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Hi-5’s Charli Robinson on life in Port Stephens

Newcastle Weekly .com.au contents

thursday 10 december 2020

This week... From the editor Welcome to our penultimate edition for 2020. It’s now a well-worn cliché, but this year really has been like no other and it’s proved a challenge to say the least for those of us in the Newcastle Weekly newsroom. But, as I look back on the achievements we’ve made under difficult circumstances, I couldn’t be more proud of the efforts of everyone involved in the magazine’s production. Yes, we’ve had to make a couple of changes to the print edition due to the impact of COVID-19. However, I believe we’ve played an important role in spreading positive, ‘feel good’ community stories during a time when there is negativity everywhere you turn – whether it’s Australia’s worsening relationship with China, the ongoing fallout from the US election and, of course, the pandemic. On that note, this week’s cover features Charli Robinson, a member of popular Australian children’s music group Hi-5, who shares her journey from her family’s home in Anna Bay. We’ve also covered stories on former Knight Owen Craigie’s lifechanging mission to improve people’s physical and mental health; ex-Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove’s trip to Maitland; and Supercars’ decision to kick-start its 2022 season in Newcastle. - Ben Murphy

Make your day with newcastleweekly.com.au Follow us: 2

04 06 16 18

Novocastrians rally in support of refugees Time For a Home campaign hits Newcastle’s Civic Park

Costco gets green light in Lake Mac Planning panel approves development application

Owen Craigie’s Chasing the Energy Former Knight tackles mental health challenge

Sir Peter Cosgrove visits Maitland Ex-Governor General speaks about Afghanistan, new book

on the cover

Regulars 04 23 26 31 32 33

News Taste Time Out The Look Home Judy Sharpe gardening 34 Real Estate 41 Puzzles & Stars 43 Trades and Services 47 My Favourite Things

Hi-5’s Charli Robinson. See cover story, pages 26 and 27. Shot on location at Anna Bay. Photo: Peter Stoop

46 29

Competitions 29 Shaun Brown Cricket Coaching Clinic Pass 29 Maitland Gaol Self-Guided Audio Tour Family Passes 32 PETstock $200 Christmas Voucher 46 Maya The Bee: The Golden Orb Family Passes and DVD Bundles 46 The Dry Movie Double Passes 46 Newcastle Weekly competition winners Editor Ben Murphy ben.m@newcastleweekly.com.au

Photographer Peter Stoop 19 Pearson Street Charlestown NSW 2290 Editorial & Advertising Enquiries T 02 4037 4000 www.newcastleweekly.com.au

FOUNDER & PUBLISHER Nick Samaras Newcastle Weekly is a member of the Australian Press Council and abides by its guidelines and policies. Complaints about editorial matter should be emailed to editorial@newcastleweekly.com.au

Published by Newstate Media Newcastle Pty Ltd (ACN 605 328 569). All content © 2017 Newstate Media Newcastle Pty Ltd, all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without prior written permission. All material sent to Newcastle Weekly Magazine (whether solicited or not) will not be returned. Unless otherwise agreed beforehand, all rights including copyright in such material is assigned to Newstate Media upon receipt and Newstate Media may use or sell such material in perpetuity without further consent or payment. All prices and information are correct at time of printing. For full terms and conditions of competitions contact Newcastle Weekly Magazine on 4037 4000.

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news Rally in support of refugees People seeking asylum have the right to a safe and permanent home. That’s the driving message behind a new initiative, which urges the federal government to immediately release refugees in immigration detention. The Time For A Home campaign saw representatives from Amnesty International, Grandmothers for Refugees Newcastle Lake Macquarie, Hunter Asylum Seeker Advocacy, and Refugee Action Network Newcastle gather at Civic Park last week. “We, as a community, need to raise our voices and call on the government to make a change,” Amnesty International Newcastle branch convener, Kevin Sweeney, said. “The Time For A Home campaign is calling on the federal government to release and resettle the refugees

who have been held in detention for more than seven years, with some of them up to 11 years. “The immediate action that needs to happen is for them to release the refugees from detention – there is no good reason to hold them, they could easily be released into the community on temporary visas while permanent resettlement arrangements are made. “It is the humane thing to do.” Hunter Asylum Seeker Advocacy’s Niko Leka added that they deserved our support. “If we lose the struggle with asylum seekers then we’ve lost the whole concept of human rights,” he said. According to the campaign, about 200 people who have been transferred from Papua New Guinea and Nauru are being held in Alternative Places of Detention

Taivas, Charlie and Milla were among the supporters during the Time For A Home campaign launch at Newcastle’s Civic Park last week.

(APODs). The APODs are small hotel rooms and, currently, about 120 people are being held at Kangaroo Point (Brisbane) and 60 people are being forced to stay at the Preston Mantra Hotel in Melbourne. Additionally, there are another 1,000 men, women, and children in community detention or on temporary visas who desperately need help. They have been transferred to Australia for medical or other reasons but are living without sufficient funds and are relying on charities for support.

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Mr Sweeney and Mr Leka are urging the community to support the Time For A Home campaign by spreading the word, attending events, and calling for change. “The first thing is to sign the petition, the second is to call [your] members of parliament or write to them and express your concerns, and the importance of releasing these people,” Mr Sweeney said. “The third would be to just spread the word.” Go to timeforahome.com.au for more information. - Elizabeth Symington

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news Hundreds of jobs in store

More business support for Newcastle. Business Bankers that understand your local area. I’m Sam your local Business Banker. Call me on 0466 556 732, email Sam.Brown@cba.com.au, or visit the Newcastle West branch. Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL and Australian credit licence 234945.

More than 250 new jobs are set to be created and millions of dollars will potentially be injected into Lake Macquarie each year after the approval of a Costco store in the city’s north west. The Hunter Regional Planning Panel gave the green light for the construction of the landmark 14,000 square metre warehouse and fuel station. Mayor Kay Fraser said Lake Macquarie City Council was looking forward to the site’s opening, marked down to take place in mid-2021. “It’s a wonderful investment in our community, particularly as the first regional store in NSW outside of Greater Sydney,” she said. “The potential of this area is incredible and it’s the next significant step in realising the countless benefits for jobs, our

local economy, lifestyle, and businesses. The $49 million Costco development will continue to spur significant growth in Lake Macquarie city. “We look forward to working with other businesses that want to take advantage of the North West Lake Macquarie catalyst area’s potential as the transformation of Glendale, Cardiff, Boolaroo and surrounds into a thriving economic and employment hub continues.” The council is also assessing housing development applications for 330 lots for the nearby Weemala at the lake subdivision. These dwellings will be home to about 2,000 new Lake Macquarie residents and working families, who are taking advantage of the site’s close proximity to the natural environment, community facilities, and employment opportunities.

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news City’s ‘Stairway to Heaven’ Newcastle is set to welcome a touch of Rome as part of the development of a new public space. The ‘Stairway to Heaven’ concept, which was initially thought of 14 years ago by a group of prominent architects, proposes to link Christ Church Cathedral to the harbour via a grand staircase inspired by the Spanish Steps. The project aims to open-up connections and view lines from Newcastle foreshore and the Hunter Street Mall to Christ Church Cathedral. It aligns with the strategic objectives of the City of Newcastle and the Revitalising Newcastle program to connect the city to the waterfront. City of Newcastle plans to demolish the 59-year-old Mall Car Park, which closed this year due to its poor structural condition, to

make way for the project. Chief executive Jeremy Bath said the proposed demolition of the Mall Car Park presented a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to reimagine the future use of the car park site. “The option of demolishing the existing Mall Car Park has allowed us to bring back to the table the concept of the ‘Stairway to Heaven’, an idea that was first imagined well over a decade ago,” he said. “By introducing a grand staircase with wide pedestrian access, active shop fronts, landings and courtyards, it would bring a European Quarter feel to this part of the city, highlighting the character of Newcastle’s historic CBD and reestablish a link to the harbour. “Given the poor structural condition of Mall Car Park [and] the significant costs associated to rectify and bring the carpark up to

A concept image of the ‘Stairway to Heaven’, left, and the Spanish Steps in Rome.

current standards, the City does not intend to repair or reconstruct it. “Instead we are now exploring the best use for the site, including the potential to integrate the site with the adjoining Iris Capital East End development, which would involve undertaking a range of feasibility studies for the next phase of the development.” Mr Bath added that discussions with Iris Capital would ensure essential public car parking was factored into the next stage of planning. Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said

City of Newcastle was committed to creating a more attractive and liveable city through planning opportunities such as this project. “Opportunities to open up our iconic and beautiful Christchurch Cathedral to the Harbour don’t come every day, and we are constantly looking at ways to get the best future outcomes for our community through these everyday planning decisions,” she said. A development application seeking approval to demolish Mall Car Park will be lodged soon. - Elizabeth Symington

Gowrie NSW Mayfield advertising moment

Rich history of helping children unlock their full potential It’s a quality, not-for-profit organisation with a rich history of educating and caring for children. Gowrie NSW is celebrating 80 years since its formation back in 1940. During that time, it has provided diverse education and care, family support, and professional development services to the early and middle childhood sector across NSW and the ACT. Gowrie NSW Mayfield, located at 14 Frith Street, is one of its newest centres and draws on the organisation’s philosophy and approach. “Mayfield just turned two and we’ve all been briefed on the history of what Gowrie NSW has stood for going back 80 years,” Gowrie NSW Mayfield spokesperson Lauren Burrows said. “The focus is on a key educator approach, which means individualised care – so a small group with an educator. “That way, the educator knows the children and family and builds relationships. “We’re big on both respectful relationships and practice.” Gowrie NSW boasts a unique indoor 8

environment rich in natural resources and promotes learning, curiosity and adventure. A large outdoor play area also features natural gardens, climbing structures, natural play equipment, sandpits and water play. It provides nutritionally-balanced meals, catering for all children’s dietary needs, prepared using the freshest ingredients, while it also offers a broad curriculum of literacy, numeracy, language, art, music, social skills, sport, sustainability and much more. Gowrie NSW’s philosophy is that every child brings with them unique strengths, capabilities, culture, interests, knowledge, ideas, and experiences. It aims to enable children to reach their fullest potential by encouraging growth and development in a warm, caring home-like environment. Gowrie NSW Mayfield is open from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, for children from six weeks to school age. Email enrolments@gowriensw.com.au, or visit gowriensw.com.au, or call (02) 8594 4200 for more information.

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news

Graeme Silver with his 2020 Newcastle Volunteer Service Award.

