COAST magazine Autumn 2024

AUTUMN/WINTER 2024

DISCOVER THE COAST FROM THE AIR / 8 BEST DATE NIGHTS (AND DAYS)

A MAJOR INDIGENOUS ART COLLECTION ON THE COAST / THE COAST AFTER DARK

CREATIVE WELLNESS RETREAT

This is a rare opportunity to relax and rejuvenate in the gentle hands of our local Wellness experts. Gift your body and soul the incredible benefits of one deeply inspiring and powerful weekend in nature, including:

Plant-based nourishment

Sound yoga & meditation

Mindfulness sessions

Nature-inspired art class

Aromatic massage

Cooking class

Cacao ceremony and so much more…

Limited placements are available for this one-off event. Scan here or call Noonaweena on 4376 1290 today.

April 5-7th

Central Coast Hinterland

DISCO V ER Y OUR NEXT CHAPTER , WITH THE BROTHERS AT.. .

JL PROPERTY C O

Our Story

After 40 years servicing the Peninsula, DM Goodsell Real Estate is proud to announce their next chapter John Schoonbeek and his sons Joshua and Luke have created a rich legacy based on ethics and the ability to tailor their service to their clients’ needs

In 2023, John’s sons purchased the business embarking DM Goodsell Real Estate on a new chapter, trading as JL Property Co.

With more than 3,000 clients and 500+ strata complexes JL Property Co have a team of property experts providing guidance in buying, selling, investing, renting, or managing your strata, they are here to help you discover your next chapter...

“Your property journey is unique, and we are here to ensure it is a smooth and rewarding experience.”

Our Services

Sales Property Management Strata Management

Autumn/ Winter 2024

WELCOME 6

COMPETITION

Central Coast Airshow family passes 7

DISCOVER THE COAST & LAKES

Map 8

From the air 9

LOVING LOCAL

Copacabana 18

8 Best date nights (and days) 21

TALES OF TWO

Adrienne Ferreira and Rob Carlton 26

FEATURE

The Central Coast is home to a major Indigenous art collection 28

EAT & DRINK

Joshua Mason at Meribella 34

LOVING LOCAL

The Central Coast after dark 36

COAST LIVING

In Mardi, discover the ultimate in classic elegance…

Design matters: planning a kitchen 48

Wish you had your own personal real estate agent?

History relives in a Holgate home 52

A timeless treasure in Spencer 54

COMPETITION

Words on the Waves weekend staycation 59

DESTINATIONS

A micro Outback adventure 60

A different Vietnam 64

WELL BEING

COAST VIBES

Give me an opera among the gumtrees… 76

Young, local and oh so talented 78

OUT & ABOUT 82

Embark on a wellness journey that embraces nature 66

Embracing life’s hot flashes 70

Timeless beauty 72

Ex-racehorses’ super sensitivity is helping others 74

COAST FAMILIES

Kids’ parties 86

Wilbur the wombat who loves zoomies 88

Which high school for high potential and gifted learners 89

PEARL MEAT & OYSTERS

PEARL FARM TOURS

BROKEN BAY SHELLAR

PEARLS & JEWELLERY

©

Welcome

We had a lot of fun putting this issue together for you. To bring you a bird’s eye view of the Central Coast we of course had to take to the air ourselves so we could write firsthand about the experience! I’ve always thought of our region as having so much natural bushland, but from the air it was overwhelmingly waterways, rivers, lagoons and, of course, kilometres of coastline.

Our writers also forced themselves to go on date nights with their patient partners so they could bring you the best date night ideas. It’s a tough life when you’re dedicated to your job.

And did you know there was a major Indigenous art collection, right here in Gosford? Because it’s housed in a clinical research institute building it can’t generally be open to the public but we’ve managed to get a guided tour just for COAST readers! Drop us an email if you’d like to come along.

We have pages and pages of exciting and interesting activities around the Coast: things to do after dark, kids’ party ideas, music among the gumtrees, young theatre performers, the 2024 Words on the Waves writers’ festival – and more, so read on!

Enjoy.

Catharine Retter

COAST

EDITOR, PUBLISHER

Catharine Retter editorial@coastpublishing.com.au

SUB EDITOR

Helen Hayes

ART DIRECTOR

Jude Rowe, Agave Creative Group

PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lisa Haymes

PRINCIPAL WRITERS

Megan Arkinstall • Flip Byrnes • Jennifer Ennion

Suzy Jarratt • Catharine Retter • Sheriden Rhodes

Gillean Shaw • Paul Urquhart •Tara Wells • Julie Wright

ILLUSTRATORS

Maps: Guy Holt • Lauren Merrick

ADVERTISING

Anissa Vineburg 0408 692 129 Lyndal Keyzer 0432 800 150 advertising@coastpublishing.com.au

SOCIAL MEDIA

Julie Wright, Anchor Co. admin@coastpublishing.com.au

DISTRIBUTION

Alex Tkachenko admin@coastpublishing.com.au

ADMINISTRATION admin@coastpublishing.com.au

COAST is published by Coast Publishing

ABN 11 145 976 049 PO Box 6407 Kincumber NSW 2251

COPYRIGHT AND WARRANTIES

The editorial content, photographic content, design and graphic art (including design of any advertisements by Coast Publishing) are all subject to copyright and must not be reproduced in any form without written permission from Coast Publishing.

While we strive to ensure information contained in this magazine is correct and current at the time of printing, details may be subject to change and we recommend contacting venues or event organisers before planning your visit. The information contained in this magazine has been provided by contributors, interviewees and advertisers and their sources.

No warranty is given by Coast Publishing as to the accuracy of this information nor any liability arising from any reliance upon the information contained herein.

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We wish to acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, the Awabakal and Darkinjung peoples and their Elders past and present. We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship with the land.

ON THE COVER Long Jetty by Jim Picot

ANDY SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY

2 FAMILY PASSES TO BE WON CENTRAL COAST AIRSHOW

May 25, 26 2024

HIGH ENERGY AEROBATICS • SKYACES

RACE CAR vs STUNT PLANE DRAG RACE

SPITFIRE • CA-18 MUSTANG • P-40 KITTYHAWK

• CAC BOOMERANG • YAK 52 • EDGE 540

• LOCKHEED HUDSON

Win the chance to join us for a heart-pounding experience as some of Australia’s top jet-fighter pilots take to the skies as well as aerobatic pilots showcasing gravity-defying aerobatics, and an array of aircraft to mesmerise any plane enthusiast.

This is an event all the family will enjoy and offers not only thrilling air displays but also interactive exhibits, markets and street food, as well as a memorable atmosphere at the Central Coast’s very own airport at Warnervale.

Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or just seeking an unforgettable weekend, enter now for your chance to win a family pass and be part of this spine-tingling event.

Just tell us why you’d like to win by entering at coastmagazine.com.au or use the QR code. Terms and Conditions are listed with the entry form on the website.

*F-35A participation is subject to Defence operational requirements.

CENTRAL COAST AND LAKES

Villages & Beaches

DISCOVER THE COAST & LAKES

From the Air

WORDS CATHARINE RETTER

FOR MOST OF US, THE EXPERIENCE OF AIR TRAVEL FEELS A BIT LIKE BEING A PRINGLE CHIP CONCERTINAED INTO A SEAT IN A LONG ALUMINIUM TUBE. BUT TAKE TO THE SKIES FROM WARNERVALE AIRPORT IN A LIGHT PLANE TO SOAR ABOVE THE CENTRAL COAST AND LAKE MACQUARIE AND YOU UNDERSTAND WHY BIRDS AND PILOTS LOVE FLYING. 8

Davistown, Lintern Channel, Broadwater and Brisbane Water.

There’s an adrenalin rush as you look through the windscreen to see, hear and feel the plane gather speed. With ground speeds up to 110 km, the end of the runway looms. A safety gap trimmed through the treetops– ironically referred to by locals as the Jane Smith Gap –indicates your path upwards. Suddenly earthbound noises disappear; trees and toy cars pass under you.

There’s a quiet as the world opens up as far as you can see. A lone wispy cloud nudges the windscreen. Budgewoi and Tuggerah Lakes divide themselves with a bridge so far below. And then there are the beaches and the ocean stretching blue towards a curved horizon. Yes Virginia, the Earth is curved.

You recognise earthbound features and landmarks. You hear yourself saying, ‘Oh look, there’s The Entrance, look how shallow it is’. Pelicans fly in a flight path formation below you, casting small shadows beneath themselves.

© JENNIFER HARTICH

© PAUL MURNANE

The tall, white monolith of Norah Lighthouse looks like a humble matchstick from up here, ready to be lit at night.

Norah Head

Crackneck Lookout has never looked so steep or so far down to the sea. It’s painfully obvious carelessly grazing cows (responsible for the lookout’s name) that once tumbled down its slope stood no chance.

Bridge over The Entrance.

The cliff face at Copacabana looms, surprisingly pitted with sea caves and a chasm that is chiselling its way deep into the cliff.

Terrigal Haven, where The Skillion looks like a wide, grassy slippery slide. The boardwalk from The Haven to Terrigal invitingly hugs the curve of the rockface, and ant-like people in bright shirts and sunhats meander along its timber trail.

© ANDY SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY

© ANDY SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY

The distant Sydney skyline beckons. Below, the Bouddi coastline and national park unfold in languid splendour. The plane skirts Lion Island and curves around Box Head and you head homeward over

There’s so much green, the bush and hinterland stretches and stretches with glimpses of lakes and Mardi Dam. A twisting Wyong River glints in sunlight. If you didn’t love the Coast before, you will

And, if you love the might and drama of Spitfires, Kittyhawks and Central Coast Air Show information and bookings: centralcoastairshow.com.au

Bouddi National Park, Little Beach across to Brisbane Water and Gosford.

Umina and Pearl Beach across to Lion Island and Palm Beach.

Scenic Flights

Learn to fly

Aerobatic flights

Hang gliding

Para gliding, tandem para gliding

Gliding

Parachuting, sky diving

Helicopter flights

Seaplane flights

Flyboard / Jet Pack

Hot Air Ballooning

Central Coast Aero Club, Warnervale Airport

Royal Newcastle Aero Club, Rutherford

Phil Unicomb Aviation, Pokolbin

Central Coast Aero Club, Warnervale Airport

Matt Hall Racing, Lake Macquarie Airport, Marks Point

Central Coast Sky Surfers

Cloudbase Paragliding, Crackneck Lookout

Central Coast Soaring Club, Mangrove Mountain

Skydive Australia, Lake Macquarie Airport, Marks Point

Skyline Aviation, Lake Macquarie Airport, Marks Point Coast Helicopters, Erina

Sydney Seaplanes

Mount Penang, Central Coast

Balloon Aloft, Hunter Valley

The Central Coast hinterland from Wyong Creek to the Yarramalong Valley.

LOVING Local

COPACABANA

The Coast’s latest cool kid has always been a quiet achiever.

WORDS FLIP BYRNES

Her name was Lola, she was a show girl ...’ When cresting the hill into Copacabana, anyone who can resist playing imaginary maracas and shimmying along to Barry Manilow’s Copacabana is a stronger person than I. That precise moment when the ocean and drowsy village burst into view below is when fingers relax on the steering wheel and those imaginary maracas get an extra little shake.

This 4 km beach has lain under the radar since explorer Captain Cook sailed by on 7 May, 1770. The land, called Tudibaring (meaning ‘where waves pound like a beating heart’), by Indigenous locals, was subdivided in 1954 and named in honour of South America’s golden beach.

If you’re looking for music and passion, it’s never been in fashion at tranquil ‘Copa’ but the long-held relaxed vibe and new eateries are turning heads. Pack your flip flops for life in the slow lane for what both locals and visitors argue is both one of the Coast’s most charming hamlets and Australia’s best-kept beachside secrets.

Whale watching and surf’s up

Don’t confuse ‘quiet’ with ‘nothing to do’. Au contraire. While wave-seeking surfers dot the beachside-viewing platform, from May to August this is also a prime place to watch the humpback whale migration. Or take the steep walk to Captain Cook Lookout with a panoramic view up the spectacular coastline. When a northerly swell washes in, join board riders who flock to the left-hand break at Copa Point.

