Newcastle and Lake Macquarie | April 2017

Newcastle and Lake Macquarie

TM

ISSUE #21 // APRIL 2017 WWW.INTOUCHMAGAZINE.COM.AU

Newcastle Racecourse

BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT!

Plus...

Six Sensational Looks for Autumn {Family} Cruisin’ on the Ovation of the Seas Epic Guide to all the School Holiday Action Nikon-Walkley Photojournalism Exhibition Set to Stun Crowds

Lifestyle // Entertainment // Dining // Fashion // Community // Travel // Family // Home // Education // Property // Motoring

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WHAT'S ON //

A Shark in a Bus, Hamish the Llama, Yoga and a Stellar Lineup!

THE GUMBALL 2017 Following its sell-out success in 2016, The Gum Ball has already sold over 75 percent of its tickets for this year’s event. The small team behind the annual boutique music festival are again humbled by the support from the community.

“Last year we were over the moon when the festival sold out so early,” Dashville promoter Matt Johnston said. “A lot of people know how hard we’ve worked to achieve our goals. To still be here 13 years on, and to not be sweating on an outcome, is a dream come true, to say the least!”

With an impressive roster of international and Australian acts, from Regurgitator and Tripod to Kim Churchill, Gareth Liddiard, The Peep Tempel and Mick Thomas of Weddings, Parties, Anything, The Gum Ball shapes up as a true musical feast for discerning listeners.

The full timetable for the event will be released in early April.

A new addition to the sights of The Gum Ball in 2017 is the arrival of the Shark in a Bus, a travelling museum that contains Frankie, a five metre Great White Shark. The 1957 Leyland Royal Tiger bus contains many impressive specimens like Frankie and is sure to mesmerise and educate the many young music lovers that attend The Gum Ball each year.

There’ll be lots of fun things for the kids to do at The Gum Ball this year, from meeting Hamish the friendly llama to puppet shows and learning circus skills. There is also a kids creche available for parents that would like to drop off the little ones for an evening and let their hair down.

For the young adults, the very popular silent disco will return in 2017, which runs from midnight until 3am both nights of the festival. Live music runs from 4pm until midnight on Friday, April 21 and from 8am on Saturday, April 22 until midnight. Punters can enjoy music until midday on Sunday, April 23.

This year there is also a special bonus Sunday evening of entertainment, with limited tickets still available.

The private property Dashville hosted the first Gum Ball back in 2005, and has evolved

to become a striking outdoor venue and campground. Run by organiser Matt ‘Magpie’ Johnston, Dashville hosts a range of special events, including no less than three other smaller annual boutique music festivals across the year, such as Dashville Skyline - Cosmic Country Weekender, to Thrashville - punk and metal festival - and then the cheeky winter blast Pigsty in July. Over 400 acts have graced a Dashville stage over the years.

“After 13 years of hosting festivals and events on our family property, we've learned what works and learned from our mistakes,” Johnston said. “Our Dashville fans are more than loyal, and we like to honour that respect by treating them as our extended family. We put together events that we know we would like if we were going to someone else's festival – a chilled vibe, affordable drinks, places to hang out, no dickheads and awesome bands.

Dashville is all these things.”

Part of The Gum Ball’s appeal lies in its BYO alcohol aspect. Punters are allowed to bring their own food and alcohol to the festival if they behave responsibly and don’t bring glass. Punters can also enjoy morning yoga and bush walks.

Like all Dashville events, The Gum Ball features an array of exquisite cuisine from all around the world, supplied by the region’s best food vendors. Gum Ball attendees can enjoy mouth-watering pizza, bao, slow-cooked meats, Korean BBQ, delicious burgers, Dutch pancakes, healthy snacks and juices, plus a range of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. Newcastle’s Sprocket will have their coffee truck in attendance.

Straight after The Gum Ball, the Dashville crew will dive straight into its third installment of the Dashville Skyline Festival, a three-day Country Cosmic Weekender. The event focuses on alt-country, folk, bluegrass, Americana, and psychedelia, and has proven a popular festival on the national calendar. It returns this year on the October long weekend, from Friday, September 29 to Sunday, October 1. Mark it in your diary. For more information on The Gum Ball, head to www.dashville.com.au

21ST -23RD APRIL 2017

HELD AT BEAUTIFUL DASHVILLE, BELFORD, HUNTER VALLEY NSW

A supreme music and arts festival, now celebrating its 12th year.

Held in secluded bushland of the Hunter Valley, it’s perfect for the whole family or anyone looking to escape, relax, unwind and enjoy a quality soundtrack featuring:

REGURGITATOR // TRIPOD // KIM CHURCHILL // THE FUNK HUNTERS(CA)

BOO SEEKA // MICK THOMAS & THE ROVING COMMISSION // GARETH LIDDIARD THE PEEP TEMPEL // LIZ STRINGER // FELIX RIEBL(THE CAT EMPIRE) // THE GO SET THE MELTDOWN // CAITI BAKER // SHINING BIRD // HITS // FLYYING COLOURS THE OCEAN PARTY // IRISH MYTHEN (CA) // MICK HART // LEAH SENIOR THE STEELE SYNDICATE // THE SEA GYPSIES // AFRICA ENTSHA(ZA) // BAGHEAD FREYA JOSEPHINE HOLLICK // DAVE WELLS // THE BAD TIME BOYS ROSE & THE SEA // DASHVILLE PROGRESS SOCIETY

PLUS:

SKATE DEMOS // KIDS CRECHE // YOGA // SILENT DISCO WORKSHOPS // GOURMET FOOD & MARKETS // BOUTIQUE BAR

THEGUMBALL.COM.AU

MUSIC & ART

BYO NO GLASS

1,2 or 3 NIGHTS

CAMPING

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 3

INSIDE INTOUCH

PAGE 14

From the Editors...

"10 years ago, I was not the person anyone would come to for advice about children.

However, I have been at this parenting caper for a few years now I decided to pass on some things that I found helpful."

- PAGE 24

Newcastle is a great city for major events, and our annual calendar of fun just keeps growing. Autumn brings with it another round of impressive indoor and outdoor action that the whole family can enjoy. This month we look at some of the major events, festivals, exhibitions and cultural activities coming up.

Also coming up in April is a deluge (of talent that is) with terrific local and international acts playing at music festivals throughout the Hunter. From The Gum Ball at Dashville, with 3 days of multi-stage action and awesome family fun (like Frankie the Shark and Hamish the Llama) to seeing all our Aussie faves at two Hope Rocks events. School Holidays are also upon us, so we’ve included an excellent guide to all the action on that front too.

There’s been plenty of action at Broadmeadow lately in the form of an on-course and trackside facelift, years in the planning and millions of dollars in the making. All has been unveiled at the facility, creating one of the best horse racing surfaces in the country and a venue that provides so much more than just a great day at the races. If you ever needed extra incentive to get out to the track for the Autumn Racing Carnivale – this is it!

PAGE 22

Contents//

Features

ISSUE #21 APRIL 2017

10

Historic Newcastle Racecourse - But Not as You Know it

14

Ambitious Schedule had Something for Every Reader

15

Pianist Angela Hewitt Brings Bach to Newcastle

Acclaimed as one of the world’s greats, Angela Hewitt is on a mission to perform the complete solo keyboard works of Bach around the world, and her quest brings her to the Newcastle Conservatorium next month for an exclusive concert.

Make sure you mark this one in your diaries.

16

Kids Get Creative This School Holidays

18

Saying "Yes" to a Stress-Free Wedding

19

Lessons Learned From our Hottest Summer Ever

21

At The Markets - Ellie Hannon

The Nikon-Walkley Photojournalism Awards Exhibition provides visitors with the opportunity to reflect on some of the biggest stories to make headlines over the last year, captured both in our own backyards and in the furthest corners of the globe. Opening on April 6 at Wallsend District Library, this stunning exhibition will run through until May 28 and is well worth a look. Enjoy!

23

Newcastle - A Great City for Major Events

26

4 Must-Have Autumn Coats

29

Bring Yourself Back to Urth

34

Cruisin' on the Ovation of the Seas

43

Poignant and Award Winning Images - The Nikon-Walkley Exhibition

45

McCloy Communities - Leading the Way with Public Art

Stay intouch at getintouch@intouchmagazine.com.au Quentin and Di von Essen | Publishers

Got a great story to tell? Know someone who does? Budding writer or sensational photographer? We love contributions, so drop us a line at getintouch@intouchmagazine.com.au

Contacts Publisher & Editors Two Tribes Media Quentin von Essen: quentin@intouchmagazine.com.au Di von Essen: di@intouchmagazine.com.au Phone (02) 4943 0888 Address Suite 4, 2 Smith Street, Charlestown NSW 2290 Web www.intouchmagazine.com.au Email getintouch@intouchmagazine.com.au Advertising Sales Quentin von Essen and Sarah Jane Hannah Distribution Express Letterbox Distribution

Regulars 5

Check it Out Online

8

What’s on Guide

19

Home + Lifestyle

22

Family + Community

25

Fashion + Beauty

29

Health + Wellbeing

33 Travel 36

Eat//Sip//Savour

44

Motoring

45

Property

GET MOBILE! View this month’s Issue of intouch magazine on your iPhone, iPad, android tablet or android phone. Simply download the QR code and get mobile!

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT WWW.INTOUCHMAGAZINE.COM.AU FACEBOOK.COM/INTOUCHMAGAZINES INSTAGRAM @INTOUCHMAGAZINES

Marketing & Account Management Di von Essen and Carla Elkin Graphic Design Jess Codrington and Larissa Cluff Features Writer Michelle Meehan © Copyright 2017 Two Tribes Media. Published monthly by Two Tribes Media. All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or quote excerpt granted by written request only. While every attempt has been made, Two Tribes Media cannot guarantee the legality, completeness or accuracy of the information presented and accepts no warranty or responsibility for such.

4 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

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Contributors

It’s a big thumbs up for the all new Newcastle Racecourse from us!

“The track’s fantastic, the facilities are improved and being worked on, and the place has got a new look and feel,” says CEO Matt Benson.

Read more on Page 10. Image courtesy of Newcastle Racecourse.

Carla Elkin Di von Essen Therese Ferry Mel Murray Chloe Sullivan Trish Kelly Anne Ward

Michelle Meehan Quentin von Essen Deborah Bartlett Dana Fischetti Sonya Todd-Jones Louise Fraser Jessica Duchen

Jess Codrington Megan O'Sullivan Chris Williams Chris Hyde Matt Johnston Melanie May Dr Matt Buchanan-Pascal

CHECK IT OUT - NEWCASTLE WRITER'S FESTIVAL 2017 In celebration of the 5th Annual Newcastle Writers Festival that will literally take over Newcastle from April 7th to 9th (excuse the pun!), we check out some of our most anticipated sessions and books. All books will be available at the Festival Bookstore. For the full program and tickets visit www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au

ARTIE AND THE GRIME WAVE – Richard Roxburgh One for the kids (5 to 9-year-olds to be exact!) - a fabulously funny madcap adventure! Artie and his best friend Bumshoe have stumbled upon a Cave-of-Possibly-Stolen-Stuff, and along with it a gang of shady characters including scary Mary, fang-toothed Funnel-web, and the devious Mayor Grime.

Richard Roxburgh is one of Australia’s best-loved and most versatile actors. He is known for his film, stage and TV roles. Richard has always drawn and written stories to entertain himself, but Artie and the Grime Wave is his first book for children.

Kids can catch Richard a the Free Family Fun Day in the Port of Newcastle Marquee in Wheeler Place on April 8th (at 11.45am). You can also see Richard in conversation with Festival Director Rosemarie Milsom in “A Life Less Ordinary” on April 8th from 10am - 11am at the Civic Theatre. Tickets $22.

HOME IS THE HUNTER - Catchfire Press Catchfire Press is a Hunter Valley publishing house located in Newcastle, created to publish writers from the Hunter area, in books wholly designed and illustrated here. Home is the Hunter is a great collection of more than 70 poems and stories, bringing together a variety of voices, from struggling farming families in the Upper Hunter to those who have come more recently to this valley as refugees, from skateboarding city-dwellers to sailors on the lake.

Celebrate words, ideas

and the joy

of reading 7 to 9 April 2017 C I V I C P R E C I N CT

You can pick up a copy of Home is the Hunter at MacLean’s Booksellers on Beaumont St, Harry Hartog at Westfield Kotara or Cooks Hill Books and Records on Darby St. Don’t miss Don Cohen (President of Catchfire Press) when he speaks at the 2017 Newcastle Writers Festival from 11am - 12pm on April 7th in the Cummings Room, City Hall. Free Session.

FIRST, WE MAKE THE BEAST BEAUTIFUL – Sarah Wilson Sarah Wilson - bestselling author and entrepreneur, intrepid solver of problems and investigator of how to live a better life - has helped over 1.2 million people across the world to quit sugar. She has also been an anxiety sufferer her entire life. In her new book, she directs her intense focus and fierce investigatory skills onto this lifetime companion of hers, looking at the triggers and treatments, the fashions and fads. Practical and poetic, wise and funny, this is a small book with a big heart. It will encourage the myriad sufferers of the world's most common mental illness to feel not just better about their condition, but delighted by the possibilities it offers for a richer, fuller life. Don’t miss Sarah when she presents at the 2017 Newcastle Writers Festival on Saturday 8th April from 1.15pm - 2.15pm at Civic Theatre (Host Ailsa Piper). Tickets $22.

FIGHT LIKE A GIRL – Clementine Ford Online sensation, fearless feminist, heroine, and scourge of trolls and misogynists everywhere, Clementine Ford is a beacon of hope and inspiration to thousands of Australian women and girls. Her incendiary debut Fight Like A Girl is an essential manifesto for feminists new, old and soon-to-be, and exposes just how unequal the world continues to be for women. Crucially, it is a call to arms for all women to rediscover the fury that has been suppressed by a society that still considers feminism a threat.

Fight Like A Girl will make you laugh, cry and scream. But above all, it will make you demand and fight for a world in which women have real equality and not merely the illusion of it.

David Hunt Michael Leunig Clementine Ford Tara Moss Alice Pung Richard Roxburgh Tracey Spicer Sarah Wilson Deng Adut Nikki Gemmell Holly Throsby Peter Doherty Jonathan Biggins

5 YEARS

Strong

newcastlewritersfestival.org.au

Don’t miss Clementine Ford in conversation with Ruby Hamad on Sunday April 9th, 10am - 11am in the Concert Hall at City Hall. Tickets $22. www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 5

What's happening at

What's On?

April is going to be a busy month with school holidays, Easter and Anzac Day plus Autumn/Winter fashion is in full swing! Check Easter long weekend and Anzac Day trading hours at www.charlestownsquare.com.au.

Bring your little ones to Mini Mania for indoor fun on your next shopping trip. Located in the ex-Pumpkin Patch site on Level 1 past Myer, enjoy an unlimited play session for just $7 per child aged up to 7 years, while the grown-ups can grab a coffee from nearby Gloria Jeans while the kids play.

One of the best ways to enjoy the school holidays is with our great value Entertainment Passes, only available at Charlestown Square.

ED Enjoy a movie at KAG PAC ER FOR ETH TOG ZING Reading Cinemas, A M A LUE! VA a game of bowling or laser tag at Strike, play time at Timezone plus food treats at selected favourites. Packaged together for amazing value, Kids Entertainment Passes are just $38 and Super Passes are $37 each – on sale at the Customer Service Desk and valid until December, so plenty of time to enjoy. Plus during the school holidays, we’ll even throw in a bonus choc-top with each Entertainment Pass to indulge at Reading Cinemas – don’t miss this limited time bonus offer!

ON SALE NOW!

Australia’s Most Enduring Bands Come Together for

HOPE ROCKS! Get ready for a line-up of mega-proportions with some of Australia’s greatest and best-loved bands as Hope Estate proudly presents Hope Rocks (previously The Grape Escape) on Saturday, April 29th. Music, food, and wine – they go hand-in-hand, and there are few things more pleasurable than experiencing them all at once.

Hope Rocks will be a super fun-filled afternoon with some of Australia’s most well-loved bands gracing the stage:

Grab your disco shoes for… VELVET VELVET is a glitter ball world of extreme sensory overload, a seductive fusion of disco, dance and circus. It will take you on an electrifying journey to a world of glamour and abandon. Loosely inspired by Studio 54, and starring an international ensemble that includes the legendary diva, Marcia Hines, this is a raucous party with an exhilarating disco soundtrack that never lets up. Slip behind the red velvet rope of the magnificent Aurora Spiegeltent to visit Wonderland… Boogie Wonderland that is! Don’t miss the disco inferno that is Velvet, where every second entices you into the world of fun, funk, and glamour!

Velvet will run from May 18th until June 4th inside the delicious Aurora Spiegeltent in Civic Park Newcastle. Tickets are on sale now at www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au – don’t burn in disco inferno – get your tickets now!

As the weather has started to turn, our focus moves to Autumn Fashion with over 100 fashion stores at Charlestown Square stocked with new season trends.

One of the best ways to find your perfect look is by spending time with our resident Stylist, Natalie. The popular FREE 20 minute Style Sessions are now available Fridays and Saturdays between 12pm to 3pm in The Style Centre (outside of school holidays). Or if you’d like more time to discover the look that’s right for you, book a 2 hour style session for $150 to receive a $50 Gift Card on us! Bookings for style services are essential at www.charlestownsquare.com.au.

Looking to update you décor? Visit the new location for Dolce Lifestyle Living now located on the Ground Floor next to Fifi La Femme for a broad range of homewares, including the gorgeous and popular Glasshouse candles.

And if you’re a Wests member, enjoy up to 5 hours free parking at Charlestown Square – every day! It’s simple – just present your Wests membership card at the Customer Service Desk to receive a validated parking ticket. Please note standard parking rates apply after 5 hours.

Enjoy the Hunter’s largest shopping destination in April.

Therese,Marketing Team 6 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Hoodoo Gurus, You Am I, Ratcat, Steve Kilbey of The Church, GANGgajang, The Allniters and The Kids.

Hoodoo Gurus are one of Australia's greatest and most enduring rock bands. For over three decades the Hoodoo Gurus have consistently been one of the most inventive, lyrically smart and goddamn exciting rock 'n' roll bands Australia has ever produced. And they’ve done it with style, panache and a wicked sense of humour, earning their household name, with songs like What's My Scene, Like Wow – Wipeout, Bittersweet and I Want You Back.

These smash hits have gone on to become quintessential Australian classics that continue to be staple tracks on radio playlists today. Says frontman Dave Faulkner of the pending show, “We're really excited we're gonna be playing in The Hunter soon. I love music and wine, so what could be better than to put 'em both together? Hoodoo Gurus, You Am I, Ratcat at Hope Estate? As they say in the trade, that's a top drop!”

You Am I are without a doubt one of Australia’s all-time essential rock 'n' roll bands. Two and a half decades on from their first album release, they have not only enjoyed one of the longest and most successful recording careers in Australia but are also one of our most loved live bands. Featuring guitarist and vocalist Tim Rogers along with bandmates Russell Hopkinson on drums, Andy Kent on Bass, and (since 1999) Davey Lane on guitar, You Am I have released ten studio albums to date. The band has won a total of Ten ARIA Awards including Album of the year, Best Group, and Best Independent Release.

Ratcat set the indie music scene alight, causing a stir amongst the major labels in 1990 with their Tingles EP and became known for their pop/punk guitar rock. They hit the big time by grabbing the coveted No. 1 spot on the ARIA chart for their smash single That Ain’t Bad. A year later, they went on ►

WIN

Thanks to Strut n Fret and Organised Pandemonium we have a double pass to give away to see Velvet from May 17th - 22nd (you choose!).

Simply visit the giveaways page at www.intouchmagazine.com.au to enter. Entries close midnight on April 30th, 2017.

