MATCHAM-HOLGATE
Matcham Public Hall — 60 Coachwood Road, Matcham NSW 2250 Established 4 June 1915 www.matchamhall.org Edition 3 (November) 2023 Issue 138
HALL NEWS
(see back cover for details) A newsletter for Matcham-Holgate residents produced by Matcham Public Hall Incorporated Disclaimer: The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Matcham Public Hall Inc Committee. Advertisers are included in this newsletter in good faith. They pay to advertise. Matcham Public Hall Inc does not accept or assume responsibility for such material.
Printed by Kwik Kopy, G2/237 Mann Street, Gosford NSW 2250
VICE-PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Welcome to the final edition of the Hall News for 2023. The committee would like to thank Mike Murphy and Rob Paratore for their hard work, dedication and commitment in producing the newsletter over a number of years. The quality of the content has been amazing and they will be a hard act to follow. However, we are sure that some other equally talented locals will step up and have a go! If you have some spare time and feel you would like to give back to our community, tasks include helping organising the contributors, interviewing a local or help with the typesetting. A young person might even like to help with the latter and many hands make light work. We know how much everyone enjoys and values the newsletter. The Hall recently had its first professional photo shoot, and we look forward to showcasing our facilities on our new website, which is currently under construction. The new website will also feature an online booking system. Hooray! If you haven’t been to the Hall recently, check out our Facebook page – Matcham Public Hall. You’ll be able to see the photos and review the video. As many of you know, the land on which the Hall sits and the original materials used for its construction were donated to the local community. It was constructed by residents from hardwood timber felled and milled on the adjacent land. Over the years, the Hall has grown in size and facilities, and now, more than one hundred years later, the Hall continues to serve our community as a focus for social, educational and community groups. We hope that the Hall will always be used for a range of activities, appealing to many different ages and backgrounds. We are working to continue that tradition of community involvement that the founders of our lovely little Hall had in mind so long ago. Matcham Hall remains one of the few public halls in NSW still owned and run by the community. The committee of volunteers work to raise funds to maintain the Hall so that it may continue to keep the doors open and serve our community. Annual operating and maintenance costs are now in the vicinity of $12–$15K, which has become an overly onerous fundraising target as hall hire and newsletter income are struggling to generate enough revenue to cover these expenses. If any local individuals or businesses would like to make a donation on an annual or one-off basis, please get in touch! Christmas … it sneaks up on us every year! At the Hall we try and spread the festivities out by getting in early! This year’s event will be held on Saturday 25 November. The evening will kick off at 5.30 pm and includes music, Christmas carols, children’s activities and face painting, as well as a visit from someone special in the big red truck. The catch-ups with friends and neighbours are a given too! As in previous years, bring your own drinks and a share plate. We look forward to seeing you then, so please lock in the date. Enjoy the newsletter and we look forward to seeing you at our community Christmas get-together. – Ingrid Medlicott 0428 372 953 ingridm@gittoes.com.au
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MESSAGE FROM THE EDITORS Welcome to our final issue for 2023. In this issue we have a special Spotlight on a Local where we are given access to the former St George’s Church by the current owners, Kylie and Grant Culshaw, who have done an amazing job of maintaining a truly iconic historic building while at the same time creating a beautiful home and garden. The recent community consultation by Council regarding the process for rezoning properties affected by the Deferred Matters has been well organised and also responsive to local property owners. Senior Strategic Planner Rod Mergan has provided us with an update, even though at the time of writing this, submissions are still being taken. I recently spoke directly to the Council Administrator, Rik Hart, regarding the promised Oak Road upgrades made by Council officers over 2 years ago in relation to the floods of February 2022. He had no idea about the issue even after I mentioned the tragic loss of life and the public meeting at Matcham Hall, which was attended by council representatives. The sooner we get local representation in council, the better for our community. But we do have a beautiful cricket oval even if our roads are unsafe to drive on! This issue is our Xmas edition and helps promote the annual Matcham Hall Xmas Party. Well done to the Hall Committee for the continual upgrade of Matcham Hall and for organising community events. As this will be the final issue that Rob and I will be acting as editors, we’d like to thank our regular contributors, our delivery team, our advertisers, Kwik Kopy, as well as the many locals who allowed us to snoop into their lives for our feature Spotlight on a Local articles. – Mike Please note: To view the newsletter as a Flip Book in full colour throughout, follow this link: https://issuu.com/gosford.kwikkopy.com/docs/hallnews Upcoming events in the Valley Matcham Hall Christmas Party – Saturday 25 November from 5:30 pm till late. BYO drinks and food to share. Donations at the door. Matcham-Holgate Produce Share Second Sunday of every month from 10–11 am at Fires Creek Winery No worries if you don’t have any produce to share – just make a donation to a local organisation that will be onsite. Admission is $5 per person or $10 per family (or whatever you can afford). Matcham-Holgate Hall News is published three times a year – usually in April, July and November – and is delivered free to more than 700 properties in the Matcham and Holgate valleys. Advertising revenue goes towards the production of the newsletter and for the maintenance and upkeep of our community-owned Matcham Hall.