Volunteer award a Silver lining for Graeme NSW SES City of Newcastle deputy unit commander Graeme Silver is a humble, but worthy, winner of the 2020 Newcastle Volunteer Service Award. The popular Novocastrian has spent the past four decades – and more – helping people across the Hunter through many incidents and emergencies, including the 1989 Newcastle earthquake, 2007 Pasha Bulker storm and 2015 flood event. After starting in a volunteer rescue role 41 years ago, the former NSW Ambulance inspector, who retired in 2018, remains with the NSW SES as an active member. He currently holds the position of deputy local controller and continues to serve the residents of Newcastle, and Greater Hunter, with selfless dedication and genuine heroism. “I’m truly honoured to receive this,” Mr Silver said. “Any nominee would have been

deserving of [winning] it. But, it’s not the only volunteering I undertake. “I am also a board member, and helper, for The Beacon Newcastle, a group which formed some time ago to assist those who service us in, or for, the community. “I was also a volunteer as a peer support officer with NSW Ambulance up to the day I retired. “I still make contact with the paramedics now. “So, I accept this award for all the Newcastle and Hunter volunteers who service our community.” Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon had nothing but admiration for Mr Silver. “It was an honour to be able to recognise his incredible service to Newcastle and the Hunter over more than four decades,” she said. “Volunteers like Graeme are the glue that have held our community together through some of the

toughest chapters in our city’s history. “They are the lifeblood of our region but too often they don’t get the recognition they deserve.” Ms Claydon, who delivers the awards, added volunteers had made a huge contribution to the community during the coronavirus crisis. “Despite the many challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown at us, I’ve been incredibly heartened by the surge in volunteering efforts to ensure that no one in Newcastle is left feeling isolated and alone,” she said. “The spontaneous creation of neighbourhood groups and the overnight transformation of local cafes into community kitchens and corner stores was life-saving for many. “Novocastrians demonstrated that when the going gets really tough, we come together to support each other.” - Rod Thompson

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news Council reveals cost of relocation to Newcastle West City of Newcastle’s decision to spend $8.3 million on the relocation of 450 staff to a new administration centre is evidence of its “frugal approach”, the council’s chief executive, Jeremy Bath, says. The council announced last week that it could reveal to the public the total cost of its move to the premises at 12 Stewart Avenue, Newcastle West, after closing out all four associated projects. Its figures show an overall cost of $17.6 million. This includes office space for 450 staff ($8,389,994), a Local Emergency Operations Centre, known as LEOC ($2,173,982), a digital library ($3,267,465), a council chamber ($1,041,824), and contracts ($2,749,827). Mr Bath believes the council’s relocation – its first modernisation in more than 40 years – compares

favourably to nearby projects. “Lake Macquarie City Council is spending $17.8 million on its fit-out, Mid Coast Council has budgeted $20 million, and Maitland’s project is budgeted at $28 million,” he said. “The $8.3 million spent on our relocation is evidence of the frugal approach we have taken, while the move itself also allowed us to identify cost effective colocatable opportunities, such as the digital library and LEOC, which, if built elsewhere, would have come at a considerably larger expense.” Mr Bath adds the relocation paved the way for the revitalisation of the Civic cultural precinct and the sale of properties, including the Roundhouse and the Frederick Ash building. The Roundhouse housed some of the council’s administration

staff before it was sold to Syrian billionaire Ghassan Aboud for $16.5 million in 2018. Renamed the Kingsley, it is set to reopen in early 2021 as the city’s first five-star hotel. “The sale of these buildings has allowed us to direct significantly more funds into projects that benefit the community, with the $16.5 million proceeds from the Roundhouse going directly towards our record $116 million program of upgrading and improving key community assets,” Mr Bath said. “Another $9.5 million from the sale of three properties, including the Frederick Ash building, is being used to part fund the much-needed restoration of the Newcastle Ocean Baths, with the first stage upgrade to the pools and lower promenade starting next year.”

The council stated its decision to relocate was in keeping with its own long held plans and aligned with the NSW Government’s priorities to shift the CBD west as part of the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan. Mr Bath believes the new premises has resulted in a better work environment, more efficient systems, greater flexibility, and improved staff culture, providing an improved service for residents and ratepayers. “Relocating our [administration centre] to Newcastle West has provided our staff with a new fit-for-purpose office, featuring modern amenities, a flexible design, community areas, and meeting rooms to encourage better communication and collaborative decision-making,” he said. - Ben Murphy

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Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation’s acting chief executive Valentina Misevska speaks at The Station Piazza’s launch.

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It has been a long time coming and, now, the former Newcastle Railway Station is set to embark on its next chapter. A $6 million landscaping project was officially unveiled at The Station Piazza last week by NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes. “It’s actually wonderful at a personal level to be here to see the change in the city,” he said. “At the time, it was a bold decision and there was a lot of controversy about elements – it was a deeply democratic process, as it should have been, there were people with strong views on every aspect of the city’s revitalisation.” Construction began in March, with landscaping between Market Street Lawn and the former bus depot, opening better connections between the city and the sea. The site boasts several features that provide a nod to the station’s past, including a misting feature that shoots up out of the former

rail line to represent steam, and a fire pit lighting feature. “This is guaranteed public space for the people of Newcastle in perpetuity as far as I am concerned,” Mr Stokes said. “That’s the point of delivering these public spaces, it was all about the vision of ensuring that the city could be united again, that there wasn’t a scar through the centre of the city that divided it from its amazing foreshore, instead it was to be an inclusive space.” Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation’s acting chief executive Valentina Misevska said it was important to recognise The Station’s history. “We were pleased to work with the Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council and other experts on the cultural aspects of the design, and I’m so thrilled that the site has incorporated some of the area’s Aboriginal heritage,” she said. - Emma Murphy

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news Ex-Knight Owen Craigie tackles mental health challenge

Chase the Energy inspires Mitchell Pearce, Owen Craigie and Elly Miles. Photo: Peter Stoop

Rugby league prodigy Owen Craigie faced many challenges throughout his illustrious career – some good, some not-so-good. Once labelled the “best naturally talented player I played with” by eighth Immortal Andrew Johns, the proud Gomeroi man etched

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his name in the history books – by representing the Australian Schoolboys in three consecutive years (1994, 1995 and 1996) – and making his NRL first grade debut as a teenager. A season later, in 1997, he claimed a premiership with the Newcastle

Knights. He then appeared in 153 senior appearances with the Knights, Wests Tigers and the South Sydney Rabbitohs before prematurely retiring due to ongoing injuries. Unfortunately for Craigie, things took a decidedly turn for the worse. Gambling, drug and alcohol addictions, as well as depression, sent his life spiralling out of control. But, when he hit rock bottom just recently, rather than feel sorry for himself, he decided to tackle his demons head-on. Now, the revitalised 42-year-old is asking people to join him and Chase the Energy to improve their mental and physical health. “I started the concept in March,” Craigie said. “I was going through a separation and fighting to see my kids; I breached my AVO. “That meant I had a criminal

record – and it scared the hell out of me. “I just wanted to do something with my kids but got locked up instead. “The next morning, I went straight to court. “Since then, I haven’t stopped; I’m a bit like the black Forrest Gump. “I just started running because, at that time, I was bankrupt, broke and my past was haunting me (from the lies I told). “Everything piled up on me. “Eventually, I was admitted to the psych ward at John Hunter Hospital and began rehab. “At the end of the day, I had some good people in my corner, who’ve looked after me. I’m forever grateful and thankful for that.” Oddly enough, something simple, like a social media tag, has provided Craigie with a new lease on life.

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Owen Craigie is asking people to join him in the quest to improve their mental and physical health. Photo: Peter Stoop

“I just did a post one day, at a beach in Newcastle, saying ‘Chase the Energy’,” he said. “To me, it’s about recharging your batteries, like you recharge your phone. “I’ve tried many things to get myself well; mentally, physically and spiritually. “And, the only way to do it was through active exercise. “I started by walking, then running, jogging and swimming.” In the meantime, some big household names have backed Craigie’s initiative, such as The Bachelorette’s Elly Miles, and NRL stars Andrew Johns, Matty Johns, Kalyn Ponga, Mitchell Pearce, Kurt Mann, Matthew Gidley, Mark Hughes, Marc Glanville, and many more. “I’m blown away by all the support. In fact, I’m very humbled by it,” he said. “At one stage in my life, I didn’t think anyone loved or cared for me because the person I’d loved the most quit on me. “To be fair, she had every reason to do that now, looking back. “But, I’m clean and sober today. “I fight very hard to live this lifestyle – it’s my choice what I put in my body and who I hang around with. “I choose to Chase the Energy. “It’s now become a mental health movement that’s taken off in 10 countries. “I’ve picked up 11,000 followers in six-seven months. “And, it’s showing no signs of slowing down.”

Craigie’s future looks extremely bright with many enterprises on the horizon. That includes setting up a not-for-profit organisation, like the Mark Hughes Foundation; joining forces with Fast Fuel Meals; a clothing brand; setting up a website; public speaking; releasing a song with Sydney rapper Mark (E Zee) Zahra; and tending to those less fortunate. “I’m really excited by some of the things going on at the moment,” he said. “I’ve got Chase the Energy bottles of water and energy drinks coming out, too. “Then the team at Love Realty in Boolaroo donated a caravan where I’m aiming to feed the homeless twice or three times a week. “I’m doing that because I’ve been there myself. “I just want to make the world a better place, not only for me, but for my children and everyone else. “My mantra is ‘stay active, have a healthy lifestyle and activate your mind to live your best life’. “So, if you’re in trouble, reach out to me.” You can follow Owen Craigie on Instagram and Facebook, by heading to @owiecraigie, @ chasetheenergy, Owen Craigie (FB), Chase the Energy (FB), Chicks Chase the Energy (FB) or visiting Chase the Energy – Sportsclique Shop. If you need help in a crisis, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or text 0477 131 114 from 6pm to 12am. - Rod Thompson 17

news Sir Peter Cosgrove on Afghanistan probe, new book

Former Governor-General of Australia Sir Peter Cosgrove speaks during the launch of his book ‘You Shouldn’t Have Joined’. Photo: Getty Images

General Sir Peter Cosgrove believes the SAS soldiers at the heart of the Afghanistan war crimes probe should be put through the most rigorous inquiry. Speaking at Maitland Libraries’ Look Who’s Talking Program, the former decorated Army officer, Governor General and Knight of the Order of Australia, shared his views on the current situation while reflecting on his own wartime experiences. As the former Australian Defence Force chief, Sir Peter said, when the Brereton Report unveiled the alleged atrocities, committed by at least 15 Australian SAS soldiers in Afghanistan, on 6 November, he was “horrified”. At the launch of his second book You Shouldn’t Have Joined, Sir Peter reflected on his memoirs and offered an insight into a

soldier’s psyche. “I’ve known those youngsters in the Special Air Service Regiment for many years,” he said. “Not all of them of course, because there are thousands that pass through those ranks, but I’ve seen them in full cry, and they are some of the best soldiers in the world. “And to find out that a number of them, a relatively small number but a significant number, have allegedly been involved in serious criminality was so distressing.” Sir Peter said, after years of military training, the soldiers were aware of the wrongfulness of their actions. “They know the line and they know they crossed it,” he said. “That was an inquiry, we now need a criminal investigation and put this before the court

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as is the treatment for anybody who commits a crime like that in Australia. “I think people are too aware and will come to understand that there was a group who formed, for reasons that Justice Brereton has attempted to describe, became brutalised and became murderers, and concealed it – we now have to put them through the most rigorous investigation.” While the soldiers’ reputation will be questioned, Sir Peter says he hopes this will not become a reflection of people’s opinions of the Australian armed forces. “I hate the idea that the whole regiment and the thousands that have come through the ranks have been stigmatised,” he said. “This is a matter for the police and the court system now but if I was the Chief of the Defence Force and the Chief of the Army, I’d be ministering to the rest of the SAS

Regiment and the rest of the army to ensure that we make it crystal clear that these are legitimate forces that know where the line is and not to cross that line.” Repeated deployments could be a contributing factor to alleged war crimes committed by Australian special forces in Afghanistan, Sir Peter said. “I think there is an impact on anyone that goes into extremely dangerous circumstances over and over again,” he said. “Our history books are full of accounts of the impact on soldiers in the front line in the world wars. “In World War I, it was confined trenches, massive artillery, all kinds of health risks, and shellshock. “In a new type of war like Afghanistan, every time you’re outside the wire someone is trying to blow you up with a suicide bomb or with intense fire.

