New England Focus - i71

NEW ENGLAND

April Ap A pri ril 20 2 2013 013 13 //// IIs Issue sssu ss ue 7 711

Feature Story y New England Brewing Co.

Jessica Scot

MISS ARMID

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2013

young women’s fashion casual • party • formal HANNA’s ARCADE 126 Beardy Street Armidale NSW 2350 T. +61 2 6772 2323 2 new england focus.

ALE

focus team.

Welcome to issue 71 of New England FOCUS. big welcome to our new team member, Merry Abrams.

Merry joins the regular faces of Tracy Le Messurier and Lynda Lynch and of course, our fantastic photographer, Tim Barnsley, in the FOCUS team. It’s an exciting time here at FOCUS, as we welcome new faces to our already passionate team who really do love the New England region.

A NEW FOCUS Here at New England FOCUS, we’re as committed as ever to bringing you some really interesting interviews each month – community heroes, community groups, collectors, musicians and so much more.

You’ll notice some big changes this issue in our content, and we look forward to discovering many more wonderful stories that highlight the great things happening in the New England area. If you have any leads or ideas for stories, please don’t hesitate to contact any of us here at FOCUS. OUR COVER This month’s front cover features born and bred locals Mark and Natalie Low,

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contacts.

Looking to advertise in FOCUS? Contact us for more information.

ADDRESS: 5/164 Beardy Street, Armidale PHONE: 02 6771 5551 FAX: 02 6772 5551 WEB: www.focusmag.com.au FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/focus.ne TV: www.focustv.com.au

who are the owner/operators of Armidale Recycling Services. Mark is proud to call himself the ‘Cardboard King of Armidale’.

His passion for what they do is amazing, and they have made such a difference in reducing our landfill. Other Councils are taking notice, as they believe ARS is leading the way in NSW with their standard of clean recycling.

They are also committed to creating more jobs and working with local businesses to achieve their goals.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Firstly, the FOCUS Team would like to congratulate Jessica Scott, who was announced the winner of Miss Armidale 2013. It was wonderful to see the local businesses come together to support this great event.

In the 1940s, Hilton Mitchell was a part of the Light Horse Regiment at the Armidale Camp, and he shares not only his, but some of Armidale’s history.

We also interviewed Remedial Massage Therapist Lisa Rowe, to learn how she assists people mentally, physically and spiritually during some of the most

stressful times of their lives, and Siubhan Davies shared her special moments as a local nurse at the Armidale Maternity Unit.

Senior Constable Cheryl Hall reflected on the success of the Armidale Police Aboriginal Debutante Ball, an event that helped to break down some of those traditional barriers that exist between Police and Aboriginal communities.

Don Tydd let us inside his world and unique passion for collecting model railway pieces, and Andrew TraceySmith and Ben Rylands gave us some of their time as they busily prepare for the opening of the New England Brewing Co in Uralla.

ALL THE BEST, SUE DEE As you may have read last month, we said goodbye to our Editor, Sue Dee, after 70 issues. We wish her all the very best.

FINAL SAY “Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.”

Proverb.

ADVERTISING MANAGER: Tracy Le Messurier

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable

tracy@focusmag.com.au

joey@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Lynda Lynch

GRAPHIC/WEB DESIGNER: Michael Marchment

lynda@focusmag.com.au

michael@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Merry Abrams

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Kyle Rathbone

merry@focusmag.com.au

kyle@focusmag.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHER: Tim Barnsley

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Jeff Cowan

tim.barnsley@gmail.com

jeff@focusmag.com.au

ART DIRECTOR: Jay Beaumont

ACCOUNT MANAGER: Louise Beaumont

jay@focusmag.com.au

louise@focusmag.com.au

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Dylan Gaul

SUB EDITORS: Jo Atkins / Reg Brookhouse

dylan@focusmag.com.au

jo@focusmag.com.au / reg@focusmag.com.au

FOCUS IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THESE GREAT COMMUNITY EVENTS AND PROGRAMS.

Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers or Editor.

All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders.Information appearing in Focus is believed to be correct at the time of going to press however no liability will be held for inaccurate information approved or supplied by advertisers or contributors. While all care is taken it is recommended that readers confirm dates, times, prices and any other material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. New England Focus is produced and published by Creative House Publications Pty Ltd ABN: 62128786005. Material in New England Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications Pty Ltd 2012 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved.

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We c a t c h u p w i t h A n d r e w T r a c e y - S m i t h a n d B e n R y l a n d s , a s t h e y prepare for the opening of the New England Brewing Co in Uralla.

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ow did the New England Brewing Co come to be in Uralla?

There were two big items for us when we started the New England Brewing Co in January 2012 (NEB Co). We needed brewing equipment and a premises.

We actually ended up with the brewing equipment first and then found somewhere to put it! We had a couple of options, but we were after a heritage style building with some character and a story to tell.

We looked at a number of towns in the New England, but kept coming back to Uralla. Uralla is on the highway, has excellent complementary businesses, a proactive Council and fantastic heritage. We are very lucky to have the premises we have and are grateful to our landlord for working closely with us to make the brewery a reality.

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Tell us about microbreweries and craft beer’s growth.

Although there is a lot of debate, basically microbreweries, or craft breweries, are breweries that are independently owned and operated, use 100 per cent malt for brewing, are of a reasonably small size and brew their beer on their own premises (in contrast to some contract brewers, who claim to be from one region, but actually have their beers brewed somewhere else).

Beers brewed by microbreweries have really taken off in Australia in the past 5 years; however, the movement away from mainstream beers has been going for almost 20 years in the US and UK. So, it’s definitely not a fad. Drinkers are now more interested in who brews their beer, what is in it and where it is brewed – similar to wine in a lot of respects.

The other main factor behind a shift to local beers is the much better flavour that comes from small batch brewing with quality ingredients.

Ne w E n g l an d Br e wi n g C o

Tell T ll us about b your experience i iin this hi iindustry? d ?

Andrew Tracey-Smith, NEB Co’s brewer, has been studying brewing science at Ballarat Uni, has always been a keen home brewer and has been visiting other breweries and helping out when possible to get ready to brew at NEB Co. The rest of the team has the same type of experience with beer as many of our customers have. We don’t pretend to be experts and are learning every day!

Describe the brewing process and the type of beers that will be on offer?

We have an older style system that was purchased from a micro-brewery in Victoria. It has a 1,000 litre mash tun and kettle, four primary fermenters and six conditioning tanks. Although we might not test the brewery’s capacity for a while, we could produce up to 4,000 litres a week.

All of our beers will be produced with 100 per cent Australian malts and hops. A lot of fellow microbreweries use imported European malts, but we think that Australian ingredients are just as good and they're fresher than imports. Currently, we source our base malt from Tamworth.

Within the next 12 months, we will have two ranges of beer – the current New Englander range and a seasonal range. We are currently brewing the New Englander Pale Ale and the New Englander Brown Ale. Our pale ale is nice and hoppy, but not overbearing. It has excellent malty flavours and goes really well with lots of food. Our brown ale is our favourite.

It’s pretty unique in Australia and is an easygoing beer style that suits all the New England’s seasons.

When will the Brewery be open to the public, and what can visitors expect?

Visitors have been coming to the brewery to watch the developments over the last four months, which has been fantastic. We will be truly open from around mid-April. From 11am to 6pm on Thursdays to Sundays, visitors will be able to taste the beers on tap at our tasting bar and purchase take away bot-

ill All of our beers w 100 ith w ed uc od be pr ian malts per cent Austral fellow of t lo and hops. A e imported us s ie er microbrew , but we think European malts gredients that Australian in and they're are just as good rts.” fresher than impo

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tles. Mondays to Wednesdays are our brewing days, but if you are in town on these days, give us a call and we’ll show you around.

The brewery will run tours on Saturdays. The tour will go through the brewing process from grain to bottle. This will include chatting about raw ingredients, different brewing techniques for different beers, as well as packaging, serving and tastings.

What has been the biggest challenge so far?

Working in a brewery with no beer has been pretty tough! Aside from that, a big challenge, maybe not the most interesting one, has been receiving all of our approvals for operating a brewery from three levels of government. We had a few sleepless nights during that time!

Another big challenge is getting our beer to customers. The big breweries have a lot of market power and give pubs and clubs big incentives to stock their products. However, we’re lucky in the New England that we have some excellent local pubs and clubs that are giving us a go.

How has the Uralla township received you?

The people in Uralla have been fantastic. We’ve had lots of people going out of their way to make the brewery happen. We’ve been lent things, given things and have promised lots of beer! But more seriously, we have had some really great advice from local tradesmen and suppliers that has made a huge difference to the way we set the brewery up.

Plans for the future?

At the moment, the beers will only be available in the New England and the North West. However, in the future we would like to distribute seasonal beers further afield. We also plan to have a few beer related events at the brewery throughout the year.

Where can people get the beer?

The beers will be rolled out to the region throughout April both on tap and in bottles. Fresh local beer hasn’t been offered in local pubs and clubs for a long time, and having one of our beers on tap at the local will be a new experience for sure. Bottled beer will also be available at independent bottle shops.

Thanks guys. For further information, check out www.newenglandbrewing.com.au

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inside this

Issue 71 - April 2013 Issu

15.

Miss Armidale Armidale businesses and the local community came together recently to support the Miss Armidale Competition. Meet the new Miss Armidale ... Jessica Scott!

Hilton Mitchell

18.

Ever wondered what it was like at the Light Horse Regiment Armidale Camp at the Armidale Racecouse during the 1940s? Hilton Mitchell takes us back to a time from February – May, when Armidale prepared for World War II.

18.

22.

39.

Ron Jackson The New England Antique Machinery Club Inc. has a special project in the pipeline.

Ron Jackson explains how the club plans to restore a remarkable piece of our local industrial heritage ...

usual suspects.

the

7. what’s on for April 26. eat featuring local restaurants 30. star guide with Terri

No matter where you are in the world, d, read Focus for free online every month nth @

www.focusmag.com.au follow us on www.facebook.com/ne.focus w www.twitter.com/focusmag www.focusmag.com.au/eat

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6 7 Armidale Youth Orchestra’s Garden Party First Saturday chats The next First Saturday chats will be hosted by Christopher Serow between 10am and 1pm on Saturday 6 April 2013 at Legal Minds offices.

Bookings are essential on 1300 642 166.

When Saturday 6 April.

Where Legal Minds Office, 157 Beardy St Mall.

Contact 1300 642 166.

Celebrate with music and lunch at the Armidale Youth Orchestra’s Garden Party. The orchestras bring dedicated primary school, secondary school and university students together with professional conductors and tutors.

When Sunday 7 April; 10.30am for 11am.

Where Garden of Rosemary Leitch (South Hill, Armidale).

Contact 6773 6419.

13 National Stroke Foundation www.doit4stroke.com.au Belinda Ritchie would like to invite all those interested to come to a trivia evening at the Assembly Hall at NEGS on Saturday 13 April at 7pm. Belinda is riding the Bicentennial National Trail with three horses from Healesville, Victoria, to Cooktown, Queensland – a distance of 5,330 km, which she hopes to complete within this year. The trivia evening is being held to raise funds for the National Stroke Foundation, and the $10 pp entry is for that purpose.

When Please let Bev Ritchie know by 9 April if you would like to make up a table of 10 or join a table. Bring nibbles and BYO. There will be some gold coin games.

Contact Bev Ritchie: 6775 3137 or mobile 0468 464 290 if you would like to come.

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focusinterview.

R NE COR

Don Tydd.

We hope you enjoy our new interview series, Collectors Corner, which showcases local people and their amazing collections! Railway history is being preserved through the popularity of model train collections, and Don Tydd, our very first Collectors Corner guest, has sourced a variety of rolling stock, railway buildings and scenery ...

hat’s your background in the New England area?

I moved to Armidale in 1982 with my family, when I was appointed by the then Dumaresq Shire Council to a senior management position. I had, up to that point in time, lived in the central western region of NSW following my decision to move from Gunnedah in 1979 (where I grew up on the family property) to broaden my experience in local government administration.

In mid 2010, I established a new consulting business, Innovative Regional Solutions. As Principal of this organisation, I provide advice to local, regional, state and national private and public sector clients on emerging issues in economic and social development at the local and regional level.

I am also the part-time CEO of an association of 22 local government Councils across NSW where mining is an industry.

What first sparked your interest in model railways?

Like many small boys growing up in the early 1950s, I was given several train sets as Christmas presents, which I really enjoyed. With many trips to see relatives or attend events in Sydney, I frequently travelled by train with my family, which allowed me to appreciate how important the railways were then to regional NSW. I really enjoyed standing next to the large 38 class locomotives at Central Station in Sydney and listening to the wonderful sound of steam.

My real interest started in 1958, when my parents took me to the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

While they watched the Hereford cattle judging, I would go to the NSW Government Railways ‘O’ gauge model railway exhibition staged in the nearby manufacturers building.

The models were built by staff employed by the railway’s maintenance workshops and were based on actual working locomotives and rolling stock then currently in use throughout NSW. I came straight home and drew up my first layout (I still have the drawing). While the layout was never constructed, my interest in railways and transport

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generally went on from there.

When did you start collecting your own pieces?

I started to collect HO models in the mid-1990s based on the NSW government railway system in the period 1948 - 1982. Around that time I was also made aware of the existence of the New England Model Railway Club. This allowed me to meet like-minded modellers.

What’s the very first piece of model railway you collected?

The first pieces of railway rolling stock I ever collected were small models made by the ‘Lone Star’ Loco Company in England and purchased on a visit to Sydney. That was in 1958, and I still have them today. They are not powered, so you move them around on the small track by hand. In my current modelling era, in 1995 I purchased my first locomotive, a Lima 422 class NSW diesel from a firm in Sydney. I also still have it, although it has been updated with a new motor and weathering.

Describe your collection for us ...

Since commencing collecting my current HO models in the mid 1990s, I have constructed rolling stock from kits available in Australia. I have also had locos made up from kits by professional modellers, which has saved me time over the years. I have also ‘scratch built’ some items from plans of structures associated with the former NSW railways. In the late 1990s, I built a trial layout, which developed my skills in tracklaying, associated scenery and electronics. This layout was decommissioned in 2012.

I have been planning a new layout since I built a special purpose 9 metre by 6 metre shed in 2000. Work commitments have meant I am just commencing to build the new layout. It will be extensive, but is needed to allow me to run all the models I have collected over 17 years.

Currently I have 6 passenger car sets, over 120 different examples of freight wagons and around 40 diesel and steam locomotives, all based on the former NSW system. In addition, I have various railway structures, including depots, stations and bridges as well as houses, hotels and shops.

It’s often hard to pick a favourite item when Magazine and purchase American and English you’re a collector, but if you had to choose – model magazines when there are articles of interwhich one of your items do you particularly est. like?

Is your collection still growing?

My favourite items are my steam locomotives, I have a few rolling stock items on back order as they remind me of what the railways were from several Australian companies due to the lead like when I was a boy. The sheer power of the time for models, which are all now manufactured locomotives can be recreated if I decide to place in China. I have enough items for my planned sound chips in some of the locos, which are new layout, and its construction is now the numrecordings of real locomotives. I also like the 44 ber one priority. class diesel locos, which also can have a sound For you personally, what’s the best thing chip fitted to them, providing realistic operating about collecting model railway pieces? sounds.

I enjoy model railways as a hobby, as Where do you find is the it provides an opportunity to be best place to source new at home but at the same time objects to add to your a release from the constant Currently I have collection? responsibilities of running 6 passenger car t I source my locomoa business in today’s busy eren sets, over 120 diffght tives and rolling stock environment. I understand examples of frei nd models from Austrathat worldwide, model wagons and arou lian companies. With railways are the second m ea st 40 diesel and based scenery, I have also most popular hobby, with l al , locomotives SW N sourced items from the stamp collecting coming in er rm on the fo United States and the number one. ...” system United Kingdom, where I appreciate the opportuthe range is much larger for nity to spend time with fellow some items. A lot of items I have modellers through the New England purchased from Gwydir Valley Models Model Railway Club, when family and in Glen Innes, which is a firm run by the business commitments allow me. There is a real current New England Model Railway Club satisfaction in building a layout and seeing your President, Warren Herbert. I have also in the past trains run around a structure with scenery which purchased items for sale when they are advertised has been your creation. I recommend anyone with through the Model Railway Club by executors of a possible interest in the hobby to initially contact past modellers’ estates. any member of a model railway club as an entry You’ve mentioned being a member of the point to getting started.

New England Model Railway Club. Do you Thanks Don. also regularly read any model railway publiInterview by Jo Atkins. cations?

Yes, I have been a member of the New England are you a collector?

Model Railway Club since the late 1990s. The We want to know about you! Let us Club celebrated its 20th year in 2012. I have know what you collect, and you might received valuable assistance from some club memjust be our next Collectors Corner guest! bers, particularly Jim Pullen, who is an excellent e. tracy@focusmag.com.au modeller. ph. (02) 6771 5551.

I also subscribe to the Australian Model Railway

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focusinterview.

Lisa Rowe, a registered nurse, is also a remedial massage therapist who specialises in oncology massage – which has proven to give much needed relief to patients.