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ROCK THE VALLEY Our first Rock The Valley post-COVID was enjoyed by all who attended, although it was a bit quieter than we would have hoped. Who knew that Australia’s most-watched televised sporting event ever would be held on the same night as our community gettogether? Or that it would involve a female sporting team!! Todd Rockoff and Graham King performed the greats, with Todd on vocals and keyboard, and Graham rocking the guitar. Graham’s newly formed band ‘Giraffe’ performed a range of hits, both current and classics, from a range of genres. One of our younger residents of the Valley, Jessie, volunteered for the ‘Open Mic’. She sang an Oasis classic and was accompanied by her friend on the guitar. The Hall committee are always open to feedback and suggestions from our community for functions and/or assistance in organising them. If you have any fresh ideas or suggestions please reach out.
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MEG’S PERMACULTURE Permaculture Food Gardens vs Traditional Food Gardens I’m often asked what the difference is between a standard vegetable garden and a permaculture garden. The short answer is ‘lots’! When most people think of a vegetable garden they imagine rectangular raised beds, each with only one or two kinds of plant. These gardens are a source of great enjoyment for many people, but often the cost of the inputs – including fertilisers, soil conditioners, sprays and mulches – exceeds the value of the vegetables coming out of them. Many first-time vegetable growers abandon their hobby, deciding it’s easier and cheaper to just buy from the local farmers’ market. Permaculture is a contraction of the words ‘permanent’ and ‘culture’. Our gardens are designed to keep providing us with food and other products, but without the endless trips to buy things to put into them. One of the most significant differences you’ll find is a preference for perennial plants. Perennials live for many years and require less maintenance, fertiliser or energy than your standard bed of annuals. When well designed, these gardens require less energy than lawns. A permaculture garden will also seek to cooperate with nature (rather than working against it) by emulating pattern we see in forests. All forests have the same kind of pattern, with a canopy of apex species, a nitrogenfixing understorey, shrubby layers, ground covers, plants with tuberous roots and climbing vines. You’ll also find a complex
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network of mycelium (fungi) and special patterns in wetlands and riparian zones. People sometimes incorrectly assume that a forest garden will be as tall as a forest, but the pattern can be scaled. Your tallest species might only be as tall as you are, or waist high, but you will still be able to identify all of the diverse components that make up the forest pattern. Cultivated forest gardens also pay attention to aspect and sunlight. In our area, that means that taller species will be planted to the southern side of the garden, or far enough apart to ensure that sunlight reaches the lower levels. When people visit our garden they often ask if they can see the vegetable patch. We do have part of the garden dedicated to annuals, grown in very tall ‘cup cake’ beds that are rat proof, wallaby proof, bandicoot proof and possum proof. But these are just a tiny part of the garden, and are primarily used to demonstrate to students how they can grow food without wicking beds or fencing. The serious food production is in the gathering circle, which was lawn just two years ago. Now it’s a circular garden with a firepit at the centre and raised mounds around the outside edge. We’re growing low chill apples, asparagus, fig leaf gourd, grapes, kiwi fruit, chokoes, and pepinos, all of which are perennial. We also have a great collection of different thyme varieties, two kinds of perennial basil, rosemary and sage. Elsewhere in the garden we have macadamias, avocadoes, mangoes, hazelnuts, cherry guavas, turmeric, several varieties of perennial
ginger and a collection of citrus trees. White and black mulberries are grown not just for their beautiful fruit, but also for their delicious and highly nutritious leaves. My long-suffering moringa tree didn’t handle the big wet, but I’ll raise another one from seed. We’re also layering in as many of the native perennials as we can find, including the myrtle varieties (lemon, cinnamon and aniseed), native currant, black apple, midyim berry and finger limes. The best thing about all of these plants (with the occasional exception of the citrus) is how little help they need to thrive and produce food for us. The trees are also helping to cool our environment and reduce our fire risk, because of their high water content. Every so often I need to take a dedicated vacuum cleaner to the stink bugs, but otherwise our citrus thrive without any additional fertiliser or sprays of any kind. Part of the secret to this kind of abundance is designing from patterns to details. Most people rush off to the nursery, buy plants and then bring them home and wonder where to put them. I used to do this too! Now I know that I should first examine the location, the soil, the drainage and the exposure to high winds, as well as our broader climate patterns, and choose plants that suit particular locations. As an example, citrus like lots of water by good drainage, so ours are planted on the high side of a raised rock wall where water naturally drains towards the creek, or on raised mounds. The annuals we choose tend to be lowmaintenance, self-seeding varieties such as mustard, radicchio, coriander and parsley. I also love growing ‘the three sisters’. This guild of mutually beneficial
