What's On In Our Backyard Issue 24 by Saffron Cooper

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In Our Backyard ISSUE 24: SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER 2016

What's On

Spring

School Holidays

S: LU P

Community Stories & News

Prizes

& Giveaways

InsidE

al c Lo ies s n il he am tepor F S rt e F o P uid G

Saffron Quantrell

The Jones Family. Image shot by Sally Dunwell of Sally Dunwell Photography at Pearson Park, Soldiers Point.

Lives in Medowie and is mum to 2 children EDITOR/PUBLISHER saff@whatsoninourbackyard.com.au

Trinette Robinson Lives in Charlestown and is mum to 2 children ADVERTISING trinette@whatsoninourbackyard.com.au

Katie Monin Lives in Nelson Bay and is mum to 1 child GRAPHIC DESIGN katie@katiemonindesign.com.au

Kalinda Colley Lives in Corlette EDITORIAL

Sally Dunwell of Sally Dunwell Photography ives in Boat Harbour and is mum L to 4 boys and grandmother to 8 FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

k at ie m o n in d e sig n is a b ou t iq u e g r ap h ic d e sig n st u d io l o cat e d in port stephens. i create couture designs an d b r an d ing fo r st y l e co n sciou s b r id e s, b u sin e sse s an d e ve n t s.

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Contents

T L E F T R A E A H nk ou'

Letter from the Editor:

This Issue 4

LOCAL STORIES

CLUBS & CLASSES

He (She) Ain't Heavy! (p.4) A Passion For Fashion (p.5)

Adult Fitness: How To Gain Core Strength In A Virtually Effortless Way (p.6) Adult Fitness: Put Some Zing In Your Spring (p.7) Sports Registrations Coming Soon (p.8) Regular Classes Enrolling Now (p.8-11)

& WELLBEING 12 HEALTH Would You Get Your Home Maintenance Done By The Fire Brigade? (p.12) Why Dru Yoga Could Change Your Life (p.13) The Weight Is Over (p.14) How To Choose The Right Therapist For Your Child (p.15)

& BEAUTY 16 HAIR Trend Forecast 2016 And Beyond

HOME & GARDEN The Do-It-Yourself Guide To The Perfect Lawn (p.17) The Benefits Of Buying Land & Building a New Home (p.18-19)

IN 20 EATING In Sofia's Kitchen: Keftedes (Lamb Meatballs) Recipe ON 21 WHAT'S A Round Up Of Events & Activities this Spring (p.21-25) Tastes At The Bay Is Back! (p.26) The Mrs Claus Experience (p.26)

'tha y

e out, Each day that you ventur the ng alo ple you encounter peo ss. ine bus ir the ut abo ng way goi ool, buying a Dropping the kids at sch Sometimes et. stre the in paper, chatting h 'hi' wit a you share a smile and a nt they look me stranger and for that mo at's going on wh ws kno lly happy. But no one rea you usually ter ds. With a fleeting encoun inside other people's min know? do you ple peo what about the never stop to wonder. But ir minds the in on ng goi at's wh 't know Sometimes you just don y may be facing. either, or the struggles the etimes hidden brings to light these som Cherene Thomas-Smith like to uld wo I and story on page 4 struggles in her moving to Cherene for U YO K AN TH lt rtfe hea personally say a huge and story. A story which generosity to share her having the courage and I would bet that it d An ts. ugh e your tho will move you and provok is someone in your consider whether there will make you stop and R U OK Day was ne. alo not l like they are life who may need to fee t to consider r, but let's all make a pac on 8th September this yea port. sup and e d a little extra lov every day who may nee l be too. wil e's story and I know you I am inspired by Cheren issue and we are ing plays a big part in this Fitness, Health & Wellbe contributed on e hav o g local people wh lucky to have some amazin pages 6-11 and 12-15.

Saffron x

Take care :)

win

& ENROLMENTS 27 EDUCATION The Awkward Years (p.27) Celebrating The Personal Achievements Of Our Young People (p.28) An Innovative & Inclusive Community (p.29) Innovative Learning (p.30)

TIME 31 PARTY A Selection Of Recommended Services Catering

d suggestions for the All ideas, comments an d. Please email us at magazine are welcome kyard.com.au info@whatsoninourbac

at Find us on Facebook atsoninourbackyard wh m/ co ok. www.facebo ackyard.com.au at www.whatsoninourb Check out our website All information provided

idered to be true at the time

within this magazine is cons

of publication.

To Your Next Party Or Special Event What’s On In Our Backyard is independently published. Distribution is primarily through our schools and preschools, with an approximate circulation of 10,000. We encourage and invite local parents to contribute and express their views and opinions in the form of articles, reviews, tips and other such similar material. This material is published in good faith and while we endeavour NOT to allow material which is obviously offensive, upsetting or not in the public’s best interest, neither we nor those who have agreed to distribute this publication can be held accountable for the views and opinions expressed by these contributors. It is our intention merely to offer you, as parents, the opportunity to share experiences and opinions with each other in an informative but informal manner. We also undertake not to publish advertising material which would similarly cause a negative impact, and therefore neither we nor those who have agreed to distribute the publication can be held liable for the content and personal claims made by advertisers contained herein. Copyright on all work and material contained in this publication remains the property of What’s On In Our Backyard or its advertisers and contributors. We would like to thank our advertisers, contributors, the schools, preschools and other distribution outlets for supporting us and making this magazine possible.

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in our next Issue

General Enquiries: T. 0447 673 628 Sales Enquiries: T. 0421 105 495

In Print Quarterly, Online All The Time. Printed Circulation: Approx. 10,000 Next Issue Booking / Copy Deadline: 4th November ’16 For more information go to www.whatsoninourbackyard.com.au/advertise or email info@whatsoninourbackyard.com.au

SUMMER ISSUE: Cover s the period December '16 to March '17

Are you a winner? For details of all Issue 23 competition winners visit our website at www.whatsoninourbackyard.com.au/competitions Issue 24: Whats On In Our Backyard

LocalStories

He (She) Ain’t Heavy!

Cherene & Alex

- by Cherene Thomas-Smith -

September marks three important dates in my calendar! R U OK Day on 8th September, followed by World Suicide Prevention Day on 10th September. That’s two dates, but what about the third? The 8th September 2014 (just 2 years ago) also marks the day that I got THAT knock on the door that every parent fears (especially when you have a loved one in Defence)! An Army Chaplain and two Officers standing there saying... “Mrs Thomas? We’re very sorry to inform you that your son Alex has passed away! We are very sorry for your loss...” In that single moment my world STOPPED, as an invisible force reached into my chest, ripped my heart out and threw it on the floor! Alex is my baby - the youngest of 4 children - and he was just 23 years old. A Combat Medic in the Army, Alex had been based in Brisbane. In the months leading up to his death, I was aware that he was having a rough time. He had become the victim of some targeted bullying, was becoming extremely stressed and depressed, suffering with chronic insomnia and feeling isolated and disconnected from his support network of family and friends. He was found dead the morning after Father’s Day, which was also ironically RU OK Day! The title of this article, is the name of the song played at his farewell as his brothers and closest friends carried his casket, “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother”. Don’t get me wrong, I’m NOT looking for sympathy! I am offering a “food for thought” kind of article, and sharing our story, to raise awareness around starting a conversation. A conversation that is considered by many, a very uncomfortable and confronting one – but one that NEEDS to be had nonetheless, if we are to reduce the ever increasing numbers of people taking their own life. FACT! 2,864 Australians took their own life in 2014 alone, and some 65,000 think about or actually attempt suicide every year. We hear a lot of talk about suicide prevention, and there seems to be endless conferences and forums and TALK about it but to be honest, I don’t see a whole lot of DOING going on! Something’s gotta give!

Alex 4

The people at Lifeline and Beyond Blue are highly trained to help people in crisis, but the sad reality is this – if someone is seriously (I mean SERIOUSLY) thinking about ending it all, they have

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generally reached a point where their thinking has become totally distorted. They no longer think logically or rationally, and once their decision is made all they feel is BLISS! Bliss that the emotional pain they are in is going to end and they can finally be free and in peace. So how do we address this? How do WE as so called unqualified people, help to prevent these tragic losses closer to home? What if we shifted our focus from the more negative connotation of Mental HEALTH and instead placed our focus on Mental WELLth... More people would reach out before it’s too late. What if, rather than making people feel like they are sick or broken in some way, we were to accept that stress, anxiety and depression are a NORMAL part of life and our Mental WELLth should be as much a priority as our physical health and fitness! Another part of the solution lies in 3 words – CONNECT, COMMUNICATE, CARE – which is also the theme of 2016’s World Suicide Prevention Day! As human beings, we need to feel CONNECTED - to family, to friends, to community. We need to feel HEARD - and we need to feel that someone CARES! When we feel DISconnected from other humans, feelings of isolation creep in, leading to stress and depression. When we don’t feel that we have the opportunity or outlet to be heard, we internalise our feelings which grows into anxiety, more stress and over time, distorted and irrational thoughts. When we feel we are not cared about, once again we feel disconnected and irrational thinking can lead to thoughts that our families and friends would be better off without us anyway! My question to you is – do you, or someone you know need to feel more CONNECTED, HEARD and CARED ABOUT? No one is ever “too heavy” – we can all help a brother (or sister) carry the load they are carrying - simply by stepping up and reaching out! It could save someone’s life! Just some food for thought... About the Writer: Cherene Thomas-Smith is the owner of Zenergy One Health Fitness & Wellness in Salamander Bay. She is also a Holisitic Health, Wellth & Stress Management Consultant. Out of her own life experiences, her passion lies in helping people realise their full potential and become their own Personal Best, through her “Personal Best Project”. She is also actively working towards changing the stigma around Mental Health by placing more focus on Mental WellTH.

You can find out more about Cherene at her website www.cherenets.com.au

LocalStories

A Passion For

Fashion

By Kalinda Colley

With an underlying passion for fashion, founder Margot Millest decided to open Else & Me after an inspiring holiday to Vietnam. Margot always loved fashion; but she never saw herself owning a local fashion boutique. Returning from an overseas holiday she seized an opportunity and jumped into the deep end, opening Else & Me. Margot says she was inspired by her late grandmother who was always dressed immaculately. “Else was my grandmother’s name and the logo was actually inspired from her handwriting. My mother found her elocution book after I named the store, so I incorporated it into the logo.” Else & Me aims to provide Port Stephens with coastal chic inspired labels of exceptional quality and design. “I only buy what I would wear and what I love. Not only are the pieces unique, but appeal to a wide variety of ages. Just recently, one of our local ladies aged 93 purchased the same gorgeous knit a 22yr old from Melbourne fell in love with, both purchased for different styles but looked fabulous on both customers.” Centrally located at 83 Magnus St, the store caters for both locals and tourists. Margot believes each item should hold exclusivity within the area, “In a small town I think women should be able to wear an item without the possibility of running into someone in the same piece.” Even better; Else & Me has recently launched their online store. The items are shipped directly from the store; meaning the items maintain their exclusivity, and are in stock ready to be posted at any time. The store offers a range of clothing, shoes, accessories and an extensive swimwear range, meaning you are guaranteed to find that perfect item; whether it’s an everyday piece, or something for a special occasion. Margot says the beauty of the clothing is that its versatility means it can be dressed up for a night out or worn casually with something like a pair of jeans for a more casual look. If you’re anything like me, you’ll often spend hours trying to find the perfect outfit for an occasion. Margot says they are more than happy to help out in these (very stressful)

situations. “We’re happy to do styling. If you’ve got an event, come in and we’ll help. If you don’t want to buy a complete outfit, bring in your key piece and we’ll do the rest. From beautiful silk blouses to relaxed dress pants, our garments can not only be dressed up for a special occasions but can also be styled casually. We’ve also got the accessories, the shoes, the bags and jewellery,” Margot says. Else & Me is the perfect, locally owned boutique, providing versatile, quality and unique products. The staff are always eager to assist with anything from swimwear fittings to styling your next outfit for any occasion. “I want my store to be different, offering beautiful pieces for any woman,” Margot says. As selections are hand picked by Margot from boutique labels, her vision is to introduce an ‘Else & Me’ style to the area; a coastal chic look inspired by the Port Stephens lifestyle, from breakfast to afternoon champagne and onto dinner.