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Rowe

T

ell us about your family and what brought you to Armidale?

My husband, David, and two boys, Ben and Tom, moved to Armidale in 2007. We had visited Armidale previously to see friends and just fell in love with the climate, the town and the surrounding countryside.

David’s an anaesthetist and was offered work in Armidale Hospital, which made the transition much easier.

Describe the types of massage you do?

I am a remedial massage therapist who now specialises in Oncology Massage (OM), Palliative Care Massage, Medical Massage, Complex Lymphoedema Management (drainage, bandaging, education) and Pregnancy Massage (pre-conception, anti natal and post natal). These are times in a person’s life when great demands are placed on them, physically, mentally, spiritually.

For these people, skilled therapeutic touch can make a world of difference to their outcomes. OM techniques can also help people experiencing problems due to cancer treatment such as scar formation, decreased range of movement in the shoulder girdle and Lymphoedema. Management of Lymphoedema is a complex issue, and the training I have received in this field has been extensive and developed throughout the years. My most recent training was last year at the Royal Brisbane Hospital and was made available to me in my capacity as a Registered Nurse.

What is your proudest moment?

Completing the final module of my OM training at the Austin public hospital in Victoria. The training took place over four years. At present, there are only 35 OM therapists trained to this level in Australia 10 new england focus.

ge Oncology Massa to ch oa pr is an ap y based massage therap ssion on both compa assage m and specialised lp people he to treatments, perience manage their ex with cancer.”

and New Zealand. I felt very privileged to be selected for this inaugural program and witness first hand (Olivia Newton John Wellness Centre) how evidence based complimentary therapy can be integrated with mainstream and advanced Oncology treatments to provide the best possible outcomes for patients. Oncology massage has been available in the world’s leading cancer hospitals for some years. Oncologists, medical staff and nurses prescribe OM as a regular inclusion in a patient’s treatment protocol, with wonderful outcomes.

What are your qualifications?

Registered Nurse (almost 25 years), Beautician, Remedial Massage Therapist, Aromatherapy Massage, Oncology Massage Therapist, Lymphoedema Therapist CLT, trained in care of the post mastectomy patient (scarring, cording), postgraduate training in pregnancy massage (active birth preparation, physical therapy, relaxation, visualisation and breathing techniques), Certificate chronic disease management, Certificate palliative care nature of pain and suffering.

What are the benefits of your treatments?

Oncology Massage is an approach to massage therapy based on both compassion and specialised massage treatments, to help people manage their experience with cancer.

Review of scientific literature indicates OM helps improve quality of life. Benefits include: improved relaxation, sleep, and immune function, as well as relieving anxiety, pain, fatigue and nausea. Oncology physicians are realising the positive results massage may have on their patients physically, emotionally, and mentally while suffering from cancer symptoms and the various effects from the aggressive cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation.

On the basis of these reviews, large cancer

centres abroad and now the Austin and Sydney Adventist Hospitals are integrating OM therapy into conventional settings. OM therapists are trained to meet people where they are in their experience with cancer and apply a highly individualised massage treatment to comfort, nurture, and support them in their process.

Treatments are modified according to the full spectrum of cancer-related issues: physical, psycho-social, and emotional consequences of cancer.

Pregnancy Massage: current research is proving that prenatal massage therapy can be an instrumental ingredient in women’s prenatal care. Studies indicate that massage therapy performed during pregnancy can greatly improve labour outcomes and newborn health, that stress hormone levels are reduced and feel good hormones are increased.

Specialised massage techniques can help with oedema associated with pregnancy, improve nerve pain, reduce back and joint pain, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve quality of sleep. Although most massage training institutions teach massage therapy for women who are pregnant, it is best to find a massage therapist who is certified in prenatal massage.

A pregnancy massage session is highly individual and adapted to each stage of a woman’s pregnancy and will address both the physical and the emotional needs that arise throughout pregnancy. I like to incorporate appropriate and safe essential oils, visualisation and hypno-birthing techniques.

I also provide education resources on active birthing (birth international); this includes breathing techniques, feather distraction

technique, positioning throughout labour, various handouts and information from beyond blue.

DVDs are available for partners to watch on how they can help throughout labour, and I have a wonderful library of resource books for clients to borrow. It gives me great joy to accompany a woman through her pregnancy journey, and I provide complimentary treatments along the way, such as a mini aroma facial and a foot treatment. Women receive the Bounty ‘Mother to be Bag’ and a wonderful Organic ‘Bao Bag’ filled with organic samples.

When mums return after baby is born, they receive the ‘new mother’s’ bounty bag. The post-partum massage may also incorporate lymphatic work to help with painful breasts.

Plans for the future?

2013 is another big year in education for me. I am attending a course on Oncology Massage of the post-operative Oncology patient in Sydney, an advanced skills course for Oncology Massage in Qld, a Pregnancy Massage practitioner’s course in Sydney and completing a course in pre and postnatal assessment for risk of depression. I will be continuing my ongoing education in palliative care, both paediatric and adult.

I am dedicated and passionate about my work, and I can honestly say I have discovered my life’s purpose. The skills I have acquired throughout my nursing career now complement the work I do in my clinic. In the future, I would love to be able to offer my treatments through the public health system, as this is not a new concept; perhaps that day may eventually come. I know that what I do makes a real difference on so many levels and that treatments should be available to everyone who needs them.

Thanks Lisa.

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focusinterview.

Gallery 126.

ARTIST PROFILE

What’s at

Gallery Exciting exhibitions, framing and art supplies, and workshops.

W

e have already had 2 exhibition openings at Gallery 126. In February, we introduced landscape artist David Perks, with his magnificent landscapes of the New England and other areas. What beautiful light he captured in his work. I’m sure we will see a lot more of his work, now that he has taken up residence in Guyra.

Paintings by Margarete Ogonowski opened on 8 March and will continue through April. Margarete is able to make beautiful paintings with colourful marks that evoke feelings of happiness and serenity. Her landscapes capture the texture and colours of our natural environment.

In May, there will be an exhibition by printmakers, both local and our regular exhibiting printmakers, Anne Irvine and new lino prints

by Anna Curtis. Anna was recently featured on Graeme Stevenson’s television show, Put Some Colour In Your Life. We look forward to seeing a variety of techniques, including dry-point, etching

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and lino printing.

And at Armidale Framing & Art Supplies?

We have lots of new products arriving all the time; however, we are very excited to have just received the latest product from Derwent, the Derwent Artbar. After trialling the sets over the Christmas break, we have just taken delivery of the full single range of 72 colours.

The Artbar is a triangular shaped bar of highly pigmented, water-soluble colour with a high wax content. It has a consistent, smooth texture and soft and creamy colour. It is perfect for building up colour and layers to make a dense, thick texture. It is almost indistinguishable from paint when wet.

As with all new products, the artist needs to experiment to get the feel of them and to play with the different techniques. But I’m sure that this range will prove very versatile and popular.

In addition, Crescent, a highly regarded company in the framing industry as a manufacturer of

Workshop and Demonstration an extensive range of production, specialty and These and many more materials will be availconservation matboards, has released a range of able to experiment with on Wednesday 10 April.

Illustration Boards in a 15 x 20 inch size We have decided to have an open studio with different surface papers. session from 10 am to 4pm.

There are hot press and A representative from Sydney rough surfaces, as well as will demonstrate the Derwent painting, drawing and Artbars and Inktense blocks, mixed-media boards.

It is perfect for ur lo co up g as well as other products in Then there are the in build a e ak m to a morning and an afternoon range of professional rs ye and la e. It is ur xt te k ic th session. artists’ inks from e, dens ishable In between times, the new Schminke – an exalmost indistingu et .” nw from paint whe products will be available to tremely light, fast, briluse to create your own artwork, liant range of 36 vibrant which will then go up on display. colours. They can be used Local artists Stuart Boggs and Robyn for air-brushing techniques, Jackson, who have been using the as well as many different artist Artbars, will also be available for ideas and practices. They can be used undiluted or advice. mixed to create your own colours. They Anne Boggs: can be used with empty fine liner pens to gallery126armidale@gmail.com create your own felt tip pens!

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focusinterview.

Mark New face driving Agriculture at NEGS

Mark Fisher’s arrival at New England Girls’ School (NEGS) earlier this year heralded a rejuvenation of the teaching of Agriculture and Primary Industries at the school. We speak to the well-credentialed agriculturalist about his journey to NEGS and his vision for the future of agriculture at the school.

Y

ou’ve spent your whole life in and around the agricultural sector.

Where did this start, and what did you do early in your career?

I’ve always been keen on anything to do with agriculture, right from an early age. I was raised on our family farm at Kulnura (Central Coast hinterland) and studied agriculture at school at Gosford. At university I studied Bachelor of Systems Agriculture, specialising in beef cattle marketing then proceeded to complete my teacher training and TAFE accreditation in primary industries.

My first appointment was at Brisbane Water Secondary College, at Umina. There I helped to develop a highly successful livestock team, which won, and continues to win, major prizes at Royal Show competitions at Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane and many other agricultural shows, including the Casino Beef Week, Quirindi Prime Stock Show, Scone Beef Bonanza and Dubbo National Steer Show.

During this time I also leased a property and ran my own small beef cattle business using Limousin and Limousin cross cattle. I have always had an interest in this breed.

Sounds like you had your hands full at Brisbane Water! When did you make the move to the New England region, and what did you do?

After seven years at Brisbane Water, my wife, Erin, and I moved to Armidale, so she could take up a position as a Dietician. I’d always liked the region and knew it well from visiting my brother and sister, who both completed Ag Science degrees at the University of New England.

I decided to take a year off and get away from teaching to become more familiar with livestock production in the New England.

I worked on a successful beef and sheep property, ‘Pointsfield’, just out of Armidale and enjoyed my time there.

It also helped me re-discover my passion, not that it had waned too much, for teach-

ing students about agriculture.

You’ve come to NEGS after some remarkable achievements, building up a comprehensive agriculture program at Walcha Central School, including further developing an operational school farm, stock stud and show steer feedlot. Tell us a little about this?

I was very pleased to be able to build agriculture at Walcha over the last four years – in the end it was known I want to ensure as a feature of the that agriculture school and the comtractive at NEGS is an at ol and munity. At one stage, ho feature of the sc from ts en more than half of the show all stud hat a w s nd ou students at Walcha all back gr resting, Central were chooswonderfully inte , ic ing to do agriculture. diverse, dynam rward fo d great reputation as a With the help of a successful an it is.” ry st du thinking in school and for having number of supportive enthusiastic students and parents, together with staff.

Walcha Council, I was able to I’m delighted to be here, as establish a 200-acre school farm there’s a great culture of ‘can do’ and add a new undercover powered students who want to do their best and cattle and sheep yard facility, outdoor achieve. I’m really keen to work with them learning area, three-bay machinery shed and to help them achieve their potential. and a 12 tonne silo to the school’s existing I am certainly motivated to establish a buildings, which included a fully operational successful agriculture department incorposhearing shed. rating the already very active Livestock Team.

I created a Limousin cattle stud and show I want to ensure that agriculture at NEGS is steer feedlot, on top of managing the existan attractive feature of the school and that ing Border Leicester and Dohne sheep studs. it helps attract and retain students. So many Other school farm enterprises included students at NEGS are off the land or from poultry, pigs and vegetables. regional communities and have a very keen It was a fantastic way for the students to interest in agriculture, so it’s a good base learn about agriculture. I was very fortunate from which to work. to have huge community support, as many In addition, as a teacher of such an imporlocals had a strong involvement in the farm tant subject, I want to offer students from and therefore felt some ownership and all backgrounds the opportunity to experiresponsibility for its good running. ence agriculture and to show them what a So after such an industrious and sucwonderfully interesting, diverse, dynamic, cessful four-year tenure at Walcha, what successful and forward thinking industry it is. attracted you to NEGS, how have you found it so far, and what are your plans? You’ve seen the agricultural sector from the perspective of a teacher but also a After four years at Walcha, I felt satisfied practitioner with your own cattle. What in what I’d been able to achieve there and do you see the future holding for this was ready for a new challenge. NEGS has a

“

important sector?

It has been recently advertised that there is currently at least two or more (some say up to four) jobs for every young person completing an Agriculture related course at either TAFE, college or university level. There are so many opportunities for young people in agriculture!

I’m very keen to develop the students’ interest in this great industry with the hope to encourage them to pursue a career and seek out the opportunities on offer. There is a huge future in agriculture, as the world has a growing population that needs to be fed and clothed and no more land is being created.

And your own future?

I am blessed to be teaching agriculture at NEGS, as it is in a regional centre smothered with extremely capable farmers, agricultural industry professionals, consultants and researchers, breed societies, agri-business centres and of course, the leading agriculture tertiary education facility, UNE. I’m not looking too far ahead at the moment – just enjoying what I do and trying to instil the passion that I have for the industry in the students I teach. I couldn’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing! new england focus 13

focus_travel.

A word from Vicki Kembery.

Travel

195

Last month I wrote about one of the most relaxing holidays you can have – cruising – and this week I’m going to talk about more energetic getaways – walking and cycling holidays.

T

here are literally hundreds of different walking and cycling holidays you can do all over the world, so let’s start in our own backyard and walk or cycle from there. Within Australia and New Zealand there are over 50 different walking and cycling trips on offer – either self-guided or guided.

In Australia, the better known walks include Cradle Mountain and the Walls of Jerusalem walks in Tassie and the Larapinta Track in the Northern Territory. But there is also the Jatbula Trail around Katherine Gorge, which involves 6 days trekking with a full pack, or for something a little more leisurely, you can walk the Margaret River region of WA, staying in farm style accommodation and traversing beautiful beaches and massive Karri forests.

In Tassie, you can choose to just walk or do a combination 'multi-activity' adventure involving walking, cycling and kayaking through some spectacular countryside.

New Zealand offers some of the world’s best known walks – the Milford Track and Routeburn Track spring to mind. But they also have some great walks in the northern part of the south island along the Queen Charlotte track and the Abel Tasman, where you can combine walking and kayaking as well as a few lesser known walks on the North Island, which take you through rainforests and pass by volcanoes.

New Zealand also boasts some great cycle trips, with the 5 or 6 day Otago Rail Trail being one of the favourites, but they also have cycle routes which traverse from the alps to the ocean and visit wineries and glaciers.

Over in South America, you have the classic walks of Patagonia in southern Argentina and Chile and the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru. But as well as these classics, you can walk through the salt flats of Bolivia, or explore the diverse ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands or for the REALLY adventurous, you can ascend the 5 peaks of Ecuador.

Walking in South America can be through mountains, plains, rainforests and glaciers and can be from 5 days to 25 days. And, you can combine your walking with community projects in small villages throughout South America.

14 new england focus.

Further north in the US and Canada, there are walks that take in the Rocky Mountains – or maybe you might like to consider checking out the autumn colours of the Appalachian Mountains over on the east side of the USA, with a 6 day trek through Franconia State Park and Mt Washington.

Heading off to Europe and the UK, and the choice of walks and cycling holidays is mindboggling. You can walk or cycle for as little as 2 days or as much as 6 weeks, and your level of exertion really depends on the walk or cycle trip you choose. There are guided and self-guided options on most of the trips offered, and in most cases you can adapt the self-guided trips to suit you, so if you want to add in an extra rest day, generally you can.

There are bike and barge trips, wine trails to follow, classic coastal rides and walks, treks over mountain ranges and leisurely walks through country villages, around beautiful lakes and past snow-capped mountains. You can bike and barge, hike and sail, walk, run hike, trek or bike – the options are endless.

Some of the more popular walks in Europe include walks along the Compostela Trail through northern Spain, the Pyrenees and southern France. Or, perhaps you’d rather walk through the Alps around Mont Blanc. And don’t think these walks are just for those people who spend every weekend walking the trails around Armidale – there are even specially tailored walks and cycle trips for families to enjoy.

Italy, Spain, France, England, Corsica, Croatia, Switzerland, Germany and all countries in between have something to offer the walker or cyclist.

And then there are Asia and Africa, with some great mountain treks up Kilimanjaro, Meru, Kota Kinabalu and the Himalayas – just to name a few. But you don’t have to be a fan of mountains to find a walk or cycle trip in Asia – there are some great cycle trips in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam and some spectacular walking holidays in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bhutan, Borneo, Japan, Laos and Cambodia.

So, if a holiday for you involves a bit of leg work – then consider a walking or cycling holiday – you’ll find one somewhere to suit.

focusinterview.

Armidale businesses and the local community came together recently to support the Miss Armidale competition.

Armidale J e s s i c a

T

he first ever Miss Armidale competition was an outstanding success, with 30 local girls competing for the now coveted title.

The Whitebull Hotel for the grand final was so full, there was standing room only. The lovely Jessica Scott was named Miss Armidale 2013, with Affrazia Lilly the 1st Runner Up and Paula Nikora 2nd Runner Up. The competition began on 15 February at the Whitebull Hotel, with Heat 1 for 2013. Heat 2 and 3 followed in the coming weeks, with the top four contestants from each heat going through to the finals. The heats were hotly contested, with judges having quite a difficult time deciding who should make the finals, as the standard of entrants was incredibly high. The night of the grand final was an exciting and busy one. The Whitebull Hotel was at capacity from early on, with so many people wanting to catch all the action.