“The impact on the individual is immense. Very good soldiers do the job they do for months and get a year off. “The first few months that soldier is home, his family are saying he’s uptight, it’s obvious he’s stressed. “After a year you’re ready to go back, so for the back end of that year you’re starting to get on your toes again. “To me, that sounds weary. My logic would be to send different people. “Even though these soldiers are so highly trained, they can’t train their emotions to be impervious.” In his book, Sir Peter refers to the detriment of soldiers returning to the ‘cauldron’. “If you burn a candle at both ends it will burn brightly but soon you will have no candle,” he wrote. There is little Sir Peter hasn’t dealt with in his 73 years.

Phone Tony on 0459 093 377 to arrange a viewing

His decorated career spans an extensive array of traumatic events, including the ill-fated Malaysian Airlines Flight 17, Queensland’s Cyclone Larry, NSW bushfires and a global pandemic. After being awarded the Military Cross in 1971 for his service in the Vietnam War, Sir Peter came to the attention of the Australian public when he served as commander, overseeing the peacekeeping mission in East Timor during its transition to independence. After 40 years spent in military life, Sir Peter and Lady Cosgrove are now looking forward to a quieter life. “We’re going to drive up to Queensland and hang out with our Brisbane-based kids,” he said. “The grandkids are growing up like weeds, and we’re conscious of missing that.” - Rebecca Riddle

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sport Supercars to launch 2022 season in Newcastle Newcastle has been chosen to host the opening race of the 2022 Supercars season on the city’s iconic street circuit. The news comes after the announcement of Supercars’ 2021 calendar, which did not include the picturesque Newcastle leg. Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes praised the event as having large economic benefits for the region and was looking forward to welcoming Supercars and fans back to Newcastle. “The Newcastle 500 has been shown through independent research to benefit Newcastle’s economy by more than $30 million over the threeday event, contributing up to 124 full-time jobs,” she said. “As part of the Supercars Australia Championship series, the

Newcastle 500 brings widespread exposure for our city, too. “Our wider community also recognises the benefits of hosting such a landmark event, with 81% of respondents previously indicating in a Hunter Research Foundation Centre survey that they believe Newcastle and the region benefit from hosting the Supercars Newcastle 500.” Newcastle first hosted Supercars’ season finale in 2017, a thrilling race in which Jamie Whincup picked up his seventh championship title after rival Scott McLaughlin was penalised on the last lap. Organisers expect the event will take place in early March, and is set to feature the debut of the new Gen3 Supercars, the General Motors Camaro ZL1, and the Ford Mustang. Cr Nelmes said, in the three years

Supercars will return to Newcastle for the 2022 season opener. Photo: Getty Images

the city had hosted Supercars, it had become “one of the most popular spots”. She believed the race’s calendar switch could have positive impacts for Newcastle. “No city anywhere in Australia offers what Newcastle does in terms of providing stunning aerial pictures of some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches,” she said. “In recent years, the shots of Supercars racing in the foreground while our working harbour operates in the background are images that are

embedded into the minds of tens of millions of motor racing fans around the world. “Newcastle and the Hunter enjoy a huge racing supporter base and I’m confident they will love the promotion to the season opener and will continue to pour into the city for the three days in massive numbers”. City of Newcastle hopes that a new long-term agreement to host Supercars in the city will be finalised by mid-2022. - Calum Thomson

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The team at

Wishes you a safe and happy holiday season It has been a honour to help and support the Hunter community during this particularly challenging year. We recognise this can be a difficult time for many and encourage those needing support to reach out. Our services will continue over the holiday period. We are grateful to those business and community members who have supported us this year. We would not have been able to meet as many people in their time of need without your support. Also a special mention to our Lifeline Volunteers for their unwavering dedication throughout 2020. Together lets help create connectedness this holiday season.

HOW LIFELINE CAN HELP >> National Crisis Line - 13 11 14 >> Crisis Text Service - 0477 13 11 14 >> Crisis Chat - Lifeline.org.au/crisischat >> Face to Face counselling - 1300 152 854 >> Telehealth Video Counselling - 1300 152 854 There is no cost to access any of the Lifeline support services above.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL LIFELINE CENTRE Make a donation at lifelinedirect.org.au or shop in any Lifeline Shop.

sport Bracken to bowl over Newcastle juniors If you want to be the best, you need to learn from the best. And, Newcastle youngsters will get the opportunity to do just that when Nathan Bracken fronts the latest Shaun Brown Cricket Coaching clinic in the Hunter next year. The former Australian Test and ODI star heads up the organisation’s mentoring panel this summer at New Lambton. Surprisingly, Bracken only played five Tests for the “green and gold” but took the field in 116 one day international fixtures, snaring 174 wickets at the brilliant average of 24.36. In fact, the left-arm paceman was rated the top ODI bowler in the world in 2008. Unfortunately, he announced his retirement from the game in 2011, due to a chronic knee injury.

However, he’ll be remembered for his great changes in pace, using slower balls to deceive batsmen all around the world. Bracken admitted he was looking forward to visiting the region again. “I live on the Central Coast and work in Newcastle, so I know the area well,” he said. “But, since I’ve retired, I’ve done about 10 [Shaun Brown] clinics a year – I think I’m up to 100 now. “And, even in 2020, there are plenty of kids coming through the door. “I had my doubts though that it wasn’t going to happen a month ago, due to COVID-19. “So, I’m thrilled they’re on the schedule again.” Bracken said the Shaun Brown Cricket Coaching clinics were “good fun” for all involved, including himself.

“The kids just want to play, it’s that simple,” he explained. “And, there are many with immense talent. “I’ve noticed a lot of youngsters in the older age groups are happy to help others, or those new to the game, too. “That’s great to see the children interacting. “These camps are unique in that the different mentors look at various skill sets. “It means the kids walk away from them with things to work on.” The camp will take place at Ford Oval on Thursday 21 January and Friday 22 January, from 9am to 3pm each day. The clinic features the use of video analysis, a thorough program and written reports for all who attend. For more information about the camp, log onto cricketcoaching.

Former Australian cricket star Nathan Bracken will headline the Shaun Brown Cricket Coaching clinic in Newcastle next month. Photo: Getty Images

com.au or contact Shaun Brown on 0412 382 558. *Turn to page 29 to enter a Shaun Brown Cricket Coaching clinic giveaway competition. - Rod Thompson

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Fire up the barbie There’s nothing that says Australian summer more than a barbecue on a warm evening. This recipe is from Barbecue This! by Luke Hines, Published by Plum, RRP $39.99, Photography by Mark Roper. Baharat backstraps

Cucumber salsa

Serves 4

3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive or avocado oil

4 x 200g lamb backstraps, trimmed and pounded to flatten slightly 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing

Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp sea salt

Baharat spice mix

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

3 tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp dried chilli flakes

2 tsp ground coriander

2 cucumbers, finely sliced

2 tsp ground cumin

2 Tbsp finely chopped dill fronds

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

2 Tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 Tbsp finely chopped mint leaves

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

For the baharat spice mix, mix all the ingredients in a small bowl.

1 tsp garlic powder

taste

Place the lamb, spice mix and oil in a large bowl. Season well with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Set aside at room temperature for 10 minutes for the flavours to develop. Preheat the barbecue grill to hot and brush it with a little olive oil. Cook the lamb with the lid closed for 3–4 minutes on each side for medium–rare or until cooked to your liking. It should be golden brown and charred on the outside and soft pink in the middle. Transfer to a wooden board, cover loosely with foil and leave to rest for 5 minutes. For the cucumber salsa, place the oil, lemon zest and juice, mustard, salt, garlic powder, pepper and chilli flakes in a large bowl and whisk well to combine. Add the cucumber and fresh herbs and toss to coat. Season with extra salt and pepper to taste. Cut the lamb into thick slices, divide among plates and serve with the cucumber salsa.

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taste

St Mary's Warners Bay student Rylan McElhone has created a vegan burger to challenge opinions on plant-based meats. Photo: Peter Stoop

Rylan’s recipe for success Youngster Rylan McElhone enjoys growing and cooking his own food, he is passionate about the plight of animals, and is interested in learning about sustainable food production. The St Mary’s Primary School Warners Bay student is also in Year 6 and has already designed a vegan

burger that he says will challenge people’s perceptions of eating plantbased meat. As a member of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s Virtual Academy, Rylan was asked to research a solution to a problem he felt compelled to solve.

