Newcastle & Lake Macquarie | December 2017 - January 2018

Newcastle•Lake Macquarie•Hunter Valley•Port Stephens

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ISSUE #29 // DEC/JAN 2018 WWW.INTOUCHMAGAZINE.COM.AU

SUMMER HOLIDAY ISSUE Plus...

School Holidays Special Feature...

50+ Fun Things to do!

Christmas at Charlestown Square Pullout The Beat Remains Strong for Canned Heat Two Local Authors Empowering Kids

HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY Over $3000 worth of prizes!

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

!

W O N E L A S N O TICKETS g.com.au bluesfesttourin

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NEWCASTLE

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2 SHOWS - LUNCH 12.30pm & DINNER 6pm / LIZOTTES.COM.AU

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MON 26th MARCH RECITAL CENTRE

PRESENTED BY MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE MELBOURNERECITAL.COM.AU

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INSIDE INTOUCH

From the Editors...

The community, they’re the people who feed me and my family, I’m happy to help back. Basically, anyone who supports us here I’ll support them back, it’s the way it’s always been.

- Piggotts Pharmacies, PAGE 56

There’s nothing like the festive season for bringing families and friends together, and there’s no doubt that every family celebrates this special time in different ways with quirky family traditions and of course the great turkey versus ham debate. We caught up with a few of our local identities in this issue to find out what’s on their tables and around their tree’s this Christmas – you might be surprised!

There’s no doubt that this time of the year is all about families and Newcastle is full of families who are in business together (including us!) – delivering fantastic services and products to locals.

In this issue, we speak to two such families – both with iconic Newcastle businesses – about how they came to be in business and the changes they have seen over the years.

The anticipation of Christmas is a great way to keep the kids busy in those first few days after school breaks up for another year.

But once the final present has been unwrapped and the tree has come down, many parents are left staring down the barrel of four long weeks without any other plans in sight. Our special School Holiday guide has you covered with over 50 great local activities to enjoy.

2017 has been a massive year for the intouch magazine family – but also a fun one! We’ve enjoyed sourcing interesting local stories and identities, uncovering hidden gems and covering some amazing events each month across our print magazine, interactive digital magazine, fabulous website (have you checked it out?) and social media pages.

We’ve also added a weekly newsletter direct to subscribers inboxes this year. Why? Because we know you want us to stay intouch of course!

With over 130,000 readers each month intouch magazine has become our local area’s favourite magazine – but without you (our fabulous readers), we would not have had such an amazing year.

So thank you for embracing intouch magazine as your own – we hope to continue bringing you the very best our area has to offer for a very long time to come.

From our families to yours – we wish you a very merry and restful Christmas and a happy and prosperous 2018.

See you in February! Enjoy!

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

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Contents//

ISSUE #29 DEC/JAN 2018

Features 12

What's On Highlights

14

Christmas OUR Way!

20

On the Road Again - Canned Heat

23

intouch Magazine's Giant Holiday Giveaway!

26

Home - You're Making me Blush

30

Meet the Maker - Kiasmin Burrell

36

Fashion - Time to Shine

40

On Tour With the Kid - The Heartbreak is REAL!

42

Something for Everyone this Summer

44

Local Authors Empowering Young Readers

47

Skye Baldwin - Anything But Ordinary!

49

Watch Me Grow!

57

School Holiday Fun! 50+ Fun Things to do

62

Family Vision for Iconic Business

PAGE 57

Regulars

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 Level 1, 216 Pacific Highway, Charlestown NSW 2290 Web www.intouchmagazine.com.au Email getintouch@intouchmagazine.com.au Advertising Sales Phone (02) 4943 0888 Marketing & Account Management Di von Essen and Carla Elkin Graphic Design Jess Codrington and Larissa Cluff Features Writer Michelle Meehan © Copyright 2017/18 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.

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8

Horoscopes

10

What’s on Guide

25

Home + Lifestyle

36

Fashion

40

Family + Comunity

46

Health + Wellbeing

62

Property + Business

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

Contributors The holiday season is all about celebrating and across Newcastle and Lake Mac that means days spent at the beach or lakeside with family and friends, enjoying the sunshine and revelling in the holiday spirit! We’re pretty proud of our “sand-man” efforts! Why not build one yourselves and post it on our facebook page tagged with #intouchSandman and let everyone see your handiwork!

Carla Elkin Di von Essen Tanya Obreza Deborah Bartlett Dr Gary Avery Mia von Essen Penny O'Donnell Maria Ward

Michelle Meehan Quentin von Essen Tracey Hollis Alana Kelly Dana Fischetti Dallas Rosekelly Chloe Sullivan

Jess Codrington Mel Murray Larissa Cluff Catherine Martin Di Grover Victoria Blakeley Dr Katheryne Holmes

All is new.

All is bright.

There’s a new destination for style-seekers coming to the Hunter.

Discover iconic Australian and international brands including David Jones, opening March 2018 at Stockland Green Hills.

For more information visit stockland.com.au/greenhills.

Green Hills

A Brighter Now www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 5

festive entertainment for the whole family, food and drinks in the Xmas Village, and a chance to make a difference to kids in need. The Variety team (including Newcastle Knights Nathan Ross) will provide you with a Santa hat, and all you need to do is wear something red and run, roll or stroll the fully accessible 5km walk.

The Walk will start from Speers Point Park to Warners Bay and back to finish at the Lake Mac Carols. There will be free entry into the Speers Point Swim Centre – why not cool off and get ready for the carols! There are also prizes for fancy dress and best-dressed wheels (pram or wheelchair) so get your Christmas red on!

In addition to the walk, there will be free kids' activities all day before special guests, Judah Kelly and Toni Childs take to the stage for the evening Carols by Candlelight concert at 6.30pm.

The winner of The Voice Australia 2017, Judah Kelly will kick off the night's proceedings. The 20-year-old Queenslander is The Voice Australia’s most successful winner in four years and will be bringing his “country with soul” style to the stage – and Lake Mac can’t wait to welcome him!

Toni Childs is a 3-time Grammy nominated and Emmy winning artist with a contagious power and passion for life and The festive season is in full swing and Lake Macquarie City’s a voice to match. Her first three albums touched the hearts biggest event, the annual Lake Mac Carols by Candlelight, and ears of people in over 50 countries, and after a decadewill once again return to Speers Point Park on Sunday 10 long hiatus recovering from Graves disease, she is back with December. the same passion and conviction.

Council’s Acting Manager Community Planning, Wes Hain, Of course, there will also be a special guest appearance said the event includes something for the whole family to enjoy.

by Santa and the evening will finish off with a spectacular “Carols by Candlelight is one of the most popular events in the Lake Macquarie calendar and this year is set to be another fireworks display at 9pm.

The event is held with the kind sponsorship of Newcastle fantastic evening for the community,” Mr Hain said.

Permanent, NEWFM and Officeworks. Stay up to date with all “The festivities will kick off at 11am with the Variety Xmas the action. For more information about Lake Mac Carols by Walk, followed by music entertainment from 1pm,” he said.

Candlelight visit the Lake Mac facebook page at /lakemaccity.

The Variety Xmas Walk is a great day out in itself with

BIG VOICES

To Perform at Lake Mac Carols by Candlelight

Tastes Great...

DOES GOOD!

Since 1971 the not for profit Adamstown Pudding Kitchen has been producing superb gourmet puddings and given over a million dollars to chari�es in Newcastle, Australia and overseas.

This fes�ve season we’ve got scrump�ous new jams, pickles and sauces, perfect gi�s for your friends and family, plus all the classic Christmas and Gourmet puddings, famous for their moist consistency and full flavour.

NEW YEARS EVE

Tastings and Sales:

Adamstown Uni�ng Church, 228 Brunker Road cnr Glebe Road Adamstown. Also at Newcastle Farmers Markets, Bibina, Hunter/Central Coast Lifeline stores or online at www.adamstownpuddingkitchen.org.au For enquiries: info@adamstownpuddingkitchen.org.au

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At Lizotte’s Ring in 2018 with Brian Lizotte’s award-winning menu and the sensational sound of the Beatnix!

It was February 1980, ten months before the untimely death of John Lennon, that Australia and possibly the worlds, first tribute show The Beatnix was conceived and produced by Tony Dean - founding member and now owner/manager.

Coming from a Show Band background, popular in the 1970s and touring Australia wide, Tony was accustomed to playing covers that included classic hits from the Beatles, Doobie Brothers, Beach Boys, Hollies, Bee Gees, & Eagles, all great harmony groups. His sets included songs directly from the top twenty hit parade but then Punk came along, and it was out of the question to play that style of music.