AT THE MOVIES - Ghost in the Shell In the near future, Major (Scarlett Johansson) is the first of her kind: A human saved from a terrible crash, who is cyber-enhanced to be a perfect soldier devoted to stopping the world's most dangerous criminals. When terrorism reaches a new level that includes the ability to hack into people's minds and control them, Major is uniquely qualified to stop it. As she prepares to face a new enemy, Major discovers that she has been lied to; her life was not saved, it was stolen. She will stop at nothing to recover her past, find out who did this to her and stop them before they do it to others.

Based on the internationally acclaimed Japanese Manga, "Ghost in the Shell." Written

by Paramount Pictures, Ghost in the Shell is in cinemas now!

WIN

Thanks to Paramount Pictures we have 10 double passes to give away to 10 lucky readers to see Ghost in the Shell. Email us at win@intouchmagazine.com.au and tell us why you want to be amongst the first to see this new sci-fi adventure. Ends April 7th, 2017 so be quick!

to release their landmark album, Blind Love, which saw them at the top of the mainstream charts again with both the album and single, Don’t Go Now, peaking at No. 1.

It’s a unique band that finds itself cherished as a bona fide legend in the ARIA Hall of Fame while remaining a virtual enigma to the world that knows its name but The Church, led by the enigmatic Steve Kilbey, is just that. Since arriving in Australia half a century ago, Kilbey has forged a unique and frighteningly individual stream of musical thoughts including The Church’s accidental signature tune, Under The Milky Way. GANGgajang was formed in 1984 when Mark Callaghan, previously of The Riptides, and Buzz Bidstrup and Chris Bailey formerly of The Angels, were commissioned to write songs for the ABC TV program Sweet & Sour.

The songs became a debut album, the self-titled "GANGgajang," with the hit singles Gimme Some Lovin, House of Cards, Giver of Life and the classic Sounds of Then (This is Australia).

With the addition of Geoffrey Stapleton on keyboards, guitar and artwork, and Robert James on lead guitar, GANGgajang became a live entity.

Sydney act The Allniters are considered the pioneers of Australian ska after they introduced the unique new style of music to the country in the '80s. The Allnighters will always be remembered for their big sound, cracking tunes and eccentric exuberance.

Mischievous and a little bit cheeky, they’re the most successful ska act in Australian history.

Their legacy still lives on to this day, and in 2013, The Allniters cover of Bobby Bloom's Montego Bay was voted as one of the top 100 songs in Australia.

THE ROOFTOP APRIL LIVE MUSIC Every Saturday night 6-9pm Sat 1/4 Sat 8/4 Sat 15/4

Beth Gleeson Matt Semmens The Andy Show

Sat 22/4 Sat 29/4

Just Jade Tom Christie

This will be a massive day of rock 'n' roll, at a superb outdoor venue – it doesn’t get better than this! For more information and ticket sales visit www.hopeestate.com.au ■

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 7

What’s on?

SATURDAY, APRIL 1 Olive Tree Market Civic Park, 9am - 3pm.

►COMING UP APRIL SATURDAY 1ST DV8 + Access All 80's Belmont 16s A Day On The Green Bimbadgen Client Liason The Cambridge Hotel SCNDL King St Hotel SUNDAY 2ND Kill the Noise The Cambridge Hotel Thirsty Merc Central WEDNESDAY 5TH Kylie Jane 5 Sawyers Entity AKA Eddy Tolhurst Battlesticks at Scratchleys THURSDAY 6TH The Jimbo & Gary The Goat Comedy Show Wickham Park Hotel FRIDAY 7TH Chris Masuak (Radio Birdman) Small Ballroom Tim Rossington Battlesticks at Scratchleys SATURDAY 8TH Sing Along to The Shows Adamstown Uniting Church Back To The Wicko Wickham Park Hotel Neil Diamond – The Man, The Music Toronto Workers Club Hope Rocks: John Farnham Hope Estate Charlie Siem & the Omega Ensemble Newcastle Conservatorium SUNDAY 9TH Kylie Jane Merewether Surfhouse THURSDAY 13TH Ross Wilson and the Peaceniks Wests New Lambton Wesley’s Edge Battlesticks at Scratchleys Rock N Roll Party The Cambridge Hotel SATURDAY 15TH Army of Bones The Cambridge Hotel Kristy Cootes + The Crawford Brothers Wickham Park Hotel The Years + Bobby C Belmont 16s SUNDAY 16TH The Preatures The Cambridge Hotel THURSDAY 20TH Wolfmother The Cambridge Hotel Dan Southward Battlesticks at Scratchleys FRIDAY 21ST The Gumball Dashville, Belford Nicko Battlesticks at Scratchleys Kylie Jane The Lucky Hotel SUNDAY 23RD Protest The Hero Small Ballroom TUESDAY 25TH All Access 80's Honeysuckle Hotel THURSDAY 27TH John Larder Battlesticks at Scratchleys FRIDAY 28TH PINK Show Belmont 16s Death By Stereo Hamilton Station Hotel Murph Battlesticks at Scratchleys Kylie Jane Bar Petite SUNDAY 30TH Floyd Vincent and The Temple Dogs Wickham Park Hotel Miss Fortune The Small Ballroom

8 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Spirit of ANZAC Exhibition The Award-Winning Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience will be showing at Newcastle Enertainment Centre until April 4. Register for your free tickets at www.spiritofanzac.gov.au Newcastle Fire + Flow Event Newcastles' alternative performing arts community invite you to Gregson Park, Hamilton to join in or watch their fire and flow skills! The night includes yoga, face painting, entertainment and a drum circle from 6.30pm.

World of Musicals Bringing the very best of Musical theatre to life. This incredible production brings the big company numbers from the likes of Les Miserable, Lion King, Dirty Dancing, Mamma Mia and SO many more! A musical lovers dream. Civic Theatre.

Newcastle Jets v The Western Sydney Wanderers McDonald Jones Stadium.

National Youth Week 1 - 9 April.

Newcastle Writers Festival Celebrate words, ideas and the joy of reading, with this year's program inspired by the power of story. Notable guest speakers include Tara Moss, Deng Adut, Richard Roxburgh and many more! 7 - 9 April, program available at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au Newcastle Belly Dance Festival Enjoy a weekend full of workshops and performances from April 7 - 9. The Friday workshops & dance party will be held at Newcastle Leagues Club, with the Saturday workshops, the Belly Dance Spectacular and the Sunday Performers Bazzar held at Wallsend Diggers. www.newcastlebellydance.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 8 Newcastle Beer Fest Previously known as the Boardwalk Beer Festival, Newcastle Beer Fest is back, this year at Newcastle Foreshore for 2 days of awesome fun and beer! Day one (Sat) will be NSW breweries, day two (Sun) national breweries. Grab your tickets fast! www.eventbrite.com.au Hunter Valley Steamfest 2017 The annual event celebrating Maitland's rich steam and industrial heritage has something for everyone to enjoy with their diverse program, including steam train trips and live music. April 8 - 9, 9am - 5pm, Railway St Maitland.

SUNDAY, APRIL 2

Ryan Ansell Investment Solutions Race Day Newcastle Racecourse.

2 APRIL Love on the Lawn Wedding Festival A day out packed full of wedding inspiration, fun, LOVE, expert advice and bohemian luxe. Don't miss the fashion parades from 11.30am. Newcastle Jockey Club, 10am - 3pm. www.loveonthelawn.com.au Art Bazaar 10am - 3pm, Warner Park, Warners Bay. NewRun Featuring the Half Marathon, Hill to Harbour, Fort5 and 2K4Kids. Register at www.newrun.com.au We All Need A Little Therapy A 4km fundraising Dog Walk for Delta Therapy Dogs ($10 per dog, $5 for extras) at Croudace Bay Park Eleebana. Market stalls, food and drinks, agility dog demonstrations, a performance by Newcastle PCYC Brass Band and more! 10am start. More event information on facebook.

THURSDAY, APRIL 6 Nikon-Walkley Photography Exhibition Wallsend Library, until May 31.

FRIDAY, APRIL 7

Hunter Valley Snooze Proudly supporting Starlight Children's Foundation, experience lions and Tasmanian devils being fed and visit some of the resident animals on a night tour before you camp out at Hunter Valley Zoo. www.huntervalleyzoo.com.au

SUNDAY, APRIL 9 Brickman Experience The largest interactive LEGO exhibition is coming to Newcastle Entertainment Centre! The exhibit features individual works by LEGO certified professional Ryan McNaught. Tickets at ticketek, showing until April 30.

MONDAY, APRIL 10 Questacon Invention Convention Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre is holding a free 3-day hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) workshop in the Newcastle region for students aged between 14 and 18 years.

Newcastle Museum, www.questacon.edu.au.

TUESDAY, APRIL 11 Breakfast Club: Financial implications of transitioning to retirement With the over 50s in mind, this seminar provides all the information you need about investments, resources and support when entering retirement. Tickets $20, visit www.eventbrite.com.au The Great War in Great Outlines Exhibition Newcastle Museum, until April 30.

THURSDAY, APRIL 13 The Next Step – Live On Stage Civic Theatre.

7 APRIL A Little Bit of Italy in Broke A weekend long festival of food, wine, workshops, music and fun. www.italyinbroke.com.au

FRIDAY, APRIL 14 Easter Long Weekend at Hunter Valley Gardens This annual event returns with all our favourite Easter activities! Don't miss the Giant Easter Egg Hunt on

both Sat and Sun, running every 45mins from 10am to 2.30pm. More information on events and activities at www.hvg.com.au

SATURDAY, APRIL 15 Feast Fest Indulge your taste buds with international flavours at this new twilight food festival at Blacksmiths Beach, 4pm - 8pm.

Easter Saturday at Hunter Wetlands Centre Fun for all the family with Easter craft, face painting, jumping castle, dip-netting and reptile encounter.

And of course meet the Easter Bunny at 10.30am + 11.30am. Entry $5, 3 - 12yrs $2, under 3 free.

Lakemac Heritage Festival Come down to the Toronto Foreshore to view Australia's best classic boats, as well as vintage and veteran cars + more.

There is plenty of activities for the kids, including an Easter egg hunt! April 15 - 16.

THURSDAY, APRIL 20 Rent An inspiring message about joy and hope in the face of fear. The Playhouse, Newcastle until April 22.

SUNDAY, APRIL 23 Japanese Tattooing-Talk and Demo with Kian Forreal Kian ‘Horisumi’ Forreal is a tattoo artist whose expertise and passion lies within traditional Japanese tattooing or Irezumi. Hear about his practice, tools and techniques before he shows them in a live demo. Free event, 1.30 - 3pm, bookings essential on 4974 1401. Newcastle Museum.

Cessnock Stomp Festival Featuring grape stomping, market stalls, live performances, amusement rides, music, food along with wineries, brewery's and much more. 10am - 4pm, Vincent Street, Cessnock.

Dog Olympics Newcastle The day will be filled with market stalls, raffles, a BBQ and doggie Olympic competitions! ALL dogs are invited to participate in various non/athletic competitions, such as musical hoops, best trick, fetching frisbees, creative paintings and more! Islington Dog Park, 10am - 3pm.

TUESDAY, APRIL 25 Anzac Day Newcastle Museum will honour the lives of service men and women by creating a field of crosses and poppies, open 10am - 4pm. If you wish to add a name to the Field of Remembrance please email dhampton@ncc.nsw.gov.au and include the person's name, unit and any other information.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26 Seussical Kids Welcome to the wondrous world of Seuss! The Playhouse, Newcastle, until April 30.

SATURDAY, APRIL 29 Puppetry of The Penis Civic Theatre, Newcastle

SUNDAY, APRIL 30 Love in the Vines Wedding Festival 2017 See Your Hunter Valley Wedding Planner Magazine come to life in the Hunter's most unique wedding festival.

Lindeman's, Hunter Valley. Buy tickets online at www.loveinthevines.com.au Sista Code Celebration Celebrating all women at a special luncheon at Merewether Surfhouse, raising funds for vulnerable women in our community. www.trybooking.com/OUYT

Do you have a local event or gig coming up? Email us today at getintouch@intouchmagazine.com.au

What’s on?

Coming Up IN MAY

COMING UP//

Live & Cookin’

WEDNESDAY 3RD Do Your Parents Know You're Straight? In an alternate reality where heterosexuals are the minority and homosexuality is the norm, a straight teenage boy named Casey Miller struggles to find himself. The Playhouse, until May 6.

THURSDAY 4TH Hunter Valley Wine, Food and Film Festival Enjoy the ambience of Hunter vineyards watching fun and engaging films whilst enjoying fine local wines and gourmet food! 4th - 14th May, more info at www.aroundhermitage.com.au/wine-food-film-festival

FRIDAY 5TH Dan Sultan – Pop Up Tour 48 Watt Street, Newcastle Bulga Beats Festival An event unifying festival experiences with practical learning through workshops, art, movement and theatre!

5th - 7th May, find out more information through facebook.

SATURDAY 6TH Upper Hunter Food and Wine Affair An incredible collection of street food, gourmet take home foods, craft beer and the unique flavours of world renowned Upper Hunter Wines and Local Cider.

Denman, Upper Hunter.

Grapest Lovedale Fun Run Taking place at Domaine de Binet in Lovedale there will be a 5km or 10km off road run, featuring a 1km wine walk. www.grapest5krun.com.au

WEDNESDAY 10TH Troy Cassar-Daley - Things I Carry Around Tour Lizottes, Lambton.

THURSDAY 11TH Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour Over 2.5 hours of the most enthralling mountain adventure films that will have you planning your next adventure before the credits roll! Tower Cinemas, Newcastle, www.banffaustralia.com.au

SATURDAY 13TH Judith Lucy and Denise Scott - Disappointments They’ll sing, they’ll dance, they’ll lie down a lot and they’ll learn to love their disappointments. You won’t want to miss this unforgettable evening of comedy. Civic Theatre, Newcastle.

Health, Fitness and Wellbeing Charity Ball www.hfwball.com.au

MONDAY 15TH The Animals Lizottes, Lambton. www.lizottes.com.au

31 Morehead Street, Lambton Doors open from 6pm FULLY LICENSED

Mother’s Day Lunch With the Legendary Glenn Shorrock Sunday, 14 May 2017 With a career spanning over 40 years, Glenn Shorrock is one of the elder statesmen of Australian contemporary show business.

Born in Kent, England, Glenn migrated with his family at the age of 10 to Adelaide in the mid-1950s. A self-confessed child of rock 'n' roll, he began singing in 1962 with a vocal group called the Twilights. By 1965, the Twilights become a six piece "beat group" based in Melbourne scoring numerous hits, before disbanding in 1969.

Axiom with Brian Cadd followed shortly after that, with hits including Arkansas Grass and Little Ray of Sunshine.

Axiom disbanded soon after moving to London in 1970. Glenn chose to remain in London as a session singer and songwriter working with other ex-pats and Europeans in a twelve-piece rock orchestra named Esperanto.

At the conclusion of 1974, Glenn returned to Melbourne to help form Little River Band as lead singer. Managed by long-time friend, Glenn Wheatley, Little River Band cracked the lucrative United States market in 1976 and began a string of eight Top Ten Hits in the U.S.A and around the world. The band has sold more than 25 million albums, often being credited for opening the door for many Australian acts on the international circuit.

Glenn Shorrock will perform at Lizotte’s on Mothers Day – Sunday, May 14th. For more information and tickets visit www.newcastle.lizottes.com.au

Lovedale Long Lunch 2017 Food and wine lovers are invited to wine and dine across seven of Lovedale's finest wineries on May 20 + 21. www.lovedalelonglunch.com.au Newcastle Herald Race Day Held at Newcastle Racecourse.

Abstraction Exhibition Newcastle Art Gallery, until July 23.

WIN

SATURDAY 20TH Treat your mum! Thanks to the gang at Lizotte’s we have 4 x show-only tickets to giveaway to one lucky reader for this great Mother’s Day show. Visit the Giveaways page at www.intouchmagazine.com.au to enter. Be quick – entries close April 30th.

APRIL SOUL & CIRQUE Saturday 1 LAZY SUNDAY LUNCH WITH THE GRIGORYAN BROTHERS Sunday 2 DIAMOND - THE SHOW Friday 7 EUGENE HIDEAWAY BRIDGES Saturday 8 LAZY SUNDAY LUNCH WITH AMBER LAWRENCE + CATHERINE BRITT Sunday 9 LIZOTTES CLOSED EASTER WEEKEND! Friday 14 - Sunday 16

DAN BAIRD & THE HOMEMADE SIN Wednesday 19

8 BALL AITKEN Thursday 20 BOB EVANS - LONESOME HIGHWAYS Friday 21

LAZY SUNDAY LUNCH WITH THE LEGENDARY IAN MOSS Sunday 23 WHISTLE DIXIE Thursday 27 MIKE MCCLELLAN Friday 28

MAY THE RADIATORS Friday 5 THE EAGLES SHOW Saturday 6 TROY CASSAR DALEY Wednesday 10 THE PIGS Friday 12 SLIM JIM PHANTOM TRIO Saturday 13 MOTHER’S DAY LUNCH WITH THE LEGENDARY GLENN SHORROCK Sunday 14

MORE SHOWS added daily.

LIVE SHOWS starting from APRIL 1 + MAY 6 CIVIC PARK 9AM - 3PM www.theolivetreemarket.com.au

$65 (including dinner)

BOOK ONLINE NOW + See who else is coming to dinner...

lizottes.com.au or PH 4956 2066 www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 9

Cover Story

Historic Newcastle Racecourse

{But not as you know it} WORDS MICHELLE MEEHAN - Features Writer

THE TRACK

They say good things are worth waiting for, and in the case of the main track at Broadmeadow, the wait has certainly been If you head down to Darling Street, Broadmeadow worth it. these days, you’ll find Newcastle Racecourse – The seeds of the redevelopment were sown as far back as but not as you know it.

2011, when issues with the surface of the track flagged the need for its eventual total rebuild.

An on-course and trackside facelift, years and millions of dollars The process began in earnest in September 2014 when in the making, has been unveiled at the facility, creating one of the turf was stripped from the adjacent Beaumont track, which the best horse racing surfaces in the country and a venue that was first in line for an upgrade so as to be able to take on the provides so much more than just a great day at the races. racing duties while the major project on the course proper was At the heart of the changes is the $11.2 million completed. redevelopment of the course proper funded by Racing NSW, New turf was laid in April 2015, with the first race meeting which saw the sometimes problematic main surface rebuilt as a held on the Beaumont track in October that year – the same new all-weather track. month work on the main track commenced.

A further $2.5 million was spent by Newcastle Jockey Club During the next seven months the conventional profile (NJC) to upgrade everything from the stewards’ towers, railing track was replaced with a sand-based, all-weather system by and fencing on track, to a number of bar facilities used by the contractors StrathAyr, who first laid sub-soil drainage pipes to punters trackside. harvest storm water, followed by 100mm of gravel, 110mm of But it is more than just the physical facilities that have plain sand, 120mm of mesh-reinforced sand and a 20mm layer undergone somewhat of a rebirth at Broadmeadow. of sand and Peat moss, capped off with a top layer of turf.

While the Newcastle Jockey Club will remain at the core of All in all, it took 60,000 tonnes of sand and aggregate base the horse racing activities, a decision was also made to rebrand and more than 100,000 square metres of Kikuyu grass to the entire racing precinct under the banner of Newcastle redevelop the track, which has a circumference of 2016m.

Racecourse, paving the way for a broader understanding of The final piece of turf was laid in May 2016, with a decision what a trip to the venue might involve. made to give the new surface the next 10 months to properly With so much going on at Darling Street lately, we decided bed in before the course proper was officially opened at the to take a closer look this month at what the “new” Newcastle Newcastle Newmarket Race Day last month.

Racecourse is all about.

NJC CEO Matt Benson said the end result was the creation 10 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Images courtesy of Newcastle Racecourse.

of a track that is second to none in NSW and among the best racing surfaces in all of Australia.

“The club to its credit (and this happened before I got here), made a commitment that the track would have the best part of a year to consolidate and mature – and that patient approach has paid back in spades,” he said.