McDelivery

The program enables gifted students in Years 5-8 from across the Diocese to engage with likeminded learners who benefit from specifically designed curriculum, undertaking research to provide solutions to a range of real-world challenges. Rylan chose to investigate how plant-based meats could become a more popular substitute to traditional beef options. “I fi rst became passionate about the plight of animals when I fi rst went vegetarian for Lent in 2019,” he said. “That year I introduced myself to plant-based products. I didn’t know anything about plant-based products, and I thought that meat was the best.” As part of his investigation into this topic, Rylan created an online survey asking peers and adults what it was that might persuade them to eat plant-based meat. He then analysed the responses and, using his creative skills, designed a new type of vegan burger. The burger uses kale, spinach, mushrooms and chia seeds as an alternative to beef. As part of his learning, Rylan produced a video presentation describing his motivation. “Due to the restricted space given to animals that are eaten, overcrowding occurs,” he said. “Animal overcrowding leads to the spread of infection, increasing the needs of antibiotics as a band aid solution for low welfare farming. “The massive overuse of antibiotics makes these animals a perfect home for superbugs, like bacteria that can’t be treated with medicine. “I have been looking to fi nd an alternative to meat that is good for people and the environment. “My prototype has been to fi nd vegan ingredients and I have discovered that there is capacity for originality in our world”. Rylan will admit his new learning hasn’t completely changed his eating habits. “I have not cut out meat from

my diet completely,” he said. “I have changed the types of meats that I eat, for example, I eat chicken instead of beef, but when I do eat beef, I eat it in small quantities. “The meats are also sustainably sourced, grass-fed, and organic when possible. “I pay attention to what my family and I pick off the shelf at the supermarket.” Despite not yet being a teenager, Rylan has big dreams for his future. Whether it includes sustainable food production or not, he’s yet to decide. “I don’t really know yet if I’ll end up doing it for a living,” he said. “I know that I will incorporate it into my daily life, but I don’t know if I will take it so far that I’ll end up doing it as a job. “I hope that in the future we can empower people to make informed decisions about the food they eat and the impact their diets have on our environment.” Rylan is one of 70 students engaged in the Diocese of MaitlandNewcastle’s Virtual Academy. Sally Brock, the education officer responsible for the delivery of Gifted Education across the Diocese’s network of schools, said students engaged in the virtual academy were required to complete units of work with integrated research on local, national and global issues. “We place a strong focus on critical thinking, collaboration and problem solving to develop self-esteem, intrapersonal skills, academic outcomes and increase engagement,” Ms Brock told Newcastle Weekly. “The academy creates wonderful opportunities for students to meet and collaborate with peers and engage with community experts to assist with their research and provide real world feedback and context.” Each semester, students involved in the academy, including Rylan, showcase their research to a panel of experts as part of a presentation day. - Rebecca Riddle

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cover story

Charli Robinson at the sand dunes in Anna Bay. Photo: Peter Stoop

There’s no place like home: Hi-5 star stays connected to her roots

When Charli Robinson played in the sand dunes at Anna Bay as a child, she had no idea her life would lead to where she is now. As a teenager, she and her friends would use the dunes as a backdrop to videos they thought would launch their careers. “So, my friends and I, and my sister, would film video clips right here on the sand dunes,” Charli told Newcastle Weekly. “We did it because I always knew I wanted to sing, dance and do TV things.” Performing was Charli’s passion and, when she was just 17 years old, she landed a role with a new children’s musical group, Hi-5. She was halfway through her HSC and had no idea they would become so loved by families across the world. “Hi-5 was incredible,” she said. “We toured around the world nine months of every year and we sold out the Hammersmith Apollo

where ACDC played and sold more tickets than ACDC and Kylie Minogue for shows in London, which is pretty awesome for Hi-5 – that was a huge highlight. “We had Coldplay’s tour bus, for goodness sake, across the UK, it was incredible. We watched as Coldplay got better and more famous, so did our tour bus, so every year, our tour bus got better.” Fast forward 22 years, and Charli now has eight Logies to her name, two beautiful daughters and her dream job as a host for travel series Getaway. Even though she is incredibly busy, she always finds time to come home to her favourite place in the world, which she once took for granted. “I must have thought everyone had rolling sand dunes, countless beaches and friendly people around growing up,” she said. “Then you see these Sydney people coming into town and you

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think: ‘What’s it like living in a big city, I want to go there one day’ and lo and behold halfway through my HSC at Broadmeadow High, now The Hunter School of Performing Arts, I [joined] Hi-5 and had to move to Sydney immediately,” she said. “In that moment I was like: ‘I love where I live, I love where I am from, how did I take all that for granted?’ “It was just so different, and I realised how blessed we all are to grow up in Newcastle and Port Stephens, it’s an unexplainable type of large city community feel. “No matter where I’ve gone in the world or where I have lived it’s just like coming home, there is nothing that beats here, this feeling.” Charli added that attending school at Broadmeadow was “the best”. “It was an hour bus ride there and back every day, but I loved it,”

she said. “And it’s funny because my maths teacher at the time said, in front of everyone: ‘Charli I hope you win a Logie because you have nothing else going for you’ and I won eight, so I hope [he is] proud. “It was such a good school and I now know kids who are desperate to get in, so it was great to pave the way.” The star said this year had been a big one for her. “The worst part for me is that this is my first trip back [to Anna Bay] after eight months, it almost broke my heart, because of COVID and having two babies, it was just too hard to go into quarantine,” she said. “I would be home like every two weeks, even during Hi-5 I would come home every month or whenever we weren’t touring the world, I would come straight home to mum and dad.” She added that her upbringing always kept her grounded.

Hi-5’s Kellie Crawford, Tim Harding, Kathleen de Leon Jones, Charli Robinson and Nathan Foley. Photo: Getty Images

So, what’s next for Charli? “You know what, I just popped out two babies so I really should focus on them, even though I love working and it is my passion, I can’t see myself not being in front of the camera for long, [but] they are my sole focus and love right

now,” she said. “Theadora is only three months old and Kensington is 21 months old. I was a bit late having kids, but I am glad I waited for the man of my dreams – they are everything to me.” - Elizabeth Symington

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Talented songstress proud to be a finalist in national competition A talented Newcastle songstress is on cloud nine after being named a finalist in a national competition. Eve Stanton’s song Clouds was entered into the Australian Children’s Music Foundation (ACMF) National Songwriting Competition after she took out the top gong in St Pius X High School’s inaugural songwriting tournament earlier this year. The ACMF is a not-for-profit that inspires creativity and imagination by providing weekly music classes and instruments to disadvantaged children and youth at risk across Australia. Each year, students from schools nationwide are invited to put pen to paper and enter their original song in ACMF’s annual competition. Winners receive prize-money, which can be allocated towards

musical equipment or tuition. Reflecting on her achievement, Eve says she is honoured and hopes that the song resonates with her peers. “I feel proud to know that my song has reached so many people because it has a positive message in it,” she says. Eve, a Year 8 student at the Adamstown-based high school, wrote the song in response to St Pius’ song-writing theme, ‘The current situation the world is facing and how you feel about it.’ “There were a few aspects of quarantine that inspired me,” Eve says. “You realise many things when you are stuck inside; you start to feel different, which can affect the way you think.”

Although it was written during lockdown, Eve believed the song had universal meaning. “Clouds has a positive message,” she says. “Everyone goes through the difficult times, but you don’t have to go through them alone.” As the winner of St Pius’ song competition, Eve had the opportunity to record Clouds in the school’s recording studio. In the subsequent film clip, Eve features with an orange ribbon tied to her wrist, which she hopes reinforces the message of freedom expressed in the lyrics. While Eve has enjoyed writing songs for several years, she enjoyed the chance to work with other students to help develop the melody, heard in the backing soundtrack.

St Pius X High School student Eve Stanton was named a finalist in a national competition for her song, Clouds.

“My favourite aspect of winning St Pius’ competition has been learning so many new things; I have always been interested in how music programs work, recording and producing, so it’s been great to experience this firsthand,” Eve says.

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Former Australian pace bowler Nathan Bracken will be inspiring the young cricketing talent of Newcastle this summer when he heads up the coaching panel for the Shaun Brown Cricket Coaching clinics. Bracken played five Tests for Australia and 116 ODIs. He was a left arm fast bowler who excelled in the one-day game. In fact, in 2008 he was rated the number one bowler in ODIs in the world. Bracken will be remembered for his great changes in pace, using slower balls to deceive batsman around the world. The camp will be held at Ford Oval on Thursday 21 and Friday 22 January 2021 from 9am to 3pm.

Getty

Bracken aims to inspire young cricketing talent

Enter to WIN One lucky Newcastle Weekly reader will win a free spot on Shaun Brown’s Cricket Coaching clinic (valued at $149). To enter, visit newcastleweekly.com.au and click on the ‘Entertainment’ tab to ‘Competitions’, find this competition and follow the entry instructions. Entries close 9am Thursday 17 December 2020 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person. Entrants must be aged 18+.

Self-guided audio tour at historic Maitland Gaol A former maximum-security prison which housed some of Australia’s most notorious criminals, Maitland Gaol has a vibrant history spanning more than 150 years. The gates have been unlocked for you to discover the history and stories of incarceration. Enjoy a self-guided audio tour at your leisure or jump

on one of the themed guided tours. Suitable for families, the guided tours allow you to ask those burning questions and hear unique stories from the expert guides. If you’re brave enough, book a Ghost Hunting Tour, which will certainly get the hairs on the back of your neck standing up.

Enter to WIN Four lucky Newcastle Weekly readers will win a family pass (valued at $64) for the self-guided audio tour ‘After Hours’ event at Maitland Gaol on Friday 15 January. To enter, visit newcastleweekly.com.au and click on the ‘Entertainment’ tab to ‘Competitions’, find this competition and follow the entry instructions. Entries close 9am Thursday 17 December 2020 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person. Entrants must be aged 18+.

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What’s on CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SPECTACULAR: The Southern Hemisphere’s largest lights display is spreading holiday magic to families and friends until 26 January 2021. This year, Hunter Valley Gardens (Broke Road, Pokolbin) has a range of newly created, immersive displays that will dazzle guests with lights they’ve never seen before. Entry from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. Event closes at 10:30pm. Visit huntervalleygardens.com.au for more information. LAKE ART PRIZE: Celebrate the opening of the inaugural Lake Art Prize on Saturday 12 December from 10.30am to 3.30pm at the Museum of Art and Culture (First Street, Booragul). Call 4921 0400 for more information. A TASTE OF MAITLAND: A guided 3.5-hour walking tour with a friendly, professional tour guide, highlighting Maitland’s rich history, unique artisan businesses, and diverse coffee culture. Participants walk between each venue on flat, accessible ground and cover about one kilometre. Bookings require a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 8 people per tour. The next tour is on Saturday 12 December from 9am to 12.30pm. Meeting point is The Cabin Collective (511 High Street, Maitland). Visit https://events. humanitix.com/a-taste-of-maitland for more. POP-UP BOUTIQUE AND BASICS SALE: Beautiful pre-loved items for sale, including women’s clothing, shoes, and handbags, until sold out. Sizes range from 6 to 16. Saturday 12 December at 1st New Lambton Scout Hall (corner of Queens Road and Fleet Street). Boutique (everything under $50) will go from 9am to 12pm, followed by basic (everything $2) from 12.30pm to 2.45pm. Hosted by the Newcastle team of Dress for Success Sydney. All funds raised will go towards its services to support women in the local area. Tickets: $10-20. Go to events.humanitix.com/newcastle_sale to buy tickets. CHRISTMAS WITH THE PORTERS: Experience an Edwardian Christmas at Miss Porter’s House in the Museum (434 King Street, Newcastle West). See how the Porter family celebrated with cards, recipes, decorations, and toys during the early years of the 20th Century. Homemade Christmas goodies for

will perform at the Royal Exchange Theatre (34 Bolton Street, Newcastle) on Friday 18 December from 7.30pm. Tickets: general admission $20. Visit trybooking.com/BMYKK for more. Christmas at The Common in Morpeth will screen classic flicks Elf and The Santa Clause on Friday 18 December.