ENJOY THE PERSONAL EXPERIENCE IN OUR STORE WITH

BOUTIQUE LABELS SWIMWEAR Seafolly, Milea, Jets & Baku

CLOTHING Conchita, Chalice, Binny, Lola, Mavi Jeans, MA Dainty, Bird & Kite, The Dreamer Label, POL SHOES Walnut Melbourne, Dept of Finery BAGS Elms & King, Arlington Milne ACCESSORIES Liberte, Polly Collective elseandme

@elseandme

83 Magnus Street, Nelson Bay

(02) 4981 3023 Shop in store or online at www.elseandme.com.au

Issue 24: Whats On In Our Backyard

Clubs&Classes

ow To: H Gain Core Strength In A Virtually Effortless Way - by NIKKI SHILLING, YOGASPHERE -

One of the most amazing gifts my own yoga teacher gave me was the opportunity to completely rethink movement. Maybe it was all about timing, but I do remember the light bulb went on and it suddenly made complete and utter sense. Organic and natural movement from the “core”. Not tensing the core, not squeezing the belly. In fact, not actually tensing anything. Just subtle and slight postural adjustments that naturally engage the correct muscles and ensure each movement becomes pure, intelligent, fluid and effective: Dynamic, but yet virtually effortless. It's pretty much the way young children move when they are working it all out and creating pathways between their mind and their physical body. It’s what is meant by ‘somatic awareness’. Children’s bodies are usually relaxed and so they breathe diaphragmatically. That’s not to say that little ones do not get stressed, but it's usually very much in the moment. Here one minute and gone the next. Somewhere along the line though, the majority of us lose the ability to move in this way. There are many contributing factors of course. Our spine and postural habits are challenged daily by modern lifestyle factors including technology and repetitive movements. It’s not unusual for some people to sit for upwards of 15 hours a day. For the majority of us, we rarely think about how we move. It tends to be more about the result than the micro-movements involved in the action. What I often see in my classes - and particularly with women - is an inability to move in a functional way due to a lifetime of holding the tummy overly tight. The results are many and varied, including stiff hips, back pain, dodgy shoulders, tight neck, other niggly aches and pains, stress, digestive problems, sleep disorders, hormonal imbalances..... In fact, the list goes on because most common ailments have at their essence, something that began right here. So, if we can understand the

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Nikki and her son idea of the “core” as being our “centre”, then let’s compare it to the centre of other things to get a clearer picture in our minds of what it means to be strong and stable in a functional sense. When I jump on a trampoline, generally, I am going to get the most amount of movement or bounce if I stand in the centre. I won’t get much movement though if the trampoline is too taut – this also makes it weaker - but then neither will it work very well if there's not enough tension. We could also think about how a see-saw works. The pivot has to be fixed in the centre for perfect weight distribution and it needs just the right amount of tension so it moves freely without just hitting the ground at each side. If I was going to carry a long plank of wood, it makes sense for me to hold it somewhere in the middle, not at either end. It’s also the case that the morning after a hurricane, it’s mostly the strong and bendy palm trees that are still standing. Relearning to move from a soft core means we start to feel much better - physically and emotionally. Flexibility increases and we recover quickly following intense exercise. The likelihood of injuries and niggles is diminished. It’s also the case that less physical effort is required but performance and strength improves. In other words, we end up getting more for less. And isn’t that what we all want?

Nikki Shilling teaches classes and courses from the YogaSphere studio located at One Mile Beach.

Adult Fitness

put some

Zing in Your Spring K - By K a lin da C o lle y -

Our energy levels can have a significant impact on all aspects of our life including our mood, productivity and overall happiness. There is nothing worse than that exhausted, sluggish feeling; that you (well, I) instinctively turn to strong caffeine to fix. But in the long term, caffeine is far from the perfect solution. Cherene, owner of Zenergy One Health Fitness & Wellness, says there are a number of alternative, natural ways that more effectively maintain your energy levels. She says low energy levels are a very common concern and can be easily improved, irrespective of your gender, age, size or fitness level; all people need is a little guidance. Cherene’s 5 top tips for improving your energy levels: Up! - Don’t skip meals, particularly breakfast. 1 Fuel

If you’re pushed for time, try something that only takes a few minutes to prepare and can be consumed on the go; for example a protein smoothie.

Skip The Caffeine & Sugar Hits – Caffeine and sugar might 2 give you a quick energy hit but it is generally short lived. Instead try something like an energy boosting supplement or a natural herbal tea.

No matter your age, size, goals or fitness ability, Cherene says they are able to help you boost your energy levels and get the most from your life. “We are a little bit different and we are very focused on our customers’ needs and wants… you don’t have to be a die-hard gym junkie (but you can be) to come in and have a chat to us and see what we’ve got to offer… come and talk to us about how we can help boost your energy levels” Cherene says. Accompanying Zenergy One Health Fitness & Wellness, Cherene brings a wealth of experience in aerial yoga and pole dancing and has recently started teaching aerial yoga classes at the store. She offers three aerial yoga classes and one aerial meditation class per week over Tuesday and Thursday nights. Cherene says the classes are kept to a maximum of six people so that you get plenty of one on one time and can really get the most out of it. She says aerial yoga is a really fun form of exercise and provides a great alternative to the gym, “it’s very different to any other exercise. It’s like traditional yoga but it’s up in the air. It’s amazing for strength and flexibility, core strength and stability.”

Take a step towards becoming your best; the store is open 10am – 5pm Monday to Friday & 9:30am-1:30pm Saturday.

3 Get Your Vitamins and Minerals in Balance – Vitamin

deficiencies can lead to reduced energy levels. Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet and check your iron, magnesium and vitamin B levels.

4 Turn Your Fitness Upside Down – Try alternative exercise forms that relieve stress and increase blood flow to the brain; for example, aerial yoga, pole dancing or traditional yoga with inversions.

Shake It Off For A Quick Fix – Turn up your favourite music 5 and have a dance for 3 minutes. It’ll get the endorphins fired up and boost your mood and energy levels.

Cherene has years of experience in health, fitness and wellness and believes a holistic approach is most effective. Zenergy One Health Fitness & Wellness aims to help people become the best version of themselves. It is located in Town Centre Circuit, Salamander Bay and stocks not only sports and nutrition supplements, but herbal supplements and teas, Lorna Jane and Ryderwear clothing and endurance supplements. They also offer healthy nutrition and weight loss coaching to help you achieve your health and fitness goals. Issue 24: Whats On In Our Backyard

Clubs&Classes

SPORTS REGISTRATIONS

COMING SOON LIFE SAVING

A SELECTION OF REGULAR CLASSES ENROLLING NOW For comprehensive listings of most clubs & classes in the area, visit our online directory at www.whats oninourbackyard.com.au/directory/clubs-classes/

DANCE DANCE

BIRUBI POINT SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION DAY Ever thought about becoming a Surf Life Saver? Come to our Clubroom on Sunday 18th September 2016 from 3-5pm. Children can also find out about our Junior Surf Lifesaving ‘Nipper’ program and Cadets for ages 13-15. The Club bar will be open and there will be a sausage sizzle to enjoy. Club merchandise and Nipper uniforms on sale. Check our website: www.birubipointslsc.org.au and click ‘How to become a member’ and ‘Nippers’ for junior members. Email: alisonctobirubi@ gmail.com Fingal Beach SLSC Ages: Nippers 5 to 13 yrs, Cadets/Juniors 13 to 18 yrs, Patrolling Members from 13 yrs +. @ Fingal Bay. www.fingalbeachslsc.com Register online

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iDance Performance Co

Bay Dance Academy For the Joy of Dance! Bay Dance Academy offers classes in jazz, ballet, tap, contemporary and hip hop, for ages 5yrs to adults. Plus a very popular pre-dance program for 3-5yr olds. FIRST CLASS FREE! Principal Kate Martynov has created a family friendly studio atmosphere with affordable classes and convenient timetable. Classes are taught with a focus on technique plus enjoyment. T: 0421 210 092 E: kate@baydance.com.au www.baydance.com.au

Classes in Cheerleading, Jazz, Contemporary and Hip Hop. iDance, do you? We create a love and passion for dance in a fun, friendly environment. Location: Raymond Terrace and Hawks Nest T: Miss Kiah on 0411 028 630 Find us on Facebook Robyn Yvette Dance & Talent Centre Ages: Kids to Adults. @ Salamander Bay. T: 4968 1172 / 0412 871 598 / 0423 246 277. E: hello@robynyvettedance.com. www.robynyvettedance.com See our advert on this page Ultimate Dance Ages: 2 yrs to Adults. @ Tanilba Bay. T: 0402 468 940. E: ultimatedanceandperforming arts@hotmail.com. See our advert on this page

Fitness & Fun for the Whole Family!

Students Dancing Their Way To Success The students from the Robyn Yvette Dance & Talent Centre are certainly not letting the grass grow under their feet but have continued to dance their way to win a very impressive list of awards in every Eisteddfod they have entered this year. With groups and solo dancers competing in all genres of dance, including Classical Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Tap and Musical Theatre in Eisteddfods in Newcastle, Taree, Muswellbrook, Raymond Terrace and Maitland, students have won a total of fifty five places with thirty six 1st Places and also have taken out the highest point score and Most Outstanding Group Award at almost every Eisteddfod they have entered. Solo students have won a total of nine 1st Places with Josie Byrnes taking out the 14 Years and Under Championship at Muswellbrook Eisteddfod. Robyn said, “with a young creative team of teachers, the students are inspired and motivated, and for many of the students, the dance studio is their second home.” Despite all the success the students are not resting on their laurels, and are now preparing for their upcoming R.A.D. Ballet Exams, Ballet Scholarship and L.G.T.D.A. Tap Exams. After the exams, the students will be commencing rehearsals for their spectacular Concert which will be held at the Hunter School for the Performing Arts in Broadmeadow on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd December 2016. The Concert is the highlight of the year and with original choreography, fabulous costumes and a new theme each year, it is no wonder the students can’t wait to showcase their routines.

DANCE DRAMA

DRAMA CLASSES FOR CHILDREN

The Studio. Performing Arts Academy Expert tuition for adults & children in Singing, Piano, Drums, Guitar, Drama & Musial Theatre. New: Artist Development Program 12yrs+. @ Taylors Beach & Medowie T: 0431 151 231. E: megan@studio.academy www.studio.academy Academy Principal: Megal Spiller See our advert on page 10

HELEN O’GRADY DRAMA ACADEMY SALAMANDER BAY

DANCE FITNESS

communication skills, self-confidence and creative talents. (Improvisation, Movement and Scriptwork)”

Core Central Pilates, Yoga, Fitness Studio. @ 29 Sandypoint Road, Corlette. T: 0478 780 187. www.corecentral.me See our advert on page 10

“Increases your child’s

DRAMA CLASSES: Primary: 7-11yrs; Youth: 11-15yrs. Mondays: Tomaree Primary Hall Enrolments now being taken Principal: Shane Skerly T: 02 49 692338 E: dramacorp@bigpond.com

JaZance Fitness & Dance Zumba Fitness & Cancer Exercise Specialise @ Salamander Bay & Medowie; T: Gráinne 0415 582 663; E: jazance@gmail.com; www.jazance.wix.com/grainnemyles See our advert on this page

Senior students from the dance centre are currently planning their next trip to the USA for December 2017 and will be performing in Disneyland in Florida as well as Universal Studios, Branson Theme Park and on the Royal Caribbean Cruise ship in the Bahamas. For any child who has a passion for dance and wants to be part of the most exciting dance studio in the Bay, you can enrol now for 2017. For information and enquiries regarding the Annual Revue or enrolments for 2017, please contact Robyn on 4968 1172 or Joanne Hoy on 0423 246 277.