Baked by the beach

A destination bakery? Yes! In 2019, the small strip of everything-youneed shops from pharmacy to bottle shop and cafés suddenly had a newcomer, Burnt Honey Bakery, kicking off a Copa-cool renaissance. Disciples are drawn from far afield by their artisan honey mustard and cheddar cheese bear claws, sourdough and gluten-free breads. There’s another in Long Jetty, but Copa is the OG. burnthoneybakery.com.au

©

MERRILLIE REDDEN

Refuel

It’s not all croissants. Chic new glam-making Havannah Hair and Beauty will have you primed for a night at Lady Copa Pizzeria e Birra with their gourmet woodfired pizzas made with enticingly fresh ingredients. Making waves also is Ocean Bar Cantina with live music Thursday nights (say hola to their potatas bravas with chili and sweet paprika). Both The Bees Knees Eatery or Copa Beachside Café serve a smooth coffee and bites.

Kid-tastic

You can always find a car park in Copa. I’m sold right there. It’s never a long trip for little legs down to the flags – pause en route on the grass at Artie’s Place, tucked under the Surf Life Saving Club, for Copa’s best caffeine and juicy burgers. Mavis Pool, a sheltered rock pool built in the 1950s by two local women both named Mavis, is toddler

Lagoon perfect for sandcastle digging, paddle boarding, fishing and searching for prawns at night by flashlight. The shoreside shallow waters are perfect for pup play with the off-leash area stretching from 150 m south of Copacabana Beach Surf Life Saving Club to 350 m north of Macmasters Beach Surf Life Saving Club.

Take a hike

Cockrone Lagoon is the natural boundary separating Copacabana and MacMasters Beach, which share Allagai Bay. Wander to ‘Maccas’ rockpool or surfside Mac’s Beach Café. Or 15 minutes south, hike the 1.5 km winding track through sandstone and rainforest to beautiful Maitland Bay C

© JACKIELYN POWELL

© CATHERINE MARSHALL

© MERRILLIE REDDEN

Burnt Honey Bakery

Cockrone Lagoon

8

BEST DATE NIGHTS ( and days )

WORDS MEGAN ARKINSTALL

From a candlelit dinner to a gentle cruise on our waterways, here are eight of the best ways to enjoy a date with your loved one.

1 TABLE FOR TWO

This is classy date territory. Good food and good company – what more do you need? One of our favourite date spots is Swells at Terrigal. Set on the Esplanade, this sophisticated restaurant has front-row views of the ocean from the outdoor terrace and a contemporary Australian menu with creative cocktails. If a daytime date sounds more your style, head to Pearl Beach for a beachfront lunch at Amalfi. Housed within a restored cottage under Norfolk Palms, this chic restaurant serves a menu of modern Italian. Or try the long-awaited refined dining venue at The Beachcomber in Toukley, opening date TBA. Located upstairs at the lakefront hotel, Pelicans Restaurant has expansive water views and a delectable seafood menu… and you know what they say about oysters.

Swells

Swells

Amalfi

© LEIGH GRIFFITHS

2 POTTERY CLASS

While Ghost immediately springs to mind, things are kept a little more fun and casual at Centered Ceramics during the Friday Night Wine and Clay workshop. This is an introductory class where you can hand-sculpt a cup, mug or planter pot with a group of like-minded people alongside BYO wine and a cheese platter. No need to channel Patrick and Demi on the pottery wheel for this one. Leave that for date number two.

4 COUPLES’ DAY SPA

Unwind with your date during a pampering session for two at one of the Coast’s tranquil day spas. Five Star Day Spa at Erina has a Couples Retreat Opulence package, which includes a full body massage, petite facial, foot treatment and couples’ sauna. Vie Spa at Magenta Shores Golf and Spa Resort offers a Couples Embrace package, which includes a dry body brush, hot stone massage and cocoon, foot scrub and scalp massage. And in Tuggerah, Aztec Skin Clinic and Day Spa’s Retreat for Two includes a fruit and cheese platter in its Roman Spa and a couples’ massage.

3 A NIGHT AT THE THEATRE

When was the last time you went to the theatre? Laycock Street Theatre has a packed calendar of upcoming shows that will make for a fun date, no matter your interests. Some of the highlights include the young solo classical pianist, Josh Hooke: Evocations in association with Musica Viva (5 April and the physical theatre, Happy Go Wrong (6 April) winner of the Best Theatre Award at the Adelaide Fringe. And who can resist the romance of A Night of Broadway Hits (20 April). Debrief postshow over a drink and a meal at nearby Hotel Gosford

Josh Hooke: Evocations

Hotel Gosford

Set your sights on a stunning view of Brisbane Water and let your taste buds run wild with the newly launched food and beverage menus at Gosford Sailing Club.

Whether you ' re a curious traveler or a seasoned local, this hidden gem is a must-see.

Spices at Jaipur spice market

PACK A PICNIC

Cosy up on a rug in the autumn sunshine with a romantic picnic. The Central Coast is bursting at the seams with beautiful picnic spots – among the long list, Long Jetty Foreshore, Crackneck Point Lookout, Patonga Foreshore, Munmorah State Conservation Area and Somersby Falls. Pack your own or order one to go: Salt Pig Deli at Erina does an incredible grazing box, while Phat Platters can organise a luxury picnic setting complete with plush cushions and floral arrangements if you really want to impress your date.

6 CHAT OVER DIY COCKTAILS

Meeting for a drink is a first-date winner, but you can make things a little more interesting with a DIY cocktail class. Pocket Bar Terrigal runs a two-hour class, which includes two cocktails; Firescreek Botanical Winery offers Foraging and Mixology Workshops, which include a garden tour, wine tasting, and three blend-your-own mini cocktails; and Lyons Den at Gosford has a cocktail masterclass including a prosecco on arrival, deluxe grazing board and two cocktails.

Firescreek Botanical Winery

Salt Pig Deli

Pocket Bar

CITY VISTA PHOTOGRAPHY

7 DAY TRIP TO PALM BEACH

Hop aboard Palm Beach Ferries from Ettalong to Palm Beach to spend the day at Palmy with a mix of adventure, scenery and delicious food and wine. Do the Barrenjoey Lighthouse walk (three kilometres return) to the heritage lighthouse, which affords panoramic views over Pittwater, then make your way to North Palm Beach for a refreshing swim together. Afterwards enjoy a relaxed lunch for two at Barrenjoey House before jumping back on the ferry located directly across the road.

Barrenjoey House

8

A CRUISY DAY ON LAKE MACQUARIE

It may not be The Love Boat, but we think a cruise on Coast XP’s newly launched 12-seat vessel Hydro might get sparks flying. There are four packages to choose from, departing from Belmont and Swansea, including an Ocean Explorer Tour along the Lake Macquarie coast to the hidden caves of Catherine Hill Bay; a lake cruise and guided nature walk with lunch; a whale discovery tour during migration season; and a two-course lunch package at TINTA Belmont, a contemporary restaurant perched on the lake’s edge.

coastxp.com

Barrenjoey Lighthouse

© JENNIFER ENNION

© JENNIFER ENNION

© BLACK DIAMOND IMAGES

TALES OF TWO

It’s a marriage of creativity for author Adrienne Ferreira and actor Rob Carlton.

WORDS TARA WELLS

When Adrienne Ferreira first met Rob Carlton, at the University of Sydney in her early 20s, she was unimpressed. It wasn’t until returning from an overseas working holiday that she gave him a chance. They started as friends but, as Adrienne says, ‘The more time I spent with him, the more intrigued I was.’

The Avoca residents have now been married 24 years.

Rob is a familiar face to many from acting in just about every popular Australian TV series, including a Logie award-winning turn as Kerry Packer in the ABC’s Paper Giants, as well as writing, producing, directing and starring in Chandon Pictures

For him, the decision to prioritise his writing and performing came early. He’d been working shifts selling telephones to make ends meet then, ‘I got to the end of the week and I hadn't written any of my play. I realised that I was offering him [the employer] much more respect than I was offering myself.’

Rob’s solution to create more writing time was to emcee corporate events, a more lucrative buffer against the whims of acting gigs than temping or hospitality jobs.

Early in their relationship, Rob’s response to Adrienne’s urging him to get a ‘real job’ between acting gigs was to suggest that Adrienne leave her job. Rob’s single-minded prioritising of his creative endeavours encouraged Adrienne to pursue her own dreams.

‘She ended up taking part-time work and getting started on her novel,’ he says.

Adrienne’s debut novel Watercolours was published in 2011.

Despite both pursuing creative careers, it’s only recently the two have officially started working together. They’ve teamed up to present monthly, live storytelling evenings at various Central Coast venues.

With the tagline, ‘True stories told well’, Bravewords Live features six speakers, each telling a 10-minute story from their own experience. Frequently including Adrienne and Rob as two of the storytellers, speakers are both established performers and emerging writers. From heart-wrenching to laugh-out-loud, the only criteria is that the story really happened.

‘It's not so much performance as a sort of sharing. It's like an ancient practice of sitting around the campfire telling stories that we don't tend to do much anymore.’ says Adrienne.

The events’ success – consistently booking out since its 2022 beginnings – depends in part on the creative marriage of the two.

But choosing a creative life path isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Alongside a love of writing, Adrienne also experienced feelings of loneliness while working on her novel. It was the catalyst for Adrienne starting Bravewords, offering in-person classes on biography and memoir, telling stories drawn from real life. It was Rob’s suggestion, though, to capitalise on the burgeoning storytelling community Adrienne was nurturing through Bravewords by turning it into a live event.

‘Initially it was this idea of giving ourselves a reason to write regularly, and invite other people to share their stories’, says Adrienne, ‘but now it's just growing and growing because people responded.’

The couple have found that their shared passion for storytelling events have struck a wider chord. ‘It opens up deeper conversations that mean something to people. We're both interested in that.’

Bravewords Live is at Lyons Den, Gosford on the last Sunday in the month, except in March when it will be held a week earlier on 24 March because of Easter. bravewords.com.au

Rob Carlton and Adrienne Ferreira.

© TARA WELLS

The Central Coast is home to a major

INDIGENOUS ART COLLECTION

WORDS GILLEAN SHAW

Unbeknown to many people, the Central Coast houses an extensive and valuable Indigenous art collection located in the Central Coast Clinical School and Research Institute adjacent to Gosford Hospital. It was established in collaboration with the Central Coast Local Health District and the University of Newcastle. Gillean Shaw, the University’s Art Curator, had the privilege of sourcing and curating the collection.

he idea of the Indigenous art collection stemmed from initial conversations around the design of the building and the importance of incorporating Indigenous perspectives and acknowledgement of the extraordinary and ancient landscapes of Darkinung country.

The call went out to local artists to have ‘first dibs’ in providing the contemporary artwork throughout the public spaces of the building, including well-known Coast residents such as Gavi Duncan, Gary Purchase and Wendy Pawley.

Muralist, Brontë Naylor and her team collaborated with Aunty Donella Waters and Dylan Finney to recreate ‘Sea Eagle Over ’ on a huge scale. The eagle, representing both hope and the future, is 20 metres high and soars across the exterior of the building. It is visible from Rumbalara to the Gosford Railway Station.

The design that sits behind it is an element from one of Donella’s images found inside the building, ‘Inspired by Dilly Bags’ painted in honour of the love and care that her grandmother bestowed on her Kamilaroi grandchildren as they grew up on the Toomelah mission in northwestern NSW.

‘She loved fishing and would take us grandchildren with her clutching her dilly bag as we walked all the way to the river,’ Donella says. ‘Even though the bag was old and well used, to ensure nothing dropped out she would wrap everything very neatly into a small tablecloth and tie a knot with the four corners and put it into the dilly bag. We never got to see her packing all her goodies into the tablecloth, but one thing was for sure, there were always little treats for us kids in that dilly bag.’

