NEW ENGLAND
July 2013 // Issue 74
YEARS
Feature Story Shane Paul
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NewHOTEL England The New England Hotel was recently taken over in late 2012 by Dan Rice as Director/ Licensee. The team includes Fraser Pollard, Venue Operations Manager, highly awarded international cocktail and drinks specialist, and Dan’s niece, Sarah Rice, as Restaurant Manager/Venue Assistant Manager. FOCUS finds out where to from here for The New England Hotel.
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hat led you to the New England Hotel? From January last year I was working on finalising an agreement for the business, and August last year we walked on site. I grew up in Guyra and our property was around the corner from Morden, where I met the Cregans, Gypsy and Polly who were slightly older than me. We would often see each other at yard sales and local events. From 1999 to 2001 I was Operations Manager at the Newie, and that was when it was truly in its heyday. Since then, I have been in Sydney working in the industry and forging my own reputation - in late 2008 I opened my first venture, Goldfish Kings Cross, and since then other venues: The Flynn in the city, the Lansdowne Hotel and Goldfish Hunter Valley. What changes have been made to the hotel? A lot! ‘A NEW BEGINNING’: new food, new drinks, new team. Eat, drink, play at the New England Hotel. The whole hotel has been neglected for the last 10 years. We have completed big renovations to the heart of the business, the Brasserie. The heart of any good hotel is great food, drinks and attentive staff, whom I like to refer to as ‘Sparklers’. The outside of the hotel has also received new paint to give the building back some prestige. In early 2013, the exterior underwent the hotel’s first paint job in more than 15 years. In mid to late 2013, the hotel’s public bar and level one verandah bar and entertainment rooms will also be updated. Over the next few months the public bar will be overhauled, as well as level one. Upstairs, there will be all new amenities, focusing heavily on func-
The hotel is very unique, so rather e than updating th te pe m co to e ri Brasse style n er od m e th with come, be ve the others ha the ng ni ai nt ai we are m ng di heritage and ad ality.” on rs pe h es fr e m so
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tions and a large variety of events. Utilising the fantastic balcony will be key to the redevelopment. What is your vision for the hotel? To become the venue it once was: professional, accessible for all, great value, great atmosphere and of course, welcoming! As a team, we aim to bring a new level of professionalism and service to Armidale. As a team, we will aim to be heavily supportive of the local community, local suppliers and retailers and include fresh produce and products from our surrounding region, support local charity events and develop a strong ongoing relationship with the university and colleges. Describe your new dining room? The hotel is very unique, so rather than updating the Brasserie to compete with the modern style the others have become, we are maintaining the heritage and adding some fresh personality. The new renovation can be referred to 1920s butcher house deli: chic tiles with black grout and old, eclectic country shed. And a little bit cool. The hotel is an exciting new addition to the town’s eateries. The Newie’s new focus will be to offer a refreshing line up of tap and speciality beers, mature wine list and sophisticated cocktails, with the venue’s key focus being that of a diverse and energetic food offering, including the Brasserie restaurant specialising in steak, Napoli style pizza and international share plates. The front bar’s food
offering, starting mid 2013, will be youthful, exciting and fresh share plates, bar snacks and top 5 local picks. What favourite dishes are you serving? That’s easy: the 12 hour slow roast Kilkoy beef ribs in hickory sauce. Very filling; very tasty. What is your vision for the Brasserie? To make it the heart of the hotel, a place for people to catch up, enjoy great eats, great drinks and have good times. The hotel has had a very successful past, and in recent times has struggled to win the affection of the township due to neglect and nil contribution to the community. From October 2012, The New England Hotel relaunched its new identity. Where to from here? Once the public bar is complete and the kitchen changes to maximise the food offering throughout the hotel, a big renovation upstairs. And ... we’ll bring some great entertainment to town and host this in the best space in town: the new to be LEVEL ONE and verandah bar. This Friday is the first official ‘Ministry of Sound’ addicted to bass tour, hosting ‘Kronic’ (recently supported LFMAO and Snoop Dogg). And for the more mature, next week, Saturday 29, we have Cam Tapp performing live in the Brasserie. Last year he was on TV’s The Voice and he’s lead singer of Borne. Thanks Dan. new england focus 3
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“Wouldn’t it if... ” ...Armidale had an awesome playground!
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here is it? Armidale, here h Lynches Road Netball Courts. Idea description. This idea would see the development of a community sensory play space. An existing plan includes access for people with disabilities to the grounds and to the play space, and it would be a space that the wider community would enjoy. Community Benefits There are a number of benefits to the community. These include: • Sensory equipment to stimulate safe play for all family members. • Access and participation to the wider community, including people with disabilities. • Increase recreational activity to share with family and friends, increasing community participation. This complex is also being used for netball, bike riding and scooters. How do I cast my vote? In order to generate momentum and community support for this initiative, New England Mutual have attached a financial incentive to the votes this
project receives. re By simply voting for this initiative on heartofourcommunity.com.au you’ll be helping to raise money! Effectively, you’ll be donating without costing you anything – only the time taken to register your vote. Go to heartofourcommunity.com.au and vote today – your community will love you for it!
vote / share Visit heartofourcommunity.com.au to vote for this idea and share it with your friends! Votes for the South Hill Playspace are currently at 156. New England Mutual would like to thank FOCUS for their support of the website.
be inspired...
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g you’ ll be helpin ! ey on m e is to ra ll be Effectively, you’ t costing ou ith donating w ly the you anything - on er your gist time taken to re vote .”
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focus team.
Welcome to our July edition of FOCUS, as we celebrate our 6th birthday. big thank you to the New England for your loyal support of what we do here at FOCUS.
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Our cover this month features The Armidale City Bowling Club. After months of construction and renovation, the Club is something for everyone. Patrick Crick and his team went back in time to celebrate the change, and he gives us the insight into where it all began and where it’ll go from here. The Armidale City Bowling Club would like to thank the Armidale Drama and Musical Society for the costumes for the cover shot. A big CONGRATULATIONS to them and everyone involved in the process. INSIDE THIS ISSUE We have some great interviews this month. We got the inside scoop on OCTEC, which has opened its doors in Armidale and is working across regional NSW to provide individuals with training and employment opportunities, assist industry recruitment and develop skilled workforces and
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
contribute to communities becoming more sustainable. Beccy Cole celebrates a 40th and 20 years since bursting onto the national Country Music scene and releases Beccy’s Big Hits. Find out how you can sing on stage with her! Jess O’Connel from NEGS also shares what makes their Kindergarten classes so unique. FOCUS thanks Rebekah Clark, who spent a week doing her Year 10 work experience from Duval High School. Rebekah caught up with Cole Reynolds, as he gives us an insight into his large antiques collection, which ranges from tools to his father’s Army uniform. From cattle to truffles, Louise from the Guy Fawkes Truffle Co educates us about the complexity of growing, harvesting and incorporating truffles into cooking.
were set to music and next month Opera North West, headed by Delungra diva Peta Blyth, will present a selection of them at a concert in the poet’s honour at Lazenby Hall, UNE. It’s all in a day work for Ambulance Officer Shane Paul, who tells us about his passion for helping people. We celebrate the strong partnership between Marie and Joe O’Brien, who have been married for 61 years. They have 10 children, 46 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 2 more on the way. FINAL SAY “You can be as mad as a mad dog at the way things went. You could swear, curse the fates, but when it comes to the end, you have to let go.” – The Curious Case of Benjjamin Button. Benjamin
Judith Wright, one of Australia’s greatest poets, grew up near Armidale and made the New England the theme of some of her best known works. Several of her poems ADVERTISING MANAGER: Tracy Le Messurier
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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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inside this
Issue 74 - July 2013
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Cole Reynolds. FOCUS catches up with Cole Reynolds, as he gives us an insight into his large antique collection, from kitchen tools to his father’s Army uniform.
Ohh La La. Burlesque is sexy, it is indulgent, and The Armidale Club is bringing it back to you on Saturday 27 July 2013. The word ‘Burlesque’ conjures all kinds of images in one’s mind, ranging from the grand tradition of French cabaret with its corsets, feathers, tassels and neverending lines of Can-can dancers to 1930s smoky American back-room bars with a woman in a red dress seductively positioned on top of a grand piano.
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Love Birds. Marie and Joe have been married for 61 years and they have 10 children: seven girls and three boys. At the last count there were 46 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, with two more on the way.
usual suspects.
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10. what’s on for July 24. eat featuring local restaurants 40. 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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It’s all in a day’s work for Am bulance Officer Shane Paul.
Shane Paul A passion for trekking
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hy and when did you first become an Ambo? My first involvement with the Ambos, called Zambucks in those days, was in 1969. A family friend, Leon Cupples, was an honorary Ambulance Officer at Gunnedah, and I developed an interest through Leon. I completed a First Aid Class and commenced honorary duties at Gunnedah, then I was encouraged by Supt Ian McGuffog to commence my General Nursing, which was completed at TBH from 1973 to 1976. First Ambulance Station on the payroll as an Ambulance Employee was Tamworth from 5 Feb ‘76 until I moved back to Gunnedah in June ‘76, as my marriage to Judy was pending in August ‘76. What do you love most about your job, and where has it taken you over the years? Well, I love my job because l love helping people. I can recall an early Ambulance Training Instructor stating that Ambos have a psychological ‘need to be needed trait’ as part of their character profile. I was promoted to Station Officer Relief New England in 1979, which involved working and relieving in all the stations within our region. I enjoyed my time doing that as I worked in every station, often for weeks at a time, whilst the OIC of that station was absent due to annual leave, long service, training schools which were in CDA Sydney in those days and were for periods of three weeks. That meant you were often on your own at remote branch stations like Mungindi, Ashford, Warialda,
Bingara, Wee Waa and Walcha for weeks on Simply, you have no idea what is next. In end. Armidale it is very busy: local casualty calls, I often worked closely with the hospitals, medical transfers via road or air ambulance, Police, SES, RFS etc. to complete cases and I or helicopter retrievals, backing up smaller am happy to say we didn’t suffer too much for nearby branch stations as required, and when the experience; today the response is akin to time permits, routine transfers to and from marshalling troops for war. local nursing homes. When the on road work Today you are always responding to cases lapses for a moment, I try to catch up on the with an offsider, and what you are required obligatory paperwork. Then there are stores, to do to manage your patient and renewals and maintenance and their condition today has no public enquiries that need resemblance to a first aid attention. kit, with Trilene for pain So what do you do Kokoda has been and a bag of wooden besides work? struck off the splints of that bygone I work hard at staying I have bucket list, and in era. Today, NSW well and being fit; my ys done harder da Health, Ambulance job has impressed upon r as the Apsley as fa d be and Parliamentary me just how important im challenges go. Cl to in Directives dictate a your health is. You have Killy ... bumped at ng ga e much higher standard to be proactive and Lynda and th ” ’s. de Ju St of of patient intervention get off your a**e and the school and care. invest in your own health. Before working in Set aside time to exercise in Armidale, I was OIC at Walcha minutes; if you have 30 minutes for over 22 years. Since 2004 today to devote to exercise, that’s I have worked and lived in Armidale. it, and choose something you enjoy. If We currently have two Station Officers: you don’t like swimming or tennis, don’t myself and Scott Oldman. Our station do it – play cricket or ride a bike if that’s your is staffed 24/7 with12 hour shifts. Armidale is preference. privileged to have such dedicated and capable I love to fish and hunt, and flog about the paramedics, and I will miss their camaraderie. countryside on my BMW GS motorcycle. I have Current staff is 16, with 4 female and two been involved with Westpac Rescue Helicopter trainee paramedics. organising Mountain Bike Rides for numerous Armidale Station has just completed years with the Newcastle, Lismore and refurbishment of the old Sector Vehicle Tamworth Rescue Helicopter Service. Workshop into a Regional Training School, Besides that, I enjoy chilling with my mates, which I believe to be a long awaited move. trying hard to be a good husband to my long Describe a typical day as an Ambo ... suffering wife, Judy, of 36 years. What Judy has
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had to put up with whilst I have been involved in working on a small branch station has been exemplary. Finally, an active role as a dad to Steve and Alison, whom we have been most fortunate to adopt from the Republic of South Korea and who now live on the GC working and studying. We have heard you have been on a few overseas trips that involve a challenge. Tell us about them ... One of my great passions is trekking. New Zealand is a favourite destination, with the Milford Track and Keppler Track being the favourites. Kokoda has been struck off the bucket list, and I have done harder days in the Apsley as far as challenges go. Climbed Killy ... bumped into Lynda and the gang at the school of St Jude’s ... Baleem Festival in West Papua and Camp Leakey in Kalimantan visiting Orangatans. I completed the Simpson Desert Cycle challenge three times inside the top 10. What are some of the most memorable moments? Impenetrable Forest Gorilla Tracking, & Kimbale NP Chimps in Uganda. November this year I will be visiting the Simien Mountains in Ethiopia and will run in the Great Ethiopian Race. Plans for the future? Retire from the ASNSW in October this year while continuing to do a few nursing shifts to maintain an interest looking after people, try and double the 180,000 km I have on the clock on the GS flogging about our great country. And most of all, do heaps of fishing around Walcha with my old mate ‘Foxy Hoy’. Thanks Shane. new england focus 7
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Cole Reynolds FOCUS S catches up with Cole Reynolds, as he gives us an insight into his large antique collection, from kitchen tools to his father’s Army uniform.
What’s your background ... are you origithings, to bring them home of an afternoon nally from Armidale? after work or after a sale on the weekend, I have always lived in Armidale, born and to clean them up in the shed, getting rid of bred, with my wife and 2 children. I started the rust using old machinery then polishing, carpentry a long time ago and have done it painting and restoring life back in to the items all my life, which is possibly where I found the to make them look new and ready for display. love for collecting old tools and different types It is something I’ve always loved. of saws. I was interested in the tools used How many different things are in your before my time, which grew, and I collection? eventually started collecting I have so many items and differmany different vintage ent types of items in my colfinds used decades lection, I could not possibly to I usually try to go n io ct ago – some go back list them all straight off the au s, le sa ge gara ery ev s le to the early 1900s. top of my head; I would sa ad ro d sales an ing on nd pe My brother, have to look through de d, en ek we , so I do Keith Reynolds, my growing collection, what sales are on . I may not miss anything who also lives in which has things added then take find a few things Armidale, collects to it every few weeks. clean up them home for a and owns almost I own many old irons, my large and add them to every Stanley plane old mince machines, collection ... ” made, so it’s somepedal band-saws, cross thing I’ve shared with cut saws, quite a few rabbit him over the years. traps, swords, Stanley planes What made you start colwhich date back a quite a few years, lecting? and kitchen tools like the first Mix Master, I started collecting about 40 or 45 which was operated by turning a wheel with years ago. I get asked if I started beyour hand – which some people may be cause of people before me influencing me to familiar with. Not only do I collect tools from start collecting ... but I started mainly because around the kitchen and shed, but I also own of carpentry, which got me interested in old 20 walking sticks, an old shaving kit, coin tools but also, because I enjoyed finding these collections, many old stools, old age fireman
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gear, old gas lanterns, 4 or 5 pedal cars and my father’s Army uniform, which dates back to the Second World War. As I have mentioned, some of the tools I own date back to the early 1900s. Where do you find most of the items? I find the items mostly at second-hand places like garage sales, auction sales and road sales, which I visit every Saturday, as I never want to miss an opportunity to find something that is a possible treasure that may be worth a lot and very old to add to my ever-growing collection. It is amazing some of things I find. Many people do not have any idea what some of these things are worth or how old they are, as they may not be educated about the old tools and may think of them as old, useless, broken things – not recognising how they can be fixed to almost new condition. Like many people say, ‘’One man’s trash, is another man’s treasure’’. Have you ever exhibited your collection? No, not really. I have never really exhibited my collection or shown it to the public, as I do it for my own personal enjoyment and satisfaction. But I have invited people to come and look, as it’s very interesting to learn about how people lived in the olden days and it’s something people can get a lot of joy out of learning about. Is your collection still growing?
Yes, it is always growing and something I could not stop. I usually try to go to garage sales, auction sales and road sales every weekend, depending on what sales are on, so I do not miss anything. I may find a few things then take them home for a clean up and add them to my large collection, which will always grow for many more years to come. Would you ever sell parts or all of your collection? That is something I would never do. I don’t collect to build worth then sell it; I collect because it is something I have always loved, and I get a great deal of enjoyment out of it. It is so interesting and so precious to me. My wife calls it junk, but many people may call it that. You have to open your mind and imagine what it was like in the old days. You can learn a lot about the old days by looking at something like a vintage collection, which shows things used by people in daily life. Thanks Cole.
are you a collector? We want to know about you! Let us know what you collect, and you might just be our next Collectors Corner guest! e. tracy@focusmag.com.au ph. (02) 6771 5551.
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Ooh La La - Burlesque A night of Burlesque and musical entertainment featuring some of Armidale’s finest talent, with special guest, Miss Burlesque Australia 2012, Briana Bluebell.
Opera North West The Wedding Singer The Armidale Drama & Musical Society presents, The Wedding Singer. Adapted from the film classic with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, directed by Melissa Killen. When July 5 to 20, 2013. Where TAS Hoskins Centre. Tickets www.adms.org.au or newsXpress Carr’s Armidale.
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Celebrating Judith Wright, one of Australia's greatest poets, will have a selection of her poems set to music and this month Opera North West, headed by Delungra diva Peta Blyth, will present them at a concert in the poet's honour. When July 27. Where Lazenby Hall, UNE, Armidale. Enquiries phone 6724 8561. wwwoperainthepaddock.com.au
When When: July 27. Where The Armidale Club, 91 Beardy Street, Armidale. Tickets www.trybooking.com/49194
First Saturday chats Our next First Saturday chats will be hosted by Christopher Serow at our offices between 10am and 1pm on Saturday 6 July 2013. As this is a popular program, bookings are essential on 1300 642 166. When Saturday 6 July. Where Legal Minds Office, 157 Beardy St Mall. Contact 1300 642 166.
focusinterview. Interview with Peta Blyth.
Judith Wright, one of Australia’s greatest poets, grew up near Armidale and made the New England the theme of some of her best known works. Several of her poems were set to music and next month Opera North West, headed by Delungra diva Peta Blyth, Bly yth, will present a selection of them at a co oncert iin the concert poet’s honour at Lazenby Hall, UN NE. UNE.