Issue 24: Whats On In Our Backyard

Clubs&Classes DANCE FITNESS

DANCE GYMNASTICS

Zone Active Ages: Classes in Crossfit for adults & kids. Gymnastics & Yoga. @ Taylors Beach. T: Kate 0421 210 092 www.zoneactivefitness.com.au See our advert on this page

Zone Active Kids Kindergym, Recreational Gymnastics, Tumbling & Trampoline. Competition classes available. @ Taylors Beach. T: Kate 0421 210 092 www.zoneactivefitness.com.au See our advert on this page

Zenergy One Health Fitness & Wellness Ages: Adults. Ladies Ariel Yoga and Barre fitness classes. @ Salamander Bay. T: 4984 6564. www.zenergyone.com.au See our advert on page 7 Zenergy Health & Fitness Studio Ages: Adults. Yoga, Pilates, Massage, Reiki, Personal Training, Meditation, Sound Healing & much more. @ Nelson Bay. T: 0409 451 797. Facebook Zenergy Nelson Bay See our advert on page 21

DANCE FOOTBALL Goal Soccer Academy Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soccer coaching; Ages: 2-12yrs. Using a variety of soccer skills and exciting games, we encourage a love of soccer at a young age in a fun and stimulating environment. @ Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, Medowie & Raymond Terrace. Cost: $16.50 per session. T: 0435 587 104. E: info@goalsocceracademy.com www.goalsocceracademy.com See our advert on page 9 For our comprehensive local Clubs and Classes directory visit: www. whatsoninourbackyard.com.au/ directory/clubs-classes

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MARTIAL ARTS Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu Practical, applicationbased Martial Arts Classes for all levels & ages from 4yrs to adults. Improve Co-ordination, Flexibility & Fitness while gaining Confidene & Self Discipline. Full time Dojo now open at Raymond Terrace. FREE FIRST CLASS Tel: 0416 197 644 www.kunewcastle.com

MUSIC + SINGING Nancy Hoskings Piano Tuition Ages: 6 yrs to Adults; @ Salamander Bay; T: Nancy 4984 6019 or 0414 397 579; E: n.hoskings@bigpond.com

Fitness & Fun for the Whole Family! The Studio. Performing Arts Academy Expert tuition for adults & children in Singing, Piano, Drums, Guitar, Drama & Musial Theatre. New: Artist Development Program 12yrs+. @ Taylors Beach & Medowie T: 0431 151 231. E: megan@studio.academy www.studio.academy Academy Principal: Megal Spiller See our advert on page 10

YOGA Abundant Potential Ages: Dru Yoga @ One Mile. T: 0413 332 933;

E: suzie@abundantpotential.com. www.abundantpotential.com See our advert on page 13

YOUTH

Yogasphere Ages: 15 yrs to Adults; @ One Mile. T: 0415 538 589; E: nikki@yogasphere.com.au www.yogasphere.com.au See our advert on page 6 Zone Active Ages: Adults. Offering a range of Yoga styles. @ Taylors Beach. T: Kate 0421 210 092 www.zoneactivefitness.com.au See our advert on page 10

Left to right Tegan Roberts, Amy Cottam, Ema Hunkinson, Chelsea Peterson and Rhiana Hodges

$43,000 Funded Training for Bay’s at risk youth The Real Futures Foundation, State Training Services, and Tomaree Community College have partnered to provide skills based and work placement training for at risk youth. The partnership instigated by Real Futures Foundation will see 11 at risk disengaged Port Stephens students undertake a work based and college style training program for 16 weeks in hospitality. The Skill-IT program: skills: industry training; will see these participants mentored through an intensive training program designed specifically to set them up for a career in hospitality. Each participant will be trained by Tomaree Community College developing work based competencies, concurrently delivered alongside work based training with host employers. “This is a ground-breaking program with over $43,000 being invested in the college based training alone. There is further community investment, from host employers, mentors and the Foundation making it a unique program” said Marian Sampson the Foundations Marketing Manager. Sampson further said that “the mentor component of the training is extremely important as it provides a valuable support mechanism.” “Youth unemployment is high in Port Stephens and has been reported in the Newcastle Herald to be sitting at 20.6%. Being skilled and having suitable experience can be the difference between a young person succeeding in finding work or not. Participants will be workplace ready for the busy January holidays and we have high hopes that they will gain positions with their host employers” said Marian Sampson. The Real Futures Foundation is a charitable organisation, funded solely by sponsorships, grants and fundraising. The Foundation, works with local youth assisting them to become more workplace ready, through developing the skills and knowledge required to be competitive in the employment market. The Skill-IT hospitality program is just one of the Foundations innovative programs. Skill-IT brick and block laying program is coming soon. You can find out more about Skill-IT and the Foundation at www.realfutures.com.au or email us at info@realfutures.com.au. Issue 24: Whats On In Our Backyard

Health&Wellbeing

Would you get your home maintenance done by the fire brigade? By Sean Mahony, Chiropractor - Bayside Family Chiropractic

Spring is here and what a great time it is to get started on the home maintenance and renovations that you have been procrastinating about. It’s time to fix up those wobbly floor boards with the exposed screws and nails; de-leaf the gutters; repair the electrical and plumbing jobs and give a fresh coat of paint to the walls of the house. The best person to take care of all of these maintenance issues is yourself, or call in the house maintenance people to do the work for you. The last people you

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would call for this type of work is the fire department. The fire department would bring in their fire hoses and axes because those are the only tools that they have and are trained in using. Neglecting your house long enough will eventually lead to that dodgy wiring you said you would fix last season, shorting out and causing a fire. The fire brigade will come, bust open your doors and windows with axes, flood the house with water from their hoses and then leave. You would be truly grateful for them saving your house and allowing you to live there again. At least the house will be standing, but then you have the hard task of repairing the structures. Now, many studies have shown that the fire department saves houses by busting down doors and windows and soaking everything in water to put out fires. In fact, the government now recommends periodically spraying houses in water to prevent fires from starting in the first place. This seems like an odd way to prevent smoke and fire but it must be correct following extensive research. I hope the analogy above is clear enough for you to see the point I am trying to make. Modern health care is too much like this today. Everyone knows that prevention is better than cure. Maintaining the health of your body so that you don’t need to seek drugs, surgery and radiation is the most rational way to approach health care. If a patient is involved in some sort of trauma, the first place they need to attend is A&E to have that life-saving intervention to allow them to continue to exist. Chronic “lifestyle” diseases as they are now termed such as diabetes, obesity, dislipidemia, cardiovascular disease and inflammatory autoimmune diseases are all signs of dis-ease within the body and not the disease itself.

Dr Sean Mahony Chiropractor

www.whatsoninourbackyard.com.au

Diet (and I mean the correct way of eating and not just a temporary way of exclusive eating), exercise, adequate rest and a fully functioning nervous system able to coordinate the body’s response to modern stressors, have always been the tenets of chiropractic philosophy. Chiropractic allows your body to function at its optimum given what you have to work with. What chiropractic has to work with is entirely up to you and the results you get with chiropractic are directly proportional to how you take care of yourself. If you are reading this, you are on the right path to health....

Why Dru Yoga could change your life, so you can enjoy living it a whole lot more! by Suzie Williams, Abundant Potential

Three world-first studies on yoga in the workplace, including a 2008 research study by Ned Hartfiel, MSc, Bangor University, have concluded that Dru Yoga is highly effective for reducing stress, easing back pain, boosting wellbeing and lifting your emotions and quality of life. In 2013, Dru Yoga was cited in the British Journal of Sports Medicine as an effective component of a successful injury prevention program developed for professional athletes. It has also been taught – with some incredible results - in war-zones, prisons, psychiatric units and to first-responders, to help individuals cope with the effects of conflict, violence and disasters.

But what is Dru Yoga and how does it garner such remarkable and proven results? Dru Yoga is a gentle but powerful form of yoga, which facilitates physical and mental self-mastery and enables positive transformation. The emphasis is on gentle moving and breathing, combined with an awareness of our inner-self, as opposed to strong, fast transition from pose to pose where the focus is more on strength and stamina. The popular yoga image of young, bendy, bodies and ‘power workout’ style yoga puts a lot of people off – they fear they will never be able to do it and don’t want to embarrass themselves in front of a class of beautiful, flexible bodies. However, Dru Yoga’s slow, flowing movements allow you to become more in tune with how you feel. You will get better at knowing how to change what feels tense and tight, so you can quickly feel relaxed, calm and more open and at ease, in your own body. This is truly a gift only you can give to yourself!

So many of us experience the effects of stress and pain in our everyday lives and it is unfortunately very common to hear people say they suffer from anxiety and depression or feel ‘burnt out’ - emotionally or physically.

An important part of the Dru Yoga class is also a long relaxation! Relaxation is such an essential part of maintaining our health and wellbeing. But, in our fast-paced modern world, it is often the most difficult thing to achieve in a busy day. Deep relaxation is so powerful, yet is often rushed through at the very end in many yoga classes.

The good news is that we can all do something about it using only a few simple techniques that can be undertaken at any time, with no special equipment or fancy active wear. Just imagine how good you would feel if you could feel calm, relaxed and in control – any time you want to!

If you are keen to discover how easy it is going to be for you to feel less stressed, more relaxed, more in control of your emotions and sleep better, just to name a few benefits…. Then join a class and surrender to the opportunity to just be yourself and become a master of calmness and serenity.

Dru Yoga is the key to learning just how to do this. And the best thing about it is that absolutely ANYONE of any age and fitness ability can practise this gentle form of yoga – even from the comfort of your own home.

I am so positive you will love the incredibly blissful Dru Yoga experience, that I would like to offer you the chance to take part in a FREE class (see my ad below). I guarantee you will leave the class feeling restored, rebalanced and ready to take on the world!

Issue 24: Whats On In Our Backyard

Health&Wellbeing

The Weight Is

over - By KALINDA COLLEY

The importance of living a healthy lifestyle has well and truly come to the forefront as an issue of importance. Currently 2 in 3 Australians are overweight or obese, that is 63% of our population. Obesity and overweight Trish Herd, Impromy have become the second highest contributors Consultant to the burden of disease increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal conditions, some cancers and Type 2 diabetes1. Taking a step towards a healthier life is so important but where do you start when there seems to be so many different options? You need to find the thing that works for you. Of course, like most things, it requires discipline and motivation, but when you have a solid support network to educate you, push you, pick you up when you’re down and celebrate your milestones it makes it all the more achievable. Impromy aims to do just that. Produced by CSIRO, it is targeted at improving your overall health. Trish, the main Impromy consultant at Chemmart Pharmacy Nelson Bay, said the program aims to reduce chronic disease and improve mental and physical health. Trish says it’s really about controlling and minimising chronic conditions. She says, she had a client who not only lost 25kgs in 6 months but improved his blood pressure to the extent medication was no longer necessary. The program operates in three stages. The first stage involves two meal replacements, a main meal and two snacks. The second stage starts once you get three quarters of the way to your goal weight; where a light meal is incorporated instead of a meal replacement. Once your goal weight is achieved you start the “sustained” phase. You begin eating regular meals and have fortnightly or monthly weigh ins. Trish says the aim of the third stage is to really keep control of the person’s health in the long term. “If their weight goes up a bit then they can go on a

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meal replacement to bring it back down”. All three stages are included in a one-off, reasonable payment that also includes a free health check; testing glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure, which are checked again at regular intervals; a cook book; and information regarding aspects such as exercise, snacks, portion control, and the consumption of alcohol, carbohydrates and sweets. Trish says the program is really effective because it is personalised and educates in a way that teaches healthy lifestyle changes and moderation; for example by encouraging healthy portions. Some people may require more meal replacements per day in order to keep their metabolism working effectively. Similarly, while exercise is always recommended, it is not a necessity which is important for those who may have movement restrictions. The meal replacements include shakes, which can be consumed hot, cold or frozen, meal bars or soups. Trish says she always recommends a light salad with the shakes, or some steamed vegetables with the soup. You can add vegetables to the soups to add creaminess or some curry powder for an alternative flavour. The real benefit of the meal replacements, and the characteristic that sets them apart from other meal replacements on the market, is the presence of prebiotics which reduce inflammation of the stomach lining, thereby settling the gut and making weight loss easier. Trish says on average women lose up to 1kg a week, and men between 1kg and 2kg. It is a complete life-changer that enhances the quality of your life, and reduces your risk of chronic disease. It is inexpensive and provides the perfect support network that guarantees success. So what are you waiting for? Call Nelson Bay Chemmart today on 4984 2445, for your FREE consultation. 1 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2016). Overweight and Obesity. Retrieved from Authoritative Information and Statistics to Promote Better Health and Wellbeing: http://www.aihw.gov.au/overweight-and-obesity/

How to choose - by Melissa Cox, Wavelengths Allied Health -

the right therapist for your child The vast majority of parents just want the best for their child, but it can be difficult knowing where to turn for help when things are not going well. Many well-meaning bystanders might make comments like “it’s just a phase”, or “have you tried….?”, which can sometimes be maddening for the parent who feels they have tried everything. It is common for parents in this situation to panic, which can lead to a less methodical approach to working through a problem. When selecting professional intervention for your child, it is worthwhile considering the following.