plants has been used by Native Americans for generations. Corn, pumpkin and climbing beans are all planted together. They form a kind of mini forest, with the roots of each plant taking up different levels below the ground. The corn supports the climbing beans, and the beans, in turn, help bacteria to fix nitrogen in the soil. The pumpkins help to keep the soil cool with their large, spreading leaves. Planting all three together also means less space needed to grow more food, and less maintenance. It’s an iconic pattern for cooperating with nature. The benefits of this type of gardening extend beyond delicious, nutritious, home-grown food. A permaculture system focuses on building beautiful, humus-rich soil using compost. Healthy soil means we are less prone to pests and diseases, and growing everything in a forest pattern also helps to confuse pest species. It can be challenging when you’re first starting to design and create a permaculture system, which is why we love sharing what we know with others. My best advice for beginners is to start small and learn from change, and always go deeper rather than wider. A few square metres of forest garden will greatly outperform any other pattern.
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Meet Adrienn & Her Team. Passionate about coastal acreage living, Adrienn finds inspiration in the serene beauty of her Matcham property, where she shares a harmonious life with her husband, four children, two adorable dogs, and a flock of cheeky silver-laced chickens. Beyond her idyllic home life, Adrienn Stenner is a seasoned sales professional with over 17 years of experience who has truly mastered the art of managing a fast-paced career while nurturing a fulfilling personal life. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Adrienn holds an impeccable track record in selling luxurious homes across the Central Coast. From providing pre-sales advice to organising trades for property preparation and offering guidance on purchasing owners new homes, Adrienn goes above and beyond to care for her clients. Among her many outstanding qualities, one that stands out is her innate calm demeanour, which effortlessly connects her with buyers, fostering trust and assurance. It comes as no surprise that Adrienn has solidified her position as a leading agent on the Central Coast. Adrienn’s success is supported by a skilled team, which includes Executive Assistant Kiara and Personal Assistant Daniella, along with a dedicated head office administrative team and an exceptional in-house media unit. Together, they ensure that Team Stenner operates seamlessly, providing clients with unparalleled service and achieving extraordinary results for their clients.
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WAMBINA BUSHCARE After a little hiatus over COVID, Wambina Bushcare has resumed. Wambina Bushcare works in the Wambina Nature Reserve between Oak Road and Matcham Road. We’ve partnered with the Community Environment Network (CEN) to assist us with delivering our volunteer program. A group of locals meet with a qualified supervisor from CEN. They meet on the last Friday of the month, working to restore the temperate rainforest by removing weeds such as lantana, Crofton weed and asparagus fern. Wambina Nature Reserve is significant due to the fact that it is protected habitat for the nursery and mating colony of the threatened Grey Headed Flying Foxes, which are important pollinators for our native trees. Recently, one of our keen volunteers has spotted the rare Regent Bowerbird at Wambina. We’d love for you to come and join us when you can. No experience required as the supervisor will train you. To join us please register via this link: https://app.betterimpact.com/ PublicOrganization/890cfb76-34d9-47c6-b860f95854227d8b/Gvi/2efaa032-b3f8-4ac2-976c729ae9496ed0/1
You can also help by managing weeds in your yard. Many weeds are garden escapees that outcompete native species. Asparagus fern is a real threat to the rainforest understorey and prevents the canopy species from growing by smothering the seedlings on the forest floor. For info on how to manage asparagus fern visit: https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/Asparagusfern
For more information about Wambina Bushcare please contact us via conservation.hccb@environment.nsw. gov.au or the Central Coast Area National Parks and Wildlife Office on 4972 9000. – Nicola Booth Bush Regeneration and Volunteer Officer Hunter Central Coast Branch NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service
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UPDATE ON COUNCIL’S DRAFT DEFERRED MATTERS LANDS PLANNING PROPOSAL Council won’t commence detailed assessment of submissions until after the extended public exhibition period has ended. At this stage, the competing interests of protecting sensitive environmental lands and the potential for additional development are coming through both in our conversations with the public and in the submissions we have seen. We will update our webpage soon after the exhibition process ends Wednesday 15 November 2023 and this will include information on how many submissions we received and how many people we estimate we were able to reach. Some submissions will be complex and involve site inspections or other research, so we are looking to put a report back to Council either February or March next year. Should the Planning (Rezoning) Proposal be endorsed by Council we would subsequently request the Department of Planning and Environment to also endorse and then make the changes to Councils Local Environmental Plan. The zoning changes are scheduled to be in place by the end of May 2024. Those who have made submissions will be kept up to date with our progress, but as above we will update our webpage with revised information soon after the end of the exhibition period. – Rod Mergan, Senior Strategic Planner Central Coast Council
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Are you considering selling your acreage property?