sale. Sunday 13 December from 1pm to 4pm. Cost: adults $10, concession $8, family $25, children under 5 free. Call 4927 0202 or find Miss Porter’s House on Facebook for more. CHRISTMAS IN BRASS: A Cardiff Northlakes Brass Band Concert, Christmas in Brass 2020, will be presented in the Warners Bay Theatre (39 Lake Street, Warners Bay) on Sunday 13 December from 2pm to 4pm. A full program, including well-known carols, has been prepared by the band. Tickets available at the door. Cost: adults $20, concession $15, children under 14 free. A CHRISTMAS TREAT: Newcastle Theatre Company is staging a Christmas Concert on Sunday 13 December at its theatre (90 DeVitre Street, Lambton) to put you in a festive mood. Starts at 2pm. Bookings essential. Call 4952 4958 or visit newcastletheatrecompany.com.au to book. Tickets cost $25 per person. SLOW FOOD EARTH MARKETS: Right in the heart of Maitland in The Levee (High Street, Maitland) on the first and third Thursday of each month from 8.30am to 1.30pm. Local growers and producers come to sell their freshly picked vegetables, fruits, herbs, eggs, honey, olives, olive products, and oils directly to the customer. Bring your bags, stock up, taste some of the farm produce, stroll through the market and take the time to get to know the local farmers. The next markets is on Thursday 17 December. Cost: free. HUNTER WIND QUINTET: A group of local musicians who have a wide range of professional experiences in music performance, from symphony orchestras to small ensembles, from classical to contemporary through jazz and eclectic. The quintet

CHRISTMAS AT THE COMMON: Enjoy an evening of festive fun at Morpeth Common (33 Edward Street, Morpeth) for Christmas at The Common on Friday 18 December. Tickets will include popcorn, a sausage sizzle supplied by a local community group, music entertainment and a special visit from Santa from 6pm. Bring your own picnic rug, chairs and snacks, then choose from two dedicated screening areas featuring Christmas movies ‘The Santa Clause’ and ‘Elf’, kicking off at 8pm to get you into the holiday spirit. Phone 4931 2801 for more information. WARNERS BAY COMMUNITY GARDEN: Visitors and members are welcome to attend the monthly working bee at the Warners Bay Community Garden (Bunya Park, corner of Cherry Road and Macquarie Drive, Eleebana). The next event is on Saturday 19 December from 9am to 1pm. Please wear protective clothing, covered shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. Tools are provided. TORONTO LIONS MARKETS: Up to 200 stalls selling fresh vegetables, garden plants and ornaments, tools, and bric-a-brac. Variety of hot foods and espresso coffee, Lions cakes and a Christmas raffle. The markets will take place at Lions Park (Main Road, Toronto) on Sunday 20 December from 8am to 1pm. Ample free parking. All monies raised go to local charities. BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE: A Christmas service for those who are experiencing grief, loss or are just feeling blue this year. This service is a space and a place to express feelings and acknowledge pain, while also offering peace, love, joy, and hope. It will take place at St John’s Anglican Church (1B Parry St, Cooks Hill) on Sunday 20 December from 7pm. SEND YOUR FREE ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS FOR WHAT’S ON TO: editorial@newcastleweekly.com.au

Deadline is 10 days prior to publication.

the look

Fashion and function

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Polarised Coral Sunnies $95 Local Supply

Bubba Sunglasses $330 AM Eyewear

AM Eyewear x Alias Mae $250 Alias Mae

Growing up fair-skinned in the beachside suburb of Merewether meant Caitlin Byrnes learned quickly to cover up when she was out in the sun. As a youngster, well before rash vests and SPF50+, her mum coated her in zinc cream and dressed her in a t-shirt at the beach to avoid sunburn. Caitlin dreamed of spending the whole summer at the beach, without the nasty side-effects of the sun. Fast forward almost 40 years, and the mother-of-two says she has found a way to combine fashion and function when dressing for the city’s waterways. Leaving behind a successful career as a business analyst, Caitlin has begun producing her own range of swimwear sets, offering an array of styles. Her range, Shy Skin, is the product born of her childhood memories. “I always burnt and freckled, it was difficult living on the coast,” she said. “I couldn’t do nippers – they didn’t have rash vests back then. “I would have been red raw after a few hours on the beach. “You were lucky if you got a stripe of zinc on your face back then. “It was the 70s and 80s and there were more products on the market to accelerate a tan than to protect the skin. “Thank goodness we all know better now.” Caitlin’s creations are made in Australia from recycled materials. “There are non-negotiables for

my business,” she said. “I don’t want to just produce cheap swimwear. “I want it to be made in Australia with good quality, sustainable fabric that provides sun protection. “I want women and girls to have great looking sun protection swimwear options.” The fabric used to make Shy Skin’s swimwear range comes from recycled marine waste and recycled plastics. “Thousands of tonnes of discarded or lost fishing nets are retrieved from the ocean in Europe and recycled into yarn. “This marine waste and recycled post-consumer plastics are used to create fabrics such as swimwear lycra.” Aside from using recycled marine waste, Shy Skin swimwear is printed using environmental practices, which Caitlin says should be a post-2020 focus. “We need to [make a] return to manufacturing in Australia, it’s one thing the pandemic has reminded us,” she said. After designing long sleeved rash vests for the Dixon Park Surf Lifesaving Club nippers last year, Caitlin says she would love to design a more sun protective nippers hat. “Skin cancer doesn’t discriminate – it’s not just something you get in your 70s, young people are not immune either, damage can happen from a young age,” she said. Shy Skin will be accompanying the Hunter Melanoma Foundation at spot checks throughout the summer. Visit shyskin.com for more information. - Rebecca Riddle 31

fitness

Ninja Parc creator Novocastrian John Pirlo says kids need to engage in more physical activity.

Kids need to be more active, says fitness boss John Pirlo believes children need to be more active. With more than 25 years’ experience in the fitness industry, the founder of Ninja Parc says this responsibility lies with adults. “Whatever we do as adults, children replicate, whether we like it or not,” John said. “So, it really is our responsibility to be more active and encourage our kids to exercise more.” Current statistics, John said, indicate only 12% of Australians go to the gym regularly. “That goes down to 9% in regional areas,” he said. “Only 26 to 28% of Australians move regularly and, by that, we mean two to three times per week, and sadly 75% do not move regularly.” John says lifestyle and technology changes mean as a nation we are employed in less labour-intensive jobs, making us more sedimentary overall. The Newcastle father-of-three is

hoping to put the fun back in exercise and encourage more Novocastrians to increase their levels of daily activity. “A lot of people think exercise is difficult,” he said. “That’s not the case. You just have to move. “You only have to look at fun parks like Wet ‘n’ Wild, where people will run the stairs numerous times for a slide. “They’ll do it because it’s fun, but they’re not thinking about the exercise they’re doing.” Opening his Cooks Hill franchise in 2016, John has since opened sites in Sydney and Townsville, with Melbourne set to launch later this month. There are also plans for eight more sites to open throughout 2021. Within his 10,000 square metre facility, he houses obstacles that encourage hanging, swinging, climbing, jumping, rolling and falling.

It’s success, John says, lies in its imitation of play. “It’s about holding your body weight, balance, strength and problem solving,” he said. “There’s a range of different obstacles all padded for safety.” Popularity for the sport may also be attributed to the success of the Nine Network’s Australian Ninja Warrior television program, which premiered in July 2017. Ninja Parc also hosts adult classes. “When I used to take my kids to play centres, the adults didn’t really participate,” he said. “I always watched on, wishing I could get out there and have a go.” Ninja Parc runs regular Mini Ninja classes for three to six-yearolds, Little Ninjas for six to 12-yearolds and adult athletic classes. There are also Parkour classes for all ages. - Rebecca Riddle

WHAT GOES IN YOUR GREEN WASTE BIN Meat, bones, poultry & seafood (except shells from clams, pippies, mussels, oysters, & scallops)

Fruit & vegetable peelings & scraps (including fruit stones and

Pet parents covered this Christmas

corn cobs)

Grains, bread, rice, pasta & cereal Cooked food & leftover scraps Egg shells, cheese, yoghurt & dairy Coffee grounds, tea leaves & tea bags Paper towel

Looking to sleigh your pet’s Christmas presents this festive season? PETstock’s exclusive Merry Little Christmas and Scandi in the snow ranges has pet parents covered! No matter whether they’ve been naughty or nice, each range has something for every furry little helper this Christmas, including soft panda plush toys, reindeer bottle crunchers, gingerman silicone body toys and 10 pack stockings for the very spoilt four-legged friends. Available instore and online now – prices range from $7.99-$36.99 while stocks last. Enter below for your chance to spoil your pet this Christmas and win a $200 PETstock voucher.

(small kitchen quantities)

Garden waste Dog poo ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED include rocks, rubble, dirt, treated timber, plastics, construction waste, coffee cups, kitty litter or noxious weeds.

GREEN COMPOSTABLE BAGS ONLY

For more information visit lakemac.com.au/waste or call Council on 4921 0333 32

Enter to WIN One lucky Newcastle Weekly reader will win a $200 PETstock voucher. To enter, visit newcastleweekly.com.au and click on the ‘Entertainment’ tab to ‘Competitions’, find this competition and follow the entry instructions. Entries close 9am Thursday 17 December 2020 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person. Entrants must be aged 18+.

in the garden

The worst gift is a plant without a pot

No doubt everyone is in the throes of trying to buy Christmas gifts. It’s no different for me, except I think it is the easy way out to give a pot and plant – there’s not much thought put

Now in le t Newcas

into such a gift from me. But, boy, I wish my traditions didn’t worry me so much as there are so many wonderful plants and pots available. Poinsettias are still the favourite, especially for a quick gift when invited for lunch or dinner before Christmas. Red, of course, is still the most popular colour, but this year I have noticed the bowls of white poinsettias have increased in popularity. Poinsettias are somewhat of an enigma at this time of year as they naturally colour up in the northern hemisphere for winter. Hence, here in Australia, ours have been tricked by the growers into thinking it’s cold. Always water under the leaves as a fungal disease may develop if the coloured bracts are watered. If you notice the newer bracts shrivelling, try a simple fungicide

THIS WEEK • Prune Golden Duranta hedges tightly to contain summer growth. • When gardenias have finished flowering, fertilise with cow manure. • To encourage annuals to flower for Christmas, apply Flourish weekly. • If you purchase a living potted Christmas tree, ask for care instructions.