1 Does my child really need therapy? Is the problem

impacting on their day to day functioning or significantly impacting the family? Have other simpler measures such as improving their routine, diet or exercise patterns already been implemented? If they are older, have you tried talking with them about the problem, and coming up with strategies yourselves? If the answer to all of these questions is ‘yes’, and things are not improving or getting worse, it may be time to seek outside professional assistance.

2 Does the therapist have the relevant expertise? You

will want to select a therapist with recognized qualifications that require them to use evidence-based approaches with your child. This means they will be utilizing techniques or interventions that have been researched and proven to be most effective in treating a specific problem. Registered allied health professionals such as psychologists, speech pathologists and occupational therapists are all required to utilize these techniques

3 Is the therapist experienced and skilful in working with

children? Much research regarding efficacy of treatment puts therapeutic rapport between therapist and child as the top indicator of efficacy. This means that it is crucial that your child warms to or “clicks” with their therapist, as this is how she will get the best out of your child, and therefore the best results. If your child doesn’t gel with their therapist, it might be best to change to someone else sooner rather than later, as the therapy is unlikely to be optimal.

4 Am I over-therapising my child? This is a definite

risk for some children, particularly those who have multiple challenges to overcome. It is not uncommon for some children to be driving all over the countryside throughout the week, seeing the Psychologist on Monday, the Speech Therapist on Wednesday and the OT on Thursday! This is exhausting for both the child and the parent. As much as we want to see our children progress, it is important to allow time and space for them to have a childhood. Sometimes, the best therapy might be a family trip to the beach! At Wavelengths Allied Health, it is not uncommon for our therapists to suggest “therapy breaks”, or to leave some goals for a period of time, whilst others are focused on.

5 Will my therapists communicate with others? For

optimal outcomes, it is best when all of the relevant people in a child’s life are on the same page. This means that your therapist should be committed to liaising with other therapists, educators, and of course you! Therapy with children does not happen within a vacuum, and it is far more beneficial if the strategies, techniques and activities designed by your therapist to work towards goals can be replicated in a practical, everyday manner outside the therapy room.

All therapists at Wavelengths Allied Health are qualified, registered members of their professional bodies. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide effective therapy in a warm, fun and family-friendly clinic setting. Come by and check out our brilliant new premises today! Turn to our advert on the back cover of this issue for more details.

Issue 24: Whats On In Our Backyard

Health&Beauty T R EN D FO R ECAST

2016 and beyond

by Amanda Boone, Arteke Hair,

Beauty & Education

Hello fellow hair lovers! 2016 The Lowdown.

CUTS: Well what comes down must go up!!! (in fashion anyway). The bob has made a return this year after the 2015 reign of the collarbone grazing clavi cut. Yes, again. And why not?! It’s versatile, easy to style and suits most face shapes and hair types. Razored finishes have been most prominent and horizontal base lines which is a move away from the hard concave line that has been dominant of late. My suggestion here is to ensure your stylist is customising it to suit your face shape and your hair type. And for goodness sake please don’t be afraid to try wearing it differently. The bob looks great straight but can be softening and sexy when worn wavy or curly (we call this ‘the wob’). COLOUR: After all the colour drama in 2015, we toned things down a lot this year. Natural hues and subtle faded edges or mild balayage/ombre have been our preference. Think healthy looking hair! Shine, shine, shine. If you’ve forgotten what your natural colour looks like ask your stylist to use a colour swatch and match it for you. Red’s have made a comeback. Any shade, thank you very much. From rusty coppers to vibrant burgundies or a colour melt of both. My recommendation is application of the deepest tone on the roots, combining and alternating it with a lighter more intense shade to the mid lengths and ends. This is a quick and effective hair painting technique that is low maintenance and looks hot!!

n o i s s a Our p

STYLING:

For those who opted for growing out their locks post-clavi, rather than going for the chop it’s all about length! Textured lived-in looks are more popular. Beachy waves are best created by sleeping with braids or plaits in your hair. Mousses or sea salt sprays are great for this as they will take the softness and fly-away tendency out of the hair. Braids are still big but they have taken on a more deconstructed form. Throw one in anywhere, completed or on the mid lengths or ends only and wallah! You've made it. Alternatively sleek ponies are a more sophisticated look that can cover you at work or after 5.

CONDITION, TECHNIQUES and MAINTENANCE: Whichever way you go, there are some important things to keep in mind. Leave your options open. Creativity is essential but don’t over do it. If you walk into your hairdresser and want something different every visit, you are asking for trouble. Hair has limits. If you find a look that suits and makes you feel good, maintain it for a while. Constantly changing your style and colour can limit your options in the short term and long.

Goldwell Mastercolorist

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again masque, masque, masque. Love your hair. Give it the treatment it deserves at least once a week. Salon quality please people. You need to take a prescriptive approach to treatments if you want the benefits.

colour correction specialists

If you are using any hot tools use heat protection and use your tool properly. Poor technique causes damage.

restyle experts

If you are out in the sun use sun protection.

straiGhteninG

If you are swimming use salt water or chlorine protection.

c o M p l i M e n ta r y c o n s u ltat i o n s

Please always seek professional support if you are having any difficulties. No DIY!!!

weddinG hair + Makeup specialist

WHAT’S NEXT: is anyone's guess but my predictions

p r i vat e w o r k s h o p s

are… look out for colour shading (mid length panels of clear, clean and cool blondes and dark ash blondes), colour disruption (contrasting splashes of colour that work with your style), wedgy bobs and fringes (I know… the battle begins :-))

6/12 Stockton St, Nelson Bay NSW 2315 | amanda@arteke.com.au | www.arteke.com.au

Happy Hair Everyone X

www.whatsoninourbackyard.com.au

Home&Garden D O - I T-YO U R S EL F

The Guide To The Perfect Lawn This Summer by Casandra Robinson, Anna Bay Sand & Earthmoving and Specialised Landscape Supplies

Statistically, the average homeowner spends 3.8 hours a week on yard work and lawn mowing, 30 times a year. And while you may not realize it, your lawn pays you back for all this hard work. It serves as a giant air conditioner to help cool your home. It releases a tremendous amount of oxygen and captures tonnes of dirt and dust to help keep you and your family healthy. So it makes sense that you should pay your yard back by allowing it to thrive, following the cooler months! Starting off on the right foot is important to reviving your lawn after winter. Fertiliser is the key to ensuring strong healthy growth of the grass in your yard. Fertilising the grass does more than just make it green. Of course it will make it grow too, but lots of things happen when you fertilize. Fertiliser makes the seed germinate faster, and get started out of the ground. After the grass has a good start, fertiliser will make the grass get thicker and send off beneficial chemicals like Rhizomes, Stolons, and Tillers all making the grass thicker and healthier. What most people want to know about fertilising is - how much and when? Typically, you should aim to fertilize 4 times each season, spread 60 days apart. Start in early spring approximately 30 days before the growing season begins in your area, continuing through the growing season until Autumn. Spring fertilising gets the grass off to a fast start giving you that rich green colour everyone wants. A word of warning though, don't use too much fertiliser, follow the listed guidelines on the product packaging. Mowing is the most misunderstood part of lawn care, and the most often incorrectly performed part of lawn care. Far too many people will set their mowers too low or “scalp”

the lawn. How many times have you spent time mowing your grass in hopes of a beautiful result only to end up with brown spots? Cutting too much off the top leads to thinned out grass, and shallow root systems. Now once you have achieved the perfect lawn, you must undertake regular maintenance to prevent it from going back to being a pasture. Spend a little time and money and keep it watered and you will keep the lush grass you spent your hard earned money and time on. The ideal way to water your lawn is with an automatic underground sprinkler system. This way the watering is done every day that it needs it, you don't have to drag hoses, you don't waste water from over watering, and you get all of the lawn watered, not just where you happen to set the sprinkler. If you implement this type of sprinkler system, make sure to water shrubbery and annuals separate from the lawn. If you applied the same amount of water on your landscape as gets put on the lawn you would surely kill some plants from over watering. Now that you’re ready to care for your lawn, you’ll need to get your supplies. Here at Anna Bay Sand & Earthmoving and Specialised Landscape Supplies, we stock all the lawn care products you will need and we are happy to offer you expert advice so that come Summer you can invite all your neighbours over to drool over your well manicured, lush green lawn! And even if your lawn is looking forlorn and beyond repair, we have premium turf solutions to transform your yard back to it’s former glory. Just pop in and say “hi” at 41 Gan Gan Rd, Anna Bay, or give us a call on 4982 1177.

Issue 24: Whats On In Our Backyard

Home&Garden

The Benefits of

Buying Land and Building a Brand New Home

Buying a home is one of the most important decisions a person can make. One of the key choices to make is whether to buy an established property or build a new home. There are several significant benefits from choosing a house and land package and there is now more opportunity with the launch of two new residential communities Potter’s Lane in Raymond Terrace and The Bower in Medowie. A New Neighbourhood Both Potter’s Lane and The Bower are popular new neighbourhoods where purchasers are buying homesites on which to build brand new homes. This builds a real sense of community, as the residents are all part of a new project and help to shape the neighbourhood from the start. Buying a house and land package alongside others in the same situation can often generate a real sense of community, which is particularly good for young families. Services All homesites at Potter’s Lane and The Bower come ready to be connected to electricity, town water, sewerage and high speed internet via the NBN Network. Residents at Potter’s Lane will also have access to natural gas. Cost With the average cost of an established home in Australia seemingly to continue to rise, they are increasingly beyond the financial reach of many Australians looking to buy a home. In contrast, house and land packages typically sell for significantly less, but still deliver a comparable property in terms of size. Homesites can currently be purchased at Potter’s Lane, for example, from $169,000 and 4-bedroom house and land packages start from $410,195. 5% Deposit Most vendors require a 10% deposit from purchasers to secure an established home. To secure your homesite at either Potter’s Lane or The Bower, all you need is a 5% deposit with no more to pay until settlement. 18

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Government Grants There are several financial rewards from the state government that come in the form of Government Grants, which could save you tens of thousands of dollars. To see if you’re eligible, visit www.osr.nsw.gov.au. Equity According to RP Data (as of 15 August 2016), both suburbs have experienced strong capital growth over the past 12 months – 5.5% in Raymond Terrace and 4.8% in Medowie – so there is a good chance that you could have instant equity in your new property. If the housing market is rising – as it appears to be doing in the local area – this will mean that by the time the property is built it could already be worth more than you paid for it. Modern Living Because you are buying a property before it has been built, you will be able to ensure that the house will meet your family’s needs. You can liaise with the builder on the design so that you get the features and spaces you need, having an input on everything from the initial floor plan to the finishes, fixtures and fittings. You can also decide which proportion of the land is devoted to a yard or garden. At The Bower, the impressively spacious homesites range from 1,000m2 to 4072m2 so you’ll have plenty of choices to make. Maintenance The other benefit of a new-build property is that maintenance costs will usually be lower than those associated with an established property. New builds will benefit from the latest technology and design innovations, meaning they will have upto-date heating and water systems that are less likely to break down. Often the building, fixtures and fittings will be covered by a builder’s guarantee, which can often last for up to 10 years. Potter’s Lane is located at 42 Rees James Road in Raymond Terrace and The Bower is located on Boundary Road, off Medowie Road in Medowie. Visit potters-lane.com.au or thebowermedowie.com.au for more information.