“The nature of this track, being a sand-based, all-weather very free draining track, means that you need the grass roots to get down right through the matrix, so the whole track settles and binds if you like and creates the compound that means it will withstand the pressures of racing.

“That has been happening since last April and the track is in perfect condition.

“We’ve had a dryish summer, so we had some challenges over summer keeping the water up to this sandy, thirsty beast.

We’re learning a lot about how to manage that but I think we’ve got it right and we’ve had a wonderful contribution from Racing NSW from some of their experts about how to manage this, StrathAyr who put the track in have been really helpful… so we’re very excited that it will tick all the boxes because of the preparation.

“We’ve had a set of trials on it, we had four races on it in the first week of February, all the feedback from the top jockeys was that it was as good a racing surface as they’ve ever been on in NSW and our view is it’ll be as good a racing surface as anywhere in Australia.”

THE FACILITIES

While the main focus has been on the redevelopment of the course proper and the Beaumont track, as well as a renovation of Broadmeadow’s Pro-Ride synthetic training track, there has been plenty of action happening trackside as well.

Around $2.5 million was spent by the NJC on ancillary projects, such as upgrading the stewards’ towers, installing new railing and perimeter fencing, water storage, reticulation, landscaping and internal fencing.

But Mr Benson, who was appointed CEO of the NJC in February 2016, said one of his key priorities since arriving in Newcastle has been ensuring that the horses and jockeys weren’t the only ones to benefit from upgraded facilities.

This included renovating or upgrading three bars at the venue to provide contemporary and classy surrounds that would enhance the race day experience.

The former Newmarket Café adjacent to the betting ring was completed, renovated and renamed the Newmarket Bar, featuring a full-length blonde timber bar with exposed brick, industrial-style furniture and a colour palette of granite, neutral and cream.

The perfect place to meet friends before, during and after the races with full TAB facilities, TV screens, hot food, beer, wine and spirits on offer, it has three walls of windows to ensure racegoers can keep up with what’s happening outside as well.

The bar also offers extended operating hours, allowing the good vibes to continue for an additional hour after the last race at Newcastle has been run and won.

Well-known and respected firm EJE Architecture was brought in to totally transform the former Broadmeadow Bar, which is located underneath the grandstand area.

It reopened as the Ascot Bar in time for the Hunter Jaguar Land Rover Spring Racing Carnival in September last year, boasting a fresh new industrial-inspired look complete with striking black iron beams, a silver, grey and black colour scheme and an expanse of windows showcasing an inviting grassy outdoor area adjacent to the track.

The Mark Murphy Lounge, located above Chevals Restaurant and adjacent to the public grandstand, was also on the receiving end of a facelift that helped create a modern and versatile space where you can enjoy the races in air conditioned comfort with one of the best views of the track. It is also perfect for corporate functions and can be configured in a number of different ways.

“I was determined when I first got here and saw the magnitude and significance of the course proper construction and the track redevelopment that it was really important the club seized the opportunity to also change how it looked and felt,” Mr Benson said.

“The (NJC) Board was very supportive of my eagerness to make sure there was plenty happening on our side of the fence as well.

“We’ve got a new public bar, the Ascot Bar, which has been renovated and was opened just before the Spring Carnival last year and that’s been hugely successful. We’ve opened a new bar and food servery in the old Newmarket Café, which has been totally refurbished (as the Newmarket Bar).

“Obviously there are more plans as far as upgrading the public facilities and the members’ [facilities] in the future, but we’ve got to stage that approach because it would just cost too much to do it all at once.

“But we wanted to make sure the good experience here with a new track wasn’t just for the horses and the jockeys, that actually if you came along here to the races you saw a difference.

“The track’s fantastic, the facilities are improved and being worked on, and the place has got a new look and feel.”

significant history, while the venue itself was rebranded as the Newcastle Racecourse, with its logo featuring the year 1907 in a nod to the year racing commended at the Broadmeadow site.

“Along with the track re-birth and facilities upgrade we have also rejuvenated the logo for Newcastle Jockey Club and created a new brand identity for our racing precinct,” Mr Benson said.

“We seized the opportunity to refresh our look and feel at this significant moment in the club’s history.

“Our new track is a re-birth for racing in Newcastle and the region – and so it was crucial to align a re-birth of our image as well.”

Mr Benson said this separation of the Club from the venue was similar to what had been done at other major horse racing clubs in Australia, allowing for the development of a brand that was about more than just the racing experience.

“We engaged professional advice on how to approach a brand and logo review, and a lot of that market research showed … that people don’t relate to racing clubs, they relate to the venue,” Mr Benson said.

“It’s no different to Randwick and the ATC; you don’t say to people you’re going to the Australian Turf Club this weekend you’re going to Randwick.

“The key was to promote Newcastle and celebrate the wonderful location of this facility in the Newcastle centre because as a racetrack it’s as well located as any in Australia being virtually in the centre of town.

Newcastle Region Library NIKON-WALKLEY PRESS PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION

“

The message is also that it’s not just about a jockey club - even though the jockey club is still very much at the nerve centre of what happens here – but if you come here, it’s not just a jockey club, it’s a great day at the races.

“That market research is consistent all around Australia that people want to come to the races, but the races are a backdrop to a good time.

“If you look at our two days of the Spring Carnival, they are like chalk and cheese, they could be two totally different events.

“Newcastle Cup Day is on a Friday, and that is more of a corporate, more middle-aged type day and then Ladies Day on the Saturday is a far younger crowd and more of a party. (continued next page) ►

© Brian Cassey Beaten Refugee Nikon-Walkley Portrait Prize

Heartbreak and triumph, jubilation and devastation: it’s all on show at the Nikon-Walkley Press Photography Exhibition, featuring works by Australia’s most outstanding photojournalists.

Each year, more than 350 entries are considered for selection in the annual Walkley Awards – the pinnacle of achievement for Australian press photographers judged by industry experts and awarded in November.

On Display 7 April - 7 June 2017 Wallsend District Library Bunn Street, Wallsend Open Monday - Friday, 1pm - 8pm

THE BRAND

As part of creating a new “feel” at the Broadmeadow venue, it was decided a new identity would be given to the racecourse precinct, distinct from the NJC. The racing club’s logo was refreshed with a traditional yet contemporary style that acknowledges its unique and www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 11

TRAINERS

(continued)

“Everything changes between those two days, what the crowd wants, what they drink, what they eat, everything changes.

“A purist would say ‘Why would you come to the races on a Saturday, there’s no Group racing?’ But the people who turn up on a Saturday aren’t here for Group racing, they’re here because they love the fashion, they want to catch up with friends, they want to listen to some music, of course they want to see lovely horses and have a bet and enjoy the festivities and the environment that the races provide, but the races are the backdrop to other things.”

The new brand also allows Newcastle Racecourse to more readily promote its other burgeoning market – non-race day events.

With a host of indoor and outdoor spaces, the venue offers a high quality and versatile option for event organisers looking to put on everything from a gala dinners, expos or music festivals to a business brunch, training session or company conference.

The permanent installation of the Stables and Pavilion marquees on the lawn also make it ideally suited for brides-tobe looking to create their dream open air wedding experience.

“If somebody wants to come here because they love the idea of getting married adjacent to the gorgeous track, next to the mounting yard in a marquee, they don’t want to do that at the Newcastle Jockey Club, they want to do that at the Newcastle Racecourse,” Mr Benson said.

“It’s an important but subtle change in how we market this place for both racing and non-racing events.

“To the general public, we want them to see we’re more than just a jockey club. We’re a facility that has functions, events and trade shows and lots of things happening, and when you come here it’s not about being a member, it’s about coming along and enjoying a day at the races or one of the other events that we put on.”

Of course, the best event venue can be let down by poor catering, but with a new chef, new menus, and a new hospitality manager on the scene, the dining options at Newcastle Racecourse are also second to none.

Leading the change is Glynn Haslam, General Manager of Hospitality, who, along with new head chef Jamie Catalogna, are helping to bring an exceptional, fine-dining experience to both race and non-race day events at the track.

From delicious new finger food options and gourmet mains to mouth-watering dessert towers guaranteed to tempt the taste buds, visitors to the track are savouring the chance to indulge in a meal or enjoy a light snack.

THE VERDICT

With all that has been happening on and off the course at the Broadmeadow track, there’s no better time to head down to Darling Street and check out Newcastle Racecourse - because it’s certainly not as you knew it!

12 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Inaugural Inductees Announced at Gala Dinner Trailblazers, record holders and a Melbourne Cup victor were among those first past the post when the Newcastle and Hunter Racing Hall of Fame’s inaugural inductees were announced last month.

With the region’s history littered with highlights, it was always going to be tough to decide on the worthy few who would make it across the line in the first year of the new initiative.

But from 60 nominations, judges Greg Radley, Brian Judd, Ray Thomas and Gary Harley have selected a particularly classy field of both horses and humans who have all made their mark on the Australian thoroughbred racing industry.

Two inductees were announced in each of the four categories: horses, trainers, jockeys and associates (such as breeders, owners, administrators, media and bookmakers), with the presentation made in front of 150 people at gala dinner at Newcastle Racecourse last month.

Newcastle and Hunter Racing Hall of Fame 2017 Inductees ASSOCIATES A.O. (Alf) Ellison (1903-1987) - Racehorse Breeder. Alfred Owen Ellison, better known as ‘AO’ or ‘Alf,' was a solicitorturned-racehorse breeder who made his name after importing prolific stallion Star Kingdom from England in 1951.

While initially appearing to have been a questionable purchase due to the horse’s condition after the long sea voyage and his “pony-sized” stature (15.1 hands), Ellison worked wonders with the 2yr old at his Baramul Stud at Widden Valley.

He went on to become a five-times champion Australian sire, seven-times leading juvenile winner/producer and three times at the head of the broodmare list, siring 65 individual stakes winners, including the first five winners of the Golden Slipper Stakes.

Athol Albert “Billy” Hill - Legendary Race-caller. Athol Albert Hill – better known as Billy – was the undisputed voice of horse racing in the Hunter for almost five decades.

With a jockey for a father, it was little wonder Hill was drawn to a life at the track – although initially, his career as a race caller began at the dogs when, in 1935, he became the first person in Australia - and possibly the world - to broadcast the call of a greyhound race off-course. He went on to spend a lifetime calling not only the dogs, but the trots and gallops as well, and was especially well-known in the Hunter as the voice of horse racing at Broadmeadow.

Max Lees - Broadmeadow. A former jockey who turned his hand to training in 1971, Max Lees was a Newcastle man through and through, rejecting suggestions he transfer his operations to Sydney to remain based at Broadmeadow throughout his highly success career. While his most notable runner would undoubtedly be boom two-year-old Luskin Star, Lees was far from a one-horse man, carving out an enviable record in training circles with more than 3000 winners to his name.

Paul Perry – Broadmeadow. Paul Perry is no stranger to blazing trails in his pursuit of success. The first trail led from Newcastle to Melbourne, with Perry one of the few Newcastle trainers in the 1980s to take his horses south for the Victorian racing carnivals – a journey that is relatively commonplace today. Perry’s second trail saw him become the first Australian trainer to take on the might of the Northern Hemisphere horses on their own soil with a win at Royal Ascot in 2003.

Presented the trophy for the Group 1 win by Queen Elizabeth herself – at her request – Perry’s success in the UK created headlines for breaking new ground.

JOCKEYS Wayne Harris – Muswellbrook. It has been a career of dizzying highs and devastating lows for Wayne Harris. Rated by racing legend Bart Cummings as the best young rider he had ever seen, Harris made an instant impact on the industry as an apprentice. At the age of 18 he won the 1979 Golden Slipper aboard Cumming’s filly Century Miss – the first apprentice and one of only two to this day to claim victory in the race.

All the natural ability in the world can’t stop the ravages of illness and injury, though, with Harris suffering from two brain tumours, 11 back operations, meningitis, the loss of part of one finger, deafness in one ear and a litany of broken bones during his career. But the Muswellbrook jockey was a fighter, and his setbacks were counterbalanced by a string of triumphant comebacks, the most memorable of which saw him score a ride on David Hayes’ unfancied import Jeune in the 1994 Melbourne Cup, defying the odds and the rain-affected track to win Australia’s greatest race by two lengths.

Robert Thompson – Cessnock. Known by many as the ‘King of the Coalfields,' Cessnock jockey Robert Thompson has no equal when it comes to his career. Born into a racing family, Thompson claimed 499 winners during his time as an apprentice, setting the scene for what was to come during the next four decades. Still riding at the age of 58, he has become far and away the winningest jockey in Australian racing history, with 4265 victories to his name as of March this year, more than 750 clear of his nearest rival.

RACEHORSES Rogilla. They say good things come to those who wait – and that was certainly the case in the 1930s for Newcastle trainer Les Haigh when it came to his late-blooming chestnut gelding Rogilla. Dubbed the ‘Coalfields Champion’ by the newspapers, Rogilla was famed for his versatility and brilliance.

Luskin Star. From a passed-in lot at the 1976 Easter Yearling Sales to one of the most impressive two-year-olds in Australian racing history, Luskin Star was a true Hunter thoroughbred legend.

The first horse bred by Hunter Valley tyre dealer Jim O’Neill at his fledgling Luskin Park Stud at Luskintyre, Luskin Star showed real promise on debut and after numerous victories was aptly dubbed “the colossal colt from the Coalfields” by race-caller Ian Craig when he flashed home to win the 1977 Golden Slipper Stakes at Rosehill by seven lengths, smashing the race record by 1.5 seconds in the process. ■ (Background information courtesy of Newcastle and Hunter Racing Hall of Fame and researcher Sam North.)

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Ambitious Schedule Has Something for Every Reader (and Budding Writer!)

At the launch of this year’s Newcastle Writers Festival program, founding director Rosemarie Milsom apologised to those present who would be hearing her make a speech for the fifth year in a row. “Some of you have been at every program launch, and you must be tired of hearing me speak,” she said, joking.

This year’s festival, which will be held from 7 to 9 April in the Civic Precinct, is a milestone for the small, not-for-profit organisation. There are 85 sessions in the ambitious 2017 schedule, which features 140 writers, including Michael Leunig,

14 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Sarah Wilson, Nick Earls, Deng Adut, Tara Moss, Nikki Gemmell, Belinda Alexandra and Mark Colvin.

“We might be a small organisation, but that hasn’t stopped us dreaming big in the past five years,” says Milsom. “Why can’t Newcastle host some of Australia’s top writers? I think for me, the past five years have proven that the city is willing to support cultural events.”

This year’s guests reach out across many forms of storytelling – film, music, photography, and of course, books.

Richard Roxburgh has made his mark as an actor – and he has also just written and illustrated his first book for children.

Musician Holly Throsby has published her debut novel, Goodwood, which is set in a small town and explores the fallout of two deaths. She’ll discuss the interplay between music and writing with Melbourne musician and writer Peggy Frew.

Photographer Gary Ramage will discuss his autobiography and talk the audience through some of his most powerful images from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. He’ll be joined by musician and former Australian diplomat Fred Smith who spent time in Afghanistan during some of its bloodiest days. He has written an album inspired by that experience.

Nick Earls’ Wisdom Tree series of novellas will be brought to life in a cabaret-style event featuring local band Rose River who will perform songs selected by Earls to reflect each of the five novellas, which transport readers across the world. Guest writers will read excerpts from each novella. Local writer Nick Milligan will host.

For the first time, the festival has partnered with the Newcastle Youth Orchestra (NYO) and is jointly bringing awardwinning writer and wombat wrangler Jackie French to town.

She will participate in the free Festival Family Day in the Port of Newcastle marquee in Wheeler Place as well as the main program. She will also appear with the NYO to bring Josephine the dancing kangaroo to the stage on Sunday, 9 April.

Julia Baird, who is well on the road to recovery after treatment for cancer, has turned her journalist’s eye towards England and the life of Queen Victoria. Her magnificent, weighty biography has ruffled a few royal feathers. She will discuss the challenges she faced with fellow journalist and founder of Redfern’s The Story Factory, Catherine Keenan.

Nobel Laureate Peter Doherty will make a case for science.

His book, The Knowledge Wars, rests on the argument that we are in the midst “of a potential deadly conflict between the new knowledge based in science and the established power.” He will speak to the University of Newcastle’s acting deputy vicechancellor Professor John Germov on Saturday, 8 April, at the Civic Theatre.

Sarah Wilson, who is known as the anti-sugar guru, will discuss her new book, First, We Make The Beast Beautiful which explores her struggle with crippling anxiety. Says Milsom, “It is such a revealing and honest account, and when I finished reading it I couldn’t help but respect Sarah’s determination to reframe the condition.”

There is something for everyone in this year’s program, and in its short history, the festival has cemented itself as the city’s premier cultural event. “We have people travelling from Port Macquarie, Taree, Sydney and Brisbane to attend, and our volunteers are coming from Katoomba and Wollongong,” says Milsom. “But what I’m most proud of is the support we receive from the Newcastle community and local sponsors.

There wouldn’t be a festival without their enthusiasm and commitment.”

More than half the 2017 program is free, and seats are offered on a “first in, first served” basis. All other tickets are available via www.ticketek.com.au. Special events such as Lunch with Marina Go on Friday, 7 April, and Wisdom Tree Live, are available from www.eventbrite.com.au. Program details are available at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au

over four years with three recital programmes in each. Meanwhile, she has a complete Beethoven sonatas cycle to finish recording, plus continuing love affairs with French music and with the sonatas of Scarlatti.

Her career launched in earnest when she won the Toronto International Bach Competition in 1985.

Although her repertoire is extensive, Bach has been the heart of it since the beginning. Her recital program for Musica Viva reveals the natural connection between the dancing counterpoint of Bach, the miniature delicacies of Scarlatti and the Baroque inspirations behind two exquisite works of Ravel and Chabrier.

WORDS JESSICA DUCHEN “The Bach partitas are full of dance rhythms, and the Acclaimed as one of the world’s greats, Angela Hewitt is on Chabrier piece I’m playing is a Bourrée, one in which you can a mission to perform the complete solo keyboard works of almost hear the clogs of the Auvergne rustic dancers. Chabrier Bach around the world. Her quest takes her to the Newcastle was a significant influence on Ravel, who also had a book of Conservatorium on 18 May for an exclusive concert of Bach, Scarlatti sonatas on his piano and clearly had played some.

Scarlatti, Ravel and Chabrier courtesy of Musica Viva Australia. There’s a Spanish link between the three of them, too: Scarlatti, Angela Hewitt lives in the international fast lane of the piano originally Neapolitan, lived much of his life in Spain and world. The celebrated Canadian musician gives around 100 Portugal; and Ravel and Chabrier both loved Spain and wrote concerts a year (“though I try not to count,” she remarks), but wonderful Spanish-themed works.” also runs her own festival in Trasimeno, Italy, has made more Hewitt’s passion for Bach took root early, and several crucial than 50 recordings over the years, and enjoys a reputation for influences fed into it – notably dance. “I started both ballet and Bach playing that is second to none. piano at the age of three, and I did ballet for 20 years,” she Her current projects include a Bach Odyssey, in which reveals. “I went to live in Paris when I was 20 and I had some she is performing the composer’s complete keyboard works lessons there; I eventually had to give it up because I couldn’t

Pianist Angela Hewitt Brings Bach to Newcastle

go to class often enough, but I loved it. My teacher had danced with the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo and knew all the original choreography.

“From my earliest years music and dance were inseparable,” she adds. “I was always prancing around my bedroom, whether it was to Bach or Ravel – it was a natural way of expressing the music. When it’s formed so young, it doesn’t leave you.”

Her father was a church organist in Ottawa, and consequently, she was steeped in church music as a child.

“That was indispensable,” she says. “To play Bach well, you don’t have to be a believer – but I think if you have a knowledge of polyphony, singing in a choir and realising that for Bach music was an expression of his faith, that’s essential to understanding it. I was lucky that I grew up listening to Bach from the beginning; learning the violin and the recorder also helped. All of those things came together to make me the musician that I am.”