Aunty Donella Waters and Dylan Finney Sea Eagle over Darkinung 2021 Collaborative artwork and digital illustration Hand painted mural in Murobond paint by Brontë Naylor

In the spirit of collaboration and community, local brothers Grant and Russ Molony created work that responded specifically to the same brief given to the building’s designers, to focus on the characteristics of the natural environment and the distinctive plants and wildlife that define the Coast. In their diptych, ‘Above and Below’, the artists have interwoven the connection of sky, land and sea, hoping to inspire ‘a moment of reflection and appreciation upon the sheer beauty of nature at our doorstep and in the process bring the natural world into the built environment.’

Once the local artwork was sourced, the hunt was on for work that spoke to the huge variety of contemporary First Nations’ art from art centres in the APY Lands of South Australia, the town camps of Alice Springs, Western Australia, Arnhem Land and the Tiwi and Torres Strait Islands.

In the collection, a beautiful suite of works represents the Warmun community on Gija country in the East Kimberly region of Western Australia. It was here that the famous artist, Rover Thomas, the first Aboriginal artist to be exhibited at the Venice Biennale, lived on the Canning Stock Route. His influence is still seen today, particularly in the use of the harvested ochres that are used as pigment. The works of two of the senior artists from this community, Charlene Carrington and Mabel Juli, are the first that visitors see in the foyer alongside the

Darkinung Stone 2021 sandstone and ironstone Dimensions variable

Joel Grogan Lomandra weaving 2020 Ink on architectural tracing paper (vectorised for vinyl print) Courtesy the artist

NEED TYRES? WE’VE GOT THE COAST COVERED”

Exquisitely detailed barks from Yirrkala in North-East Arnhem land are featured on level 10 of the building, with works from the last exhibition by the revered Ms M Wirrpanda. The community gave their approval for release of these barks in the knowledge that they would be on exhibition in this building and able to be viewed by the public, rather than disappearing into a private collection.

The idea of natural materials that provide warmth, familiarity and are grounded in nature, was also considered by artist and designer, Joel Grogan, a Kuku-Jelandji man from Cairns. He looked at weaving as it has been employed for shelter, and as places for protection and gathering. The simple elements of weft and weave were the idea behind his glazing detail used through the internal spaces of the building and also for the external western face. Joel grew up on Darkinung and Awabakal land and wove the form from local lomandra plants. He then created a hand drawn design that provides privacy for the spaces within, making the spaces warm and beautiful.

On a very wet day, Darren Nolan, a lecturer from the University of Newcastle’s Thurru Indigenous Health Unit, accompanied by the building’s designer, scrambled over the quarry at Somersby to find the perfect piece of Central Coast sandstone that now sits in place of a yarning circle on level 6.

Dylan Finney extensively researched all elements of Brisbane Water and dreamtime stories, and his dreamlike digital mural, ‘Meeting Place’, has also been re-created as part of the exterior courtyard ‘gallery’

space. Dylan’s family hails from northeastern Arnhem Land, but he grew up on the Coast and his incredible work also features on levels 7, 9 and 11 of the building.

Darkinung Elder Aunty Bronwyn Chambers named the building’s spaces in language and also provided sage advice and Indigenous knowledge during the building process. With 72 First Nations artworks and design elements, the Clinical Centre and Research Institute is a very special place to work and visit. C

There are several spellings for ‘Darkinjung’ (‘Darkinyung’ for the language), with the author preferring ‘Darkinung’. ‘Kuku-Jelandji’ is also known as Kuku-Yalanji.

GUIDED TOUR OF THE ARTWORKS

Up to 40 COAST magazine readers are invited on a guided tour of the Indigenous artworks at the Central Coast Health and Clinical School and Research Institute in May 2024. If you would like to attend, please email admin@coastpublising.com.au Participation is on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis.

Grant Molony and Russell Molony

Above and Below 2021

acrylic, aerosol and ink on 100% cotton watercolour paper 75 x 105 cm each

Image courtesy the artists

Open

Huge retail store

Cafe

EAT & DRINK

JOSHUA MASON at MERIBELLA

A local lad who became an international chef

PHOTOS KITTI GOULD

When Crowne Plaza Terrigal decided to redesign its waterfront dining conservatory into the fine dining restaurant, Meribella, they wanted an executive chef who not only had first class international restaurant experience but also understood local diners and the iconic position that the restaurant has, with its almost floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean and Terrigal’s grand Norfolk Pines.

Michael Fantuz, Crowne Plaza’s Director of Food and Beverage, had decided with the hotel’s management that the project would only proceed if they found the right team.

It was a tall order, until Joshua Mason sailed into their sights. Joshua had been raised and schooled around Forresters Beach before spreading his fledgling chef’s wings and headed to Japan and Europe to learn from Michelin-starred chefs. Then, as he developed his skills, and still in his 20s, he moved to San Francisco to work in two- and three-starred Michelin restaurants.

Seven years ago, Joshua decided he was ready to open his own restaurant and headed back to Australia to launch Quoi in Sydney’s Hills District.

‘We received our first Chef’s Hat in six months,’ says Joshua, still retaining a touch of pride.

‘Understanding how fine wine and food complement each other was something I had developed a passion for,’ he says. ‘But my wife was despairing at how our wine collection was growing, so I did the only logical thing: I bought a vineyard!’

Joshua is now the proud owner of Ciel Wines which you’ll find on the Meribella wine list, along with a range of wines that pay homage to our local Hunter Valley wines.

Joshua has built an impressive team around him, from Head Chef, Victor Lopez, who trained in Michelin-starred restaurants in his native Mexico, through to the young chefs in whom Joshua is encouraging a reconnection with food and instilling a focus on quality.

When asked for his favourite or signature dish at Meribella, Joshua is quick to nominate, ‘Cote de Boeuf. It’s classic, it’s simple and it’s all about the quality of the steak and the flavour.’

Then, being the chef that he is, he cannot help but add, ‘And the aged duck baked with beetroot, blackberries and a splendid jus.’

‘And the crab cake canapes …’ he continues.

So if you’re ready for fine beachfront dining in Terrigal that is both modern and Mediterranean and offering quality contemporary food … mouths are watering! C meribella.com.au

CENTRAL COAST THE

When you think of the Central Coast, it’s more than likely that any number of daytime activities are high on your radar. But you don’t need to be a dedicated night owl to venture out after dark, so we’re embracing venues and activities that come alive when the stars are out!

There are more fun night-time activities now than ever before, so seize the night with some of our favourite things to do on the Central Coast when the sun goes down.

NATURE AFTER DARK

Dive into the night with Pro-Dive Central Coast

As the sun dips below the horizon, the underwater world undergoes a mysterious and alluring transformation. There’s a world of nocturnal activity where curious octopuses, majestic rays and shy marine foragers emerge to hunt, feed and interact under the cover of night.

The Central Coast offers a multitude of dive sites from shallow reefs to rocky outcrops, each with its unique eco-system where only your dive light illuminates your world. Comprehensive training courses are available for those new to night diving. Prepare to be captivated by the mysterious beauty that is night-time diving.

lovecentralcoast.com/pro-dive-central-coast

Discover Girri Girra overnight experiences

The ultimate immersive cultural experience, a sleep-out for you and your friends, family, or corporate team members in a remote area that very few people are lucky enough to discover. Enjoy guided bushwalks, smoking ceremonies, cultural singing, dancing and storytelling under the stars and more. Tents and camping equipment are provided. (Minimum of 10 people per sleep-out.)

lovecentralcoast.com/girri-girra-aboriginal-experiences

Go Walkabout

An evening tour, or an overnight stay in a Walkabout Park eco-cabin or safari tent, can be the best way to see many of our wildlife who consider themselves furry, feathered, scaly or spiky ‘night owls’. Bring a torch and comfy walking shoes to follow the ranger through the bush to spotlight wildlife in the trees and undergrowth. It’s eerily beautiful!

lovecentralcoast.com/australia-walkabout-wildlife-park

WYONG AFTER DARK

Wyong has unique links to its first inhabitants, the Darkinjung people, as well as preserving remnants of its colonial past and cedar logging days. Its luscious hinterland farms have created paddock-to-plate produce and dining experiences. And residents and visitors alike flock to its performing arts and festivals.

Showstoppers at The Art House

At the Coast’s premier performing arts, music, comedy and arts venue you can count on an eclectic and colourful program that ranges from headline international acts to tribute concerts, and an annual calendar that features touring shows such as the Sydney Comedy Festival, Rent the Musical and The Whitlams band. And don’t forget to grab a pre-show drink and nibbles before a performance at The Art House Bar.

Jerry Sent Me

Located in the historic Chapman Building, you enter via heavy barn-style doors and find yourself surrounded by the Coast’s cool speakeasy vibe. Here you’ll find classic cocktails, whisky and wine. And don’t forget to ask the barman about Jerry!

Shop, sip and savour at the night markets

Head down to the iconic Wyong Milk Factory where twilight transforms the site into a night market with stalls offering special gift ideas, stylish clothes, unique homewares, arts and crafts, beautiful jewellery, and even treats for your furry friends. Enjoy the music, dining experiences and the play areas will keep the kids amused.

lovecentralcoast.com/neighbourhoods/wyong 8

Girri Girra

Go Walkabout

Jerry Sent Me

GOSFORD AFTER DARK

Laneways with lights and murals

Over summer, Gosford transformed The Laneway and surrounds with new lighting features, a vibrant painted mural and stunning visual projections that transformed building facades.

It’s all part of the NSW Government’s Safer Cities initiative to improve the perceptions of safety for women, girls and gender diverse people in public spaces around transport precincts.

Come enjoy Gosford come alive at night!

Let your hair down at the Naughty Noodle Fun Haus

It’s fun, it’s cheeky, it’s courageous and a little bit outrageous. And it’s live at Donnison Street, opposite Kibble Park as well as at the original Fun Haus in Broken Bay Road at Ettalong Beach. With events every week, you can let your hair down at a range of occasions from gender positive performances draped in rayon to live music, dancing, drinks and a bite to eat.

lovecentralcoast.com/naughty-noodle-fun-haus

Gigs galore in Gossie

Tiki Cove – it’s the latest Bay Rd Brewing cocktail haven, right there at Bay Road. Choose between the beer garden or inside with the chilled buzz of wavering waves and swaying hula girls, cocktails and 19 taps of beer.

The Railway Hotel –a great, old-fashioned pub feel that’s been stylishly railroaded into the 21st century. With all that you expect in a favourite pub, It’s just the place to let off steam, enjoy some music, and savour the best prime steaks not just in Gosford, not just on the Central Coast, but in all of the state (if Singo says so, it must be true!) Hotel Gosford – beautifully renovated, with inviting spaces to windback over drinks (beer, wine, cocktails), catch up with the girls over a coffee, restaurant style meals, watch the entertainment or catch the sport on the big screen.

© PAVEL TROTSENKO

Naughty Noodle Fun Haus

Tiki Cove

Lyons Den

Hotel Gosford

Drifters Wharf – right by the waterfront, it boasts the best location in Gosford. It has a sophisticated boathouse feel, fly-by pelicans, all-day dining, cocktails, and live music at night.

Lyons Den – a sandstone oasis offering a quality small bar experience. Innovative cocktails, yummy tapas, as well as trivia evenings, PRYDE nights, and DJ hosting. Or for something different, try their cocktail masterclass, life drawing or paint & sip.

lovecentralcoast.com/neighbourhoods/gosford

Shop, eat, listen at the Gosford Night Market

Gosford Night Markets on the first Friday of every month at The Entertainment Grounds at West Gosford. Allow plenty of time to explore an eclectic mix of food from around the globe and the convenience of shopping and eating late into the evening. Check out the health and beauty focused stalls, clothing, toys, and entertainment. There’s a wide variety of amusement rides and carnival games to keep the family entertained.

lovecentralcoast.com/aussie-nightmarkets

ETTALONG BEACH AFTER DARK

Ettalong is well known for its cafes, restaurants and bars, with Bar Toto a well-established small bar leading the charge. Try the award-winning craft beer, coffee, wine, cocktails and antipasti and you’ll come back again and again.