It was suggested they play more Beatles music; everybody loved The Beatles, so from that simple suggestion, the first tribute show was conceived. Originally put together for a four week season in Perth, Western Australia, the shows proved so popular that after 18 months it was decided to make the move to Sydney where the show is now based and is available to travel worldwide. The Beatnix Show includes fully authentic musical instruments identical to those used by The Beatles. For tickets and more information visit www.lizottes.com.au

THE BLACK SORROWS 27 + 28 January, 2018

The Black Sorrows continue to be one of Australia’s most enduring touring bands and have earned the reputation as a dynamic live act. There is a level of accessibility to The Black Sorrows that can appeal to the newest of fans.

At the helm, Joe Camilleri steers the band through an energetic interplay of solid grooves and well-crafted songs that mix those well-worn ingredients of blues, soul, R&B, gospel, with flashes of country and even brill building pop.

ARIA Hall-of-Famer, Joe Camilleri is one of the most committed and successful musicians this country has ever produced - a man who loves and lives music, and as a result, The Black Sorrows continue to be one of Australia’s most successful touring bands. They have played all round Australia and all over the world – but you can catch them at Lizotte’s on 27 and 28 January. Be quick – tickets are selling fast at www.lizottes.com.au

DON'T MISS THE BIGGEST PARTY OF THE YEAR...

Hit106.9 Boxing Day Races!

Be part of Newcastle’s Boxing Day tradition Gates are scheduled to open at 12.00pm First race is scheduled for 1.29pm and last and celebrate Boxing Day with friends at race at 5.49pm. Of course, there’s plenty of Newcastle Racecourse! There’s live racing dining options available on the day. Reserve action and spectacular entertainment at your table now to avoid disappointment on the year’s biggest raceday! You’ll find fun for all ages at this fabulous post-Christmas 4961 1573!

•Members Lounge seats are $15 per Day celebration, whether you want to dance Member or $70 for Guests of Members away the afternoon on the lawn, relax in (including Entry into Racecourse, the Members Lounge, book a seat in the Members Day Pass and Reserved seat) Mark Murphy Lounge or dine in Chevals •Mark Murphy Lounge seats are Restaurant. $45 per person (including Entry into Buy your General Entry ticket to the Racecourse and reserved seat) and races before December 15th and you’ll $15 per seat for Members receive an additional ticket FREE! Tickets •Chevals Restaurant is available are just $30 each (plus booking fee) but for $125 per person and $115 for you’d better hurry, as they will sell out fast!

Members.

Tickets will be available online up to and www.newcastleracecourse.com.au including on the day and at the gate.

ONE CITY, ONE BOOK: The Birdman's Wife One city, one book, one story. A thousand conversations. Join Newcastle and Port Stephens libraries for Newcastle's annual Big Book Club and our citywide conversation about the novel The Birdman's Wife.

Meet the author when the library hosts a very special Big Book Club event at the Conservatorium of Music featuring a panel of special guests including author Melissa Ashley.

The Newcastle Library holds one of the nation's biggest collections of John Gould's publications, which feature original lithographs created by his wife, Elizabeth Gould. The collection was donated to the city by Roland Pope.

At the event, presented in partnership with the University of Newcastle, participants will have the rare opportunity to ask questions and have their books signed by the author.

"Our panel discussion will focus on the award-winning novel by Melissa Ashley, the pivotal roles of Elizabeth Gould, Charles Darwin and the naturalist movement of the early 19th century, and the taxidermy of John

M A K E TI ME FOR M O RE THI S

Gould," said Suzie Gately, Manager Libraries for Newcastle City Council.

Newcastle's tradition of excellence in Natural History Illustration has been central to its story, from the Scott sisters on Ash Island in the mid-1800's to today, with the University of Newcastle boasting the only Bachelor of Natural History Illustration degree offered in Australia.

Join the panel members to discuss the book. The panel will include Anne Llewellyn, conjoint senior lecturer Natural History Illustration and Troy Duncan, Australian History lecturer, both from the University of Newcastle.

Pick up a copy of The Birdman's Wife by Melissa Ashley at your local library, download a copy from the library’s eBook collection, listen to the audiobook or buy your own copy from your nearest bookstore. Be sure to bring your copy along to the signing! For more information, visit the Newcastle Region Library website or call 4974 5300.

WHAT Big Book Club WHEN Wednesday, February 14, 2018.

Commences at 6.30pm.

WHERE Conservatorium of Music, Auckland St. DETAILS Entry is just $8 pp, bookings are essential through Eventbrite.

SANTA ARRIVES AT JUNCTION FAIR 21st & 22ND Dec Take your selfie with Santa from 10am - 2pm and receive a FREE goodie bag

Get a head start on the festive season so you can make more time for what really matters at Christmas Whether it’s holiday entertaining or finding the perfect gift for loved ones, Christmas is all wrapped up in one shopping centre with FREE undercover parking.

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 7

STAR OF THE MONTH - SAGITTARIUS

THE LIBRARY NEWCASTLE

Astrologer TANYA OBREZA on what’s in the stars in December. For your January Horoscope, visit www.intouchmagazine.com.au

An exhibition that showcases highlights of Newcastle's history from the Library's photographic collection.

On display until February 2018 The Library Newcastle Lovett Gallery, level 2 Laman Street Newcastle

Capricorn 22 December - 19 January Hidden memories may surface in early December. Face the realities that you’ve been hiding from, and put your life back on course. If energy levels are low, take a break to recharge your batteries before the festive season really sets in. Year’s end quivers with excitement.

Start working your social list and make sure you grab all the cash on offer. You deserve every reward.

Aquarius 20 January - 18 February Tidy your affairs early in the month, and you can look forward to a stress-free Christmas. If anyone deserves a few weeks of relaxation, it’s you. For many, it’s been a tough year, so allow more than just a few of days for recuperation.

Life feels happier after the 16th, with your social activity and sexuality soaring. And don’t worry too much about money. It seems that there’s more than enough to spare.

Pisces 19 February - 20 March Despite plenty of ongoing work commitments, there shouldn’t be enough to stop the party season. So clear the in trays, and then relax.

Here’s your chance to let everyone know how much they mean to you. And even though you may join the festivities later than most, you should still be lucky in love. Month’s end brings a time for spa and holiday treats. For yourself and perhaps, a special partner.

Aries 21 March - 20 April Kick off your shoes and let the events of this past year disappear. You have every right to demand a break. It’s been a traumatic time for you - but your Aries courage and compassion rarely waned. Better still, you’ve survived and emerged stronger and wiser for it. So treat yourself to something luxurious and extravagant - let the pampering begin. And why not break a few rules along the way!

Taurus 21 April - 20 May The pace for early December remains fierce.

You’re in no mood to hear “hang in there”, but this is exactly what the cosmos suggests. Stay on course, and by early next year, you should make a lasting impression where it matters.

For now, finances need controlling - a hard ask during the festive season. Unfortunately, at the moment cash disappears as soon as it’s been earned, but don’t worry - help is not far away.

Gemini 21 May - 21 June December ensures that life is effortless. You have more charisma that you know what to do with so schedule important meetings and hot dates to make the most of this time. Luckily, you won’t have to make final decisions regarding options until the New Year. For now, you need only be committed to having fun. Singles are surprised by the unusual, while couples opt for a change of scenery. A great way to end a busy year.

Cancer 22 June - 22 July December brings more control over your personal direction. With you feeling increasingly ambitious, goals are more easily attained.

This kind of confidence can’t help but bring success. That said, also take the time to enjoy friendships. And you may as well surrender what’s left of your dwindling finances to the party season. That’s what festivities are for. Just aim for a better financial game plan in place in January.

Leo 23 July - 22 August Leos feel stifled in early December. But you’ve reached an important turning point in your life, and change is inevitable. At first, you may prefer to stick with what you know, but be brave and honest about what you truly want. Deep down you know the only way to tackle problems is head on. The final week brings festive excitement. Let loose with the cash and credit and, just for now, forget common sense.

Virgo 23 August - 22 September You’ve every right to demand an apology from the Universe. This past year has been a long, hard slog. When under such pressure, we often make mistakes. So if you feel you’ve misplaced that certain magic, or a certain someone - there could be something special waiting for you this month. The only hiccup is the financial aftermath of the season’s extravagances. Not to worry. Let the New Year pick up the bill.

Libra 23 September - 22 October As one year spins into another, the planets encourage a review. If life feels quiet in early December, don’t worry that you’re missing out. It’s just the calm before the dawn of your New Year and new life. Reflect on your recent transformations - psychological, emotional or physical. Then take a deep breath before the cosmos powers you forward after the 19th December. Get ready for a rebirth as a new you emerges.

Scorpio 23 October - 21 November With most enjoying the silly season, there could be a noticeable lack of Scorpios in the conga line. You seem determined to claim a triumphant year’s end, but there’s a danger of overload. Just before Christmas, the cosmos hints at a financial jackpot. Property matters also look promising, as does passion. Singles may face a choice of admirers, and those in relationships plan a romantic getaway.