Hewitt says she loves visiting Australia. She has been a number of times, performing with the Melbourne and Sydney symphony orchestras, among others. “As a Canadian, I feel there are a lot of similarities,” she notes. “It’s a big country, a lot of it empty, the people are open and friendly, and there is a relaxed atmosphere and fantastic scenery.”

Busy though she is, Hewitt has no intention of slowing down anytime soon. “I am becoming more demanding,” she reflects, “trying to do just the concerts and the repertoire I really want to do. As you get older, you need more time to yourself. But on the other hand, it’s nice to be out there playing. It’s slightly addictive!”

Angela Hewitt will appear at the Newcastle Conservatorium on Thursday, 18 May at 7:30pm. For tickets and further details, please visit www.musicaviva.com.au/hewitt

“EXQUISITE AND DRAMATIC… AT ONCE FINELY THOUGHTOUT AND EXALTING” SUNDAY TIMES

Thursday 18 May, 7:30pm Newcastle Conservatorium of Music One of the world’s greatest pianists brings her breathtaking artistry to virtuoso masterpieces by JS Bach, Scarlatti, Ravel and Chabrier.

GET YOUR TICKETS musicaviva.com.au/hewitt (no booking fees) ticketek.com.au | 4929 1977

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 15

KIDS GET CREATIVE

Inflatable fun at Swansea Swim Centre

Tour Newcastle Art Gallery by torchlight

THIS SCHOOL HOLIDAYS Your Epic Calendar of School Holiday Activities in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie!

There will be a number of animals on hand for children to interact with during the one-hour show, which will be followed by a free sausage sizzle.

The countdown is on to the April school holidays, with students But the fun doesn’t end there for those daring enough to eagerly anticipating two weeks of freedom from the confines of take on the Aquatic Challenger – a giant, floating inflatable their classrooms. While the excitement of Easter – and a basket obstacle course that provides bragging points, or a slippery full of chocolate eggs – are sure to keep the kids on a high for a slide into the cool pool, as you attempt to make it to the end. certain amount of time, just what do you do with them once the Entry to the pool and wildlife show costs from $4 to $7.50 sugar wears off and the boredom kicks in? depending on your age, with access to the aquatic challenger, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie councils have once again which will operate from 12pm to 2pm, an additional $2.50 pp. put together a cracking calendar of activities for kids of all ages, The wildlife show will also pop up poolside at the West with the mixture of free and paid events ensuring parents will Wallsend Swim Centre from 11am to 12pm on Monday, be able to beat the school holiday blues on a budget.

April 10.

School holiday fun will also begin on April 8 at the WEEK 1 – APRIL 8 TO 14 Newcastle Art Gallery, which will host an Egg-cellent Easter The dust will barely have begun to settle on those school books Torchlight Tour from 6pm to 7.30pm. before students are able to dive into the first of the holiday Hop along to the gallery for an Easter egg hunt and guided activities at the Speers Point Swim Centre on Saturday, April 8. tour around the exhibitions by torchlight. Grab a hot chocolate, Swimmers will be given a chance to get up close and personal collect your egg hunt loot and make your own Easter craft. with native wildlife when Blackbutt Reserve Rangers set up the The family-friendly event includes all art materials and Wildlife Poolside Show at the Lake Macquarie aquatic facility snacks, although participants need to bring their own torch. It from 11am to 12pm. is suitable for children aged five years and older and costs $10

Indulge...

Have fun at Charlestown Square this Easter long weekend. Enjoy over 230 specialty stores, plus Myer, H&M and Reading Cinemas at the Hunter’s largest shopping destination.

FRIDAY 14 APRIL … SHOPS ARE CLOSED* SATURDAY 15 APRIL … 9AM – 5PM*

SUNDAY 16 APRIL … SHOPS ARE CLOSED* MONDAY 17 APRIL … 10AM – 4PM*

South Piazza cafes and restaurants, Reading Cinemas, Strike and Timezone will be open over the Easter long weekend.

*

charlestownsquare.com.au

*

GPT Property Management Pty Limited trading as part of The GPT Group

16 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

per child, with accompanying adults free. The popular events sell out fast, so make sure you book your tickets early.

Budding artists aged 5 to 12 can also return to the gallery from April 10-13 to take part in the Swimming Self Portraits workshop.

Taking inspiration from the current MAGIC MIKE exhibition and The Mermaid (2015) artwork, participants will be guided through the process of making their own underwater-themed self-portrait. Children will draw themselves using oil pastels, add watercolour and salt onto the background and use plastic bottle lids to stamp blue and white circles on a piece of blue card for a bubbly picture frame. The workshops will be held at 10.30am, 12pm and 2pm each day and entry costs $10.

The Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery will also play host to a series of school holiday activities, including Perfectly Possible Printmaking on Tuesday, April 11.

Children aged seven years and over will have the opportunity to produce a beautiful set of prints while learning design processes and printmaking techniques during the twohour workshop, which costs $20 per person. The workshop will also be held again on Tuesday, April 18.

Libraries across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie will be a haven for affordable school holiday fun, with everything from book launches and Easter craft to science shows and a mother/daughter book club.

Some of your favourite fictional characters will leap off the big screen and onto your sketchbook on Wednesday,

April 12 during three Let’s Draw sessions at Morisset Library.

Participants will follow step-by-step instructions in the online tutorials to learn how to draw everything from the Minions and Angry Birds to Hello Kitty and every bodies favourite snowman, Olaf from Frozen.

The free sessions will run for just over an hour, starting at 10.30am, 11.45am and 2.30pm and are suitable for children aged 8 to 12 years.

LEGO lovers aged 5 to 12 will have ample opportunities to show off their creative Minecraft construction skills this week, with the free LEGO Master Builders Challenge taking place at Stockton Library (April 11, 10.30am), Beresfield Library (April 12, 10.30am) and Wallsend Library (April 13, 2pm).

Another highlight of the first week of holidays is sure to be the Junior Ranger Fun Day at Blackbutt Reserve.

Go on a nature adventure at Richley Reserve on Wednesday, April 12 from 11am to 1pm, with reptile encounters, environmental activities, craft, games and jumping castles. No bookings are required. However, parental supervision is compulsory, and children must wear fully enclosed shoes.

WEEK 2 – APRIL 18 TO 21

Once the excitement of the Easter Bunny’s arrival has passed, there will still be plenty of other fun events on offer to make the most of the last few days of the holiday.

Newcastle Museum provides an entertaining and educational day out for the whole family with its mix of permanent and travelling exhibitions. Among its most popular attractions during the school holidays are the free Science Shows, which are sure to excite you with explosions, make you curious about the workings of all things great and small, and take you into the fascinating world of chemicals.

The free sessions will be held on April 11, 13, 18 and 19 from 11.15am, 12.15pm and 1.15pm each day.

Another activity sure to make your imagination blast off will be the museum’s Bricks 4 Kidz workshop. Learn about real-life space exploration, build LEGO models related to the NASA space program and the ever popular Star Wars series, while also taking part in group games and challenges.

The one-and-a-half-hour workshop is suited to children aged five years or older and costs $15 per child, with bookings essential. It will run on April 12, and 19 from 10am, 11.45am and 1.30pm.

Magic will also be in the air during the second week of the school holidays when the Hunter’s own internationally renowned magician Joel Howlett unleashes his bag of tricks at the Charlestown Library.

Joel has been amazing audiences of all ages for years with his mind-boggling displays of magic, picking up national and international awards along the way.

He will present his JD’s World of Magic show at the library

on Tuesday, April 18 from 1.30pm to 2.15pm. Entry costs $8 for library members and $10 for non-members, with the show suitable for all ages.

The library fun will continue on Wednesday, April 19, as Cardiff Library taps into the current kid's coding craze when it hosts the Ozbots workshop. The free session is perfect for beginners aged 10 to 14 years, with easy-to-understand exercises designed to build up your coding skills.

Older school-aged children have also been catered for by both councils these school holidays, with a range of youth activities on offer.

Kicking off with Stitch Your Selfie on April 12 (Wallsend Library) and 19 (New Lambton Library), the workshop will take today’s obsession with taking ‘selfies’ and give it an old-fashioned twist by teaching participants the simple craft of cross-stitch to create their own self-portrait. Suitable for children aged 11 to 16, the two-hour workshop costs $5 per person.

Teens looking for a more technologically advanced adventure can help solve a murder mystery during the CSI Workshop at New Lambton Library on Thursday, April 20 from 11.30am.

Presented by the SMART Team from the University of Newcastle, the hands-on forensics workshop will see children aged 11 to 16 utilise a microscope to explore blood typing, fingerprinting and fibre analysis. The workshop runs for just under an hour and costs $15 per person.

Teens will also be encouraged to unleash their inner writer at the free Fan Fiction event at Wallsend Library on Friday, April 21. Using existing books, TV shows, movies, comics or web series as inspiration, teenagers aged 12 to 18 will be tasked with creating their own short story using their favourite characters.

Getting creative is also essential for those taking part in the Zines for Teens workshop at Toronto Library on Thursday, April 20.

Design, create and copy your own mini-magazine using words, drawings, collage or anything else you can think of using the theme inspired by your own thoughts or the library’s lucky dip of ideas that could include anything from ‘How would I spend $1000?’ to ‘Are zombies and aliens real and what do they talk about at mealtimes?’

All materials and instructions are provided for the free workshop, which will run from 10am to 12pm and is ideal for teenagers aged 12 to 16.

Younger kids who love being hands-on will also be catered for with a very different workshop on April 20 as they discover the Sea Creatures of Lake Macquarie at Speers Point Library.

Join volunteers from Ocean and Coastal Care Initiatives (OCCI) Lake Macquarie as they present a free interactive workshop for children aged 5 to 10 years.

Learn more about the creatures that live in the waterways of Lake Macquarie, the role they play in the lake’s ecosystem and how we can help protect them during the one-hour workshop, which starts at 3pm.

Booking is essential for most activities. For Newcastle City Council activities contact Newcastle Museum on 4974 1401, Newcastle Art Gallery on 4974 5100 and Newcastle Region Libraries on 4974 5300 or visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au for more information. Bookings for Lake Macquarie City Council events can be made online by visiting www.library.lakemac. com.au/kids/events, by calling the relevant swim centre at Charlestown, Speers Points, Swansea or West Wallsend or contacting the Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery on 4921 0382.

For more information visit www.lakemac.com.au/recreation/whats-on/school-holidays

CALLING BUDDING CHEFS TO THE KITCHEN! Budding chefs shouldn’t miss the Essential Ingredient Newcastle Cooking School over the Easter break for hands-on fun in the kitchen. Learning different ways to cook with eggs, seafood, making Easter buns and cakes, and creating a Middle Eastern feast are all on the school holiday menu, with three days of classes catering to children aged 10 and older.

It starts with the Egg-tastic for Easter class on Tuesday, April 11, for ages 12 and up. Participants will learn how to make frittatas, Portuguese custard tarts, mayonnaise and a different twist on bacon and eggs in this two-and-a-half-hour class. The Easter Treats class in the afternoon teaches tweens all about dough, making spicy, fruity hot cross buns, and a lumberjack style carrot cake.

On Wednesday, April 12, teenagers can try Middle Eastern cooking, with the morning class making spicy chicken skewers, hummus, tzatziki, flat bread and tabbouleh, and an afternoon class of Turkish street food, making gozleme filled with spiced lamb or spinach and feta, followed by a fresh take on baklava.

Fish is traditional for Good Friday, and there are three different 60-minute seafood classes on Thursday, April 13. At 10am, children aged 10 plus can make prawn cutlets and the best ever tartare sauce. Thai fish cakes and pickled ginger mayo are on the menu for tweens at noon, and at 2 pm, teenagers can learn to make crumbed fish burgers and herb mayonnaise. For more details and to book, visit www.essentialingredient.com.au

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Newcastle. nts. e v e r jo a m r fo y it A great c

Novotel Newcastle Beach PROMOTION

They say planning a wedding is much like training for a marathon - there’s so much to be done and both require lots of planning and determination, but in the end, there is an incredible feeling of accomplishment.

But with so many things to do and details to remember, you may feel like you're trapped in a pressure cooker. You're not alone, especially when it comes to wedding planning. While it is the best year of your life, it can also be the most stressful.

This month we turn to Tara Hooper who is the Events Coordinator at leading wedding venue – Novotel Newcastle Beach, to find out how to be stress-free on your wedding day and how a hotel venue, in particular, can assist in that area.

Why is Novotel Newcastle Beach the best venue in Newcastle to hold a wedding/wedding reception?

What makes the venue so special?

Tara: Perhaps I’m a little bias, but there’s just something about a hotel wedding. Our facilities are beautiful and very contemporary. The function room is very spacious and flexible so we can cater to a lot of different tastes and styles. The Morrow Room offers floor-to-ceiling views looking out to Nobbys Headland and the scenic CBD, so the photos are always fabulous.

On top of that, our service is second to none.

It comes from our staff’s indefatigable love for hospitality. We’ve been in the industry for years, and we’ve become experts in our field – that’s not something that all venues can say. We’re all so dedicated and love seeing weddings executed to perfection.

Organising a wedding is traditionally a stressful time - what services does Novotel provide to couples that helps to alleviate this stress?

Tara: That’s why I’m here! As the hotel’s dedicated weddings coordinator, I meet with my couples regularly to discuss their wedding and to map out plans to make sure the day runs smoothly. Plus I’m always available to answer their questions and to help manage their stress levels. I think that by building that rapport with the couples and being in constant communication really contributes to alleviating the stress associated with the big day.

18 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Do you have any advice for Brides-to-be who are just starting to think about planning their wedding day? What are your tips for a seamless, stress-free wedding?

Tara: PLAN! PLAN! PLAN! Organisation is key. Find a wedding co-ordinator who you trust and who understands the vision that you have for your wedding and go from there. It’s our job to make sure your day is perfect so take advantage of us and communicate everything you desire to make your day special and uniquely you. If you and your wedding coordinator are on the same wave-length, your wedding will run smoothly and seamlessly.

How much time do you spend with couples when planning their reception? What options are available to wedding parties regarding catering, wedding size and style at Novotel?

Tara: As much time as necessary. I don’t stop until our couples are 100% happy with the plans. The first step is always letting the couples come in to see the space and to sit down and discuss their ideal wedding. We have three wedding packages starting at $99 per person, and they are all entirely flexible (from the catering to the setup style to the beverage package) to suit all tastes and preferences, so meeting with the couples and working together to find a package that suits them is important. Because the Morrow Room can hold up to 100 guests seated or 140 for a cocktail reception, we are able to cater to a wide range of wedding styles.

What are the current trends in the bridal industry when it comes to receptions? How is Novotel responding to those trends?

Tara: Every wedding is unique. Some of our brides have opted for simplistic minimal weddings with muted, pastel colours while others have favoured a more lavish and sophisticated affair. What’s great about the hotel is that it’s really a blank canvas for our couples to create their dream wedding. We work the couples to help them flesh out their decorations, floral arrangements and overall style. It’s a really creative process.

For more information on Novotel Newcastle Beach’s wedding packages, contact the Events Team on (02) 4032 3703 or email events.novotelnewcastlebeach@accor.com

April 1-9

NATIONAL YOUTH WEEK - CITY WIDE PROGRAMMING

3 APR – 31 MAY

NIKON-WALKLEY PRESS PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION, WALLSEND LIBRARY

7-9

NEWCASTLE WRITERS FESTIVAL

11 - 30

THE GREAT WAR IN GREAT OUTLINES EXHIBITION, NEWCASTLE MUSEUM

25

ANZAC DAY, VARIOUS LOCATIONS

VELVET

May 1-9

HIDDEN PORT PERFORMANCE, CIVIC PARK

17 MAY – 4 JUN

SPIEGELTENT: VELVET, CIVIC PARK

20 MAY – 23 JUL

ABSTRACTION EXHIBITION, NEWCASTLE ART GALLERY

30 MAY – 3 JUN

THE 7 STAGES OF GRIEVING, NEWCASTLE CIVIC THEATRE

25 - 28

NEWCASTLE PORT TO PORT MOUNTAIN BIKE EVENT

For enquiries please call 4974 2000.

For more information visit: www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au

2678MAR17

Saying "Yes" to a Stress-Free Wedding!

ANZAC DAY

Home + Lifestyle

Lessons Learned from Our Hottest Ever Summer!

“Oh, the thinks you can think!”

Welcome to the wondrous world of Seuss where all your favourite characters come to life! Guided by The Cat In the Hat, a young boy goes on a fantastical musical adventure!

Prepare to be transported from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus! Suessical the Musical tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child, who gets in trouble for thinking too many “thinks.” Horton’s challenge is twofold – not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must also guard an abandoned egg that’s been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird.

A colourful extravaganza, this musical tale is sure to capture the imagination! Starring a host of young Hunter Drama stars (aged 14 and under) this fantastical journey is bound to be as fun as it is colourful. Suessical the Musical will play 6 shows only from April 26 - 30 at the Civic Playhouse.

Tickets on sale through Ticketek.

If you did not cope too well with the extreme heat conditions we have experienced this summer maybe you need to take a look at how effective your window coverings are… as there are many ways to protect ourselves from exposure to heat in our homes.

And while it may seem like next Summer is a far away, now is actually a splendid time to start planning for the next season, while the memory of where and why your home didn’t cope with the heat are still fresh.

When it comes to covering your windows, there are many things to consider.

What is the aspect of your home? If all our homes had a southerly aspect from every room or a wide verandah on every side we would probably not have felt the heat as much as others. But if your home has an east or west aspect you will get the morning and afternoon sun in some part of your home, and both are equally as bad.

If your home faces north, you will get the sun all day if you don’t have protection. Even if your home faces south, on a hot day, the heat will permeate into your home and not only does the sun heat up our homes, but it also fades our floor coverings including your floorboards. So we need to put a barrier between our windows and our living spaces.

So let's start with privacy. Even if you are lucky enough to not have any neighbours in sight you still need to protect your floor coverings, stop the glare and the heat. The best solution for this is a sheer curtain. It is transparent, allows the view to shine, offers privacy if and when you need it.

Sheers are very ON TREND and have experienced a resurgence after TV shows like The Block, and home interior magazines showcase the vast options available on the market today.

Sheer fabrics are available in sophisticated neutral colours ranging from Whites, Pearls, Light Greys through to Charcoals and Black. These colours complement your décor as they are

cool colours and balance well with the warm tones of our timber floors today. The look is texture and more texture, and there is a broad range of choices when is comes to choosing the right one for you and your home. A sheer blowing in the wind is not only beautiful but adds a softness to your décor.

Unfortunately, the sheer alone will not stop the heat. You will need a thermal blockout lining to sit behind the sheer curtain so that, on a hot day, closing the linings will block the heat and keep your home much cooler. Today linings are available in contemporary colours to complement your sheers, wall colours, décor and the exterior of your home.

Thermal backed linings will also minimise noise in your home, will reduce any echoing that many open plan homes have today, as well as reducing your power bills. They are one of the most energy efficient items you can put into your home.

Other products like roller blinds and shutters are not as effective when it comes to heat control as curtains are made with a double fabric fullness and are wider and higher than the window. This solution offers the best block out, heat and light solution.

Catherine Martin from Coastal Colour Curtains and Blinds says that “using a qualified colourist and decorator will pay dividends when you are ready to start looking at your options.

“They will help you to coordinate the look to ensure it complements your existing décor and will offer you all the choices when to comes to selecting new window furnishings,” she said.

For more information and a free in-home consultation, you can contact Catherine on 4959-5901 or visit www.coastalcolourandcurtains.com.au

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Home + Lifestyle

Image Courtesy of GlobeWest - Gus* Margot sofa in Midnight Velvet.

What's Missing in my Room?