Central Coast Italian Weekend – the Galleria and Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort are staging their annual Italian festa on 9 March. The piazza is host to a gourmet’s delight of food stalls with crostoli, vino, birra, pasta, gelato and caffè to tantalise your taste buds, as well as the romance of Italian singers, artful artisans and more.

lovecentralcoast.com/neighbourhoods/ettalong

TERRIGAL AFTER DARK

Terrigal – what’s not to love about this beachside food and drink Mecca? At every turn you can wine, dine and savour cocktails with a view.

Meribella – Crowne Plaza’s latest fine dining restaurant heralds a new era in glamour, blending the old-world charm of its iconic setting and grand ocean vista, with a fine-food focused menu, extensive wine list and legendary cocktails.

Maew Maew – this beachside Asian eatery offers inspired Southeast Asia eats in a neon-spiced upstairs bar and restaurant.

Mumbo Jumbos – colourful and quirky, this rooftop beach shack or maybe a Caribbean rum shack, beckons with food that has a distinct Jamaican influence while the music vibes with reggae rhythms.

Rhonda’s Bar and Restaurant – choose downstairs, or the upstairs rooftop alfresco space to bask in the late evening sunshine. Enjoy a modern take on wood-fired pizza, breezy cocktails, handmade pasta, puffy crust gourmet pizzas. It’s consistently rated as one of the best regional bars in the Australian Bartender Magazine Awards.

lovecentralcoast.com/neighbourhoods/terrigal

Central Coast Italian Weekend at the Galleria, Ettalong

Bar Toto

Terrigal Boardwalk

© LIZA METZL

MOVIE NIGHTS AFTER DARK

Neighbourhoods across the region will be hosting outdoor movie nights for you to enjoy at the free open-air cinemas.

Outdoor movie night dates:

The Entrance, Memorial Park – Friday 12 April

Toukley, Village Green – Saturday 13 April

Gosford, Kibble Park – Friday 19 April

Wyong, The Chapman Lawn – Saturday 20 April

Arrive at 4pm. Bring a picnic rug, join in the activities for the kids including crafts, circus play space, roving entertainment and lawn games. Enjoy dinner or grab a takeaway from a local eatery under the stars before the movie – so you’ll also be supporting local businesses. Free open-air, family screening of Monsters Inc. starts at 6pm. C

Mumbo Jumbos

Rhonda's Bar and Restaurant

Movie night at Wyong

COAST LIVING

In Mardi, discover the ultimate in classic elegance and country living

‘Hemmed by verdant, manicured grounds with a sizeable pond, the property lies in a semi-rural pocket of the coast with undulating hills, rambling acreages, horse paddocks and bushland giving way to rainforest.’

WORDS SHERIDEN RHODES

When the owners of this secluded hinterland property first drove down the long tree-lined driveway, they instantly knew it would be theirs.

Hemmed by verdant, manicured grounds with a sizeable pond, the property lies in a semi-rural pocket of the coast with undulating hills, rambling acreages, horse paddocks and bushland giving way to rainforest.

William and Patricia loved the idea of living on acreage with all the privacy and seclusion it afforded yet it is also within easy reach to the best the Central Coast offers including a botanical winery, breweries, schools and beaches, not to mention easy access to Sydney.

Situated in Mardi, on a private road with no passing traffic and backing onto Ourimbah State Forest, it felt as if they had stumbled upon one of the Central Coast’s hidden treasures, complete with fresh country air, bird song, farm gates and bucolic rural vistas at every turn.

They put in an offer straight away and for the past 12 years have loved every moment of living at the magnificent property designed by renowned luxury home architects Pratt Miniter with its soaring 10 ft ceilings, crisp white hues and sparkling resort-style pool.

While the French Provincial-style six-bedroom, three-bathroom home comfortably met the needs of their then family of six, an extensive renovation designed by William and Patricia took the property to another level.

An all-white granite kitchen was installed, upstairs rooms were altered, while a large skylight was installed to flood the home’s hub with natural light. Downstairs, the lounge, laundry and kitchen space were reconfigured, built-in cabinets were added increasing storage capacity while one of the bedrooms was converted into an opulent master dressing room complete with glass chandelier. Sandstone pavers meanwhile were laid at the entry to the house, flanked on either side by manicured trees and hedges, while ducted air conditioning was installed throughout the main house and selfcontained pool house.

Today, the property exudes classic elegance, relaxed five-star luxury and immersive natural beauty and is neighboured by high-end acreage properties within a secluded gated estate. Expansive light-filled living, entertaining zones and palatial private quarters spilling out to al fresco areas are on offer in the main house which overlooks a resort-style swimming pool complete with adjoining cabana and a fully selfcontained pool house.

William and Patricia, fifth generation coasties, say the property’s features are endless but highlights include being immersed in greenery, the elliptical nine-seat island breakfast bar and the ultimate home office. Privately positioned and occupying its own dedicated level, the office features glossy timber floors, soaring, high-pitched ceilings and custom built-in cabinetry.

The sparkling 12 x 5 metre pool is another prized feature where swimmers can relax post dip in the cabana and soak up far-reaching acreage vistas.

Sharing long slow lunches on the patio with friends and family and entertaining in the magnificent kitchen with its Turkish granite countertops, high-end commercial-quality appliances and island breakfast bar are just some of the things they love about the treasured family home. ‘We also love strolling in the established gardens and spotting wildlife,’ says Patricia.

Now it’s time for this special hinterland treasure to find its next lucky owners. ‘We will miss everything about this home, the glorious gardens and its absolute privacy. It’s been a true treasure and pleasure to live here,’ she says. C

The Mardi property is for sale through Prestige Properties. Contact Adrienn Stenner on 0414 729 453.

TRADE SUPPLIERS

Architect Pratt Miniter

Kitchen lighting and electrical

Ben Hamilton Electrical Ettalong

Sandstone Gosford Quarries

DESIGNmatters with

Chris Hamlin and Melissa Logan

PLANNING A KITCHEN

Who better to have an expert sense of planning a kitchen renovation or a new kitchen than the winners of the 2023 HIA Hunter-Central Coast Kitchen of the Year: Planit Kitchens.

The many things to consider in planning your own kitchen are similar to those the judges of Kitchen of the Year also looked for: the ease of the workflow, how appliances are integrated, choice of finishes, client’s lifestyle, overcoming technical difficulties of space or layout, etc.

‘Whether you’re buying, selling or renovating, there’s one room in the house that can improve the value and liveability of a home more than any other and that’s the heart of the home, the kitchen,’ says Chris, owner of Planit Kitchens.

‘When it comes to planning a kitchen, there are five main things we ask our clients to consider,’ says designer, Melissa:

1. What do you like or hate about your current kitchen: the layout, style, colours, wish to hide clutter, need for an open line of sight to the family?

2. What sort of mood do you want to create: bold or relaxed, open plan to complement the lounge room or family room?

3. What sort of appliances do you prefer: wall oven, under bench or freestanding? Do you want extras such as a pizza oven or wine racks? Are you an enthusiastic cook who needs a double oven? (We always recommend you don’t buy the appliances until the planning and specifications are well and truly finalised.)

4. Which colours and finishes do you like: curves and textured layering are increasingly popular with tone-on-tone benchtop, splashback, tiles and cupboard door colours. There are lots of finishes for cupboard door handles: brass, knurled textured finish, timbers, blacks, silvers. Or if you prefer the streamlined look, no handles? Where do you want the handles placed: top, bottom, etc.? A narrower shaker-style border is increasingly popular

This HIA 2023 award-winning kitchen turned a long narrow area into a beautiful family environment. Instead of a butler’s pantry, the room at the far end is a wine-tasting area with wine storage and sink.

The simplicity and clean lines are achieved with a tone-on-tone white-grey colour scheme, waterfall ends to benches, borderless and handle-free cupboards and drawers.

too. And if you’re over white kitchens, green kitchens are increasingly popular.

5. Where you live and your lifestyle are important too: eco houses tend to use steel and rustic timbers; tree-change houses are very much about bringing the outdoors inside with stone and timber finishes; younger couples often like midcentury modern with olive greens, toned-down oranges, reds, timbers, terracotta tiles; and hinterland homes often seek a more traditional feel.

Chris and his wife, Nadine, have owned Planit Kitchens for just over a year. They’d been clients of Planit for three of their own kitchens as well as using Planit for all their joinery.

‘When we had the opportunity to buy the company, we knew from experience that they were the best. There’s no high pressure selling, the team is very design-oriented, and builders love working with us too.’ C

planitkitchens.com.au

The largest kitchen showroom on the Central Coast

Draw inspiration from our range of Award-Winning Kitchen Styles. Our expert designers will turn your dreams into reality.

Erina Showroom: 3/330 Central Coast Hwy, Erina NSW 2250

Collaroy Showroom: 2/1010 Pittwater Rd, Collaroy NSW 2097

RIGHT A curved end to an island bench beautifully hides cupboard space in a white-on-white kitchen.

BELOW RIGHT Beautiful use of tone-on-tone colours, tiles and stone benchtops help bring the feel of the outdoors inside.

Wish you had a fairy godmother when buying a home or, even better, your own personal real estate agent?

If you’re in the market for a new home, you’ve probably done the round of local real estate selling agents; you’ve spent weeks viewing endless houses, apartments, townhouses or villas that may look okay online but don’t match your brief once you get there. You know how frustrating and time consuming it is, and that adds up to … stress

The stress involved in buying (or selling) a house is said to be up in the same stratosphere as losing a job or even losing a loved one, so don’t make it harder on yourself. The answer is to arrange your own personal agent.

A real estate selling agent or a buyer’s agent?

We talked to Bryson Buyers Agents to get the lowdown on the differences between a real estate selling agent and a buyer’s agent. The real estate selling agent works on behalf of a house or property seller, sourcing as many potential buyers as possible to present the property to. But, as the term implies, the person who does all the equivalent legwork for a potential buyer is where a buyer’s agent comes in.

‘We’re not in and out of the market once every 10 years like a home-owner may be,’ says Mitch from Bryson. ‘We’re there every week, every month, every year. So we know the industry, the local Central Coast real estate market and the strengths and specialities of the local real estate selling agents. And we’re experienced at negotiating the best price, and at terms that best suit your needs and circumstances.’

‘We know the tips and tricks of the trade, and how to do the due diligence on a property. We can also leverage our contacts and inside knowledge of properties coming onto the market, properties that are available “off market” where the owner is ready to sell but doesn’t want to officially list it.’

Tailor the service to what you need

‘You can choose a full buying service where we work with you from sourcing all the way through to settlement,’ says Mitch. ‘We can

quickly rule out unsuitable properties and help you with a pest report, building inspection, survey plans (where does your property line actually run) and the building certificate issued by the local council so there are no unwelcome surprises or any illegal building work. And because we’ve thoroughly investigated the property, we can leverage the price if there’s anything not up to standard.’

If you’ve already found the perfect home or investment property, it can be hard to put aside what your heart is excitedly telling you about having found the house of your dreams and to listen to what your head is trying to warn you on the dangers of over-paying.

‘Real estate selling agents see this all the time. And that’s where a buyer’s agent can help too. You can use us just as a negotiation service if you prefer. We’ll negotiate objectively, based on the reality of market prices and terms, in line with your budget and circumstances.’

Buying at auction

Let’s not forget the added stress of bidding at an auction. You have a budget, but that other bidder is nudging you over what you wanted to pay. Do you keep going and risk losing your dream home or bid beyond what you should pay?

‘You can also use a buyer’s agent just to bid at the auction for you. We discuss a clear auction strategy with you beforehand. We have the experience of knowing at what stage to bid and by how much, and we can bid without the emotions and stress that can come with competitive auctions,’ advises Mitch.

Now go and have a cup of tea

If this sounds like you and you’re thinking of buying a Central Coast property, Bryson Buyers Agents would love to make you a cup of tea and sit down and chat to you about your dreams and how to make them a stress-free reality.

Give Mitch Bryson a call on 0413 833 449 or find out more at brysonba.com.au

History relives in a Holgate home

WORDS CATHARINE RETTER

They say the Central Coast has less history than The Rocks or Tassie. But in Holgate, Jeff McAlister sourced historic materials from convict-built roads, an early slab hut, and an old Sydney monastery to build their histories into his house.