Bright Home

Cool Home

20YR

MAXBREEZE

LIMITED WARRANTY

SOLARBRIGHT SKYLIGHTS • Australian designed and built • Triple Lens Diffuser reduces harmful UV Rays • Industry Leading Warranty • Energy Rated Skylight • Unique Raycatcher® Dome NW2111-V7

IN THE GARDEN JUDY SHARPE

spray, even one used for roses. Once the poinsettia reverts to green, please don’t think it’s at the end. They simply require a cut back and to be fertilised and they will flower beautifully for next winter, either in the ground or in pots. Unfortunately, there is a shortage this year on other flowering indoor plants, but you may be lucky to find African Violets and anthuriums, although there are many alternatives as succulents are so popular. The worst Christmas gift to give is a plant without a pot, which causes added expense for the recipient. There are many choices for the garden. Especially favoured at this time of year is the NSW Christmas Bush. You can easily grab a small Norway Spruce in a nice pot for a medium cost.

For a free onsite quote:

• Reduces heat & moisture build up • Pays for itself • Works day & night (With optional battery pack)

• Latest technology • Australian made, designed & owned

® Using the sun to keep your home cool

HOW IT WORKS Elevated Temperatures caused by solar heat in roof cavity

temperature up to 70°C

MaxBreeze® constantly changes roof cavity air to avoid heat buildup and to remove humidity from your roof

cooler by up to 40°C

build up of heat radiating into living space

living space is much cooler

BEFORE MAXBREEZE

AFTER MAXBREEZE

SOLARBRIGHT Newcastle & Hunter Valley

0412 861 162 www.solarbrightskylightsnewcastle.com.au 33

Real Estate

on the market

ON THE 12th DAY OF CHRISTMAS my client gave to me, 10 BLOCKS OF LAND IN CHARLESTOWN and a partridge in a pear tree

Redhead 13 Allard Street

The ho ho hoing has been completed and our spirits won’t be dampened if it chooses to rain dear. Residential land with a variety of shapes and sizes, the majority suitable for slab construction.

An outstanding choice for those seeking entry into this hugely popular beachside suburb, this original home is an offering of pure potential. Be inspired by the enormous scope this property delivers with its retro interiors, corner block and stellar location 500 metres from the sand and surf of Redhead Beach, presenting the ideal foundations for transformation.

ELEEBANA

Auction Saturday, 12pm on site Price Guide $1,000,000 $1,100,000 View Saturday, 11.30am - 12pm Agent Troy Reeves Mob 0409 849 278 Agent Kelli Bell Mob 0418 435 552 Altitude Real Estate Ph 4903 8228

Cul de sac position adjoining playing fields. No mistletoe identified. South of the North Pole, North of the South Pole and East of the Pacific Highway. Register your interest now for this land release in early 2021 with the following Elves;

Apartment 74 / 40 Burton Road

Geoff Hazelton 0413 437 654 Andrew Walker 0402 009 532

Be surrounded by like-minded people living their retirement dreams • Large, luxurious, modern.

• Pet Friendly

• Kitchen with Caesarstone benchtops and Miele appliances

• The Shores Recreation Club, a great place for all occasions, with a swimming pool & lots of extras.

• Secured and Maintenance free • Ground Level, 2-bedroom Apartment both with built-ins • Computer room • Media room • Private Balcony 34

Price View

On request By Appointment

Contact

Barb 0438 450 394 Mark 0421 154 196

Eleebana, 40 Seaview Close A Family Home Combining Lifestyle and Privacy 4 BED | 2 BATH | 2 GARAGE

Surrounded by bushland, immersed in pin-drop peace and with no immediate neighbours, this dual-level home delivers a familyfocused lifestyle in one of Lake Macquaries favourite suburbs. Prized location minutes from the calm waters of Lake Maquarie. - Living zones on each floor - Modern kitchen, plenty of natural light and bush view - Private outdoor alfresco spaces

David Ayliffe M 0412 498 128 P 4903 8228 For Sale Preview View Saturday 12th December 2:00pm - 2:30pm

NW3239-V2

altituderealestate.com.au

Katie Martin M 0410 517 866 P 4903 8228

West Wallsend, 49 Tramway Drive Bright and Modern in a Popular Family Estate 4 BED | 2 BATH | 2 GARAGE

With elevated views to the rear, the style, the space and the location of this quality single-level home bring everything together for an exceptional lifestyle. - Open plan living, media room, private master bedroom - Caesarstone kitchen, contemporary family bathroom - Wrap-around lawns, a double garage and air-conditioning - Great alfresco deck for entertaining or simply to enjoy the elevated setting

Daniel Irwin M 0422 133 066 P 4903 8228 For Sale $560,000 - $595,000 View Saturday 12th December 10:00am - 10:30am

NW3239-V2

altituderealestate.com.au 36

David and Bronwyn draw on their exceptional skills to enable members of their local community achieve their own property goals, huge fans of the local lifestyle themselves being active members for many years. Along with their expert advice and experience in the industry while always upholding the highest standards of honesty and integrity for buyers and sellers alike.

David Westerman M: 0428 482 767

E: david@altituderealestate.com.au

Bronwyn Ireland M: 0413 485 282

E: bronwyn@altituderealestate.com.au

BRONWYN & DAVID

Blackalls Park, 8 Ascot Parade A Modernised Classic on a Gorgeous Garden Parcel 3 BED | 2 BATH | 1 GARAGE

Set on a level lifestyle block amid beautiful front and rear gardens, this classic home offers an idyllic nest for young families or couples, as well as making an outstanding investment opportunity. Freshly presented throughout with modern upgrades where it counts. David Westerman M 0428 482 767 P 4903 8228

Bronwyn Ireland M 0413 485 282 P 4903 8228

For Sale Price Guide $549,000 View Saturday 12th December 12:30pm - 1:00pm

altituderealestate.com.au

40/40 Harris Street, Cameron Park 2285 1 |

1 |

Supported Living Options for Over 55â€™s

Price Guide $349,000 - $369 000 Viewing

By appointment

Contact Tracey 0408 537 383 tracey@karinyaproperties.com.au

NW2524

For sale

Located in Cameron Glen Supported Living Village, this spacious 1 bedroom villa features 9ft ceiling, large Disable Compliant bathroom, spacious open plan lounge/dining area, gourmet kitchen with all appliances and stone bench tops, european laundry complete with washer / dryer and private courtyard. A Pet Friendly Village, Cameron Glen enables you to retain your independence, with the knowledge that 24 hour onsite care staff are available if required (fees apply).

1003/11 Charles St, Wickham 2 |

2 |

Top Floor Apartment at “West” For sale

Positioned on the tenth floor with suburban views, is this superb two bedroom, two bathroom apartment in an outstanding location which places you in the heart of Newcastle’s fast-evolving west end. The open plan, air conditioned living space extends seamlessly to the terrace and features a Caesarstone kitchen with integrated dishwasher, electric cooktop, under bench oven and refrigerator. The unit also comes with a washing machine and dryer.

Price Viewing Website

Contact

Make An Offer - Owners Say Sell Saturday 11:00am to 11:30am https://oneagency.com. au/listing?sales_listing_ id=54146 Annette Pinkerton 0418 447 856

Join us for our OPEN HOME! SATURDAY 12 DECEMBER – 10am to 12noon

Meet our friendly staff and residents, view our brand new homes and enjoy light refresments on us.

Ingenia Lifestyle Sunnylake Shores is a welcoming over 55s lifestyle community overlooking Lake Munmorah. A safe and secure community giving you the freedom to choose to do the things you love, your way.

NEW HOMES SELLING FROM $279,000*

• No stamp duty • No exit fees • Pet friendly • Keep 100% of any capital gains

2 MACLEAY DR, HALEKULANI liveinsunnylakeshores.com.au

To register your interest call Jenni on 0458 018 332

*Price is based on owning your own home and leasing the land. Prices correct at time of printing and subject to change without notice.

puzzles

play unlimited puzzles online

brain busters

newcastleweekly.com.au/puzzles

3 5 4 9

3 8 4 7 1 5 9 8 4 2 8 3 5 1 9 9 1 2 6 8 9 9 7 6 1 1 9 DiffiCulTy RATinG 

What is the name of Fidel Castro’s younger brother, who resigned as president of Cuba in April 2018?

Who played Captain Von Trapp in the 1965 film The Sound of Music?

What is the name of the theme park owned by Dolly Parton?

Which country is the largest exporter of coffee in the world?

What event of 1929 marked the beginning of the Great Depression?

Which US artist created the iconic painting American Gothic?

What is the unit of currency in Vatican City?

Which crime writer also wrote romances under the name Mary Westmacott?

10. The endangered Chinese babyfish is a kind of what?

5 6 3 8 9 7 2 1 4

8 7 1 4 6 2 9 5 3

no. 1388

3 6 7 9 8 1 5 2 4

8 4 5 6 2 7 9 3 1

9 2 1 4 3 5 6 8 7

6 9 2 3 7 8 4 1 5

1 5 8 2 4 6 7 9 3

7 3 4 1 5 9 2 6 8

4 8 6 7 9 3 1 5 2

5 7 9 8 1 2 3 4 6

2 1 3 5 6 4 8 7 9

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

no. 1387

4 9 2 3 1 5 8 6 7

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

DOWN 1 Team (4) 2 Car-fixers (9) 3 Boy’s name (5) 4 uncaringness (11) 5 indian state (3) 6 Whenever (7) 7 Avoid (5) 8 Absence of motion (10) 12 Reporters (11) 13 American theatrical/musical institution (10) 16 impartial (9) 18 Rubbing out (7) 21 Sound reasoning (5) 23 Piece of poetry (5) 24 Scottish loch (4) 27 Pass away (3)

solutions 3 4 9 7 5 6 1 2 8

super sudoku

ACROSS 1 Australian desert (7) 5 Spectacles (7) 9 filmed information (11) 10 Miriti palm (3) 11 Pot belly (6) 12 Hinged (7) 14 Passionate (4) 15 Attraction (10) 17 Perspicacious (10) 19 Male elephant (4) 20 Electromotive force (7) 22 flippancy (6) 25 fall behind (3) 26 unwanted (11) 28 Defecate (7) 29 Equal; even – (7)

no. 3732

7 2 8 9 3 1 5 4 6

DiffiCulTy RATinG 

crossword

1 5 6 2 8 4 3 7 9

5 9 2 2 1 3 8 5

1112

6 8 7 1 2 3 4 9 5

5 6

2 3 5 6 4 9 7 8 1

no. 1388

9 1 4 5 7 8 6 3 2

2 7 5 1 2 6 3 8 7 1 4 3 7 5

7 4

Which Shakespearean play contains the line, ‘Beware the Ides of March’?