NOW SELLING -------------------- 1 -------------------Residential land for sale from approximately 550m2 to 1,441m2

----------------------------Only 5% deposit required

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RE ES

JA M ES

RO A D

PA CI FI

House & Land packages available

GRAHAMSTOWN DAM

RICH

ARDS

A SHOPS

ON RO AD

IRRAWANG HIGH SCHOOL

IRRAWANG PUBLIC SCHOOL

NEWCASTLE 20 MINS

RAAF 20 MINS

Contact:  (02) 4987 3571 U land@potters-lane.com.au Visit: 42 Rees James Road, Raymond Terrace

Impressively Spacious New neighbourhood coming soon Huge residential homesites ranging from 1,000m2 - 4,072m2 5% deposit required

MEDOWIE STATE FOREST IE OW

D ME AD RO

BOU

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SHOPS FERODA LE RO AD

RAAF BASE 15 MINS

WIRREANDA PUBLIC SCHOOL

Contact:  0428 094 611 U land@thebowermedowie.com.au Visit: Cnr Boundary & Medowie Road, Medowie Issue 24: Whats On In Our Backyard

EatingIn HOME MADE

Keftedes (Lamb M eatballs)

In Sofia’s

KITCHEN - by Sophie Stokes Writer | Author | Publisher Early Childhood Educator | Training & Assessment

One of the best things about the Hunter Region is our fresh food markets open every Sunday in Newcastle. Have you been there lately? It’s buzzing with excitement and I love the smells and sounds wafting through the crowds of enthusiastic people looking for a great buy! And there is so much to choose from too! Fresh herbs, sweet smelling Sophie Stokes spices, crusty sour dough bread – I often go to the markets just to eat while I am there – no chance of getting it home when it tastes and smells that good! What I did manage to get home the last time I strolled around the grounds at Newcastle Showground was some fresh herbs. I wasn’t going to buy any, but the aroma was divine and I knew adding a handful to my famous Greek meatballs was a must!

to ask permission from my dad to take me out. Well, I was only 16 and still very shy and I was not quite sure how to break the news to him that if he came home with me, my father would not necessarily react the way he is accustomed to – you know, you talk things through instead of scream from the top of your lungs! Anyway, he comes home with me, waits for my dad on the back patio to have a chat. Well, this poor boyfriend of two weeks got more than he bargained for and before long he was bolting down the side of the house, dodging terracotta pots being thrown at him! What I should have mentioned was that in the old days, the days my father understood, if you wanted to have anything to do with the single women in the household, it was for marriage – there was no dating involved. Anyway, it all turned out happy in the end and once we were married a couple of years later, my father welcomed Greg into the family! So here is that recipe I promised. Keftedes (Lamb Meatballs)

So these meatballs, affectionately known as ‘Keftedes’ are a popular dish in the Greek culture and every child growing up in a Greek home was lucky enough to be force-fed these tasty morsels of lamb whether they were hungry or not! Well, you’ll know what I mean if you have watched, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” and when the mum asks her future son-in-law if he is hungry and he politely answers no and she politely tells him she will make him something! The moral to this story is, if you are visiting a Greek home, always go with an empty stomach!

Serves 4-6

But seriously, being a Greek Australian and having the pleasure of experiencing both cultures is a privilege! I love living in Australia and I love eating Greek food – it’s almost a heavenly experience! And what’s not to love? Beautiful sandy beaches, peaceful country vineyards and Newcastle’s fresh food markets! Yep, we live in a great part of the world! And let me make it even more amazing by giving you my recipe for Keftedes! Did I mention I have a cook book coming out soon? In Sofia’s Kitchen: Mediterranean Flavours Down Under due for release this December – perfect gift idea for Christmas! Let’s not get carried away but I am a tad excited and I can’t think of a better way to express this excitement except to give you a little insight into my recipes by sharing one with you this Spring. Before I do that though, let me share a funny story with you! When my husband and I started to date, he insisted on coming home 20

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Ingredients: ½ kg lamb mince ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

½ cup fresh Italian parsley chopped

1 onion, grated

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ cup dried breadcrumbs

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 egg, beaten

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ cup fresh mint, chopped

oil for shallow frying Salt & pepper, to taste

Method: 1

Place mince, vinegar, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, fresh herbs and spices in a bowl and knead ingredients until well combined.

Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill in fridge for 30 minutes.

Roll into small walnut size balls and coat in flour.

Heat oil in shallow fry pan and fry balls until brown on both sides. Remove from pan and drain on absorbent paper.

Add salt and pepper to taste and a wedge of lemon.

What’sOn

A selection of events and activities taking place in AND around Port Stephens during september TO DECEMBER | BE Booking Essential

We are a local centre offering massage, meditation and also certified training in massage.

BE PORT STEPHENS COUNCIL VACATION CARE 26th Sept-7th Oct (excluding public holiday). 7am-6pm. Vacation Care for primary school children (5-12) will be provided by Port Stephens Council at Raymond Terrace BASC building, Boomerang Park and Medowie School Hall. The program is packed with sport, craft, games, and cooking. Excursions include the Mattara Festival in week one and Blackbutt Reserve with animal encounters in week two. Special events include an Italian themed lunch and a parent afternoon tea. Bookings T: 4980 0308.

KaHuna & Lomi Lomi Massage Sessions • Relaxation & Deep Tissue Massage • Polynesian Floor Massage & Stretching • Meditations • Sound Healing. Magnesium and clay products are available in our On Point Alchemy range, plus much more. Sacred & divine healing arts and practices. T: 0457 424 579 / arwenscentreofbalance.com A: The Retreat Port Stephens, 4302 Nelson Bay Rd, Anna Bay

ZENERGY HEALTH & FITNESS STUDIO

Can’t make it to a class we can come to you. Private consultations available or you can organise a few friends for a small group session. T: 0409 451 797 / Facebook Zenergy Nelson Bay A: Shop 12/17-19 Stockton Street, Nelson Bay

SPRING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: WEEK 1 Multi-Day Event

Offering a variety of services that nurture your body and enhance your well-being, including yoga, pilates, massage, reiki, personal training, meditation, sound healing, workshops & more!

BE SAND BOARDING ADVENTURE Every day in school hols. 10am-4am. All ages. Cost: from $15. Meets @ Lower car park, end of James Paterson St, Anna Bay. Bookings T: 0425 213 096. www.sanddunesafaris.com.au

Multi-Day Event

SCHOOL HOLIDAY VACATION CARE

ARWEN’S CENTRE OF BALANCE

Multi-Day Event

For the most up to date and comprehensive What’s On listings you are likely to find in the area, visit www.whatsoninourbackyard. com.au and find us on Facebook: What’s On In Our Backyard: Port Stephens

ENTER NOW AT yard.com.au/ www.whatsoninourbacks competition

Multi-Day Event

Centre of Bal You could win: Arwen’s d Dune Safaris Family Massage Voucher • San e Tickets To The Annual Fre 2 • Sandboarding Pass e Support Group Inc ‘In Th Tomaree Breast Cancer $40 • t Ar ene Ser th Wi sons Pink’ Breakfast • 3 Art Les Voucher • Term Of Soccer rist Flo e lag Vil er and Salam • Five h Goal Soccer Academy At Raymond Terrace wit For lf Go Of les Pass • 18 Ho Class Yogasphere Yoga er uch Vo ch Lun $40 • lf Resort 2 People at Horizons Go ery Eat use Ho at The Green

Multi-Day Event

IZES!! WIN FANTASTIC PR ance Kahuna

BE LEARNING AND BEYOND SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN Various dates. Ages: 5-12yrs. Cost: $35 for 2hrs (includes all materials). We conduct science experiments, craft workshops and play games. @ Tanilba Bay. Bookings T: Chelsea on 0408 051 009. E: learningandbeyond@ outlook.com

SALAMANDER BAY SHOPPING CENTRE AND MARKETPLACE RAYMOND TERRACE HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES The shopping centre will once again be hosting fun kids activities during the school holidays. Please check the website for details: www. salamandershopping. com.au / www. marketplaceraymondterrace. com.au BUNNINGS KIDS DIY & FACE PAINTING Every Saturday & Sunday at 12pm-1pm. Additional school holiday workshops on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 12pm-1pm. @ Taylors Beach. T: 4916 3100 BE HOLIDAY FLOWER CLASSES 23rd-30th Sept. 1-2pm. Ages: 5yrs+. Cost: $15. If you can use scissors, you can make a lovely

Issue 24: Whats On In Our Backyard

What’sOn

BE THE WASTE WRAPPERS SHOW WITH SHIP O FOOLS. 27th Sept. 10:30-11am. Ages: 2yrs+. Cost: FREE. Juggling acts, musical instruments and songs. @ Raymond Terrace Library. Places are limited for all activities so booking is essential. Bookings/info: 4980 0111

BE SCHOOL HOLIDAY

SCIENCE WORKSHOPS 26th, 27th, 28th & 30th Sept. 10am-12pm & 1:30-3:30pm. Ages: 4yrs+. Cost: $20/child for 2 hours. Children will experience hands on experiments and

TOMAREE COMMUNITY COLLEGE RTO 90348 Training for your career or professional development, plus courses for leisure to enhance your lifestyle. In the heart of Nelson Bay. Visit www.tomareecc.nsw.edu.au or call 4984 1011

THE

GREEN HOUSE

eatery

bar

events

The region’s newest & largest destination for dining, socialising & events. 02 4916 0500

Huntingdale Place, Medowie

www.greenhouseeatery.com.au

www.whatsoninourbackyard.com.au

BEACH MEDITATION FOR CHILDREN & PARENTS 27th Sept. 10am. All ages. Cost: $10 or $20 for a family. Arwen’s Centre of Balance will be hosting sandcastle meditation and mindfulness workshop on One Mile Beach. Everyone is welcome. Connecting with the environment and elements around us. Clearing of any negative thoughts or energies. Experiencing the beauty of creating a design in the sand of your very own whilst in a meditative state. Q&A session relating to ideas on how to help your children begin to meditate and enjoy a healthy meditation practice. Bookings T: Arwen 0457 424 570. www.arwenscentreofbalance. com BE WOW GIRLS RETREAT DAY FOR TWEENS & YOUNG TEENS 27th Sept. 9:30am-3pm. Cost: $110 (includes delicious

homemade lunch, refreshments and all materials). WOW Girls returns to the Yogasphere studio. Our day is filled with fun, friendship, laughter, empowering techniques and ideas to develop healthy relationships while navigating our modern world safely, bravely and wisely. @ Yogasphere, One Mile. Bookings T: 0415 538 589 Multi-Day Event

Multi-Day Event

FREE KIDS DISCO 25th Sept. 5-8pm. Ages: 2-12yrs. Great music, games and prizes. Bring the kids along and have some fun. Discos are held each school holidays and are free for members and visitors. Free Disco with Tim and supervised by Miss Erika. @ Soldiers Point Bowling Club. T: 4982 7173. www.soldierspointbc.com.au

BE THE WASTE WRAPPERS SHOW WITH SHIP O FOOLS. 27th Sept. 1-1:30pm. Ages: 2yrs+. Cost: FREE. Juggling acts, musical instruments and songs. @ Tomaree Library. Places are limited for all activities so booking is essential. Bookings/info: 4982 0670

BE DEBORAH’S ART ON THE BAY AT THE ART SHACK 27th & 29th Sept. AM/PM classes. Cost: $20 for 3hrs. Spring themed Art classes on the Farm filled with fun art activities, including painting terra cotta pots and canvas and a chance to feed the animals. Friendly small classes to extend your creativity by experienced artist of over 20 years. @ 2892 Nelson Bay Rd, Salt Ash. T: 0468 412 916

Multi-Day Event

demonstrations with real science equipment. Magic colour changes, mini explosions, electric circuits, polymer worms and paleontological discovery. Experience takes place with small group of children in a learning studio. Covered shoes required. Safety goggles and lab coats provided. Due to safety reasons no younger children to be present and only one support parent per child if one is required. @ 6 Seabreeze Close, Anna Bay. Bookings T: 0407 341 610. www.tutoringatthebay.vpweb. com.au

flower arrangement with us and take your creation home with you. @ Salamander Village Florist. 2/255 Soldiers Point Rd. Bookings T: 4984 7222. E: flowers@ salamandervillageflorist.com.au

BE TRY SAILING WITH SAILABILITY PORT STEPHENS 27th-29th Sept. 10am-3pm. Ages: 12yrs+. Cost: $45pp/$65 Family(3). Experience the joy of sailing over 3 days on Grahamstown Dam, sailing safe, non-capsizable boats. We welcome people with disabilities, including those in wheelchairs! @ Grahamstown Dam, Medowie. T: 4981 7509. www.sailabilitynsw.org

What’sOn IN THE CITY 29th Sept. 4-5:30pm. Ages: 2yrs+. Cost: FREE. Wear your pj’s and bring a pillow/blanket. A gold coin donation would be appreciated to cover popcorn. @ Tomaree Library. Places are limited for all activities so booking is essential. Bookings/info: 4982 0670