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TANYA OBREZA was born in Slovenija and emigrated to Australia with her parents as a young girl. It was during her first visit to England that Tanya was introduced to astrology, and in 1980 she gained her London Faculty of Astrological Studies qualifications.

Over the years, Tanya has established an extensive and wide-ranging international following, mostly due to her reassuring, down to earth presence.

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22 November - 21 December A sense of belonging becomes important, with singles wanting to settle down. The festive season offers up some strong contenders, but in case you’re unimpressed, sexy Venus provides more erotic encounters in the New Year. But take care whom you confide in - not everyone is trustworthy. Meanwhile, self-discipline all but disappears for coupled Sagittarians - as they turn the bedroom into a sexual sauna. This impulsive spirit doesn’t just invade your love life - financial matters will also run unchecked.

newcastle.nsw.gov.au/ library/whats-on /charlestowncurves 8 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Strengthening women inside and out.

UNIQUE to Newcastle and construction has started!

A uniquely wonderful village…

An exciting new concept in Seniors Living is coming to Newcastle. It’s called Supported Living, and it combines three crucial tiers of traditional Seniors Living: the lifestyle and independence of Independent Living villages the domestic services of Assisted Living villages the care services of Aged Care centres Cameron Glen offers supported living in your own villa unit. There’s no other village like it in Newcastle.

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Advantages of Cameron Glen include: n Couples stay together regardless of each individual’s health care needs n You have your own home with a full kitchen and a community centre kitchen for meals n No ACAT or means testing involved but you can obtain or bring your ACAT funding n You choose and change the type and level of domestic and care services as you need

n On-site Nursing staff available to provide care services 24 hours a day 7 days a week n The village can cater for non-violent dementia and palliative care n You don’t have to move from one villa unit or village to another as your needs change n It should only be necessary to pay a deferred management fee once in your life

Call 4958 8880 or view floor plans at

cameronglen.com.au Cameron Glen Village | 40 Harris Street Cameron Park 2285 | E: info@cameronglen.com.au | Ph: (02) 4958 8880

What’s on?

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1 Renew in a Box Celebrating the people and partnerships that have helped propel a globally recognised renewal model! Newcastle City Library until 31 January.

►COMING UP DEC SUNDAY 3RD Culture Club Newcastle Entertainment Centre THURSDAY 7TH Merewhether Fats Blues Jam Stag & Hunter The Cactus Channel The Small Ballroom FRIDAY 8TH Horrorshow The Cambridge Hotel Australian Beach Boys Show Central Charlestown Leagues Club SUNDAY 10TH Haydn's The Creation Great Hall, UoN WEDNESDAY 13TH Uncle Jed Lizotte's THURSDAY 14TH Ngarikis Beyond the Beatles - John Lennon Lizotte's FRIDAY 15TH Desperado - The Eagles Show Central Charlestown Leagues Club, 15 + 16 Dec SATURDAY 16TH A Day on the Green Bimbadgen Estate Jon Schatz The Exchange SATURDAY 23RD Colour Sound: Monika Ross Cooks Hill Surf Club Pap & That Nags Head Hotel SUNDAY 24TH Bonny Rai Customs House Hotel Jason Bone Mary Ellen Hotel Matt McLaren Criterion Pub & Kitchen FRIDAY 29TH Alessandro 5 Sawyers Big Night Out Queens Wharf Hotel Todd Schmoo The Greenroof SATURDAY 30TH The Urge Hotel Delany Redline Warners at the Bay SUNDAY 31ST AK Morris 5 Sawyers Bobby C The Boatshed, Belmont 16s The DuoTones Wests New Lambton The Cassettes Mary Ellen Hotel All Access 80's Mezz Bar Matt McLaren Pippis at the Point NYE Block Party The Cambridge Hotel

JANUARY WEDNESDAY 3RD Howard Shearman 5 Sawyers FRIDAY 5TH Molskys Mountain Drifters Lizotte's SUNDAY 7TH Adrianna Mac Duo 5 Sawyers The Beautiful Girls The Cambridge Hotel FRIDAY 19TH Rave On Belmont 16s SATURDAY 20TH Thrashville 2018 Dashville, Lower Belford SUNDAY 21ST Grant Walmsley + The Freebirds Mezz Bar FRIDAY 26TH In Hearts Wake The Cambridge Hotel #Hashtag OZ + DJ Mezz Bar Midnight Drifters Belmont 16s

Christmas Lights Spectacular Over 2 million lights, rides, food and beverages, roving entertainment and more! www.huntervalleygardens.com.au Serenade Under the Stars - Christmas in Civic Park Join Newcastle Youth Orchestra, Newcastle Youth Orchestra Kids, Newcastle Wind Orchestra, Newcastle Conservatorium Choir and special guest artists, 5pm - 10pm.

Prada's Priscillas - An all-Male Revue Presented by Sydney Drag Queen, Civic Theatre.

Sun Fundy Friday night to Sunday morning music festival helping Carrington Bowling Club fund-raise to install solar panels, reducing energy bills and carbon impact. Find Climate Action Newcastle on Facebook for details or visit www.climateaction.org.au

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2

Christmas at Wheeler Place See the giant Christmas tree, the Santa mail box, plus carousel and circus train rides 6 - 10 December, 9am - 5pm.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7 Sunset Symphony by the Sea Students from Conservatorium Of Music perform at Bar Beach & Merewether Beach, 6pm - 7pm.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8 Carols by the Lake Toronto Foreshore, Victory Parade, 6pm - 9pm.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 Adults Only Night at Megamania Hold a Christmas party or simply have a night with friends at Megamania! $49pp gets you welcome food & drinks, music, plus access to all activities and the fully licensed bar. www.ticketebo.com.au/megamania Street Feast Market Street Lawn, 4pm - 9pm.

Maddison Safety Race Day Newcastle Racecourse.

Awabakal Cultural Festival A FREE Cultural Festival at UoN, on the Oval near the Wollotuka Institute.

Family fun includes performances, entertainment, food stalls, Paw Patrol and Santa! 2pm - 8pm.

BOARD: Surf and Skate Culture meet Contemporary Art At Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery, 9 Dec - 11 Feb.

2+16 DEC

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10

Olive Tree Markets Don't miss the Christmas market with 200+ stalls! Dec 2 + 16, Civic Park, 9am - 3pm.

Carols in the Park Allambee Park, Valentine, 5.30pm.

Yusuf + Cat Stevens Back for the 50th Anniversary Peace Train Tour at Roche Estate, Hunter Valley.

Puppet Show: Frank's Fantastic Fairy Tale Join Rumpelstiltskin, Rapunzel and The Three Little Pigs!

11am - 12.30pm, Cooks Hill Galleries.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3 Bikers for Kids Toy Run Raising funds and toys for disadvantaged families and kids. Leaving from Stockton at 10am towards Wickham Park, where there will be a community fun day until 3pm. www.newcastletoyrun.com.au The Nutcracker Civic Theatre.

Santa Paws Photos Broadmeadow Bring your pet along to PETQuarters and have a photo taken with our very own Santa Paws! Cost is $20, with all profits given to Hunter Animal Rescue - Thornton store Dec 9, Glendale Dec 10.

Master Builders Association Race Day With the Mark Hughes Foundation Legends Trackside Marquee. Newcastle Racecourse.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5 2017 Art of Problem Solving Exhibition From a robotic boat that can drive itself, to super-efficient wind turbines... UoN Engineering students show their creative thinking. Opening night 6pm, exhibition continues until 10 December, Newcastle Museum.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6 Christmas in Hamilton Join carolers, festivities, shop

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specials, decorations, santa and more! 9am - 8pm, James Street Plaza, off Beaumont Street.

Variety Xmas Walk Beginning at 11am at Speers Point Park, you can run, roll or stroll the fully accessible 5km walk, finishing in time for the Lake Mac Carols event! www.variety.org.au Lake Mac Carols by Candlelight Speers Point Park, 2pm - 9pm.

Five Senses Market Lambton Park, 3pm - 8pm.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 11 Aussie Beach Style Santa Photos At Hunter Street Mall, 9am - 5pm weekdays, 9am - 1pm Sat, 11 - 20 December. Post your letter to Santa here!

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15 Carols by Candlelight At King Edward Park, from 5.30pm.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16 Pups in the Park Bring your dog along to Lambton Park for some canine fun! Council rangers will also be providing free microchipping. 8am - 3pm.

King of Concrete Bar Beach The peak series of National Skateboarding! 11am - 5pm, Bar Beach.

Carols at Swansea Chapman Oval, 5.30pm.

Sunset Gather Gregson Park, Hamilton, 4pm - 8pm.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 Christmas Pantomime A kids Mad Hatter Christmas Party! Wests New Lambton.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19 The Wiggly Wiggly Christmas Big Show Featuring all your favourite Wiggles songs plus some Christmas ones! Newcastle Entertainment Centre.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21 A Taste of Ireland - The Christmas Spectacular!