M OV I N G I M AG E
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hat led you to put together the concert based on Judith Wright’s poetry, and what works will be
performed? The Moving Image concert on Saturday, July 27, 7.30pm at Lazenby Hall is the result an idea that has been fermenting in my brain for some years. Ever since I studied Australian Literature at the University of Queensland, I have been a fan of Judith Wright’s poetry and I have also studied some of the settings of her poems by Australian composer Margaret Sutherland. So the interest has been there for a long time. If I had to put it into a category, I’d call it Australian Art Song. For centuries, composers have been inspired by the work of the great poets, whether it be German Lieder, French Art song – poetry of Heine, Goethe, Victor Hugo, Verlaine and many others. In the same way, Australian composers have been drawn to the poetry of Judith Wright and our other great poets. The more I have researched it, the more composers I find who have produced works inspired by her poems. Some of the works we will perform at the concert will be Midnight, Bullocky, The World and the Child, The Lost Man, Twins, South of My Days, The Moving Image, Winter Kestrel, The Flame Tree, The Peacock, Winter Kestrel, The Woman’s Song and Country Dance. Part of the concert includes the premiere of a work for didgeridoo – tell us about that? This is very exciting – it is Opera North West’s first commissioned work, supported by Arts NSW. Sydney based composer Colin Bright is working on the composition for didgeridoo, Ubi (Latin for where is? – where we are – this
place), which I think fits beautifully into this concert and the recurrent themes in Judith Wright‘s work. She was passionate about the landscape, the environment and indigenous rights. I think she would have approved of this work as the conclusion to the evening. Ben Lange will play the didgeridoo. It is also the natural extension of what has been part of the past two performances of Opera in the Paddock, to great audience acclaim. The composition is the first part of a work by Colin Bright and our first successful submission to Arts NSW to commission a Work. The ensemble comprises a number of local musicians, including Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Jennie Shaw (oboe), Bruce Menzies and Al Finco (horn), Francesca Andreoni double bass and some members of the string ensemble. Who will be performing at the concert, and what will be the full program? The key performers will be widely acclaimed mezzo soprano Elizabeth Campbell (who has recorded many of the works with pianist Ian Munro) myself soprano, pianist David Miller, actors Chris and Judith Ross-Smith, Ben Lange didgeridoo, string ensemble featuring David and Sarah Matthews and Margaret Howard, in addition to members of the twelve piece ensemble. The program also includes settings of some of the Bird Songs by local musician, Nick Negerevich. These will be performed by two of Judith Wright’s descendants – violinist Jessica Wright and saxophone player, Harry Wright. Chris and Judith Ross Smith will be the verse speakers for the evening. Composer Colin Bright will travel to Armidale for the concert. Opera North West postponed its annual Opera in the Paddock concert this year, but you are still performing in the local area?
Honouring an amazing poet Absolutely. For the past couple of years, it is. It is only by presenting the repertoire that with assistance from Arts NSW, Opera North people have the chance to hear such music, West has extended the company’s activities especially in the country. to present concerts and events throughout On the positive side, for this project, we are the North West New England area and so grateful to have the support of Roberts beyond. Not having the major event this and Morrow, as the Principal Sponsor and year has allowed time to develop other also the UNE through the School of Arts and projects, such as The Moving Image. It is Faculty of Arts and Sciences. all in keeping with the vision of What is the audience reaction, producing fine music in the and how do you go about country. organising the programs Over the past for the concerts and the cate vo two years we have performers? ad ng ro st a I am al on enjoyed performing Organising a program si es of pr r fo ve strongly lie in concerts like Moving Image has be I . ns ia ic mus to be ill st is throughout the so many elements – h uc m at th e the status of north west New recitation of major achieved to rais performance England area – poems, voice and musicians and level, really Narrabri, Tamworth, piano, instrumental at a professional ” country. throughout the Moree, Coffs combination and then Harbour, Lismore, the premiere. But we have Inverell, Tenterfield, sourced some extremely Gunnedah and Armidale, talented performers, and I of course. We have appreciated think it will be a very exciting night the support of local audiences. There is and a bit outside the usual concert always a great appetite for fine music in format, really. regional areas. Of course, I hope people will enjoy and What do you see as the importance gain a lot from the rather different look at this of providing work for local professional major Australian poet’s works. musicians and also giving country and For bookings, visit our website: coastal audiences access to so many www.operainthepaddock.com.au or phone concerts? 6724 8561. I am a strong advocate for professional Thanks Peta. musicians. I believe strongly that much is still to be achieved to raise the status of musicians the plug! and performance at a professional level, really, Where: Lazenby Hall, University of New throughout the country. England, Armidale There are simply too few opportunities at a professional level and insufficient financial Peta Blyth 02 6724 8561 support from the corporate sector, compared with sports sponsorship. There is much more office@operanorthwest.com.au to be done. I feel it should not be as hard as
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at The Saturday, 27 July 2013.
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rior to the 18th Century, the term ‘burlesque’ described humorous theatrical entertainment involving satire and parody. It appears to have evolved from the Italian ‘Comedia dell’arte’ of the 16th Century (as a derivative of the Italian ‘burla’ meaning joke). In America, the term became synonymous with Vaudeville style variety shows, with the emphasis firmly on striptease. The golden age of Burlesque arrived in the 1920s and continued until after the Second World War. Elaborately dressed performers gave elaborate performances against elaborate sets, delivering a risqué mix of suggestive dance, songs, magic and striptease. It was OTT, before anyone even knew what that meant! The public loved it and packed theatres to the rafters. Burlesque artists such as Gypsy Rose Lee and Sally Rand were celebrities of their time. Burlesque slowly died out as new performers attempted ever more over-the-top routines, and it wasn’t long before the tease had disappeared completely from the strip. Since the early 1990s, however, Burlesque has enjoyed a mini revival, prompted by artists such as Dita von Teese and Immodesty Blaize. Clubs with magical names like The Tassel, Wam Bam Club and Boom Boom recaptured the wit and the glamour lost since the Golden Age. Following the overwhelming success of the Burlesque
Burlesque is sexy, it is indulgent and The Armidale Club is bringing it back to you on Saturday 27 July 2013. The word ‘Burlesque’ conjures all kinds of images in one’s mind, ranging from the grand tradition of French cabaret with its corsets, feathers, tassels and never-ending lines of Can-can dancers to 1930s smoky American back-room bars with a woman in a red dress seductively positioned on top of a grand piano.
Night last year, The Armidale Club will again present ‘n' Blues of Pedro over early cocktails; a comic Burlesque Miss Burlesque 2012, Briana Bluebell, on Saturday 27 review by Slim Knackers Live in the Front Bar; an July 2013. enigmatic trio including the unique rhythm and blues of An evening of Burlesque and musical entertainment, Frank Kessler mixed up with a little regae, country and Ooh La La promises to heat up even the coldest a whole lot of soul with Al Heeney and Paul Mailfert; Armidale winter night, featuring the return of our and then dance the night away to the energetic, special guest, Miss Burlesque Australia 2012, toe-tapping, zaney and sensual sounds of The Jug Briana Bluebell, a ballet dancing, booty Addicts, which will ensure a fusion of styles shaking, fan twirling Burlesque and atmosphere throughout the evening. Artiste! Invited to perform at Patrons are expected to come in the Burlesque Hall of Fame costume, taking inspiration from re It was OTT, befo in Las Vegas in May 2012, such fi lms as Cabaret, Chicago, ew anyone even kn Briana has become one of Moulin Rouge and of course, e t that meant! Th ha w ed ck Sydney’s and Armidale's Burlesque. Costume merchandise d pa pu blic loved it an ers. ft favourite and well-known ra supplied by Briana Bluebell will e th to es theatr ts such as tis ar Burlesque performers. With be available from the Club in e qu es rl Bu and Sally a background in ballet, Jazz the weeks leading up to this Gypsy Rose Lee brities of and modern contemporary year's Burlesque night. Tickets will Rand were cele their time.” dance, her presence onstage include a free drink voucher, and is captivating and classic with canapés will be served throughout a sexy twist. Having grown a vast the night. Tickets are currently available repertoire over the last four years, online from www.armidaleclub.com or from her shows are of epic proportion, with Blackdot Music on Dangar Street or Legal Minds all production aspects covered down to the in the Beardy Street Mall. The 2012 Burlesque Night tiniest sequined detail! With her porcelain skin, sold out two weeks before the event. Club Licensing chocolate coloured locks and burning blue eyes, restricts admission to 200 patrons at a time so hurry Briana will take you on a journey you will not forget. now to secure your spot at Armidale’s hottest event for Briana will perform a variety of acts throughout the 2013. night and will be supported by local Burlesque troop In addition to the evening performance, Miss Bluebell Ivy Bleu, performing a Burlesque-inspired dance routine will also be hosting a Burlesque workshop during the choreographed by Armidale’s own powerhouse of colour afternoon of Saturday 27 July 2013 at the Legal Minds and movement, Melissa Killen in conjunction with Miss premises 157 Beardy Street, Armidale. Limited tickets Bluebell. will be released from 1 July 2013 through the Club. Be In addition to performances throughout the sure to check for details on the Club website at evening by Briana Bluebell and Ivy Bleu, the evening’s www.thearmidaleclub.com or the Club's Facebook page. entertainment will also include a smorgasboard of local The Armidale Club proudly supports and is a member bands and musicians, including: Jazz, Soul and Rhythm of Locals 4 Locals.
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Marie and Joe O'Brien. Marie and Joe have been married for 61 years and they have 10 children: seven girls and three boys. At the last count there were 46 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, with two more on the way.
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here were Marie and Joe originally from? Marie grew up in Croydon, Sydney. After leaving school, she attended Sydney Teachers' College. After a teaching post in Sydney, she was transferred to Armidale. Joe was born in Armidale. He left home as an 11 year old and attended Farrer Agricultural High School as a boarder and then Sydney University. He returned to Armidale aged 23 years and started his own veterinary practice. How did they first meet? Joe met Marie on 17 March 1951 at a St. Patrick’s Day concert in Armidale. He heard Marie perform two songs, Bless this House and The Lass with the Delicate Air. He made enquiries to find out that the soprano was a teacher at the Armidale Demonstration School, that her name was Marie Vogt, and she was from Sydney. One of his sisters introduced them, and they were married in August 1952. Tell us about their family ... Marie and Joe have 10 children: seven girls and three boys. At the last count there were 46 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, with two more on the way. After they were married they purchased a house in Brown Street, where Joe had his surgery in the backyard. Marie reared most of the children there, as well as helping Joe in his veterinary practice. They later built a house on the Rockvale Road, as the house in Brown Street was becoming cramped with the ever expanding family. Joe relocated his practice
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to Rusden Street and in later years, Marsh Street. Why are they still lovebirds today? Both Joe and Marie and (84 and 86 this year) ... being resilient to t or pp su t a grea demonstrated their love and life have been blessed at times values. in that they are still each other and e carer for have had to be th tholic This is celebrated when very good physically Ca the other. Their ce and everyone makes the effort to and mentally. In en faith, life experi gether be together in the one place, the earlier years to em th s love bind and this is organised by all family they faced many in d ce and this is eviden life.” members with much expertise, challenges rearing of their daily way for every alternate Christmas and a large family and special occasions. running a very busy They enjoy keeping up with veterinary practice. Their everyone’s news and have daily telephone relationship had to experience conversations with children and in particular a huge readjustment when all the with their youngest grandchildren and great children left home and Joe retired and went from being an extremely busy man to being at home. It can grandchildren. They have an enormous generosity of spirit and love visitors, both family and be noted that Joe has mellowed with age. friends. Their home always has that welcoming In later years, they both experienced health issues atmosphere, alongside Joe’s acquired hospitality through which they have been resilient and a great skills. support to each other and at times have had to Final say ... be the carer for the other. Their Catholic faith, life Marie and Joe at that first meeting 62 years experience and love binds them together, and this is ago had no idea of how their lives were going evidenced in their daily way of life. They can be often to unfold. They had to make huge sacrifices to seen ambling up and down Dangar Street, holding do what they did in providing for their family. It hands. is a great testament to both of them that they What makes them so special to the family? are greatly appreciated, loved and honoured by Being the creators of the three present generations, each member of their family and the Armidale they are very special to each family member – community in which they have been very involved. particularly in the way they have lived their lives and
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What better way to celebrate 20 years since bursting onto the national country music scene and a 40th birthday than the release of ‘Beccy’s Big Hits!’
BECCY’S BIG HITS TOUR 2013
Cole
FF
ourteen of Beccy Cole’s most popular tracks make up this mother of all mixed tapes and is described by Beccy as “a country music version of a box of Cadbury favourites!”
funny live performer and is as honest in the lyrics of her songs as she is about her private life.
This honesty led to Beccy’s recent revelation on a ratings winning episode of ABC Television’s Australian Story that she is gay ... after ‘keeping it under her hat’ for 15 years. Beccy received an unprecedented and overwhelmFrom the heartfelt ing amount of support and Australian hit Poster Girl, the encouragement from fans, award winning duet with Kasey the ts old and new. This has led Chambers about a lifelong hi le Co y cc Be to the beaming and infecfriendship, Millionaires, ro ad once again ’s Big Hits’ cy ec tious smile that Beccy’s to the side splitting live ‘B r he ith w ke the 20,000+ social media version of Beccy’s divorce tour and will ta clusive ex subscribers have enjoyed song, Lazy Bones, this audience on an h the journey throug passing comment on album is sure to delight phs of a trials and trium of late. Beccy fans old and new. s m e drea
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woman living th of a little girl.”
In double decades, the sassy country queen has shelved 9 Golden Guitars, 3 Gold Records, 2 Entertainer of The Year awards, 7 songwriting awards and peaked at Number One on the Country Music radio charts a whopping 14 times!
Beccy has dedicated her life to touring her own country with an occasional break for entertaining Aussie troops in danger zones worldwide. Beccy Cole is the real deal, a working single mother, a successful career woman, an explosive and very
Beccy Cole hits the road once again with her Beccy’s Big Hits tour and will take the audience on an exclusive journey through the trials and triumphs of a woman living the dreams of a little girl. Beccy extends her generosity from the truthful and sometimes very funny lyrics, to the stories behind the songs. Says Beccy, “Now that the cat is out of the bag, I can not only be myself, but reveal the true meaning of some of the songs ... and you just have to
laugh at yourself sometimes!” This tour will have a special fun element with the addition of Beccy’s 'Search For A Shiny Star' competition. Beccy is offering the opportunity in most towns on the tour, for one lucky person to perform a song on stage during her set. Applicants are invited to post a video of them performing a song (any song) on Beccy’s Facebook fan page. Beccy and her team will select a winner in each specified town, and votes/likes on Facebook are taken into consideration. This is a great opportunity to show Beccy’s fans your stuff and possibly kickstart a career in music. Don’t miss Beccy Cole LIVE in 2013 in Beccy’s Big Hits together with opening act, singer/songwriter, Lyn Bowtell … this show is a crowd pleaser not to be missed! www.facebook.com/beccycolemusic
the plug! See Beccy Cole live in concert at Armidale Servies on 1 August. Tickets are $30 and are available by calling the club on 6776 0800 or visiting www.armidaleservies.com.au
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JULIET & JULIET From Australia’s Got Talent, sisters Bridget and Sigrid have matured in their collaboration as Juliet & Juliet. With the recent release of their second EP, they are taking their passion and talent for music to live audiences as well as for worldwide viewing onYouTube: songs that are inspirational, relatable and real!
f e a t u r e
i n t e r v i e w
Photos by Melina Hollway Photography and the dresses are by Damsel In This Dress.
eclectic We have a very there is taste in music, so ts and tis ar rent a variety of diffe ve covered ha e w at th es genr definitely is e er on the CD. Th mpos and a good mix of te ch showcase hi arrangements , w ty as ili at rs ve l ca vo our l as a duo. ” el w individuals as
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irstly, tell us a little about your history ... Bridget: Growing up together, music was always part of our lives. We grew up learning a variety of instruments and involving ourselves in school musical ensembles, such as choirs and orchestras. Singing was always something we did for fun when we were younger, but as we grew up, our passion for music developed and we started taking it more seriously. Sigrid: We found YouTube in late 2010, which was when Juliet & Juliet started. We starting experimenting with our vocal abilities as a duo and slowly started uploading videos. Our videos are acoustic arrangements of a wide variety of songs from a selection of different artists. We like to take a song we hear on the radio and make it our own by stripping it down to make our own arrangement with acoustic guitar and vocals with harmony. Bridget: Whether it be a Country/Pop song by Carrie Underwood or a Rock song by Nickelback, we like to challenge ourselves and expand our range by listening to a variety of different genres. Our sound has been developing since our first video as our musical abilities, in both guitar and vocals, has matured. How do you two work together in terms of putting together your musical arrangements? Bridget: Being sisters obviously we had our little fights here and there as we were growing but as we’ve gotten older, our relation-
ship has definitely gotten stronger – which means that we work together really well now. Sigrid: We know each other’s strengths when it comes to putting together an arrangement, whether it be a cover we’re recording to put on YouTube or an arrangement for a live performance and because of that, things definitely work. Bridget plays the guitar and focuses on the accompaniment side of things, and I concentrate on the vocals, such as figuring out the harmony to go along with the main melody. What is the story behind the name? Bridget: When we auditioned for Australia’s Got Talent in 2010, we needed to come up with an act name for our audition. We wanted something more creative and unique than just a combination of our real names. After much back and forth, we finally decided on Juliet & Juliet. Sigrid: When we were trying to find a name, we thought of famous duos for inspiration. Romeo and Juliet are the most well known duo of all time and as artists aspiring to reach that same status, we thought it fitting to do a variation on that. Tell us about your new EP, and how it came about. Bridget: This is our second CD of covers songs to date. Our first EP was completely acoustic, with guitar and vocals, but with this one we decided to experiment a little. We focused more on our vocals and harmony and used backing tracks to add a different dimension to our sound. Sigrid: When comparing the two CDs, you can definitely hear how we’ve matured
as artists, especially in terms of our vocal abilities as a duo. It was also a lot of fun to work with a backing track this time around instead of just with a guitar. What are the songs you cover for the EP? Bridget: We have a very eclectic taste in music, so there is a variety of different artists and genres that we have covered on the CD. There is definitely a good mix of tempos and arrangements, which showcase our vocal versatility as individuals as well as a duo. Sigrid: Our cover of the power ballad Battle Scars by Guy Sebastian is our favourite song on the EP, and we are really proud of how it turned out. The CD also has a cover of Taylor Swift’s Begin Again and an acapella cover of Cups from the motion picture, Pitch Perfect. We also cover One Direction’s Little Things which was the most challenging song to record. Bridget: It’s always more challenging to cover a male arrangement for us, because we have to tweak it to suit our voices. Doing a One Direction cover was even harder for us though, because it’s an arrangement for 5 male voices which span a very wide musical range. Where can readers purchase your EP? Sigrid: We have been lucky enough to have the support of some local businesses in Armidale who have been helping us market ourselves as artists. Bridget: Our new EP, Juliet & Juliet: Covers, will be available from 1 July, from Black Dot Music, Armidale, and The Runway Café at the Armidale Airport. What are the plans for the future?