Jeff’s house is set at the end of a long, quiet road in what feels like a rainforest sanctuary. He has an environmentalist’s eye for finding special pieces that others may otherwise demolish or discard.

The garden, too, looks much older with its own sense of time and place. King palms, white oak and date palms were already well established when Jeff found them and brought them home.

‘It all started one day when I drove by the quarry in Somersby and saw a massive pile of sandstone outside the entry,’ Jeff recalls. ‘You could see the convict markings on the stone and the way it had been cut, so I asked the foreman about it, and he told me it had been dumped by someone working on the Old North Road repairs. I asked him if I could have it and I took home five tons of 200 mm thick convict-cut sandstone that went into building my walls.’

Other stone came from an old retaining wall that was demolished in East Gosford and from the Somersby quarry itself.

‘I think I split 80 per cent of the stone myself and what we didn’t need for the house I used to build retaining walls throughout the garden and the entry gate pillars.’

The beautiful mahogany decking boards had a similar story.

‘They came from an old monastery in Sydney that was being demolished,’ he says. ‘I also retrieved a 1900s gas stove, a clawfoot bathtub, a marble washbasin and two doors with leadlight panels from the same place. The stove was later replaced with a newer model though because my wife got sick of it blowing up. We put in mod-cons like a dishwasher, a Rangemaster Classic gas and electric stove, NBN and Foxtel. And I was a pool builder, so I put in a heated plunge pool that’s a family favourite.’

In Lambs Valley near Maitland, Jeff heard of an 1850s slab hut that was going to be torn down. ‘I was horrified at the thought that all that historic timber would be dumped. So I asked if I could demolish it (carefully) for them and in return I got the timber slabs and rafters that I was able to save and use in my awnings and elsewhere.’

Two original cedar doors – no doubt from locally grown cedar –were sourced from the first school built in Wyong. ‘The doors had had five or six different locks on them over their 150-year-life,’ says Jeff. ‘You can still see where they were. That history is part of their charm.’

The exterior of the house shows sandstone from a range of sources.

Not everything is over 100 years old of course. After the 1989 Newcastle earthquake there was an abundance of building material begging to be recycled.

‘Building footings of stone were being ripped out and dumped in the Hexham swamp,’ says Jeff. ‘I was able to get beautiful stone there too. And hardwood floorboards from demolished buildings.’

History doesn’t stop with the building structure. The furniture, too, has tales to tell.

‘An English-crafted corner timber and glass cabinet in the master bedroom’s ensuite dates from the late 1700s,’ Jeff tells. ‘In the kitchen I restored a handmade 1830 cabinet that was made in Tasmania from English oak.’

Family reasons have dictated that Jeff and his wife have reluctantly put the property up for sale.

‘It’s a hard decision when you’ve put so much of yourself into something,’ says Jeff. ‘But it’s going to be perfect for that special person who loves a sense of history. And you couldn’t build a house like this today because you just can’t get those materials anymore.’

Want to know more, contact ingridm@gittoes.com.au gittoes.co/WTR447 or phone 0428 372 953

THIS PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM BELOW The kitchen uses Somersby granite benchtops and features handmade cabinetry with galvanised metal finishes; The all-weather deck features mahogany boards saved from an old Sydney monastery; The cosy lounge features a cedar staircase leading up to the kitchen; 200 mm-thick walls were built using historic sandstone, and the veranda’s timber posts are recycled telegraph poles.

Surrounding the second-oldest house in Spencer, on the historic Hawkesbury River, a settled contemporary garden now gives life to an historic gem.

In the heart of Spencer on the Hawkesbury River, nestled amid a landscape that has seen its share of colonial history, (not all of it benign), stands a remarkable house and garden with roots in the 1980s. Now owned by local nurseryman and landscape professional, David Smith, the house has borne witness to over a century of changing tides. With 35 years of stewardship, David has breathed new life into this historic timber house.

Constructed from locally sourced timber by the Woodbury family, prominent Central Coast timber merchants of their time, the house sits atop a steeply sloping point. From its vantage point, it affords a commanding view of the mangrove and casuarina forest, a position that also makes it an imposing site from the road. David modestly describes his garden as ‘eclectic cottage colonial’, a mix of natives and exotics – a description that seems entirely apt.

The constant presence of wildlife in this setting can be unsettling. Wallabies, kangaroos and lyrebirds are frequent visitors, along with a troublesome brush turkey, always ready to disrupt any annual colour. Yet, despite their presence, David’s garden flourishes. In spring and autumn, deciduous trees add vibrant hues, while winter cavorts in its bareness, punctuated by massed bulbs such as freesias, snowflakes and later, iris.

Laminate

David’s green thumb extends beyond his garden’s borders: for years, he has operated a nursery. However, the nursery endeavours have presented challenges, including a particularly stubborn lyrebird. The acidic loam soil, layered over a clay base, also poses challenges, especially during drought when the clay dries out and water becomes scarce. Yet, David’s determination shines through, as evidenced by the impressive retaining stonework that surround the house, that he crafted himself.

The veranda, a beloved feature of colonial homes, was faithfully restored, showcasing a timeless colonial timber design. The house’s colour scheme, Taubman’s Red Earth with cream and green trim, raised eyebrows among locals. However, David’s attention to historical accuracy is evident: it closely mirrors the original, drawing praise from those who appreciate authenticity.

One standout feature of David’s property is his intricate stone and timber shed adorned with espaliered Sasanqua camellias, always eliciting favourable comments. In the front garden, a grand marble urn plays host to a species of cymbidium, Cymbidium lowianum, boasting long pendulous green flowers, a breathtaking sight in early spring.

Venturing inside, guests are met with a delightful surprise. Two rooms, one an entry vestibule and the other forming a screened porch, are transformed into a showcase for David’s collection of orchids and ferns. Among them are the delicate, small-flowered cymbidiums – ‘Sarah Jean’ in pristine white and ‘Sarah Jean Pearl’ suffused with palest pink.

Further up the block, large sandstone boulders peek through the trees, an accompaniment to the ancient forest. At road level, David is painstakingly restoring an old road, once a carriageway, bringing yet another piece of history back to life.

David Smith’s house and garden transport us to a past era. The house that once bore witness to countless events now stands as a living testament to its rich colonial history. C

WIN

A weekend in a luxury home for up to 10 guests at ‘the Lookout’, Killcare on May 31 and June 1, 2 for the Words on the Waves Writers’ Festival AND

A double Words on the Waves Weekend Pass (Saturday June 1 & Sunday June 2)

Double Story Club tickets (Friday May 31)

Double Literary Cruise tickets (Monday June 3)

Total value $3,012

This award-winning, four-bedroom luxury holiday home has dramatic, uninterrupted views across the ocean and to Bouddi National Park. It has multiple outdoor areas and two separate indoor living areas. The home has a chef’s kitchen, Nespresso machine, pizza oven, Sonos sound system, a large wood-burning fireplace and in-floor heating, a firepit and outdoor shower. You are minutes from the beach, rockpool, bushwalks and cafés.

Words on the Waves is the first – and only – writers’ festival on the scenic Central Coast. Spanning six days of author talks, poetry readings, writing workshops and more, in 2024 it will welcome Australia’s leading writers and thinkers from all corners of the country.

HOW TO WIN. Enter the competition on Instagram @coast_publishing or use the QR code. Terms and conditions apply.

COAST magazine is the official Words on the Waves Writers’ Festival media partner.

DESTINATIONS

A micro OUTBACK adventure

South Australia’s Arkaba Walk is best tackled with friends by your side, writes

Jennifer Ennion

Sweat runs down my ribcage, sticking my once white tee to my torso. Just a little bit longer, I tell myself. I look up, hoping to see the summit of the Red Range but the cypress pines are too dense. I weave through the grove of Christmas trees, succumbing to my emergency pack of jelly beans for a quick energy boost. Just a little bit longer. I’m nearing the end of my second day of hiking South Australia’s Arkaba Walk, and I’m spent. Every inch of me is covered in sweat; my clothes dusted with dirt from brushing through scrub, scrambling over rocks and lunching in dry creek beds. A shower feels like a distant dream, even though I know there’s a rudimentary one waiting for me just over the peak of this range, and down the other side. Just a little bit longer.

The Arkaba Walk

A few months earlier, I caught up with two of my Central Coast buddies to hatch a plan to travel together to Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. With two of us working as travel journalists and the third as a travel public relations consultant, travelling together is a great perk of the tourism industry and one we were determined to make a habit of. We’d been itching to go hiking together and the 43km Arkaba Walk, by Wild Bush Luxury, seemed like a great first trip to test our travel compatibility. Part of the Great Walks of Australia portfolio, our modified two-day walk (it’s usually three) started and ended at the restored 1850s Arkaba Homestead, with fine food and healthy picnic lunches included, along with trail support. Wild Bush Luxury left little room for anything to go awry. All we needed to do was move our feet in the right direction.

ABOVE Central Coast friends, Jennifer Ennion, Megan Arkinstall and Claire Mountaine walked the Arkaba Trail.

LEFT Views over Arkaba Conservancy.

© JENNIFER ENNION

© JENNIFER ENNION

On the move

With two other women and a guide, our group of six set off from Wilpena Pound Resort, a popular stop for caravanners travelling through the centre of Australia. We meandered along a well-worn trail, past a pair of emus, fragrant curry bushes and young red gums. Over the next 48 hours, we’d walk narrow sandy tracks and dry creek beds with smoothed stones and the occasional ’roo skeleton; we’d cross dry paddocks once trampled by sheep but are now being rehabilitated, and scale slabs of rocks to lookouts with views of thickly vegetated valleys and rising peaks. A highlight came at the start of our journey with views across Wilpena Pound, a fascinating geological feature that appears as a caldera but is an amphitheatre of towering rock walls that have been eroded and shaped for more than 800 million years.

The final stretch

At the end of our two days of walking, after clocking about 30km, I found myself laughing with my friends as we sweated up that final mountainside, gobbling jelly beans and dreaming of cold showers and a hearty feed. I was glad we were in this together; not only so we could share in the struggles but also the triumph of completing one of Australia’s most celebrated hiking trails.

The Arkaba Walk runs from mid-March to mid-October. It is a three-day moderate walk (with steep sections), although the writer experienced a specialised two-day itinerary. C

experiencearkaba.com

The writer travelled as a guest of Wild Bush Luxury.

ABOVE The Arkaba homestead on dusk.

ABOVE RIGHT Wilpena Pound emus.

RIGHT Black Gap's bush camp.

© JENNIFER ENNION

© JENNIFER ENNION

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claudia@tikkatours.com.au

97 Broadwater Drive Saratoga

THE TRAVELLERS HUT 0408 631 695

glenn@thetravellershutcom.au

5a 39 Avoca Drive Kincumber

Taking you places in luxury your way

Join me in September to experience Essential Vietnam. During our 16 night journey I’ll take you to see the must see sights in the cities and rural regions, plus visit places you’ve never even heard of...

In the North you’ll stay three nights in Hanoi - two nights cruising in luxury around Halong and Lan Ha bays aboard “Y‘lang“ and then relaxing while staying at the Legacy resort Yen Tu We move onto central Vietnam for our three nights stay at the Ancient town of Hoi An - plenty of time for shopping While in the South you will explore the Mekong Delta with two nights in Can Tho plus an overnight stay on a fleet of private Sampans, concluding our journey with three nights in vibrant Saigon. Our 16 night journey includes all sightseeing, 5 star hotels, most meals, carefully selected experiences, tour guides, gratuities and visa I hope you can join me for our exclusive small group journey (maximum 12 guests) to see the timeless charm of Vietnam and enjoy the delicious cuisine - Cheers Glenn (Use the QR code to see our online journey dossier and cost)

43 63 1699

glenn@thetravellershut.com.au

5a 39 Avoca Drive Kincumber

A different Vietnam

When you travel to Vietnam several times a year for 30 years, what is it that keeps you loving the country enough to keep you coming back?