Brain busters: 1. Julius Caesar 2. Raúl Castro 3. Christopher Plummer 4. Dollywood 5. Brazil 6. The Wall Street Crash 7. Grant Wood 8. The euro 9. Agatha Christie 10. Salamander

no. 1387

Spacious Chapels & Memorial Sites Palmdale is located conveniently off the M1 at Ourimbah in a peaceful and rural setting, with multiple spacious chapels and many magnificent memorial gardens. Talk to our friendly team for a tour around the stunning gardens or enquire about prepaid memorial site options. Call our friendly team on 4362 1203. 41

in the stars

celebrity birthday

10 – 16 december 2020

The Sun is the brightest object in the heavens and rules Taylor’s year ahead, bringing great success. She will be full of life and radiant, ready to tackle whatever comes her way. Her health and vitality will be extraordinarily strong and her stamina at its peak. Her tremendous magnetism will make her socially popular bringing loads of invitations. However, Taylor must be careful of burnout and taking her health for granted, as she is likely to be burning the candle at both ends.

WITH FRANCIS BEVAN www.francisbevan.com For personal readings, call Francis Bevan & The Inner Circle Team of psychics and mediums 1300 882 136. $5.50 per minute (higher pay-phone or mobile)..Credit cards welcome.

Getty

TAYLOR SWIFT 13 December 1989

ARIES 21 MAR – 20 APR

CANCER 22 JUNE – 22 JULY

LIBRA 24 SEPT – 23 OCT

CAPRICORN 22 DEC – 20 JAN

The New Moon on 14 December is a good time to check out a new venue or to get out somewhere different with friends who can make you laugh; you need to let off steam. This is certainly not a time to stick to routine and die-hard habits.

Your relationships with colleagues should be improving and past differences can be swept away. If you’ve been unwell, now is a good time for dealing with health professionals. The New Moon on 14 December throws a rosy glow over your ambitions and you could receive good news at work.

If you’re involved in sales work, advertising or the media, the next few weeks sees your confidence return to your work. The New Moon on 14 December is the ideal time for considering entertaining at home. You’ll certainly be pleasing your guests and making them laugh.

Secrets are likely to be revealed and it is a good idea to be as discreet as possible with anything you don’t want others to know about. The New Moon on 14 December indicates that your instincts are about to give you insights into a confusing situation.

LEO 23 JULY – 23 AUG

SCORPIO 24 OCT – 22 NOV

AQUARIUS 21 JAN – 19 FEB

Time spent with your children or younger people will be fun and enlightening. You might even learn something new! The New Moon on 14 December indicates romance is well-starred. So, if you’re single, make sure you’re looking good and get out into life in a big way!

Loved ones who are hoping to extract some cash from you are in for a hard time this month; you are into saving and are certainly not keen to part with your hardearned finances. The New Moon on 14 December is the ideal time for sorting out money matters.

Freelancers should do extremely well as contacts will be in touch with opportunities they think are ideal for you. The New Moon on 14 December seems to indicate that wherever you go, people are only too happy to see you and to help you however they can.

VIRGO 24 AUG – 23 SEPT

SAGITTARIUS 23 NOV – 21 DEC

PISCES 20 FEB – 20 MAR

When it comes to socializing, you are going to opt for simple pleasures. The New Moon on 14 December indicates that sage advice will be forthcoming from female members of the family. Providing you listen to them, you will find that their words are full of wisdom.

Those of you who are self-employed, freelancers or managers will find life a good deal less complicated and others far more cooperative than usual. The New Moon on 14 December is the ideal time for making changes, whether it’s a new health regime, new look or new friends.

Many Pisceans will be signing contracts or be provided with the chance to travel for professional matters. The New Moon on 14 December is the ideal time to look for advantageous moves at work. A good sense of timing and an enterprising spirit will help you make progress.

TAURUS 21 APR – 21 MAY The New Moon on 14 December indicates that other people are going to be lucky for you, opening horizons that you had not even considered. Financially you can afford to spoil yourself and someone close. This is the ideal time for sorting out official matters.

GEMINI 22 MAY – 21 JUNE With the Sun in Sagittarius, there will be many changes, developments and adjustments to adapt to with loved ones and at work. Rivals and competitors may be busy, but you’ll be one step ahead of them! The New Moon on 14 December is the ideal time for mixing business with pleasure.

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Trades & Services Guide INDEX

ANTENNAS

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

43 43 43 43 43 43 43 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 46

HUNTER VALLEY

NBB Nathan Brown Building

ANTENNA SERVICE • • • • •

• BATHROOM RENOVATIONS • Commercial or Residential • Renovations & Extensions • Fully Licenced and Insured • Decks and Pergolas • Personal service & reliability

Digital Antenna Installations & Repairs Poor Reception Area Specialist Digital TV Fault Detection External Outlets All Work Guaranteed

Call Nathan today for an obligation free quote

Free Quotes • 30 years experience • pensioner discounts • all areas

Call ALAN WRIGHT 0412 782 202 huntervalleyantennaservice.com.au

HUNTER BUILDING AND BATHROOMS RENOVATIONS • Full bathroom renovation from start to finish • Small renovations, decks and patios Licence No: 167510c

FREE QUOTES PLEASE CALL TROY 0414997639 EMAIL TROYSBATHROOMS@HOTMAIL.COM BRICKLAYERS

AV BROWN BRICKLAYING

Phone Matt: 4971 6762 0414 941 922

Call Julie on 0413 017 353

Appointment based barber studio

AIR CONDITIONING SERVICES

Make your booking now at BARBERCRUZ.COM barber_cruz_

REFRIGERATION & AIR CONDITIONING

Lic 236513C

BUILDERS D + J MILLER CONSTRUCTIONS

*NEW HOMES extensions renovations *Maintenance *all aspects of building

No job too big or small! FREE quotes! Honest + reliable service!

Phone Daryl 0400 117 867 OR 4920 7526

B.L.N.179648C

PH: 0422 903 435

To get your business listed NW0273

call 0413 017 353

ABN 27697651570 Artick:AU46521

Call 0409 854 388

PHONE ADAM 0414 311 720

Extensions Renovations Decks Servicing Newcastle and Lake Macquarie

M 0423 523 315

Servicing Newcastle and Lake Mac region

FREE QUOTE

5/5 May Street Mayfield

Retaining Walls • Fences • New Homes

Lic 297378C

BARBERS

Or email Julie.h@newcastleweekly.com.au

Air conditioning: • Supply • Installation • Servicing

FREE QUOTES!

• Plans to Council • Gable Carports • Awnings • Screen Enclosures • Glass Rooms • Decks • Deal directly with the Builder/Owner Lic No. 162879c

GET YOUR HOME SUMMER READY

0422 622 264 Lic no. 202694C

AWNINGS

ATTENTION TRADIES To get your business listed in the Trades & Services Guide,

nathan@nathanbrownbuilding.com.au

NW0467

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Email anruca@bigpond.com

Free Quotes

NW0449

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NW0698

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NW0013

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NW0085-V2

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NW0534

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BATHROOM RENOVATIONS

NW0997

Air Conditioning . . . . . Antennas . . . . . . . . . . Awnings . . . . . . . . . . Barbers . . . . . . . . . . . Bathroom Renovations . Bricklayers . . . . . . . . . Builders. . . . . . . . . . . Carpenters . . . . . . . . . Computer Repairs . . . . Concreting . . . . . . . . . Decking. . . . . . . . . . . Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . Electrical . . . . . . . . . . Gardening . . . . . . . . . Guttering. . . . . . . . . . Gyprocking . . . . . . . . Home Maintenance . . . Landscaping & Design . Painting . . . . . . . . . . Plumbing. . . . . . . . . . Removalists . . . . . . . . Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . Rubbish Removals . . . . Shade Sails. . . . . . . . . Tiling . . . . . . . . . . . . Tree Services . . . . . . .

Contact 0413 017 353 E Julie.h@newcastleweekly.com.au

Book your advert on 0413 017 353 43

Contact 0413 017 353 E Julie.h@newcastleweekly.com.au

Trades & Services Guide CARPENTERS

Qualified in all aspects of

0412 661 106

Handyman Dave NW00182

GYPROCK AND PLASTERING Sliding Door, Window & Wardrobe Repairs Sliding Door, Window & Wardrobe Repairs

02 4023 7547 02 4023 7547

ELECTRICIAN

Computer Problems? We Come To You!

> Computer Repairs & Upgrades > Computer Tuition > Friendly & Affordable Help

Lic No EC38503

0421 750 216

Daniel Curran - Senior Technician info@danscomputers.com.au www.danscomputers.com.au

PHONE MICK 0419 977 039 Lic 251316c

New Work Renovations Pre Paint Repairs Small jobs

Pensioner discounts

Call Bill 0401 624 029

PLEASE PHONE PETER BERGHOFER

0429 696 215

Patch-up specialists.

• • • •

• Licensed, Experienced and reliable • All types of Electrical work including rewires

Dan’s Mobile Computer Service

– NO JOB TOO SMALL –

GYPROCKING

ELECTRICAL

COMPUTER REPAIRS

NW0070

www.justsliders.com.au www.justsliders.com.au

NW1100

MG PLASTERING

Household Repairs and Maintenance

LIC NO. 77284C

ALL WORK GUARANTEED • FREE QUOTES • ALL AREAS

NW0001

CARPENTRY DECKING

GYPROCKING

DOORS

HOME MAINTENANCE

CONCRETING Licenced Electrician Quality Work Guaranteed Pensioner Discounts

PRO-CONCRETING D R I V E W AY S P E C I A L I S T - A L L A S P E C T S O F C O N C R E T I N G • STAMPED • STENCILLED • COLOURED • PLAIN EXPOSED AGG • SLABS • PATIOS • POOL SURROUNDS • RESURFACING

Over 30 years experience No job to small Free no obligation quote

“Reliable & On-Time”

No job too big or too small - Service & quality guaranteed - Free Quotes 44 years experience - Servicing Lake Macquarie & Newcastle areas

DECKING

GARDENING

LANDSCAPING & DESIGN

Dezigna Retaining Walls

LAWN & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Lawn mowing • Pruning Hedging • Weed spraying • Garden Care • Friendly service & very reliable. • •

BriteDeck NextGen Titanium

NW0303

THE WORLD’S MOST ADVANCED DECK

Jeff Baran 0402 902 377

Specialising in: • Retaining Walls and • Decking • Paving • Fencing

GUTTERING

• No Repeating Patterns - uniquely stunning and eco friendly - available in 3 colours

• Repairs or renewal • Leaf & Bird Proofing • Gutter Cleaning • Stormwater drainage

Lic L10548

• Australian owned - backed by 30 year warranty

Call Mike 0413 686 757

• Roof replacements • Leak repairs • No job too small • Free quotes - pensioner rates

Call Terry 4954 0309 or 0414 540 309

To get your business listed NW0062

• Carbonised Double Protective ASA Coating unmatched durability and maintenance free

Call 1300 162 867 for a free sample

www.dezignaretainingwalls.com

CARDIFF GUTTERING SPECIALIST

call 0413 017 353

NW0046

0410 312 247

proconcrete@hotmail.com

NW0985

Mick Dunley Lic No: 132271C

Contact 0413 017 353 E Julie.h@newcastleweekly.com.au

Trades & Services Guide REMOVALISTS

SHADE SAILS

ARE YOU MOVING?