It was a busy day for the finalists as well, with an early start for hair, makeup and tanning. The lovely team at Le Salon provided the girls with lovely, natural looking tans. They then headed over to Foxy Locks to have their hair expertly styled, and the amazing Carla of Carla Jean Makeup and Hair worked tirelessly to complete the finalists' stunning looks.

When the finalists took to the stage, they were dressed to the nines for their evening wear thanks to Tuchoosey by Hanna’s, and then again in ever stylish day wear from Hanna’s as well. The girls then showed some of their personality off with a section based on something they love. Finalists dressed in anything from a sporting outfit, to a uniform or clothing that portrayed a hobbie they enjoyed. The evening ended with the final round, the swimwear round, and the announcing of the winners.

Judges for the heats and the finals were all local and made up of sponsors and media personnel. Judges had a tough job, as well as strict criteria to meet. Miss Armidale was judged on presentation, personality and physical appearance, with one third of their score being made up of each. Points for presentation were awarded on how the contestants presented themselves on stage, what they wore, and what they did.

Personality points were awarded for confidence and engaging with the audience whilst on stage. Physical appearance points

S c o t t

were awarded on how the contestants looked and how they sive cake for the finals, in the packed (almost to the rafters) portrayed themselves on stage. The criterion was designed to Whitebull on finals night. People were clamouring to get allow for judges to determine who would be confident and close to the cake for a delicious piece. Lovely local businesses capable of representing themselves as Miss Armidale throughprovided gifts and gift vouchers for the winners, including out the year.

Lily and Lotus, Shanti Collections, Abbie’s, Turners and Elly’s The competition was run by North Coast based business Coffee Shop. All of the finalists will be in good hands, with a 400 Management, owned by Tegan Ewart. Tegan and her financial consultation from Swift Finance. team run events such as the Mercedes Benz Coffs Coast FashPharmacies Priceline and Terry White provided huge pamper ion Gala, La Bal Masque De Francaise (NYE Masked hampers filled with beauty delights for the winner and Ball) and the Oz Berries Curryfest and present runner up, with Terry White also providing Clincompetitions like Miss Armidale all over ique skincare for each of the heat winners.

NSW with great success.

Miss Armidale 2013, Jess, also walked But Armidale has become a firm away with Prada sunglasses thanks to favourite for the team. Tegan Bright Eyes, with all of the finalists takAs part of he r pr ize, Je ss was says, “I have fallen in love with ing home gift vouchers from Bright th e Armidale, the people, the area Eyes as well. invite d to atte nd sh io n l Fa Aus tral ian Woo and especially the beautiful Jessica decided to donate the r – he In du st ry Awards m ent boutiques. It is such a wonderful $1,000 provided by the Whitebull ge first of fic ial en ga is s place; I think I may have to move Hotel to 'Tour De Rocks'. Jessica preM si nce be co m in g here!” The 400 team were incredsented the cheque to the organising Arm id al e. ” ibly impressed with the community committee on 21 March at a presentaspirit and generosity of Armidale in tion at the Ex Services Club. their support of Miss Armidale. That Winning Miss Armidale will only be the support was, in large part, thanks to the beginning for the lovely Jessica Scott; she will sponsors who came on board to help provide feature next month in New England FOCUS with wonderful gifts and experiences for the Miss Armidale an interview about her experience in the Miss Armidale entrants. competition and her aspirations for the future. Jess will also Major sponsor and host The Whitebull went above become the new face of Hanna’s in their upcoming catalogue. and beyond to ensure the great success of the event, even As part of her prize, Jess was invited to attend the Austrato the point of having a custom stage built. The Whitebull lian Wool Fashion Industry Awards – her first official engageprovided the $1,000 for the winner to keep, as well as $1,000 ment since becoming Miss Armidale. If you would like Jess as to be donated to a local charity of the winner’s choice.

Miss Armidale to open, attend or promote your local business Proud’s the Jewellers provided beautiful watches for the or event, please get in contact with the team at 400 Managewinners of each of the heats and stunning diamond earrings ment' Jess will hopefully have a busy and rewarding year for the overall winner. Thanks to Coke, each of the heat winrepresenting herself and the community as Miss Armidale. ners also received a lovely weekend away at Novotel Pacific Bay Resort, with breakfast for them and a friend. Our lucky the plug! winner will also be spending some time at the resort, with Contact 400 Management – Tegan Ewart 0408 2 more nights' accommodation and breakfast for her and a 494 464. Tegan@400management.com.au friend. The super talented Rebecca at Pastrygene provided yummy cupcakes for each week of heats and an impres-

“

new england focus 15

focuseditorial.

April Activities at NERAM!

Celebrating 25 Years Celebrating 25 years of St Peter’s Gardens – Armidale.

On November 2 and 3, 2013 the St Peter's Garden Weekend will be on once again.

This year is our 25th anniversary of the weekend, so it will be filled not only with wonderful gardens, but also a touch of history and nostalgia as we remember so many gardens we have been privileged to view of the years. This year the weekend also coincides with the presentation of the Tidy Towns awards, so we expect lots of visitors to Armidale.

As usual, we will be opening gardens in the Uralla and Armi-dale Districts. The gardens are varied in size, but this yearr are wns. In mostly the larger gardens situated on the edge of towns. addition to the gardens, we also will be having the usuall plant a stalls and stalls in the St Peter's Parish Hall, and morning tea, lunches and afternoon tea and a number of venues.

So save the date, and invite your friends from far and wide to come enjoy the beautiful springtime gardens and be part of our 25th year celebrations!

The New England Regional Art Museum provides a raft of innovative programs, activities, workshops and classes to immerse visitors of all ages in the world of art.

e inspired by the Archibald looks at the role of the viewer in relation Prize and explore portraiture to the artwork and creates a subtle perin the Portrait in Acrylics formance which can only be experienced Workshop. This intensive in the space. The workshop will include workshop, with recognised bright colours and lots of fun to build on art teachers Barry and Lucy this concept.

McCann, provides an opportunity to gain Date & Time: 10am - 3pm on 24 April. an insight into what it takes to be seCost: $50, BYO morning tea and lunch.

----------------------------------------------lected for the Archibald Prize. Learn how to achieve a realistic likeness Term 2 after school art classes using shapers, tones, and will start again soon. Chiltechniques to capture dren from 7 years old “ ... gain an the appearance and can join the 10 week personality of your program, Adventures insight into to s subject. Barry was ke in Art, on Tuesdays or ta it what a finalist in the Wednesdays, and ber be selected fo Archibald Prize in come an artist-in-thethe Archibald 2008 for his work making through this Prize. ” Simpatico, featuring structured program.

Maggie Beer AM, and Term 2 Starting Date & Simon Bryant, the hosts of Times: 30 April or 1 May at The Cook and the Chef.

4 - 5.15pm.

Date & Time: 10am - 4pm on 6 - 7 Cost: $150 per term (materials supplied).

----------------------------------------------April.

Cost: $200 per term.

Cost: $250, BYO lunch.

-----------------------------------------------

http://www.neram.com.au/learn-2/art-

School Holiday workshops are a great way for kids to get involved with art at NERAM. Amanda Airs, artist of the immersive exhibition Please Refrain from Wearing Shoes, will be facilitating a school holiday workshop for kids at NERAM’s ArtPlay Day. Amanda’s artwork

16 new england focus.

Felt Tip Theatre Company conducts after school drama classes that build performance skills and confidence. Energetic, challenging and fun!

Term 2 Dates & Times: • Years K - 6 - Mondays 4 - 6pm, starting 29 April.

• Years 7-10 - Fridays 4 - 6pm, starting 3 May.

Toddlers and young children can explore close up and hands on the wonderful colours, shapes and patterns found in artworks around the museum, with especially designed colourful and interactive ArtPlay boxes for preschool kids, infants and their carers. Each box has a variety of materials that are educational and fun, to be enjoyed by the whole family. Ask our friendly volunteers at the front desk about these today!

For teens, there is a number of community and school projects that NERAM run throughout the year.

Teens can work with people living with dementia, get creative with digital storytelling, assist at a Family Fun Day, or join the Teen Council to have a say about what they would like to see at NERAM. To make a booking for any of the art classes above, please phone 6772 5255.

For more information about art classes: classes/

the plug!

NERAM Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday (10am - 5pm), Saturday and Sunday (10am - 4pm).

6772 5255 for more info. www.neram.com.au

focuseditorial.

NEW N EW ENGLAND ENGLAND

Feature F eature Story Story Clr C lr JJim im Maher Maher

January 2013 // Issue 6 68 8

CONNECT

ION SPECIAL EDIT

arm idal e N ON O

show

A N NA M OX H A M In her sch school career at NEGS, Anna excelled in swimming, swimmi equestrian events, athletics and took to heart the school motto, music. She really r ‘Whatsoever you do, do it heartily’.

‘Wha

FA R M ER S’ M A R KET S Robert Gasparre shares what’s on offer at our local farmers’ market, and we find that what was once a humble produce market is now a popular attraction.

COR A L I E WA L ES Coralie is the President and a Founding Director of Chronic Pain Australia. She introduces NBN Telehealth to the Armidale community, to encourage locals to monitor their own health ...

Times change, and so has FOCUS. We're now not only in print, but on the iPad, Facebook, iPhone and on the big screen. FOCUS is committed to bringing you the very best of the New England, each and every month.

In Print FOCUS delivers 12,000 copies in print across the New England area. It's free, and it always will be. Plus, if you don't get one at home, FOCUS is available via our outlet stands right across the New England.

Videos on FocusTV.com.au FOCUS has produced over 70 videos across the New England and Mid-North Coast area of New South Wales – everything from Australian Boxing Champions to local wineries and test drives. So far we have had over 325,000 views and counting. Visit focustv.com.au Add us on Facebook Each issue of FOCUS is now available to be read right on Facebook to over 1,050

friends. You can add us on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/ne.focus Download the Eat App. With 2,500 downloads already, the eat. app on both iPhone and Android is a great way to find a great place to eat.

Featuring maps, stunning photos and details about each restaurant ... plus, if you can't decide what to eat, the app can do that for you. http://www.focusmag. com.au/eat Read each issue on your iPad Every page, every issue, available on your iPad, on demand. All you need is an internet connection, an iPad and our app, and you can read the latest issue from anywhere in the world, whenever you like.

The app has just been updated with new features and faster loading times. www. focusmag.com.au/ipad Focus on the Web Over the last 70 issues, FOCUS has been adding our great interviews to our website. From local heroes, community groups, actors, musicans – you name it.

You can catch up on some of our best past interviews by visiting www.focusmag. com.au Contact Us If you have an idea or something you think would make a great story, please don't hesitate to contact us on 6771 5551 or visit us at 5/164 Beardy Street, Armidale.

focuseditorial.

Don't miss out!

Relocation Sale.

Inland Fine Foods is relocating to new storage/shop facilities. After 5 years, the time has come to expand our business. So, we need to clear large amounts of stock to make our move easier. Inland Fine Foods offers to the public for the first time well known food brands such as Byron Bay Cookies and Spotted Cow (café style, gluten free cookies).

We also need to clear over 250 kilos of bulk tea composed of black, green, flavoured, herbal and chai packed in 250 gram – 1 kilo bags. Also, we have large quantities of commercial coffee plungers and Rockingham Coffee cups in various sizes (short black, espresso, cappuccino) and colours. All stock is in store ready to go.

Inland Fine Foods' move will make it easier for expansion into the next phase of our business, with the newly acquired package equipment for the home coffee capsule market, where we are able to pack commercial quantities of the nesspreso style capsules. Inland Fine Foods will be adding new exciting café food items and packaging to its inventory to cater for the growing café industry.

The Ascent GROUP. Local Disability Employment Enterprise Receives the Big Tick for Quality. ocal Disability Employment Service 'Acacia Park Enterprises', a division of The Ascent Group, has recently received full Quality Assurance accreditation from external auditors, International Standards Certification Pty Ltd. Following an exhaustive two day audit by a team of auditors, Acacia Park Enterprises was declared fully conforming to the Commonwealth Disability Employment Standards. Acacia Park Enterprises is classified by the Australian Government as an Australian Disability Enterprise with the aim of providing meaningful and productive employment for people living with a disability in a commercial environment.

Acacia Park Enterprises employs 35 people living with a disability who are engaged in a range of enterprises, including printing, mailing and packaging, office paper recycling and security shredding, commercial cleaning and car washing and detailing. Workers are paid in accordance with the Supported Employment Services Award, and most have completed accredited TAFE training. CEO of

Relocation sale on now.

L

The Ascent Group Kevin Mead said that he was very proud of the achievements of the Acacia Park Enterprises team.

“The auditors recognised not only the quality of the work, the processes and systems; they also commented on the highly positive culture and team work evident.”

Mr Mead said that workers were paid higher than the national average compared to similar employment enterprises across the country.

“Although the Government provides some funding for training and support, all business costs and wages have to be met through business income.”

Australian Disability Enterprises will come under the banner of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

“In the changing world of disability services and the impending introduction of the NDIS, people living with a disability

and their families need to be confident that the service they choose is Quality Assured,” Mr Mead said.

The Ascent Group is the local community’s not for profit, charitable organisation which has been providing disability and community care services, including employment, accommodation, day programs, Home and Community Care and respite services in Armidale since 1955 and is an active member of the community, the Chamber of Commerce, the Sustainability Advantage program and Locals 4 Locals.

contact info.

Kevin Mead p. 6776 8977 w. www.ascentgroup.org.au

new england focus 17

focusinterview. rview.

OUR HISTORY

18 new england

Ever wondered what it was like at the Light Horse Regiment Armidale Camp at the Armidale Racecouse During the 1940s?

Hilton Mitchell takes us back to a time from February - May, when Armidale prepared for World War II.

It was a canter past in troop line – 33 horses in line, led by the OC of the squadron and behind him the lieutenant of the troop and behind each squadron the Sergeant Major of each squadron. Our troop, no. 4 troop, was riding in the last line of 'c' squadron, and we were about 30 yards from the dais when our sergeant Major yelled out, “Down on the bastards and ride them”. We did just that, and galloped past with Lord Gowrie VC and his party with ere One night we w big smiles on their faces. Sgt Major Nick res, out on manoeuv Hanly and us blokes thought it great. rson’s and Major Maste words a The 12th, 16th and 24th blokes r 'Galloper', in othe killed. said we were mad the way we would One night we were as dispatch rider, w er and gallop down ridges between trees and out on manoeuvres, and lik el H Both Pte Dick d steep country, whereas most of the pe Major Masterson’s 'Galllo ga d his horse ha e th on other regiments came from the flat n loper', in other words, a ai dr ge into a hu country and they and their horses were dispatch rider, was killed. ” . ad Ro Gara not used to the high country.

Both Pte Dick Helliker and We broke camp in May 1940 and left for his horse had galloped into a home by train. In February 1941, we were sent huge drain on the Gara Road. to Rutherford Camp for 3 months. In 1939 we went Divisional sigs were attached to to Grafton for two camps – one for two weeks and the our regiment; a section of signallers were other for one month. allotted horses to ride with us. One morning At the end of 1941 we went mechanised and were they were behind us feeding and grooming then the 15th Australia Motor Regiment N1716. their horses, then they saddled and lined up to go for On March 18 in 1945 I sailed to Moritai, Papa New a ride. They were from the city and were not good Guinea and served until the war ended on 10 Decemhorsemen. These horses were from Mount Depot and ber. had not been ridden for a long time and also were not Trooper Hilton Mitchell, No 4 'C' SQN. broken properly, which didn’t help these city boys.

Lieutenant Pelling, their officer, gave the order “prepare to mount”. The riders reined up and feet were in their stirrups when the officer said “mount“, so they mounted. About four were thrown off; it took buck jump riders to ride them from our regiment and every morning we would see the buck jumpers in action, as we were just in front of the sig lines.

I ended up with one of them as my horse, Wattle Stick. Even with the Strangles and 226 burns to his foot, he turned out to a beauty.

One of the highlights of the 3 month camp was the brigade review on Goswick Plains, where Lord Gowerie VC, the Governor General of Australia and the official party took the salute at the dais.

“

t was in the early 1940s when we trucked our horses at Macksville railway station for Armidale. We continued to travel by train to Telarah station, took our horses off the rail carriages, fed and watered them, loaded up again and proceeded to Armidale.

We arrived the day that Billy Lappin, a top jockey from Sydney, won the Armidale Cup on Cigarette. Tragically though, we learnt the next day he was killed in a race fall in Sydney. We camped on the Armidale race course and also had the horses lined and tied up to the head rope and at the rear the heel rope, where one leg was tied to it. These horses were on their feet for 3 months without lying down.

The 12th Light Horse Regiment was camped on the show ground; the 16th and the 24th Light Horse Regiment was camped in the area at Armidale. Our regiment, the 15th Light Horse, were from the North Coast. The 12th Light Horse were from the New England, the 16th Light Horse from the Hunter Valley and the 24th Light Horse from Moree.