Sigrid: We are looking forward to more opportunities for live performances locally, as performing is something we have always really enjoyed. Bridget: Coming up, we are really excited about performing for The Red Grapevine’s Live in the Lounge, on Friday, 19 July, from 8pm. We hope to put on a good set and to gain further experience performing as Juliet & Juliet. We are also using this opportunity to launch our debut EP of original songs, yet to be titled. We have previously put our original songs on the backburner, as we continued to develop and discover our own personal sound. Have you performed a lot of live shows? Bridget: This performance at the Red Grapevine will be our second live performance as Juliet & Juliet. Our first was at the 2012 Armidale Relay for Life, where we were the opening act for the candlelight ceremony. Sigrid: We are definitely looking for local opportunities to do more live performances, because it’s so different to sitting down and recording for a CD or for a YouTube video. Who are your musical inspirations? Bridget: Looking at our YouTube channel and the songs we’ve covered in the past, it’s clear to see that we’re influenced by a variety of different artists. Sigrid: We definitely look up to artists such as Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift, especially when it comes to writing our own original songs. We want to write songs and make music which is inspirational, as well as relatable and real. Thank you Bridget and Sigrid. new england focus 17
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It’s never too late to start learning Your Heading Here! Environmental Education! What is the Thalgarrah Environmental Education Centre? Thalgarrah EEC is a NSW Department of Education and Communities facility catering for school groups who visit us to support their learning in environmental education. What programs and services are on offer? We cater for all levels of education, from Kindergarten classes to senior classes in high school. There is quite a range of topics we cover, including the needs of living things, insects, habitats, National Parks, alternative energy, and ecosystem monitoring. Most school groups come to Thalgarrah for the day, but we do have facilities that enable a group to stay for several days, including dormitories, a kitchen and dining hall. We have recently introduced catering options for overnight stays as well. Plans for the future? Thalgarrah’s programs are always changing in response to the changes in school curriculums. The new Australian Curriculum means further changes ahead, and we are also looking to utilise more technology in our programs. Video Conferencing and the use of GPS technology has changed how we do what we do in recent times, and we are looking to further enhance our programs with the introduction of iPad technologies. www.thalgarrah-e.schools.nsw.edu.au
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Tell us about the New England Community College? New England Community College is a not-for profit community organisation staffed by a mix of multi-skilled employees, trainers, volunteers and a local elected management committee. The College is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO no. 90145), and we have a range of nationally accredited courses and qualifications we deliver and assess. We also have formal agreements in place with other RTOs to ensure additional qualifications are available in our local communities What courses and services are on offer for 2013? New England Community College Inc. offer a broad range of courses that appeal to all ages and interests and provides a regular service to the communities of Guyra, Uralla, Walcha, Armidale and other targeted areas as the needs are identified. New England Community College offers a range of hobby and leisure courses - these vary from term to term, plus Certificate Courses in Business, Cleaning Operations, Cleaning Management Computer Training and Literacy and Numeracy. (See our course brochure). If you have an idea for a course you’d like offered in your town, please talk to your local Program Coordinator and we’ll do our best to arrange it. Plans for the future? To continue to provide/deliver education and learning programs that meet the needs of young people, adults and industry in the New England Area and other targeted areas as the needs are identified.
OCTEC Limited – Investing in our local area What is OCTEC Limited? And why is OCTEC Limited in the New England? As a successful Disability Employment Service provider in Western NSW, we successfully tendered for the 2013-2018 Disability Employment Service contract and won 5 new areas, including the New England. OCTEC Limited is here to build positive relationships within our communities, assist employers gain and retain keen and reliable employees and give the wider community a better understanding of the importance of Disability Employment Services and how we can assist employers and jobseekers come together. What do you specialise in and how can clients and employers benefit from your services? OCTEC Limited has established successful relationships with local employers since March 2013. Local employers DJ Wholesale Fruit, supplier of fresh fruit, vegetables and Ezy Peel throughout our community have partnered with OCTEC Limited to successfully employ two participants with disability. We have worked closely with owners Graeme and Donna Smith, who have been delighted with our service and the quality employees OCTEC Limited has provided. Donna commented, “Our employees with a disability have been the most dedicated and reliable staff and a pleasure to work with.” Donna and Graeme feel that their experience could help educate other employers within the Armidale community about the benefits of employing a person with a disability.
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Video OF THE
3:09
MONTH
VIDEO BY: Armidale Dumaresq Council.
Watch on your smartphone
ABOUT: By an unbelievable stroke of luck, this video of a koala (known to locals as ‘Teddy’) living near the University of England was captured on film while Armidale Dumaresq Council staff were writing and photographing for a media release to help support the local koala population.
Image of the month.
WATCH AT: www.youtube.com/watch?v=aX44Ur4GoGoc
The photo attached was taken as the fog lifted from around the Kilcoy Cemetery. Photo by: Libby Martin. Camera: Canon 550D.
LOCAL
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
Artist. Juliet & Juliet. We are ‘Juliet & Juliet’ - sisters Bridget (24) and Sigrid (19) Labrosse from Armidale. We have a passion for singing and covering songs from our favourite artists and musical inspirations, such as Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood. We will be releasing an EP of a selection of our most recent covers on July 1, 2013.
with Robert Gasparre from Armidale Farmers’ Market
WH
MUSIC
Juliet & Juliet will perform for the Red Grapevine’s ‘Live In The Lounge’ on Friday July 19, 2013 from 8pm. On this night we will also be releasing our debut EP of original songs.
AT ’ S I N
SPINACH
Available at: The Runway Café at the Armidale Airport and Black Dot Music Armidale. Promote your local book or EP. Send us the details to editor@focusmag.com.au
Many people think of silverbeet when you mention spinach, but true spinach is different – more tender and delicate.
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with Jeff Cowan
h Spinach’ but there are also o The most common spinach available is ‘English oomsdale’, ‘Merlo Nero’ (a many other varieties such as the heirloom ‘Bloomsdale’, mild variety from Italy) and ‘Viroflay’ (a large spinach with great yields).. Spinach is easy to grow in the backyard, and fresh spinach is available at the farmers’ market. Spinach gets a top ranking for nutrients. Rich in vitamins -promoting and minerals, it is also concentrated in health-promoting phytonutrients and flavonoids to provide you with powerful antioxidant protection. ue with Fresh spinach loses much of its nutritional value eration storage of more than a few days. While refrigeration slows this effect to about eight days, spinach will ntent. have lost most of its folate and carotenoid content. wn You need a fair bit of spinach, as it shrinks down le when you cook it. I like to bake it in a casserole dish layered with melted butter, beaten egg, cheese and a light sprinkle of flour.
WHERE
The Armidale Farmer’s Market is on the first and third Sunday of every month in Curtis Park. For more information visit www.armidalemarket.com
local dr p.
Deetswood Pinot Noir 2011
A brilliant ambassador for Tenterfield and the New England region. On first glance, the colour is an opaque crimson reminiscent of old world Burgundy restraint. But the real beauty comes next. The mineral-driven flavours are inviting with sour cherry, rhubarb and earth leading into moderate structure and savoury ripe fruit. It is well integrated, sleek and confident with a refined and intensely charming, long finish. GOES WITH: Slow-cooked fowl, coq au vin. COST: $30. AVAILABLE: Select wine shops and restaurants, cellar door or online at www.deetswoodwines.com.au
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From cattle to truffles, The Guy Fawkes Truffle Co enlightens us about the complexity of growing, harvesting and incorporating truffles into cooking.
H
ow did th the Th The G Guy FFawkes k had found you should produce a truffle when the tree Truffle Co come to be? reaches maturity. With a hazelnut, that is approximately We have a property at Ebor not far 5-7 years, with an oak, about 8-10 years. With from the Guy Fawkes Gorge running improvements in science, some truffle nurseries are now cattle (hence the name The Guy saying you will produce a truffle after 3-4 years. However, Fawkes Truffle Co). We were looking there are growers who have had trees in longer than ours to diversify from just livestock ... maybe a crop of some and some trees have still not produced a single truffle – sort and preferably something new to the area, but it had there is no guarantee you will produce, and the industry to work within the limits of the climate. We looked into association is trying to find out why. growing Saffron, but it is a very labour intensive crop. The Australian truffle season goes anywhere from May Then a colleague suggested truffles. It wasn’t to August, so that’s a very small window of harvest. until I started researching truffles, that I This varies due to the age of the trees and discovered how revered they are by weather conditions. As our trufferie is chefs the world over, and how still quite young, compared to a lot of perfectly they suited our climate. others, our season is more like midill w The aroma They could handle the long June onwards. gs eg e infuse th d periods of cold, the frosts and This is when we start taking an l el sh through the u yo en our rainfall pattern. We have the dog into the trufferie to see if Th . ke yo into the gs eg e th e mostly summer rain, which suits the truffles are ready to harvest. rv se st can ju out having ith w the growing cycle of truffles. The dog is specifically trained on ed bl m ra sc ed truffle This meant we could rely on fresh mature truffle to ensure he to cut your priz t to.” rainfall instead of having to is looking for the correct scent and if you don’t wan irrigate like a lot of other truffle not immature ones, because the growing regions do. You can almost two scents are very different. Once always change the soil, but you can’t he finds a truffle, and a human nose has control the climate. confirmed it’s mature, you dig it up. If the What variety of truffle do you produce? truffle doesn’t have the correct aroma, you need We have trees inoculated with Tuber Melanosporum, to leave it there a bit longer because once a truffle is or in plain English, the Perigord French Black Truffle. removed from the ground, it won’t mature anymore and There are many varieties of edible truffles; the French isn’t saleable. Black is probably the most well-known variety. What can truffles be used for? What is the process from planting to harvesting? Truffles contain glutamic acid, so they are generally Before we planted any trees, we did a soil test and a used to ‘flavour’ dishes. Truffles have a natural affinity pH test to determine what nutrients were needed in the to fats, as this carries the flavour throughout the whole soil. We then applied lime and deep ripped it into the soil dish. Personally the best way to serve truffle is in a simple and left the area for about 9 months to allow time for form, especially for a first time taster. Something like a the lime to take effect. pasta or risotto dish, or even scrambled eggs. You want When we purchased our trees in 2005, research the flavour of the truffle to shine, so you get a true taste.
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The Guy Fawkes Truffle Co
The Guy Fawkes
So for those adventurous cooks who would like to have a go at cooking their own truffle dish, you can make a fresh truffle go a long way by storing it in a glass jar with some fresh eggs or risotto (and a small piece of kitchen paper for any excess moisture). The aroma will infuse the eggs through the shell and into the yoke. Then you can just serve the eggs scrambled without having to cut your prized truffle if you don’t want to. The same goes with risotto; store the fresh truffle in risotto in a glass jar, and it will infuse the rice. Once you’ve gained your confidence with simple dishes, you can move onto maybe placing shaved pieces of truffle inside the skin of a chicken, give it some time to infuse the meat, and then bake. To serve, maybe shave some fresh truffle over the dish. Tip: truffle is best shaved very finely, as the more surface area you have, the more flavour you will get out of your truffle. For those who haven’t experienced truffle before, how would you describe it? Truffle is something you really need to try for yourself. It’s a unique flavour and everyone has a different opinion of what it tastes like. People usually say it has an earthy flavour like mushrooms or similar to smoked oysters. Plans for the future? We will see how this season progresses, and we may plant some more trees in August. Canberra is another truffle growing area, and the whole city embraces the truffle season with a month long truffle festival. Maybe once the other growers in our region come on line with production and if there is enough local community interest, we could have our own little festival right here in the New England! Thanks Louise.
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IN THE
ST JOHN’S
KCIlNaDEsRsGrAoRToEmN
education are so in rs ea y y rl ea e As th ell tells us about n n o ’C O s is M t, importan at St John’s. early education
t John’s Kindergarten has a big emphasis on literacy. How do you teach literacy in your classroom? We focus on literacy groups each morning, and these involve different types of activity stations to help with letters and sounds, sight words, fine motor skills and reading and writing. Every day I work independently with each child in the Kinder room with guided reading and writing. We have a reading corner in the classroom with a little couch, tee-pee and lots of cushions, which is much cozier and a more inspiring environment than students just sitting at their desks. The smaller classes at St John’s means the teachers are able to focus on what stage each child is at. Parents also appreciate the fact that the teachers are able to work individually with a child if their child is having problems in any particular area. What do you personally implement in the classroom that sets your Kinder group apart from other schools? One of the fun things that we do is the class blog. Each week I upload pictures and information to help keep parents informed of what we are doing. There is also the opportunity to link in with other schools when
working on similar topics to share student work and podcasts. I have also introduced ‘homework bags’ into the classroom. Instead of the traditional method of homework, I have created a number of ‘homework bags’. Each bag has a different concept i.e. we have science bags and author bags like ‘Mo Willems’. Each child gets a different bag each week and completes the relevant activities that come with the bag, and the children love the variety. The activities are entertaining but also educational; for example, the ‘science bag’ requires students to perform a simple experiment at the end of the week, and then we upload this to the blog for parents to see what they have been doing in the classroom. NEGS has an impressive sporting culture. Is this strong foundation developed in St John’s? We do try and encourage as much physical activity as possible, and the vast school grounds are the perfect space for this. Four mornings a week we run daily fitness before school, and all year round students are encouraged to be part of a sporting team. This year we have students participating in Touch Football, Tee Ball, Mod Ball, Basketball, Netball, Hockey and Soccer. The children also love going to the
Gymnastics Centre, which we visit fortnightly Also, Mrs Rowena Tall takes the students for in Term Two, and this is hugely beneficial for music lessons each week, where the students their gross motor skills. In Term 4 students can play instruments and develop their singing participate in ‘Swim and Survive’ sessions, skills. Next term, all students of St John’s and these teach the students vital will be participating in our school musical survival skills that they can production. use at the pool, in dams Tell us about your Kindergarten and at the beach. Orientation Program ... Each child Art and music are Our Kinder Orientation gets a different an important Program is really about bag each week part of academic familiarising the new e and completes th development. children with ‘big school’, that relevant activities What do you which can be daunting for g offer the little ones. We will be holding come with the ba love n re ild ch e students in your four sessions next term as well th d an ” . ty class? as a Kindergarten Information rie the va Art is a big focus Afternoon. We strongly encourage in Kindergarten, and parents who are interested in we have created a large art sending their child to St John’s next year space in the classroom with lots of to attend this session. fantastic resources. Last term we worked on an the plug! Andy Warhol inspired activity, which they then later recreated on the computer. Students work Dates for the Kindergarten Orientation are on directed drawing activities every couple of Tuesday 23 and 30 July, 6 and 13 August and weeks, which also develops their talking and they run from 9am - 12pm. listening skills. We use programs online and Our parent information session will be held utilise the smart-board to help identify famous at 5pm on Tuesday, 13 August, 2013. artworks and artists as well as excursions to Please contact Alice Schmidt Registrar: the local art gallery for inspiration. Ph 6774 8700.
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The new team at Moore Park Inn. The new management team consisting of Sylke, Lesley and Michelle took over at the beginning of April bringing new energy and a commitment to excellent customer service. Tell us about the services you provide and any personal rewards you gain? Moore Park Inn offers boutique accommodation, an exceptional restaurant with excellent Chefs and conference or function venue. We have twenty delightful rooms all fully refurbished including new mattresses and amenities. Our fully licensed restaurant “Archie’s on the Park” is open Monday through Saturday for dinner. We also offer spacious conference facilities with catering, perfect for a wedding or business function. Our team takes great pride in providing superior customer service and seeing the transformation as refurbishments are completed. It is truly rewarding to see Moore Park Inn returning to its former glory. What are the plans for the future? Moore Park has a long history in the Armidale community and we plan to continue improving the structure and grounds ensuring Moore Park Inn is preserved and cared for. Our main focus moving forward is on customer satisfaction, both in our restaurant and our hotel. We invite you to come meet the new team and enjoy a truly special evening at “Archie’s on the Park”.
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Mic Rees
hese school holidays, kids can enjoy A Day with Clay. With the guidance of local art teacher, Lizi Ipkendanz, kids can spend a whole day or half day taking inspiration from the current interactive exhibition Playtime! to create a clay masterpiece of their own! Come for one activity in the morning or a different one in the afternoon, or stay for both. Date: Wednesday 3 July Time: 10.00-12.30pm; 1.00-3.30pm Cost: $25 half day. $50 whole day. iPAD ART These school holidays, join artist and graphic designer, Mic Rees, in an iPad Art Workshop, where artists and iPad lovers will be encouraged to try new ways of painting and drawing in the digital world and be introduced to the basics of iPad art. Gain experience using design applications, your fingers and stylus pens, to create and collaborate in the digital world. BYO iPad2, or greater, and contact NERAM for a suggested materials list. Date: Wednesday 10 July Time: 10am - 4pm Cost: $75; full-time students $50. ART & DRAMA CLASSES FOR KIDS Term 3 Art & Drama classes will also commence the week beginning Monday 15 July. For kids, NERAM offers regular after school classes in art and drama. Children from 7 years can join Adventures in Art with Del Bernett and become an artist-in-the-making through this structured 10 week program, with materials supplied. If drama is more your
Gain
experience “ g usin design
thing, join the Felt Tip and reduction linoTheatre Company in an print processes. applications, your after school drama class Experienced fingers and stylusd pens, to create an to build performance printmakers are collaborate in the skills and confidence. welcome to bring ” . digital world ADVENTURES IN ART their own projects. On Date: Tues/Wed 16 & 17 July Fridays, Jonathon will take Time: 4pm - 5.15pm a painting and mixed media Cost: $150. class, where students will gain DRAMA CLASSES confidence using acrylics, oils, watercolour Date: Tues/Wed 16 & 17 July and pastels, and skills in using canvas and Time: 4pm - 5.15pm paper. Cost: $150 Del Bernett will teach Starting Art and ART CLASSES FOR ADULTS Continuing with Art on Saturday mornings Adults can spend Tuesday mornings and afternoons. These classes will cover drawing directly from the works on useful drawing techniques and will teach display in the NERAM galleries with Kerry participants to draw realistically, as an Gulliver. The afternoons will be spent in important foundation for other ways of the Packsaddle Studio looking at drawing making art. Exhibition visits are included. styles and techniques, while creating more To make a booking for either the completed works based on the morning’s workshops or an art class, please phone experience. 6772 5255. Prepayment is essential to Or, join Ross Laurie on Thursdays in secure a place. For more information see: Advanced Painting. Experienced painters www.neram.com.au/learn-2/art-classes/ can use this class to continue with their studio practice. For less experienced the plug! students, learn many basic art principles, NERAM Opening Hours: such as: colour mixing and theory, paint Tuesday - Friday (10am-5pm), application, preparing canvases, and Saturday - Sunday (10am- 4pm) understanding paint additives. Jonathon Larsen will lead a Thursday For more information: night printmaking art class to introduce www.neram.com.au participants to relief and intaglio styles,
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t’s the ‘80s ... you know, junk bonds, MTV, Dynasty, Duran Duran, leg warmers, fluoro lycra and generally outrageous fashion. Robbie Hart lives in his grandmother’s basement in New Jersey and sings in a wedding band. When his fiancée leaves him standing at the altar, he becomes a wedding planner’s worst nightmare, taking out his bitterness on stage until his eye and heart turn to a new friend, Julia, but she’s engaged to a wealthy Wall Street broker. It’s up to Robbie to give the performance of a decade, or risk losing it all. The Armidale Drama & Musical Society presents The Wedding Singer from 5 - 20 July at the TAS Hoskins Centre. Director Melissa Killen is enormously
All in all, The Wedding lively, Singer will be a with p m ro tic an rom lture countless pop cu ic us m d an es nc re refe e th ve that will ha g audience bobbin s.” their head
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excited to be able to bring this show to life. Marking Melissa’s directing debut, The Wedding Singer is a natural progression from her previous work with ADMS (credits include The Hatpin, Urinetown, God’s Drawing Board) as well as her work with Australian Dance Enterprises. Audiences will be expecting nothing short of a chorographical spectacular, and they won’t be left disappointed: “The dances are … intense; it’s the perfect setting and we have the perfect cast for it. I’m thrilled with their abilities and can’t wait to show Armidale some things that haven’t been done here before”. Along with the distinguished skills of
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Armidale Central
Rotary Annual
Musical Director Warwick Dunham joining Melissa at the helm, the high-energy dance numbers are beautifully offset by some heart-warming moments, which the audience might not be expecting in a show like this. All in all, The Wedding Singer will be a lively, romantic romp with countless pop culture references and music that will have the audience bobbing their heads in time with the beat and laughing hysterically. There may even be some impromptu moonwalking in the aisles. A show not to be missed. Tickets are available at www.adms.org.au and Carr’s NewXpress in the Central Mall.