Returning for an unforgettable live performance. NEX.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 Christmas Twilight Meeting Book a table at Chevals Restuarant for $83pp, or Mark Murphy Lounge for $22pp. Newcastle Racecourse.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26 Hit106.9 Boxing Day Races Buy 1 ticket, get 1 free before Dec 15th! Newcastle Racecourse.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 New Years 2017 Enjoy live music with Mental As Anything, roving performers, a food alley, a family fun zone and fireworks! Newcastle Harbour, Queens Wharf, 6pm - 9pm.

MONDAY, JANUARY 8 Operation Ouch! Live on Stage Don’t miss Dr Chris and Dr X live on stage as they explore medical science from a kid’s-eye view! Civic Theatre.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 Jimmy Carr: The Best Of, Ultimate, Gold, Greatest Hits World Tour Jimmy is gathering a selection of his very best jokes along with brand new material for the ultimate comedy show. Civic Theatre.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13 Cinema Under the Stars See Sing on the big screen at King Edward Park, 5.30pm.

Akmal - Transparent Akmal returns with his funniest show ever in the history of comedy. Belmont 16s.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 14 Hunter Wedding Expo Tickets $10pp, available at the door or www.stickytickets.com.au. NEX.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 18 For The Love Of Mrs Brown For all Mrs Browns’ diehard fans, you are in for the biggest treat! Newcastle Entertainment Centre, 18 - 20 January.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 NJC Race Day Newcastle Racecourse.

Surfest 2018 Celebrating its 33rd anniversary. The event is the largest surfing festival in the southern hemisphere. The event begins with Lake Mac Festival of Surfing at Redhead Beach (Sat 20) and concludes at Merewether Beach for the final (Feb 25). www.surfest.com The King is Back - Ben Portsmouth is Elvis The 'Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist' is at Wests, New Lambton.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26 44th Bar Reef Boardriders Australia Day Classic See the water action from 7am to 3pm at Bar Beach.

Australia Formula 1 Powerboats Bringing together top class competitors from around Australia to compete in the 5 Round Series, with round 1 held in Honeysuckle! 26 + 27 January.

Lake Mac Festival Bring your friends and family to Speers Point Park to enjoy kids activities, entertainment and live music including a night concert. Midday onwards, more details to come.

Do you have a local event or gig coming up in February? Email us before the 15th of January at getintouch@intouchmagazine.com.au

What’s on?

Coming Up IN FEBRUARY

COMING UP//

Live & Cookin’

SATURDAY 3RD The Empire Strips Back - Star Wars Burlesque If you missed out on previous tours here's your chance, and if you've been before, no tour is ever the same! Civic Theatre.

Tom Burlinson His latest musical production, 'Now We’re Swingin’ is a sensational, swinging salute to the masters of the genre.

Belmont 16s.

Queens Baton Torch Relay A Commonwealth Games tradition that celebrates diversity, inspires community pride and excites people about the world-class festival of sports and culture to come! At Lee Wharf, stay tuned for more details.

SUNDAY 4TH Summer Run 10km Series - City Part of 3 separate 10km races in the Hunter, Carrington will host the 2nd event! Starting at Newcastle Yacht Club, this scenic, fast and flat course will take you past the marina and around Throsby Creek. Keep an eye out for race 3 - held at Nelson Bay (March 18th). www.hevents.com.au

SUNDAY 11TH Celtic Woman - Voices of Angels International musical sensation and 2017 Grammy Nominee, Celtic Woman return with their brand new tour at Civic Theatre.

WEDNESDAY 14TH We're going on a Bear Hunt We're going on a bear hunt. A quirky and fun show for the kids at Civic Theatre. 14 + 15 February.

FRIDAY 16TH Nudie Australian Boardriders Battle National Final Australia’s biggest grassroots boardriders event and involves more than 60 of Australia’s best boardrider clubs! 16 - 18 Feb, Newcastle Beach.

SATURDAY 17TH Lakefest A celebration of aquatic activity on Lake Macquarie which brings together events that involve sailing, paddling and classic boats at various locations around Lake Macquarie.

Running from February 17 - March 4. www.lakefest.com.au

SATURDAY 24TH Light up Newcastle Lantern Walk Held in Honeysuckle. www.lightupnewcastle.com.au A Day on the Green: The Living End, Spiderbait, Veruca Salt, The Lemonheads, Tumbleweed and The Fauves at Bimbadgen.

SUNDAY 25TH Sparke Helmore Newcastle City Triathlon staged from the Queens Wharf area on Newcastle Harbour, this event offers long, mid and short distance triathlons. www.hevents.com.au Surfest 2018 Final See the male and female champions of the Qualifying Series events add their names to an enviable list of winners! www.surfest.com

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

DECEMBER

Damien Leith

March 10, 2018

MIA DYSON Saturday 2 LAZY SUNDAY LUNCH - A VERY BELLA VOCE CHRISTMAS Sunday 3 LAZY SUNDAY LUNCH WITH BECCY COLE Sunday 10

It’s been 11 years since Damien caught the nation’s attention by performing on Australian Idol. Since then he has released eight albums, two novels and has toured extensively; performing his own compositions and of course, his muchloved versions of classic songs.

A highlight of his many concerts over the years has always been when Damien performs solo – just him and a guitar or piano. It’s in those very special moments the audiences get to truly feel the pure emotion of Damien’s angelic voice.

“Performing solo has always been a favourite of mine as it’s how I started out. I get to chat, change up the set, bounce off the energy of the audience and really get into the raw emotion of the songs,” says Damien.

In his ‘most intimate’ tour to date – Damien will perform in solo mode, a select number of dates around Australia, including Lizotte’s. Audiences will get a chance to hear favourites from Damien’s eight albums; Irish classics; and songs like Crying, Hallelujah and Night of My Life are sure to make the set-list. They’ll also hear sneak previews of new compositions and songs he’s written with other artists as well as lost treasures and a few new surprises.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a truly special evening with an incredible artist and as most people say, hear the voice of an angel.

JUZZIE SMITH Sunday 10 DIESEL - 30 YEAR THANG Fri 15 + Sat 16 DONT CHANGE...THE INXS STORY Thurs 21 CIRCUS AVALON Friday 22 WHITE & BLUES BROTHERS REBOOTED CHRISTMAS Saturday 23 OH BOY THE BUDDY HOLLY SHOW Fri 29 A TRIBUTE TO FLEETWOOD MAC Sat 30 NYE - THE LEGENDARY BEATNIX Sun 31

JANUARY MOLSKYS MOUNTAIN DRIFTERS Friday 5 STEVE EDMONDS BAND JIMI HENDRIX TRIBUTE Saturday 6 LAZY LUNCH - THE EAST POINTERS Sun 7

Win!

Thanks to the crew at Lizotte’s we have 2 x double passes (show only) to give away to 2 lucky readers.

Visit www.intouchmagazine.com.au/Giveaways to enter – entries close January 31st, 2018.

1927 Sunday 7 MO COMEDY (MOVEMBER) Thursday 11 19-TWENTY Friday 12 RUSSELL MORRIS Saturday 13 DIAMOND - THE SHOW Friday 19 THE BLACK SORROWS Sat 27 + Sun 28

DEC 2 + 16

NOV 4 + NOV 18

Christmas DEC 2Festival + DECMarket 16 2nd Dec + 200 stalls CIVIC PARK 9AM - 3PM

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lizottes.com.au or PH 4956 2066 www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 11

What's On

Desperado - The Eagles Show Friday 15th + Saturday 16th December Arguably the most popular band working the circuit, this 6-piece has authentically reproduced The Eagles sound. With 3 good lead vocalists you can shut your eyes and believe you are listenting to the real thing!

Desperado - The Eagles Show pays close attention to detail and recreates the sound of this classic band as seen and heard on their 90’s Eagles tour; capturing the sound of timeless classics that have won the hearts of millions of fans all over the world. You'll get to hear hits like Hotel California, Tequila Sunrise, New Kid In Town, Heartache Tonight, The Long Run, plus hits from their new album ‘Long Road Out of Eden' and more.

See Desperado - The Eagles Show at Charlestown Central Leagues Club for one of two performances, with tickets from $42.50 (dinner and show) phone the club on 4943 6622. www.centralleagues.com.au

King of the Concrete - Bar Beach

Newcastle Toy Run 2017 Sunday 3rd December This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Bikers for Kids Newcastle Toy Run, raising funds for families in need each Christmas! Join in by watching and waving to the riders as they ride motorcycles from Stockton to Newcastle, or enjoy festivities at the Community Fun Day at Wickham Park from 10.30am onwards. Expect music, entertainment, motorbike displays, markets, food and beverages, kids activities plus the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal Collection and more! Visit www.newcastletoyrun.com.au for full details on the day.