BE ART WORKSHOPS WITH

BE FUN FIT CAMP FOR KIDS: DANCE-SPORT-YOGACROSSFIT 29th Sept. 9am-3pm. Cost: $50 full day or $30 half day (9am12pm/12pm-3pm). Includes lunch. Sibling discounts $5 off. Latest dance moves, sport coaching, yoga, stretching/ relaxing, cardio crossfit training, yummy nutritious food. @ Zone Active, 6/86 Taylors Beach. T: 0421 210 092. www.zoneactivefitness.com.au

KIDS MOVIE NIGHT @ THE GREENHOUSE EATERY 28th Sept. 6-8pm. All Ages. Cost: FREE. The Greenhouse will be hosting a movie night these school holidays. There will be a big screen and comfy area for the kids to enjoy the movie, a candy bar for the purchase of snacks, and parents can enjoy the $15 Burger & Beer Menu. @ Huntingdale Place, Medowie. T: 4916 0500. www.greenhouseeatery.com.au

Multi-Day Event

SERENE ART 28th Sept. 10am-11:30am. Ages: 7yrs+. Cost: $20 per child. We will be drawing and painting a Pug dog onto a canvas using acrylic paint. All materials are included. Spectrum cafe and playground is open if parents would like to stay on site. @ The Base, C3 Spectrum Church, Anna Bay. Bookings T: 0439 707 326. www.sereneart.com.au

BE KIDS SCHOOL HOLIDAY GOLF CLINIC 29th & 30th Sept. 10am12pm. Cost: $49 for both days. @ Pacific Dunes Golf Club, Medowie. Bookings: T: 4916 0600

KIDS BINGO 29th Sept. 10am. Ages: 3-12yrs. Cost: $10pp. Includes Bingo,

BE SPOOKY SCRATCH BOARD CRAFT 30th Sept. 2:30-4pm. Ages: 7yrs+. Cost: $5. Come along and create some spooky pictures using scratch boards. @ Raymond Terrace Library. Places are limited for all activities so booking is essential. Bookings/info: 4980 0111 BE WILD ABOUT WHALES: WHALE TALES AT TOMAREE 30th Sept. 2-4pm. All ages. Cost: Adult $10pp. Child $8pp. Family $25 (2Ad/2Ch). Join an NPWS ranger for a short walk to the spectacular coast. You’ll spot whales on their annual migration to breed and give birth to their young. You’ll pick up some helpful tips for successfully spotting these majestic creatures, and hear some stories about their history and future. It’s a good idea to bring drinking water, snacks and wear fully enclosed footwear. Meets @ Carpark at Noamunga Street, Boat Harbour. Bookings T: 4946 4112 BE SPOOKY CRAFTS 30th Sept. 10:30-11:30am.

SPRING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: WEEK 2 Multi-Day Event

WORKSHOP WITH KIDREAM AND TUNZ 28th Sept. 2-4pm. Ages: 8-25yrs Cost: FREE. Spray painting and DJ scratching lesson. @ Raymond Terrace Library. Places are limited for all activities so booking is essential. Bookings/info: 4980 0111

Ages: 7-12yrs. Cost: $5. @ Tomaree Library. Places are limited for all activities so booking is essential. Bookings/info: 4982 0670

lunch & texta. Great prizes to be won!! Come along and support Little Wings. @ Soldiers Point Bowling Club. T: 4982 7173.

Multi-Day Event

BE MOVIE SCREENING – PIG

Multi-Day Event

BE STREET ART & DJ

Issue 24: Whats On In Our Backyard

What’sOn

Multi-Day Event

www.salamandershopping. com.au / www. marketplaceraymondterrace. com.au BUNNINGS KIDS DIY & FACE PAINTING Every Saturday & Sunday at 12pm-1pm. Additional school holiday workshops on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 12pm-1pm. @ Taylors Beach. T: 4916 3100 BE HOLIDAY FLOWER CLASSES 1st-6th Oct. 1-2pm. Ages: 5yrs+. Cost: $15. If you can use scissors, you can make a lovely flower arrangement with us and take your creation home with you. @ Salamander Village Florist. 2/255 Soldiers Point Rd. Bookings T: 4984 7222. E: flowers@ salamandervillageflorist.com.au

BE JD’S WORLD OF MAGIC SHOW 5th Oct. 10:30-11:15am. Ages: 2yrs+. Cost: $10. Be amazed by Joel’s magic show. @ Tomaree Library. Places are limited for all activities so booking is essential. Bookings/info: 4982 0670. BE JD’S WORLD OF MAGIC SHOW 5th Oct. 2:30-3:15pm. Ages: 2yrs+. Cost: $10. Be amazed by Joel’s magic show. @ Raymond Terrace Library. Places are limited for all activities so booking is essential. Bookings/info: 4980 0111.

FREE KIDS DISCO 2nd Oct. 5-8pm. Ages: 2-12yrs. Great music, games and prizes. Bring the kids along and have some fun. Discos are held each school holidays and are free for members and visitors. Free Disco with Tim and supervised by Miss Erika. @ Soldiers Point Bowling Club. T: 4982 7173. www.soldierspointbc.com.au

BE WILD ABOUT WHALES: WHALE TALES AT TOMAREE 5th Oct. 10am-12pm. All ages. Cost: Adult $10pp. Child $8pp. Family $25 (2Ad/2Ch). Join an NPWS ranger for a short walk to the spectacular coast. You’ll spot whales on their annual migration to breed and give birth to their young. You’ll pick up some helpful tips for successfully spotting these majestic creatures, and hear some stories about their history and future. It’s a good idea to bring drinking water, snacks and wear fully enclosed footwear. Meets @ Carpark at Noamunga Street, Boat Harbour. Bookings T: 4946 4112.

BE DEBORAH’S ART ON THE BAY AT THE ART SHACK 4th & 6th Oct. Morning & afternoon classes. Cost: $20 for 3hrs. Spring themed Art classes on the Farm filled with fun art activities, including painting terra cotta pots and canvas and a chance to feed the animals. Friendly small classes to extend your creativity by experienced artist of over 20 years. @ 2892 Nelson Bay Rd, Salt Ash. Bookings T: 0468 412 916

BE NATURE IS FUN 5th Oct. 9:30-11:30am. Ages: 4-12yrs. Cost: $5/person. Explore learn and have fun during the school holidays. Come & see what lives in our garden. Join Gardens’ Guides for a fun time exploring the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens. Collect great specimens, learn about nature and make a craft item to take home. Mums/Dads/Grandparents are welcome to join in (younger siblings must be supervised

www.whatsoninourbackyard.com.au

by parent/guardian). @ Hunter Region Botanic Gardens. Bookings T: 4987 1655 BE ART WORKSHOPS WITH

SERENE ART 5th Oct. 10am-11:30am. Ages: 7yrs+. Cost: $20 per child. We will be painting a self-portrait in the style of Picasso using acrylic paint. All materials are included. Spectrum cafe and playground is open if parents would like to stay on site. @ The Base, C3 Spectrum Church, Anna Bay. Bookings T: 0439 707 326. www.sereneart.com.au

BEACH MEDITATION FOR CHILDREN & PARENTS 5th Oct. 4pm. All ages. Cost: $10 or $20 for a family. Arwen’s Centre of Balance will be hosting sandcastle meditation and mindfulness workshop on One Mile Beach. Everyone is welcome. Connecting with the environment and elements around us. Clearing of any negative thoughts or energies. Experiencing the beauty of creating a design in the sand of your very own whilst in a meditative state. Q&A session relating to ideas on how to help your children begin to meditate and enjoy a healthy meditation practice. Bookings T: Arwen 0457 424 570. www. arwenscentreofbalance.com KIDS BINGO 6th Oct. 10am. Ages: 3-12yrs. Cost: $10pp. Includes Bingo, lunch & texta. Great prizes to be won!! Come along and support

Little Wings. @ Soldiers Point Bowling Club. T: 4982 7173 BE HAUNTED HOUSE – FIND YOUR WAY BLIND! 6th Oct. 6-7:15pm. Ages: 7yrs+. Cost: $5. ‘just a little scary’. Join us on a spooky adventure with games, stories and more! @ Raymond Terrace Library. Places are limited for all activities so booking is essential. Bookings/ info: 4980 0111 BE FUN FIT CAMP FOR KIDS: DANCE-SPORT-YOGACROSSFIT 6th Oct. 9am-3pm. Cost: $50 full day or $30 half day (9am12pm/12pm-3pm). Includes lunch. Sibling discounts $5 off. Latest dance moves, sport coaching, yoga, stretching/ relaxing, cardio crossfit training, yummy nutritious food. @ Zone Active, 6/86 Taylors Beach. T: 0421 210 092. www.zoneactivefitness.com.au

FREE KIDS DISCO 9th Oct. 5-8pm. Ages: 2-12yrs. Great music, games and prizes. Bring the kids along and have some fun. Discos are held each school holidays and are free for members and visitors. Free Disco with Tim and supervised by Miss Erika. @ Soldiers Point Bowling Club. T: 4982 7173. www.soldierspointbc.com.au

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES OCTOBER BE TOMAREE BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP INC IN THE PINK BREAKFAST 12th Oct. 7am. Cost: $30. Includes a glass of Bubbly on arrival, breakfast and guest speaker. Lots of great Raffle

What’sOn

Multi-Day Event

HUGE GARAGE SALE 15th Oct. Wide range of goods for sale, including plants and books. Food available. @ Hunter Region Botanic Gardens. Bookings T: 4987 1655 TOMAREE PENINSULA PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB’S ANNUAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION 15th-16th October. 10am-6pm. Cost: FREE. Over 100 photos will be on display from the work of current members. Raffle tickets will be on sale with all proceeds going to support the club. The winner may have his or her choice of photo from the exhibition, which will be enlarged and printed on canvas. @ Soldiers Point Bowling Club. www.tpphotoclub.org KARUAH OYSTER & TIMBER FESTIVAL 15th Oct. Come along to sample beautiful Port Stephens Oysters and watch some of the states best Axemen compete in various Wood Chopping events, as well as stalls, food, KMYC Junior Fishing Comp, games for the kids & The Great Karuah River Duck Race! @ Longworth Park, Karuah. ST MICHAEL’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL FETE 23rd Oct. Lots of stalls, including Haunted House, Treasure Chest worth $1000, Show Bags, Fairy/ Super Hero Outfits, Thermomix Raffle, food stalls and of course a Chocolate Wheel. The main attraction for this year’s Fete is the ‘STUNT JUMP’. Students, or parents if they are game, climb 7 metres up a ladder and then free fall into a specially designed jump mat. If you hear screams from St Michael’s on that day don’t worry it will only be the thrill seekers enjoying the jump. Come and join us on the day and be game to take the jump. @ Nelson Bay. MYALL RIVER FESTIVAL 29th Oct. Free family friendly event, with a large variety of market stalls, street entertainment, kids entertainment, live music & firework displays, on water performances & shows, fishing competition, The Great Duck Derby, on water illuminations & lantern displays, water sports demos, amusement rides, sculptures, and so much more. @ Tea Gardens Riverside. Program at www.myallcoast.org. au/index.php/festival-home

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES NOVEMBER Multi-Day Event

Prizes to be won. Bookings and Tickets available Nelson Bay Bowling Club T: 4981 1272 / 0416 260 943. www.tomareebreastcancer supoortgroup.com

TASTES AT THE BAY JAZZ, FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL 5th-6th Nov. The festival will host local fine food, wineries and craft beer from the Hunter Valley and Port Stephens regions, cooking demonstrations, and more, along with music to make your day. @ d’Albora Marinas, Nelson Bay. ANNA BAY PUBLIC SCHOOL SPRING FAIR & FAMILY FUN DAY 12th Nov. 10am-3pm. All welcome! Market stalls with clothing, homewares, gifts, arts & crafts and food. Carnival rides & entertainment. Lots of fun & games with fantastic prizes to be won. Fair Ride Pass only $25 for unlimited rides. Pre purchase from www.stickytickets.com. au/35669 @ Anna Bay Public School BE A DAY OF YOGA WITH THE LEGENDARY EVE GRZYBOWSKI 12th Nov. 9:30am-4:30pm. Ages: 16yrs+. Cost: $135 (includes light lunch & refreshments). Septuagenarian Eve Grzybowski is affectionately known as Australia’s Grand Dame of Yoga. She is one of our most experienced practitioners and teachers with more than 35 years and a couple of publications under her yoga belt. Whether you are curious to find out how things might turn out if you continue with your practice, or would simply like to share some yogic wisdom on maintaining balance and equilibrium in your life, this is an opportunity not to be missed. @Yogasphere, One Mile. Bookings T: 0415 538 589. www.yogasphere.com.au