S HADE SAILS

Painting Services

Once you’re all packed up and ready to move, let us do the moving for you. We will move your furniture, boxes and belongings safely and securely.

Prompt • Pristine • Professional

FREE QUOTES

Interior + exterior painting + decorating

ABN 55757066216 Work up to $5000

ROOFING

• All roof repairs & renewal Service guaranteed Ph Shane 4959 6091 Mob 0410 564 044

Dave Knights Plumbing Services

Dave Knight

0421 321 458 0416 152 422

Mob: 0418 686 472

Big or small, we do it all!

NW0132

0415 333 883 24 Hour Service

Licence No L13318

FREE

www.oziwi.com.au

EMAIL: oziwirooﬁ ng@gmail.com

Lic No: 261305C

QU O TES

PLUMBING

call 0413 017 353

NW0063

Lic L10548

To get your business listed

Ph Scott: 0402 225 341

ATTENTION TRADIES

FREE QUOTES!

0412 510 111 or 4933 5280

PLUMBING GAS GUTTERING UNBLOCK SEWERS/STORM WATER DRAINS ALL TYPES OF HOT WATER SYSTEMS REPLACED

Phone Terry Slupik - All areas

ASK FOR LICENCE TILER, BE SURE Wall & Floor, Bathrooms, All Tiling Repairs, Kitchens, Patios, Large Floor Areas ◆ ALL WORK GUARANTEED ◆ 7 DAYS ◆ NO JOB TOO SMALL ◆ FREE QUOTES

•All areas •All kinds of rubbish •7 Day Service •All removed •Prompt Reliable Service •In Business 26 years

CARDIFF

4954 0309 • 0414 540 309

TILING

RUBBISH REMOVAL

Newcastle

NW0341

Hot Water Systems | Gas and Electric

0414 582 337

RUBBISH REMOVALS

Call Alan

• Blocked Drains • Hot Water Systems • Water Jetter • Drain Camera • Maintenance • Renovations • Diagnostic Expert

Call Mark Kehoe

• METAL ROOFING SPECIALIST • FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED • NEW GUTTERING INSTALLATION • QUALITY BLUESCOPE STEEL • PROFESSIONAL SERVICE • CUSTOM FOLDED FLASHINGS • LEAF PROTECTION

PHONE BRICE OR MANDY

Quality Workmanship in all aspects of Tiling, Bathrooms, Renovations, Floors, Kitchens, Patios Etc.

Lic No. 177893C

Plumber • Drainer • Gasfitter Water saver specialists • Taps • Toilets

Presentation Plus No Job Too Small Free Measure & Quote

• No job too big or small • Quality tradesman NW0054

PLUMBING

Licence No. 12585DC ABN: 80 359 814 572

NW1363

Keith Minton

Lic no 112440c

NW0058

0402 923 984 OR 4955 4677

Cherry Plumbing

WALL & FLOOR TILER

RIGHT AS RAIN ROOFING

Over 35 Years Painting Experience

ABN:85885522834

TILING

NW0085-V2

• Quality Work • Pensioner Discounts • Dulux Paint Specialist • Low Rates

ALL AREAS Ph/Fax: 4958 1658 Pensioner discounts Lic No. L3569 No job too big or small

Email: lfulwood@yahoo.com

www.movewithben.com.au

PAINTER HANDYman

Lic No: 18545C

Leigh Fulwood | 0412 536 529

Call or text us your details BEN 0419 124 923 or LOUISE 0416 071 924

BOOK YOUR SPACE Call Julie on 0413 017 353 or email Julie.h@newcastleweekly.com.au

NW1293

Email: HighlyDecorated@yahoo.com Website: highlydecoratedpainting.com

We are QUICK, FRIENDLY, PROFESSIONAL AND RELIABLE… and Highly Recommended! NW0433

NW0253

CALL Robert 0449 019 166 Nathan 0431 754 132

sails and repairs

Clear blinds and privacy screens • Canopies and Covers Canvas and Upholstery • Uholsterer/Marine Trimmer New PVC & Shade Sails

NW1153

Highly Decorated

NW0052

PAINTING

To get your business listed in the Trades & Services Guide,

Call Julie on 0413 017 353

Or email Julie.h@newcastleweekly.com.au 45

Contact 0413 017 353 E Julie.h@newcastleweekly.com.au

Trades & Services Guide

• Free prompt no obligation quotes • Fully Insured • Site cleaned • Reliable service • Hedge Trimming • Wood chipping • Pensioner rebates • Stump grinding

Neil: 4945 8923 or 0438 506 949 Mark: 0424 275 386

BTS TREE SERVICES ---------- Palm & Hedge Trimming Specialist ---------• Stump service • Free quotes • Pensioner discounts • Fully insured • All tree work & pruning • Arborist • Prompt reliable service

40 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE NO JOB TOO SMALL OR LARGE

Mobile: 0408 681 866 Phone Ian: 4948 6551 benny57@bigpond.net.au

Tree Removal • Stump Grinding Pruning and Crown Maintenance NW0015

Serving TH E HUNTER

Tree Lopping specialists

TREE SERVICES

NW0418-V17

LTITUDE

TREE SERVICES NW1400-V8

TREE SERVICES

Call Kristy on 0432 695 430 or 0422 442 284 for a free no obligation quote

Buzz in to watch Maya The Bee’s latest mission in The Golden Orb When Maya and Willy bust out of winter lock down early, they are catapulted headfirst into a top-secret mission. Entrusted with the care of a sacred orb, Maya and Willy team up with their old pals, Arnie and Barney, to deliver it to its new home atop the mysterious Bonsai Peak. But when their ‘orb’ hatches, Maya and Willy come face to face with their biggest responsibility yet - a smooshy, squishy little princess! This adventure is a lot more than they bargained for as they must work together to take on bounty hunters and traverse treacherous terrain to return the

lost princess to her mountain colony, only to find it hanging in the balance of a turf war. Willy discovers a side of himself that he never expected as he becomes protective of the tiny princess. But to save her and her colony, Maya and Willy must convince the battling insect tribes to work together in order to survive a hungry bird attack! Buzzing into cinemas on Thursday 7 January.

Newcastle Weekly competition winners The winners in Newcastle Weekly’s latest round of competition draws are: Hometown Holiday

Jeannine Cotterill Happy Skin Co

Anne-Marie Withycombe Christmas Lights Spectacular

Enter to WIN

Peter Wyatt

Three lucky Newcastle Weekly readers will win a Family Pass to Maya The Bee: The Golden Orb (admit 4) and 3 Family DVD bundles (Playmobil, A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon and Maya The Bee: The Honey Game). To enter, visit newcastleweekly.com.au and click on the ‘Entertainment’ tab to

Anne Rose

‘Competitions’, find this competition and follow the entry instructions. Entries close 9am Thursday 17 December 2020 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person. Entrants must be aged 18+.

Australian crime thriller to hit the screens Federal Agent Aaron Falk returns to his home town after an absence of over twenty years to attend the funeral of his childhood friend, Luke, who allegedly killed his wife and child before taking his own life – a victim of the madness that has ravaged this community after more than a decade of drought. When Falk reluctantly agrees to stay and investigate the crime, he opens up an old wound – the death of 17-year-old Ellie Deacon. Falk begins to suspect these two crimes, separated by decades, are connected. As he struggles to prove not only Luke’s innocence but also his own, Falk finds himself pitted against the prejudice towards him and pent-up rage of a terrified community. In cinemas on Friday 1 January. 46

Enter to WIN Ten lucky Newcastle Weekly readers will win a double pass to The Dry. To enter, visit newcastleweekly.com.au and click on the ‘Entertainment’ tab to ‘Competitions’, find this competition and follow the entry instructions Entries close 9am Thursday 17 December 2020 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person. Entrants must be aged 18+.

My favourite things SPRAy PAinTinG BiKES i’m forever creating and conceptualising new ideas. i’m often met with a ‘what now?’ when i bring up something new to my wife, Astrid, but i think she loves me for it. My brain is always working this way.

fOOD & GREAT BOOZE i love a great food/booze experience. i’m obsessed by the stories behind producers and chefs and closely follow newcastle’s burgeoning small-bar and restaurant scene. i didn’t dive into baking my own sourdough during lockdown though.

Ben Ogden

NEWY RIDES FOUNDER Ben Ogden is the founder of Newy Rides, a Newcastle bike tour experience that recently launched on the scene. Ben grew up in Parkes before moving to Sydney for university. He BiKES Old or new it doesn’t matter. i love that a bike offers complete freedom, giving then embarked on various roles in hospitality and corporate the rider a vehicle to be self-sufficient with. There’s something truly great events and has been fortunate to travel extensively for both about riding a bike not worrying about work and leisure. Riding bikes has always been a constant parking and traffic – the perfect vehicle to discover somewhere new. for Ben – he even dragged his friends to Thailand to ride more than 600 kilometres down the coast for his idea of a fun buck’s party. Taking a sidestep from the corporate world, Ben AuTHEnTiC built a successful Sydney-based food truck business out of a EXPERiEnCES three-wheeled Dutch-style cargo bike – essentially a kitchen i really value authentic experiences when i travel as they make the best memories. on wheels, catering to public and private events. He then i’d much prefer sitting on a plastic stool eating a bowl of noodles with a $0.50 made the move to Newcastle in 2019. “I couldn’t be happier local beer somewhere in Asia than propped up in a hotel buffet somewhere. living in Newcastle, it’s a gag but I really feel like I’m ‘living i’m obsessed with experiencing the the dream’” he says. essential ‘fabric’ of a destination.

My fAMily My wife Astrid and little boy are the greatest things in my world. i’ve learnt so much about myself since i became a dad, beside the fact i can still manage to operate with little to no sleep. Being a country-kid originally, my family and friends, which i consider family, are far away, so i try to value the time when we’re together. My wife and little boy are the greatest things in my small world.

ESSENTIAL T H E

C O L L E C T I O N

HO M

Priced from

RENDO

CRAF

Designed for those who want more luxury for less.

BY C

Homes crafted with heart.

$232,150

Visit our Display Home - Waterford Country 36 Settlers Boulevard, Chisholm NSW 2905 â€“ Open 7 days 10am-5pm.

02 8851 5490

Clarendon.com.au

*T&Cs apply. Based on Fitzroy 19 Base Price. Images are for illustrative purposes only and may contain items that are not included in the promotion or the standard specification or supplied by Clarendon Homes. Clarendon Homes (NSW) Pty Ltd BL2298C ABN 18 003 892 706. E&OE.