BOOK
FA IR .
T
he annual Armidale Central Rotary was a wonderful success with takings. This was a similar result to last year. On the final Saturday over 600 bags of books at $5 each were sold – this was a record for the Book Fair. The president of Armidale Central Rotary, Dick McCarthy, said the club thanks the Armidale community for their support. Armidale is a great community and we thank them for supporting us in this way. These funds will enable us to provide very significant support to a variety of local, national and international projects’, Mr McCarthy said. ‘It also provides a service to the community who relish the opportunity to buy and recycle books cheaply’. Armidale Central Rotarian, Ian Garske, who coordinated the enormous effort required to bring the Book Fair to fruition described the project as a continuous year long activity. He said, ‘we are constantly receiving books and other material which has to be sorted, classified and stored ready for the Book Fair in May. This is a daily task and a team of club members give selflessly of their time to make it all happen. We are also very thankful for the support of many members of our wider community who provide material help and help in kind, especially in the lead up to the Book Fair and in the days after it has concluded.’ The Book Fair provides a chance for the club members to work together in service to the community and enjoy considerable camaraderie. If members of the community wish to join Armidale Central Rotary and share in this and its many other activities, contact the President Dick McCarthy (6771 5569) or Secretary Lynda Lynch (6772 2808). new england focus 23
New England
Warm, fresh scallop salad from The Whitebull Hotel Steakhouse Restaurant.
eat. Dining Guide is available for iPhone & Android mobiles. www.focusmag.com.au/eat 24 new england focus focus.
eat.
Wonder Chinese Restaurant
The Whitebull Hotel Steakhouse Restaurant
At Wonder Chinese you can enjoy sizzling meats, steamed and braised vegetables and all the favourites: spring rolls, special fried rice, dim sims, delicious noodles and rice dishes and much more. Prepared with traditional Chinese-style cooking by our experienced chefs. Guests can dine in (licensed), or choose from our takeaway menu.
The award winning, Whitebull Hotel Restaurant has a cosy double fire and lounge creating a romantic atmosphere for a ‘special’ dinner with that ‘special’ person in your life. Renowned for its full flavoured meals using quality local products where available. Serving mouthwatering steaks that are second to none, including the ‘BULL’ Hereford Prime Scotch Fillet Steak on the Bone, (min size 500grams). Reasonable prices, served by happy and helpful staff, and boasting a great selection of local wines, Premium Penfold wines and a selection of bubbles so that your life is ‘NEVER’ flat.
Be sure to check out our Super Saving Takeaway Value Packs!
And for any celebration, to watch a sporting event or a conference where you require a private space then our upstairs private function room can cater for your needs, having a private bar, comfy leather lounges and access to the outside verandah.
Wonder Chinese Restaurant serves delicious Chinese food. We can also provide gluten free dishes. Phone orders welcome. There are plenty of specials available for delivery, Chinese takeaway or dine in.
Owners Kwan and Ching Sue.
Shop 3/111 Dangar Street, Armidale t 6772 8388 w www.thewonder.com.au
Celebrate Christmas in July with us on Saturday 20 July with a traditional 3 course Christmas dinner, including Eggnog and a wine flight, complete with a festive atmosphere - for information and table bookings contact us now.
117 Marsh Street, Armidale t 6772 3833
open Lunch: Mon - Fri, 12noon - 2pm. Dinner: Sun - Thurs 5pm - 9pm, and Fri - Sat 5pm - 10pm.
open Monday to Saturday from 10am, until late. Sunday opening times are from 11am until 10pm.
New England Hotel
Prue & Olive
EAT DRINK PLAY
Prue & Olive has always had a great reputation. I wanted to maintain Prue & Olive’s reputation for great food but add more of a ‘can do’ customer service approach and bring a friendly, community spirit into play. I had no experience running a café – just a dream to make every customer’s experience a warm, welcoming one and treat them to a wonderful, fresh, simple menu with plenty of choice and great coffee to match. Finally, I believe I’ve struck the right mix:
LOCAL chef ‘Mike Dean’, introduces a menu reflecting simple, fresh flavours and favourites. Utilising familiar core ingredients, fresh, classic and traditional flavours, and the focus is on taste and consistency. Napoli style pizza, from the grill and a selection of refined - rustic Mediterranean, modernised share dishes with flavour influences from Italian, French and Spanish cuisine. Large share plates including ‘12 hour slow roast salt bush lamb shoulder’, or as starter, ‘Braised ox-tail pithivier with parsnip puree, Dutch carrots, broad beans, kale and bull’s blood’ to share, ‘NZ King Salmon carpaccio with avocado mousse, cucumber, snow pea tendrils, radish, pomegranate and lime dressing’. We provide the ability to identify with our food and hope that all our dishes are both satisfying and moreish.
196 Beardy Street, Armidale t 6772 1004 w www.thenewenglandhotel.com.au open 7 Days. Lunch and Dinner.
• 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. • Great staff who believe that ‘near enough is not good enough’ & customers are our business. • A fantastic new coffee, and many hours spent practicing to achieve consistently good results. Prue & Olive’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. new england focus 25
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Burran Dalai Out of Home Care & Family Support Service
PRUE +OLIVE
We came to Armidale three and half years ago, primarily for education. Prudence, my daughter (as in Prue & Olive) had been accepted into UNE – her university of choice for primary education.
U
NE has a reputation of excellence for this course and also offers amazing overseas study options, which Prudence has gratefully taken advantage of. My two eldest sons had been boarders at the truly caring and brilliant Armidale School, so the town was familiar to us. A tree change appealed to us all as a family.
and is responsible for our quote of the day, which is looked forward to by many of our customers. Danny, also one of our baristas, is a helping hand at Prue & Olive's, as well as growing fresh herbs for our meals.
We believe that Prue & Olive provides food of a high standard, whether it be a simple muffin or Oscar's amazing pasta with braised squid and prawns. Our coffee is Purchasing a café has been a long dream freshly roasted, cakes are made in-house of mine – something many friends have daily, with many choices for all ages and suggested over the years. I love baking and taste buds. Our Mickey Mouse ears are caring for people. Friends have supported loved by the young and young at heart. my cooking and encouraged this dream, Macarons are made locally by our for which I will always be grateful. lovely Bec (pastrygene) ... a true taste Hospitality can be incorporated sensation. Overall Prue & Olive in so many ways; nursing always have something (my past life) and now a scrumptious to treat a café owner are both be and tempt our lovely to is m Our ai al on ti p ce industries requiring customers ... always ex y ul tr locals g n di vi caring for consumer made with care to ro p , fé ca o visit needs. Doing your please. Providing and guests whci ty with our beautiful pe to best at what you individual choice of a friendly escaviting choose is what is fi ne china tea cups a warm and in viding ro important. is another way of us ambience, p tea, food wanting our visitors great coffee, Our staff are and service.” at Prue & Olive to feel Supercalifragilisticspecial. expialidocious! Oscar, our
“
brilliant chef, creates amazing food using seasonal, local produce where possible. All condiments served, from yogurt, chutney, jam and even butter is made in-house – something Prue and Olive are very proud of. Prudence (State Hospitality Award winner) and Sarah are our friendly expert baristas, waiting to make the best coffee ever. Lilla, our junior with a wonderful attitude, is learning quickly. Sally is our high tea attendant, always happy to oblige. Olivia (as in Olive, daughter no. two) performs an amazing behind the scenes job, updating and liaising with social media 26 new england focus.
Our aim is to be a truly exceptional café, providing locals and guests who visit our beautiful city with a friendly escape to a warm and inviting ambience, providing great coffee, tea, food and service. We hope to grow our high tea service from every 2nd Sunday of the month to every Sunday, which will give locals and guests a lovely option every weekend. Our longer trading hours (open 'til 5pm Mon - Fri) also give options to many for afternoon treats or coffee appointments. Please visit us at Prue & Olive; we aim to make you happy that you did.
Burrun Dalai Out of Home Care & Family Support Service is a government funded not for profit, Aboriginal community controlled organisation. Its main function is to provide foster care to Aboriginal children and young people and to support the families of those Aboriginal children and young people. When children or young people cannot live with their family, we work together with other agencies to try to restore them to their natural (or birth) family, and only when this is not possible, do we place children and young people in culturally aware, trained and loving Aboriginal foster families. Our objectives are: • To keep Aboriginal children and young people safe • To protect children and young people from abuse and exploitation by offering a place of safety in times when it is needed • To provide out of home care as a last resort and only when such care is in the best interest of
the child or young person • To support the foster family to provide the best possible care to best meet the unique needs of the child or young person • To meet the child or young person’s physical, social, emotional, educational, and cultural needs whilst within a Burrun Dalai program • To assist in keeping children and young people in their families and communities • To limit foster care to the shortest time where possible so as not to jeopardise family relationships Burrun Dalai’s vision is to maintain Aboriginal family values that have traditionally involved the extended family members and community members in the care and development of children. That’s why it is important that our carers or one carer in a family is Aboriginal. There is nothing new in what we are doing, but we must recognise that supporting family in today’s society can be difficult.
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Melinda Pascoe's T r e e
C h a n g e
We catch up with Dr Melinda Pascoe who is a neurologist at The New England Specialist Centre where she also has her medical facial rejuvenation cosmetic business L'Opportune. 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
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 ek 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.”
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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.
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P O RT M AC Q UA R I E I S T H E P E R F E C T P LAC E F O R A C O AS TA L W I N T E R E S CA P E A N D O N LY 3 . 5 H O U RS P O RT M AC Q UA R I E I S T H E P E R F E C T P LAC E F O R A D R I V E F RO M A R M I DA L E . C O AS TA L W I N T E R E S CA P E A N D O N LY 3 . 5 H O U RS D RI ITVHE IF RODMI SA MC I DA L E . M I X O F H E R I TAG E W TS TRI N TIV B U I L D I N G S , H I P R E F U R B I S H E D H OT E LS , D I V E RS E W I T H I TS D I S T I N C T I V E M I X O F H E R I TAG E D I N I N G , E N T E RTA I N M E N T A N D A S M O RG AS B O R D B U I L D I N G S , H I P R E F U R B I S H E D H OT E LS , D I V E RS E O F T H I N G S TO S E E A N D D O . YO U W I L L F E E L D I N I N G , E N T E RTA I N M E N T A N D A S M O RG AS B O R D R I G H T AT H O M E I N F L I P F LO P S O R H I G H H E E LS ! O F T H I N G S TO S E E A N D D O . YO U W I L L F E E L R I G H T AT H O M E I N F L I P F LO P S O R H I G H H E E LS !
R E A S O N S R E A S O N S T O T O
G E T G E T
P A C K I N G P A C K I N G
• L E AV E Y O U R W I N T E R W O O L L I E S AT H O M E tropical •The L Eclimate AV E YisOamongst U R W I NAustralia’s T E R W O best O L L -I Esub S AT H O Mon E the and in the hinterland - sotropical you can The coast climate is temperate amongst Australia’s best - sub on plan your and visit temperate all year-round. the coast in the hinterland - so you can
• EVENTS A • jam E V Epacked N T S calendar of events features farmers markets, worldcalendar class sporting events, surƂng festivals A jam packed of events features farmers and your world favourite bands markets, class sporting events, surƂng festivals
plan your visit all year-round.
and your favourite bands
• B E A C H L I F E A N D A W O R L D O F W AT E R Choose beaches surƂ • B E A Cfrom H L 17 I F Esandy AND A W Ofor R Lswimming, D O F W AT E ng, R rock pools, water sports, whale watching or thesurƂ simple Choose from 17 sandy beaches for swimming, ng, joy building sandcastles rockofpools, water sports, whale watching or the simple
• FOOD, WINE AND BEER visit two breweries for a •GoF wine O O Dtasting , W I Nat E six A Nwineries, D BEER cold ale, tasting and dine produce Go wine at on sixlocal wineries, visit in two breweries for a award winning restaurants and cafes cold ale, and dine on local produce in
joy of building sandcastles
award winning restaurants and cafes
• TE N MINUTE WA LKING TOWN doorstep •Everything T E N M I you N U Tneed E WisAon L Kthe ING T O W Nof your accommodation, fromisrestaurants and river cruises Everything you need on the doorstep of your to beaches and shops, and the airport c accommodation, from restaurants and and riverPaciƂ cruises Highway is just minutes’ drive away and PaciƂc to beaches and10 shops, and the airport
• STRAIGHT FROM THE FARM Meet atMthe farm trail for fresh • S T Rthe A Iproducers GHT FRO TH E Fgate ARM oysters, macadamia nuts, Meet thevegetables, producers fruits, at the olives, farm gate trail for fresh cheeses, spices, meat, poultry, eggs and othernuts, primary oysters, vegetables, fruits, olives, macadamia produce cheeses, spices, meat, poultry, eggs and other primary
Highway is just 10 minutes’ drive away
produce
• C U LT U R E , H I S T O R Y A N D T H E A R T S a LT program shows •See CU U R E , of H international ISTORY AN D T HatEthe ARTS Glasshouse, theofwork of local artists galleries and See a program international showsinat the learn about Port Macquarie’s 200+ year old penal Glasshouse, the work of local artists in galleries and history at museums and heritage sites learn about Port Macquarie’s 200+ year old penal
• ADVENTURE AND SPORT From riding to surƂng, • A D skydiving, V E N T U Rparagliding E A N D S Pand O Rhorse T rock and camel rides, is riding an adventure for Fromclimbing skydiving, paragliding andthere horse to surƂng, everyone. Or get sport onthere with golf, putt orfor a rock climbing andyour camel rides, is an putt adventure friendly hit of tennis. everyone. Or get your sport on with golf, putt putt or a
history at museums and heritage sites
friendly hit of tennis.
• FREE AND AFFORDABLE FUN •It'sFgreat R E E value A N D for A Ffamilies F O R Dwith A B LaEnatural F U N wonderland of stuff to do a visit to the world’s only It'sfree great value forincluding families with a natural wonderland Koala Hospital, and great value tours and attractions of free stuff to do including a visit to the world’s only
• INDULGENCE loved •Treat I N Dyour ULG E N Cone, E or yourself, to some boutique shopping, day spa or to degustation dinner. Treat your a loved one,treatment or yourself, some boutique Or simply indulge ontreatment ocean breezes and timeout on shopping, a day spa or degustation dinner. the renowned 9kmon Coastal Or simply indulge oceanWalk breezes and timeout on
Koala Hospital, and great value tours and attractions
E R O L P X E R EXPLO E
escape AN D AN D
E X P LO R E O U R L I T T L E T R E AS U R E T RA I L A N D WATC H T H I S 9 0 S E C V I S UA L LY E X P LO R E O U R L I T T L E T R E AS U R E T RA I L S T U N N I N G TO U R O F T H E R E G I O N . A N D WATC H T H I S 9 0 S E C V I S UA L LY S T U N N I N G TO U R O F T H E R E G I O N .
ARE YOU UP FOR IT? There soUmany A R E are YO U Pthings F O Rto Isee T ?and do in Port Macquarie. Adventures families include and riding, whale There are sofor many things to seehorse and do incamel Port Macquarie. watching, indoor rock climbing, skirmish, pin riding, bowling Adventures for families include horse andten camel whale or surf lessons justrock to name a few. If you want to rattle your watching, indoor climbing, skirmish, ten pin bowling nerves go fromjust mild wild ainfew. a jetƂ skydive, water or surf lessons toto name If ghter, you want to rattle your ski, go kart or for an to exhilarating experience take a water scenic nerves go from mild wild in a jetƂ ghter, skydive, helicopter ight. restore your soul withtake some of NSW’s ski, go kartjoy or ƃ for an Or exhilarating experience a scenic best naturejoy experiences. You’ll be spoilt choice helicopter ƃight. Or restore your soulfor with someso ofcheck NSW’s our huge range of activities, attractions, andso wildlife best nature experiences. You’ll be spoilt nature for choice check experiences at portmacquarieinfo.com.au our huge range of activities, attractions, nature and wildlife experiences at portmacquarieinfo.com.au
S T AY There is a smorgasbord of accommodation throughout the Port S T AY Macquarie region. Fromofa accommodation cosy hinterland guest house,the farm There is a smorgasbord throughout Port homesteadregion. or livingFrom it up aincosy a 4.5hinterland star waterfront orfarm luxury Macquarie guest hotel house, apartment -or we’ve it all. homestead livinggot it up in a 4.5 star waterfront hotel or luxury apartment - we’ve got it all. If becoming one with nature is more your thing camp at a beachside holiday park, at one of theyour regions great campsites or If becoming one with nature is more thing camp at a try hiring aholiday fully equipped It’s just great so easy! beachside park, at campervan. one of the regions campsites or try hiring a fully equipped campervan. It’s just so easy!
the renowned 9km Coastal Walk
G RA B YO U RS E L F A GR E AT AC OM MFO DAT I O N D E AL RA B YO UC RS EL A and head Port where can G RE AT to AC C OMacquarie M M O DAT I O Nyou DE AL
warm up this winter. and head to Port Macquarie where you can warm up this winter.