TILLIGERRY FESTIVAL FAMILY FUN DAY 19th Nov. Starts 10am. Carnival rides, demonstrations/ games, markets, music, dancing, community group displays, picnic in the park, great food at local cafes, fundraising sausage sizzle and much more. @ Henderson Park, Lemon Tree Passage. www. facebook.com/TilligerryFestival

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES DECEMBER BE BAY DANCE ACADEMY’S

ANNUAL END OF YEAR CONCERT. 3rd Dec. 6:30pm. Beach Party - Under the Sea. @ Tomaree High School Hall. One Show Only 6:30pm. Bookings T: 0421 210 092

ONGOING WORKSHOPS & COURSES BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL HOMEWORK CLUB WITH TUTORING NELSON BAY Every Wednesday (during term time). 4-6pm. Ages: K-12. Cost: $10. All subjects, specialising in maths and science years 5-12. For students wanting help or extension in STEM subjects. Fun science lessons and student directed learning. Tutor is a qualified scientist with 18yrs experience. Max 4 students. @ 2/166 Port Stephens Dr, Salamander Bay. Bookings T: 0425 308 395. www.tutoringnelsonbay.com FREE TO BE ME PARENTS COURSE 26th Oct, 3rd Nov, 4th Nov, 10th Nov & 17th Nov. 7-10pm. Unique Personal Awareness course. Increase your personal self-esteem, guiding you through understanding your core values and belief systems. Learn the tools to release your personal potential, with a little science and meditation, achieve the inner peace you have always desired in a safe and practical way. @ Stockton. Bookings T: Karen Bellchambers 0474 776 305. www.freetobeme.com.au GOT A YOUNG GOLFER IN THE FAMILY? Available all year round. Ages: 24yrs & under. Cost: Starting at $50. Golf is a great game for our young ones. Enjoy the outdoors, develop friendships, manage emotions, spend time with the family and learn good etiquette! Junior Membership starts from $50 a year with unlimited golf, no green fees and they can join any

MARKETS ANNA BAY COMMUNITY MARKETS 1st Saturday of every month. 8:30am-1.30pm. @ 43 Gan Gan Rd; T: Colin 0429 506 802. www. gatewayfamily.org.au/markets MEDOWIE MARKETS 2nd Saturday of every month. 8am-12:30pm. @ The Bull & Bush Motel. T: Medowie Baptist Community Church 4982 9123 NELSON BAY LEGACY MARKETS 1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays of every month. 8:30am-2pm. @ Neil Carroll Park (Fly Point). T: Jeanette Murray 0419 492 009 PORT STEPHENS MARKET 4th Saturday of every month. 9am-1pm. @ Port Stephens Church of Christ, Nelson Bay Rd, Salt Ash. T: 0408 263 760.

of our comps for as little as $5. @ Horizons Golf Resort, Salamander Bay. T: 0414 210 249. www.horizons.com.au NEW SOCCER CLASSES AT RAYMOND TERRACE WITH GOAL SOCCER ACADEMY 11th Oct-13th Dec. Tues 9:30am (2-3yrs)/ 10:15am (3-5yrs). Ages: 3-6yrs. Using a variety of soccer skills and exciting games, we encourage a love of soccer at a young age in a fun and stimulating environment. Improve other important motor and social skills such as balance, co-ordination, teamwork and confidence. FREE TRIALS available. @ Kings Park Sports Complex. Bookings 0435 587 104. www.goalsocceracademy.com PORT STEPHENS FRIENDSHIP GROUP PROMOTING FRIENDSHIPS FOR MEN AND LADIES Last Tuesday of every month. 5pm. A focus of promoting friendship for new and old residents. After meeting, enjoy dinner together in the Brasserie. The group also organises social functions and events. @ Diggers, Nelson Bay. To learn more about this group phone Fran on T: 4981 0611. 4 WEEK GUIDED MEDITATION GROUP FOR SELFEMPOWERMENT & INNER PEACE Starts 10th Oct & 7th Nov. 7-8pm. Cost: $55. @ Nelson Bay. Bookings T: 0418 336 482. www.heartconnection.com.au RAYMOND TERRACE COMMUNITY MARKETS 3rd Saturday of every month. 9am-2pm. @ Riverside Park. T: Jenny 0412 721 723. E: rtcommunitymarkets@bigpond.com SACRED TREE MARKETS 11th, & 25th Nov / 2nd, 9th & 30th Dec. 4-9pm. @ d’Albora Marinas. www. sacredtreemarkets.com.au SPECTRUM FARMERS & ARTISAN MARKET 3rd Saturday of every month. 9am-1pm. @ Spectrum, Anna Bay. E: admin@spectrumchurch. com.au. T: 4981 9339. www. spectrumchurch.com.au TANILBA BAY MARKETS 3rd Saturday of every month. 9am-1pm. @ President Wilson Walk. T: 4984 5931 or 4982 3059 TOMAREE MARKETS 2nd & 4th Sundays of every month. 8am-2pm. @ Tomaree Sports Complex. T: 0448 242660

Issue 24: Whats On In Our Backyard

What’sOn

Tastes At The Bay

See The Pure Joy On Your Child’s Face With The Mrs Claus Experience... Coming Soon!

“Our community deserves these types of family focused events… it enhances community experience and provides an educational experience.” Tastes at the Bay is returning this November and is sure to be a fantastic weekend for locals, families, tourists and businesses. After taking a gap year in 2015, the festival is returning over 5th and 6th November 2016, new and improved with a number of additional features. Occurring at 4 key locations; Nelson Bay CBD, Apex Park, The d’Albora Marina and the cruise boat port, the festival offers; a Progressive Jazz Luncheon, the showcase of signature dishes from local eateries, cooking demonstrations, celebrity chefs, a high tea, live music, a town crier and a twilight fair. Local businesses will have the opportunity to showcase and trade their best produce, with attendees being able to try local produce including wine, food, cheese, olives and chocolate. The Progressive Jazz Luncheon will involve an entrée on board the Spirit of Port, a main meal at Salamander Shores and dessert at The Point Restaurant Soldiers Point; with jazz music accompanying each course. The events run over the entire weekend and provide something for everyone.

The Mrs Claus Experience is an unscripted, interactive opportunity for your child to spend 10 minutes in open dialogue with Mrs Claus in her sumptuously decorated grotto style living room, where she will happily receive your child’s letter to Santa and deliver it to him. She will also ensure a personal reply from Santa is delivered to your child’s mail box before 25th December. During this magical experience, candid images will capture your child’s special moment with Mrs Clause and we are certain that once experienced, this will become a Christmas tradition your family will look forward to year after year. The unscripted and interactive nature of this experience will ensure each set of images will be individual and unique to your child’s experience. To allow us to create a personalised letter from Santa, there will be a downloadable questionnaire to complete. Where: Salamander Bay Cost: $50 Includes:

Peter Clough, one of the festival’s organisers, says it’s an incredible opportunity for the community, particularly local businesses, who are able to showcase their produce to a large audience of local consumers. He says, not only will local eateries be able to conduct cooking demonstrations, but they will have the ability to trade and provide a real “culinary experience”. Furthermore, he says the new additions to the festival provide an opportunity for local schools, particularly hospitality students, to be involved; thereby providing an educational element. With the involvement of local and celebrity chefs, he says “The festival is great for a hands on educational experience. Hospitality students, particularly, have the opportunity of working with professionals who have been working in the trade for many years.” Similarly, the weekend will be full of family fun, for example cupcake icing competitions for the kids, or food and wine matching activities for the adults. Peter says “Families are encouraged to attend as most of the activities are designed for family participation.”

• 10 minutes with Mrs Claus in her grotto style living room

The official launch will be held at Apex Park on Friday 4th November 2016. To volunteer or get involved in any way, email admin@nelsonbaybusiness.com or contact Peter on 0414798195.

www.squareshoephotography.com

KU PENINSULA PRESCHOOL KU Peninsula provides an educational program that caters to the individual needs and interests of each child. We employ qualified, experienced staff and have an attractive natural environment with a large outdoor area where children can play, discover and learn. We are proud to be the only local service rated as ‘Exceeding’ the NQS. Enrolments are now open for 2017. A: 60 Pershing Place, Tanilba Bay / T: 4982 3398 E: ku.peninsula@ku.com.au / www.ku.com.au/ku.peninsula

www.whatsoninourbackyard.com.au

• One personalised letter from Santa (additional letters $5 each) • Three printed images 6x8 • Additional images available at just $10 each When: The final dates for December will soon be confirmed and will be advertised on the Square Shoe

Photography and What’s On in Our Backyard Facebook pages.

A $10 non-refundable deposit secures your place. All staff have a current WWCC. Square Shoe Photography is available for all of your photography needs and prides itself on being unique and quirky in our approach, as our motto says, ‘Always Aspire To Be Better Than Normal’. Square Shoe Photography T: 0451 200 731 Facebook: Square Shoe Photography Instagram: @Square_Shoe_Photography

Education&Tuturing

The Awkward Years - by Kalinda Colley -

I remember being in high school and one of my favourite teachers said “you may be self-conscious now, and you probably think everyone is always looking at you and judging you. But they aren’t and that will change, you will grow out of it”. Despite feeling exactly the way she described, my 17 year old self, after spending a significant time in the morning doing my hair and makeup, didn’t quite believe the phase would pass. Now in my twenties, this was some of the best advice I ever received. At the time, you think your teenage years are the best years of your life; you gain some independence, have new experiences and, most of the time, feel like a grown up. I have very fond memories of my teens, however, with them flows the memories of feeling under pressure to decide what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I was relatively lucky and knew what I wanted; however, that didn’t make the pressure of achieving those goals any more bearable.

- T U TO R IN G EN R O LIN G N OW -

My brother, Jackson, is currently completing year 12, and I constantly see him having that same internal struggle; not only trying to decide what’s next, but trying to balance his obligations and wants. The teenage years are awkward, weird and enjoyable all at the same time. I didn’t really know myself, and I guess that’s just part of life; but how do you help and direct a teen through this important phase of their life? Helen LePage, co-owner of Free to Be Me, says both teens and parents struggle trying to circumnavigate these years. “I’m always astounded by the number of parents that are scared by the fact that their children are about to become teens”. Free to Be Me runs courses aimed at achieving passions through things like improved self-esteem. The courses operate from Anna Bay, are open to children, teens and adults and usually run over one or two days. Helen says they not only deal with self-esteem, but things such as coping with death, expressing your emotions and bullying. Helen says “often bullies… need positions of authority… they start to understand that those strong traits… can be used in a positive way.” Helen says she always finds it effective to include parents in the process. “If the parents have some idea of self-esteem themselves, often it is a lot easier for the child…the parent can show them how it’s done.” The courses try to get participants interacting with each other and learning a bit about themselves. Helen says teenagers are all about the group and it is hard for others to understand that or be a part of it. For example; she says as we become adults we learn to bargain with ourselves to achieve a better life balance; but for teenagers it’s all or nothing. They don’t know how to bargain with themselves and as adults we are unable to relate to that. Similarly, while they often have high levels of empathy they may not have figured out how to show their emotions yet. But that’s just the human experience. “I think parents don’t remember that they may not have had a lot of self-confidence when they were young…so they forgot that’s what it’s like for their child,” Helen says. Sometimes, even as adults we need a little nudge in the right direction. Free to Be Me is about learning to parent with confidence by promoting self-esteem and personal awareness. The courses, particularly the mixed teen and adult night, can guide you both through a foreign time. Issue 24: Whats On In Our Backyard

Education

Celebrating The Personal Achievements Of Our Young People - St Philip's Christian College, Port Stephens -

Three students this year have reached personal milestones through the activities of the Japanese Cultural Society (JCS) at our College. JCS activities are run during sport time and can be continued throughout schooling at St Philipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christian College. In addition to mastering martial arts and Japanese language, JCS students must meet school standards and expectations to pass their grading. As they progress, students assume roles as mentors to more junior students. The JCS is a community of students dedicated to excellence and self-improvement and a space of nurture that develops and showcases both charismatic and quiet but powerful student leaders. An example of dedication to personal excellence is Monique Conna of Year 10. She has worked tirelessly to improve and finally received an award this year recognising her ability to write 35 Kanji characters from memory. This is a fine achievement, even in mainstream Japanese classes. More recently, she was passed in her first JCS grading. Monique is indeed an example of determination and personal success. Olivia Martin of Year 8 celebrates being the first Stage 4 student to be awarded a JCS brown belt and is now aiming at her red