Midway through the camp of three months, the disease Strangles broke out; a lot of our horses got the disease and had to be isolated from the horse lines and were put in a separate area to be treated, fed and watered.

One night it is believed they were frightened by a mob of sheep. They took off, smashed the fence down and took off onto the streets, frightened, and some were running into cars. Many were left badly injured and had to be shot, and it was quite a job in rounding them up again.

new england focus 19

focusupdate

Video OF THE

MONTH 2:15

Watch on your smartphone

VIDEO BY: Domfav.

Image of the month.

A beautiful photo of the Cathedral taken from the Arboretum last year in August, as the sun was getting lower in the sky.

Photo by: Paul Earl. Camera: Canon DSLR 450D - 25 - 300 mm lens.

ABOUT: Armidale High School does the the Harlem Shake, an Internet meme in the form of a video in which a group of people performs a comedy sketch accompanied by a short excerpt from the song Harlem Shake.

WATCH AT: y2u.be/cEhXyq7W0Y4

LOCAL

READ

Taken a great photo of our local area? Like to see it published in FOCUS for the world to see? Just email editor@focusmag.com.au

Title. Hold Fast Author. Richard Wright with Robert Gasparre from Armidale Farmers’ Market

POMEGRANATE

WH

AT ’ S I N

Contact: Richard Wright (02) 6545 0471 rbwright@activ8.net.au visit www.hold-fast.com.au

This book recognises important rural history and those within it who face ever decreasing terms of trade against the odds. Hold Fast takes you through the pleasure and the pain, as well as the privilege to be had when developing raw and unproductive ground into an internationally recognised rural business.

It incorporates all the drama, depression, and emotion from a true lover of the land, coupled with the humour which abounds in small rural communities.

Promote your local book. Send us the details to editor@focusmag.com.au

focusreview.

The highly ornamental pomegranate is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub or small tree growing between 5 - 8 metres tall. There are m yellow-orange to deep many varieties, with colours ranging from reddish-purple. weet, juicy and The seeds of the pomegranate fruit are sweet, pending on the bursting with flavour. The taste differs depending ess. subspecies of pomegranate and its ripeness. omegranate To remove the jewel like fruit, score the pomegranate nd with a knife and break it open; the peel and internal white pulp membranes are easierr to er separate from the seeds in a bowl of water (because the fruit sinks and the inedible pulp floats). es, As well as being tasty eaten by themselves, nd the seeds are a great addition to salads and e fruit salads. Their sweet, slightly tart taste makes a fresh and colorful addition to tabouli.

WHERE

The Armidale Farmers’ Market is on the first and third Sunday of every month in Curtis Park. For more information, visit www.armidalemarket.com. If you want to find out what is happening at the market, ‘Like’ us on Facebook.

with Jeff Cowan

local dr p.

Blickling Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

A crimson-purple Cabernet Sauvignon with nice varietal characters of mint, bell pepper and subtle toasted oak. The wine is balanced with a leafy acidity and ripe fresh fruit. Slightly dusty, this Cabernet has a surprisingly soft mouthfeel with chalky tannins and persistent blackcurrant flavour. Enjoy now or hold for another 5-6 years.

James Halliday considers Blickling Estate to be the “leader of the pack in New England.” Worth a trip to the cellar door.

GOES WITH: Grilled meats and rich autumn sauces.

COST: $22 AVAILABLE: Select wine shops, cellar door or online at www.blickling.com.au

new england focus 21

focusinterview.

Bringing Home

interview with Ron Jackson.

The New England Antique Machinery Club Inc. has a special project in the pipeline. Ron Jackson explains how the club plans to restore a remarkable piece of our local industrial heritage ...

R

ow long you’ve been involved with the New England Antique Machinery Club Inc. and why did you originally become involved?

NEAMC was formed in 1986 by a small group of blokes interested in antique machinery, and the first rally was held on Rob Taber’s property at Dangarsleigh. I went to the Rally as a spectator and was blown away by the engines and tractors present. I joined the club the next year. I was always fascinated by steam engines and growing up in Sydney, this meant railway locos, but I realised that there were still rural steam engines about that people were bringing back to life.

What is the ambitious project involving Tom Faint’s steam traction engine that the club is currently working on?

Previously the club has returned to steam two local portable steam engines. This current project involves a much bigger steam traction engine. The engine was owned and operated by Tom Faint from Hillgrove. It is in Victoria, in a dismantled state, and the plan is to transport it back to Armidale and restore it to working order. Once restored, the engine will be put on public display and will be 22 new england focus.

Photo courtesy of Armidale Express.

steamed at various local events. the New South Wales agents R L Scrutton & Co. on Introduce us to Tom Faint – who was he, 2 July 1914. The engine was originally ordered by where did he live, and what was his impact on the Brooklana Timber Co. on the Dorrigo Plateau our local community? and purchased by Tom in the early 1920s.

Tom spent his whole life at Hillgrove, Tom owned many steam portables and initially working for his father, who traction engines, but referred to was a steam operator and this one as his “good engine” contractor. When he was and used it extensively in the y an m d ne ow about 20, he purchased district. He used the engine Tom s le ab rt po m his own engine to go ea for hauling logs from the st s, but ne gi en n tio ac into business himself. forest to his sawmill. It was tr and one as his is th to ed rr fe Tom was a well known also used on occasions to re d used it “good engine” an local identity and had drive his sawmill or the e district . extensively in th for interests in many areas – stamping battery on his ne He used the engi mining, sawmilling, road mining lease via a flat belt the hauling logs from .” transport and agriculture. from the flywheel. It was mill forest to his saw He spent his working life used for road haulage of involved with steam and was sawn timber, mining machinone of the last steam contracery and portable engines. tors in New South Wales.

In 1936 it was used to move the Describe the steam traction engine disused Hillgrove courthouse to other originally owned and operated by Tom. blocks in the village. It was also used in the agriculThe engine is a six nominal horsepower, double tural industry for chaff cutting, threshing and land crank compound sprung, three speed steam tracclearing. The latter was done by using the winch to tion engine No. 65715, built by Marshall Sons & pull out stumps and trees.

Co., Gainsborough, England. It was despatched to Where is the engine currently located ... how

“

focusinterview.

The engine is a six nominal uble crank horsepower, do ng , three compound spru tion speed steam trac built 5, 71 engine No. 65 & ns So l

by Marshal h, ug ro bo ns Co., Gai England.”

“ did it actually end up there?

The engine is currently in Victoria. After Tom’s death, the engine was sold in 1971 to the Southern Highlands Transport Museum in Colo Vale, who got it running and painted it in original colours. In 1986, a member of the Steam Preservation Soc at Menangle bought the engine, but found later that it required some boiler work to renew the steam ticket.

This involved stripping the engine, which was done.

Unfortunately, the work was not completed, and the engine was sold in the late 1980s to a collector in Victoria.

Why does the club feel it’s important to bring the engine back to the New England area?

This engine has huge local heritage significance, being associated with a well known local identity and having worked in a range of industries. It spent most of its working life with the one operator, who was one of the last steam men in New South Wales. It was associated with one of the earliest steam preservation groups in the country.

This engine is unique in that it is the only engine of its type manufactured by Marshall Sons & Co. Marshalls made engines to order, with the customer specifying what features they wanted on the engine.

Brooklana Timber Co. ordered the engine at the 1913 Royal Easter Show, where Scruttons had a very similar engine on display.

The interesting thing is that the 1913 engine was sold into the Uralla district and in fact, ended up in

Tom Faint’s ownership. It is also a unique engine and happily also survives intact in Victoria.

What kind of condition is the engine currently in – will it take much work to get it up and running again?

The engine is completely dismantled. The boiler is in good condition, but does need several firebox stays replaced. Some of the parts are well worn and will need repair or replacement but luckily, most of the bits are there.

It will obviously take a substantial amount of funds to transport the engine from Victoria and rebuild it. What kind of financial assistance has the club received for this project? Can the public also help out with donations?

The National Cultural Heritage Committee recognises the heritage value of this machine and has denied the current owner an export permit, thus preventing it being sold back to England. NEAMC has received a substantial grant from the NCH Account to help purchase the machine, but has to come up with a $15,000 contribution towards the purchase price. We also have to fund the transport back to Armidale and the subsequent restoration and display costs.

We have set up the NEAMC Heritage Machinery Fund to do this. Donations of $2 or more to the fund are tax deductible. Donations can be sent to NEAMC,

P O Box 1144, Armidale or by contacting myself.

Ultimately, what do you and the New England Machinery Club Inc. hope to achieve by bringing Tom’s engine home?

This is a unique opportunity for our club to give something back to the local community.

Unfortunately, too much of our industrial heritage has been lost to either the scrap metal industry or to overseas buyers. Here is an engine that is a one off, has a well documented history and is associated with a colourful well known local identity.

By restoring this to working order, we can display some living history and actually show younger generations exactly how things were done in the past. To those who have never experienced it, the sight, sound and smell of a working steam engine is unforgettable.

Support has been obtained from TAFE, who plan to use the engine as an educational resource for their engineering students.

How do readers contact you to find out more?

Readers interested in helping with this project, wanting to make a donation or just have a chat about it are welcome to call me after hours at home on 6775 5537.

Thanks Ron. Interview by Jo Atkins.

Note: black and white inset photos show Tom’s engine, which NEAMC plan to bring back to the area. new england focus 23

focusinterview.

Melinda Pascoe's T r e e

C h a n g e

We catch up with Dr Melinda Pascoe from The New England Specialist Centre and her cosmetic business L'Opportune, as she also brings a new and exciting business with her. i Melinda. What brought you to Armidale? I was brought to Armidale through a desire to have a change in pace of lifestyles.

H

I desired to have a tree change and love the beautiful New England, with its cosmopolitan community.

I wanted to spend more time in the country and with my assortment of farm animals – horses, alpacas, dogs, goats, cows, birds, but especially to follow my passion with my horses.

Tell us about your practice ... I practice at The New England Specialist Centre at 86 Rusden St, Armidale.

Currently I practice here, and a visiting neurosurgeon, Dr Tim Sui, visits every second week.

A local GP may be starting to practice from here as well in the near future.

As a neurologist, patients are able to come to me to seek advice on a variety of conditions and seek treatment and ongoing management for these. They come from all over southern QLD and northern NSW. I also specialise in in-house nerve conduction studies (EMG) and EEGs and other tests such as VER (visual evoked response). If further tests are needed, such as referrals for MRIs, or other specialist opinions are

24 new england focus.

required, I can refer patients to the appropriate places.

I also specialise and am experienced in administration of Botox for both medicinal and cosmetic purposes. I also trained in medical facial rejuvenation.

What do you specialise in? Neurology – the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders and conditions.

Also, Medical facial rejuvenation.

What are the common illness you treat? Epilepsy, nerve damage, stoke patients, MS, Parkinson's Disease, neck, back and brain injuries, Tourette's, Alzheimer's, CIDP, carpal tunnel, facial spasms.

As a neurologist, to patients are able e se to e come to m ety advice on a vari d an s on iti nd of co d an t seek treatmen ent em ag an ongoing m for these.”

“

How can clients find you? For all medical appointments, patients will need a referral from a GP or other specialist. They can call (02) 6772 2377 or post their referral to 86 Rusden St, Armidale 2350 for an appointment. The referring doctor can also fax referrals to (02) 6772 2388.

For cosmetic clients, they can call 0429 530 047 to make an appointment or for a complimentary assessment and quote.

Breathing easy?

Bothered by years of hay fever? Suffering from asthma? Allergic to dust? Fed up with indoor mould? Continually have bacterial infections?

Wondering how to treat your virus? Generally concerned about you and your family's wellbeing? Find a cure in UVC! axpro Distributors is a local company dedicated to our corporate foundation, where you and your needs are our first and foremost concern. Maxpro are importers of air purification products, including air filtration media and air filters. We are a national supplier supported by distributors across the country.

M

After detailed research, we believe that there is a major lack in Australia’s market of air purification solutions. Statistics show that 90% of colds are caught indoors, and the air inside your home can be 70% more polluted than the outdoor air.

Therefore, UVC germicidal products jumped to the top of our product range, and that’s where ‘Airecare’ originated.

UVC is the simple abbreviation for ultraviolet light from Band C in the electromagnetic spectrum.

UVC has been proven as an effective germicidal eradicator, in many and various applications.

Airecare UVC Lights can be installed in your heating /cooling system inside your home. Units to suit ducted air conditioning or wall mounted split systems are available. Don’t have either? Don’t

stress … there is even a portable unit!

When it comes to your family’s health, you know the importance of maintaining a clean home. You also know that you can keep your family healthier by stressing the importance of hand washing, which prevents the spread of germs.

BEFORE

AFTER

The product is soying effective at purif oving d is pr the indoor air an edicted pr is it r, la pu so po g will have that every buildin e near th one installed in future …”

“

But, did you also know that Airecare UVC light is a more effective way to proactively fight the germs and mould in your home – simply by ‘sterilizing’ the indoor air with high potency ultraviolet light rays. Soon you’ll be preventing sickness, rather than curing it. Germicidal UV fights and kills germs in the air before they multiply. It also destroys mould growing on the evaporator coil, cleaning the fins and maintaining a better airflow, thus increasing efficiency and cutting energy costs.

The typical A/C unit should have a good filter to capture dirt, dust and pollen. However, the addition of a Airecare UVC light is very important, because the UVC rays reduce or eliminate a broad range of allergens and pathogenic microbes from the air within your home which cannot be filtered out.

Airecare UVC products not only cater for residential needs, there is also a huge range of commercial UVC units too. The high rate of postoperative infections in hospitals, the infectious air spores in doctors surgeries and the general cold

that spreads through your office building, all show that Airecare UVC could benefit you.

Thousands of UV lights have been installed in buildings and homes in many countries around the world, and families are enjoying the benefits of a healthier indoor environment. The relatively new concept in Australia has already taken off.

The product is so effective at purifying the indoor air and is proving so popular, it is predicted that every building will have one installed in the near future … heading towards legislation for all new public buildings. Try it for yourself… it’s easy, it’s economical, it’s proven… it’s Airecare UVC!

new england focus

25

New England

Corn and bacon fritters from Bottega CaffĂŠ.

eat. Dining Guide is available for iPhone & Android mobiles. www.focusmag.com.au/eat 26 new england focus.

eat.

The Wicklow

Red Grapevine

Simplicity is Key

Red Grapevine – a warm and welcoming environment with well informed and friendly staff, which caters for those who want to experience a three-course meal, to others who prefer to just share a pizza.

The brief my chefs were given in designing the next menu for the Wicklow was simply 3 words: fresh, tasty and value.

We are not going to try and be something we are not. We are a great pub, we have an unbeatable atmosphere and we need to offer simple, fresh and tasty meals that will provide the people of New England fantastic value for money.

The menu is simple, fresh and produce driven, with a range of modern entrees and mains.

Our current menu can be found at: www.wicklow.com.au And our new menu will be available in mid March.

Manager Nick.

Cheers, see you soon! Nick.

Corner Marsh and Dumaresq Sts, Armidale t 6772 2421 w www.wicklow.com.au

Or choose from the wide range of pasta, risotto or homemade potato gnocchi, or the chef’s speciality – traditional hand stretched thin crust pizza, made with fresh top quality ingredients. The homemade desserts are also excellent.

Owners Brian & Natalie Powles.

Fully licensed, with fantastic cocktails and boutique wines.

113 Jessie St Armidale t 6772 2822 w www.redgrapevine.com.au U HG

open 7 Days. Dinner: 6 - 9pm.

Lunch: noon - 2pm.

open Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm

Bottega Caffé

Azka Restaurant, Wine and Tapas Bar

Bottega Caffé has always had a great reputation. I wanted to maintain Bottega’s reputation for great food, but add more of a ‘can do’ customer service approach. I had a dream to make every customer’s experience a warm, welcoming one and treat them to a wonderful, fresh menu, with great coffee to match. Finally, I believe I’ve struck the right mix: • A great new chef, who understands food and flavours and has a passion for natural foods ... local, wholesome and wherever possible, house made. Included on our menu and for sale: house made butter, yogurt, pesto, aioli, tomato chutney, chilli jam, paté, and pork and fennel sausages.

Azka Wine and Tapas Bar is a stunning, designer space with an exciting range of boutique drops. Match your wine with a tempting selection of modern tapas – perfect for casual and social dining.

Azka Restaurant features beautifully cooked dishes with subtle Mediterranean influences that will appeal to every taste. The menu focuses on fresh seasonal produce from the New England.

• Great staff who believe that ‘near enough is not good enough’ & customers are our business.

Susie Coventry, Maître d’

• A fantastic new coffee, and many hours spent practicing to achieve consistently good results.

Bottega’s commitment is to create a special experience and offer a delicious menu and specials.

Shop 2/ 14 Moore St, Armidale t 6772 6262 open 6 days.

Monday - Saturday, 8am - 4pm.

Quality Hotel Powerhouse, 31 Marsh Street, Armidale t 6772 7788 open Azka Restaurant – 7 days for breakfast, lunch and dinner ‘til late.