We asked Kincumber local, Glenn Jarvis, who’s been doing just that.

© JACKIE WEISBERG

‘I keep finding new places to visit. New experiences, interesting locals,’ says Glenn. ‘I couldn’t think of anything worse than doing a standard travel brochure tour over and over.’

Glenn runs The Travellers’ Hut travel agency and his many repeat clients vouch for the uniqueness of his boutique tours and personalised independent travel itineraries he plans for them.

Susie from Erina Heights has travelled to Vietnam twice (both times with Glenn).

‘I think Glenn lives for travel. He is passionate about the country and does a lot of research,’ she says. ‘You won’t find anything like his tours in a standard travel brochure. He gets to know his customers and, if you travel in a small group, he seems to know who he can put with whom. You might be in your 60s and looking for a more relaxed pace, or someone who loves cycling, a single woman cautious of solo travel, or an adventurous foodie couple. He gets to know you and what may interest you. It’s personal.’

Robyn, also from the Central Coast has travelled five times with Glenn to Vietnam and Cambodia. ‘He takes you to places and beautiful accommodation that others don’t take you to. He’s very particular in the places he chooses. And he’s very comfortable to travel with.’

She is hard-pressed to name a favourite place. ‘It’s all so different but I must say, the food stands out for me. It’s magnificent, whether it’s a degustation dinner in Hanoi or walking through the back lanes to taste the street food in the Old Quarter. It’s all seamless, nothing is too much trouble.’

‘One time, we went to the Bird Café where the locals bring their pet birds in cages,’ says Susie.

Terrigal local, Leana, agrees with Robyn and Susie. ‘We travelled with teens and I was a bit apprehensive about how interested they’d be in everything. But there was so much variety and we stopped in so many places. They loved it.’

For Leana, the standout was the Vespa tours. ‘Our drivers took us through narrow streets to places away from the tourists to see the authenticity of the real Hanoi. We saw snake wine being made – luckily only men drink this, the women had a banana drink. In a village we made rice-paper for snacks with the local women. There was a clay pot factory where you could join in, and at night there was catfish fishing.’

If you sail on the Mekong River in a luxury cruiser or along the tributaries in a sampan (complete with single- and two-bedroom choices), you know Glenn has come to know not only the operators but their families over the years.

‘The sampans were the best family experience we’ve ever had,’ says Leana. ‘They were comfortable, safe, all unique and personal. The operators were genuinely interested in telling us highlights of their country’s long history. We visited the rice fields, floating flower shops, a market that sold fish-heads.’

You see the villagers going about their activities along the riverbank, how they make handbags and hammocks from the local water hyacinths; and puffed rice and coconut candy from the rice and coconuts they grow.

‘Glenn shows you parts of Vietnam that you could not dream of seeing. Too many people don't even seem to know the sampans exist,’ says Susie. ‘This year we’re travelling into the mountains of Sa Pa with its Hmong and Dao architecture, temples and traditional festivals.

‘It will be different again to anything we’ve seen.’ C travellershut.com.au

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Sa Pa; Morning Vietnamese coffee view at Topas Ecolodge; Yen Tuy mountain; Private sampan on the Mekong; Fishing boats, Halong Bay; Vietnamese pancake, banh xeo.

WELL BEING

Embark on a wellness journey that embraces nature

In a world where daily life can leave us feeling drained and disconnected, there's an increasing yearning to return to nature, seeking solace and rejuvenation in its embrace. From serene retreats nestled in lush landscapes to invigorating outdoor activities, there's a back-tonature wellness option waiting to be explored.

TRANQUIL SANCTUARIES

NOONAWEENA, Kulnura (Eco-certified)

Tucked away in the picturesque hinterland, Noonaweena is a sanctuary for weary souls. Surrounded by native bushland and boasting stunning views, it provides the perfect backdrop for relaxation and reflection. You can delve deep into wellness at Noonaweena, where holistic practices and serene surroundings converge to nurture mind, body and soul.

WATERFALL SPRINGS RETREAT AND WILDLIFE

SANCTUARY, Kulnura

Nature lovers will find solace at Waterfall Springs, where the soothing sounds of cascading waterfalls blend harmoniously with the chorus of birds and the muffled thump of an inquisitive rock wallaby. Immerse yourself in the serenity of winding trails through the wilderness while also unwinding in cosy accommodation.

THE WHITE HOUSE, Spencer

Located in Spencer village and built in 1910, this elegantly restored three-bedroom heritage home is a must stay for all who love period architecture. With river scenery, boating, fishing, hiking, farm style kitchen cooking and breathtaking entertaining areas you can spend your time exploring it all or simply relax in the spa bath and watch the night stars. You’re 30 seconds away from the best of Spencer village, but away enough to enjoy privacy.

IRONBARK RANCH CO, Mangrove Mountain

Stay a while. Unwind in nature's embrace at Ironbark Ranch, curl up with a book, a drink or a cuppa. Bushwalk to Mt Olive and the Emerald Pools. Spot the wildlife. Enjoy a wellness retreat in bespoke luxury to reconnect and rejuvenate.

RECONNECT AND RELAX

ANJALI WELLNESS CENTRE, Kincumber

Experience transformational healing at Anjali, where personalised retreats cater to individual needs, fostering holistic well-being. In April and June there are ‘Embracing Womanhood’ rites of passage retreats for mothers and daughters. At the Kincumber centre explore meditation, yoga, dance, art therapy and the nourishment of food.

KONDOU BY SARA WELLS SKIN, Kincumber

Kondou, the Japanese word for ‘a pause in time’, offers holistic wellness to let you be the best person you can be, naturally. Enjoy a classical facial to cleanse, exfoliate and rejuvenate, a gentle or deep tissue massage, LED light therapy, a lymph massage or a pre- or post-natal massage. Be pampered in nature's embrace at Kondou, where luxurious spa experiences await.

CALMA PLACES, online

Find inner balance and tranquillity through energy-cleansing meditation, energy reading, crystals and tea workshops in serene natural settings, reconnecting with the essence of your being.

Noonaweena

Waterfall Springs Retreat

The White House

Anjali Wellness Centre

Kondou by Sara Wells Skin

UNWIND IN NATURE

BOUDDI NATIONAL PARK, Putty Beach/Maitland Bay

Trees, ocean, the wind in your face: how can you not return rejuvenated from a walk along what has been listed as one of the very best coastal walks in Australia. Experience breathtaking beauty, where pristine beaches, a marine sanctuary and coastal forests beckon.

GIRRAKOOL PICNIC AREA, Somersby

Located in Brisbane Water National Park where you can enjoy the free barbecue and picnic facilities, perhaps watch a wallaby or two. A great way to walk off lunch is to take an easy walk along the 2km Girrakool Loop track past Aboriginal rock engravings and waterfalls.

PILES CREEK LOOP, Somersby

Also located in Brisbane Water National Park, this is a Grade 5 day walk that follows the deep Piles Creek gorge through eucalypt forest, across the renowned suspension bridge, past waterfalls to Illoura lookout with scenic views over the forest canopy.

lovecentralcoast.com/girrakool

DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT

Step away from your screens and immerse yourself in some hands-on, meditative, creative and mindful experiences.

PINOT AND PICASSO, Erina

Unleash your creativity at Pinot and Picasso, where painting sessions in serene surroundings offer a therapeutic escape from the digital world.

THE FACTORY, Nougat & Chocolate, West Gosford

Indulge your senses and immerse yourself in hands-on chocolate making workshops at The Factory. Reconnect your inner artisan in a delectable environment.

SHERAMICS, Terrigal

Find joy in the art of pottery at Sheramics, where sculpting clay allows for a mindful retreat from the distractions of modern life.

BRAVEWORDS WRITING, Erina

Engage in the meditative practice of writing while wrapped in nature's beauty, allowing words to flow freely and thoughts to find clarity in the peaceful embrace of the outdoors.

THE WOOD TAMER, Wamberal

Channel your creativity into woodworking at The Wood Tamer, where crafting with natural materials fosters a sense of connection to the earth and the self.

Whatever your choices, there’s so much on offer on the Central Coast to help smooth away the stresses and chaos of modern life. All you need do is to allow the healing power of nature to restore your spirit and nourish your soul. C

Learn more at lovecentralcoast.com/wellness-experiences

Girrakool Picnic Area walk

Pinot and Picasso

Sheramics

The Wood Tamer

© JAMES VODICKA

Why did I put the bottle of milk in the dishwasher and not the fridge? Maybe I’ve lost my mind ... or maybe I am in perimenopause?

A few years ago, a very good friend of mine, a few years older than me but not much, came to me completely distraught. She looked like her entire life had come crashing down on top of her and the first words out of her mouth were, ‘What’s wrong with me – I don’t even recognise myself’. After half an hour of talking and catching up on what had led her to such a statement, I confidently remarked, ‘There is nothing wrong with you, it sounds like you are perimenopausal. Go see your GP for a check-up.’

Fast forward three years. I am sitting in my bathroom, crying. I’ve had 15 months of an odd symptom here and there – dismissed as stress, overworking, not enough sleep, not enough fun, not enough rest, sore back, bad posture, not enough walking, too much walking. The list goes on, and then I have a tsunami of symptoms all in one month.

Hello, Princess Fiona out of Shrek! (Not the nice human looking Fiona, but the green, overweight, hairy Ogre Fiona.)

I am texting my same friend with a list my symptoms, ‘I don’t feel like myself at all, I don’t know what’s wrong.’

‘You are in perimenopause!’ she responds without hesitation.

How could I not have realised? I am a trained psychologist, I am the right age, right symptoms and yet I didn’t join the dots: why? Because women are notorious for overlooking their own self-care and dismissing serious health issues, mood disorders and basic life dissatisfaction … including a horn or two growing out of our heads, unless of course it is bothering others.

The Australian Menopause Society describes perimenopause as typically occurring around the age of 45 (although this can vary

enormously) and lasting approximately 10 years until the end of your reproductive years (when it becomes menopause). During this time, you can still remain fertile but also experience the ‘joy’ of a range of uncomfortable symptoms.

Just when you’ve moved through your 30s and think that maybe your body has finally made friends with you, that’s when perimenopause rings the doorbell and you realise you had put a bottle of milk back in the dishwasher instead of the fridge. You cannot cope when the supermarket runs out of your favourite tea bags. Your children and partner look at you as though you have become an ogre overnight. They actively avoid whichever room of the house you happen to be in.

The symptoms can be so subtle that you don’t see it coming. But the good news – and yes, there is some good news – is that perimenopause may be rough for some yet unnoticeable for others. And that regardless of your discomfort level, there’s a wide range of doctors, psychologists and other professionals equipped to assess and support you and your relationships. So, go on: re-find your Princess Fiona (the pretty human one).

And, yes, once you finish perimenopause, these symptoms do end. But, meanwhile, it’s important to maintain your quality of life. Don’t go into this emotional and physical desert without water and a guide.

Our job as women is to educate ourselves (and our loved ones) on the symptoms, so that we recognise them and can find a sympathetic, specifically trained and aware practitioner to assist us when we need that support so that we are not crying in the bathroom and texting our friends … although I must admit that helps too! C

Alexandra Bennett MPAS AAPi WAS ESSM ISSTD AADPA. Equanimity Psychological Services equaco.com.au

WORDS ALEXANDRA BENNETT

Discover natural beauty and a connected community in convenient locations. Near shopping centres, cinemas, beaches and golf clubs, these contemporary villages are the perfect choice for an exceptional retirement. Join a thriving retirement community.

Tour your local village

Henry Kendall Gardens I 150 Maidens Brush Rd, Wyoming Brentwood Village | 1 Scaysbrook Dr, Kincumber

NOW OPEN in Erina Heights

• Priority appointments available every week to reduce wait lists and improve access to affordable support when needed

• ASD/ADHD/Cognitive assessments for all ages to start within 2 weeks from the day of contact

• Multiple Clinicians available

• NDIS, WorkCover, DVA, Health Fund, Medicare and other participants welcome!