Use up to 2 or 3 textures to pull your space together, and remember that opposites attract. Lots of marble or metal, will soften more if you use some timber or greenery in the form of plants Add some soft furnishings such as furs, cushions, throws and rugs or sheer curtains to give that warmer look, if this is the feeling you want to introduce. Light doesn’t reflect on the rougher surfaces so the room will have a warmer feel.

WORDS DEBORAH BARTLETT insideout Newcastle Neutrals are very popular, they are easy to live with and coordinate with other colours well. Neutral palates still need Do you ever look at a room and wonder what is missing? Is it texture. Different textured cushions all the same colour colour? Colour on its own won’t make your room pop. You can will make a huge difference to the look and feel of a linen have a white or very neutral room, and it can look great and sofa. Add in a textured rug and beautiful sheer curtains, the feel welcoming. completed look will feel finished and welcoming. Small pops of colour and pattern can be thrown in with art or wallpaper What your room is missing, is texture! to change it up now that you have set a beautiful canvas.

Just as too many smooth surfaces can look flat, a room Texture is the 2D effect and interest that makes your room full of rough surfaces can make it difficult to get that finished feel right. Texture is what can make a room pop by enhancing look you are craving. Highlight a beautiful timber coffee table the sense of feel. by placing a marble tray on top filled with some books or Introducing a tactile feel through some of the materials interesting pieces. If you’re not into accessories, then place a used and images with wallpaper or art will create depth in piece of glass over the top and the table will stand out rather the room. Texture is what will highlight or hide features, add than blend in with everything else. Don’t do both marble and interest and soften or enrich the whole look you want to glass as the elements of rough and smooth will be distorted. achieve.

Texture also helps to hide the elephant in the room. An Just as colour creates a feeling of warmth or coolness in a ugly sofa? Pile on a few textural pieces to take away from room, so does texture. If your room feels cold and sterile, you the sofa and add rugs and art to make sure these all work probably have a lot of smooth, hard surfaces. together. No longer will your eye go straight to that sofa you If you want a very ultra modern and light feeling room, need to keep for a little bit longer. use mostly smooth, hard surfaces as light will reflect from At insideout we are passionate about educating our these surfaces, adding to the feel. Just like everything in clients before choices are made. The look you want to life we need balance. Adding a timber table to all of this will achieve is important to us visit us in store balance out the surfaces, and you will notice that the look will or at www.insideoutstyle.com.au come together. Adding another smooth surface in your dining table may make the room feel flat.

"Just wanted to let you know I'm so happy with the curtains and blinds. I keep looking at them and can't believe how great they look. Everyone who comes over comments on how excellent they look. Thank you for listening to what I wanted and making it come to life."

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Book an appointment today 4959 5901 • FREE In-Home Measure & Quote www.coastalcolourandcurtains.com.au • info@coastalcolourandcurtains.com.au 20 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

AT THE

ELLIE s t e k r Ma HANNON WORDS MICHELLE MEEHAN - Features Writer

When you’re sad or worried, a friendly face can sometimes be all it takes to lift your mood and brighten your day. For Georgetown-based artist Ellie Hannon, it was the friendly faces on her collection of traditional Guatemalan Worry Dolls that often provided the comfort she needed when she was growing up.

But after years of carrying them around, it was the act of losing them – and then, ironically, worrying about what had happened to her brightly coloured companions – that prompted Ellie to create her own version of the friendly faces to provide a sense of comfort and support.

The concept blossomed from simple necklaces into the “Fellow by Ellie” range of decorative ceramic pieces and

OZ DESIGN FURNITURE KOTARA

homewares, which she has been selling at the Olive Tree Markets since 2015.

“The Olive Tree Market has been a great place to kick off my ceramics range,” Ellie said.

“I enjoy the sense of community and support from the Olive Tree crew and the punters. I have met so many amazing talented local people, I love working alongside other makers, seeing their newest creations and being in direct contact with my buyers means that they have a more intimate experience with the product.”

Ellie said the market has also been the perfect platform through which to promote her other artistic endeavours, including her upcoming exhibitions and the various art workshops she hosts in her Georgetown studio.

University-trained with a Fine Arts degree, Ellie is a multifaceted artist who works across a range of mediums. Drawn to the opportunities offered by art in high school, she fell in love with the patterned romantic landscapes and boldly outlined graphic posters of Viennese artists Egon Schiele and Koloman Moser. Ellie says she was “romanticised by the concept that in art you were allowed to use your own visual language to transform memories, experiences and imaginings.”

“Now I work across a variety of mediums in my arts practice including, painting, ceramics, sculpture and assemblage and I enjoy the challenge of creating a visual language that traverses these mediums,” she said.

But while European artists may have driven her towards the life of an artist, it was the communities and culture discovered while travelling for three years through South East Asia that has helped shape her arts practice as it is today.

“I wanted to travel, but I didn’t know where to start, so I decided to go to our closest neighbour, East Timor, and travel overland from there,” she said.

“I travelled slowly and with intention. I jumped from community to community, focusing on community engagement

PH: 8834 4690, KOTARA HOME, 150 Park Avenue

through art and creativity, how it can bring people together, create a cultural exchange and break down language barriers.

“I painted murals, held workshops on creating crafts out of locally sourced materials, taught recycle art and sustainability studies, and ended up basing myself for close to a year in West Java, Indonesia, where I worked collaboratively with a community arts collective to build an art centre in their village.

“These travels brought up contemplations on identity and culture, themes such as values, beliefs, possessions and the environment, and how these alter within each cultural framework. These concepts and contemplations are what direct my arts practice now.

“I explore memories and experience in my creative process.

I reflect on themes such as values, beliefs, possessions and the environment, and how these alter within each cultural framework.”

To explore the cultural and comforting vibe flowing through Ellie’s creations, log on to www.elliehannon.com or check out her “Fellow by Ellie” range at this month’s Olive Tree Markets, which will be held at Newcastle’s Civic Park from 9am to 3pm on Saturday, April 1.

For more information about other upcoming market dates and locations visit www.theolivetreemarket.com.au

www.ozdesignfurniture.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 21

Exercise, Laughter, Entertainment and Wine Tasting all in One FunFilled Day! Enjoying a glass or two of wine might come with plenty of medical benefits, but isn't typically a pastime associated with exercise. You sit. You drink. You might get up to top up your glass… or not… and repeat. In any case, you usually don't walk terribly far, let alone run.

At this new series of wine-tasting fun runs, however, you'll put in the hard yards before you get your red and white rewards.

The Grapest 5K Run is the most widely anticipated and unique event to hit Australia, and it’s coming to our very own Hunter Valley on Saturday, May 6th, 2017.

The run is divided into two distinct sections. First, you sprint, jog or set off at whatever pace suits you best, making your way through scenic vineyard surroundings for either 5 or 10 kilometres. Then you walk another kilometre while stopping at wine-tasting stations along the way, sampling some of the best wines the country has to offer.

But wait… there’s more - there’s an after-party with live entertainment by Hurricane Fall, one of the country’s top upand-coming country rock bands.

If you're not up to the first part, and you're simply keen on wandering, sipping and learning about wines, that's also an option (although it does defeat the idea of combining fitness with taking a tipple!)

The first run took place on February 11 at Balgownie Estate in Bendigo and was a rousing success. The next of the seven events scheduled for 2017 was hosted on March 4 by Coolangatta Estate in Shoalhaven, south of Wollongong, where, despite inclement weather, it went off!

Next up… Hunter Valley’s Domaine de Binet, Adina Vineyard and Tatler Wines – three of the region’s best, who will be cohosting event number three.

Winemaker and Director of Domaine de Binet, Daniel Binet said “Domaine de Binet is very excited to be providing the venue for this unique event. The wine tasting stations as you near the finish line are going to be the highlight for many we think, where participants will be able to enjoy our unique varietals. It will be a great opportunity for us to de-mystify the world of wine in a fun and engaging way, and the entertainment and activities afterwards are going to make this a must-do event for visitors as well as the local community.”

“Themed fun runs are offering runners a fresh, exciting and fun alternative to the local 5K fun run scene, and something perceived as more ‘do-able’ than the more physically challenging obstacle mud race or triathlon-style adventure race,” said Peter Manning, Centaur Outdoor Events Director.

“These runs are also a safe way for participants, especially women, to exercise en masse.”

Whether you’re a running enthusiast, a lover of fine wines, or just love a great night out, the Grapest 5k Run has something for everyone. For more information and tickets visit www.centauroutdoorevents.com.au/grapest5krun

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22 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

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WHATS ON //

Newcastle will offer a full range of ANZAC Day commemorative activities.

Photo courtesy Newcastle City Council.

MAY 2017 Hidden Port Performance - 5 May, Civic Park The best submissions from a writing and photography competition to explore the Port of Newcastle and hidden areas of our city will culminate in the Hidden Port performance with Curious Legends.

VELVET in the Aurora Spiegeltent - 17 May-4 June, Civic Park (This production is part of the Civic Theatre's Season 2017) VELVET is a glitter ball world of fantastic sensory overload, a seductive fusion of disco, dance and circus. It will take you on an electrifying journey to a world of glamour and abandon.

Abstraction Exhibition - 20 May-23 July, Newcastle Art Gallery Showcasing abstract works of art from the National Gallery of Australia collection, this exhibition will take you on an artistic journey from the early 20th century through to the present day.

The 7 Stages of Grieving - 30 May-3 June, Civic Theatre Newcastle Remaining a vital masterwork 20 years after it was penned, The 7 Stages of Grieving is a wise and powerful play about the grief of Aboriginal people and the hope of reconciliation.

NEWCASTLE...

A Great City for Major Events!

The air is starting to feel a bit fresh in the mornings, signalling an end to the long, hot days of summer. Although we may think back wistfully on our busy summer of outdoor fun, no need to fret - Autumn is bringing plenty of exciting activities to Newcastle.

Newcastle is a great city for major events, and our calendar just keeps growing. In fact, our city has won a prestigious international award for festivals and events for three years running. Newcastle was recognised as the best in the world for community leadership and festival and event partnerships by the International Festivals & Events Association, outranking other global cities of a similar population to be named IFEA's 2016 World Festival & Event City.

Although we're proud of that designation, Newcastle is not resting on its laurels. Our city is offering another full diary of major events, festivals, exhibitions and cultural activities for 2017, culminating in the Coates Hire Newcastle 500 in November 2017.

Below are some of the highlighted activities in April and May. More information on these events can be found on Council's website, www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au. Come along and join the fun!

APRIL 2017 National Youth Week - 1-9 April, Citywide programming National Youth Week is the single largest celebration for young people across Australia between 12 and 25 years of age. The theme for Youth Week 2017 is Get involved, be heard, make a difference.

Newcastle Writers Festival - 7-9 April, Civic Precinct Celebrate words, ideas and the joy of reading with the stellar

line-up of authors who will help mark the Festival's fifth anniversary in 2017. Major sponsor: Newcastle City Council.

Newcastle Port to Port MTB - 25-28 May, Mountain bike event The Port to Port MTB stage race offers riders four days of sandy tracks, fire trails, testing hill climbs, fast single tracks and steep descents, featuring spectacular Hunter Valley and Newcastle scenery.

Emblem of a City Exhibition (James Cook Memorial Fountain 50 year anniversary) - Until 6 June, City Library Designed by renowned sculptor Margel Hinder and fraught with controversy and complications during its creation, the James Cook Memorial Fountain is now a much treasured Newcastle icon.

Nikon-Walkley Press Photography Exhibition - 3 April-31 May, Wallsend Library Heartbreak and triumph, jubilation and devastation: it’s all on show at the Nikon-Walkley Press Photography Exhibition, featuring works by Australia’s most outstanding photojournalists.

ANZAC Day - 25 April, Various locations Newcastle will offer ANZAC Day 2017 commemoration events throughout the city over a number of days. The full program of events is available on Council's website.

The Great War in Broad Outlines Exhibition - 11-30 April, Newcastle Museum This touring exhibition created by the Belgian embassy in Canberra celebrates the memory of Australian soldiers fallen on Belgian soil and brings their stories to our communities.

Michael ZAVROS The Mermaid 2015 oil on board 22.0 x 30.0cm Newcastle Art Gallery collection, courtesy the artist and Starkwhite.

VELVET brings the magnificent Aurora Spiegeltent to Civic Park in May. Photo courtesy Strut & Fret Productions.

PERSEVERANCE: Japanese Tattoo Tradition in a Modern World Exhibition - Until 30 April, Newcastle Museum This ground-breaking photographic exhibition that explores the artistry of traditional Japanese tattooing along with its rich history and influence on modern tattoo practices.

MAGIC MIKE: Michael Zavros Exhibition - Until 28 May, Newcastle Art Gallery Curated by the artist, this comprehensive exhibition of Zavros' practice features works dating from 1999-2017, drawn from the Gallery’s own holdings and significant private and public collections. www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 23

ON TOUR WITH THE KID My best friend’s having a baby!

WORDS CHLOE SULLIVAN

ASK DR. PAWS Dash the Brave WORDS DR MATT BUCHANAN PASCALL This month’s letter is something that many of us pet-owners hope we will never have to face, but Dr Matt provides some excellent advice to help make this difficult time the best it can be.

Veronique: My Aussie Terrier, Dash, has developed seizures over the last few months and has just been diagnosed with a brain tumour. I am really torn as to what to do he is only 5 and we have decided we want to consider chemotherapy for him but not surgery. We want to concentrate on making sure he is comfortable for as long as we can.

What can we expect if we go ahead with chemo for him?

Dr Paws: Hi Veronique. I am so sorry to hear about little Dash, I know this news must be difficult to process, particularly given he is such a young boy. Dealing with cancer in our fur kids is always hard and the decisions can be difficult to make. Like you say, however, we need to concentrate on Dash’s quality of life and make choices that are in line with that.

How Chemotherapy Works in Dogs From a basic standpoint, we approach chemotherapy in dogs very differently to how it is approached in humans. We generally aim to help slow or reverse the cancer but rarely is it a permanent cure. We want to increase the length and quality of our patients’ lives but do so with minimal side effects.

24 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Some people are just built to be parents, some of us have to learn as we go. My best friend is the former. He is emotionally wise beyond his years. He bends over backward to make the people in his life happy. Even as a teenager you could tell he was a family man just waiting for the right family.

Several years ago, he introduced the Kid and I to his new girlfriend. It's not often that you have a photo from the first day you met someone but being a relatively new parent, I was snapping shots of the Kid like a paparazzi trying to catch someone without makeup. I liked the new girlfriend. That's more a big deal than it sounds. I don't like anyone straight away, and I'm very protective of my friend. As I watched them interact with each other and play soccer with the kid, I knew this was something special. They fit together like two puzzle pieces.

When I look back at those photos today,

My perfectly well adjusted formula fed baby watching Dolly Parton

I'm filled with a warm glow. In the years to follow there was an engagement, a wedding and now a baby of their own set to arrive any minute. 10 years ago, I was not the person anyone would come to for advice about children. However, I have been at this parenting caper for a few years now I decided to pass on some things that I found helpful.

1. Don't listen to the horror stories - For some reason, when you are pregnant, other women feel the need to tell you the worst possible stories about pregnancy, labour and being a new mum. Which when you think about it, is a little sadistic. There is a difference between being prepared and scared witless, and unless you are having

Courses of chemotherapy differ depending on the type of treatment, but 3-4 months of treatment is common initially. Often the chemo itself is only given every few weeks during this time, but weekly check-ups and regular blood tests are necessary in between treatments to make sure Dash’s body is coping with the chemo.

Quality of Life During Chemo For the most part, we treat our fur patients with comparatively lower doses of chemotherapy drugs and the result is that we tend to see fewer major side effects – Dash should not suffer hair loss and have minimal nausea, tiredness or joint pain.

That means that Dash’s quality of life throughout the treatment will generally be very good and the aim is to keep him up and about and enjoying life! Of course he will have his occasional off days, but these should be sporadic and treatment can be adjusted as necessary to help him cope.

Following treatment, keeping in close touch with your vet will give Dash the best chance to keep him as happy and comfortable for as long as we can.

I wish you and Dash all the best, Dr Matt Buchanan-Pascall – DR PAWS KOTARA Remember you can also ask Dr Matt a question – send your question to drpaws@intouchmagazine.com.au.

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the baby under a tree in the woods, you will be surrounded by medical professionals when the time comes. Your only job is to stay as healthy and calm as you can. So to that end, by the time I was thirty weeks, if I heard the beginning of a story about having or raising children, that may as well have included a hitchhiker with a hook for a hand, I looked like I was listening but I had actually drifted off and was singing S-Club 7 to myself.

2. Opinions are not facts - People will express their unsolicited opinions on everything from breastfeeding to sleep patterns but what works for someone else might not work for you and your child. When the kid was 2 months old, I sobbed for an hour one night because I couldn't get her to feed. The longer it took, the more panicked I became. The next morning after checking with the clinic I went to purchase some formula so that I had an option if I needed it. A woman overheard me asking for formula for a two-month-old, she took it upon herself to lecture me about the importance of breastfeeding and that my failure to do that would turn my child into Charles Manson. Ok, so she didn't phrase it exactly that way but in my sleep deprived state that is what I heard. I sometimes think about seeing that woman again, introducing her to my perfectly well-adjusted child and explaining how harmful it is to put that kind of pressure on a new mother. Sometimes I think about

seeing her and running over her foot with my trolley. My point being, no one loves this baby more than you. Follow professional advice and your own instincts. Talk to people who you trust and are there to support you and you will never go too wrong.

3. Don't compare yourself or your child to other people - There is always that one person you know whose baby is, apparently, a genius.

Little Tarquinn is 5 months old, and he is already walking, talking, taking himself to the bathroom and on his way to getting a Nobel Prize. In my experience, this mother is either going through stuff of her own and feeling the need to put on a perfect face or just feels the need to brag. Either way, it doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong or your child is behind.

Take a deep breath and next time you see her, bring a caramel slice so that when her mouth is full, you can talk about how your one-yearold took off her own nappy in the supermarket and kept walking or that you found her the other day eating dirt cause that's what kids do!

Mostly to my best friend and his gorgeous bride, I wanted to tell you that I love you. You are amazing people, which means you are well on your way to being amazing parents. You guys have got this, and for the days you feel like you haven’t, you have the Kid and I. Nappy changing service and caramel slice, and an S Club 7 CD delivered right to your door anytime day or night.

See the Hunter by Horseback!

experiencing the spectacular views of Hunter Valley Wine Country and the Lower Hunter and as far North as Barrington Tops, the northern boundary of the Upper Hunter. Riding is available every day for the beginner and the experienced rider.

Book a ride this Easter Sunday and bring along your teddy bear, rug and If you dream of galloping off into the sunset picnic basket for the Annual Teddy Bears on your noble steed, then you don’t have Picnic at Hilltop, home of Hunter Valley to go too far along the Hunter Expressway Horseriding. Enjoy an alcohol-free family to find the spot that will give you just that fun day, with plenty of games, prizes, pony chance! rides and Easter eggs on offer.

At Hunter Valley Horseriding & Bookings are required - for more Adventures you can ride the unique information call Margaret on 4930 7111 or and beautiful Molly Morgan Range, visit www.huntervalleyhorseriding.com.au

Overwhelmed by choice?

With over 100 fashion, accessories, jewellery and beauty stores including Myer, H&M and Mecca Maxima, let us help you discover the trends of the season at Charlestown Square.

Book in for your FREE 20 MINUTE STYLE SESSION on Friday and Saturday* where Stylist Natalie will guide you on the right look for your body shape.

Style sessions are available Friday and Saturday from 12pm – 3pm.

Receive a 5 hour FREE parking pass and coffee card, valued over $15.

Bookings essential. * Free style sessions are not available during school holidays.

Details at charlestownsquare.com.au

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 25

Fashion+Beauty...

4 Must-Have Autumn Coats

By Melanie May for #WestfieldKotara As summer ends in the abrupt and devastating way it does every year, and autumn arrives along with the wind and the rain, the only thing that can help us through is the fact that a new season means a new wardrobe, right?! The biggest investments you can make into your autumn wardrobe are coats, as they are both a staple and a statement piece. This season, there are four coats that every wardrobe must have.