Saturday 16th December King Of the Concrete is the peak series of regional, state and national skateboard contests in Australia, and includes concrete, pool coping, handrails, bowls, parks and fast skateboarding. The event is coming to Bar Beach for the second year in a row at the legendary gold bowl! Watch our locals battle it out with Australia's best skaters for prize money, Australian Skateboarding Federation rankings points and a Wildcard for Bowlarama for the Juniors.

The event is free to watch, and $5 to enter - divisions include open, womens, masters, 16 and under, 12 and under. Come and enjoy the great atmosphere at Australia's premier deep bowl at Bar Beach, 11am - 5pm.

This travelling event is great entertainment for both kids and adults!

Dinosaurs!

Until 28th January

Christmas in Hamilton Wednesday 6th December See Hamilton come alive with carolers, street performers and a special visit from Santa! Festivities, window decorations and carolers as well as animal friendly Santa photos will be in James Street Plaza 5pm until 8pm. Participating stores will be offering specials all day and extended trading hours on the night, plus buy local incentives will be run from December 1 to 21 - spend $20 or more within the Hamilton area and go in the draw to win $500 cash just in time for Christmas!

exclusive ESCAPE

Our knowledge of what dinosaurs look like has been based almost completely on assumptions made from looking at their internal structures – namely their bones, possible muscle and tendon attachments. Research has recently suggested the creatures were covered with all kinds of quills, horns, spikes, feathers and many more brilliant colours than we initially realised.

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DINOSAUR rEVOLUTION is an exhibition at Newcastle Museum showing numerous dinosaurs and fossils through a spectacularly presented exhibition, packed with images, murals, lifelike animatronic dinosaurs and more!

Now you can see dinosaurs in their fully fleshed, feathered and colourful exteriors – and see that they were much more than just the grey, green and brown lizardlike animals we have grown to know. For more information visit www.newcastlemuseum.com.au

Kotara 4957-7278

Departing 21 Sept 2019, From $9790.00pp twin share Visit www.etnewcastle.com.au for more details.

Mt Hutton 4959-9235

Toronto 4959-8666

Akmal - Transparent

Diamond - THE SHOW

Saturday, 13th January Akmal returns with his funniest show ever in the history of comedy! Known for his incredible ability to deal with hot topics in a hilarious and slightly offensive way, Akmal promises this year to deliver a show that is punctual and jam-packed with words… some of which he will be using for the first time.

Akmal is one of Australia’s most respected and accomplished comics, drawing on his Arabic heritage, his experiences immigrating to Australia, and his disillusionment with religion and the modern world to deliver a stand-up show that is fresh, honest and ridiculously funny. Transparent is exactly what this show is - sharing stories about family, ADHD, tax problems, as well as insights into his recent reality TV adventure. See Akmal at Belmont 16s - show only tickets start at $44, dinner and show tickets from $79. www.16s.com.au

Friday, 19th January Having had a successful performance back in April 2017, Ty Penshorn is back at Lizotte's! Diamond - The Show is visually stunning, musically superb and overall an experience worth seeing. Ever since Ty can remember, he has had a fascination with Neil Diamond after realising he has such an uncanny similarity with his voice. His hard work has paid off as he emulates Diamonds voice, inviting the audience into his mesmerising performance.

Capturing his viewers through soft heartfelt ballads, Ty will take you on a musical journey as he sings songs such as Girl You'll be a Woman Soon, Shilo, Song Sung Blue and I am I said. After hearing all your favourite Neil Diamond songs performed to perfection, this performance will leave you craving for more! You can buy show only tickets for $39 or main meal and show tickets for $81 - book now at www.lizottes.com.au

NEW SHOW DATE ANNOUNCED!

IT'S BACK!

Surfest 2018 20th January - 25th February Surfest is back again for another run of exciting events this Summer! There are two main feature events - the Burton Automotive Pro (Men’s WSL 6000) and the Surfest Women’s Pro (Women’s WSL 6000) along with eight supporting events.

It will be a big opener this time round with the Lake Mac Festival of Surfing running for two days on Jan 20 + 21. This fantastic event caters for 3 disciplines; longboards,

JIMMY CARR - The Best Of, Ultimate, Gold, Greatest Hits World Tour Thursday, 11th January (Sold Out) + Monday, 5th March Jimmy Carr is gathering a selection of his very best jokes along with brand new material for the ultimate comedy show!

As a man who has been devoted to crafting perfect jokes, leaving trails of laughter in his wake, Jimmy’s new tour will distill everything we love to laugh at and be shocked by, into one incredible, unparalleled night of entertainment.

Jimmy has been on the stand-up scene for a decade and a half – performing 9 sell-out tours with nearly 2,000 shows to over 2 million people across 4 continents. Now all that experience is being put to good use! You can see all the greatest material from his extraordinary career in one show at Civic Theatre – but be quick! There are only tickets left for his second show on March 5. www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

short boards and stand-up paddleboards (SUP) and will be a great weekend for participants and those watching from the beach.

Following this event will be the Port Stephens Toyota Wildcard Trials on Jan 27, the Orica Teams Challenge on 3 + 4 Feb, a host of junior events at Merewether Beach from 10 - 16 Feb, and the Wandiyali ATSI Indigenous Classic plus the Burton Automotive Pro and Surfest Women's Pro QS6000 International Trials at Dixon/Merewether on 17 + 18 Feb. The Evolution Charity Cup is this year supporting the Mark Hughes Foundation on 23 Feb at Dixon Park Beach, in a corporate tag-team style surfing event. Finally the two feature final womens and mens events will finish the festival from 19 - 25 February at Merewether Beach. Find more information at www.surfest.com

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67 BULL STREET, COOKS HILL 2300 OPEN FRI, SAT & MON 11AM-6PM, SUN 2PM-6PM, TUES BY APPOINTMENT PH 0418 492 259

WWW.COOKSHILLGALLERIES.COM.AU www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 13

Cover Story

CH RI STM AS

OUR WAY!

There’s nothing like the festive season for bringing families and friends together. Whether it’s a barbecue by the beach or gathering around a dinner table laden with all the treats and trimmings, everyone celebrates Christmas in their own special way.

intouch Magazine has taken a sneak peek behind the Santa stockings of a couple of our region’s most well-known residents to find out just how they plan on celebrating this Christmas.

NATASHA BEYERSDORF – NBN News Where do you celebrate Christmas and who do you celebrate with?

What is a traditional “normal” Christmas Day for you? We live away from our extended family so Christmas can be anywhere from the bush town of Uralla in northern NSW, to sunny Queensland in Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast. The past few years we've spent at home in Newcastle, which has been lovely and relaxed without all the travel.

The only Christmas rule is that EVERYONE must rise early to unwrap presents - no sleeping in!

Turkey, Ham or Seafood? What’s your go-to Christmas Feast?

What’s your ultimate Christmas indulgence? We tend to do seafood for lunch then the big baked dinner with turkey, ham, chicken and all the trimmings. My mum and aunt are expert pavlova makers, so that is always on the menu - it just isn't Christmas without it!

Do you have any particular family Christmas traditions? A Christmas tradition we've embraced is decorating the tree as a family on December 1. We listen to Michael Bublé and sometimes a little bit

of Glee, while there's a free-for-all whacking ornaments onto the tree.

It's better now that the kids are a bit older (and taller) and makes for a more balanced out effect! The other (less fun) tradition that's emerged is that I take down the tree by myself...

What’s your a) most special or b) craziest (you choose) Christmas Memory? Brett and I had a funny Christmas when our son Campbell was just a baby, and we decided just to stay at home by ourselves. We were so excited and felt very grown-up until we realised we'd forgotten to buy the signature pistachios and cranberries for our special turkey lunch. Being an adult can be tough at Christmas!

If you could make any changes to Christmas what would they be? I love it just the way it is.

If you could invite one extra guest (dead or alive) to Christmas lunch this year, who would it be and why? I'd invite Bing Crosby to sing White Christmas, over and over...

Did you make any New Year’s resolutions this year? How’d you go?

Will you be making any for 2018 and what are they? I'm sure I made resolutions this year, but I don't have a clue what they were! Maybe it's time to resolve to make no more resolutions... that should work.

LAWRIE MCKINNA – CEO Newcastle Jets

14 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Where do you celebrate Christmas and who do you celebrate with?

What is a traditional “normal” Christmas Day for you? With family and this year, we will have my wife's sister Sally and husband Jim spending time with myself and Christine and our sons and two grandsons. We will celebrate Christmas at our house in Terrigal and not Newcastle due to us living in a two bedroom flat in Newcastle, and we have more room in Terrigal.

Turkey, Ham or Seafood? What’s your go-to Christmas Feast?

What’s your ultimate Christmas indulgence? Being Scottish born and brought up very traditional, our Christmas meal includes turkey and ham but no seafood!