T H E O B S E RVAT O RY, P O RT M A C Q U A R I E T H E O B S E RVAT O RY, P O RT M A C Q U A R I E
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WWW.PORTMACQUARIEINFO.COM.AU WWW.PORTMACQUARIEINFO.COM.AU
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W I N T E R
E S C A P E S
F E A T U R E
A word from Vicki Kembery.
Travel
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I have been wracking my brain to find something to write about this month – I thought about winter getaways, but I think I did that last year – and even as I sit here starting to write, I don’t really know where this column is going ... which I guess is a bit like travel. Sometimes when we travel, everything is pre-organised and booked in, and other times you set off with not much of an idea of where you are going but hope that things just fall into place – like this column!
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nd sometimes things work out and other times they may not quite come up trumps – again, a bit like this column.
But it does make me think about some of the unplanned, surprise things that have happened to me over the years during my travels. One I remember is when Neal and I met up with a couple of girlfriends in Turkey for a few weeks back in the late eighties. They had been travelling around Europe for some months and I was living and working in London. We flew to Istanbul, where we had pre-booked a couple of nights’ accommodation and after that it was just going to be a case of, “What do we do next, and where should we go?” We ended up in Kusadasi for a few days staying at one of the best pensiones I’ve ever stayed at (I think it was about $5 a night including breakfast, and for an extra $2 you could have dinner with all the beer or wine you could drink!) I remember one meal we had there – we had been to the beach in the morning and walked back and saw hanging from a hook in the backyard, a great big, hairy wild boar. When we asked the owner what it was, he replied, “Dinner”... and I have to say it was one of the best meals I’ve eaten. We also found ourselves back in Istanbul at the end of the holiday with a couple of spare days, so we decided to jump on a plane and head to Goreme for a look. On the plane we got talking to a gentleman in a suit who told us he’d been driving to work in Istanbul that morning and decided he didn’t feel like going to work, so headed to the airport and jumped on our plane. He was originally from around Goreme so he then spent the next 4 days driving us and 4 other people he had talked to on the plane all around the area – our own personal guide, and it was free!
Another time something unplanned but great happened was in Ireland – I was over there with a mate for the Rugby World Cup in 1999 and we were following the Australian team around watching their pool matches. We had tickets for all the matches except the big one – against Ireland in Dublin. We just hadn’t been able to get tickets to this match before we left or since we had been in Ireland. So we got back to Dublin the night before the match and as we were driving into Dublin, we saw a small Rugby Club house and we remembered that the Kiwis were playing France, so we pulled in, walked in and sure enough – the match was being televised in the lounge. So we ordered a drink and sat down and started chatting to the members there. After explaining we had been round watching all the matches but didn’t have tickets to THE match the next day a fellow came up, said they had a couple of spares their members didn’t need, and handed them over! Right time, right place in both instances, but totally unplanned. Then there are the times you’re just driving round and suddenly come across some amazing place you didn’t even realise existed, or you did vaguely know about it but you just didn’t realise how amazing it was. Places like Blenheim Palace – a magnificent stately home in England that most of the tours bypass, or Warwick Castle – other castles seem to get into every guide book, but this gem slips under the radar, or Kylemore Abbey in Ireland – we accidently found this beautiful old Abbey while getting lost in Ireland! Anyway, I think I’ve managed to ramble and meander down memory lane enough – but just one last thing – next time you’re travelling remember: ramble or meander even if just for a day – you might be pleasantly surprised by what you discover! new england focus 29
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What your chimney says about you.
How would you react if your car exhaust was billowing smoke? Would you feel comfortable with that? Would you drive around town, past schools, mothers with babies in their prams, elderly pedestrians, blowing smoke all over them? Or would you look into getting it fixed? If it’s clear that wood smoke can be just as dangerous as vehicle exhaust, and in some cases more dangerous, why the disconnect
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What’s the single most important thing we can do? Check your chimney.
between smoking chimneys and smoking mufflers? Another thing to keep in mind: if you’re not checking your chimney your neighbours probably are. Why should we listen to you? I’m a regular member of the community, like anyone else. My son, Max, is 14 months old. I want him to grow up happy and healthy.
The basics are to burn your k fire hot and stac y el os lo d oo w ur yo it so x bo re fi in your ” r. ai gets plenty of
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My wife, Gina, and I have just moved back to Armidale after 12 years away in Canada. It’s ironic after leaving Montreal - a city of almost two million on the heavily polluted eastern seaboard of North America - that we in the bush have to contend with air pollution that rivals the worst days in Sydney. But the good news is that unlike people living
Let’s clear the air...
Aaron and his wife Gina and son Max have recently returned to Armidale after 12 years in Canada. in Sydney or Montreal, everyone here in Armidale has the power to fix our problem, simply by paying more attention to our chimneys.
My chimney’s smoking. Now what? The basics are to burn your fire hot and stack your wood loosely in your fire box so it gets plenty of air. Remember, smoke is unburned fuel. It’s literally your money going up the chimney. If your chimney is still smoking, we have a free education kit with a DVD. We can send that to you for free (just give us a call on 6770 3600)
or you can drop by the council administration building and pick one up. You’ll also hear a lot more from us over winter. We’ll be holding demonstrations and displays on how to run your wood heater so you can save money and reduce air pollution at the same time. We’ll be patrolling neighbourhoods to identify problem chimneys – we estimate 15% of households are causing 80% of the pollution – and we’ll be continuing with subsidies to replace old heaters. And keep an eye out for us in the media and on Facebook. We’re going to reach out to as many people as possible because, no matter how hard we work, we’re not going to solve this problem unless we do it together.
We’re working hard to make the air cleaner and the town safer, particularly for children and the elderly.
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Many of the particles that are bad for our health are actually more concentrated in wood smoke than in vehicle exhaust. That comes as a surprise to a lot of people, and unfortunately it’s children and the elderly who are most at risk.
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Think back to the last time you were driving behind a smoky car exhaust, with all those fumes filling your vehicle. It’s unpleasant and unhealthy – but not as unhealthy as wood smoke.
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The council’s new wood smoke reduction officer, Aaron Driver, talks about clean air, and what Montreal and Armidale have in common.
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Pacific Dawn Beach House Escape the chill of the New England and head to the beautiful seaside village of Wooli. On the Mid North Coast, Wooli is often kept a secret by holiday makers who love its relaxed charm, peaceful setting and unspoilt coastline. Pacific Dawn Beach House is the perfect place to unwind for a short break this winter. The beach house is located in a unique spot on the Wooli peninsula with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean at the front and views of the pristine Wooli Wooli River at the back. The two storey beach house includes two queen bedrooms, two bathrooms, open plan kitchen, lounge and dining room, upstairs lounge, four balconies, laundry and garage. Stay at Pacific Dawn Beach House for two nights and pay just $195 per night. Special weekly rates are also available. Renowned for its natural beauty, Wooli is encircled by the Yuragir National Park and is the gateway to the Solitary Islands Marine Park. It is a very popular spot for fishing, whale and dolphin watching and deep sea diving. Pacific Dawn Beach House is just a short walk to the bowling club, Chinese restaurant, oyster barn, kiosk, fishing and dive shop, boat hire, tennis courts and picnic areas. For further information email info@pacificdawnbeachhouse. com.au or visit www.awhimaway.com.au
Bed and Breakfasts, farmstays, guesthouses, cottages, hotels, motels and wilderness retreats – the New England has a wonderful array of unique accommodation. Why not experience it for yourself or encourage friends from out of the area to come and try it? he Armidale Bed and Breakfast and farmstay culture continues to grow with the opening of two new B&B’s last month. Bed & Breakfast style accommodation is hosted or contained in someone’s home or on their property and farmstay accommodation allows guests to enjoy a hands on experience such as shearing sheep, milking cows or collecting eggs. Were you aware that we have B&B’s that offer ghost tours, or an opportunity to feed an entire pack of alpacas? Did you know that Sting once stayed in one of our B&B’s? There is a wonderful variety of unique accommodation within a 15 minute drive of Armidale. Maybe you could surprise a loved one with an overnight getaway and be home in time for the Sunday Markets. For a full listing of our unique Bed and Breakfast and farmstays please visit the website: www.armidaletourism.com.au Were you aware the New England and Oxley Wild Rivers National Parks, only a short drive from Armidale are World Heritage sites. Other World Heritage Listed sites found in Australia include Kakadu National Park, Great Barrier Reef and the Blue Mountains and yet our own World Heritage area still remains largely a secret (hopefully not for much longer). From Point Lookout you can gaze out in all directions across unspoilt
wilderness and the Bellingen Valley all the way to the Pacific Ocean. It is a truly magnificent view that visitors travel to our region to experience. One of the most magical adventures (for children and adults) is to walk through the ancient Antarctic Beech forests to Weeping Rock. This is one of the very few places in the world where you can experience what the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana may have looked like. We would like to encourage all of Armidale’s budding photographers to head out there this July and post your photos on our Facebook Page of your Weeping Rock experience. Search Experience the Highs on Facebook and once you have ‘Liked” us you will be able to post your photos directly onto our Experience the Highs Facebook page. On your way home drop into the Dutton Trout Hatchery where you can hand feed trout, see leaping fish, take a self guided tour or relax beside the cascading cool waters. The Trout Hatchery is open daily from 8.30am – 3.30pm and is located on Point Lookout Road. If you would like to stay in the New England National Park for a weekend there is a variety of accommodation options including camping, bush cabins and self contained cottages. For more information please contact the Visitor Information centre on 02 6770 3888. July is a spectacular month for
photographers, capturing our landscape dripping with icicles or covered in a white frosty blanket. Please post your winter wonderland photos onto our Facebook page so others can experience winter in the New England. This month there are some fabulous exhibitions at the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place and the New England Regional Art Museum including the Margaret Olley ‘Home’ exhibition and an Aboriginal artefact exhibition titled “Barks and Fibre Crafts”. For further details please visit our website at: www.armidaletourism.com.au/events The Wedding Singer musical will be performed at the Hoskin Centre from 5 – 20 July and tickets are available online or at Carr’s Newsagency in the East Mall. Armidale will be hosting the Women’s Masters State Hockey Championship from 26 – 28 July and we are predicting in excess of 1,000 visitors. This is another wonderful opportunity for us to showcase our region and we are expecting our restaurants, cafes and retailers to benefit from this influx of visitors. This month we are heading to Moree to the Inland NSW Tourism Awards Gala evening. Experience the Highs has been entered into the Inland NSW Tourism Awards and we hope to return to Armidale with the Destination Marketing Award. new england focus 31
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Hearing New England with Leanne Betterridge.
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hat created the decision to come to Armidale? My husband, Daniel, and I both did our Bachelor Degrees through the University of New England and have always been fond of Armidale and the New England. We moved our young family to Armidale in 2005 for Daniel's occupation. Unfortunately, at that time Armidale did not have a permanent Audiology clinic. I opened Hearing New England at Unit 2, 87a Beardy St in November 2009 and began seeing public clients under the Office of Hearing Services Voucher Program in 2010. Tell us about your family? Daniel and I both grew up in country towns. We have four children, aged 7, 9, 11 and 13. As you can imagine, ours is a busy household! The children are growing so fast and learning like sponges. I have always had an interest in speech and language, which led me to studying Audiology and later to add a Masters of Arts in Applied Linguistics. It is fascinating to watch my children developing new language skills and having those ‘light bulb’ moments when understanding rolls in. Fortunately,
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as an Audiologist I also get to help adults to improve their communication skills and re-connect with their social activities. What does your business involve? I conduct full diagnostic hearing assessments, including middle ear health checks and speech discrimination assessments, providing reports for General Practitioners and Ear Nose and Throat Specialists when appropriate. A lot of my time is spent on individual rehabilitation programs, which may also involve hearing aid fitting and fine tuning. Everyone has individual hearing needs depending on their degree and type of hearing loss, their ear anatomy and their lifestyle requirements. Often people tell me they "have no problem hearing voices ... they just can't understand some of them!" This is because hearing loss can take away some of the speech sounds, like stealing puzzle pieces and making you guess the whole picture. Few people realise how hearing aids work; they help put back those missing puzzle pieces, reducing listening effort and guesswork. How long have you been in the hearing industry?
I graduated from the University of Queensland in 1995 and worked for the government owned Australian Hearing for about 9 years. During this time I worked in various hearing centres, including Tamworth as District Manager in the late 1990s, until my husband's work took us to Sydney for training purposes. At this time I took on adult specialist and paediatric specialist caseloads. We gladly moved back to the country, doing a stint out at Dubbo and worked hard to get back to the New England. Now I have my own hearing clinic here and have settled in nicely over the three and a half years since opening doors. What are your plans for the future? I plan to continue raising awareness of hearing loss, ear health, good communication tactics and the need to protect our hearing from noise damage. In the last few years I have enjoyed being invited to give talks to QUOTA International Armidale, Rotary (North & South), The Men's Shed, U3A (University of the third age) and Probus. Hearing New England will continue to provide our high quality of service and strive to increase access to hearing services in the New England.
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MAN! I feel good! Are you shouting this from the rooftops? Do you consider yourself to be fit and healthy? John Kauter is in his early 60s. He’s in pretty good shape and is feeling better than ever, but this wasn’t the case a few years ago. ith a rural and sporting background and a love for gardening, John had always been active but somewhere along the line, this changed. So he made the decision to join the gym, started SportUNE’s FitBlokes Program and has never looked back.
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Unfortunately, statistics tell us that not all men in Australia are like John. Many find it difficult to prioritise their health and wellbeing and this is of real concern, with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and other lifestyle influenced illnesses more prevalent that ever. We chat to John about his take on men’s health. Why is it important for men to value their health and wellbeing? As a rule, blokes aren’t keen to visit the doctor and we’re not great at sharing our thoughts and worries; our wives will tell you this! We also tend to prioritise work and leave little time for fitness. By not placing value on our physical and mental health we’re not creating a balanced life, and it’s just not sustainable. What has it meant to you to be fit and well? It means I am warding off old age and
that’s got to be good, hasn’t it! But it’s more than that – by staying physically well I have found I have a much better state of mind. I think clearer, have more energy and sleep better. I have also seen physical results. Seven weeks ago it was difficult to run 1 km but now I can run 3 km, which is amazing. I have dropped two trouser sizes, and this is all from just exercising for one hour, two to three days a week. A few years ago I had a couple of accidents which resulted in a broken pelvis and broken big toe. I thought I’d be in all sorts of bother; however, because I had core fitness I recovered well, and fortunately I have no side effects from the injuries. Being fit and well prior to the accident really aided my quick recovery. What would you say to someone considering the FitBlokes Program? Go for it; it’s a great program. I highly recommend it. If you haven’t exercised before or it’s been a while between visits, it’s a good way to start. Anyone can do it. The instructors are really supportive and work with you at your own level of fitness, so it’s a safe environment. A new workout each week means it’s never boring. I really enjoy the
Demian & Mally, FitBlokes Instructors. camaraderie and support of the group – they’re a great bunch of blokes. There are about a dozen of us and we are all different ages, fitness levels and abilities, but we share a laugh; in fact, we call ourselves the fatblokes. The next FitBlokes program commences on 15 July. It includes two sessions each week with qualified trainers, an introduction to the gym, fitness testing, as well as nutritional advice and an additional eight complimentary vouchers, which can be used at your own leisure for group fitness classes, gym or the pool. For more information, contact Mally on 6773 5188 or email sportune@une.edu.au.
John Kauter
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Melanoma “The pathology test shows you have a Malignant Melanoma” is what many doctors tell their patients every day in Australia, provoking reactions from total panic to great concern in their patients. hat does this mean?
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A Malignant Melanoma is a skin cancer arising from the melanocyte, a pigment producing cell in the epidermis (the superficial layer of the
skin).
Because of great efforts made in Australia over the last 20 years and more, this is not an uncommon diagnosis. Fortunately, because of the same great efforts, the diagnosis is often made early, when the cancer is still very superficial and hence eminently treatable; in fact, often ‘curable’. The significance of depth. The depth of the cancer is all important. If confined to the epidermis, the news is good. As the cancer thickens and gets deeper into the dermis (the deeper part of the skin), the risk and danger to life increases. The depth is prognostic. The depth is prognostic, i.e. it serves to predict the outcome of the disease. This is very significant, as there have been no advances in the treatment of this cancer, and hence early diagnosis and treatment when it is not deep is the only hope for effective treatment. Two systems are used to measure depth: the older ‘Clark’s Level’ and since 1982, the more accurate ‘Breslow Thickness’.
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Treatment. Surgery is still the mainstay. There are many trials of adjunctive ive treatments carried out in major centres such as the Sydney Melanoma Unit. Younger patients (45 years and below) with h more advanced cancers are offered these treatments, but with ith no assurance that it would definitely make a difference. Prevention the best treatment. The skin is the largest organ in the body, constantly regenerating itself and needs care and protection (please check website for details – www.pclscoffsharbour.com.au). The best skin is soft, shiny and supple, and all skin care and protection is to achieve this healthy state of affairs. Warning signs. Melanocytes are normal components of skin and produce pigment which protects skin from the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays in sunlight and other sources of light. When there is excess stimulation of melanocytes, such as in sunbathing, this can lead to cancerous changes. While this is possible in long standing pigmented lesions, there is a much higher probability of this happening in pigmented lesions that appeared a year or two ago. Change of any sort is significant! A change in appearance, colour or size, a lesion becoming itchy or tending to ooze or bleed are all warning signs. As a ‘rule of thumb’, if this does not settle or clear within four weeks and is
still present by six weeks, you need to see your doctor urgently! A biopsy (tissue testing) of the suspicious area is necessary to establish a diagnosis and to plan appropriate treatment. Your doctor usually has a ‘high index of suspicion’ when it comes to pigmented lesions, and the best result is a test that shows no cancer!
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Teresa French from Thunder Graphics In 2005 I started building a business producing machine embroidered items and logos. 2006 saw us investing in a vinyl cutter, which enabled me to develop my design skills further into vehicle, shop and property signs. In 2009 we purchased a laser engraver and got into engraving all manner of materials, including acrylic, and supply of trophies and medals. I realised I had a flair for design, and with Russ’ and my close attention to detail, we developed this into a successful and sought after business. We expect excellence from our product, and pride ourselves on our high quality – not only the product, but also the little, but important, details, like making sure names are spelt correctly on kids’ trophies! We moved to Uralla in 2012 and worked from home, and in April 2013 expanded into a shop on the main street of Uralla. Our huge laminator and state of the art digital printer can print anything from skincare or fishing rod labels to posters, plans, photos on canvas, and signs for the side of a bus or shop window! Everything is produced in our shop in Uralla; we don’t send away anywhere to get your work done. www.facebook.com/ThunderGraphicsOz
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Gallery One Two Six How long have you had Armidale Framing and Art Supplies? Stuart and Anne Boggs have owned the business for over 14 years. It was originally just custom framing, and then we expanded after 3 years to the current location with the art supplies and the gallery. Tell us about your services and the personal rewards you gain from your business. We provide Custom Picture Framing, which differs from just buying a frame off the shelf and putting something into it. With over 35 years of combined experience, we have seen all sorts of things submitted for framing. We offer advice on colour and style, different techniques to best display the item as well as how to protect and preserve the item for the future. In addition to the framing, we retail artists’ materials. Even if you don’t make art, once you wander around and look, you will be inspired to start something. We stock beautiful papers, every colour, surface and type, materials for craft, painting, drawing and printing. Plans for the future. You never know what’s going to come through the door. With new framing materials, the push for sustainability in the timber industry and our new computer operated mat cutter, the sky is the limit, and we will be moving along with it.