THE BOMBER JACKET

Originally attire for pilots and aviators, the bomber jacket has evolved to become a fashion statement no one can ignore. With its gathered cuffs, waist and collar, the bomber has a casual structure that makes it the perfect alternative to a leather jacket or blazer. Silk or cotton, bold or black, the options are endless, and the style is universal. Pair your bomber with your favourite logo tee, skinny jeans and boots for the ultimate autumn look.

Pictured: MINKPINK Pathways Bomber Jacket $129; C&M Classic Muscle Tee $89 and J Brand Maria High Rise Super Skinny PhotoreadyVanity Jeans $289 – all available from David Jones (Westfield Kotara).

THE CLASSIC TRENCH

The trench doesn’t require an introduction; it has stood the test of time and proven to be an absolute necessity in every woman’s wardrobe. Versatile and chic, the same coat can take you from Breakfast at Tiffany’s with Audrey Hepburn to solving the crime with Olivia Benson in Law & Order: SVU. If you aren’t the type for a structured coat, try one in a soft suede to add a little more movement but still maintain the elegance of a classic style.

Pictured: Heartbreaker Coat $199.95; Gravity Skirt $99.95; Flare Sleeve Tee $49 – all available from Sheike.

Marlo Ankle Boot $249.95 from Wittner.

THE DENIM JACKET

The denim jacket has been a rotating resident in the fashion world for over 100 years, but this year it is truly essential. Light wash and oversized boyfriend style denim is the trend of the season and the perfect addition to your autumn wardrobe. A denim jacket is the perfect transseasonal piece as it isn’t too heavy and can easily be layered as it gets cooler. Throw it over your shoulders or roll up the sleeves to give your jacket a more relaxed look.

Pictured: Melanie wears Assembly Femme Denim Jacket $99.95; Denim Jeans $149.95; Nudelucy Savage Slogan Tee $49.95 and Adidas Mens Stan Smith Sneakers in white $130 - all available from The Glue Store.

Always Unique, Always Style, Always Quality.

Always...

THE STATEMENT COAT

The cooler months tend to encourage deeper, richer tones, as opposed to the light and bright shades of the warmer months. Having a statement coat in your wardrobe allows you to have the best of both worlds and take your outfit to a new level or just add a much-needed pop of colour. Be bold and try a red coat in a classic style or opt for a soft pastel palette. The key to the statement coat is colour, so avoid black, white and nude shades for the most impact.

Pictured: The Timeless Lux Trench $149.95; Artisan Floral Embroidered Shirt $89.95; The Sydney Jean $89.95 – all from Portmans. Tasha Mule $199.95 from Wittner.

26 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Visit our friendly team today!

See facebook for exclusive deals.

Shop 10, Lake Village Arcade, Warners Bay NSW 2282 PH (02) 4947 4610 Shop 21a, 63 The Boulevarde, Toronto NSW 2283 PH (02) 4950 4449

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Happy Birthday to Williams the Jewellers!

Williams the Jewellers is a family owned and managed manufacturing business at The Junction. Incorporated in 1990 and with 27 years in the industry, this is a family of talented and caring craftsmen who strive for perfection in all they do.

They specialise in a wide range of jewellery including manufacturing stylish quality jewellery to suit any style or budget. All manufacturing is carried out on the premises by their qualified team of jewellers.

They carry a huge variety of sterling silver pieces, 9ct and 18ct gold designer jewellery, platinum and palladium diamond and colour gemstone rings, custom made pieces and a huge range of all the latest pearl designer jewellery to select from, including high fashion bridal jewellery.

In fact, when it comes to happy brides, Williams the Jewellers have won the NSW Australian Bridal Awards 15 times!

The ABIA awards are held in each state in Australia and are determined by past brides who have been through the process of selecting their bridal suppliers and have then rated the provider on their quality of product, service, value and staff.

Owners, Mark and Vanessa Williams, have placed a priority on ensuring that the business is a member of the Jewellers Association of Australia which ensures they maintain the high standard of high-quality jewellery that is expected by the JAA,

1. 9ct 3 tone gold earrings - $329.

2. Assorted gold 9ct and 18ct, diamond sapphire rings, prices starting from $1999.

3. South sea pearl and diamond pendant in 9ct yellow gold - $1499 and matching 9ct yellow gold south sea and diamond pearl earrings - $2199.

4. Hand made 18ct 2tone filagree bangles.

5. Sterling Silver and 9ct gold bangle - $588 and matching Sterling silver and rose gold pendant - $300.

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which extends to including competitive prices. It’s a total winwin for customers.

A significant proportion of the jewellery created is made and designed in-house. Should you wish to commission a bespoke piece of jewellery, the team are able to offer suggestions and ideas on style and suitability. Bespoke engagement and wedding rings are particularly popular right now and years of design experience coupled with a significant design library are the catalysts that will set you on your way to creating a jewellery masterpiece that is uniquely yours.

Vanessa says that they have a fantastic rate of returning clientele, “Our customers come back time and time again – for many special occasions. They really appreciate our honesty,

4.

expert advice and this, in turn, results in referrals to friends and family,” she said.

“This combined with quality workmanship, a speciality designer who remakes sentimental and one off pieces, and our repair work - with no job too small and same day repairs is what has made Williams the Jewellers a household name in Newcastle,” adds Mark.

To celebrate their 27th year in business during April, Williams the Jewellers are offering customers who visit the store fantastic special offers with a big Birthday Sale and up to 50% off in store for the entire month. Stop in and say hello and check out their fabulous range or shop online at www.williamsthejewellers.com.au

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 27

Step out in Style...

4. COUNTRY ROAD FLORAL Cut Away Shoulder Dress $179; Savannah Boot $349.

5. COUNTRY ROAD TRENCH Long Line Trench Coat $299.00; Bell Sleeve Top $99.95; Ponte Skirt $79.95; Dakota Zip Boot $249.

6. MYER TOPSHOP PLAYSUIT Playsuit $94.95; Coat $184.95.

Step out in style during Autumn, thanks to Charlestown Square.

With over 100 fashion stores, including dozens that you’ll only find at the Hunter’s largest shopping destination, they’ve got the brands you need to know about. Resident Stylist Natalie Baker has a range of style services to assist you in choosing styles to flatter your frame. Discover the latest labels we’re loving this season including TopShop exclusively available at Myer and the perennial favourite, Country Road.

Leading into Winter, it’s time to update your wardrobe essentials, plus add in a few new season must have’s. Country Road has taken the feminine design of florals into the cooler months with reimagined pretty prints in darker hues and beautifully draped silhouettes.

TopShop at Myer has stand-out shoulder baring cut-outs that deliver a modern and sexy look and perfect for after-hours! Another key look this season is to anchor the more feminine pieces with a chunky shoe to lend the look a certain edge. Check out the range of style services available – bookings are essential at www.charlestownsquare.com.au

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1. COUNTRY ROAD AUTUMN CASUAL Country Road Button Blouse $159.00; Cami $29.95; Suede Mini Skirt $199; Mackenzie Boot $249.

2. MYER TOPSHOP AUTUMN LEOPARD Coat $184.95; Dress $44.95.

3. MYER TOPSHOP BLACK & WHITE NAUTICAL Cutout Blazer Dress $139.95; Pants $69.95.

Retreat from the busy traffic of Beaumont Street and step into a world of Tranquility and Zen. For a simple touch-up, a brand new style, a skin booster facial or relaxing and invigorating body treatment that will leave you full of confidence, visit M Hair Spa today.

M Hair Spa

98 Tudor Street, Hamilton Open Wednesday to Saturday • Phone 0490 142 821, E info@mhairspa.com • www.mhairspa.com 28 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

BRING YOURSELF Back Down to Urth!

WORDS TRISH KELLY Club Manager - Urth Fitness

Do you want to be a part of a fitness community? Would you like to take your training to the next level? Or would you like to simply unwind by immersing yourself in Yoga?

Then look no further than Urth Fitness!

What is Urth Fitness I hear you ask? Well, as the Club Manager, I am proud to be able to now tell you all about it!

Urth Fitness has been established by Newcastle's Rosekelly family, who founded the successful health and fitness club Planet Fitness back in 1994. With over twenty years experience within the fitness industry, the Rosekelly family have made Planet Fitness a household name in Newcastle. Planet Fitness now has 4 prominent locations within the Hunter and Central Coast regions, plus one in Casula.

However, the family has now embarked on a slight twist in the journey; that is, Urth Fitness. A unique health and fitness club, Urth Fitness allows members to be involved in an active community by having a smaller member base.

Urth Fitness has contracted the rights to include the incredible 'Powercamp' Functional Training facilities to enable members to be involved in a program that has been designed specifically for excellent results and is performance focused; using a healthy range of movements that will be performed under the supervision of our experienced, specialised trainers.

What is Functional Training?

Functional training involves participants completing a range of exercises that will allow for activities performed on a daily basis to be less strenuous on the body and therefore lowering the risk of sustaining injuries. This type of training predominately targets muscle groups and joints that promote the function of both stabilisation and mobility. There are

three main key groups of stability training; the abdominals (core strength), the hip abductors and rotators and the scapula stabiliser. Functional training is also utilised for sport specific training, due to isolated exercises focusing on the improvement of the skills necessary to be successful in each chosen sport. Since functional training has been introduced to the industry, results have shown a proven increase in the performance of athletes in their chosen field.

Our staff and in particular our Personal Trainers have been handpicked to provide exceptional service to our Urth members. With many years experience in the fitness industry, we have been able to gain an understanding of the many reasons people attend fitness centres. With this information, Urth FItness aims to create a club that meets your needs in a welcoming and community focused environment.

Our state of the art facility will also offer members the chance to unwind, break away from the daily grind and come back down to Urth through the many forms of Yoga that will be available at Urth Fitness.

New to Yoga?

Do you suffer from back pain, muscle strains, stress tension and even anxiety? Yoga is for you! It doesn't matter if you know the lingo or not – our instructors will be there to guide you through each movement of the class.

There are so many benefits to practising Yoga. These include increased flexibility and muscle strength, improved posture, preventing cartilage and joint breakdown, protecting your spine, improving bone health and increasing blood flow. As a result, you will experience a decreased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease, helping to drain your lymphs and boost your immunity.

I am sure there are many of you reading this and nodding your heads to one or more of the conditions mentioned above, so I encourage you to come along and try our mind easing, soul calming classes. The team is excited for the doors to open and for members to start enjoying a whole new world of fitness; we welcome you to the Urth experience!

training studio | yoga | functional training

URTHFITNESS.COM.AU 23 Watt Street Newcastle

P: 0428 327 959 | E: info@urthfitness.com.au

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 29

CLEARANCE SALE NOW ON!!

GET MOVING AT...

Scooters & Mobility Newcastle Scooters & Mobility Newcastle offers an extensive range of quality mobility products from leading suppliers. Visit the store to see a comprehensive variety of scooters, powerchairs and electric wheelchairs, electric lift and recline chairs, stairlifts, manual wheelchairs and walkers and mobility aids and accessories.

Scooters & Mobility Newcastle endeavour to meet customers’ needs by providing the very best brands (including Merits, Elite Scooters, Shoprider, Drive Medical and Bruno Stairlifts) and exceptional service either in-store or in your home.

Get Instore and Get Moving Today!

4/166 Hannell Street, Maryville. PH 4962 4007 sales@scootersandmobility.com • www.scootersandmobility.com.au

EST. 1988

Charlestown Remedial Sports Injuries Clinic

THE Clinic... Providing professional care with the highest ethical standards and integrity for the whole family.

• Treatments for all injuries – general to sporting – acute to chronic pain • Neuromuscular massage • Orthopaedic massage • Magnesium massage • No manipulation of the spine or joints • Pregnancy and post-natal • Muscular and joint complaints • Neck, back, rotator cuff and shoulder pain • Knee, calf, shin splints, ankle, quad and groin strains • Achilles, tendonitis, peroneal tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, AC joints • Headaches/migraines, ITBS, carpel tunnel, tennis/golf elbow, tennis shoulder • Nutritional advice – general to chronic problems, detoxification, stress/tension, weight loss, anxiety/depression, fatigue

OUR PATIENTS ALWAYS SAY...

“I should have come here first! ”

* Phil is one of the leading naturopaths in Australia. He is also a fully qualified dietician and neuromuscular therapist and holds a Phd in Sports Medicine (USA). Why pay to see 3 different professionals when you can receive all treatments at the one clinic for the price of one treatment?

Call Jaclyn for an appointment with Phil.

PH 4943 3082 30 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

54 Smith St, Charlestown (opposite Fire Station) • info@kttape.com.au

www.remedialclinic.com.au

Had a GUT-FULL? WORDS SONYA TODD-JONES Dip Health Sciences (Pathology), Dip Practice Management, Dip RM. Owner & Manager of Mojo Health Charlestown.

A healthy gut has hundreds of different bacteria living their everyday life keeping you healthy, happy and safe from infections and illness. That is until poor diet and lifestyle, exposure to toxins such as pesticides, use of antibiotics as well as stress impact on our gut bacteria causing dysbiosis.

Dysbiosis is when you have more bad bacteria than good bacteria in your gut which can cause bloating, gas, indigestion,

diarrhoea or constipation. A healthy digestive system should have over 1.5kg of good bacteria in it so if you don’t have those good bacteria working hard to protect you from disease you are going to feel very unwell!

The good news is it’s relatively easy to fix! We can help our good gut bacteria to thrive by taking probiotic and prebiotics. We may assume that prebiotics and probiotics are the same things as they sound much alike but although they both help to keep your gut healthy, interestingly they aren’t the same. Confused?

Let me explain!

Probiotics are living bacteria which are naturally found in fermented foods such as yoghurt, sauerkraut, and kombucha.

Probiotics can also be taken in a supplement form – either a capsule or powder. It is the probiotics job to maintain healthy levels of the good bacteria we need in our intestines to support our overall health, strengthen our immunity and assist with the digestion of our food. Probiotics also help to address dysbiosis to relieve symptoms such as bloating, gas or flatulence. They are a must when taking antibiotics as probiotics help to replace the good bacteria which are destroyed by the antibiotics as they work at killing the harmful disease-causing bacteria.

Prebiotics are ‘non-living’ sources of fibre which survive the journey from the stomach and small intestine to arrive in the large intestine unaffected by the digestive process. Once there these plant fibres provide nutrition for the good bacteria to help them to flourish and grow. The more indigestible plant fibres (prebiotics) the good bacteria (probiotics) have to eat, the more efficiently these live bacteria work and the healthier your gut will be. Rich sources of prebiotic foods are bananas, tomatoes, green vegetables, flaxseeds, legumes, artichokes, onions, garlic, cabbage, rye based foods and whole wheat and oat products.

If you have uncomfortable digestive issues, are constantly sick with colds or have been on antibiotics, probiotics with the right therapeutic strains of good bacteria taken daily will help to improve your health. Probiotic rich foods such as sauerkrauts and yoghurts or fermented drinks such as kefir and kombucha consumed daily will also be of benefit. Combining these probiotics with a diet rich in prebiotic foods to help feed the good bacteria will help to improve and maintain the health of your gastrointestinal tract which is essential for maintaining good health and vitality.

Come into Mojo Health and speak to our expert team who can help you on your journey to good gut health!

Tips for Surviving Easter It’s the countdown to Easter and to lots of yummy chocolate but have you ever wondered why a rabbit delivers eggs made of chocolate for us to eat??

The Easter Bunny, as we know him, originated from German settlers who migrated to America in the 1800’s.

The “Oschter Haws” or Easter Hare was a European Springtime Santa, judging whether children had been good or bad. The Easter Hare would carry a basket of coloured eggs, sweets or toys to give as gifts the night before Easter. The gifts would sometimes be left in the house or garden for children to find, hence the origin of the Easter Egg Hunt.

These days whether we have been good or a bit naughty we all love a bit of chocolate at Easter.

However, as always, the Moderation Bunny hops along to remind us that overindulgence will have consequences!

Firstly all chocolate is not created equal! Very cheap chocolate contains ingredients which are mainly fillers like soy lecithin, and the amount of actual chocolate or cocoa (from the cacao bean) is very small.

Avoid brands if the first ingredient is sugar and not cocoa. Make sure you look for chocolate with minimal ingredients and a cocoa minimum of at least 70%. The higher the percentage, the better as dark chocolate contains hefty amounts of diseasefighting antioxidants. If you can get dark chocolate which is Fair Trade, even better!

And remember its ok to treat yourself at Easter – but ‘treats’ don’t mean eating that whole box of chocolates or indulging in a hot cross bun every day!

SHOP ONLINE!

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www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 31

HEALTH + WELLBEING //

Psychology for Growth

WHAT IS RESILIENCE?

Building a mindset for wellbeing and performance

And why is it Important?

WORDS ANNE WARD – MINDINSIGHT It is good to see that the subject of wellbeing is now seriously examined in the workplace.

Many workplaces have begun to introduce programs to improve wellbeing and resilience.

However, as the authors of a 2015 study (Robertson, Cooper, Sarkar & Curran) noted, many workplace programs are selected on the basis of intuition and how the programs are marketed, rather than a clear understanding of what resilience is and how it can be improved.

STRESS AND RESILIENCE To understand resilience, we firstly need to understand the impact of stress on the mind and body. Negative stress arises when the problems we are dealing with require more of our energy and resources than what we have available.

The digital economy is bringing about fundamental changes in the workplace, causing disruption through competition and rapid change. Manufacturing industries have been experiencing this for years. Service industries, including professional firms, are also now impacted. As a result, workplaces are increasingly stressful environments. Stressors include work overload, lack of resources, role ambiguity, relationship tension and threats to job security. Ongoing negative stress threatens our health and wellbeing.

A leader’s well-being determines the level of personal resources available for effective leadership behaviour.

When these resources are compromised, leadership can become ineffective and even destructive. Negative stress affects a leader’s capacity to manage competing priorities. Poor quality decisions can leave others confused and disengaged. Negative stress can be contagious, undermining teamwork, creativity & morale.

Resilience is the HOW of WELLBEING Resilience comprises six key skills areas: VISION Having a sense of purpose & direction, a sense of control, self-worth & confidence in your abilities COMPOSURE Being able to regulate emotions and manage negative environments REASONING Problem solving & resourcefulness, readiness for change TENACITY Bouncing back, maintaining optimism through adversity COLLABORATION Having support networks, healthy connections, being able to manage perceptions HEALTH Maintaining healthy habits in exercise, nutrition and sleep

MEASURING RESILIENCE Resilience can also be measured, and this has several advantages, including:

Education & awareness · Resilience assessment and coaching · Executive coaching · Wellbeing programs · Tailored for individuals, teams, organisations · Measurable skills development

Suite 2GA, 45 Hunter St, Newcastle (02)49 427 660 www.mindinsight.com.au info@mindinsight.com.au

• Helps identify areas of strength and weakness, and priorities to focus on • Provides a baseline to track whether our resilience is improving • In a work context, provides tangible indicators of wellbeing at an individual and team level

ONGOING BENEFITS Because resilience is about increasing capacity, there are many advantages beyond managing stress. These include: • Being really present, even when things are tough • Not having your perceptions and judgment clouded by concerns or agitation • Working through difficult situations and learning from the experience • Being more effective • Growing wiser

Scientific research on resilience goes back a few decades now. The most recent advances have been in the neuroscience of resilience. It is now possible to measure resilience according to cortical blood flow, which shows the areas BRAIN PATTERNS OF STRESS AND RESILIENCE of the brain that are firing in response to environmental challenges. This knowledge From a brain perspective, stress-based increases our confidence in the usefulness of responses develop into neural patterns (or resilience as a concept, and as a set of skills habits) of disconnection that threaten our sense of belonging, our energy and motivation. that can be learned – regardless of age.

They also interrupt our capacity to learn and improvise.

Anne Ward is principal psychologist of Resilience is the flipside of disconnection.