Azka Wine & Tapas Bar – daily from 11am – late.

new england focus 27

focusinterview.

GORDON COOKE Gordon Cooke is the new head chef at the Wicklow Hotel. For the past 8 years he has been working in some of Sydney’s best fine dining restaurants, such as The Naked Grape in Cronulla, which at the time was voted the best fine dining in the Sutherland Shire.

H

e is trained in classical French, Italian, Spanish and fusion.

His goal for the Wicklow is to share his knowledge and expertise with Armidale.

Gordon has spent his time designing a new menu, keeping the classic pub food you love but also adding an exciting new fusion twist.

everyone in the family can have a choice of their favourite cuisine; it makes the decision of “Where are we going tonight?” irrelevant.

What’s on the new menu?

I’m in the process of gets I’m in the proces ting dry aged beef for of getting dry our steaks; the reason r aged beef for ou for for this is that it boosts on steaks; the reas e th the flavour of the beef, ts os bo it this is that t bu , ef be but also makes it ‘melt e th of flavour t in el ‘m How long have it es in your mouth’ tender. ak m also er. ” nd te ’ th you been working ou m This is the kind of meat ur yo at the Wicklow? I’ve you will get in Sydney’s top been Head Chef for just restaurants. That’s just one over a month. I have been of the changes that has been using the menu that was already made; I’m very excited revealing this there, plus adding some exotic items on new menu. The new menu is set to roll the specials board to figure out what out half way through April at this stage. our customers are after. So over the last What’s the plan for the future? Soon we couple of weeks I’ve been designing a menu will have a newly refurbished bistro at the which is still nice pub food, but adding some Wicklow, with its own identity separate from more fine dining aspects to it. the existing hotel. We can’t say too much What’s your signature dish? For me, it’s not about it at this stage, because it’s still in the about having a signature dish; it’s about have ‘TOP SECRET’ file, but we feel that Armidale a signature menu ... one everyone is going to will be very impressed when it opens. enjoy. The idea for this fusion menu is so that Thanks Gordon.

He is eager to cater for your lunch, dinner, conference and party and looks forward to seeing you in the restaurant.

28 new england focus.

“

Not Just a Sports Store Most people think of The Athlete’s Foot as a store just for sports shoes; however, the variety of specialty shoes is much more than that. The range of shoes covFor a great ers areas of casual walking, range of Ascent school shoes, duty shoes, and Clarks school shoes for problem feet and shoes, including th sandals. half sizes and wid

“

options ...”

A child’s foot is constantly growing. In the first 11 years, a child’s foot grows about 17 shoe sizes and continues to grow until they are 18 years old. Often this growth happens in spurts, which makes it tempting to buy kids’ shoes too big. However, this is just as bad as footwear that is too small and can result in long term damage to their feet.

For a great range of Ascent and Clarks school shoes, including half sizes and width options ... Our Fit Technicians will use our exclusive Fitprint technology to ensure your child gets the

right fit for any activity.

Ascent and Clarks school shoes now available in store at The Athlete’s Foot Armidale.

As an added bonus, The Athlete’s Foot Armidale offers a $5 rebate to a number of local schools. This rebate can be used towards the purchase of valuable equipment and resources for the school.

The Athlete’s Foot also rewards individual customers; it’s just our way of saying thanks for their loyalty. As a Clubfit Member, for every $1 spent in store you will earn a point and once you reach 500 points, you automatically receive a $50 voucher in the mail, which can be redeemed at any Athlete’s Foot store.

new england focus 29

APRIL 2013

WITH TERRI 35(6%<7(5,$1 /$',(6¡ &2//(*(

$50,'$/(

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AQUARIUS.

GEMINI.

January 21 - February 19

May 22 - June 22

You are a very powerful person when focused. Set some goals, give yourself permission to succeed and be on your way. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to write it down or plan it; just â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;doâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; it! Your communication is the tool which you will use the most, so use the passion in your eyes as well, and let this be felt. Enjoy your creative journey.

Rhodonite connects us creatively to new talents.

PISCES.

ĎŹĎŽ ϲϳϳϏ ϭϳϏϏ Ç Ç Ç Í&#x2DC;Ć&#x2030;ĹŻÄ?Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;ĹľĹ?Ä&#x161;Ä&#x201A;ĹŻÄ&#x17E;Í&#x2DC;ĹśĆ?Ç Í&#x2DC;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x161;ĆľÍ&#x2DC;Ä&#x201A;Ćľ

February 20 - March 20

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Enjoy the momentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s challenge/ lesson.

You have the chance to soul search and look deeply within. Treat your discoveries with respect, as this will help you to grow at a tremendous pace. Self-appraisal should be an honouring process, to enhance your worth, so be aware of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Piscean perfectionistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tendencies and be kind to yourself.

Kunzite & Hiddenite give us inner balance and harmony. Try wearing some.

ARIES. March 21 - April 20

Avoid disappointing yourself with unrealised expectations. Give unconditionally and feel the joy of talent in giving. Set some fresh goals, connect to your passion for living and run with the opportunities the universe places in your lap. You are a caring individual, so allow yourself the gift of being cared for.

Rose Quartz is the crystal of pure love.

30 new england focus.

Avoid being caught up or giving too much energy to what you think others think of you; you are so sensitive and you are believing the negative thoughts you perceive others to hold. They are not true, yet they hurt you.

This whole pattern inhibits your success and personal self-esteem.

Selenite shatters negativity and raises our vibration.

CANCER. June 23 - July 23 Ju

Love your present life, so that your future path can be so much easier. Setting some fresh goals will give an air of comfort and allow you to feel as though you are making progress, and a calm will engulf you and bring you happiness. Love yourself enough to know you deserve the best in life, and watch what happens.

Ruby shatters fears and strengthens passion for living.

LEO. July 24 - August 23

Connect to your personal strength, as this will carry you through any dilemmas the unknown may present and instead of being afraid of the unknown, embrace it passionately. Play with a gift or talent to spark your self worth, and enjoy the opportunities presented to you as a result.

Citrine enhances our gifts and lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purpose.

TAURUS.

VIRGO.

April 21 - May 21

August 24 - September 23 A

Some new adventure is coming into the picture; embrace your gypsy energy, set some fresh goals and enjoy what the future holds. You are a natural leader and set an awesome example in life by just being yourself. By recognising your gifts, talents and attributes, your divinity will shine.

Turquoise helps us confidently reach our full potential.

You may have been reflecting sadly on past memories lately but as you are already aware, this has led you to feeling awful about yourself. You always have had and will always continue to have support in your life. Count your blessings and stop feeling sorry for yourself. You need to be focused, as you are about to become very busy.

Carnelian strengthens our organisation skills and creative energy.

LIBRA. September 24 - October 23

You may have been challenged by the security of your financial future lately, but rest assured, you are likely to be following an opportunity that has room to grow and prosper and even return more when you learn more. Have fun and trust in your gut feeling, as this will lead you.

Apophyllite helps with clear understanding.

SCORPIO. October 24 - November 22

Now is a great time to play with magic. You are extremely gifted with spiritual strengths, and now is a perfect time to show yourself how clever you are at manifesting whatever you want. Just think about having what you want and feel thankful for having it, as if it is already here.

Turquiose and Citrine work well together for creating and fulfilling our desires.

SAGITTARIUS. November 23 - December 21

You are likely to find yourself walking a different path with a sense of new discovery. Perhaps a new talent will reveal itself and bring with it new friends and like minded people. Be aware of your fears and see yourself caped with the opposite of them. This will give a sense of security and peace. Your rules and regulations by which you live are about to change.

Black Tourmaline is a very powerful, purifying crystal.

CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20

Teaching concepts is one of your many talents, but try to avoid bombarding people with your newfound information. Your enthusiasm is contagious enough, and others will formulate their own opinions. Practice presenting the concepts, and give them time to assimilate into it. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need everyone to share your views, but it gives you security. Avoid this trap by sitting strong in your own truth.

Sodalite connects us to the sweetness in our spirit. Enjoy.

combat the drying and dehydrating Autumn has arrived with all its beautiful colours, but you might feel that your skin needs more protection.

You’re right, with the cooler, drier weather moisture starts to be drawn from the skin.

Prepare your skin for seasonal change!

Exciting new changes are happening at Ella Baché Armidale! We welcome back Kara Snow to the salon.

Margaret and Lorraine.

Kara has been on maternity leave for the past 12 months and is rejoining the team 2 days a week, Monday and Tuesday. We also welcome Sophie Barker to our team. She has recently moved to Armidale from Brisbane, where she has been working as a therapist at one of the busiest Ella Baché salons at Carindale for the past 3 years.

She has lots of beauty therapy and Ella Baché experience and specialises in massage and skin treatments.

make a perfect gift, or choose from one of our

To celebrate, we are offering for the first 10 people to book with Kara & Sophie ½ price Signature Facial $42.50 (usually $85) when you mention FOCUS when booking.

suppleness and diminish fine lines.

And to reintroduce you to the rest of the team: Stevie, Anna, Christine, Marissa (myself), Isabel,

Don’t forget, Mother’s Day is just around the corner! Our cosmetic bag promotion would delightful packages on offer, presented in our beautiful Gift Vouchers.

Also this month, our focus is on our Hydra Plumping Facial treatment! It intensively hydrates and instantly plumps your skin. Combining water inductors and energy inductors, this treatment delivers an immediate boost of water with a long lasting hydrating action to restore skin Check out our Facebook page for all of our special treatment offers and also subscribe to our E-Newsletter on our website: www.armidale. ellabache.com.au – don’t forget, you can book your next appointment online 24/7!

A

production = impaired epidermal barrier and flaky patches.

Understanding Dehydration.

4. Sensitivity and inflammation – minimal protection + low moisture levels combine to leave the skin exposed to external aggressors (pollution, free radical) and irritation.

• EVERY LIVING CELL DEPENDS ON WATER TO FUNCTION AND PERFORM CORRECTLY!

Questions to ask yourself regarding dehydrated skin:

pril is a great time to make positive changes in your skincare routine. It’s a period of protection and maintenance, before the really cold weather hits.

• One way we lose water from our skin cells is through gaps in the epidermal barrier of our skin. This is what we refer to as TEWL (transepidermal water loss).

• Having a healthy skin means the structure of the outer layer of the skin (our epidermis) is intact and is able to do its role to the best of its ability.

• Is your skin starting to feel tight or parched?

Our natural water content hed can also be leec ing ad le , in sk e th from and n io at dr hy de to ll a decrease in ce ” n. functio

“

- The purpose of the skin’s barrier is to act as a mechanical barrier against microorganisms, as well as helping to prevent dehydration.

Prepare your skin forr se seasonal asonal ch changes with a complimentary complimenta skin diagnosis Receive a BONUS Ella Baché cosmetic bag with any two skincare products purchased.* *Available while stocks last. Not available for online purchases or in conjunction with any other offer.

5/111 Dangar Street, Armidale T: 6772 7089 armidale.ellabache.com.au

- When this barrier becomes compromised, pollution and bacteria can penetrate the skin and irritate. Our natural water content can also be leeched from the skin, leading to dehydration and a decrease in cell function.

• Do you cleanse your skin?

Incorrect cleansing can be dehydrating.

• Do you spend a lot of time outdoors?

• Do you spend a lot of time in air-conditioning (or long plane flights)?

• Do you play sport or visit the gym (where you might be perspiring)? Perspiration evaporating off the skin can be dehydrating.

• Do you swim a lot? Chlorine can dehydrate the skin.

• Do you drink a lot of caffeinated beverages or alcohol?

• How much water to you drink?

Dietary Hints

What happens when the skin becomes dehydrated?

• Eat lots of fruit and vegetables with a high water content i.e. watermelon, grapes, oranges, pears, broccoli, celery and cucumber.

1. Extreme dehydration – low humidity, indoor heating and exposure to cool winds all draw moisture from the skin.

• Natural sugars from grapes and raspberries convert glucose into energy to energise your cells.

2. Rough, dry skin – a slow down in glandular activity decreases the amount of oil being produced. Less oil = less protection from moisture loss and rougher skin texture.

• Why not start your day with a freshly squeezed watermelon or orange and pineapple juice ... Yum!

3. Flaky patches – limited water content in the skin can lead to reduced activity of enzymes that are involved in skin cell turnover. Low moisture levels + low oil

So, visit us and ask your Ella Baché Skin Therapist to conduct a complimentary skin diagnosis, to make sure you have the right skincare solution to combat the drying and dehydrating effects of the cooler weather.

new england focus 31

focuseditorial

icing on the cake with Susie Dunn

Icing

Gillian Williams.

on

cake

Fabrics Naturally is all about soft furnishings for your home, both custom made and off the rack. We are a small, friendly business in Armidale, New South Wales, which was started in 2007 by Gillian Williams.

Located a block south of Centro on the corner of Rusden and Jessie Streets, Fabrics Naturally is next door to The Goldfish Bowl Bakery and Café.

Gillian and her team – Interior Designer, Jemma Tombs, and Shop Assistants, Kerie Mann and Trudy Hancock – offer advice and assistance in choosing fabrics, a measure and quote service, manufacture and installation of top quality curtains, Roman blinds, cushions and other window coverings, as well as colour advice and placement and choice of furniture.

We take great delight in helping our customers work out stunning decorating solutions. We also work closely with Alan Pringle of New England Shutters and Blinds, who provides custom-made wooden shutters and venetian blinds. Most of us who live in the New England love its variable climate, which brings us four distinct seasons. Due to our cooler winters, however, we do have to think more seriously about window coverings to minimise heat loss.

32 new england focus.

YOUR IQ ... AND NOW YOUR EQ.

It was intriguing to read in news articles about the change of leadership at BHP, that the new leader has a ‘strong emotional quotient (EQ) (meaning he was good at dealing with people)’. SMH 21.2.13.

We also have very strong summer sun, which fades furnishings and can make our homes very glary.

The glass in windows allows a lot of heat in or out of a house, and window frames can also let in a lot of draughts around the edges. Just stand by a window in the winter, and you can feel the cold.

Modern trends in building have encouraged large windows to let in winter sun and light, but unless properly covered, they can also allow loss of heat in winter and gain of heat in summer. Come in and see us and our beautiful range of fabrics, soft furnishings and giftware.

’m probably totally out of the management media loop, but that was the first time I’d seen this evaluation mentioned casually in a financial news article. Are they really introducing a human factor into their equations?

I thought it sounded like a good idea! Many things that were once thought of as going without saying seem to have been lost in the layers of current management-speak.

Life in Armidale seems to have hit the ground running this year, and activity is humming when you put your ear to the ground.

Jim Barber, Vice-Chancellor of UNE, has explained at length to the Armidale Business Chamber the challenges facing universities today in the globalised world and has laid out a strategy for UNE to pursue. The plan is ‘to grow volume and margin online in order to reinvest on campus’. The University Council agree with him enough to have mutually agreed on extending his term into what we must all recognise could be a dangerous future for us here. We also lose Richard Torbay as Chancellor – hopefully the new appointee will bring much to the role in these changing times. We need everyone to pull their weight.

New high-tech businesses – and I know of at least one high-tech scientific instrument factory – are being built in town, and we are certainly on the brink of a different world.

We have all the opportunities and needs of the day to day familiar world to deal with. As well as our local trades and professions providing services, how lucky are we to still be surrounded by the pastoral and agricultural industries which have powered New England in the past and continue to contribute into the future. At the last Newcastle wool sales, a leading Italian buyer said wool from New England is the best in the world.

The Australian Wool Fashion Award winners will have been announced at a special night at Saumarez by the time you see this column.

Liz Foster always oversees a marvellous event and promotion, and she and her team scatter stardust over all the happenings.

Hopefully some common sense changes in attitude will refocus the Central Mall as the social and civic centre of Armidale – it deserves it, and we deserve it as the symbolic face of the city.

The flourishing local cultural scene goes without saying to anyone who chooses to dip a toe into it. You can always find someone who shares your interest, whatever it may be. I know

I

a newly retired doctor who immediately began learning the bagpipes.

To add to the sporting facilities already here, there are amazing advances opening up into the hi-tech study of sport at UNE. We are told they are world class. Another advantage here for our sportspeople is training at Altitude, which we take for granted.

To divert selfishly for a minute – there are always the unexpected nice little human E.Q. experiences – like the rush of pleasure I felt when I won a great raffle at Leigh Purcell’s ADFAS lecture on Aboriginal Art at TAS! Hooray!

ADFAS contributes to another of the layers in life here and is well worth joining for its variety of specialist lectures during the year.

Of course, the university also offers many opportunities to those in town to attend special lectures ‘up top’, and these are usually well advertised. Can’t help feeling that it would be marvellous if they had a base in the centre of town as well for such events, so that we can truly capitalise on the fact that we are a university city.

The BHP story in the SMH was captioned: “Mackenzie to test EQ and IQ on BHP bottom line” – Armidale is well placed to build on both EQ and IQ. Let’s see it on the bottom line.

The official Armidale motto is: “The Fortunes of the House Stand Firm”.

Susie Dunn.