Holistic Treatment What changes have you seen in your profession since first starting work as an acupuncturist? Amazingly when I first started practicing acupuncture, very few people had any real idea about what acupuncture was. It was mostly perceived as some sort of voodoo medicine that somehow helped to alleviate pain and was largely treated with scepticism by other healthcare professions. Today, things are very different. The majority of my new clients now come because they have heard how effective acupuncture treatment is for a wide range of health problems. People generally now seem to take a more proactive role in the maintenance of their own health and are seeking more holistic treatment. I practice a very gentle Japanese style of acupuncture, and it is quite amazing how quickly the word has spread as to its efficacy and how relaxing and enjoyable the actual treatment can be. Acupuncture is now a registered health profession and I am pleased to enjoy a great professional relationship with many G.P.s, chiropractors, physiotherapists and other healthcare practitioners. I believe that when we all work together for the good of our clients/patients, great things can be achieved, and I feel honoured to be part of this process.
ACUPUNCTURE
for pain relief and good health
Tony Bennett B.Hlth Sc (Acu) Dip R.M. Dip C.H. A.A.C.M.A. Fellow A.T.M.S. Member A.H.P.R.A. Reg. No. CMR0001705370
experienced acupuncture practitioner and teacher 11 Alahna Drive, Armidale
6771 3964
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Georgie Wellwood - Health and Wellbeing FFT has been operating in Armidale for 28 years, and the new premises heralds the age of enlightenment – to be healthier in mind, body and spirit. The owner of Food for Thought, Georgina Wellwood, welcomes everyone to the new Health and Wellbeing shop on 19 June, in the Armidale Plaza, next to the Mac Shop. Georgie’s experience in education combined with the team expertise at FFT, have developed the local health and wellbeing business further by including distribution of Weleda body products and medicinals throughout Australia, Naturopathic consultations, extending the range of organic and natural cosmetics, organic meats and supporting local suppliers of produce. We often have customers who have been referred by their practitioners. Their clients arrive with a list of recommended supplements and foods to aid recovery from illnesses, skin conditions or alternatively, just enhance their general wellbeing. The Naturopath is available every Monday and Tuesday at Food for Thought – Cate is an expert for Women’s Health. We look forward to communicating with customers about wellbeing and participating in a UNE study about measuring sustainability at FFT, promote healthy snacks for children and teenagers, and continue to support local producers and artisans.
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A/Prof Graham Stewart - Armidale Private How long have you been a surgeon here in Armidale? I have been practicing as a General Surgeon in Armidale since arriving in October of last year. Initially attracted to the town by prospects offered by the Joint Medical Program associated with the UNE and the surgical needs of the community, I have found the environment and the community even more appealing. Currently, I am Associate Professor of Surgery and practiced at both the Armidale Rural Referral Hospital and the Armidale Private Hospital. What do you specialise in? My professional interests are broad, as is necessary in rural surgical practice, but is based around abdominal and laparoscopic surgery and surgical oncology. My post fellowship training in the United Kingdom was based in hepato-biliary and transplant surgery, and I practice in these areas at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, as well as being associated with the Sydney Melanoma Unit, before ‘going rural’ seven years ago. Plans for the future? I have a strong commitment to contribute to the provision of surgical services to the community of Armidale and the surrounding tablelands region, in both emergency ad elective cases. I plan to introduce not currently available procedures, such as laparoscopic hernia repairs. I also aim to provide training for a new generation of young doctors, who hopefully might wish to practice rurally.
Neil Horton and Marney Tilley Armidale Drama and Musical Society How long has ADMS been in Armidale? The ADMS has been in existence now for 3 years. It was formed out of the old Armidale Playhouse and Musical Society. So many people were involved in both Societies at the time, it was considered it would be best to pool resources and amalgamate. Amateur theatre has been around Armidale for more than 50 years. Our current practice is to produce one musical a year followed by up to two plays and an occasional concert. How can our readers become involved, and what are the personal rewards gained? Anybody who has an interest in theatre is welcome to join the ADMS, whether it be on stage, behind the scenes or even administration. In fact, many people who start out behind the scenes end up on stage, as they see others having such a good time that they want to try it too! The rewards out of being involved in shows are many and varied, from making friends for life through to learning new skills or just boosting self confidence enough to get up on stage. It is often a life changing experience. Plans for the future? We have a number of shows coming up. The musical The Wedding Singer, a Showboat concert with the ASO in August and the play A Doll’s House. We can be contacted via our website: www.adms.org.au
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Opera North West Ltd presents
Judith Wright in verse and music
Saturday July 27 7.30pm Lazenby Hall, UNE, Armidale
Armidale Antiques & Restoration What prompted you to open your business? I’ve loved antiques and beautiful objects most of my life, especially antique timber furniture. This drew me to buy antiques and restore them back to their original condition, which I have been doing since my early 20s. When I moved to Armidale, I opened an antique shop in Uralla in 2001, and six years ago I moved my business to its current premises in Armidale. Tell us about your services and plans for the future? I’m located in Dumaresq Street opposite the Bowling Club, in a beautiful Victorian two storey terrace house filled with antique furniture from the 18th century to 1950s, in timbers ranging from red cedar, mahogany, oak, walnut kauri and Baltic pine, as well as collectibles and decorative items. I offer the best quality and range of antiques in the New England region.
Settings of Judith Wright poetry by Australian composers
Armidale Insulation & Skylights How long has Armidale Insulation & Skylights been in business? Armidale Insulation and Skylights was
ARTISTS: Elizabeth Campbell mezzo soprano, Peta Blyth soprano, David Miller piano, Chris & Judith Ross-Smith verse speakers & string ensemble
established around 1974. We specialise in home insulation, but over the years have completed works for a number of local schools, including PLC, TAS and St Joseph’s, Uralla. We are proud of the reputation we have earned over the years. Tell us about the business? We service primarily the New England area, retailing and installing. In fact, we supply
I now employ Michael Linquist, who has completed his TAFE Furniture Restoration Certificate and is the only fully qualified furniture restorer in the district.
and install insulation for most major local building firms
With Michael’s skills and expertise we are now expanding the furniture restoration side of the business. We provide a complete restoration service, ranging from re-gluing chairs to restoration and French polishing of large pieces, such as an Australian cedar chest of drawers. We offer obligation free quotes and a free pickup and delivery service.
have included New England Tech Park, Dormitory units at
as well as small building contractors and of course, private residential homes and units. Some of our larger projects
Ubi
DPRA PREMIERE
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Ben Lange didgeridoo Twelve Piece Ensemble Nick Negerevich conductor
UNE and various retail and office premises in the CBD. Any plans for the future? Our aim is to continue to offer the residents of New England a quality insulation job using quality products at a reasonable price.
Adults $50 incl. glass of champagne or juice & canapé
Students $30 ($25 concert only)
Principal Sponsor
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Country and Regional Living Expo Sydney Showgrounds August 3-4
Time to Get Cosy Winter has well and truly arrived, and Fabrics Naturally are celebrating with a lovely range of vibrant cushions made from velvet, cotton, linen and silk for a re-vamp that doesn’t break the budget. Cushions are a brilliant accessory for contemporary decorating styles as they serve several purposes. On the practical side, they provide back or head support in chairs and sofas. Style wise they can pull together a neutral colour scheme better than anything else, adding interest, variety, texture and a note of colour. Custom-made cushions can help you get exactly the colours and designs you need to finish off a room. Fabrics Naturally carries a range of beautiful cushions from Linen & Moore among others, and we also custom make cushions from our
large range of fabrics. We’re also happy to help you look for ready-made cushions on line. We prefer feather inserts as they mould to your head or back and can be fluffed up to look beautiful, but we also carry polyester inserts as they are durable and practical. We can also custom make seat cushion inserts made from down, feather, foam or a combination of all three for those lovely old chairs, sofas or windowseats, or even the dog’s bed.
Building a stronger economic future for our city
ARMIDALE BUSINESSES – GET INVOLVED! For free employment and business ‘for sale’ listings, email skentish@armidale.nsw.gov.au by Thursday July 25.
For the perfect finishing touch, team some new cushions up with a throw to suit your room made from Mohair, Alpaca, Silk, Cotton or Wool. We carry an extensive range of throws from St Albans and Linen and Moore, and are happy to help you look for exactly what your room needs.
armidale.nsw.gov.au
38 new england focus.
new england focus 39
JULY 2013
WITH TERRI
AQUARIUS.
GEMINI.
January 21 - February 19
May 22 - June 22
You need to reconnect with your love of life and begin laughing again. You are taking life far too seriously and not using your adventurous self to carry you through life. This has led to a feeling of sadness that needs to be removed. Trust your decisions and enjoy life. Laughter is everywhere; you just may need to look for it sometimes. Flourite helps us find self-discipline and make choices.
PISCES. February 20 - March 20
Your challenge is, believing in your own strength. Your frustration is your lack of direction. Fill your mind with personal compliments, positive thoughts, and new goals then chase your dreams. You may be surprised by where they lead you. Topaz helps us to focus on our intentions.
ARIES. March 21 - April 20
You are about to stumble into an experience that may be a surprise. Have no fear; you're gifted in whatever skill will be required of you. A big boost in your personal confidence will attract further success. Have fun and listen to your 'gut feel'. Turquoise is great for boosting esteem.
CANCER. June 23 - July 23 Ju
You are currently faced with an opportunity to express yourself effortlessly and truthfully without challenge. Your ability to mediate, and understand other people’s point of view, assures success. Turquoise helps us communicate confidently.
LEO. July 24 - August 23
You may be feeling a little suspended at present, because you might be relying on someone else to make change. Understand the position you are putting this person in. If the changes you want are yours, own them. Rose Quartz is great for stimulating the heart chakra.
TAURUS.
VIRGO.
April 21 - May 21
August 24 - September 23 A
Love yourself as much as you can, so that you know you deserve the best in life. All you are chasing is a fertile uncomplicated existence, but you don't prioritise yourself enough to make it happen. Set some goals and give yourself permission to succeed. Selenite is a powerful energy booster. Carry some in a pocket for a couple of weeks.
40 new england focus.
Some hard earned effort is about to pay off. There is a happy air to romance, and feelings of achieving our purpose or finding your destiny. Set some fresh goals and go for every opportunity that presents itself. Ruby gives us a secure feeling through times of change.
You may need to rebuild your confidence as a result of recent negativity in the workplace. Take time out to rethink where you would like to be and look at the personal strength you have gained. Lapis Lazuli is wonderful for your personal power.
LIBRA. September 24 - October 23
Remember strength and wisdom are such powerful virtues; they will take you on the most amazing journey through life. You were blessed with these qualities and need to remember the difference between your problems and everyone else’s. Lately taking on too much has exhausted your zest. Moldavite will transforms energy and gives flight to new opportunities.
SCORPIO. October 24 - November 22
Time would be well spent in the garden or in nature at present. Grounding yourself and coming back to what matters is needed. You have been too caught up in everybody’s everything, to think about your own needs. Try doing some gardening and weed out your own negative thoughts at the same time. Hematite focuses your energy into the earth plane and aids manifestation.
SAGITTARIUS. November 23 - December 21
You will soon become aware of your own strength. Recent changes in attitude towards home-life have opened new doors, and now you can enjoy your creative energy. Set some work related goals, as new opportunities are lining up and the more prepared you are, the better they will feel. Clear Quartz will give you clarity and amplify your energy.
CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20
You can expect an apology or confession from one very close to you. Justice is being served, and anything unresolved will be forgiven. Spend some quiet time thinking about what you need and how you can muster it within yourself so you are completely independent and not needy of another. Lapis Lazuli helps us understand our needs.
DO YOU SUFFER FROM SENSITIVE SKIN? Symptoms such as inflammation, redness, dilated capillaries, irritation, flaking, scaling, heat, swelling & rosacea, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and couperose. These symptoms can be categorized into two groups. Sensitive & Sensitised.
S
ensitive skin and sensitised skin. Sensitive skin is inherited – it’s in your DNA.
• If you have genetically inherited sensitive skin, the root cause of sensitivity will not change. However, these skins show visible signs if irritation and can be irritated by external aggressors. The external irritations can be minimised as well as strengthening the barrier function and increasing tolerance. Sensitised skin is acquired.
Rejuvenate your skin this winter.
diation etc. These are all elements that start to break down the skin’s barriers, which heighten the skin’s risk of being sensitised. Introducing a revolutionary way to strengthen sensitive skin
Ella Baché have used years of experience to develop SensiBeautics, an amazing resultsdriven range to address the multiple causes of sensitivity and sensitised skin. The innovative technology of SensiBeautics not only treats the symptoms, it strengthens the skin’s micro-vascular system Environmental to create a strong, resilient and and lifestyle more tolerant skin. Comfort e factors contribut levels of the skin are increased ve greatly to sensiti to eliminate symptoms of in and sensitised sk discomfort: burning, itching, conditions.” tingling, redness and inflammation.
Winter is in full swing, and your skin can start to reveal signs of ageing. Wrinkles, loss of firmness and uneven skin tone become more evident as the skin starts to dry out. It’s important to keep your skin hydrated and rejuvenated by using the right skincare solution to combat these seasonal changes. To get you through the colder temperatures and keep your skin looking healthy, Ella Baché has two great offers to help hydrate and rejuvenate your winter skin. If you purchase any two skincare products, you receive a BONUS Eternal Neck Serum, a silky textured serum to improve skin firmness and smooths texture while moisturising. If you purchase three, you will receive a full size BONUS Mask, a rich and creamy mask containing skin nurturing and revitalising ingredients to alleviate dehydration and restore moisture to dry skin. The total value is $120.
Treat yourself to an Eternal Regenerating Facial Treatment and receive a BONUS Eternal Décolleté Side Dish, leaving your skin ultimately smoothed, plumped and revitalised. 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 effects of cooler weather. In June we saw the launch of Ella Baché NEW SensiBeautics Range, a revolutionary way to strengthen sensitive skin, with a particular focus on couperose and rosacea. This brand new range includes the Recovery Serum, Rescue Cream, Daily Resistance Cream and a NEW Facial Treatment in the Salon. For more information, call or pop in and see us in store. Please ‘LIKE’ our FaceBook page for weeklyupdates or check out our website: www.armidale.ellabache.com.au
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• A skin that is sensitised is reacting to one or more external or introduced factors. These are usually amplified by lifestyle factors including too much stress and exposure to the environment.This type of sensitivity can be treated externally using the appropriate ingredients and products, as well as being strengthened internally.
Environmental and lifestyle factors contribute greatly to sensitive and sensitised skin conditions. Intrinsic Factors: • Stress • Genetics. • Nutritional choices. • An internal body that is either too acidic or too alkaline. • Alcohol, coffee, smoking and other stimulants. • Water consumption. Extrinsic factors: • Pollution, harsh chemical and fragrances • Products and skincare that are not appropriate • UV radiation, the environment, wind, humidity or lack of humidity • Hot/cold climates Typically hard to diagnose, sensitive skin is an increasing concern for women in Western society. The skin is exposed on a daily basis to a number of stress elements, including pollution, smoke, dust, cold, wind, sun exposure, UV ra-
How Ella Baché’s SensiBeautics Works • Delivers immediate soothing & calming benefits by reducing the inflammation of the skin. • Reinforces, repairs and balances the skin’s natural ecoflora defences. • Provides an anti-irritation shield to help reduce irritations and improve comfort. • Inhibits hyper-reactivity to sensitisers, improving tolerance to environmental aggressors and reducing sensation sensitivity. • Normalises and strengthens micro-capillary structure reducing redness to even the complexion. The SensiBeautics range includes three key products & the SensiBeautics Strengthening Facial Treatment which has been specifically designed for the most sensitive skins. For skin needing intense calming, it includes an even Complexion Massage which drains away toxins and relaxes the soul. Redness is reduced, complexion evened, resistance strengthened. Treatment time: 1hour 15 min, $129. Think you might suffer from sensitive skin? Get your skin diagnosed by an Ella Baché skincare expert! new england focus 41
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feature.
99 years in business
Patrick Crick tells Focus readers about the new million dollar renovation that has just been completed and the Club’s journey since it opened its doors 99 years ago.