Mindinsight, providing evidence-based psychology services to adults, children Resilience acts as an antidote to stress, and adolescents. Mindinsight is located helping us to respond to challenges in a way in the T&G Building at 45 Hunter Street that leaves us and others well. Resilience is an Newcastle. Visit www.mindinsight.com.au for more information or email ability that can mean the difference between info@mindinsight.com.au adapting and thriving or burnout.

32 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Evidence-based psychology for personal leadership and business effectiveness:

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www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 33

TRAVEL //

Need a Girls Weekend Away?

Need a quick getaway? Girls’ weekend? Or if you simply haven’t yet tried cruising and want to test your sea legs? You should consider a ‘sampler cruise’ for a taste of what cruising is all about!

Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas offers a 3 night Sampler Cruise departing from Sydney on Friday 2nd February 18 and returning Monday 5th February 18. itravel have an allocation of cabins on this cruise and can offer a fabulous group rate starting from $638pp twin share for an Ocean View Stateroom - this rate covers accommodation, all meals and onboard entertainment - so it’s great value for money!

Whether you seek relaxation or fun, you can do as little or as much as you like onboard. Conquer the rock-climbing wall, relive your youth at the iceskating rink or relax by one of the many pools, (or adults only Solarium). Spoil yourself with a visit to the VitalitySM Spa* with over 100 treatment options. (*additional cost) Dining is also part of the journey, it’s more than just food. It’s about the experience, the variety and the flexibility to plan dinner whenever you’re ready without having to cook!

Be entertained by complimentary Broadway-style shows, or party the night away at the 14 bars, clubs and lounges, maybe even test your luck at the Vegas-style Casino Royale with 274 poker machines and 16 tables. The choice is yours!

So why not gather your friends and make this a group weekend getaway? As you cruise back in to spectacular Sydney Harbour on Monday morning you will be filled with memories of the fun and fabulous experiences you enjoyed during your weekend on the high seas!

Contact itravel for further information:

itravel The Junction

PH 4962 1116

194 Union Street sales@itravelthejunction.com.au

itravel Warners Bay

PH 4947 1116

Shop 8a, 478 The Esplanade sales@itravelwarnersbay.com.au

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Cruisin'

On the Ovation of The Seas

in one of the best-preserved examples of a 19th-century port streetscape on Earth, while buzzing markets, lively bars and casual street cafés gave us a glimpse of a buzzing nightlife and foodie scene. It’s only a 30-minute drive from Perth city, and you can also get there by ferry by taking a leisurely cruise down the Swan River. Freo – we’ll be back – but first to the ship!

Our first look at this magnificent feat of marine engineering WORDS DI VON ESSEN came at check-in time, and this was the first of 3 Australian Way back in July 2015 we ran an article about the largest and ports that the ship overshadowed the buildings surrounding newest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet – the Ovation of the the docks. Once settled and unpacked (amazingly we fitted 4 Seas. I recall thinking that if I were ever lucky enough to board people’s luggage into the ample in-cabin storage and still had one of these mega-ships (well any ship actually), I would want room to spare), we set out to explore this floating city. it to be this ship. Call it self-actualisation or wishful thinking, It soon became apparent that cruising was not just a as fate would have it we were lucky enough to get exactly that one-off experience but a way of life for many of the ship's opportunity when the Ovation of the Seas made its maiden passengers, who wore their cruise-stats like a badge of voyage to Australia from Singapore in December 2016. honour. We were definitely cruising “newbies”, and our Royal Caribbean International’s Ovation of the Seas is not fellow passengers took some joy in pointing this out. “Have just a Quantum Class mega liner, it's also the largest cruise you cruised before?” they enquired. Our denial seemed an ship to ever call Australia home (accommodating almost 5,000 invitation to rattle off their own cruise statistics… how many passengers). It’s also the most technologically advanced ship ships, which cruise lines, ports of call… yadda yadda. Note to at sea. other cruise-virgins – just say “Of course not – we have been We boarded the ship in Fremantle (the ship's first port of on many, many cruises and we are particularly looking forward call in Australia) after having spent a few days visiting with to this one.” Then run! friends in the Swan Valley – about half an hour outside Perth While many cruise as a couple, we took this voyage with and one of WA’s most prominent wine districts. This was to be two very active teenagers. Cruising as a family can sometimes a journey of new experiences as we’d never been to WA before be tricky as you do live in very close confines (unless you can and it wasn’t long before we regretted not allowing a week in splash out for 2 cabins or a suite!) Not so with our two – it WA to fit in a few more landmarks (and a few more wineries!) wasn’t long before we forgot they were also onboard, and rules Fremantle (or ‘Freo’ as the locals call it) blends the old had to be set about when we would spend family time together with the new, creating an enriching cultural experience for (which basically ended up being breakfast and the occasional visitors. Maritime, convict and colonial history can be explored dinner!) ►

4. SeaPlex is the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea and kept the kids endlessly entertained with bumper cars, a basketball/futsal court, roller skating, circus school and more! This also included the FlowRider®, the onboard surf simulator which is where our two spent most of their time.

5. The Live Entertainment – Our favourite show was “Pixels” which showcased million-dollar robotic screen technology incorporating live performers – really a must-see.

If you’ve never cruised before and want to experience the very latest onboard technology – well the very latest of everything really – then the Ovation of the Seas is a great ship to start your own maiden voyage. And as for those serialcruisers – well they seemed pretty impressed too!

For more information about booking your own berth on Royal Caribbean International’s Ovation of the Seas contact iTravel (The Junction or Warners Bay). ■ As a family holiday, this would have to go down as being amongst the best experience we have had. There really was something for everyone of us on board, but for teenagers, the Ovation of the Seas was truly a floating paradise. Of course, every ship is different when it comes to onboard activities and entertainment, but as a family, we found common ground on virtually everything, and it was tough to narrow it down to our TOP 5 on board family experiences – but here goes…

1. The North Star – an aerial observatory offering breathtaking 360-degree views more than 90 metres above the sea. In a jewel-like capsule, a robotic arm elevated us high into the sky, taking in the sights from a bird’s eye view. We did this while docked in Fremantle – but to give you an idea of the height –

while docked in Sydney Harbour, the North Star reached higher than the pylons on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

2. iFLY at Sea– the thrill and excitement of skydiving on board a cruise ship – who would have thought that it wasn’t as easy as the instructors made it look!

3. The Food – with 18 restaurants on board, the cuisine was varied enough for any palette. These dining destinations ranged from fun to formal settings, including partnerships with world renowned chefs, such as the much-loved “Jamie’s Italian” from Jamie Oliver at sea. Our favourite was ‘Wonderland’ which truly was an experience (think Heston Blumenthal meets the Mad Hatter!)

AUSTR ALIA

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Sampler Cruise

3 NIGHTS - DEPARTS 2 FEB 2018 Voyager of the Seas When you sail away on a mega ship, expect to have some mega fun. Filled with non-stop adventure, spellbinding entertainment and a feast of world-class dining experiences, all included in your fare.

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194 Union St, The Junction Shop 8a, 478 The Esplanade, Warners Bay *Prices shown are per person in Australian Dollars based on twin occupancy and inclusive of all taxes, fees and port expenses. Prices are based on an exclusive group rate with itravel The Junction for a limited number of Oceanview and Balcony staterooms. Deposit is $200pp and is non-refundable once paid. Final payment due mid October 2017. For full terms and conditions please enquire with itravel The Junction in conjunction with the terms and conditions outlined in the Royal Caribbean International Worldwide Cruise Holidays 2016-2018 brochure. Drewette Pty Ltd ABN 72 118 384 893

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 35

Battlesticks at Scratchleys

LIVE MUSIC

7 NIGHTS!

Everything you've loved about Scratchleys... and so much more.

Battlesticks at Scratchleys is Newcastle’s newest, most iconically situated and chic bar. Offering cocktails, tapas, premium wine and live music in a stunning location that is casual, yet classy.

If you believe in live music 7 Nights a week – we’ve got you covered! Come along and support this great offering!

Other great ways to enjoy Battlesticks include drinks before or after the theatre, before and after lunch or dinner at Scratchleys.

Chill out at Battlesticks and watch the incredibly active Newcastle Harbour from this relaxed but sophisticated bar.

Scratchley’s Restaurant is open 7 days and 7 Nights for lunch and dinner. Private Functions Rooms available for your special occassions.

Battlestick’s Bar is open Mon – Thurs from 4pm till late (Happy Hour 5pm-7pm) and Fri, Sat, Sun from 12 till late – with live music from 6.30pm everynight of the week. Drop in For Tapas, Wine, Cocktails and Fun.

200 Wharf Road, Newcastle | Phone 4929 1111 | www.scratchleys.com.au

36 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Behind every great craft brewer is someone who quite simply loves quality beer...

Someone who appreciates the complexity of the beverage and who believes in producing a quality brew. If this is you then head to The Brewers Market for all your DIY Craft beer, wine, spirits, ciders and ginger beer needs.

If you're into creating your own gourmet bar-snacks you'll also find beef jerky rubs, cheese making kits and BBQ smoking supplies instore!

The Brewers Market – it's your one-stop shop for all your DIY brewing needs!

OPEN 9:30 - 5:30 weekdays, 9:30 - 3.00 Saturdays • 453 Pacific Highway Belmont 2280 • Ph 4945 5333 the sad, solace for the suffering and provided hope when there was none and all was thought lost.

It’s delicious, nutritious, refreshing, intoxicating, dependable and even portable.

Surely there has been no better time to be a lover of beer.

With thousands of years of experience, recipes and accounts from generations of master brewers, improved technologies and refined recipes and ingredients - these are the tools that make this such an exciting time to enjoy beer.

Australia’s booming craft beer industry is capturing the hearts and taste buds of beer lovers all over the world with microbreweries opening all over the country on an almost weekly basis and a fast-growing home brewer market.

Make your Own!

Speak to the Experts in Home Brewing!

Beer! It’s been part of the human experience since the dawn of civilization – when man ceased to live as a nomadic huntergatherer and settled down to live off the land and cultivate grains. That was approximately 10,000 years ago!

Over the centuries beer has meant many things to many people. In times of cheer, it has been the ingredient of celebrations and joy to mundane and provided sustenance to the brave. In gloomier times, it has been a source of comfort to

Now thanks to The Brewers Market you can join in on the creativity and adventurous spirit of the craft brewer and make your own delicious batch of craft beer in the comfort of your own home, with a choice of all the different beer styles and flavour possibilities by adding different hops, malts, honey and even fruits. Cider kits are also very popular and also come with a great range of flavours.

Owned by Jason Gaskell and Kylie Armstrong, The Brewers Market is located at 453 Pacific Highway in Belmont. Jason, who is a cabinetmaker by trade but has been a passionate brewer for approximately 15 years, decided to take his hobby from the kitchen and turn it into something else.

When the time came to make a career change, Jason needed a little direction, he knew exactly what he wanted to do, and The Brewers Market was born.

Open every weekday and until 3pm each Saturday, at The Brewers Market you will find everything you will need to make beer, wine, spirits, cider and ginger beer, including equipment such as fermenting vessels, kegs, keg fridges, and boilers.

"The one things I have noticed over the years of brewing is that the quality of the beer being made has become so much better," says Jason.

"It's not about making home brew anymore its making craft beer, and it’s still not expensive to do it.

"Our customers are made up of both males and females - aged anywhere from 18 to 98 years old who are all willing to give it a go and enjoy what they do. Every day someone is asking about or starting the DIY adventure.''

"For the novice, there are various starter kits, which include everything you will need to get started. Whether it be making beer, wine and spirits, or making cheese and jerky we are always on hand, ready to dish out advice on how to make, store and look after your chosen brew."

They also have a variety of cheese making kits and jerky spices, and if they don't have what you are looking for, Jason and Kylie will do their very best to get it for you.

Love your beer, wine or cider? Take your passion to the next level, live out your hipster dreams and make your own brew to share with your friends and family while accumulating endless bragging rights in the process.

Award Winning Cuisine... Waterfront Location Situated on the waterfront of beautiful Lake Macquarie, this stylish brasserie boasts an elegant, yet casual, atmosphere with waterfront views from every table.

4/157 Brighton Avenue | Toronto NSW 2283 | PH 4959 7556

Hughzies’ menu caters for all occasions, whether you’re interested in an informal lunch or an à la carte evening indulgence with gluten-free and vegetarian options to suit all diners. Once you’ve completed the main course, be sure to sample the delicious cakes and desserts, which are made fresh in-house.

Open for Breakfast Mon – Sat (Until 2pm), Lunch Mon – Thurs (From Noon until Late Afternoon) and Fri/Sat (Noon until 2pm), Dinner Fri/Sat (6pm until late) www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 37

Take Your Tastebuds on a Journey...

Experience the sharing style Persian menu...

•99% gluten free •Vegetarian and vegan heaven

Join our VIP CLUB online today to receive your FREE Persian New Years GIFT and EAT FREE on your birthday!

43 Bolton Street, Newcastle PH 4926 5500 Open 7 nights for Dinner 6pm-9pm Thursday - Sunday for Lunch 12pm-2pm www.thepersianplace.com.au

Hunter Valley

Chocolate Company EST. 1999

Located in the heart of Pokolbin, Hunter Valley Chocolate Company has been a family owned and operated Hunter Valley gem for the last 17 years.

Indulge in the ultimate chocolate experience, with a tantalising range of premium hand-made chocolate and chocolate products plus more than 30 flavours of freshly made fudge!

Open 7 Days 9am – 5pm. Ph 4998 6999 Three Great Locations in Pokolbin: Twenty-3-Twenty – 2320 Broke Road Peterson House – Broke Road Hunter Valley Gardens – Shop 5, Broke Road

www.hvchocolate.com.au | admin@hvchocolate.com.au 38 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Only the Finest of Chocolate for Easter...

WORDS MICHELLE MEEHAN Chocoholics of the Hunter rejoice – Easter is nearly upon us! While for Christians it is the holiest time in the Church calendar, for many people, Easter is simply a time to celebrate being with family and friends – and the chance to indulge in a chocolate egg or two!

Eggs have been associated with the Christian celebration of Easter since the early days of the church, used to symbolise new life through the resurrection of Jesus.

Dyed or decorated hen and duck eggs

were displayed or given as gifts since the earliest times, while egg-shaped toys were manufactured in the 17th and 18th centuries and given to children at Easter.

Chocolate Easter eggs first appeared in France and Germany in the early 19th century.

However, it wasn’t until the Dutch invented a press for separating cocoa butter from the cocoa bean in 1828 and the Cadbury brothers introduced the use of a pure cocoa in 1866 that the production of Easter eggs started to take hold.

Today there are literally hundreds of different eggs and novelty-shaped Easter chocolates to choose from. However, for those looking for something truly indulgent this Easter, there’s nothing better than the smooth, delicious taste of a handcrafted chocolate treat.

The Hunter Valley Chocolate Company has been creating the finest chocolate products since 1999.

The destination of choice for those looking to indulge in something truly unique, the artisan chocolate makers lovingly craft their wares using only the highest quality Belgian or Swiss couverture chocolate, together with Australian dried fruits and nuts and distilled pure fruit oil infusions.

Owner Jo Clarke said what started out as a simple idea to set up a small chocolate shop in Hunter wine country has grown into a booming business venture that now includes three stores and 40 staff. ►

INNER CITY WINEMAKERS Cellar Door Ambience…

City Convenience...

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Hunter Valley

Horse Riding & Adventures

8 Church Street, Wickham PH (02) 4962 3545 Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 5pm www.innercitywinemakers.com.au

See Some of Australia's Finest Pianists in Action!

Inner City Winemakers are sponsoring a new series of recitals by Australian flautist Sally Walker and featuring collaborations with some of Australia’s finest pianists: Christopher Allan, Tamara Anna Cislowska, Gabriella Pusner, Daniel Rojas-Gonzales

Easter is undoubtedly their busiest time of year, as more and more people seek out something finer than the mass produced eggs lining the shelves of their local supermarket.

“The difference begins with the chocolate that is used for the product,” Jo said.

“The major commercial companies extract a high quantity of the cocoa butter from the raw material before they use it, but it is the cocoa butter that actually gives chocolate its richness, smoothness and overall taste sensation.

“We are very conscious about using a quality Swiss or Belgium couverture as the base of what goes into our melting tanks because it is like any recipe that is prepared by a chef - the best end result comes from using top quality ingredients.

“People’s tastes have changed over the last 15 to 20 years, people appreciate the better quality, and we are proud of our products and the reputation we have earned.”

That reputation has developed on the back of Hunter Valley Chocolate Company’s amazing array of handcrafted products, which are available seven days a week online as well as in-store at their “Twenty-3-Twenty” Chocolate & Fudge Factory on Broke Road and their retail outlets at Hunter Valley Gardens and Peterson’s House.

There’s sure to be something to cater to every taste bud, with dark, milk and white buttons and blocks a staple of the range.

Those looking for a chocolate-coated treat

Get away from city living and go Horse Riding! and Sally Whitwell, as well as baritone David Greco.

Each recital is a musical voyage exploring the music of a particular country or continent. All concerts will take place in the Adamstown Uniting Church, Newcastle – an intimate space for contemplative listening. Join this global musical journey on the 28th of April as Sally collaborates with Christopher Allan (Piano) and David Greco (Baritone) to share the wondrous music from the Kingdom of Bohemia. For more information and tickets visit www.sallywalker.com.au

can choose from a selection of nuts including the ever-popular almonds and macadamias, as well as ginger, liquorice, honeycomb and orange peel.

Pure fruit oils are used to create mouthwatering chocolate infusions, with flavours such as raspberry, lime, mint and orange, as well as the newest addition to their line – musk.

Jo said their most popular product at the moment would have to be their salted caramel chocolates, while their previous top seller – their famous chilli chocolate range – was inspired by request from a pair of Scandinavian tourists around 16 years ago.

When it comes to Easter, though, Hunter Valley Chocolate Company branches to include a few sensational seasonal lines.

“We’ve got a selection of moulds to make the bunnies and the duckies and the hollow eggs people love,” Jo said.

“We also do candy-coated eggs, freckled eggs, which were very popular last year, and for something more novel, we use a real egg shell with chocolate piped into it via a tiny hole. The kids can crack the egg shell, peel it off and find a solid chocolate egg underneath.

“Easter is our biggest time of the year, and with this one being in the middle of April with the cooler weather, and in the school holidays, it should make for a good weekend.” For more information about the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company visit www.hvchocolate.com.au ■

It's the perfect day trip - just 30 minutes up the Hunter Expressway you'll find a place where you can relax, get back to nature, treat the kids or just stop and smell the roses!

Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures offers trail rides for both beginners and experienced riders. Enjoy a picnic (we have over 300 acres of great spots), u�lise our BBQ facili�es, enjoy a tractor hay ride to feed the animals, check out the Kangaroos, Hiking and Mountain Bike trails or Sunset rides.

Hurry - Villa and Guest House accommoda�on available this Easter!

EASTER SUNDAY - Book a horse ride and bring your favourite Teddy Bear for our annual Teddy Bear’s Picnic! This family alcohol free day includes pony rides, jumping castle, Easter egg hunt and games to play.

Feel your city stresses slip away! OPEN 7 days.

BOOKINGS RECOMMENDED • PH 4930 7111 or 0417 233 008 www.huntervalleyhorseriding.com.au • 288 Talga Road, Lovedale

Unmask your favourite wine...

POKOLBIN ESTATE VIN EYARD

The

Visit the only vineyard in the Hunter Valley to produce Riesling and Winner - Best Riesling in Australia 2011

Pokolbin Estate | 298 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin Open 7 Days 9am-5pm | PH 4998 7524 | www.pokolbinestate.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 39

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Farnham joined the Little River Band as lead singer – replacing Glenn Shorrock who was the singer of all the band’s hits. Farnham left the band at the end of 1985 and began work on a new make-or-break solo album.

The release of the single You’re the Voice restored Farnham to number one for the first time in 17 years – it sold a million copies in Europe and reached the Top Ten in England.