Do you have any particular family Christmas traditions? When we were kids we used to write Santa our Christmas list, and we would go to the coal fire and throw it in, and the burst paper would go up the chimney, and my parents would tell me Santas helpers were on the roof waiting for the paper to take to Santas workshop.

Natasha, Brett, Campbell (13) and Tilly (11)

What’s your a) most special or b) craziest (you choose) Christmas Memory? Our first Christmas in Australia was in 1986 in Melbourne. It was 36 degrees, and Christine had made the traditional dinner with soup to start. She had made the Scottish Broth the night before, and with the heat, it went off! Then on Christmas Day, we had no air-con in the house, and it was seriously the worst Christmas ever.

If you could make any changes to Christmas what would they be?

This year my wife went to get our Christmas cards and saw in a lot of shops that they never had Christmas cards. It was “Happy Holiday” cards - which I don’t agree with. Its Christmas and if you don’t like it don’t celebrate it.

If you could invite one extra guest (dead or alive) to Christmas lunch this year, who would it be and why? Christine’s Mum Anne and my Dad (also Lawrie) have both passed on so it would be nice to have them join my mum and Christine's Dad for one last Christmas.

Did you make any New Year’s resolutions this year? How’d you go? Will you be making any for 2018 and what are they? I probably did but can’t remember and I probably will, and I will forget again!

JACK & JACKIE NEWTON – Golf Legend & his extended family Where do you celebrate Christmas and who do you celebrate with?

What is a traditional “normal” Christmas Day for you? Jack growing up used to always go up to Lake Macquarie with his family and spend it with his grandparents and relatives around the lake and Caves Beach. When I came from London, I spent my first hot Christmas with them at the lake, up till then in London growing up we had a cold, snowy Christmas with a log fire always at our family home. Then when we got married, we always had Christmas at our home in the Lake Macquarie area, and all Jack’s family would come and stay with us.

We still do that with our children and now grandchildren, but we have to share our daughter Kristie with her husband Ben’s family every other year.

Turkey, Ham or Seafood? What’s your go-to Christmas Feast?

What’s your ultimate Christmas indulgence? We have always had traditional turkey/pork with hot late lunch after a late champagne breakfast after opening the stockings and Christmas presents around the Christmas tree and always indulge in Christmas Pudding. Jack’s Mum always made the pudding with her special white sauce (which she gave me the recipe for), but since she has since passed on, we now have a beautiful one I buy from the ladies at Adamstown Church every year Yum!! We have always had a table of seafood and cold leg ham for Boxing Day. Do you have any particular family Christmas traditions? Jack used to with his Grandmother, they used to have giblet soup in the

morning for breakfast! I love most offal, but I can’t cope with giblet soup on Christmas Day, so I had to put a stop to that!

Otherwise very traditional in every way, it’s also nice to carry the good old traditions on for the grandchildren.

What’s your a) most special or b) craziest (you choose) Christmas Memory? If you could make any changes to Christmas what would they be? The most special for us now is seeing all the grandchildren leaving their stocking at our log fire chimney with a beer and cookie for Santa and a carrot for the reindeer on Christmas Eve and then the excited sounds in the morning from them all to see Santa had been, that has to be the best. For Jack, I think it has to be the giblet soup!!

But for me, growing up in London, I always loved it when I got out of bed and pulled the curtains back to see if we were lucky to have a white Christmas. Also with my two brothers, we would always go Carol singing along the road where we lived which was great fun, and we must have been okay as we never had buckets of water thrown out the window on us!

If you could invite one extra guest (dead or alive) to Christmas lunch this year, who would it be and why? The extra guest would have to be three – Jack’s Dear Mum and Dad and my dear Mother, we miss them so very much but know they are looking down on us and enjoying it as well.

Did you make any New Year’s resolutions this year? How’d you go? Will you be making any for 2018 and what are they? Jack's was to lose weight to help his Diabetes and eat well. In 2018 it's to try and improve his golf. For me last year was to make sure I caught up with friends you always promise to catch up with but never do, and I did it! Yay! For 2018, I would like to start Yoga – we need to stretch more now we are older! Also, we have promised ourselves a river cruise down the Rhine for my 70th Birthday next year.

Continued next page ►

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 15

JUSTINE GAUDRY – Founder of The Olive Tree Market Where do you celebrate Christmas and who do you celebrate with?

What is a traditional “normal” Christmas Day for you? Its changed a lot over the years. In the past its always been a big event with extended family, friends, orphans, ring-ins, wives, ex-wives. Eclectic would be a good word! Basically, a day that developed and had planned and unplanned elements. It's smaller these days as the older generation has passed away, cousins and siblings have moved far away and have to attend new family Christmases. This year will be special as my dad has pancreatic cancer and we didn't think he would still be with us this time last year, so that's something to celebrate and be grateful for.

Turkey, Ham or Seafood? What’s your go-to Christmas Feast?

What’s your ultimate Christmas indulgence? At our house, there is all of the above, and usually vegetarian as well as one side of our family are all vegetarian. The vego dishes are often my favourite part, my uncle's dishes, and my dad's turkey which my partner Jason has now taken over. The indulgence was my Nana's pudding, and now she has gone, Pudding Lane's Pudding from Olive Tree and chocolate of course!

Do you have any particular family Christmas traditions? For me, I try and buy everything handmade. That's meaningful for me as I know where the gifts are from, who made them and I've chosen unique gifts that I know will be different from mass-produced products. Before my Nana died, my favourite family tradition was my Nans Christmas gift which she always made for everyone in the family- we all got the same thing! The present was recycled strawberry punnets which she covered in recycled red-orange bags and then filled with nuts in their hard shells, liquorice all sorts and chocolates. Eccentric, but we all loved them!

Justine, Jason (partner) and daughter Lily

What’s your a) most special or b) craziest (you choose) Christmas Memory? I loved Christmas in Norway where I lived in the late 1980's.

They have so many traditions that are really beautiful. Picking a tree in the snow, dressing it as a family, singing traditional songs around the tree with the family while you decorate, and having Christmas on Christmas Eve rather than in the day as we have here. There is something magical about the whole experience and then skiing and skating the next day as a family on the lake where I lived. Very different to our often sweltering Christmas days and eating in the heat.

If you could make any changes to Christmas what would they be?

The crazy level of consumerism that occurs particularly with imported throw away presents that won't last and are made with unethical practices. Also, although I'm not a Christian, I think that at this time of year there needs to be a lot more thought to people who are struggling both financially, mentally or are less fortunate than we may be. I think gifts that have a flow on effect and donations are important.

If you could invite one extra guest (dead or alive) to Christmas lunch this year, who would it be and why? Wow, that's hard! But it would probably be Tina Modotti. She was an Italian photographer, actress, revolutionary political activist and muse to photographer Edward Weston and member of the political avant-guard in Mexico in the compadre of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera in Mexico in the 1920's.

Thinking about it - my family is very politically minded so it could be an amazing day!

Did you make any New Year’s resolutions this year? How’d you go? Will you be making any for 2018 and what are they? Mmm. Let's say I'm not the best at keeping them resolutions! I do however choose a word for the year and try and manifest that particular feeling or desire for creating change on some personal level. I try and think of that throughout the year. Next year it is definitely trying to get more meditation and exercise into my lifestyle on a daily basis to help with my health which hasn't been great in 2017. ■

11am – Variety Xmas Walk Noon - 7pm Free kids’ activities 6.30pm – Carols including performances by Toni Childs and Judah Kelly 9pm – fireworks display

SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER SPEERS POINT PARK lakemac.com.au/lake-mac-christmas 16 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

lakemaccity

@ourlakemac

02 4921 0333

Newcastle.

A great city for Summer events.

FOODIES & SHOPPERS Receive an Early Christmas Gift!

Foodies are rejoicing as Stockland Greenhills unveils its new food court, part of its revitalised food precinct for the $414 million redevelopment. The 2,310-square metre space is located on the new level 1 mall with direct access from Target and accessible from Mitchell Drive.

Daniel Brabant, Stockland Green Hills Development Manager, said: “This is a pivotal moment in the redevelopment of Stockland Green Hills. We know our customers have had limited food options over the past year and we are very excited to unveil the first part of our revitalised food offering for the centre.

“Our new food court offers over 500 seats and a great variety of tastes and flavours for customers from Indian curries to sushi, dumplings to salads and sandwiches. We have ensured a wide range of cuisines to meet our customers’ needs and satisfy their hunger while they shop.”

The stage opening also see’s Stockland open a new 5,900 square metre full-line Target, 75 additional speciality retailers, an

December exciting new inclusive children’s playground and 490 new car parking spaces and unveiling an exciting new section of the mall with more than 75 new retailers.

Ladies now have a collection of new fashionable outlets to explore including Ally Fashion, Taking Shape, W Lane, Rockmans, Lorna Jane, Secrets Shhhh, Michael Hill, and Novo Shoes.