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hen did the Armidale Bowling Club first open its doors? The ‘Bowlo’ is 99 years old. It came into being at the start of World War I on the site which was once a tannery and also a flour mill. A special meeting of a committee, headed by former Armidale Mayor Charles Wilson, formed to scout land for a bowling green, was called in December 1914 and the meeting adopted the committee’s recommendation to buy an acre of land in Dumaresq Street. This area is where our club is now situated. The Name of the club was the ‘Armidale City Bowling and Recreation Club’. Specifically, how has the club developed in this time? The Club’s first clubhouse was built in 1916; due to generous donations and sales of land under market value, specifically from Eric Sneesby and William Blaxland, the Club was able to expand and encompassed two croquet courts and two tennis courts by 1921 and by 1926, the Club had 2 grass greens. In 1964 the Clubhouse that was originally on Dumaresq St was replaced with a Clubhouse on the current site. This development was financed through the prudent use of community owned funds, and
42 new england focus.
this same mantra would be used to continually develop the Club and expand its facilities over the next 50 years. Physically the Club has developed tremendously over the last 99 years, from its original position as a small cottage with one bowling green to a two storey building with 3 greens and over 150 car parks. As an employer, the Club has dramatically developed from a volunteer organisation in its early days, to paying its first staff member in the 1930s, to now employing over 45 staff, with a thorough training program to develop hospitality professionals. Financially the Club has progressed in leaps and bounds from reporting income of £581 and an asset value of £2,129 in 1939 to recording over $5.6 million this year in income and occupying a net asset position of over $6.6 million. To match this, our membership has risen from 63 in 1915 to over 5,000 today, of which we are proud to report that a little under half are females, which is in stark contrast to the male dominated membership of the past. The Club’s community development aid has also changed dramatically. Giving back to the local community has always been a focus of the Club’s mission, dating back to 1939 when cigarettes and War Savings Certificates were purchased for local soldiers. From this
The Armidale Bowling Club focus feature
ub Physically the Cl d pe lo ve de has er the tremendously ov its om last 99 years, fr n as a original positio ith one w e ag small cott a two bowling green to ith 3 w storey building 0 car 15 er ov greens and park s.�
“ modest position the Club has developed into a major community support structure, which without many sporting and welfare groups would find it hard, if not impossible to function. Today the Club donates over $250,000 to the local community in the form of in kind, monetary and service support. This commitment represents over $50 per member in direct support to the local community. From humble beginnings the Club has been able to build on financial success to ensure revenue is returned to community. With the increase in patronage and resulting financial success, the Club has been able to build on the services it offers. From obtaining a liquor license in 1948 and offering a bar with two grass greens, the Club has grown into a multi-faceted hospitality operation. The Club now boasts 3 bars, lounge and alfresco seating, a 150
seater Bistro, kids’ playroom, 2 kitchens, 8 independent event spaces, the largest of which accommodates 280 people seated for a banquet and 350 for a cocktail function, three grass greens, and a one of kind relationship with the National Trust allowing us to deliver event services to the Historic Saumarez Homestead, all of which is operated internally by Club staff in the absence of contractors. Through these services we now provide a one stop professional entertainment venue equipped for events, free live music on the weekend, a night out and quality food and beverages. continued over
new england focus 43
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feature.
continued from over
Tell us about the recent renovation ... The Club has recently undergone a major interior renovation as part of an ongoing capital works development strategy. The major goal of this was to provide a seamless contemporary design throughout, tying previous renovations together giving the perception of flow between spaces. The design brief was to provide the Club with an interior that celebrates the unique aspects of Armidale, such as our four season’s climate and regional location. To facilitate this design, patrons will see woven rope features, wood floors, furniture colours that resemble the seasons of Armidale, New England elm cladding, tree shaped lighting and screen features, as well as unique textured wallpapers such as layered suitcases and studded walls, to name a few. To add value to this overarching design, members were then asked for feedback on how they would like to see their Club developing and specifically the areas they would
44 new england focus.
like to see renovated and how. This input was then collated with the strategic goals of the Board of Directors, and the following minor objectives for the renovation were identified: • More inviting and contemporary entry. To provide this we opted for a wall and floor wood design with a quartz desk. Decorative lighting was incorporated into this with screening to provide a classy modern look. A large wall feature was utilised consisting of over 300 m of rope framed and back lit, providing a regional centrepiece to a revitalised area. • To encourage and enable more families to enjoy the new facilities, a kids’ room has been added to the Club. This is situated next to the Club’s Bistro and has dual access, allowing it to be utilised when the Bistro is closed. It has a wall to ceiling blackboard, electronic games, TVs, and toys to keep the kids entertained whilst the rest of the family socialise.
The Armidale Bowling Club focus feature
• After 20 years with little investment, the Bistro Grill received a full interior refit with new furniture, decorative lighting, wood floors, screens and two modern sale points to allow ease of ordering and service. Coupled with these are interesting wallpaper finishes, including a 3D effect forest. All together, this provides a much more contemporary dining facility, where the food quality matches the décor. • More inviting and relaxing furniture. In the lounge we brought in lower and wider seating coupled with lounge chairs and cushions to provide a more relaxed environment for socialising. In the main bar, higher lounge chairs were used to enable food and beverage to be easily consumed. To guarantee customers’ needs were catered for when purchasing furniture, we utilised patron feedback on seat heights to ensure that elder patrons found the seats and tables accessible. Who performed and managed the work? Once we had detailed our goals and objectives for the renovation, these were drafted into an overall scope of works by the Club’s interior designer, Split Watermelon. Split Watermelon was selected by the Club as they are responsible for designing the industry’s major Clubs, such as Mounties and Castle Hill RSL. Once our specifications were collated and a design plan was negotiated, then all the work was performed by local tradesmen. The project was overseen by a Club Director and many different trades had to be coordinated together to ensure the process
was completed to timelines. All work was completed during trade periods, which meant that this had to be an organised and structured process to ensure that minimal disruption was felt to trade. This was no easy feat, and all trades must be congratulated for their flexibility and dedication. They helped ensure that through the 9 month renovation, we actually experienced a 10% revenue growth across all Club departments. How did you fund the work, and ith After 20 years w what made this possible? t, en m st little inve A million dollar budget was ed stro Grill receiv Bi e th set on all interior design work. ith w fit re or ri te a full in The Club was in a great fiscal corative new furniture, de s, or position, as its finances have flo lighting, wood odern m o been prudently managed over tw d screens an low ease the last 15 years to ensure it sale points to al rvice.” se had a large cash reserve. Having of ordering and a substantial term deposit with Community Mutual gave us the flexibility to take some interest out of the deposit on maturity and this, coupled with fantastic and ongoing general support from the local community, ensured we were able to pay for all renovational work in cash whilst maintaining 1.5 million in a term deposit. This was a well-planned result for the Club, as we would have spent in excess of 1.6 million on asset value and repairs and maintenance this financial year, and our cash reserves are still strong. This is only sustainable with the strong and committed support of the local community and members who use their Club frequently.
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continued over
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What can people expect to see when wal walking into the The Armidale City Bowling Club for the first time since the renovation? People can expect a vastly different looking Club. Customers have told me it feels more ‘homely’ now and relaxing, which was the goal of the new furniture and colour scheme. They can also expect to see and experience a one of kind Bowling Club that reflects through design the local community that has made it the viable asset it is today. This renovation has well and truly broken the stereotypical mould of a bowling club. I encourage people who would never frequent a bowling club or even a club to visit the Bowlo, as this renovation has positioned it differently to any other clubs they have visited. The contemporary design ensures that many aspects of this renovation will rival the best hospitality venues, and finally the quality service and
46 new england focus.
skills that our professional staff offer and have won many awards for, can be reflected in the physical environment in which they deliver these. The club has won many awards over the years. Any recent success? The Club has been lucky enough to take home a host of industry based awards over the past 5 years. Our success has continued this year, with the club being instrumental in Armidale’s Tidy Town win through our work in collaboration with the community on environmental suitability initiatives. The club was also fortunate enough to be awarded the New England and North West's Club Ambassador by ClubsNSW. This replaced the Club of Year awards this year and champions the value that clubs provide to their communities. This award was given in the recognition of the work the club has done to help develop the sustainability of Armidale through development on the creeklands and at the Phil Wheaton Oval. This was also coupled with our work for welfare groups such as Backtrack, who are developing the skills of Armidale’s youth through training and skill development. Together these programs set us apart from all other clubs in terms of the positive results being delivered to the Armidale community from developmental aid. Only 13 of these
The Armidale Bowling Club focus feature
99 years in business
awards were given out across NSW, which in itself is fantastic recognition for the strong links and collaboration that the Club has with groups within the local community. I understand you support many local organisations and sporting groups. What different types of funding do you provide? The Club provides a variety of different support to over 85 community groups. For some, it may be as simple as free room and equipment hire, for others, it could be monetary funding of projects. The Club will even provide services to community groups to aid them in achieving their goals. The breadth of The Club has this support ranges right from sporting a large bistro organisations, to whole competitions, rves operation that se to rural associations and welfare n ia al tr us A n moder groups to the local environment. rdable fo cuisine that is af Broadly, all funding can be grouped om and made fr with into our 4 major sponsorship areas: serves modern Australian cuisine that quality produce, eat gr r Caring for Kids, Environmental fo n is affordable and made from quality tio ta a repu raight st bs ri Sustainability, Health and Welfare and d an produce, with a reputation for great ks stea ill.” Healthy Lifestyles. steaks and ribs straight from our open from our open gr What entertainment, dining and grill. All meals come with an all you can facilities does The Bowling Club eat salad and vegetable bar which ensures provide? the whole family leaves satisfied. The Club also We have free live entertainment both Friday offers a professional event planning service that has and Saturday night, as well as a range of raffles totalling grown dramatically over the past 2 years. We deal in everything over $3,000 in prizes a week. We offer many jackpot and from large scale conferences to special occasions, and offer a cash membership draws, as well as a large bar with a range range of offsite possibilities. of beverage options from draught beer through to cocktails. Who can become a member? How can they join? Café 92 is a full stocked coffee shop and offers light meals and Membership is open to anyone over the age of 18 years. locally roasted coffee. The Club has a large bistro operation that Social membership is $5.50 for an annual membership or $15
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members for 3 years and $20 for 5 years; bowling membership is $22, and this entitles you to use of the greens for bowling activities. Those wishing to play competition bowls have to pay the associated capitation fees as an additional charge. All you need to do is complete a very simple membership form any day of the week, and we make you a member on the spot and you can start winning today! What are some of the benefits for members? It’s simple; Bowlo members get more. As a member you are automatically in the running for all jackpot membership draws, which offer you a range of opportunities to win cash or grocery prizes every day of the week totalling over $4,000 a week in value. You will be entered into our super draws that currently offer over $60,000 in total prize money per week. Plus, you can access 3 Bingo sessions a week, giving away over $200 per session; you can also get entry to our altitudes rewards loyalty program, where you can earn points for purchases which you can trade for prizes or use them to purchase within the club. Importantly, as a ‘Bowlo’ member you join the community development team, and you are now linked directly to our community development support. Thanks Patrick.
New England Mutual and The ‘Bowlo, partnering to build successful communities
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T H E Y EA R
132 067 communitymutual.com.au
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New England gland Mutual Mutu utual al is is a trading name of Community Mutual Ltd. ABN 21 087 650 360 : AFSL 241167
new england focus 47
Armidale Community Of Schools A place for everyone in our wonderful public schools.
Armidale Community of Schools - Providing Quality Public Education. Our wonderful public schools in the Armidale district make up your Armidale
Students beneÀt from the latest technologies and resources. Disciplined, caring
Community of Schools
environments and leadership programs encourage respect, tolerance, care and
These schools, large and small, work together to offer the children of our city the
citizenship.
quality education that develops articulate, responsible and successful adults.
Both of our excellent high schools offer an outstanding selection of traditional
Our highly qualiÀed and dedicated teachers provide challenging and stimulating
vocational and extended HSC curriculum choices and have a record of excellent
learning environments to nurture the individual talents of our children.
academic achievement.
We invite you to contact your local school principal to arrange a personal tour and discuss your child’s education Chandler Public School
Drummond Memorial Public School
Uralla Central School
Waterfall Way, Wollombi 2350 P 6778 1335 F 6778 1240 E chandley-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Rusden Street, Armidale 2350 P 6772 3736 E drummondm-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Park Street, Uralla 2358 P 6778 4204 E uralla-c.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Duval High School
Martins Gully Public School
Crest Road, Armidale 2350 P 6772 1266 E duval-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Bona Vista Road, Armidale 2350 P 6772 3314 E martinsgul-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Armidale High School
Kellys Plains Public School
Newling Public School
Butler Street, Armidale 2350 P 6776 7466 E armidale-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Kelly Plains Rd, Armidale 2350 P 6775 1253 E kellysplan-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
80 Chapel Street, Armidale 2350 P 6772 1488 E newling-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Ben Venue Public School
Thalgarrah Environmental Education Centre
Sandon Public School
Armidale City Public School Faulkner Street, Armidale 2350 P 6772 3420 E armidalec-p.admin@det.nsw.edu.au
Erskine Street, Armidale 2350 P 6772 4263 E benvenue-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Rockvale Road, Armidale 2350 P 6775 1736
Rocky River Public School Bundarra Road, Uralla 2358 P 6778 4122 E rockyriver-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
48 new england focus.
Erskine & Niagara Street, Armidale 2350 P 6772 3349 E sandon-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
focusinterview.
ARMIDALE
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hat is OCTEC Limited, and how long has it been operating in the New England region? OCTEC Limited is a community business based in Central West NSW; we commenced operations in the New England region in January 2013, delivering a range of employment and training services including specialist employment services for people with disability. OCTEC Limited would like to build positive relationships within our communities, assist employers gain and retain keen and reliable employees, assist jobseekers into sustainable employment and give the wider community a better understanding of the importance of Disability Employment Services and how we can assist employers and jobseekers come together. OCTEC Limited Employment Service’s objective is to enable job seekers with disability to achieve sustainable open employment to their maximum capacity and promote the capability of people with disability leading to improved employment opportunities OCTEC Limited operates from several sites across the New England Region. Armidale - 111 Marsh Street - ph 6771 3554, Inverell - 26 Vivian Street - ph 6721 5996 and Glen Innes - 120 Wentworth Street - ph 6732 6643. We also outreach to Walcha, Uralla, Guyra, Tingha and Tenterfield. How does OCTEC Limited differ to other disability services? Our Mission: to work across regional NSW to provide individuals with training and employment opportunities, assist industry recruit and develop skilled workforces and contribute to communities becoming more sustainable. “We have a simple philosophy of local people providing high quality services in their local communities, and following through on the commitments they make,” said OCTEC Limited CEO,
OCTEC Limited has opened its doors in Armidale and is working across regional NSW to provide individuals with training and employment opportunities, assist industry to recruit and develop skilled workforces, and contribute to communities becoming more sustainable. We talk with Sarah Hunt, OCTEC Limited Regionall Manager, to find out more.
Andrew McDougall OAM. “We’re applying this job …Myth philosophy in our new areas of operation and Fact …There are have employed great staff who know the needs of many different types of their local communities.” disabilities that have a Who in our community can benefit most from range of effects. Think your services? about the job and the OCTEC Limited provides programs and services duties involved, and you may be surprised at what to all members of the community and in particucan be performed by a person with disability. lar, to members of the community who traIt's difficult to interact with a person with disditionally face barriers to accessing ability … Myth employment, education and Fact … A person with disability is training services. OCTEC a person first – it’s all a matter of Limited works with job understanding. es OCTEC provid seekers to develop It costs more to recruit a t en tm free recrui work ready attitudes ith person with disability … w ed services design and skills, so we can Myth in s er oy local empl with engage and work Fact … Recruitment mind; you deal people l ca lo rigorously with costs are the same or d ce en ri expe re and ca ity employers to gain less – using a Disability al qu ng vi gi specific a perfect match for Employment Service is free; attention to your s.” ed both job seeker and wage subsidies are available employment ne employer. to assist with start-up costs. Job Seeker eligibility to Insurance and WorkCover Disability Employment Service costs will increase … Myth is determined through an assessFact … An Australian Government ment process at Dept Human Services review of research found that workers with (Centrelink); this will determine the best disability are no more likely to be injured at work service for the jobseeker and their capacity than other employees. to work. DES ESS is specifically designed to work How can local employers get involved and with people with disability who are able to work benefit? 8, 15 or 30 hours per week and may require assisOCTEC Limited has a number of initiatives in tance to gain and maintain a position long term. place to assist employers gain the right candiOCTEC Limited provides free recruitment serdate for their position. Employers are welcome vices designed with local employers in mind; you to drop in to any of our offices for a confidential deal with experienced local people giving quality chat with one of our experienced consultants for care and attention to your specific employment more information. There is government funding needs. Post placement support and ongoing asavailable for modifications to your workplace and sistance is a major part of our service. a program called Job in Jeopardy, which is specifiWhat are some of the myths people have tocally designed for existing staff who may need wards employing someone who is disabled? support due to disability. We are happy to discuss Fact: Approximately 1 in 5 Australians are classi- the supports OCTEC Limited can put in place. fied as having a disability. OCTEC Limited has also designed a Biz Support A person with disability won’t be able to do the initiative which is specifically designed for the
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employer. Biz support has 3 categories: 1. Quick Start to cover costs of induction and initial training. 2. Biz Mentor to cover mentoring in the workplace, and 3. Biz Assist to cover costs of employee clothing, equipment or other workplace requirements. This is available on top of all current government subsidies specifically provided by OCTEC Limited. Tell us about the local team at OCTEC Limited. Myself as Regional Manager, I have over 10 years' experience in Employment Services, supporting my staff and working with people to gain employment is definitely my passion. I feel employment is fundamental for all in our society today, giving purpose and a level of dignity in a way that no other single activity can do. Corrina comes to OCTEC Limited with comprehensive experience in JSA; she has completed a traineeship in Cert IV Employment Services and Case Management. She is a very determined and skilful Career Consultant. Jason is our newest recruit started. He also has extensive knowledge and experience in both JSA and DES. He is very much the local man here in Armidale and has a great connection to the local area. Wendy in Inverell has many years' experience in Employment Services and is extremely passionate about Inverell and its surrounds; she could write a book about it. She has great local knowledge and connections. I feel very fortunate personally, to be employed by OCTEC Limited in a industry I love and for the jobseekers who will benefit from OCTEC Limited providing high quality specialist services in our area. Thanks Sarah. new england focus 49
Motoring with Lynda Lynch
Suzuki Kizashi AWD This week our good friends at KG Motors gave me a top of the range Suzuki Kizashi AWD to test drive - I utilised the car for family and work purposes, and it did not let me down.
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At first glance, the Suzuki Kizashi AWD is stylishly impressive.
As soon as you open the door, it has a rather spacious interior, with enough room to carry four adults comfortably over a long distance journey. Cruise control, keyless entry and start, dual zone climate control, steering wheel auto controls, and multimedia unit – this car has all you need. With the dual climate control I was able to regulate different temperatures in the front and back of the vehicle to accommodate for myself and family which was great during the winter days where Armidale does not know whether it wants to be warm or cold. The multimedia kit has 7” touch screen, steering wheel controls, Navteq navigation, Bluetooth and iPod integration. A bluetooth hands free kit, making it convenient to communicate whiling driving safety. Suzuki has packed the Kizashi with all
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the equipment, from power operated front seats with three temperature settings, the interior is particularly wellexecuted and includes generously upholstered leather and a sun roof to match.
ry It may be a luxu s el fe it t sedan, bu h ug ro th r, ca like a sports d an , er rn co ht its first tig leration its effortless acce tly ec rf kept the car pe balanced.”
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To add to this the storage system is immaculate, with a luggage net to ensure the load is secure, a luggage mat to protect the cargo area, and a 3-compartment storage box secured to floor that folds flat when not in use. The storage for me was outstanding, I’m married with young children, so plenty of space for groceries and weekends away is a must.
The 2.4 Litre four- cylinder engine is gutsy and provides excellent performance in the continuously variable automatic transmission. This was great for town and country driving.
I felt safe and had peace of mind. The Kizashi has earnt a 5 star ANCAP rating with 7 airbags and a rigid body design that employs the latest impact-absorbing materials. With advanced security technologies including parking sensors and a reversing camera front and rear are backed up by an in dash radar display. The intelligent AWD system responds
to driving conditions to neutralize either under or over steer. It may be a luxury sedan, but it feels like a sports car, through its first tight corner, and its effortless acceleration kept the car perfectly balanced. With a smooth, powerful engine and totally accurate handling, the Kizashi inspires confidence with every bend in the road with a fuel efficient engine. Overall, the Suzuki Kizashi AWD is a class of its own in many ways. Regardless of how you look at it, it’s hard to argue against the Kizashi and I would recommend anyone looking to buy a new car to test drive the Kizashi.