What’s Happening Saturday, March 9, Petersons Armidale – Sunday, March 10, the Sydney Opera House …

Neil Finn and Paul Kelly headlined A Day on the Green in Armidale, before taking their show to the Opera House the next day.

Martha Saw, from Friends of NERAM, filled me in, as sadly I couldn’t make it: “… fabulous, with ages ranging from babies to eighties! Crowd very happy and rain stayed away at the crucial time of the concert.

“Town was buzzing. Markets on Sunday so much more alive, with bands at each end of the Central Mall … a really upbeat vibe”.

How marvellous – and congratulations to the ADC’s ‘Access All Areas’ promotion.

Wish I’d been there.

focusinterview.

Armidale Police Aboriginal

Debutante

In December 2012, Armidale Police hosted the first Armidale Police Aboriginal Debutante Ball. The event was a huge success, with overwhelming support from the Armidale Community and proved to be a positive experience for everyone involved.

T

he event was coordinated would remember when all the invited

by Senior Constable Cheryl Elders agreed to attend, as well as special Hall, and FOCUS caught guests Mr Tony Windsor, Mr Richard up with her to reflect on Torbay, Mr Mark Richardson and Mr Jim the event.

Maher.

Cheryl, this is the first time the The auditorium at the Armidale Armidale Police have run an Bowling Club looked amazing. The staff Aboriginal Debutante Ball. How did were really helpful with the decorations the idea came about? and getting the room together. I wanted As a Police Officer, I’m always very everything to be perfect. I wanted the conscious of the way people view us in Debutantes to feel like they had walked the community. I wanted to create an into their very own fairy tale, to be the event where everyone involved would centre of attention for the night. have a positive experience and one How were the participants chosen? which would reflect positively on the We had a couple of information NSW Police Force. I also thought it would nights, and the young women registered help to break down some of along with their partners. Some those traditional barriers of the girls asked to have that exist between Police as their partners, Police and Aboriginal and I had plenty of The room was communities. officers who were perfect, the food d As I started willing to show was delicious an e wer talking about the their support. In the D ebutantes ew the breathtaking . I kn be idea, everyone the end, we had to night was going was just really ten young women to t ou fun, but it turned It was enthusiastic make their Debut, . at be more than th and I knew it and four of these m ag ic al .” was going to be young women were something special. Our escorted by Police.

Local Area Commander, Along with the Superintendent Lyons, was an Debutantes and their partners, incredible supporter of the Ball. we also had flower girls and page Whenever I ran into an obstacle, he boys who led the Debutantes into the would remind me about the importance Ball and assisted with the ceremony. of events such as these.

What did the participants have to do What support did you have from the to get ready for the Ball?

Armidale community?

I asked a lot from the Debutantes. Not Right from the start, I had many only did they have to attend 12 weeks members of the Aboriginal community of dance lessons; they also volunteered who wanted to play a role in organising at the Blue Light Disco and assisted with the event. We formed a committee and the running of a PCYC football event. On the Ball came together with a lot of the day of the Ball, we all got together hard work. The Ball was a sell-out. There at the hairdressers and had our hair and wasn’t a spare seat in the room. makeup done. Some of the girls had Without the support of the Armidale never had an experience like this before, community, the Ball would not have and they really enjoyed themselves. been so successful. I knew the night Tell us about the night ... was going to be something that people The Debutantes entered the room

“

behind the flower girls and page boys.

They were presented corsages made in the colours of the Aboriginal flag from Elder Mrs June Walford.

They were then presented to the official table and performed their presentation dances, and then the crowd joined in. Everyone had a wonderful night, and we danced for hours.

The room was perfect, the food was delicious and the Debutantes were breathtaking. I knew the night was going to be fun, but it turned out to be more than that. It was magical.

What are the girls up to now?

I still catch up with the Debutantes, and I know some of them are friends with the Police involved on Facebook.

This would never have happened before.

It was only the other day that two of the Debutantes rang to say they wanted to talk to me. At first I was worried something was wrong, and then they told me they had joined the IPROWD course. This is a specialist training program to assist Aboriginal people to gain entry to the NSW Police Force.

I was so immensely proud of them, I started to cry. It was truly an incredible honour, and I know their involvement with the Ball played a role in them making this decision.

Months later I’m still having people come into the Police Station to talk to me about the Ball and asking when we’re going to have another one. It really has been one of the highlights of my Policing career.

I also know that the more junior Police involved have realised Policing is more than just locking up criminals. It is about connecting with your community and developing relationships. I wish all the girls happiness in their lives, and I hope the Ball is a memory they will hold for a long time. For me it is something I will never forget.

Thanks Cheryl.

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At New England locksmiths we also sell second hand safes in good working condition that are of high standard.

We are also committed to providing extra services, such as safe maintenance, safe delivery, relocation and removal.

new england focus 33

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Armidale Maternity & Children’s Ward We meet the backbone behind Armidale Maternity Ward & Children’s Ward, Siubhan Davies, as she tells us how her and her wonderful team continue to make expectant mothers and sick children’s experience in hospital a comfortable one.

H

ow long have you be been een in Armidale?

I have lived in Armidale all of my life. I was born in the Armidale Hospital maternity unit, as were my four children, Kloe 18, Nicholas 15, Alexander 14 and Thomas 9. I attended Armidale City Public School and Armidale High School, completing my HSC in 1992. I then went on to the University of New England to complete my Bachelor of Nursing. I finished my undergraduate degree in 1996 and spent a year in Tamworth at the Base Hospital, completing my postgraduate year, before returning to Armidale in 1997.

In 1998, I was one of the original staff members at the Armidale Private Hospital when it opened and stayed there until 2002, when I commenced a postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery.

Why did you choose nursing as a career?

The only career that I wanted, once I reached high school, was nursing. In particular, I wanted to become a midwife and help deliver babies and if not midwifery, then paediatrics. When I returned to Armidale in 1997, I looked at ways in which I could undertake my midwifery studies.

At the time, the local program through Charles Sturt University saw students having to travel all over the region from Moree to Glen Innes, Tamworth, Armidale and Inverell.

I had a young family and this was not possible at that time, so I settled in at the private hospital and cemented my skills in general nursing. This was also the place where I got my first taste of management, relieving as Nursing Unit manager a number of times.

For the intake into the midwifery program in 2001, a position was included that stayed in Armidale for the year. I was successful in gaining that position and after a year of full-time work and study with 3 children under 9, I graduated

34 new england focus.

prog gram I with distinction from the program. commenced work as a midwife at the Armidale Hospital in 2003.

I am very lucky to now be I was successful working in the areas that in gaining that r a year I love. ... to be a part of position and afte d k an bringing new life into the of full-time wor ildren ch 3 ith w y world or to be a part of the stud ted ua ad under 9, I gr journey families make when om the fr n io ct in with dist they have a sick child. program .”

How long have you been in charge of the maternity and difficult situations. and children’s ward?

Health is going through some In 2008, my manager at the time major changes and upheavals, was asked to relieve in a higher position and this puts a lot of pressure on staff and the opportunity arose for me to put my and management. I am lucky that I work with hat in the ring to act as a relieving Nursing great teams, who weather this storm with great Unit Manager. I had dabbled a little bit in resilience. management, but it had never been an area that Can you share any special moments?

I had seen myself working in.

My main background is midwifery, and there From 2008 until March 2010, I had numerous are so many special moments when you have the opportunities to relieve, and my interest and privilege of being a part of the birth of a new commitment to an ongoing role in management life. I have been lucky enough to be a part of the grew. In that time, I undertook a graduate birth of close friends’ children, as well as helping certificate in clinical management through the my sister during the birth of one of her children.

College of Nursing. I began acting in the position I still get teary when I am a part of a family's of Nursing Unit Manager in March 2010 in a birth experience. It is truly an amazing privilege. full-time capacity and was recruited permanently In maternity at this time we are moving into the position in May 2011. toward an extended model of care, where Tell us about your day to day routine at women and their families are cared for by a work. known midwife. This is an exciting time and My day is never boring, and there are never sees midwives being given the opportunity to enough hours in it. As the manager, I oversee the work across their full scope of practice. It is very day to day running of the two units, so that my special to be involved in the development and staff can focus on providing the excellent care implementation of this concept within our unit. that they give to patients and their families. In How has the children’s ward improved in my role I have the opportunity to Network across your time? the area with other like minded professionals.

The children's ward has a fantastic team of There are a lot of exciting things that are nurses who do a wonderful job providing care to happening in health, and I get to be exposed their patients and families. As a children's ward, to these most days. Not every day is a good we are incredibly lucky to receive donations day, and there can be some very challenging from many different and generous individuals

“

and groups. This helps us to purchase essential equipment to provide care to sick children. It also helps us to purchase toys and games to make children's stay with us less frightening and more comfortable.

During my time as manager, we have also seen the recruitment of a play therapist to our unit. Debbie provides an amazing service to the children who have to stay with us.

What do you love most about your work?

The things that I like the most about my work are the challenge and variety. No two days are the same. I also enjoy working with a great team of people, both in the units I manage, as well as the wider hospital. I am excited to be involved at an area level with the positive changes that are occurring in health.

Plans for the future?

In the immediate future, I plan to continue in my role and working on raising my family.

I am currently enrolled in a leadership and management essentials program with a group of 30 other health professionals from across the state and across different health disciplines, which will help me to build on my leadership and management skills.

Long term, my partner, Alan, who is a doctor, and I hope to travel, as well as do some work in rural and remote areas of Australia.

Thanks Siubhan.

BEFORE

AFTER

Dewhurst Dental Will my baby/young child need orthodontic treatment? The answer may be up to you! When should you begin orthodontic treatment? ears ago, when I was studying dentistry, we were strongly taught that orthodontic treatment should occur in the teenage years, ideally between 13 - 16 years of age. During the 1980s and ‘90s, I began treating many patients in the mixed dentition stage of development, which was usually at 8 - 10 years of age. I believed earlier treatment gave opportunity for structural problems to be addressed by establishing normal patterns of growth, which would continue into teenage years, thereby simplifying later treatment or avoiding it entirely.

Y

of the craneo-cervical-mandibular system (CCMS) exists – meaning a genetic blueprint for the face, skull and neck – these blueprints for development can be easily disrupted by incorrect function, environmental factors, and habits. Genetic potential is commonly considered as the supreme influence in development, but genetics are heavily reliant on certain ‘switches’ to turn them on or off. For example, the top jaw will not grow correctly without specific negative air pressures in the nose that only occur with nasal breathing.

“How would one do that?” you might ask.

The goal of growth and development is to reach maximum genetic potential, which can only be achieved by correct function within a suitable environment. Our maximum genetic potential orthodontically means a face and jaws accommodating all teeth in an attractive, functional and uncrowded state.

Research in the last 10 - 20 years clearly demonstrates most orthodontic problems to be functional or environmental in nature. Only a small proportion of cases are genetic. Although an underlying genetic guidance for growth

Certain factors have been identified as having utmost importance in the optimal development of the face. Poor habits in any of the following areas can often lead to the need for orthodontic treatment.

Recently, the practice of orthodontics has shifted toward even earlier treatment – so early that I now believe treatment should commence pre-natally.

1. Nasal breathing – this means breathing through the nose at least 80% of the time.

As stated above, the upper jaw requires the specific negative air pressures created in the nose by nasal breathing.

Alternatively, mouth breathing does not produce these specific pressures and can lead to structural problems.

2. Correct swallowing pattern – we swallow approximately 2,000 times a day. An incorrect swallow pattern will act like a permanent orthodontic appliance and will lead to incorrect growth of the facial complex.

3. Lip seal – at rest, the teeth should be apart and the lips together. This is the most relaxed position for the facial muscles, and any other position will place undue pressure on the teeth and jaws.

4. Other habits – thumb sucking, etc.

Returning to our question – when should we start orthodontic treatment? Orthodontic

treatment should begin prenatally by teaching parents how to correctly establish healthy habits in their children. Critical patterns of breathing and swallowing are largely established by 6 - 12 months of age and are dependent upon proper feeding and careful attention to breathing.

Children develop most rapidly between the ages of 2 - 5 years. During this period, 70% of growth of the face and jaw occurs. Protocols now exist to identify and properly treat structural problems in children younger than 5 years.

If you have concerns regarding the facial development of your young child, or if your child struggles with any of the above habits, we may be able to help build healthy habits that may save significant expense in the future.

Please ring for a consultation.

Thanks for reading, Rob Dewhurst and Soo-Wee Ong.

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Independent Sports Tell us about your new branding? We opened our sports store 10 years ago, and our franchise agreement was due for renewal.

We decided that now was the time to look for a new group that could offer more for our customers and allowed us to stock whatever we wanted too. There was only one option Independent Sports, they were exactly who we wanted.

How will this benefit customers? Customers always benefit from cheaper prices, good servicee and a wide selection of goods, Independent Sports Armidale can offer its customers all that and more!

Tell us about the new products we can now find in your store? Our newest brand in footwear and apparel is Asics, and WOW what a range they have on offer, their footwear is recommended by Sports Medicine Australia, so in conjunction with the brands we all ready offer we can help you with any problem and just make you look great.

Who is apart of your team? Our friendly team is growing, Declan Druitt, Luke Webster and Tom Prosser are the guys to talk too about sport and footwear. Jacky Weston, Britt Wright, Ainsley Cowan, Emma Channon, Sarah

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wearing something comfortable or just looking good our staff are always here to help you!

Kurrawatha Ave Early Learning Centre Osbourne, Rachel Roan and Freya Weston can help you with apparel and school wear, our young team members, Anil Rajanathan and Alexander Brown specialise in Cricket and Hockey. Our newest addition to our team is Kaitlin Matthes she is a bit of an all-rounder.

And then there’s my angel in charge of accounts Lyn Dawson.

And of course I’m there running around after them all, or are they running around after me .... we all love what we do and have a passion for helping people play the sports they love, helping people achieve some fitness goals, getting kids dressed for school, wearing something comfortable or just looking good our staff are always here to help you!

At Kurrawatha Ave Early Learning Centre, we provide a nurturing environment for children from 6 weeks to 6 years. We are open from 6.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday. We also offer After School Care for children up to 12 years of age from 3pm ‘til 6.30pm.

Our service provides nappies, meals and linen for your children, which makes the morning routines for our families hassle free. We also provide afternoon tea for our after school care children.

Our program is guided by the children’s interests and strengths, with links to the

Early Years Learning Framework. Educators use a range of teaching strategies, such as intentional teaching, scaffolding and extending on children’s spontaneous play to promote children’s learning and development.

We have large outdoor play areas, which include great areas for the children to explore and run around. We also have our own veggie gardens and two chickens as the centre pets.

For further information, contact Louise Valente on (02) 6771 2399 admin@kurrawathaelc.com.au http://www.kurrawathaelc.com.au/

Chiropractic is safe for babies and expectant mothers.

f e a t u r e

TG’s Child Care Chiropractic During Pregnancy Chiropractic is a safe, effective and drug free alternative to the aches and pains associated with pregnancy. More mothers every day are turning to natural chiropractic for a much more comfortable pregnancy, but also to ensure labour and the birthing process are as natural as possible. Special contour pillows are used to accommodate the baby bump, and treatments range from muscle/ligament releases to low force adjustments.

Chiropractic for newborns: The birthing process is traumatic for both the mother and child.

So how can Chiropractic help newborns?

• Attachment and suckling difficulties during feeding • Colic • Constipation • Consistent head turning to one side and the prevention of flat spots developing on the skull Signs your baby needs to see a Chiropractor: • Arching of the head or shaking of the head during feeding.

• Preference for rugby hold when breast-feeding. • Irritability during nappy changes, when dressing or during bath time.

• Pain during defecation • Development of a dominant hand before the age of 1. The force used when adjusting a newborn is very light – the equivalent of the pressure used when pressing on your eyeball.

Passion for Early Childhood Learning Are you passionate about early childhood learning?

Armidale & District Family Day Care Service is a network of registered Educators who provide care for children in their own homes. We are currently seeking individuals who are passionate about early childhood learning and would be interested in becoming a Family Day Care Educator.

If you would you like • The opportunity to see your own children and others grow and learn; • Access to excellent professional and personal development opportunities; • Regular support visits and ongoing assistance; • Access to toy library resources, including educational toys and books; • The ability to stay at home AND earn a good income; • And the chance to be a highly valued member of the community Contact us today to find out how you can become a FDC Educator and create your own successful business, with all the benefits that brings. You won’t be alone; our experienced Coordination team will be with you every step of the way.

TG’s Child Care operates all year round, providing quality, professional child care services, aiming to assist the parents and children in Armidale and Uralla and surrounding districts, to make life as easy as possible to raise a modern family.

Our team of qualified and dedicated educators love their work and are highly experienced. All of our staff have been carefully selected according to training, experience and personal qualities. Our educators believe it is a privilege to be able to assist local families in the care and education of their children.

They are actively engaged with children, developing positive relationships, contributing to the children’s belonging, being and becoming.

Our Preschool Program includes a school readiness program for the children, to further assist them as they transition to school and also gives them the social and emotional maturity and confidence to be able to cope with the everyday demands and to encourage a life time love of learning.