For the men, new retailers, Universal Store, Connor, The Athlete’s Foot, Y.D, Ed Harry, Tarocash and InSport will also open their doors providing a great array of casual, sport and formal wear. Toys and technology are also well covered in time for Christmas with EB Games, Zing Pop Culture, The Games Shops and Build-A-Bear all opening their doors.

“The bigger, better and brighter Stockland Green Hills is truly taking shape. We’ve made great progress so far this year, and we look forward to continuing to transform Stockland Green Hills into the premier retail, entertainment and casual dining destination in the Lower Hunter.”

Upon completion in mid-2018, the centre will feature the first new look David Jones department store in the Hunter, a new Target discount department store, a new 900 seat Hoyts cinema and around 220 tenancies with a vibrant new dining and entertainment precinct that will be the biggest and best in the region.

1

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK, CIVIC PARK

15

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT, KING EDWARD PARK

31

NEW YEAR’S EVE, NEWCASTLE FORESHORE

ON UNTIL 28 JAN 2018

DINOSAUR REVOLUTION EXHIBITION, NEWCASTLE MUSEUM

ON UNTIL 18 FEB 2018

EVERYTHING CHANGES: TIM MAGUIRE 2000 - 2017, NEWCASTLE ART GALLERY

January 1 - 31

CELEBRATION OF CRICKET, VARIOUS LOCATIONS

20 JAN - 25 FEB

SURFEST

26

AUSTRALIA DAY FAMILY FRIENDLY CELEBRATIONS, VARIOUS LOCATIONS

26 - 27

AUSTRALIA FORMULA 1 POWERBOATS, HONEYSUCKLE

All A Board Festival Comes to Lake Macquarie Art Gallery Visit the gallery for the opening celebration of the summer exhibition program – three exhibitions that celebrate our outdoor, sun-drenched, enviable beach culture. On Sunday, 10 Dec 10am - 4.30pm you can enjoy live music, free stand-up paddle boarding on the lake, a skateboard demo by proskater Poppy Starr, makers markets and art-making activities – a fun day out for the whole family to enjoy! And if that isn’t enough there will also be a skateboard half-pipe in the sculpture park featuring an amateur skate competition and speciality surf and skate graphics workshop!

THE EXHIBITIONS: In BOARD, surf and skate cultures meet contemporary art with a powerful line-up of national and local artists. Get involved and enter the BOARD Competition! Enter your artwork for a chance to win a custom surfboard or skateboard featuring your own graphic design. Open to ages 12 to 25, entries open 10 December and close 21 January.

February Living Cultures is the second in an ongoing series where history, memory and culture intersect.

The focus for this exhibition is surf lifesaving.

Archival photographs and historical objects have been sourced from local SLS Clubs and historical societies, plus Hunter-based artist Gavin Vitullo has responded with a contemporary artwork. Local students from Five Islands School are also joining in the celebration, having created work invoked by the theme At the Beach.

All Exhibitions will run from December 9 until February 4. For gallery opening hours visit www.artgallery.lakemac.com.au

3

QUEENS BATON TORCH RELAY, BATHERS WAY

16 - 18

NUDIE AUSTRALIAN BOARDRIDERS BATTLE NATIONAL FINAL, NEWCASTLE BEACH

24

LIGHT UP NEWCASTLE LANTERN WALK, HONEYSUCKLE

26 - 27

AUSTRALIAN BOWL-RIDING CHAMPIONSHIP, EMPIRE PARK Supported by Newcastle City Council’s Events Sponsorship Program

newcastle.nsw.gov.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 17

exquisite tableware to decorate your table and bring a touch of elegance to the occasion.

While you are there, browse their range of specialty cheeses, biscuits, tapenades and other delightful treats that will have your guests raving about your grazing platter until Easter. After this, keep your guests happy with a delightful salad topped up with fresh seeds and nuts from SCOOP Wholefoods.

Whether your family are lovers of the humble Christmas ham, a fan of the Aussie Christmas barbecue or anywhere in between, the Pickled Pig Butchery can look after you and help put a hearty spread on your Christmas table.

To finish the meal, you will need mince pies. You can grab the ingredients to make them yourself from Coles or even pick up a freshly made pack from Bakers Delight.

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There’s no question that Christmas shopping can be tough! Between procuring all the ingredients for the perfect Christmas lunch to sourcing unique gifts for all your friends and family, it can sometimes feel like you are driving to every corner of Newcastle to find exactly what you are looking for. But at the Junction Fair, you can find everything you need for holiday entertaining all in one central location.

At the recently rejuvenated Junction Fair, they want to make the holiday season easier for you, to give you back some time and bring the joy back to Christmas shopping. To make the experience even sweeter, there is even free underground parking for up to 3 hours.

Under the tree Another important part of Christmas is the tradition of gift giving. With a great range of specialty stores at the Junction Fair, you can easily put together thoughtful, artisan gifts for everyone on your Christmas list.

For the fashionista in your life, whether their style is more beachy and cool or polished and trendy, you can find the perfect piece for their stylish wardrobe at one of the many clothing retailers. Check out the new swimwear or a beachy chic outfit from Sanbah Surf, stylish and trendy dresses at Privvy Fashion and Zeblu, and then finish off any outfit with shoes and a handbag from Easy Living Footwear.

If you have a foodie on your Christmas list, head back to Essential Ingredient and Scoop Wholefoods to put together a carefully curated gift hamper which you can fill with unique condiments, exclusive olive oils and vinegars and other quality local produce.

If you are on the hunt for beauty products, head to Savant Apothecary and TerryWhite Chemmart for the perfect products to pamper that special someone.

A beautifully wrapped gift is always a pleasure to unwrap, so before finishing up your Christmas gift shopping, be sure to stop into Honest Paper for gift wrapping that is just as special as the gifts themselves.

With all of this and more, your Christmas tree will be looking full and beautiful by the end of the shopping day.

On the table Everyone looks forward to a spectacular spread on the Christmas lunch table. And whether you are head chef of your household or bringing your signature dish this year, finding all the ingredients you need in one place can often feel impossible.

From locally sourced specialty food stores and hard-to-find wholefoods to independent butchers and known and trusted supermarkets, you can get all of your Christmas groceries done in one go.

Before you even think about the food, be sure to stop in at Essential Ingredient for

While you’re here And while you’re in store, there is so much else you can do. From stopping by the Junction Hairdressers to freshen up your look for the office Christmas party to grabbing a coffee from Louie and Jacks, indulging in a delightful snack from Doughheads, Buzz or Popolo, grabbing lunch from Harry’s Schnitzel Joint or Sushi Koo, picking up some fresh blooms from Still Life by Maia or even visiting Santa Claus. Christmas is all wrapped up under one roof this year at the Junction Fair.

Keep an eye on the Junction Fair Facebook page for Christmas opening times.

CHRISTMAS

all Wrapped Up Under One Roof!

BOXING DAY RACES T U E S D AY 2 6 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7

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What's On?

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

CANNED HEAT WORDS MICHELLE MEEHAN

Fifty years is a long time in any profession. But after decades on the road, playing more festivals than any other band in the world, the beat remains strong for Canned Heat drummer Adolfo “Fito” de la Parra.

“It’s part of what we do in life, it is our job, it is our mission in life, you know, to play music and entertain people and as the audiences and the promoters keep calling us and keep making offers to us, we decide to go,” he told intouch Magazine from his home in Ventura County, California.

“I always say musicians don’t retire, musicians just die. That is the truth you know… I don’t know really of many musicians that have actually retired.

“It becomes kind of an answer to being alive you know, an answer of our existence in this world, so we are not here just to take and consume, we’re here to give something back, and the way we can give something back is with our talent and our music, make people feel good, turn them on to the feeling of music.

“Music’s all about pleasure, and that’s really the way we see it, we love doing it, and that’s what keeps us going.”

International sensations for the past five decades with their unique blend of roadhouse electric blues, rock and boogie, Canned Heat were among the original headliners to the Woodstock Festival in 1969.

Founded by Alan “Blind Owl” Wilson and Bob “The Bear” Hite in 1966, the band went thought several changes before de 20 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

“Peter Noble kind of inspired me, then I came to the decision we’re going to go to Australia, I found another frontman, a harmonica player, a good guy.

“We rehearsed, we got the band together, and we went to Australia for the first time without our main man, our main frontman, and the people of Australia did accept us and did say it’s ok, we accept Canned Heat as is and thank you for being here. So then I decided to continue.”

With most of the band members now in their seventies, de la Parra said the travelling was becoming much harder physically – however, the music itself is only getting better.

“I’m more passionate about it now than I was before because I’ve found more pleasure in playing the music now that la Parra joined towards the end of 1967 and the “classic” lineI don’t have to worry about the money or anything else,” he said. up, which also included Larry “The Mole” Taylor on bass, was “We really don’t care about anything else anymore; there formed. were all kinds of things that were part of the energy of youth.