In 1986, his Whispering Jack album soared to the number one position for 18 weeks, became the biggest-selling album in Australian history and the first album to sell over a million copies in Australia alone. A consummate singer and performer since 1986, Farnham As far as Australians are concerned, on stage has been Australia’s number one attraction, and on record, John Farnham is without with successive big-selling albums and soldchallenge Australia’s most successful solo out concert tours. artists. With a career spanning over 50 years, On Saturday, April 8th, John Farnham will Farnham’s popularity has never diminished, be headlining Hope Rocks at Hope Estate. He still needing to stage arena-sized concerts to is excited to return to Wine Countries largest satisfy the demand. concert venue saying, “I have not performed As an 18-year-old, Farnham’s career took at Hope Estate for some time now, and I am so off with the release of the novelty single Sadie looking forward to being there again. This will the Cleaning Lady, which became the biggestbe the last show on my current regional tour selling single in Australia at that time. Farnham and could not wish for a better venue to play”. then went on to release a long string of pop Joining Farnham for this special once only hits between 1967 and 1973, including the experience will be Jon Stevens who rose to local hit versions of Three Dog Night’s One, B.J. fame with Noiseworks and also boasts a long Thomas‘ Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head and successful solo career, the resurgent and Rock Me Baby.

Shannon Noll and the ever popular The Black In 1980, changing from “Johnny” to the Sorrows. For more information about the event more mature John Farnham, he set about or to purchase tickets, visit resurrecting his career. Two years later, www.hopeestate.com.au

Cellar Door • Restaurant/Café • Day Spa • Accommodation

JOHN FARNHAM Rocks Wine Country

Adina Vineyard and Olive Grove is located in Lovedale, just 3 minutes off the Hunter Expressway. Stop by to taste a range of Premium Hunter Valley wines, as well as beautiful farm fresh olive and providore products.

For a truly reviving break, stay a night or two in a private lodge, chill out in the day spa and dine at Emerson’s Restaurant.

492 Lovedale Road, Lovedale PH (02) 4930 7473 OPEN Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm

www.adinavineyard.com.au

FOR LOVERS OF PREMIUM BOUTIQUE WINES AND SENSATIONAL FOOD

Oishii Japanese Thai Restaurant Australia’s only Asian restaurant in a winery!

Located at Roche Estate, in the heart of the Hunter Valley, Oishii has become a favourite for locals and visitors alike. Whether dining inside the minimalist Asian themed dining hall or on the outside undercover terrace overlooking the vines encircling the architecturally designed amphitheatre, Oishii has become a “must dining experience.”

Oishii’s Asian chefs have composed an extensive menu of lightly prepared fragrant dishes showcasing regional produce. In true Asian style dishes are perfect for sharing and ideal for families and friends.

The fast take away options are also delicious.

EMMA’S COTTAGE VINEYARD 438 WILDERNESS ROAD, LOVEDALE 2320 • 02 4998 7734 www.emmascottage.com.au

J A PA N E S E T H A I C U I S I N E

ADDRESS Roche Estate Complex, Corner of Broke and Mcdonald Rd’s, Pokolbin RESTAURANT 7 Days, Lunch and Dinner PH (02) 4998 7051 W www.oishii.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 41

ting Now tas ous l u b a f e th nter u H 4 1 0 2 Shiraz!

MISTLETOE is a small family owned and run winery that was established by the current owners in 1989. Now in its 28th year, Mistletoe’s “no-compromise” approach to producing small quan��es of “true to origin” premium quality wine has seen it rewarded with many, many hundreds of awards and accolades.

With over 20 different wines, including Sparkling, Whites, Reds, Rosés, For�fied and Dessert styles on tas�ng, Mistletoe has one of the most comprehensive ranges of wines to be seen in the Hunter.

• All wines are made in our onsite winery • Winery tas�ngs available for larger groups – bookings essen�al!

• Mistletoe Wines are only available for purchase from the Winery Cellar Door • Knowledgeable and friendly staff to make you welcome • On most occasions you will be looked a�er by one of the Mistletoe Family

QUALITY WITHOUT COMPROMISE With three genera�ons now ac�vely engaged in the day to day opera�on of Mistletoe, it is truly a unique family winery.

When visi�ng Mistletoe be sure to take �me to visit POKOLBIN GALLERY and MISTLETOE SCULPTURE GARDEN also in the grounds of the Cellar Door.

Mistletoe is now just 35 minutes from Newcastle – take the Hunter Expressway M15 which becomes the A15 (New England Highway) at Branxton and then take the Hermitage Road exit.

Open 10am until 6pm daily | 771 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin 2320 PH 1800 055 080 FAX 02 4998 7792 E office@mistletoewines.com.au | W www.mistletoewines.com.au

42 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

What's On

Ahmed Kelly by Alex Coppel (Herald Sun)

Biddigal Dreaming by Marc McCormack (The Cairns Post)

Poignant AND AWARD WINNING IMAGES… The Nikon-Walkley Exhibition WORDS MICHELLE MEEHAN - Features Writer

It’s an old cliché to say a picture is worth a thousand words.

But when it comes to the finalists in the prestigious NikonWalkley Awards for Excellence in Photojournalism, it’s not just a cliché - it’s the truth.

The highest honour in Australian photojournalism, the awards recognise those photographers who have most vividly and memorably captured their subject across a range of genres, from news and sport to portraiture and photographic essays.

The work of a split second or months of preparation, the images are both evocative and insightful, portraying the story perhaps even more poignantly than the words written by the journalists, which accompanied them in print.

More than 2500 images were entered in the 2016 awards, with the judges narrowing it down to three finalists in each of the six categories before deciding upon the six winners, as well as the overall Photo of the Year.

Depending on which newspaper you read, you may have come across some of the images last year, but Newcastle and Lake Macquarie residents now have a chance to see a selection of the finalists all in one place when the Nikon-Walkley Press

Ballerina by Jason Edwards (Herald Sun)

Photography Exhibition opens at Wallsend District Library this month.

The exhibition also provides a chance to reflect on some of the biggest stories to make headlines last year, as well as outstanding moments in sport, daily life and news, captured both in our own backyards and in the furthest corners of the globe.

Opening on April 6, the exhibition will run through until May 28, with viewing available Monday to Friday from 1pm to 8pm, Saturday from 9.30am to 2pm and on Sunday from 1.30pm to 5pm. intouch Magazine was given a sneak peek at some of the amazing images that make up the exhibition and have been allowed to share a few of our favourites, and the stories behind them, with our readers this month.

“I loved the stark contrast between the drama of their performance and their relaxed demeanour after being on stage.”

For more information about the exhibition visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Library/Whats-On

Jason Edwards (Herald Sun) – “Ballerina.”

Jason was also a finalist in the Press Photographer of the Year category, with judges noting his images “beautifully captured a year of politics, sport and art in Australia.”

Incorporating everything from the Hawthorn Football Club’s historic third successive AFL grand final victory in 2015 to anti-Islamic and anti-racist groups clashing on the streets of Melton over a proposed Islamic school and a mosque, the photographer from the Herald Sun, entered a wide-ranging selection of images in the awards.

Among his most striking was a shot of Melbourne Ballet Company’s lead dancer Kristy Lee Denovan, gracefully posing on top of a half-submerged pylon at Princess Pier.

OUR FAVOURITES Marc McCormack (The Cairns Post) – “Biddigal Dreaming.”

Marc took out the Nikon-Walkley Community/Regional Prize, which celebrates photographers outside of Australia’s major cities.

Judges said the Cairns Post photographer, who also won the prize in 2013, had “a knack for nailing a story in a frame,” such as the shot he took of three young indigenous dancers preparing for a theatre performance of Biddigal Dreaming.

“I noticed the three dancers sitting in the backstage of the theatre after their rehearsal,” Marc said.

Alex Coppel (Herald Sun) – “Ahmed Kelly.”

Alex was one of three finalists in the prestigious Press Photographer of the Year award.

The judged noted that his body of work contained a strong and diverse selection of images that revealed his technical skill and storytelling ability.

It included an arresting shot of Australian Paralympian Ahmed Kelly, showing him powering through the water, with his prosthetic legs by the side of the pool. The photo was captured as he prepared for the 2016 Rio Paralympics, Ahmed’s second time representing Australia, where he competed in four events.

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 43

MOTORING //

Introducing the all new Range Rover Velar WORDS CHRIS HYDE - Hunter Land Rover Bennetts Green Land Rover has filled the hole in their Range Rover SUV line-up with its stunning new Velar. The Velar is positioned between the entry-level Evoque and Range Rover Sport, due to arrive in the showroom before the end of 2017.

Land Rover admits the Velar is its most urbanised crossover with a focus on refined driving manners, introducing new technologies and creating a luxury and highly connected fiveseater cabin. It doesn't, however, forego the company's bushbashing credentials with an advanced all-wheel drive system

supported by the latest in electronic driver aids and adaptable air suspension on high-end models.

It will be offered with a broad spectrum of model variants that will be defined by a choice of six engines across two distinct ranges - the luxury-focused Velar and sportier Velar R-Dynamic - and four levels of standard specifications.

The Velar's rakish style is amplified by its short front overhang and longer rear end while it is complemented by iconic Range Rover design cues such as the floating roof and strong shoulder line.

Its smooth body is showcased by slimline headlights (featuring laser high beams in range-topping variants), flush door handles that pop out of the car and a sloping rear roofline that is partially hidden by a roof-mounted spoiler, all of which combine to make the Velar the most aerodynamic Range Rover ever built.

The regular Velar will feature a more subtle front bumper, additional chromework embellishments and the signature floating roof while the Velar R-Dynamic has a more aggressive look with a sportier bumper, bonnet vents, copper highlights and a two-tone body with black roof. Both can be equipped with alloy wheels up to 22-inches in diameter, depending on specification.

The cabin is equally as stunning in its simplicity, with Range Rover's signature T-bar dash design introducing Land Rover's latest in digital technology. Not only does the instrument panel feature a 12.3-inch digital display that can be configured in multiple designs, but there is are two 10-inch colour screens in the centre of the dash that work in unison to control all multimedia, navigation, vehicle settings and ventilation controls.

Dubbed Touch Pro Duo, the top screen has a thin polycarbonate capacitive display that follows the curvature of the dash for a flush fit when the vehicle is switched off but flips

forward when the ignition is activated.

That screen is used for the majority of multimedia functions while the second screen at the base of the dash houses ventilation and vehicle control settings such as the Terrain Response system.

The five-seater cabin features a "Sports-Command" driving position with a new split-rim steering wheel that features touchsensitive controls, a TFT colour heads-up display, multicolour LED ambient lighting, optional four-zone climate control and generous rear leg and headroom.

Mechanically, the Velar will come with a choice of fourcylinder or V6 engines and have all-wheel drive and an eightspeed automatic as standard.

The Velar will also be available with the latest in electronic driver aids for increased safety, including automated emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, automated parking assistance and a 360-degree camera. It can also feature a semi-automated reverse trailer function, called Advanced Tow Assist, that helps manoeuvre through difficult situations when fitted with a trailer. Even though the Velar is Range Rover's most road-biased vehicle, it still claims to have a maximum towing capacity of 2500kg.

Experience the Range Rover Velar in full virtual reality at Hunter Land Rover, Arnhem Close, Bennetts Green today.

The all new E-Class.

MBA8886

The remarkable all new Mercedes-Benz E-Class takes automotive technology into a new realm of intelligence.

Over 100 million lines of code drive technical advancement like never before. Advanced safety features including PRE-SAFEÂŽ Impulse Side, PRE-SAFEÂŽ Sound and Evasive Steering Assist constantly monitor the world around you reacting to and anticipating potential hazards in the blink of an eye. While a widescreen cockpit provides astounding levels of technical innovation and luxury. As a masterpiece of intelligence, the all new E-Class stands alone.

Mercedes-Benz Newcastle 1 Pacific Highway, Bennetts Green NSW 2290, Tel (02) 4974 4244, www.mbnewcastle.com.au, Lic No 18100

44 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

McCLOY COMMUNITIES Leading the Way with Public Art

With over four decades of experience in the residential sector, McCloy Group has established a significant presence in the Hunter and New England regions and is proud to be associated with some of the most popular residential communities in NSW. One element that McCloy Group stands unrivalled in is their dedication to public art – used to enhance the living environment of residents in their communities. It’s truly an uncompromising quality that makes these award-winning communities stand apart from the rest.

“Public art is a display in the public domain that has been planned, executed and given back to the community for all to enjoy,” says Managing Director Brian Swaine. “We want to ensure McCloy communities are more than just somewhere to build, so each community is individually masterplanned to enhance public open space and the enjoyment of those who live there. The public art throughout McCloy Communities is an ever growing credit to this.”

Public art has a strong presence in McCloy Communities from the very start. For example, at Potter’s Lane at Raymond Terrace a sculpture of 2 clay pots is in the process of being erected as a signature piece in the neighbourhood park.

“We want to show residents that we go beyond their expectations and so these public art pieces are worked into the living space before the residents themselves are even there.

Once complete, these pots will stand 3 meters tall and pay homage to the history of Raymond Terrace, predominantly first settler James King who became well known for his pottery,” Mr. Swaine said.

What distinguishes public art is the unique association between how it’s made, what it means and where it’s located.

Throughout McCloy Communities the pieces seek to illustrate community values and embed a sense of pride in the space which the residents live…in essence, they are a common community expression.

Within Billy’s Lookout at Teralba, you’ll find a range of public art associated with its location. A boastful cockatoo, two giant pelicans, greeting you as you enter and nautical displays which include pieces titled ‘Undercurrent’ and ‘Anchored,' demonstrate Billy’s Lookout’s relaxed lifestyle - where the sea meets the bush. Two Billy goats are soon to be added, tying Billy’s Lookout back to the name originally given to the site by locals - Billy Goat Hill.

“The process of public art selection within McCloy Communities is aided by an expression of contemporary

culture. We seek out imaginative pieces that complement the community they’ll be displayed in, creating a positive affinity between artist and community,” Mr. Swaine said.

Heritage Parc, Maitland is home to another formidable collection. Airborne swans at the entrance immediately resonate with the “parc life” that Heritage Parc provides, this continues throughout the neighbourhood with wooden day beds positioned by the pond for enjoyment and the twelve water reads titled ‘Waterways.' All of these pieces relate back to the strong presence of nature and open space living. Each piece is part of the neighbourhoods evolving history and the resident’s collective memory of their growing neighbourhood.

In Medowie, the recent housing boom has indeed been felt at The Bower, with 52 homesites sold since launch in September 2016. For a community very early in the development lifecycle, it too will be faithful to the McCloy name and contain a captivating display of public art. ‘Signed’ - a piece

by Victorian artist Jonathan Leahey, represents cynical reality, leaving room for simple and spontaneous creativity. It’s a credit to future residents of The Bower, a place in which they too can spontaneously create their dream homes.

The message behind the piece links back to the nature of the Bower Bird, a free-spirited creature who’s known to build impressive homes. Bower Birds meticulously maintain their nests throughout the year beautifully decorating them with bright blue objects. Complementary to this is the Bower Bird piece found at the entrance creating a proud vibe from the moment you enter the neighbourhood.

If you’re looking for land, be sure to take a look at the McCloy Communities throughout Port Stephens and the Hunter.

These masterplanned residential communities are little pockets of paradise suited for all stages of life – and you’ll enjoy being part of your own art gallery as well!

ALL-NEW F-PACE

ABOVE ALL, IT’S A JAGUAR.

Welcome to Jaguar as you’ve never seen it before. Now you can enjoy the dramatic drive and beauty Jaguar is renowned for, with added practicality.

Inspired by F-TYPE, its powerful, muscular looks give the All-New F-PACE a head-turning road presence. And it delivers the connected steering feel and sharp, responsive handling of a sports car too, thanks to its aluminium double wishbone front and Integral Link rear suspension.

A master of sporting performance and everyday practicality, F-PACE raises the game.

Now available.^

^Consult your dealer for terms and costs of Service Plans. Finance provided by Jaguar Financial Services which is a registered trading name of Jaguar Land Rover Australia Pty Ltd. The registered trademarks and trading name referred to above are operated and used under licence by St. George Bank – A Division of Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714.

THE ART OF PERFORMANCE www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 45

Live a

opportunity to up-size their homes and improve their lifestyle.

Located in Rothbury (Pokolbin) in the Hunter Valley, The Vintage is an example of this vision to create a residential lifestyle community with its own rare blend of village character, natural beauty, urban convenience and resort-style luxury. All this is wrapped within the green oasis, that is the 18-hole Greg Norman designed championship golf course which is ranked amongst the best in Australia.

Surrounded by vineyards and restaurants, with easy access to major roads, schools, supermarkets and shopping centres and all that the Hunter Valley wine region has to offer, The Vintage provides an incomparable lifestyle that combines the charm and atmosphere of the countryside with all the convenience and amenities of urban life.

For many, it’s also a place where they can relax and enjoy life and nature in a safe and secure environment for their family, while living in a community of like-minded people.

Since its opening in 2003, people from all over the country are discovering The Vintage advantages and as each stage of the residential community is released to the market, lots are being snapped up by those keen to live the good life.

Extensively landscaped with dedicated parklands and reserves and enjoying vistas of golf, vineyards and mountain ranges, both golfers and non-golfers alike can embrace an

VINTAGE Lifestyle!

Who doesn’t dream of a lifestyle of relaxation, recreation and refinement? In a competitive housing market residential golf and lifestyle estates have taken on a new allure for home buyers.

Traditionally the domain of golf-loving retirees, these picturesque golf and lifestyle estates are also very popular with a much wider demographic that include young families and couples looking for an alternative to city dwelling, the

exclusive and relaxed lifestyle within a friendly community of varied ages.

From the main entry to the manicured parklands, it is easy to understand why The Vintage won gold in the 2015 Lower Hunter Urban Design Awards for Landscape and Public Art, as well as the many other awards spanning the 14 years since it was developed.

Smart, elegant homes grace manicured streetscapes where life takes on a more measured pace, yet is still conveniently located to the Hunter Expressway and an easy 30-minute drive to Newcastle suburbs and just 90 minutes using the M1 to Sydney.

But, the benefits of living at The Vintage go far beyond the world-class 18-hole golf course.

Blending spectacularly into the Hunter Valley landscape, the Clubhouse at The Vintage is the focal point of the community.

With superb facilities, function rooms, pro shop, Vintage Café and Legends Grill restaurant, the award winning Clubhouse provides a haven for people to relax in private or with friends over coffee, a beer or a glass of wine while overlooking the stunning views of the golf course.

Residents also get to enjoy the awarded Château Élan Destination Spa and Salon which is located in the resort as well as recreation facilities which include a 25m heated swimming pool and spa, day/night tennis courts and a health and fitness centre to complement the 7km of bicycle and walking trails Opportunities to live among the famous Hunter Valley wineries in a residential golf community and just minutes to a major city are hard to come by. But, when you purchase at The Vintage you are not simply buying into another housing estate.

Instead, you are buying into a piece of the Hunter Valley and all the style, freedom, community spirit and affordable luxury that comes with it.

All This and More…

If you’re over 55, this luxury lifestyle can be yours from as little as $360,0 00.

28 Waterworks Road, Rutherford PO Box 12 Maitland, NSW 2320 PH 4932 1901 MOB 0409 805 422 E sales@walkagrange.com.au

46 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

www.walkagrange.com.au

F22 F21 F20 F19 F18 F17

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F22 F21 F20 F19 F18 F17

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FUTURE PARKLAND GOLFVIEWS FRONT

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FUTURE GOLF FRONT

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FROM ONE PIECE TO A WHOLE HOUSE OUR INHOUSE DESIGNERS WILL HELP YOU FIND YOUR STYLE!

make an appointment today!

192 parry street, newcastle west, nsw 2302 t 02 4962 5577 f 02 4962 5588 w www.insideoutstyle.com.au facebook.com/insideoutstore

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