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NEW NE N EW ENGL E EN ENGLAND NGL G AN ND
property p roperty g guide uide
CONSTRUCT PRECISION With a wide range of general and specialised capabilities, Armidale’s own Construct Precision offers residential and commercial customers over 100 years of combined team experience combined with a daily focus on quality, honesty and customer service. ounded by local entrepreneur Gordon Burke, Construct Precision, like sister company Executive Oasis (a quality serviced accommodation provider), was founded to solve a very personal problem. “When I created Executive Oasis, it was because I felt there was a need for quality serviced apartments that didn’t look and feel like the regular ‘concrete box’ rooms of the hotel/motel chains,” Gordon explained. “In order for me to develop and build accommodation to suit that vision, I needed a company I could rely on to focus on quality construction that was delivered on time, on budget and made with precision. Unfortunately I couldn’t find a suitable partner in the area, so being a licensed
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CONSTRUCT PRECISION
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r Choose one of ou developments in towns that we r own already have ou well investments in as t uc or, choose Constr pment lo ve de s n’ Precisio project office.”
“ builder myself, I created Construct Precision to develop, construct or renovate properties, and the business has grown from there.” Since then, Construct Precision has expanded into sheet metal fabrication and welding by establishing its own well equipped manufacturing facilities in Armidale, and most recently and more excitedly, precision made (what else) steel frames and trusses for the residential and light commercial markets. More information can be found at the Construct Precision website – www.constructprecision.com.au, and real world examples of its developments for Executive Oasis can be found at their property group website – www.eopg.com.au.
METAL FABRICATION One of Construct Precision’s busiest areas is their fabrication business, which offers a range of general welding and steel fabrication services to their customers. Led by former J & M Fabrication proprietor Jason Butler, Construct Precision’s fabrication team operate from a fully equipped workshop, where they can offer a wide variety of quality services including: ute trays, decorative gates and fencing, decks, pergolas, handrails, carports, guillotine and sheet folding service (3100 mm x 4 mm folder & 3100 mm x 4 mm bender) and stainless steel and aluminium welding. Jason offers clients the same great service, enthusiasm and quality work that he was known for and encourages customers old and new to visit the new facility in Armidale.
CONSTRUCT PRECISION ARE DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND BUILDING SPECIALISTS • Do you have the land to develop but are unsure where to start? • Are the start up costs too high? • Is dealing with the local Council too hard? Unsure of your optimum allowable land usage? Choose one of our developments in towns that we already have our own investments in as well or, choose Construct Precision’s development project office. We have the team, expertise and ex-
perience to pull together your development project. Construct Precision are design, development and building specialists. It’s your choice; we can partner with you to help bring your development opportunity to profitable completion by contractually sharing the risk and return. We offer a pro-bono service, where you provide the land we provide the expertise, working capital and source the project finance. On completion, we share the development profit in line with the costs involved. continued over
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CONSTRUCT PRECISION We provide this service in a transparent manner, clearly setting out the responsibilities, costs, accountabilities of each party. We will declare to you any fees or commissions we receive during the process in an open and transparent manner. Or, you can simply sell us your suitable site, and we will take all the development risk and subsequent upside. We genuinely believe in a win win outcome for you and Construct Precision. You may be thinking why? The reason is very simple; we are heavily invested in these towns (we have substantial skin in the game in the towns we recommend) and rely on happy clients who want to refer us to others and share their experience of great value and service.
... Construct Precision can on’s now offer the regi eel st re first service whe s se frames and trus can be made with m thousands of a m accuracy.”
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RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION With a number of renovations and developments already completed, Construct Precision can offer a proven ‘end to end’ approach to the design and construction of multi-dwelling residential and commercial properties – extending their expertise from the property’s exterior to its interior and green spaces. “I think everyone can recognise the design trends that have dominated the suburbs of Australia - Fibro cottages, the ‘60s red brick, the rendered white arches of the Spanish influence and more recently the ‘no eave’ twostory McMansion,” said Gordon. “Our philosophy is to work with selected architects to offer designs that are carefully considered to ensure they date as slowly as possible, internally and externally.” To that end, Construct Precision has built a number of energy and thermally efficient properties that lower ongoing energy costs for the owner or the tenant. Our designs cost less to run than conventional buildings, and this puts more rent in your pocket through less maintenance outgoings each month. Even the gardens are designed to be as low maintenance as possible. Your tenants will pay less each month in electricity bills due to the thermally efficient building design. Even the gardens can be designed to be as low maintenance as possible. Even if you aren’t in the market for a brand new property, Construct Precision can also assist with your renovations and extensions. PRECISION STEEL FRAMES AND TRUSSES The ability to create precision made steel frames and trusses is an exciting new element to Construct Precision’s capabilities. Through a significant investment in Scottsdale Construction Systems’ world-renowned ScotTruss light gauge steel truss system, Construct Precision can now offer the
CONSTRUCT PRECISION
region’s first service where steel frames and trusses can be made with thousands of a mm accuracy, as the ScotTruss computer system controls all elements of the design and fabrication directly. “This is one of the most exciting new capabilities I have seen for a long time, and I encourage local architects and developers alike to come visit us to learn first-hand about our capabilities,” explained Gordon. “The system pretty much does everything apart from the final assembly. It even punches out the holes for the bolts and rivets!” Light gauge steel frames have many advantages over the traditional timber frames as they are free from termite damage, toxic mould build up, have zero moisture content
and are of course fire resistant and non-combustible. Scottsdale’s truss technology is fully engineered and can produce roof trusses and floor joist trusses. Come visit and see what this amazing machine can produce for you – you will be surprised at how cost effective they are!
the plug! Contruct Precision Contact Jason on 1300 768 748.
Executive Oasis For more information contact Gordon Burke on 1300 55 3368.
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speediestaffsolutions speediestaffsolutions provide Businesses the opportunity to outsource their Payroll Services and Staff Management. Employers can rely on speediestaffsolutions to provide the expertise and latest technology for operating an efficient and compliant payroll service for their business including: award classification and preparation of employee contracts, maintenance of employee records, payslip management, payroll reconciliations, superannuation and Payroll/PAYG tax reporting to your accountant, leave accruals and processing, workers compensation, EOFY payment summaries. speediestaffsolutions has been work-
ing in conjunction with Gordon for nearly 12 months. We take care of all aspects of paying Gordon’s employee’s wage payments including timesheet collation, calculations of penalty rates, leave accruals, superanuation and taxation calculations, EOFY payment summaries and reports. Gordon says “that outsourcing his payroll to speediestaffsolutions allows me to keep my focus on my business”. So if you want to spend more time doinging what you do best – focusing on your business, then call speediestaffsolutions today to discuss how we can fully manage your organisation’s payroll functions.
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E x e c u t i v e Comfort for investors and guests alike Executive Oasis is quietly making a name for itself in the quality serviced apartment market in regional NSW.
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ith properties in Armidale and Narrabri and with expansion plans already underway for Gunnedah, Executive Oasis enjoys occupancy rates well above the national average, coupled with an enviable level of repeat business. Their proven business model makes it a great opportunity for investors looking to add a fully managed property to their portfolios. Born of necessity Returning to Armidale in 2003, founder Gordon Burke saw an opportunity for quality serviced apartments within regional Australia and formed Executive Oasis in 2005. “I had been a corporate executive for a number of years and had done my fair share of flights and hotels. What really disappointed me was that feeling of walking into the rooms of many popular hotel groups and not knowing what I was going to get in terms of layout, facilities or just downright cosiness and comfort,� explained Gordon. “Then with a new job I began travelling through regional NSW on a weekly basis and was surprised to discover that the overall standard of accommodation in most major regional centres was not suited to the travelling business
professional.� Executive Oasis was born from the desire to enjoy a consistent accommodation experience with that little bit extra in terms of space, comfort and relaxation. After a two year research period, Executive Oasis began with one test apartment in Armidale in 2006. “Starting in Armidale kept things close to home, and it meant we could grow in a considered manner, understanding our market and perfecting the business model and apartment design. However to call them apartments doesn’t do justice to them or reflect what we actually offer our guests – or our investors.� A focus on quality from the very beginning Executive Oasis actually provides accommodation in individual two bedroom, two bathroom townhouses offering outdoor areas for entertainment, study areas for business, air-conditioning, quality furnishings and lockable garages. Gordon knew that to be different in a crowded accommodation market, Executive Oasis needed to provide quality of design and construction as well as fixtures and fittings. The future brings opportunity As anticipated,
the idea was an instant success, so Executive Oasis is now ready to expand its footprint more aggressively and has a number of options for its investors – many of whom have been with them since 2009 and are continuing to invest in their new projects. “My personal SMSF is invested in the business, and along with the other foundation investors, has taken Executive Oasis to this point. Now is the time to grow further by sharing the opportunity and capitalise on the growth of regional Australia and its need for quality accommodation. We have spent the last three years establishing properties in Narrabri and now are coming back to expand our offering here in Armidale.� Investors are essentially purchasing a ‘pre-rented’ townhouse that could be lived in at the end of the term. They will have direct strata
ownership, as well as enjoying a secure, passive income stream, regardless of occupancy. Capital growth benefits from Gordon’s strategy of only developing in areas set for growth. “I have researched many locations; however, I will only invest into towns that have significant potential for economic growth. We all know resources have been booming of late, yet there are other drivers of regional economies and it is my intention to take advantage of that with the positioning of Executive Oasis�. Investor Comfort “The Executive Oasis team make it easy for the time poor investor. They have a track record of strong occupancy levels resulting in better than average yields. They manage and maintain the property in as new condition. Looking after my investment as if it were their own.� Tony Gilbey, Principal – Business Services, WHK Armidale.
“The Executive Oasis team make it easy for the time poor investor. They have a track record of strong occupancy levels resulting in better than average yields. They manage and maintain the property in as new condition. Looking after my investment as if it were their own.� Tony Gilbey Principal - Business Services @ WHK Armidale
As Executive Oasis expands its successful serviced accommodation business, savvy investors have the opportunity to join this Australian success story with g a ‘set-and-forget’ immediate opportunities in Armidale & Narrabri delivering high yielding investment. t 7% ANNUAL RETURNS t $500.00 P.W. RENTAL RETURNS –10 year lease back (CPI indexed) t AVERAGE CAPITAL GROWTH OF 5% (trend over the past 10 years)
Contact Gordon Burke on 1300 55 33 68 56 new england focus.
Thinking Corporation – with Chris Serow
THINKING
CORPORATE SUCCESSION
orporate Directors have a duty and obligation to ensure that the management of their company is carried out in the best interests of their Shareholders. Those obligations include proper succession planning. Difficulties can arise when an individual dies without leaving a Will. Their estate may not be able to be administered quickly and dependants such as children can be left waiting lengthy periods while applications to administer the estate are processed through the Supreme Court. When a sole director of a company dies without leaving a valid Will the complications and distress can have an even greater impact and may leave the company without any person properly authorized to immediately manage the business.
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Ordinarily, if a director of a company dies, the surviving directors can continue to manage the company and may even make a temporary appointment, pending the appointment of a new director by the members (shareholders) of the company. Equally, if the sole shareholder of a company dies, the directors can continue to manage it until the beneficiaries under the Will have the shares transferred to them. Where the sole director is also the sole shareholder however, the risk of uncertainty is much greater. Section 201F of the Corporations Act 2001 does provide that, in the event of the death of a single member/director of a proprietary company, the executor/executrix or other personal representative appointed to administer the deceased’s estate may appoint a new director to the company. The director has all the powers, rights and duties of the deceased director and can keep the company running until shares are transferred to beneficiaries who may then appoint new directors if they wish. Generally, the executor/executrix is usually and most efficiently appointed by means of a valid Will. Where there is no Will, however, a near relative or other person may have to apply to the Supreme Court for letters of administration of the estate to manage the estate. Alternatively, in the absence of any immediate relatives or other obvious people to deal with the estate, the NSW Public Trustee may step in and administer the de-
ceased estate but this process can take months. During that period when there is no director, the company may be completely unable to operate. With no-one properly authorized to make management decisions or act for the company, it may be unable to trade. Banks and other financial institutions in particular may be unwilling to accept instructions in relation to a company’s trading account if they are not satisfied there is someone properly authorized to act for it. Equally, staff and suppliers may not be able to be paid, which can quickly have a deleterious effect on the reputation and value of the company to the beneficiaries of the estate. If, on the other hand, a person is willing to purchase the company, they may not be able to do so quickly because there will be no recognized owner of the shares who can authorize their transfer until the testator has been appointed and settled the estate. Even if the final decision is taken to wind up the company so all beneficiaries can be paid out, the delay of possibly several months may mean the value of the company will be much less than it might otherwise have been if it had been able to continue operating in the interim period. Proper succession planning for your company or business is an important management issue not only for beneficiaries of a corporate shareholder but also for the employees, clients and business associates of an entity. Obtaining proper professional financial, accounting and legal advice for succession planning is a critical factor in ensuring good governance and peace of mind. Thinking together with the assistance of professional advice will ensure that your business can continue to be appropriately structured, planned and managed without the cost and imposition of delays and uncertainty for those that have relied upon your leadership, guidance and strategic planning in the past. If you are a corporate director or operate your own business you should ensure that matters concerning long term corporate governance and succession are addressed in your Will. Talk to us. You’ll be inspired! Christopher K.C. Serow - Principal, Solicitor Director, Notary Public, Migration Agent (MARN 0854319) new england focus 57
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Icing on the cake with Susie Dunn
Icing on ON
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David Henderson & Mike Creagan What prompted the Business Enterprise Centre to open? In 1993, a group of community minded business people, of Armidale, recognised the value of an organisation that could provide support for new and emerging businesses. The BEC brand was already established, at the time, so the Armidale & District Business Enterprise Centre was incorporated and commenced operations under the BEC brand. The new Armidale BEC secured contracts with State Government, to deliver business advisory services to Armidale & District. Today, trading as New England North West BEC, the company has expanded to cover the whole region and employs qualified business advisors, based in Armidale, Tamworth and Moree. The BEC has supported the establishment of around 30 new businesses, every year, since its inception and has provided assistance to countless others. We don’t consider ourselves to be experts,
rather, our clients are the experts and we provide support and guidance.
WORLD PREMIERE
What is yours and Mike’s history? David’s experience is found in senior management positions, in finance and administration, for national companies in media, publishing and food processing. These days, as a qualified business facilitator and trainer, David delivers compassionate, people focused business planning, business guidance and project management services for clients of the BEC.
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Mike is a Small Biz Connect business advisor based in Armidale. He has a background in HR and at one stage was National HR Director for Seagram’s, the world’s largest wine and spirit company. Mike worked selling business intelligence for many years and owned a RTO training company. He is a published author with HarperCollins and is very experienced in small business marketing particularly web marketing.
Judith Wright is undoubtedly the best known person to have come from New England. Nationally and internationally she is continually referred to for her writing and her contribution to the passions that governed her life: the environment and the importance of the original peoples of Australia.
We like having World Premieres … in Armidale – how exciting! eta Blyth, indefatigable standard bearer of musical experiences, has cooked up a special surprise. Taking a break from creating and producing Opera in the Paddock she has brought together a performance of music and poetry celebrating the work and life of Judith Wright.
With the permission of the poet’s daughter, Meredith McKinney, Opera North West will present a programme of poetry and settings of Judith Wright’s poetry by Australian composers, including local Nick Negerevich. Leading the cast of The Moving Image: Judith Wright in verse and music will be one of Australia’s foremost mezzo sopranos, Elizabeth Campbell (who grew up in Inverell). And young local musicians Jessica and Harry Wright will add a Wright family flavour. With the support of Arts NSW the programme will end with the premiere performance of Colin Bright’s Ubi, for didgeridoo and 12 piece ensemble. Lazenby on July 27 at 7.30pm is the place to be for this single performance. As you pass the Judith Wright Memorial Grove in Dumaresq Street let it remind you to book your ticket at www. trybooking.com or ph 6724 8561. Recently I went to another performance, this time of music by local composer Peter Maddox. Poems by Michael Leunig and local poet Yve Louis were sung by Inge Southcott and Ruth Strutt respectively, accompanied by musicians Chris Garden and Gerard Larkins as well as the composer himself. I loved this magic break in the Uniting Church in the busyness of Market Sunday. When I first met Hester and Hannah Fraser, still at school at PLC, I called them ‘the Goddesses’ – tall, beautiful and talented. Now Hannah and fellow opera students from the Sydney Conservatorium will, as Bella Voce, sing in the incomparable Ursuline Chapel on July 5 and 6. Book through info@frasersofarran.com.au A moment for a salute to the open-hearted sharing and volunteering that has long been part of the way of life of the community in 58 new england focus.
New England. Virtually whatever interests you welcomes your help and has a spot to fold you in. Being included is part of what makes us human: to be wanted and to be necessary. However shy you may be, do experience the joys of contributing - you definitely gain more than you give. The girls who’ve got together with the fun pop-up shops are another example of people talking the talk and walking the walk, doing something that they enjoy and giving pleasure to others at the same time. The social aspect of shopping will never be replaced by the Net. It occurs to me as we enter our winter season that perhaps we should be taking a leaf out of a Japanese book of customs. People in Japan with colds or flu wear disposable face masks as a matter of course and courtesy. Perhaps we could pioneer this very sensible habit in Australia. What do you think? Available at all chemists. If noses might be wet the paddocks certainly haven’t been. These are the cycles we live with. They test us and put us back in our boxes to remind us of the forces of nature beyond our control. From the personal tragedy that engulfed Roy and Christine Perrott when Roy had a stroke and then a devastating hospital-acquired infection, Christine has written a book of healing and hope and of keeping the faith in what her marriage meant to her. Since Roy’s death Christine has written of what they accomplished together in the face of a terrible situation. Patient Fortitude will be launched on June 28. Ph.6771 4828. What could be within our control is working on a wish-list for the Armidale Central Mall: small coffee/wine-bars with tapas, quirky boutiques perhaps sharing spaces, bookshops of course, cafes for all weathers, new/old style Greek milkbars with booths, art displays, changing entertainment and celebrations, varied performance spaces, happy faces, a 21st Century change of emphasis through so many new ideas to make sales. Consumers are being re-created in the digital world and face to face can be an important part of the mix. Dream on … or? And as winter draws in, literally thousands of New Englanders are into the winter sporting season – a hugely anticipated part of the year. Enjoy! Susie Dunn
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St John’s my school, my dreams, my future
2013 Kindergarten Orientation Days Tuesday 23rd, 30th July, 6th and 13th August from 9am - 12pm. Parent information session - Tuesday, 13th August at 5pm. Phone 6774 8700 for more information St John’s Junior School: Transition to Year 6
Uralla Road, Armidale NSW 2350 T 02 6774 8700 E enrolments@negs.nsw.edu.au www.negs.nsw.edu.au