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SPOTLIGHT ON A LOCAL: ST GEORGE’S CHURCH
Top: St George’s Church after its closure and sale in 2018. Bottom: The refurbished church as it is today with a new leadlight window installed on the roadside face.
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A brief history of St George’s Church St George’s Church has a rich history in the Matcham/Holgate area. The church has been an integral part of the valley community up until several years ago when the Anglican Church relocated its services to Holy Trinity Church at Erina Heights. On 3 March 1925 it was decided at a public meeting of the Anglican Church to gratefully accept the kind offer by Captain George Heyne of half an acre of land at the start of Oak Road “expressly for the erection of a church”. It is understood that Matcham Hall acted as a church for our local community until 24 October 1925, when St George’s was formally dedicated by the Anglican Dean of Newcastle. During the laying of the foundation stone in March 1925, Reverend Crotty stated that the church was to be a Memorial for the fallen soldiers in the Great War (WWI). This is inscribed in the sandstone foundation stone still visible under the front of the church. The Heyne family provided two brass vases from India for the altar (Captain Heyne having served in the Indian Army prior to WWI and in the 1ST AIF during WWI), while other community members provided gifts such as a Persian rug for the Chancel and a font donated by the citizens of Holgate in York, England. There was a very active church membership for many years where weekly services were held and a range of activities were organised to raise funds for upkeep and improvements to the church. St George’s was also supported by the wider community during its regular fundraising activities, which included markets and car boot sales held on the church grounds, film nights, as a meeting point during several “Back to Matcham” Fairs, and the annual Carols By Candlelight evenings (which once caused our local RFS brigade to express concern over the open candle flames during a particularly bad drought year!).
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Our family feels honoured to be the current custodians of St George’s Church on Oak Road in Matcham. Our intention when we purchased the church was to ensure that it could be restored and cared for and remain in the valley forevermore. Converting this historic building into our family home has presented us with many challenges, as well as wonderful memories. A leadlight window, which was saved from a church that was demolished in Sydney, was installed on the roadside face of the building to bring in extra light. Old timber used for the original outback ‘dunny’ were repurposed to create a small mezzanine level for our children to sleep. The original floors were polished, and a reclaimed old front door added. As part of the integrity of the church, we have installed a plaque of remembrance as a reminder of the history of the building. The house extension was built in opposing colours from recycled materials to ensure that the Church is always going to be the standout building. Over time, we hope that the extension will continue to disappear into the landscape. Old bricks from the site have been repurposed as pathways, along with locally sourced stone. Native vegetation has replaced privet and lantana, and the old climbing rose on the entry arch is the original one that many may remember. We love being part of this community and appreciate the support from so many. – Kylie Culshaw
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A BIG THANK-YOU to our Newsletter Delivery Team Matcham Rd Oak Rd McGarrity Ave Coachwood/Milina Rds Wattle Tree/Katandra Rds Paroo Rd Bandalong/Talbingo/Wingrove Rds Carlton Rd/Gooriwa Rd/Murina Cl Clyde/Trawalla Rds
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Chris & Jim Gorman, Monique & Java Jacobson Lisa Lock, Sandy Temperley, Mike Simpson Sandra Rae Kim Gray, Alison Cremen Katrina King, Joy Robinson, Ingrid & Michael Tristram TBA Sam Pethen David Broughton Mindy Carr
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MATCHAM-HOLGATE RFS BRIGADE www.matcham-holgate.rfsa.org.au
Matcham-Holgate RFS Brigade were delighted with the turnout for our 65th Anniversary celebration. Local MP Adam Crouch, Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart and RFS District Supervisor Viki Campbell were among the dignitaries who spoke as part of the event. We were pleased to present a display of historic photographs of the brigade and to honour our longest serving member George Slennett. As we head into the 2023 fire season, our brigade has been active assisting with
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hazard reduction burns both locally and farther afield. We have also sent members and trucks to assist with strike teams fighting fires in the north and west of the state. In preparation for this fire season, in our local vicinity we are currently conducting our regular program of street meetings at various locations across our area. These meetings aim to help locals understand the potential risks and the new fire rating system, how to prepare their properties, and to make a plan for action in the event of a fire event or catastrophic fire rating. These meetings have been well attended and it has been great to meet residents and find out their concerns and questions. Working together with community helps us to be better prepared on all fronts. We are currently in the planning stages for our annual Santa run. Please keep your eye on our Facebook page for details closer to the time: https://www.facebook.com/ matchamholgaterfs Are you interested in what we do? Have you considered volunteering with the RFS? We are currently looking for new recruits to join our Brigade. Please contact us on 4367 7563 or check out: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/ join-the-nsw-rfs
