at the Gateway Family Feast.

The services on Saturday mornings are held in the Multi-Purpose Centre at Avondale School, 119 Avondale Road, Cooranbong. Visit gatewaycommunity.com.au or call on 4977 0200.

Meet the pastor James Greensill is the senior pastor of Gateway Church, based at Avondale School.

James works with school students, their families and the surrounding residents, in a supportive role within the pastoral care team, as well as running the church on weekends and other activities and events.

“Loving the community and connecting with Jesus is the mission of what we do,” says James. “I love the community at Watagan, and with its growth it feels like the best is yet to come!”

James and his wife Jennifer live in Cooranbong with their three children, Grace, Josiah and Asher.

Watagan Park News • Spring, 2016 9

LIFESTYLE

Tips for growing success Russell Brown gardening guru

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pring has sprung and the garden awaits your attention! Here are Russell’s top tips for managing your outdoor space as the weather warms up and things start to sprout and grow...

Alison Tilden with her fiancé Marc… “We were attracted to the great size of the blocks of land that were available and how peaceful and well-presented Watagan Park is.”

Photo by Perry Duffin

Thank you rose.

Top tips • Fertilise everything! This will promote new luscious growth, fruiting and flowering and kick-start deciduous trees and shrubs.

• For a great summer lawn, eradicate weeds now (spray or remove by hand), aerate, fertilise and top dress with clean sandy loam.

• Apply wetting agents to preserve spring soil moisture for all the new growth.

• Apply mulches to all garden beds to reduce weeds, conserve moisture and increase organic matter (humus).

• Add compost to vegetable and flower beds – it’s time to plant out your summer seedlings.

• Repot orchids and indoor plants.

• Fertilise fruit trees and be aware of pests such as citrus leaf minor and aphids on new growth. Spray with eco friendly garden oils.

• If you haven’t already pruned roses, do it now by up to two-thirds and fertilise with dedicated rose food. Ensure you spray fungicides at the first sign of Black Spot.

• Plant new additions to your garden now to allow for root development before the summer heat sets in!

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Tildens can’t wait for their new dream home

t will be a late Christmas present for the Tilden family who will move into their new dream home at Watagan Park in early 2017.

Currently renting a small unit in Gosford on the Central Coast, Alison Tilden said the family can’t wait to move in and enjoy all the space Watagan Park has to offer. From the bushland to the beach, the family intends on taking advantage of every aspect of living in an area almost tailor-made for families and enjoying the great outdoors.

“It will be great to have so much more space, a backyard and the serenity that Watagan Park has to offer,” Alison said.

The new house will be home to Alison, her fiancé Marc and their fouryear-old daughter Ruby and will give the young family plenty of space.

The family decided to build a single-storey home and maximise the land available, with a big backyard and plenty of side access space, they plan to enjoy the outside of the house, just as much as inside.

“When looking for somewhere we were attracted to the great size of the blocks of land that were available and how peaceful and well-presented Watagan Park is,” she said.

“I’m really looking forward to being in our brand new house, we have already chosen our house plan, colours, finishes and everything else.”

“I can’t pick my favourite part of the house – all of it. It’s a dream come true to have a brand new house.”

Throughout the period of researching, looking and purchasing their block, Alison said the team at Johnson Property Group was more than helpful.

“We have been working with Shaun, from Johnson Property Group, he has been fantastic. He has always been available and happy to assist with any queries. Shaun has kept us in the loop with the whole process which has been great,” she said.

Local business directory Acumon Pty Limited Morisset Accountant 2/49 Yambo Street, Ph: 4931 1100 Aladdin’s Lunchbox 569 Freemans Drive Cooranbong Ph: 4977 1618

Ph: 4023 0812 homebuilders.construction/a/ building-contractors-in-watagan-park Community Mortgage Finance A finance broking firm that specialises in all home loans and investment home loans.

Ph: 4392 0166 Communitymortgagefinance.com

Avondale Mechanical & Tyre Centre 677 Freemans Drive, Cooranbong Cooranbong Animal Hospital Ph: 4977 2966 673 Freemans Drive, Cooranbong Ph: 4977 3177 Blissful Home Builders Fax: 4977 3244 Home builder Email: info@cooranbonganimalBlissful Watagan Park, Cooranbong hospital.com.au

Cooranbong Cafe & Pizzeria Avondale Shopping Centre 559 Freemans Drive, Cooranbong Ph: 4977 1662 Cooranbong Florist 5 Alton Road, Cooranbong Ph: 4977 2547 Frisco Landscape Supplies Address: 388 Freemans Drive, Cooranbong Ph: 4977 1123 Cooranbong Take Away 569 Freemans Drive,

Cooranbong Ph: 4977 1618 Mega Fruit Barn Shop 10/563 Freemans Drive, Cooranbong Ph: 4977 2802 Secure Pave Paving & pool surround specialists Ph: 4973 6274 or 0402 826 272 securepave.com Watersedge Accounting Group Krystle Wigley Ph: 0404 003055 watersedge.net.au

To advertise your local business in Watagan Park News please contact kathryn@citynews.com.au 10 Watagan Park News • Spring, 2016

LIFESTYLE

Steam and speed Right (main photograph): Smeg’s compact speed oven is primarily a multifunction oven that has 12 cooking functions and can be used as a dedicated fan-forced or convection oven, or as a grill or microwave oven. And as a speed oven it can produce beautiful meals within vastly reduced cooking times!

Victoria compact combi-steam oven, $4490, available at leading appliance retailers

Coffee connoisseur This automatic manual espresso machine will turn you into a professional barista at home! Adjust the grind and texture the milk, or let it automatically grind, dose, tamp and texture milk to create two lattes in 90 seconds.

Breville Oracle in Black Sesame, $2599. Visit breville.com.au

Cherry oh baby As far as mixers go, the Bakery Boss, available in five high-gloss colours, including Sour Cherry, features a clear bowl, high speeds and shiny bright benchtop prettiness!

Breville Bakery Boss in Sour Cherry, $749.95.

Visit breville.com.au

New season in the kitchen Step into spring and update your kitchen with bright new colours, quirky fun designs and the latest technology

Bright start Perfect for fresh food advocates, EasiYo makes it simple to create delicious and nutritious homemade yogurt.

Available in a 500g lush apple green mini maker and a glossy 1kg bold red maker.

Homemade yogurt offers a source of probiotics, protein and calcium; with less artificial ingredients and additives.

EasiYo 500g mini yogurt maker, $17.99; 1kg yogurt maker, $24.99, available at leading department storeskitchenware retailers

SOLUTIONS Fresh fish Relax with thoughts of the sea with these swimmingly fun tropical fish mugs inspired by the Great Barrier Reef. Bright pops of colour with hand-painted effects will update your kitchen and brighten up your morning coffee.

NewWave Caffè Tropical Fish mugs, $39.95, Villeroy & Boch. Visit villeroy-boch.com.au

Brighten up pasta making Traditional pasta machine Marcato Atlas 150 has embraced the kitchen colour trend after more than 85 years setting the benchmark in fresh pasta making, and is now available in pastel pink, pastel blue, green, copper, gold, red, black, deep blue and satin silver!

Marcato Atlas 150, $229, available from David Jones and all good kitchenware retailers Watagan Park News • Spring, 2016 11