• Telehealth Sessions available

• Specifically trained psychologist in sexual health throughout all stages of life from puberty-fertility-intimacy-menopause, the impact of other health issues and beyond

• Brand New biofeedback tailored programs to improve brain function for all individuals based on technology designed by NASA

Timeless Beauty

Exploring Skincare Through the Ages with You

WORDS DR SHAUNA WATTS

The proliferation of skincare products might make you think skincare is a modern phenomenon but, surprisingly, it has been a vital aspect of human culture for centuries. Throughout history, people from different cultures and civilizations have sought ways to maintain healthy, radiant skin. From ancient rituals, herbs and mudpacks to modern scientific innovations, the journey of skincare is rich and diverse, reflecting the evolution of both beauty standards and medical knowledge.

The 20th century marked a turning point in skincare, ushering in an era of unprecedented scientific discovery. Breakthrough ingredients like retinol and hyaluronic acid revolutionised anti-ageing treatments and moisturisers, offering transformative results. Skincare brands proliferated with specialised products tailored to individual needs. But this has also had a downside with many people feeling utterly overwhelmed by the choice and range. The resulting confusion can lead to ‘analysis paralysis’.

In more recent years, there has been a notable shift towards natural and sustainable skincare practices. As awareness grows about the impact of harsh chemicals on both skin and the environment, consumers are increasingly seeking more organic formulations that

promote wellness without compromise. This movement towards transparency and eco-consciousness is reshaping the skincare industry, inspiring brands to prioritise clean ingredients, and ethical practices such as providing the ability to recycle containers.

At YOU By Dr Shauna Watts, we embrace this evolution with open arms, championing a skincare philosophy that honours tradition, innovation and sustainability. We understand that true beauty stems from a holistic approach — nourishing both body and soul. Our philosophy encompasses everything from hydrating your body with ample water to prioritising restful sleep and maintaining a consistent skincare regimen.

By combining the best of both worlds, we empower our clients to embark on their skincare journey with confidence, knowing that they are nourishing their skin, body and spirit in harmony with nature and science to achieve their ultimate glow from within.

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or just confused about whether your skincare regime is helping or hindering your skin at whatever age you may be, we invite you to come chat with our doctors who will provide you with a personalised skincare plan that is all about You. C

Book a consultation with us today. youbydrshaunawatts.com.au

CENTRAL COAST:

The Quarters, 960 Central Coast Hwy, Forresters Beach 2260

NEWCASTLE:

Suite 16, 10-16 Kenrick St, The Junction Newcastle 2291

Ex-racehorses’ super sensitivity is helping others

At the finish of a racehorse’s time on the track the future can often be very grim – and very short. Thankfully, there has been a strong push in recent years to rehome these thoroughbreds and introduce them to other sports like jumping, hacking, dressage and eventing, where many go on to excel.

But there’s also a sensitive sensory side to horses that many people are unaware of.

Living in Kulnura, are seven-year-old Beau, racing name ‘Benny the Mouse’, and MoMo, officially ‘Malbec Monstar’, a former eventer who was initially a galloper. They are now Equine Assisted Therapy Horses (E.A.T.) working alongside Natasha Whitwell and her clients on 40 hectares in Hunts Road.

‘Horses have a well-developed nervous system because they’ve had to survive predators for centuries,’ explains Natasha. ‘They can hear sounds from up to four kilometres away, have 350-degree vision and can recognise the status of another mammal’s nervous system, picking up a human heartbeat from over a metre away. In the wild, horses will synchronise their heartbeats to the others in the herd in order to sense danger more quickly, and recent studies have shown they also use those tactics in domesticated life.

‘They sense if people are in a heightened emotional state and their resulting behaviour reflects this back to the human therapist. They

pick up on what we’re feeling behind our social masks long before we know what we’re truly feeling ourselves.’

‘A suitable E.A.T. horse needs to be well regulated and able to return quickly from a heightened to a calm state,’ Natasha adds.

In a recent session with an anxious client, Natasha worked with her client in the horse arena using her big thoroughbred, MoMo.

‘She was a girl, small for her age, who found it hard to stand up to others at high school. She was asked to select three random objects representing areas of her life and put them wherever she wanted in the arena. A triangular billiards rack was “her family”, a red ball “new schoolfriends”, and an old piece of metal represented “new school”. Natasha then asked her to lead the horse to each of the items.

‘She walked MoMo to “her family” and he calmly stayed by her side half asleep. When she wanted them to walk over to “new school” the horse wouldn’t move.

“He doesn’t want to go to school … or maybe I don’t,” the girl said.

‘When she then led him to “new schoolfriends” the horse immediately kicked away the red ball. “So he doesn’t like them,” the girl observed.’

Natasha explained that the horse didn’t know about her friends or her school, and asked what she felt about these new friends.

‘She then began to open up and explore her own wants and needs.’

WORDS SUZY JARRATT

After some cognitive behaviour therapy, the girl became less anxious and decided to lead the horse towards the piece of metal that represented ‘new school’.

This time the thoroughbred went willingly. Then, amazingly, he gently nudged her, lowered his head, and nuzzled into her heart.

The therapy session had comforted and inspired the troubled schoolgirl who later wrote to Natasha, ‘MoMo made me think more about what I actually wanted, rather than what I thought everyone else wanted for me.’

For Natasha, this is not a one-off, coincidental response from a horse (or client). ‘E.A.T. engages on an intellectual, emotional, social and physical level to promote self-reflection and analysis, guided by a qualified counsellor.’

MoMo’s response is typical of behaviours Natasha has seen time and again as clients’ awareness and reactions to their life challenges change. C

‘They can hear up to four kilometres away, have 350-degree vision and can recognise the status of another mammal’s nervous system, picking up a human heartbeat from over a metre away.’

Seen and Herd Assisted Therapy seenandherd.com.au

Reference: researchgate.net/publication/24360574_Investigating_ horse-human_interactions_The_effect_of_a_nervous_human

COAST VIBES

GIVE ME AN OPERA AMONG THE GUMTREES

There are lots of gumtrees, a cocky or two, a barking owl.

A bloodwood out the back and ironbarks cheek by jowl.

(*with apologies to John Williamson)

The Arboretum at Pearl Beach is certainly a special place, a cathedral of trees where the sound of opera and an orchestra seem to have the power to heighten your musical enjoyment. Take a chair, pack a picnic and some bubbly to enjoy Opera in the Arboretum. Join the chorus of cicadas, a couple of kookaburras and the occasional magpie that sit respectfully on high as though listening too.

This year’s special line-up includes tenor Diego Torre, soprano Sophie Salvesani, baritone José Carbó and mezzo soprano Shikara Ringdahl. They will be accompanied by the Central Coast Chamber Orchestra under the baton of the Central Coast Conservatorium’s renowned artistic director, Patrick Brennan.

You’ll be serenaded with some of the most beloved arias, duets and ensembles from opera’s greatest composers as well as a selection of Neapolitan songs.

Opera in the Arboretum is more than an engaging institution that people keep coming back to year after year. It’s also an important charity event presented by the Rotary Club of Woy Woy. Beneficiaries this year will be Central Coast Conservatorium Strings Scholarships, Umina Surf Lifesaving Club, Pearl Beach Rural Fire Brigade, Central Coast Community charities and Rotary Foundation Australia. C

© LISA HAYMES

Opera in the Arboretum will be on at Crommelin Native Arboretum, Pearl Beach (car parking off Opal Close) 3 pm to 5.30 pm on March 23. Bookings at trybooking.com/events/landing/1143633

Young, local and oh so talented at the Laycock Street Theatre, Don Craig Room, Studio Series

BONNIE KELLETT AND COURTNEY KEIL, FIERCE AND FEARLESS TOUR – 13 April

When country music locals, Bonnie and Courtney, joined forces, they so impressed award-winner, Gina Jeffreys, that she chose to mentor their careers.

They recently headlined a gig at the Tamworth Country Music Festival and are now taking on the music world with their Fierce and Fearless Tour.

Bonnie is a singer, songwriter, guitarist and fiddle player. ‘She is a master entertainer with a powerhouse vocal and entertains in a way like nobody else we’ve seen here in Australia,’ says Gina Jeffreys.

Courtney Keil was crowned ‘Best Female Vocal’ at the 2023 Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards and it’s her superb vocal depth, passion and authenticity that is thrilling audiences.

Even if you’re not into country music, you’ll definitely appreciate the talent, vocals and original songs.

BUDGEWOI VARIATIONS WITH DORIAN MODE

– 26 April

Stand aside Bach’s Goldberg Variations and Elgar’s Enigma Variations, the Budgewoi Variations has arrived.

Dorian Mode, a graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium, is a multi-award-winning jazz musician and satirist, a regular guest on ABC Sydney and ABC Central Coast. This versatile singer, composer and musician plays piano, organ and accordion.

He is performing his new song cycle where his music bumps up against his funny, wry Australian humour with a delightful ode to the sunny Central Coast. Don’t miss ‘She said goodbye in Budgewoi’ or the ‘Kincumber Rumba’. As another reviewer said of him, he ‘presents his cheesy original songs with one foot in the fondue pot and one foot deep in cultural satire’.

13 March

23 March A Midsummer Night’s Dream Theatre

23 March The Tempest Theatre

5 April Josh Hooke:

6 April Happy-Go-Wrong Physical Theatre

10 April Musical Memories Morning Melodies

13 April Bonnie Kellet & Courtney Keil Music

20 April A Night of Broadway Hits Music

26 April Dorian Mode: Budgewoi Variations Music

4 May Queen Porter Stomp Music

8 May Mimosa Duo Morning Melodies

14 May The Alphabet of Awesome Science Schools / Family

18 May Highway of Lost Hearts Theatre / Music

8 June The Snow Queen Dance

12 June The Great British Songbook Morning Melodies

14-15 June

June

16 July Children are Stinky Family

20 July December Physical Theatre

14 August Paul Tabone: Viva Pavarotti Morning Melodies

30 August Women of Song Music

6 September

6

7

11

5 October

9

11 December

MIMOSA DUO – 4 May

Love blossomed at the Conservatorium of Music for Terrigal couple, violinist Phoebe and guitarist Morgan Haselden in 2009 and so did their brilliant careers.

In 2014, they spent 12 months living and performing in France where they searched for music that stirred their souls. They’ve toured Australia and New Zealand and played the Sydney Opera House.

Their unique take on popular songs might best be described as gypsy meets jazz. Or, if you like a touch of prohibition gin with your music, they also perform 1920s-style songs with the Bathtub Gin Orchestra.

As the Mimosa Duo, they continue to push themselves and their repertoire. Just listen to the hauntingly beautiful Gymnopedie, a classical match made in music heaven. The piece, composed for piano, is now equally at home with violin and guitar when it’s played by Phoebe and Morgan.

The Studio Series features fringe artists, locals and performers from the Central Coast and across Australia. All tickets are $35! (Except for the Morning Melodies tickets at $22.) For more information visit theatres.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

CREATIVITY • COMMUNITY • CLAY

PRIVATE PARTIES • WORKSHOPS POTTERY SCHOOL & STORE

246 West St, Umina Beach, 02 4346 4459

centeredceramics.com.au

@centeredceramics

A GLINT OF KOI

SIGNIFICANT ARTWORK FROM THE PERMANENT COLLECTION

Gosford Regional Gallery & Edogawa Commemorative Garden

MAIN GALLERY: A Glint of Koi. Significant artwork from the permanent collection. Guest Curator Michael McIntyre

27 April - 9 June 2024. Opening 6pm, 26 April 2024

A Central Vision, the Central Coast Public schools' secondary visual arts exhibition 2 March - 7 April 2024

Zac Craigs, Soft Conversations

13 April - 21 May 2024

Shana O'Brien, Inner Landscapes

25 May - 30 June 2024

36 Webb Street, East Gosford, New South Wales, 2250

www.gosfordregionalgallery.com gallery@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au 02 4304 7550

Open 9:30am - 4pm daily

The gallery is open all year round with the exception of Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday.

The Central Coast Art Collection is a diverse array of artworks that together tell us a little about the changing character of our region over the past 50 years.