Maple Forest Maple Forest specialise in providing Weeping, Standards and Upright Japanese Maples. If you are looking for a young or advanced feature tree for your garden or to keep in a large pot, we can help. Our maples start at $300 for the younger trees, with the advanced feature maples over 20 years old and reaching up to $3,000. We have more than 30 varieties in stock now. You will be able to see many of these trees planted in our established maple-themed gardens at our location in Holgate – some are more than 40 years old. If you would like to know more, visit the Maple Forest Facebook Page
or call us on 0473 796 646 and arrange a visit. Open most weekends by appt. 25 24
VICKI’S COUNTRY KITCHEN Well, this is our final contribution for 2023, and as we are heading towards the Holiday season we thought some good ideas for camping and travelling food might be a good choice. Our holiday trips mostly consist of camping, these days mostly on our motorcycles. No matter how you are travelling, good food makes a trip awesome. Staples – the things we automatically pack for every trip include the following: tea/ coffee, butter, milk powder, peanut butter, honey, condensed milk, butter, crackers, chocolate, salt, pepper, dishcloth, scrubber, tea towels, detergent, garbage bags, first aid kit. Plus all the extras for your planned menu for the trip. The equipment we use includes a Trangia stove, which runs on gas or metho, and has a billy, kettle and frypan. We take folding sharp knives, forks, spoons, egg slicer, cutting board, plates and thermal mugs, lighters, torch/headlamp. Breakfast (one of my favourite meals) 1. B acon, eggs, tomatoes and mushrooms served up on a piece of toasted sourdough + honey on toast is just perfect and keeps you full for ages. 2. P ancakes are super easy and so tasty. Add 2 eggs, 2 cups of SR flour, 2 cups of milk, and mix well. Melt some butter in the pan and cook until bubbles show through. Flip, finish cooking and serve. Pancakes go nicely with bacon and maple syrup or fresh fruit, condensed milk or honey. NB: if you want to make a more filling pancake, add some dried rolled oats to the mix.
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3. If you have your fire going in the morning, a jaffle iron, 2 pieces of bread filled with whatever delicious fillings you like, such as bacon, ham, cheese, egg, tomato. Make sure to butter the outside of the bread before putting the filling in and then cook over the coals until cooked through and browned. These are also a great lunch choice if you have a fire going, using leftover meats and cheese. 4. Now if you’re feeling lazy or in a hurry, granola is an excellent very filling choice, and perfect when topped with some yoghurt, milk or milk powder. 5. Drinks for breaky are typically a cuppa tea or coffee, generally using milk powder (1 tbsp/mug). Lunch 1. Open sourdough sandwiches are our first lunchtime choice, topped with ham, salami, tomato, tuna, salad and cheese, often with a dab of hummus. 2. Once we have run out of fresh bread, we use crackers or wraps with the same toppings as above or peanut butter, honey or a big blob of condensed milk. 3. Drinks for lunch are typically just water or if in camp a cuppa. 4. Fresh fruit – apples, oranges or whatever fruit is in season. Snacking food 1. Scroggin – this is our favourite – a delightful mix of all the yummy bits that you like to eat. Ours is normally a mix of jubes, almonds, walnuts, dried figs, apricots, sultanas, apple, banana
chocolate peanuts, M&Ms. About 100g/person/day. 2. C rackers – I like our homemade sourdough seed ones, but any of your favourite crackers will do (they need to be pretty robust to cope with being carted around), along with some salami, cheese, tomatoes. 3. C ookies – Anzac biscuits travel really well, choc chip and shortbread are pretty good, ginger nuts would be great. Pick robust biscuits for travelling. Pre-dinner Depending on the time of year and temperature, in cold weather start with a soup (this can as simple as a cuppa soup or more complex like a homemade frozen soup, which doubles as a ice brick). If the temperatures are warmer, we will typically start with our favourite crackers and soft cheese, dip, hummus and semidried tomatoes. If we have some space in our panniers, a bottle of wine is the perfect accompaniment to the above. Dinner We have recently discovered that sous vide meat, whether it be chicken, lamb, beef, pork or pre-cooked spaghetti bolognaise in the portions that we require and freezing them, works really well. This is great as our meat is cooked to perfection, just requiring a quick browning and heating through in the pan, which reduces the amount of gas we need to cook it. Whilst it is frozen, it acts as an ice block to keep other fridge style stuff nice and cool. We have found we get ~4–5 days out of this when we are on the bikes travelling (less time if it is super hot). If you are in a car travelling with good Eskys or even a car fridge, you will get much longer life out of it.