Olivia + Shannon belt (the level immediately below black belt). A student of the local Robyn Yvette Dance & Talent Centre, Olivia is also about to take Intermediate Foundation (including pointe) and Grade 6 Royal Academy of Dance ballet exams. A student of Jazz and Modern dance, she also competes in winning dance teams at eisteddfods throughout NSW. Presently ranked top of her cohorts in Japanese, Olivia is a key member of the Student International Committee. The committee assists in promoting language and culture education at the College, welcoming visitors from Yugawara (Port Stephensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sister city) and preparing for biennial College trips to Japan. Olivia is preparing for her own trip to Japan in September with school. A cultured student who raises the culture level of those around her, Olivia loves reading and Japanese animation. This quiet achiever hopes to practise law one day. Another quiet achiever, Shannon Pollard of Year 10 is a true leader. Since kindergarten, she has received significant awards at the end of every school year including awards for excellence in design, science, art and, of course, Japanese. She has repeatedly left her comfort zone since Year 7 by delivering public speeches and representing the school in activities ranging from Science and Engineering challenges and Robocup competitions. Aside from academic and cultural pursuits, she has worked in the background on community building projects such as sporting house promotion. After much perseverance, Shannon now leads the JCS at our college. The first student to attain her red belt, she is aiming for her black belt next year and formal coaching accreditation the following year. As an assistant coach, she caringly nurtures strength and confidence in her juniors with one parent recently describing Shannon as her daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role model. Last year Shannon served on student council and is presently Secretary of the Student International Committee. She will report to the Port Stephens Sister City Committee regarding cultural exchange following her return from the 2016 trip to Japan. Incidentally, Shannon started saving for this trip in 2015 and paid the entire cost of the trip without parental assistance. Aside from improving her knowledge of Japanese, the Japan trip will lead toward her Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award. It is an honour and a privilege to teach people who lead by example. It is appropriate to celebrate their individual milestones and achievements and to applaud their commitment to personal excellence.

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An Innovative And Inclusive Community

Students at St Michael’s Catholic School

St Michael’s Catholic School Nelson Bay is a middle size community school with 14 classes from Kindergarten to Year 6. Our school is set on 2.128 hectares and has a variety of classrooms, library, hall, spacious play area which includes a beautiful treed area, basketball court, large field as well as a modern play equipment area. Our Catholic identity permeates everything we do in the day and our Catholic values are very important to all aspects of our school life. While we are very proud of our history and many Suellen Wilson achievements to date, we are excited that our school community continues to grow and evolve to meet the diverse and complex educational needs of our current generation of young people to engage in their changing and often challenging worlds.

ST MICHAEL’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL K-6

With a particular focus on developing innovative and creative learning experiences and environments, our school is well placed to look ahead with hope and confidence to be able to meet the learning needs of future generations of children for many years to come. St Michael’s has earned a good reputation in the local community and has a culture of high expectations of students academically and socially, and offers excellent Literacy, Numeracy and extra curricula programs. The school employs an intervention teacher as well as an extension teacher working with all students K - Year 6. The staff is dedicated and continually evaluates the effectiveness of the teaching/learning programs throughout the school. Learning is change and change is learning, not governed by set limits or parameters, where focusing on the positive is essential. We also have a variety of groups that run during the lunch break. These include a horticultural group, a chess group, a games group and craft group. St Michael's has a very vibrant Mini Vinnies group involving students from Year 3 to Year 6. The students meet every week during their lunch time to discuss various ways, we as a school, can show outreach to others. Twice a year, Easter and Christmas our primary students visit the various Nursing Homes in the area to sing songs, give Easter Eggs or Christmas Cards as well as chat with the residents. Both the students and the residents benefit greatly from these visits. Parents and Friends are a welcomed community asset to any school community. St Michael's is blessed to have a wonderful P & F. The P & F is not only there to assist with the fundraising activities for the school but more importantly for social events. One of the most important events is the welcoming Disco and BBQ which is held at the beginning of each year. This is a great way for new students and parents to be welcomed into the school community. This year the main focus for our P & F is a School Fete to be held on Sunday, October 23. Each class has taken on the responsibility of a stall; these include Haunted House, Treasure Chest worth $1000, Show Bags, Fairy/Super Hero Outfits, Thermomix Raffle as well as many food stalls and of course a Chocolate Wheel. The main attraction for this year's Fete is the 'STUNT JUMP'. Students, or parents if they are game, climb 7 metres up a ladder and then free fall into a specially designed jump mat. If you hear screams from St Michael's on that day don't worry it will only be the thrill seekers enjoying the jump. Come and join us on the day and be game to take the jump.

An innovative, Inclusive Community. Enrolling now for 2017. A: 12 Sproule Street, Nelson Bay / T: 4981 1111 E: admin@nelsonbay.catholic.edu.au www.nelsonbay.catholic.edu.au

- C HIL D C A R E EN R O LIN G N OW SALAMANDER CHILD CARE CENTRE Salamander Child Care Centre is taking expressions of interest for enrolments in 2018. SCCC is an accredited service with an overall rating of exceeding the National Standards. SCCC provides children with opportunities to explore the natural world and to learn important skills for life through play based learning. Children are engaged, challenged and stimulated in a nurturing environment. Children, too precious for profit. www.salamanderchildcarecentre.com Address: 155 Salamander Way, Salamander Bay Phone: 4982 0777

SALAMANDER GUMNUTS PRESCHOOL & LONG DAY CARE CENTRE Salamander Gumnuts is a 56 place centre caring for children aged 2-5 years. The centre is open 48 weeks per year, Monday to Friday between the hours of 7am-6pm. We have 3 large air conditioned rooms and large shady outdoor area. Our qualified Early Childhood Educators provide a safe, caring and stimulating environment with an emphasis on learning through play. A: 53/55 Salamander Way, Salamander Bay T: 4984 6846 / E: admin@gumnuts.net.au

We believe “It takes a community to raise a child.” Issue 24: Whats On In Our Backyard

Education

Innovative Learning - by Kalinda Colley -

The classroom has well and truly moved beyond traditional learning. The 21st century learner, or Neo-Millennium learners, learn by doing and collaborating. With great access to technology, especially the internet, they are not afraid of making mistakes and are even more inventive and creative than years before. Having access to interactive touch devices, like phones and iPads etc, it has definitely altered the classroom into a more exciting, ever changing space! Liz Johnson, primary school teacher, says “technology allows students to access the curriculum in a way that is authentic to their real lives. These days, technology is familiar and comfortable to learners, more so than pencil and paper. We as teachers, are preparing students for the 21st century and potentially for jobs which may not even exist yet.” Megan from Desire Audio Visual, says she regularly witnesses first-hand the multiple benefits for children. She says, they are actively involved in lessons that are outside the realms of ‘old school’ main stream learning. Teaching and learning combined are more effectively achieved with the technology being compatible to each other, easy to use, saving time on lesson planning and “future proof”, meaning they automatically update. The key, however, is in the quality of the equipment. Megan says you can really see the difference in quality especially in the image. Newer projectors and screens have a clearer, brighter image…“if the image isn’t clear you are going to strain the children’s eyes”. Similarly, where equipment has not been installed properly it is not going to function effectively. For example; Megan says if a cable is too long, the signal may not be strong enough to push through, therefore causing the equipment to be inoperable or of poor quality. Richard, Director of Desire Audio Visual, says he often sees poorly installed equipment that doesn’t suit the needs of the organisation and will continue to pose operational problems after purchase; for example if cables are not hidden and run Promethean Endorsement: “Desire Audio Visual is the premium supplier and installer of PROMETHEAN products in the Newcastle and Hunter region and was awarded ‘Promethean Reseller Award 2015’.

through a wall plate, then not only are they a safety hazard, but the equipment is going to wear at a much faster pace and reduce the value of the purchase. He says, on the other hand, he takes “a personal interest in all of our installations and will make sure that the customer is happy with their investment both at the initial installation and for years to come after.” Learning is now focused heavily around the inclusion of technology. However, if the product is not well suited, or properly installed, it may end up being completely ineffective. If you are after more information or a demonstration give Megan or Richard a call, they will be more than happy to point you in the right direction. Megan and Richard’s top tips for purchasing audio visual equipment: 1

Don’t be afraid to change suppliers. Do a bit of research, ask for advice and make sure to ask the supplier why they are recommending the product and how it is best suited to your needs.

Make sure the hardware and the service you are purchasing is covered by a solid warranty. Check not only the length but the terms and conditions. Is it onsite or back to base? A new board may carry additional freight charges.

Check pricing on consumables and how long they are likely to last. For example; some projector globes can be more expensive than a new projector – compare the brands before you purchase.

Speak with other organisations about their equipment and experience. Ask for feedback and recommendations.

K now your budget and ask for any discounts on multi-room purchases.

SPECIAL OFFERS

Promethean Trade in offer: Trade in any old, broken or damaged interactive equipment to receive special trade in pricing on the NEW Promethean Interactive V4 Panel. SMART refresh program: Trade in any old, broken or damaged interactive equipment to receive a 7%-15% discount on SMART interactive display.

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PartyTime PA RT Y S E RV I C E S

For a comprehensive list of local Party Services and Venues, visit www.whatsoninourbackyard.com.au/directory/party-time FRENZY FACES

Face Painting, Glitter Tattoos & Prenatal Belly Painting.

Welcome to the world of Imagination & Creativity! Two-dimensional art on a three-dimensional canvas. Using approved cosmetic grade products. Insured/WWC check. LIKE us on Facebook for more info or call the number below. Available for Children’s Parties & Events in the Port Stephens area. Affordable fun to put a smile on everyone’s face! T: Loretta on 0410 560 488 / www.frenzyfaces.com.au Find us on Facebook: FrenzyFaces

MASQUERADE FANCY DRESS COSTUME HIRE UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT. Thousands of low price, high quality costumes for hire and also a selected range of costumes to buy. Costumes for adults & children for all occasions. Our friendly staff can help. Open Every Day except Sunday. We also stock an extensive range of masks, costumes and accessories at affordable prices. A: 104 High St, East MaitlandT: 4934 1907 / 0414 310 240 E: masqueradecostumehire@hotmail.com Find us on Facebook

SAND DUNE SAFARIS

An exciting, heart thumping, action packed experience suitable for all ages. Our gear doesn’t hurt - no projectiles, no pain or mess! Games are run by our experienced staff. Laser Tag 2 U - Laser Tag. Anywhere T: 1300 661 565 / www.lasertag2U.com.au

Sand Boarding Parties Come and spend a few hours surfing the sand dunes, including a fun 4WD ride into the dunes. Suitable for kids of all ages from 2 to 92. Bring an esky with your food and drinks, we supply shade, table and chairs for your guests (exclusively for your use!) We have an instructor that will show you how to sand board, and best of all, you can stay as long as you like! Affordable and memorable party fun! T: 0425 213 096 / E: sanddunesafaris@live.com.au

ZONE ACTIVE GYM PARTY SUPERSTRIKE SUPER PARTIES Parties starting from $14 per person A: 270 Sandy Point Road, Salamander Bay / T: 4981 4000 FB: SuperStrike Salamander Bay

www.superstrike.com.au

2 hours of Hosted Party Fun! The most exhausting party in the world. 100% exclusive use of gym. Up to 15 kids for one low price of $250. Crossfit - Swing - Lift - Bounce Tumble. BYO Food, drink and party utensils. Extra children $15 each. Get the party started! T: 0421 210 092 A: 6/86 Port Stephens Drive, Taylors Beach (next to Choices Flooring www.zoneactivefitness.com.au / Find us on Facebook

THOUSANDS... of local parents are connecting daily to What’s On In Our Backyard through Facebook. It’s a fantastic real time resource where you can find up to the minute details on things to do in Port Stephens as well as local news and other family interest info. So join in the conversation now and connect with other local parents.

www.facebook.com/whatsoninourbackyard LOCAL PEOPLE SHARING LOCAL INFORMATION Issue 24: Whats On In Our Backyard