OUT & ABOUT

WORDS MEGAN ARKINSTALL

Check out these local Autumn events!

STOMP!, Lovedale – 9 March

Squish, measure, blend and stomp at this unique event held at Stomp! Wines in Lovedale. Live a day in the life of a winemaker, measuring grape ripeness, sampling and blending and training in the art of pigeage or ‘foot stomping’ grapes. There will also be a three-course lunch with accompanying wines and live music.

stompwines.com.au

NSW PRO SURF SERIES, Avoca – 4-8 March

Known as a cradle for world-class surfers, Avoca will once again host the Central Coast Pro (Men’s and Women’s) QS3000. Hundreds of competitors from far and wide will make their way to Avoca Beach to compete in the surfing comp alongside local surfers. The series is a pivotal platform for emerging talent to score ranking points and prize money on the WSL Qualifying Series and to gain recognition on the world stage.

GIANT EASTER EGG HUNT

Glenworth Valley – 31 March

Don your Easter hat and head down to Glenworth Valley on Easter Sunday to find some of the 25,000 eggs hidden in this beautiful hinterland setting. Aside from chocolate, there will be a playground with a jumping castle and horse rides as well as food trucks for a fun-filled family morning. There are five session times to choose from, starting from 8am until midday.

glenworth.com.au

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL SHOW, Gosford

– 13-14 April

The Central Coast Regional Show (formerly Gosford Regional Show) has been the Central Coast’s answer to the Sydney Royal Easter Show since 1878. Held at Gosford Showground, there are rides, an animal nursery, face painting, outdoor displays and demonstrations including bee keeping, machinery, Scouts and the Rural Fire Service, and competitions from knitting and crocheting to baking and cake decorating.

gosfordshowground.com.au

KARIONG SOMERSBY ROTARY WALKING FOR WELLNESS, AND FUN+WELLNESS FAIR – 7 April

If you’re an adult or child (or somewhere in between), or the family pooch you’re invited to join the 3.4 km walk from Tuggerah Parade at Long Jetty to Picnic Point Reserve at The Entrance to give the idea of ‘health’ a bit of a jog along. Turn up at 9.30am, or up to 10am if you’re a late riser. Gold coin donation for entry with a bunch of amusements for the kids, health and wellness booths. There’s bountiful food for the famished and a coffee kart for those in need.

MOTHER’S DAY CHARITY LUNCHEON, Mercure Kooindah Waters – 10 May

Treat your mum to a special lunch that will also give back to the community this Mother’s Day. Held by the Community & Business Women’s Network, this luncheon aims to raise funds for Because We Care Boutique. This local organisation supports women who are facing adversity to enter or re-enter the workforce, by holding workshops on personal and professional development, providing business attire and hosting weekly coffee and chats. The luncheon will include a guest speaker, lucky door prize, raffles and a special gift for each attendee.

THE COAST RACE DAY, Gosford – 11 May

The Central Coast’s richest race day will be held again at The Entertainment Ground this May, where more than $2 million in prize money will be won. During the day there will be 10 races, Fashions on the Field and live music. Several hospitality packages will be available, while members have access to the Panorama Lounge with excellent views of the winning post, a bar and brasserie, and other punters can get amongst the action trackside.

theentertainmentgrounds.com.au

WILD BEINGS,

Ourimbah – 26 April and 24 May

LOVEDALE LONG LUNCH, Lovedale – 18-19 May

The Lovedale Long Lunch has been a favourite with ladies who lunch for 30 years. Designed as a progressive lunch around Lovedale in the Hunter Valley, event-goers choose two of the participating wineries – Allandale Winery, Tatler Wines, Gartelmann Wines, Saltire Wines, Sandalyn Estate, Emma’s Cottage and Vineyard and Wandin Estate – to enjoy lunch and then dessert and cheese plates, alongside wines and live music with transport in between.

lovedalelonglunch.com.au

Does going off-grid and disconnecting from your busy life for a few days sound like the antidote you need post-summer? This program aims to rewild its participants and teach reconnection with nature during campouts on a private bush property in Ourimbah State Forest. In April, the three-day Women’s Rewilding Gathering includes guided bushwalks, wild foods and medicine walk, fire by friction workshop and more. In May, all adults and children from age six can attend the three-day Earth Skills Gathering. Learn skills such as wood craft, natural rope making, shelter building and relax around the campfire with games, stories and songs.

wildbeings.org

WORDS ON THE WAVES – 29 May to 3 June

The Central Coast's first and only writers' festival is back bigger and better than ever to celebrate its fourth year, in venues at Umina Beach, Ettalong Beach, Woy Woy, Gosford and Wyong. With bestselling and much-loved authors from all corners of Australia, such as Robyn Davidson, Tony Birch, Pia Miranda, Charlotte Wood, Nam Le and many more. There’s a vibrant new large-scale marquee venue and programming stream, entitled The Dip, nestled next to sands of Umina Beach in the Peninsula Recreation Precinct. Keep an eye out for celebrity cookbook personalities, inspirational workshops, a free day of family fun, and more.

wordsonthewaves.com.au

COAST FAMILIES

WORDS JULIE WRIGHT

THERE ARE SO MANY INCREDIBLE SPOTS FOR YOU TO HOST YOUR YOUNG ADVENTURER'S BIRTHDAY PARTY ACROSS THE COAST. IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT THAN A PLAY CENTRE, THEN LOOK NO FURTHER. THESE SPOTS ARE GUARANTEED TO CREATE UNFORGETTABLE BIRTHDAY MEMORIES, WITHOUT YOU HAVING TO CLEAN-UP AFTERWARDS!

HOLE IN FUN AUSTRALIA

Hole in Fun is the Coast's latest family-friendly attraction based in Lisarow. Opened in December 2023, this new mini golf venue has become a hot ticket for families on the Coast, and visitors to the region. If you are looking for the perfect all-weather party venue where you can just turn up and everything is looked after for you, then Hole in Fun is a top spot. Party packages start from $29 per child and include 18 holes of mini golf, a dedicated party area, a great range of food options, and a party table with cutlery and decorations. You can also add golf simulators for extra fun or a private party room. The party boy or girl even gets a return pass so they can come back and re-live the fun!

holeinfun.com.au

SCOOPI SLIME BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Scoopi, a sensory brand for kids, opened its Erina Fair store in 2023. It’s where children can get creative with making their own slime from Australian-made products. They also offer slime parties where your little ones are shown how to make slimes from scratch.

They have a range of packages available for anywhere from six to 20 kids where you can be assured they will have a gooey good time. Scoopi's Erina Fair store provides a safe and supervised environment for the kids to explore their creativity through hands-on slime-making experiences. Whether it's a casual afternoon of crafting or a themed slime party, Scoopi offers a range of packages where your children are in for a memorable and mess-free celebration.

scoopi.com.au

SLAM FACTORY TUGGERAH

Thrill-seeking children need to look no further for the ultimate birthday bash than Slam Factory Tuggerah. Your active bunch of kids have the option of two packages. The first is getting exclusive access to the entire skate park for two hours – yes, that means no one else getting in the way of their fun – to ride their skateboards, scooters, bikes, rollerblades, rollerskates … you name it, you can do it here.

The second option is to book the party space during a public session. Either way, they are in for an epic birthday bash that will tire everyone in the family out before bedtime.

slamfactory.com.au

NINJA KIDS ERINA

Ninja Warrior has taken over our TV screens and become a family hit. What parent hasn’t watched their children catapult over couches at home, pretending to be their favourite ninjas?

Well, luckily there are now gyms for that, meaning your kids can get their ninja fix outside the home! Ninja Kids has recently opened at Erina and they do Ninja Warrior-style obstacle courses and tumbling classes, school holidays programs and of course, hosting birthday

CENTRAL COAST VIRTUAL REALITY

Step into the future of birthday party celebrations with Central Coast Virtual Reality. Based at both Erina Fair and The Entrance, your child and their friends will have an unforgettable experience at its cuttingedge VR party venue.

Whether they’re after the popular rollercoasters, stepping into the world of Minecraft or taking on the fan-favourite job simulator, there is something for everyone. They also have virtual escape rooms which are great for kids of all ages (including the grown-ups).

Accommodating up to 14 people at Erina per party, and 18 at The Entrance, they provide space for you to bring your own food and cake while the children enjoy a dynamic and safe environment that sparks their imagination.

ccvr.com.au

of food options and, best of all, the opportunity to get up-close and personal with some of the Reptile Park’s favourite animals, including koalas, kangaroos, pythons, reptiles and of course Hugo, the giant Galapagos tortoise.

This educational and entertaining setting brings a world of excitement to a child’s day including lolly bags, lunch, animal encounters, discounted entry for other grown-ups and so much more.

reptilepark.com.au

Eight-month-old Wilbur the wombat is living proof of how important it is to check the pouch of any marsupial that’s been hit by a car. A thoughtful passer-by thought she saw flutterings in the wombat mother’s pouch. She looked inside, and there was a tiny joey.

He was brought to the Australian Reptile Park where he was put on round-the-clock feeds under the care of keeper Seleena de Gelder who named him Wilbur.

During the daytime, he has started to meet visitors during Wombat Encounters and seems to love anyone who gives him pats and cuddles.

His feeding times coincide with another Reptile Park joey, Albert, and they have become firm friends. What they don’t seem to realise though, as they feast on their bottles side by side, is that Albert is a tree-hugging koala, while Wilbur is very much a ground-hugging wombat! It’s confusing having a dinner mate who’s also a grey furry marsupial … but different.

Like many a child, cheeky Wilbur puts off the bedtime hour at Seleena’s house at night by doing energetic zoomies around the furniture and between Seleena’s feet, click-clacking a racket on the floorboards with his long nails. We suspect it’s inevitable – wombats are mainly nocturnal and Wilbur most likely thinks he’s in training for the night-time foraging he’ll be doing once he’s independent enough to be released back into the wild.

THE HIGH SCHOOL CONUNDRUM

Which high school to choose for high potential and gifted learners?

When talk turns to the best schools around, Gosford High is one that stands out.

This selective, co-ed school has built up a rich history across the decades and it’s not an exaggeration to say it stands as a beacon of excellence in academic achievement under the visionary leadership of Principal Michael Smith. It attracts bright minds from across the region and beyond, and has deservedly become synonymous with a curriculum that embraces diversity, empowering students to reach their full potential.

‘This commitment has allowed our students to explore a wide range of subjects to let them hone-in on their skills and passions,’ says Michael Smith. ‘From advanced science and technology programs to vibrant arts and humanities offerings, we’ve made sure Gosford High School creates a holistic learning experience.’

His pride in the school extends equally to the staff. ‘I’m happy to say that our teachers have an unwavering commitment to educational

excellence that’s transformed the school into a hub of innovation and intellectual curiosity. There’s a dynamic sense of leadership that allows for an environment that not only values academic achievement but also celebrates the unique talents of each student.’

One of the school’s proud achievements lies in its consistent success in the Higher School Certificate. ‘We believe that, in itself, speaks volumes about our dedication to cultivating successful tertiary pathways for all students, regardless of their interests. Year after year we see Gosford High students consistently outshine their peers, securing places in prestigious universities and vocational institutions.’

For parents and students seeking a school that offers a holistic learning experience and nurtures individual potential to prepare for the future they each imagine and want it to be, Gosford High School emerges as the top choice for many when the talk turns to ‘which high school’.

Our new indoor playground promises to be a fantastic addition to Erina Fair, providing a safe, clean and engaging place for kids to play! A perfect way for parents to take a load off, with a dedicated seating area for resting while the kids play.

Experience the magic of play in a whole new way at our kids playground open now opposite Cotton On Kids

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Leave only footprints

The Central Coast offers superb natural beauty alongside a great sense of freedom, space and connection to the land.

From the beaches, waterways, ridges, estuaries, lakes and valley floors, to our parks, forests, reserves and natural bushland – locals and guests are all shaped by our unique natural environment.

We encourage our community and our guests to tread lightly and go slow on the NSW Central Coast these Summer Holidays.

To discover our waterways and coastlines, scan here

Image by James Vodicka