As for sides, I like to make shredded red and white cabbage, grated carrots, snow peas and red onion salad in packs suitable for each night’s serve for the first few nights. I find these last really well and you can either serve it as a cold salad or stir fry it. I also like to pack a couple of onions, zucchinis, cucumber, corn or other relatively tough veggies. Your leftover dips are a great accompaniment to have with your meats. If you are car camping and fires are allowed, one of our best-ever camping dinners is a camp oven roast lamb with potatoes cooked in the coals of your fire. Truly amazing, and making gravy from the pan juices is just the next level. Dessert Tends to be a pretty simple affair. Some of our favourites are a block of chocolate, custard and fruit, cookies, peanut brittle and finished off with a cup of tea. Perfect! Wishing you safe and fun travels, and hope that your Christmas is filled with much love, friendship and family. Stay safe and see you in 2024! – Vicki and Pete (Thank God It’s Friday Stall) xx
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ERINA HEIGHTS PUBLIC SCHOOL New Principal at EHPS Dear parents and families, I would like to introduce myself and thank you for welcoming me to the Erina Heights Public School community for the remainder of 2023. My name is Kirsten Blake and I am honoured to be relieving as Principal while Mrs MacDonald continues her leadership of Terrigal Public School. For the past three years I have been the proud Principal of Somersby Public School where I worked closely with students, staff and families to foster a caring, inclusive culture with high expectations for students. I bring over twenty years of experience as a teacher and leader in schools across the Central Coast and Sydney. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to connect with and lead this beautiful school community. I am excited for the many end-of-year events planned and for the chance to help reflect on a huge and successful year. My first priority is to get to know the students of Erina Heights. Already I have been welcomed into classrooms to see the learning happening and have had many interesting conversations in the playground. I look forward to meeting our families and working together this term.
Starr Planetarium Students from K–6 embarked on a mesmerising journey through the cosmos at Starr’s Planetarium. The indoor inflatable dome brought the wonders of the universe right to our school, providing a unique and immersive experience for all. Our students were captivated by the interactive and awe-inspiring displays that the planetarium had to offer. As they gazed up at the celestial wonders above, they were transported to far-off galaxies, witnessed the birth of stars, and explored the mysteries of our solar system. The immersive experience left a lasting impression, igniting their curiosity about the cosmos. This visit was a perfect complement to our students’ Earth and Space science units this term, allowing them to connect the concepts they’ve been studying in the classroom to a real-life, out-of-this-world experience. The joy and excitement on the faces of our young learners were palpable throughout the visit. It was a reminder of the power of educational experiences that not only inform but also inspire a lifelong love of learning. We extend our sincere thanks to the teachers and staff who organised this fantastic opportunity for our students. Your dedication to providing enriching experiences is truly commendable. Starr’s Planetarium visit was a stellar success, and we look forward to more educational adventures that bring learning to life and spark the curiosity of our students. We believe that these experiences will continue to shape their academic journey and inspire them to reach for the stars.
Learning Showcases 2023 KDH and K/1C Art Showcase Erina Heights Public School has had some fantastic learning showcases for Stages 1, 2 and 3 this year, and we think we left the best for last. Our students shared their artwork from Term 4, and it was an absolute delight to see them having so much fun creating caricatures of parents, teachers and friends. We want to express our gratitude to everyone who came and joined us for this wonderful morning of creativity and talent.