TG’s Child Care is a carefully designed and presented environment, providing experiences to allow children to explore, experiment and discover. TG’S is welcoming, consistent and predictable, providing a sense of place and purpose for young, active children. It is vibrant and flexible and allows for children’s changing needs, interests and abilities.

TG’S invites exploration, interactions, challenges, safe risktaking, discovery, connections to nature, conversations and communication and lots of fun play!

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Raising Confident Children.

For every child at every age!

At Armidale Toys we pride ourselves on being able to pick the right toy for any child at any age. If you are looking for toys that are different, unique and inspire creativity and thought processes, we can help!

There are 2 trained teachers on staff, the owner Di Johnston and now Margherita Berry (who works Mon and Tues afternoons). We understand the importance of play for all young children. Through play, children understand and process the world around them. We are often asked ‘what’ a toy does, and this isn’t always important. It is what the child ‘does’ with the toy that is important, and each child will play with a particular toy in their own way. While we live in an electronic age and it is important for children to be exposed to technology, it is equally important for children to play and use their imaginations the old fashioned way. Only one part of the brain is used when playing electronic toys, while the brain jumps from left to right when engaged in imaginative play or interacting with craft activities. If you haven’t been to the shop before, please come and see us in our new location in the old Medicare premises in the Armidale Plaza.

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Confident children are not afraid to try new activities. They make friends easily and work well in teams and groups. They are able to solve problems more effectively than children with lower levels of self-esteem. Here are some ways in which you can increase your child’s self-esteem, helping him or her to become a more confident child.

M

ake Time for Yourself.

Although it may seem selfish to take time out for yourself when you have a child to look after, it is, in fact, an indispensable part of being a good parent. If you do not make time to look after yourself and to pursue your own hobbies and interests, you will become stressed, irritable and badtempered. This will not have a good influence on your children and their self-esteem.

Ensure that you take good care of yourself by eating well, exercising regularly and having enough sleep.

Schedule at least half an hour each day to relax by yourself doing something you enjoy, whether it is dancing or reading a book. This will raise your own self-esteem, so that you are better able to meet the demands of parenthood.

If you are happy and relaxed, you will remain calm with your children and treat them fairly, without losing your temper. Your children are therefore also likely to be happy and relaxed and with a high level of selfesteem.

If, however, you are stressed and bad-tempered, your child’s self-esteem may be adversely affected, as he may think that he is the cause of your bad mood. If you find it difficult to cope with the stresses of parenthood most of the time, it is important that you talk to someone about your struggles.

Just talking the situation through with

an empathic person may help to you Set aside some time at the weekend to feel better. for a fun, family activity. This could be Spend Time Together as a Family a walk in the park, a trip to a museum Children who spend a lot of quality or other place of interest, or simply time with their family members are time spent at home playing games or more likely to have high self-esteem talking. Through such activities, your than those who do not spend much children will realise that you enjoy their time with their family. Ensure that your company, and this will help them to children participate in daily activities, see that they are valuable people with such as helping to prepare meals and whom other people enjoy spending helping to tidy up on a regular basis. time.

Try to make such activities Keep Your Promises fun and engaging.

Try your absolute best Sitting together to always keep your around the table promises to your Children take om and having a child. If there is a promises fr ry ve s family meal is good reason why nt re pa r ei th ill another easy you cannot do so, seriously and w way in which explain the reason be very likely to in the remember them you can enjoy clearly and simply to futu re .” spending time your child. together as a Do not promise family. With each your child something if family member leading you do not intend to keep a busy life, it is often difficult the promise or if you know that it to do this, but it is worth making the will be difficult to follow through on effort to do so at least once or twice your word. It is better not to promise a week. Ensure that the television, cell anything than to let your child down. phones and other electronic devices Also, do not think that your child are switched off and take the time to will forget the promise. Children enjoy one another’s company whilst take promises from their parents very sharing a meal. seriously and will be very likely to Try to ensure that you spend at least remember them in the future. fifteen minutes of quality time with Children whose parents keep their each of your children each day. You promises develop trust in themselves could play a game together, read a and other people. Children whose book or make something. Ensure that parents often break promises feel the room is free of distractions and that they cannot trust other people, focus on your child whilst participating and this leads to an erosion of trust in in the activity with him or her. themselves.

“

focusbusiness. with the Armidale Business Chamber

Chamber’s New Board Ready for Business The Armidale Business Chamber has in superannuation accounting. She is highly announced a new Board, with freshly-elected involved within the local sporting community, in President Andrew Murray heading the team. particular, rugby union and netball.

Keiran is a Solicitor with Moin & Associates Andrew, who is the principal of Keystone in the specialised fields of corporate and Consulting, is best known for developing personal insolvency and commercial litigation.

Collect Food Stores, which started as a single Before moving to Armidale with his wife and store at the Armidale Airport and grew over two daughters in 2010, Keiran gained his skills 11 years into a chain of 25 stores with more and experience with mid-tier commercial law than $24m in merchandise sales per annum. firms in Sydney.

He comes with over 20 years’ experience in his own business and 13 years prior to that in the Another of the Chamber’s new faces is corporate world.

Leo Bayerlein, lecturer in accounting at the “It is an honour to be elected as the new University of New England. Leo is a relative President of the Armidale Business Chamber. newcomer to Armidale, having arrived from “I have lived in Armidale for the Germany in 2011 after working in the past 23 years, attended UNE German offices of Deloitte and back in the mid 1970s, and Ernst & Young. He is currently With membership I love this city. It is time to teaching Financial Accounting 220 rising from 20 to s give back some time as a and Corporate Accounting se es member busin s, way of saying thanks to the at undergraduate and ar ye 3 st pa e over th at community. In this respect, postgraduate level. it is apparent th e I am no different from any Rebecca Pezzutti is semithe members ar e th keen to support of my fellow directors, who retired Lawyer with a young program .” have all volunteered their time family and runs a successful and expertise to give members home based bakery business a focal point where they can share called Pastrygene, while Kylie ideas and learn new ways of dealing with Alcorn from Forsyths is an economist and the daily challenge of running a successful a licensed financial adviser with Forsyths. With business.” over 23 years’ experience in the investment, According to Andrew, the Armidale Business superannuation and financial services industry, Chamber has achieved a lot under the Kylie has a passion for informed decisionstewardship of Chief Executive Officer, Liz Egan making via education.

Elizabeth Egan, the Chamber’s CEO, is very and the previous boards. With membership excited about the new Board and the direction rising from 20 to 220 member businesses they’ll be taking the Chamber over the next over the past 3 years, it is apparent that the couple of years. members are keen to support the program.

“We have a very vibrant and energetic group “Like any of our member businesses, we who are willing to volunteer their time to take cannot take success for granted, and in the Chamber and Armidale business forward.

2013 the Chamber will be returning to those I’m really looking forward to working with essential activities that the members value them over the Chamber’s next transition phase most,” says Mr Murray. of innovation and strengthening – I believe we The Board features other new faces, have the right team in place to get this done.” including Secretary Keiran Breckenridge and Ms Egan also acknowledged the fine Treasurer Cairistain Wall. Cairistain was born in work done by Past President Susan Cull and South Africa and moved to Australia in 1996. former Board members Dr Lou Conway, David Cairistain has been with Smith Sharpe and Simmons and Matt Meehan, whose hard Abbott since 2006, after graduating from the work and dedication to the Armidale Business University of New England with a Bachelor Chamber over the past three years was really of Commerce majoring in Financial and appreciated.

Management Accounting, and specialises

“

new england focus 39

E TUR FEA S U FOC AL I C PE A S

E C I V SER

S

Any of you who have ever met Mark Low (the Cardboard King, as he prefers to be called) will already know about his passion for his community and his family. For others, you will soon appreciate what he, his wife, Natalie, and their team have contributed towards waste management in our community at Armidale Recycling Services – with the help from Council and many local businesses.

“ Nat is a local

d Armidale girl, an en be her family have for around the area .” ns four generatio

ow long have you lived in Armidale?

I was born and bred in Tigers country, Uralla. My parents are Frank and Joan Low, and I have an older sister, Ann-Maree. We grew up on Bridge Street across from the BP Service Station. I moved to Armidale after my engagement to my wife, Natalie. Nat is a local Armidale girl, and her family have been around the area for four generations. Her parents are Barry and Pauline Miller, and she has an older brother, John and younger sister, Nikki who also live in Armidale with their families.

Nat and I have been blessed with having two teenage boys. Blake is 14 and Trent is 12, and they both attend O’Connor Catholic College. Blake is a keen

Manly supporter like his mum, and Trent supports the Tigers like his Dad. This makes interesting nights when the two teams play each other!

How long have you been in this industry?

I have been in the Waste industry since 1996 and the Recycling industry for the past 8 years.

Nat and I are the owner/operators of Armidale Recycling Services Pty Ltd (ARS).

ARS is contracted by the Armidale Dumaresq Council and Guyra Shire Council to collect kerbside recyclables from residents in the Armidale and Guyra district. The recyclable material collected is then taken to the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), where recycling centre staff sort everything by hand into different categories.

ARS Pty Ltd also collects recycling from local business houses. continued over

new england focus 41

A R M I DA L E R E C YC L I N G S E RV I C E S

SERVICES

42 new england focus.

Tell us about the local recycling process?

Armidale and Guyra residents are provided by Council with 55 litre black crates for the disposal of recyclable household material. They are picked up on a weekly basis. One crate, with a lid, is for the recycling of all types of cardboard and paper. The second is for all other recyclable material, including plastic bottles and containers, empty steel cans, aluminium cans, aerosols, glass bottles and jars and milk and juice cartons.

Residents can also purchase extra black crates from the Armidale Dumaresq Council as ARS, under the current contract, will collect an unlimited number of black crates from each household.

ARS has witnessed an increase in recyclable

materials since the introduction of the unlimited crate system.

Once collected from the kerbside, the recyclables are transported to the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) on Long Swamp Road. Paper and cardboard is processed and then baled into one tonne blocks and are stored ready for transport to th the paper mills.

All other recyclables such as gl glass, plastic bottles, aluminium ca cans and tin cans are placed in a ch chain driven hopper. The hopper has a variable speed which drops the recyclables on a sorting belt. The belt is approximately 20 m long. There are different stations located along the belt where all the different types of recyclables are sorted by hand.

The milk bottles (HDPE) are sorted and baled and stored ready for transport to Melbourne, where they are reprocessed into new milk bottles or HDPE products. PET/clear bottles are sorted and baled and are sent to Sydney to be reprocessed into new PET products.

The aluminium cans are sorted and baled and are sent to Newcastle to be recycled into aluminium products. The tin cans are separated and sorted and

S E RV I C

ES

Guyra ided residents are prov litre

by Council with 55 e black crates for th able disposal of recycl ial. ” household mater

“ Armidale and baled ready for transport to Brisbane, where they reprocessed into new tin cans.

Plastic bags and plastic film are sent to Sydney to be recycled. All other plastics are called mixed plastics and are baled together and shipped overseas to be reprocessed.

The glass is separated into two colours, one being an amber mix (brown and green) and the other flint (white). The glass is then broken with a glass breaker into pieces approximately the size of a 50c piece. It is then stored and transported to Brisbane to be recycled into new glass.

Can you give residents tips for recycling?

• Buy extra crates from Council

• Don’t dispose of recyclables with your regular waste • Rinse and clean jars, plastic bottles etc.

• The cardboard and paper crate to have a lid to keep paper dry and clean • Take the lids off bottles and jars • Never put hazardous waste in your recycling crate How does recycling benefit the community?

Under the new contract which commenced in 2012, residents are able to put out an unlimited amount of crates. This gives residents more capacity per week to recycle, therefore reducing the amount of waste going

fillll. to landfi Another benefit of the crate system is that the recyclables are very low in contamination, because they are not commingled. Therefore, the quality of the recyclables are of a very high standard, which makes sorting and processing easier and in turn, we are able to sell the product to many major Recycling Companies.

ARS is currently operating at a 4% residual to landfill with the crate system.

ARS would like to thank the residents of

Armidale and Guyra for their dedication towards recycling. Residents are doing a great job in sorting and cleaning their household recyclables ready for kerbside collection.

The crate system does require more man power to manually collect the kerbside crates and hand sort the recyclables.

This creates employment in the local community.

ARS also works closely with many local businesses in the community. continued over

Growing Businesses just like Armidale Recycling Services

WHK Principal Col Ranck has been working closely with Mark and Natalie Low assisting them to move their business to the NEXT LEVEL. To see outstanding results in your business contact WHK and speak to a Business Advisory specialist.

90 Rusden Street, Armidale, NSW T 02 6776 5100

Col Ranck

WHK Principal

better advice for a better life

www.whk.com.au

new england focus 43

A RMIDA L E RE C YC L ING C E N T RE

SERVICES

Tell us about your team?

My wife, Nat, and I are the owner/operators of Armidale Recycling Services.

I manage the day to day operations at the Armidale and Guyra MRFs. I organise and oversee the staffing and kerbside runs and arrange the transport and sale of the product.

I co-ordinate with my Leading Hands, Mona and Nathan, on a daily basis, to prioritise duties for the day, as the workload differs from day to day.

Nat runs the office and takes care of all the paper work and administration duties. It is great to have Nat working at the Centre, as there wouldn’t be a day that goes by that

44 new england focus.

I need her opinion or advice on something; plus, she is not bad on the eyes! It is a nice change from looking at cardboard and plastic.

Nat is also a busy mum to our two boys.

ARS currently employ 17 local staff between the Armidale and Guyra MRFs. They range from truck drivers, forklift drivers and recycling sorters and processors. They are a very hardworking team and have a vast knowledge in the recycling business.

TEAM ARMIDALE Teremoana Marsters – Mona is my Leading Hand, and he is an integral part of the smooth running of the MRF. He oversees the

day to day operations of the MRF and works closely with myself. He has a good working relationship with the staff and is able to get the best out of people.

Peter Beresford – Pete is a kerbside truck driver and has worked for us for 7 years. He has a great knowledge of the pickup routes and is well known in the community.

Patrick Ferris – Pat is in charge of our Commercial cardboard pickups. He comes from a well-known local family and is a very professional employee.

Timmy Stace – Timmy is a kerbside truck driver and knows Armidale like the back of his hand and is a very reliable and polite

employee.

Shawn Keene – Shawn is a kerbside truck driver and collects recycling in Armidale and Guyra. Shawn is a generous employee and participates in many local fundraising events for support to local families.

Joshua Keene – Josh is Shawn’s brother and is a kerbside truck driver. He undertakes any duties asked of him and nothing is ever too hard. The Keene family is a local well-known family.

Brett Monley – Brett is a kerbside driver and is in charge of our Preventative Maintenance Program on all our machinery and equipment.

Brett brings a spark to our team. He cooks a

S E RV I C

ES

“ ARS currently

aff employ 17 local st idale rm A between the .” and Guyra MRFs

weekly BBQ for the staff and spoils us with his famous gourmet sausages.

Grant Irving – Grant is a recycling sorter and has been employed with us for the past year after completing a 12 week scheme with CRS Australia. Grant is a reliable employee and always available when needed.

Robert Swilks – Robbie is a recycling sorter and is a long term employee of ARS. He has a great knowledge of the Armidale area and the recycling operation.

Trevor Davis – Trevor was a full time em-

he MRF as ployee at the a recycling sorter until he started a family. He has returned to us on a part-time basis and is an asset to ARS. Justin Farrell – Justin is a recycling sorter and is our youngest employee. He has shown a great deal of maturity over the last 12 months. He bales a lot of the product ready for transportation.

Jeremy McElroy – Pedro is a recycling sorter and works on the belt sorting recyclables and also baling of the recyclables. He is a very efficient worker and maintains and cleans the

standard MRF to a high standard.

Ben Tracy – Ben is a recycling sorter and is a very friendly and easygoing employee. He completes any tasks asked of him and nothing is ever a hassle. He comes from a local family.

TEAM GUYRA Nathan Reeves – Nathan is our Leading Hand at the Guyra Waste Facility and is also a kerbside driver in Guyra. He is in charge of the day to day operations of the Guyra Waste Facility, and anything Nathan undertakes is done to a high standard. He is a well-known and well liked member of the community.

Barrie Campbell – Barrie is a recycling sorter

Facility He keeps the at the Guyra Waste Facility. grounds and the MRF clean and tidy. He is respected member of the Guyra community.

David Pixton – David is a recycling sorter who also sorts our scrap metal at the Guyra MRF. David has an extensive knowledge of scrap metal and does a great job.

Glen Vanderwolf – Glen is our hook lift truck driver. He transports the Guyra recyclables and waste to Armidale and Tingha.

Glen is very reliable and has an extensive knowledge of heavy vehicles. He treats the equipment as if it was his own. continued over

new england focus 45

F r o m t h e Council.

S E RV I C

You work closely with local businesses. businesses they and d how do they help Who are they, your business?

As Armidale is located in a regional area, the recyclables collected have to be transported to metropolitan processing plants in major cities around Australia. Therefore, transport is a major requirement for our business.

We contract 3 local businesses to transport our product. They are T & T Transport, Hillier’s Transport and Tibbs’ of Guyra.