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Stage 1 Shelters Stage 1 Shelters Showcase Indigenous Wisdom: In a heartwarming display of collaborative learning, students demonstrated their deep understanding of indigenous shelters. Using only natural materials, they crafted impressive models, showcasing their knowledge and appreciation for traditional construction techniques. It was a morning filled with creativity and cultural appreciation.
Stage 2 Science Fair The Stage 2 Science Fair was a spectacular display of inventive creations, intriguing concoctions, and captivating scientific endeavours! Students wowed their teachers and parents alike with their profound understanding of various scientific disciplines, including chemistry, biology, and physics experiments. It was a delightful morning filled with fun and learning!
Stage 3 Egg Drop What a fantastic inaugural event to christen our newly renovated basketball court! Third time truly proved to be the charm! As part of Education Week, Stage 3 students orchestrated a remarkable display of ingenuity with their homework design challenge – safely dropping an egg from a towering 3-metre height. The assortment of designs and materials showcased was nothing short of impressive. From the whimsical use of popcorn to the practicality of bubble wrap, the colourful deployment of balloons to the graceful descent of parachutes, and from the sturdiness of tissue boxes to the reliability of Tupperware containers brimming with sand – every conceivable strategy was put into play.
– Kirsten Blake Principal, Erina Heights Public School
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HOLGATE PUBLIC SCHOOL We’re having a wonderful year of technology learning here at Holgate Public School. Students have used their collaborative skills with the Lego Spike Essentials kits and the building possibilities are endless. Students have applied their knowledge of computer code to program their design to move and meet a specific need. This term our Stage 2 students attended Point Wolstoncroft Camp and our Stage 3 students went to Canberra. It’s always great to see how the children bond and become more independent, confident and responsible with new friendships and experiences. From all accounts, all of our students had a wonderful time and many parents were envious of the activities their children were involved in. We have had some wonderful academic results across our school this year. In Year 1 we have seen an impressive uplift of nearly 30% in our Phonics Screening Check, which will support our youngest learners to be successful readers and writers. In our Year 3 and 4 Check-in Assessments, students are achieving at above statistically similar schools in reading and numeracy, which is an amazing improvement from recent years. This is reflective of changes to learning and support structures and more regular data analysis. A big thank you to all staff for engaging so deeply with new learning.
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MINDFULNESS – LIVING IN THE MOMENT
Mish Mockovic Martin, a dedicated Yogi, has been involved in the Health and Fitness industry for 30 years, studying Yoga at Satyananda Ashram to attain a Diploma in Teaching. Mish has trained in Sports Yoga, Yin Yoga and Pilates, and also studied Ayurveda in Sri Lanka. Mish has taught yoga for over 20 years, and conducts classes at Bamboo Buddha. She also conducts workshops and retreats locally and internationally.
To Live in the Moment To derive greater satisfaction and enjoyment in life we are told to ‘Live in the Moment’ – but what does this actually mean? It’s like trying to find your pelvic floor muscles. Are they really there? Can we do it? There is a host of literature that suggests receiving maximum happiness, experiencing more joy, becoming more empathetic, more secure and having higher self-esteem we have to be in the moment. If this is true, then being in the moment can reduce stress levels, boost immune functioning, minimise chronic pain, lower blood pressure and the risk of heart disease. So why is it so difficult?
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The most likely answer is that life is full of distractions. As I sit and write this, I am consciously aware of each and every word, but am I really in the moment? I have my phone nearby, the radio on, there’s the constant background chatter of my husband and I am thinking of my tax return while planning my next holiday. To be in the moment means being mindfully aware of what is happening right here and now, in real time and in your experience. It is a state of active, open, intentional attention to the present. When you become mindful, you realise that you are not your thoughts but the witness to your thoughts. However, much of our time is spent in thought, usually about the future or
past, without actually any quality of awareness or mindfulness. Moving with habitual tendency from the moment we rise, to commuting to work, undertaking menial tasks to ensure employment that involves working towards a purpose, in most cases to pay the mortgage and build a retirement. Ultimately, over time our sense of responsibility and duty have untold effects on our nervous system in the way of unrelieved mental, physical and emotional tension. However, this is not a new phenomenon. The causes of stress have been documented in historical texts, where the sage Patanjali attributed the ego, spiritual ignorance, desire, hatred and attachment to material possessions, as factors contributing to stress. In a world where technical and scientific achievements define a modern civilisation, there still remain financial tensions, emotional upheavals, environmental pollution and, above all, the feeling of losing control by the speed of events, which have increased the stress in daily life. All of these factors strain the body, causing nervous tension, which adversely affects the mind and creates feelings of despair and isolation. Thus removing the possibility of being in the moment. It is true that we live in an age of distraction. In an article for Psychology Today titled ‘The Art of Now, Six Steps to Living in the Moment’, Jay Dixit states: “One of life’s sharpest paradoxes is that your brightest future hinges on your ability to pay attention to the present.” In The Power of Now, a Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment, Eckhart Tolle says for the journey into the Now we need to leave the analytical mind and the false created self, the ego, behind. The following quote
captures this sentiment: “Realise deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make now the primary focus of your life.” Mindfulness is the core of Buddhism, Taoism and of course yoga. Yoga encourages awareness and the ability to be still. On a physical level, it gives relief from countless ailments. The practice of asanas strengthens the body and creates a feeling of well-being. Pranayama (breathing techniques) calms the nervous system and helps steady the emotions. Yoga sharpens the mind and aids concentration through the practice of meditation, particularly Antar Mouna (Inner Silence). For reassurance when dealing with the complexities of ‘Living in the Moment’, take comfort in the wisdom of the words of Mother Teresa: “Be happy in the moment, that’s enough. Each moment is all we need, not more.” Great Yogis tell us that when we are perfectly content with what life gives us, we feel true joy and happiness. The mind can be easily distracted into thinking that material possessions, wealth and success can bring happiness. However, these feelings are usually temporary. Practising yoga frees the mind from delusion and unnecessary suffering of wanting things to be different. Instead, it fills the soul with gratitude and joy for all of life’s blessings. Above all, yoga offers hope.
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MATCHAM-HOLGATE LOCAL SERVICES DIRECTORY BUILDING SERVICES
PROPERTY & GARDEN SERVICES
Skydome Hunter Coast – Skydomes & Attic Stairs 14 Barralong Road, Erina. Call 4365 1600
Absoloot Septic – Septic & AWTS Service Agents Call 4362 1060 or 0401 397 754
ELECTRICAL SERVICES
ASAP Earthworx – Council approved contractor Call Cheyne 0408 677 413
Fluid Plumbing & Electrical 24 Hour Emergency Service. Call 0420 100 074
Ben’s Backyard + Property Maintenance Call for a free quote 0409 199 322
Matt Smith Electrical Services Call 0412 391 438 matt@mses.net.au
Cornerstone Water Solutions Irrigation, Pumps, Drainage. Call 02 4365 4227
Quick Connect – Electrical & Data Solutions Call Keiron 0407 668 689
Gellatley Landcare Solutions – Call Richard 0412 636 550 www.landcaresolutions.com.au
FUN SCRUBS FOR ALL OCCASIONS ChickaMatcham Scrubs – Call Sandra 0488 102 887 www.facebook.com/ChickaMatcham Scrubs
HEALTH & RELATED SERVICES
Habitat Tree Works – Qualified Arborist Call George Crowder 0402 574 616 Maple Forest – specialist maples nursery Call Greg 0473 796 646
Aspire Physiotherapy Centre 4380 8277 www.aspire.physio
Robbo’s Mobile Mower Repairs Call Russ Donovan 0427 435 572
Your Family Doctors at Erina 602 Terrigal Drive, Erina. Call 4365 4999
Silver Fern Landscapes Call Joe 0431 589 318
HOME & PERSONAL SERVICES
REAL ESTATE SERVICES
Central Telecoms – fast and reliable NBN & Wi-Fi Call 1300 677406 www.centraltelecoms.com.au
Gittoes Real Estate – Leaders in Property Call Stephen 0416 295 174 or Ingrid 0428 372 953
HV Audio Visual – TV/Home Theatre Installation Call Joel 0407 458 929
Prestige Properties Call Adrienn 0414 729 453
MECHANICAL SERVICES JC Auto Erina – family operated local mechanic Call 0409 676 563 or 0416 109 982
VETERINARY SERVICES PetStock Vet Call Erina: 4367 4066 or Gosford: 4321 0990
PLUMBING SERVICES
WATER SUPPLIERS
Fluid Plumbing & Electrical 24 Hour Emergency Service. Call 0420 100 074
R U EMPTY Water Carriers SMS or call Bron 0410 057 215
PDB Plumbing Call Pat Brennan 0416 265 597
Wally’s Water Cart Call Steve 0417 677 524
Important Hall Contacts Hall Bookings Treasurer Newsletter Advertising
bookings@matchamhall.org treasurer@matchamhall.org editor@matchamhall.org 369mcm@gmail.com
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