Tom Faint of T & T Transport transports our cardboard to VISY Recycling in Sydney on a weekly basis. Tom is a local owner/operator who provides us with a great reliable service. He is a great bloke to deal with, and nothing is ever a drama.

Brian Hillier of Hilliers Transport transports our plastics to Impact Recycling in Sydney, our aluminium and tin cans to Brisbane and cardboard to AMCOR Recycling in Sydney. Brian and Chris Hillier operate a large transport business which is capable of moving our product efficiently all over Australia. Brian and Chris are always accommodating and provide a great professional service.

Scott Tibbs of Guyra transports our glass to Asia Pacific, located in Brisbane, on a regular basis. He also provides ARS with an excavation service to maintain the Guyra Waste Transfer Station. Scott provides us with a very reliable and friendly service.

46 new england focus.

sl

ES ARS owns a small fleet of vehicles that carry out a high volume of work on a daily basis. This requires major preventative maintenance to be carried out on the vehicles. Westend Truck Services provides ARS with a quality mechanical service.

Westend Trucks is owned and operated

by Wayne and Kara Holmes. Wayne and his staff are available day and night to keep our vehicles on the road. We have a great working relationship with them and are grateful for all his hard work and high standards.

ARS requires preventative maintenance on all its processing equipment located at the MRF. Greg Johnson of Johnson’s mobile welding carries out the maintenance and repairs to our equipment on-site. We are fortunate to have this service, as it is imperative that our equipment is operational. Greg is a master of repairing things that look like they are unrepairable. Greg makes himself available and is a quality tradesman.

ARS also has a very close working relationship with a network of professional businesses, to ensure the smooth running of the business.

Col Ranck, of WHK, provides us with specialist advice in Accounting, Business and Financial issues. Col is very professional and provides us with an high level of service and advice. Col is only a phone call away and is happy to discuss any matter, big or small. We look forward to his regu-

lar visits, and it is great that he shares our vision for the company.

Jason Wright, from the National Bank, is our Business Banking Manager. Jason provides us with the comfort that we will be supported now and with our future endeavours. Jason always makes himself available and delivers a professional and outstanding service.

Peter Pardy, of APJ Law, is our Solicitor.

He works closely with us on all our legal matters and requirements. He provides personal, professional and exceptional service.

We would like to thank the above businesses for their service and look forward to continuing our working relationship.

What are your plans for the future?

We are currently implementing a training program that gives staff the opportunity to obtain their Certificate III in Waste Management. The staff will obtain a greater understanding of the industry, OHS procedures, processing and the impact recycling has on the environment.

We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Armidale Dumaresq Council and the Guyra Shire Council to promote recycling and reduce waste to landfill. We are committed to providing the residents of Armidale and Guyra a professional and sustainable service.

Caring for the environment is everyone’s responsibility.

Recycling can make a difference.

Thanks for your time.

fter taking on board feedback from the community, Armidale Dumaresq Council (ADC) Waste Services identified a need for residents to be provided with more capacity for their recyclables. Since the commencement of the new waste collection contracts in 2012, residents are able to present as many crates at the kerb as their circumstances dictate, encouraging greater diversion of waste from landfill. Since the change to unlimited crates, ADC has noticed a significant increase (8%) in recyclables sorted at the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), which is a credit to Armidale residents.

Often we are asked why Council elected to continue with a crate based system for recyclables, when most other Councils have moved to a single yellow lid comingled 240 litre wheelie bin. Our justification is based on combating contamination and reducing the impact this has on finding a market for the recovered products. Being located midway between Sydney and Brisbane, Armidale is disadvantaged by the distance to markets for recyclables compared to the metropolitan areas. Therefore, we must compete by providing high quality recycled materials that attract a higher price to offset the cost of transport.

Many MRFs that receive recyclables from comingled bins are, unlike our crate based system, experiencing contamination issues. These mainly relate to paper and cardboard becoming spoilt by small pieces of broken glass (glass fines). This downgrades its value. Glass fines also spoil PET and other recycled plastic streams. Armidale residents can rest assured that the recyclables they personally separate by using the crates provided attract the best price possible.

This keeps collection costs down.

ADC values the exceptional service levels Armidale Recycling Services (ARS) provides to the community for the collection and sorting of recyclables. We look forward to continuing to work with them to find new markets and opportunities to divert even more waste from our landfill.

A

focusinterview.

AUSSIE ROCK EXTRAVAGANZA

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The Aussie Rock Extravaganza concert in Coffs Harbour features a massive line-up of Rock royalty: Jimmy Barnes, with special guests Baby Animals, Ian Moss, Dragon and Chocolate Starfish. This is the biggest line-up The Red Hot Summer Tour has put together yet, making this undoubtedly one of the biggest concert experiences on the Australian touring circuit.

ot only is the 2013 Red Hot Summer Tour bringing a bigger line-up of five huge Australian legendary rock artists, but it is also spreading its wings further afield by incorporating these special tour dates throughout New South Wales and Queensland. Add to this the fact that tickets start from just $79.90 (+BF) and the 2013 The Red Summer Tour Aussie Rock Extravaganza is the perfect family festival event.

Jimmy Barnes needs no introduction to Aussie audiences. As a legend both from his time fronting Cold Chisel and his top charting solo career, Barnes has toured the breadth of Australia. With 16 solo albums under his belt, he has an enviable back catalogue that makes for incredible live performances, with songs like Working Class Man, When Your Love Is Gone and No Second Prize, to name a few. Jimmy Barnes has headlined The Red Hot Summer Tour in previous years and is back by popular demand for the 2013 massive Aussie Rock Extravaganza.

Following on from his busy year touring back with Cold Chisel, The Red Hot Summer Tour concerts are a chance for Rock fans to see Jimmy Barnes at his best and enjoy an extensive catalogue which has made him an icon in the Australian music scene.

Other acts include the Baby Animals, who burst onto the Australian scene in the 1990s with a solid Rock force and a sassy lead singer. Suze Demarchi proved that girls could Rock just as hard as guys, and the Baby Animals soon kicked some impressive Rock butt with hits such as Rush You, Early Warning

and One Word. The band recently reformed, and their inclusion on the Red Hot Summer Tour line-up is a rare chance for music fans to see an original Rock at its best.

Another legendary member of Cold Chisel joins the 2013 Red Hot Summer Tour to showcase his own versatile music career. Ian Moss is without doubt one of the country’s most prolific guitarists. His own solo career has seen him release hits such as Telephone Booth and Tucker’s Daughter, as well as traverse the Blues Rock genre with releases that have seen him become a festival favourite.

When it comes to iconic bands, Dragon has a long history with Aussie music fans.

Moving from New Zealand to Australia in the 1970s, the Kiwi-come-Aussie band made an indelible mark, and their music captured the hearts of a generation.

For music lovers looking for a special bit of concert showmanship, then they’re in for a real treat, as Chocolate Starfish take to the stage. Fronted by the enigmatic Adam Thompson, the band is known for their high energy live performances.

Before the big Show in Coffs Harbour, FOCUS managed to catch up with headline act Jimmy Barnes for a quick chat.

Where were you born, and when did you migrate to Australia? Why Australia?

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, I weighed 14 pounds and was born fighting. We left Scotland because the people were too quiet and reserved.

Have you spent much time on the Coffs Coast throughout your career? What do you like about Coffs Harbour? I have been run out of Coffs many times. It’s a great

town, and I’ve played many wild gigs there.

Tell us all about the exciting new show, The Red Hot Summer Tour?

This tour is the kind of tour that just seems to get better every show. I think that the quality of bands make each band work harder and demand more from themselves.

The Red Hot Summer Tour is the biggest regional show to come to Coffs Harbour in a long time; this really is a once in a life time opportunity to see so many acts under the one umbrella ...

Get yourself to the show and if you don’t like it, you’ve gone to the wrong show. We work off an audience, so come on and give us a push.

What are the most important things you’ve learnt in your epic career?

If you don’t feel that you are completely drained by the end of the show, you didn’t give enough.

What is there left for you that you’d like to achieve, but haven’t accomplished yet?

Maybe if I play my cards right, I could become a decent human.

What is the song Flame Trees about?

Going back to where you grew up and not feeling that you belong there, or maybe anywhere.

Who is your favourite ever collaboration? With my daughter, Mahalia. She scares me sometimes, when I think about how fast she gets better and better.

Where are you currently living? Do you have any pets?

153 Bankstown Road ... Oh sorry, that’s some other singer. I live in Sydney; I have two dogs and a hedgehog.

What book are you currently reading?

The Road Less Travelled. I started reading it about 30 years ago.

If you could pick three people to have a beer with, who would they be and why?

Me, my wife, and some jerk we could lose quickly and be alone.

Last meal would be? A degustation meal from a really good but awfully slow restaurant.

Why should we come to your show?

We play real music for real people.

Any final words?

Big Banana!

Thanks Jimmy.

the plug!

The Red Hot Summer Tour 2013 Aussie Rock Extravaganza tickets are on sale now. Tickets start from $79.90 (+BF). This tour will sell-out, don’t miss your chance to see this incredible line-up of Australian music legends all in the one huge show.

Tickets are avalable from Ticketmaster on 136100 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.au Or at www.oztix.com.au

new england focus 47

Thinking Criminal Law with Elizabeth Stahlut, Solicitor

THINKING

Legal

CRIMINAL LAW

If you have been unlucky enough to be a victim of crime, then you know that even if the offender is convicted and sent to gaol, this is not the end of story. You may well have injuries that still need to be treated, not to mention the psychological effects that are often caused, when you have witnessed or suffered directly from a traumatic event. aving these injuries treated or getting counselling for the psychological effects of being a victim of an horrific crime may well cost you money you can’t afford. It may be possible to sue the offender in a civil claim, but this can be stressful and expensive, and it won’t work if the offender doesn’t have any money.

H

If you have been a victim of a crime involving personal violence or you have a close family member (such as a child) who is a victim, you may be able to claim compensation from the state government under the provisions of the Victims Support and Rehabilitation Act 1996.

This is a statutory scheme that allows victims to claim up to $50,000, on their own behalf as a primary victim. Under some circumstances, a ‘secondary’ victim (e.g. a family member of someone who was murdered) can also claim compensation. If the victim is a child, a guardian (usually a parent) can claim compensation on their behalf.

The Act has a Schedule which lists the kind of injuries that can be claimed and how much.

It is not generally possible to get compensation for property damage or loss. There is also a minimum claim, which is generally $7,500.

There are also time limits applicable – usually, one must make the claim within two years of the act of violence that has resulted in the injury. Although it would assist your case if the offender is convicted of the crime (or at least, that the matter is reported to Police), this is not essential, as it may be possible to rely on

48 new england focus.

other forms of evidence for the claim. It is best to discuss your matter with a lawyer, who can explain your options, as well as your realistic chances of success.

The scheme also provides for counselling, which can be very helpful in recovering from the trauma of personal violence and provide evidentiary support when it comes to making a claim. Claims are dealt with by a specialist tribunal which looks at the evidence, including evidence of psychological trauma. They also look at evidence of the Court proceedings for the offence, if there were any, as well as other medical evidence. A lawyer can assist you with a claim for compensation, by explaining your options, applying for the claim on your behalf and gathering the evidence to support the claim. A lawyer can also help you, by making written submissions on your behalf. It would not be necessary for you to attend the tribunal in person.

The advantages of making a claim for compensation under this scheme, is that it is a relatively simple, cheap and effective means of recovering compensation from being the victim of crime. The claim may take up to two years to finally resolve; however, this is comparable to many civil claims which may take several years to process through a Court. It is possible to make the claim either online or on paper. Either way, a lawyer can assist you with the entire process and ensure that you get the best possible outcome.

Elizabeth D. Stahlut – Solicitor.

Built for Adventure This week, our good friends at Toyota gave me the opportunity to test drive the all new RAV4 Turbo Diesel. It is sophisticated in looks, sharp to drive and has more features than before. s with the other test drives, I have utilised this car for both business and family purposes, and RAV4 is a head turner of its own.

A

The all-new fourth generation model represents a dramatic redesign. From first look, this car is the sporty. A sculpted body with angular headlamps, deep grille and squared off bumpers – the RAV4 looks full of adventure.

Most important to me is safety, and the RAV4 has it. Achieving the five star NCAP safety rating, it demonstrates Toyota’s commitment to develop not only newer cars, but the safest cars.

Fitted with seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, active safety systems include VSC+, which integrates the vehicle’s stability control and the electric power steering systems for improved vehicle stability. The RAV4 has antiskid brakes with brake assist, electronic brake force distribution and traction control, making the drive more stable.

For those off-road drivers, the hill-start and downhill assist package takes away the stress

while travelling, where roll backs are now a thing of the past. The road noise is minimal due to the new sound deadening windscreen, and you can not feel a bump with the suspension. The smooth ride and superior handling is a standout feature.

e The controls ar h ac re in all with wheel and the steering rfect pe buttons are the no as w e er th so , size es ey y m need to take .” ad off the ro

“

The all new interior is sophisticated with a sporty feel. The front and rear seats are comfortable, with more space than you would think at first glance. This means all the more room for shopping and sporting equipment for the kids. A plus to this is that this car offers a range of seat positions and features that allow you to increase knee space and elbow room. The controls are all within reach and the steering wheel buttons are the perfect size, so there was no need to take my eyes off the road.

The six speaker audio comes with Bluetooth,

USB and hands-free. The hands-free is great for my work, and the conversations came across very clear. As for the USB function, I could plug my iPod in and drive everywhere to mine and my family’s favourite tunes. It also has the Multi-Information Display that kept me up to date with the outside temperature and even fuel economy.

It is quite clear that this car was intended to impress not only on first look, but with the whole package and they have certainly achieved this with my family.

The overall package presents a very practical and stylish family SUV.

new england focus 49

Be Inspired - Inspirational Locals New England Mutual invites inspirational locals to visit a new website launched last month to the Armidale community. eartofourcommunity.com. au is a place where NEM are inviting you to post events, ideas and dreams for your local community. If there’s something you’ve always wanted for your community and haven’t seen it materialise, or something in your area which you’d like everyone to know about, then this is the place for you.

H

The website has already had a test run with the local community with some fantastic ideas presented, including a go-kart racing track, a drive in movie theatre, hot air balloon rides, a golf driving range, a flying fox and even a ‘luge’ at the lookout. The sky is the limit in terms of concepts for the projects, but the key is to gather like-minded individuals to give their support and become involved. The site allows you to ‘like’, share and vote for ideas which have already created a buzz amongst its users.

The website is a natural extension of New England Mutual’s involvement in community life through sponsorships, donations and staff fundraising and volunteer work. It gives not only NEM, but other businesses the chance to offer their support The sky is the to ideas that have recently launched a video limit in terms e a strong backing of concepts for thkey is competition which invites projects, but the ded in the community. ‘under 25s’ to make to gather like-min their Although the ve gi a short video which to s al du vi indi me launch was held in answers the question, support and beco Armidale, the website involved.”

“What is making, or could will be rolled out to all make, a difference in our communities served by local community?” Dubbed New England Mutual in the the M.A.D at Heart Community New England/North West, Orana Challenge, groups or individuals can and Hunter regions of NSW. partner with local groups they feel are

“

Giving communities a voice is important for New England Mutual. They have

making a difference in the community and highlight their commitments through the

video. By submitting an entry, they can win $2,500 for themselves and $2,500 for the organisation they choose to highlight. In addition to the prize money, the winning entries will also be shown during the North West Film Festival at the Roxy Theatre in Bingara on September 13 - 14. Details about the competition and how to enter are available on the new website.

Heartofourcommunity.com is a place to be creative and join in! As the late Steve Jobs once said …”The people that think they can change the world are the ones who do”.

NECU

New England Mutual is a trading name of Community Mutual Ltd. ABN 21 087 650 360 : AFSL 241167

50 new england focus.

“Wouldn’t it be cool if...” ...Armidale had an awesome LUGE!

by Paul

Idea Location: Lookout hill in Armidale.

How can you help out?

Vote for my idea! Or send a photo of yourself rolling down the hill to help@heartofourcommunity.com.au in support. I am sure they’ll put it on their facebook page ;)

Newton St

M

ar

Jessie St

Idea Description: To build a luge that runs from the top of the Armidale lookout to the bottom of the hill! Inspired by the much larger version in Queenstown NZ, our version could wind its way around between Kookaburra Crest and Jessie Street.

A coffee shop at the top of the hill would receive payments for the hire of the luges while other patrons enjoy some of Armidale spectacular scenery and watch the fun below. Car parking is readily available.

Community Bene¿ts: It would improve the utilisation of that area and provide fun for the whole town! It would also be a great tourist attraction, bene¿ting the business community of Armidale. Pretty sure nearly everyone has looked up that hill in Winter and at least thought about sliding down it in the next snow fall or thick frost.

Visit heartofourcommunity.com.au to vote for this idea and share it with your friends!

kh

am

Jeffrey St

St

Donnelly St

Think you have a better idea? Join us by posting your idea on heartofourcommunity.com.au and let your voice be heard!

NEM0004

Be Inspired...

new england focus

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