Canned Heat rose to fame with their worldwide hits Now we don’t have the energy of youth, but we have the including ‘On The Road Again’ and ‘Going Up The Country’, wisdom. while their cover version of Wilbert Harrison’s ‘Let’s Work “We have the wisdom in our approach to the instruments, Together’ rose to #1 in 31 different countries. and we have the wisdom in our approach to life in general, and The band has been on the road constantly since the that gives us a certain power. seventies and has gained a reputation for their upbeat festival “For example when you’re playing music, especially blues performances, although they are just as comfortable playing in music, the older you get, the more interesting and desirable front of far smaller crowds in more intimate venues. you are.

They will have a chance to do both when they return to “We are not pop artists, the pop artists loses its looks, its Australia in March next year as one of the acts on the line-up for youth and then it’s gone. In our case all we’re selling is music, the 2018 Byron Bay Bluesfest, with a string of gigs leading up and the music gets better and better the older you get.” to the festival in venues across Sydney, Newcastle, Melbourne Aside from their upcoming tour to Australia, Canned Heat and Adelaide. fans can also look forward to the band’s story hitting the silver This will include what is sure to be a lively show at Lizotte’s screen in coming years.

Newcastle on Sunday, March 25, which de la Parra believes Renowned director Mike Judge (Beavis and Butthead, may be the band’s first time back in the city since playing the Office Space, King of the Hill, Silicon Valley) called de la Parra Newcastle Earthquake Benefit Concert in February 1990. a couple of months ago and said he wanted to make a movie De la Parra said the band loved coming back to Australia based on the musician’s book Living the Blues, which tells the and said it was Canned Heat’s fans in this country that saved complete and outrageous Canned Heat story of “Music, Drugs, the band from breaking up following the death of their original Death, Sex and Survival.” frontman, Bob Hite, in 1981.

De la Parra said the contracts have already been signed “Alan Wilson died in 70, he was our main creator and then our main frontman, the Bear, dies in 1981 so I decided this is it, for the movie, which he believes will have a $20 million budget, with work likely to start on it in 2018. we’re not going to play anymore,” he said.

“Then (Australian music promoter) Peter Noble calls me and For more information about de la Parra’s book, Living the tells me ‘you know you guys are booked to play in Australia in Blues, visit www.cannedheatmusic.com or to purchase a a couple of weeks. I know that Bob is dead, but I want you to ticket to Canned Heat’s Newcastle show at Lizotte’s on know that the Australian people will accept you if you bring Sunday, March 25, visit www.lizottes.com.au somebody else as a front man and you try to get the best band you can put together.’

MUST DO

OUR

Hunter Valley WINE COUNTRY

Just 4 Mins F 0 r Newca om stle

Australia’s oldest wine region offers more than just premium fine wines, gourmet delights and a beautiful vineyard setting.

In Hunter Valley Wine Country, there is so much to explore and experience.

Tour the famous Hunter Valley Gardens (and Shopping Village), hand feed animals at the zoo, unwind with a round of golf, and indulge in cheese or chocolate tasting. Relax and be pampered in a spa or seek out the galleries and local artisans products. For the adventurous, cycle or go horse riding at sunset, take to the air in a hot air balloon, skydive or enjoy the thrill of a hot lap in a rally car.

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Wine & Dine Gourmet Food Tastings Craft Beer and Distillery Tours & Classes Shopping & Galleries Markets Entertainment & Events Drive-in Cinema Aqua & Putt Putt Golf Electric Bike Hire Scenic & Acrobatic Flights Helicopter Flights Go Karting Golf, Driving Range & Lessons Horse & Pony Riding Hot Air Ballooning Segways Skydiving Hunter Valley Zoo Heritage, Culture & Nature Beauty & Wellbeing Hunter Valley Gardens

Hunter Valley Wine Country is surrounded by untouched natural landscape and beautiful scenery where you can go bushwalking, four-wheel driving, or mountain biking.

Explore our rich heritage by visiting convict relics and remnants of our coal mining past.

Visit the Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre on Wine Country Drive at Pokolbin to book your accommodation and plan your personalised Hunter Valley Experience!

455 Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin | PH 4993 6700 | vic@cessnock.nsw.gov.au Open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm; Sunday & Public Holidays 9am to 4pm /HunterValleyVisitorInformationCentre

www.huntervalleyvisitorcentre.com.au

HUNTER VALLEY VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 21

Save on Family Movies CINEBUZZ

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Offer available on select sessions before 5pm daily Buy tickets today at the box office or at eventcinemas.com.au

*Online booking fee applies. Vmax and 3D surcharges apply. Offer valid for Cinebuzz members only. Only valid for the following films: Coco, Ferdinand and Paddington 2.

Not valid on sessions after 5PM. 3D Glasses additional $1ea if required. Not valid in Gold Class. Not Valid with any other offer. Not valid at Skyline Drive In. Pricing may vary between cinema locations. See website for full T&Cs.

intouch Magazine's Giant

► Lonely Planet’s The Cities Book: A Journey Through the Best Cities in the World is back in a new and fully updated second edition, and we have two to give away! From Abu Dhabi to Zanzibar, the encyclopaedic hardback tome explores 200 of the world’s most dynamic cities with insight and inspiration, illustrated with 750 awe-inspiring photographs. To get travellers inspired, The Cities Book also includes top five best cities for bookworms, LGBT travellers, skylines, art galleries, coffee, museums, accessibility, cycling, architecture, wine, music and more. Valued at $80 each. www.lonelyplanet.com

Simply visit www.intouchmagazine.com.au/giveaways before January 31st to enter and win any of these amazing prizes!

► With options for kids aged 18 months and up, Magformers are a unique, fun and educational toy that will help your child constantly and consistently develop their brain. Winner of the 2016 Australian Educational Product of the Year Award, Magformers consist of bright, colourful and fun educational shapes, that contain encapsulated 360 degree rotating magnets to make building shapes more fun and educational than ever!

The perfect gift for kids this Christmas, Magformers - play creatively, think creatively. Valued at $79.90.

Shop now at www.magformers.com.au

► Elysian Swim is offering 1 x Bikini valued at $170 of your choice (to be redeemed online via code).

They create exclusive, reversible, and most importantly - sustainable swimwear for woman who love the ocean.

Save the ocean - wear a bikini from Elysian!

Check out the full collection at www.elysianswim.com

► Planet Fitness - Platinum 12 Month Membership Planet Fitness Health Clubs are designed with the intention of delivering members a unique experience; that being an extremely affordable membership in a non-intimidating atmosphere - in five convenient locations; Lambton, Charlestown and Belmont, plus the Central Coast and Western Sydney. www.planetfitness.com.au ► Urth Fitness - 12 Month Membership Urth Fitness is a balanced and complete fitness experience, like never before.

Yoga, functional training and fitness studio – everything your body and mind needs to stay balanced, all in a boutique studio environment, located in the heart of Newcastle. Our passionate and driven trainers will inspire and motivate you. www.urthfitness.com.au

► For the green thumb and DIY master of the family, a gift from Power Planter will be sure to get them smiling. The Power Planter (312 model) attaches to a standard drill and can be used to dig holes for planting or cultivating soil with little effort. Imagine, being able to dig 100 holes in 10 minutes - gardening has never been so easy! Shop online at www.powerplanter.com.au. Valued at $89.

Drill not included.

► This set of high-performing Salt and Pepper Grinders inverts traditional salt and pepper mills by putting the mechanism at the top. Visit www.tailoredhq.com.au. Valued at $139.95.

► The perfect gift for the home this Christmas, inchargebox is a lockable tech charging unit, that charges up to 10 devices at once! Perfect for iPhones, iPads, iPods, Kindles, smart phones, tablets, remotes and keys. Available in black and white, inchargebox will help you take control of your tech, clutter and time so that you can get on with the more enjoyable things in life. It's time get off the tech and get inchargebox. It's time to get in charge – visit www.inchargebox.com.au.

Valued at $199.

► For those with a taste for adventure, and enjoying the finer things in life, a gift from Winebubble is the perfect way to show you care. With a range of unique wines from across the globe, Winebubble offers a world of hand-selected drops to explore, so you can expand your taste into international and boutique Australian wines. Visit www.winebubble.com.au.

Prize includes 1 x $100 voucher. www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 23

What's On?

COOKS HILL GALLERIES...

UNTIL Dec 16

John Maitland: Drawing The Line John Maitland is considered to be “one of Australia’s most exciting artists”, while his works have been referred to as “possessing the exquisite line and colour of a Matisse.”

(John Norris, Prime Arts Publishing).

John Maitland captures children, people, families and indigenous Australians within their environment. His compositions provide insight into the personality of those within his paintings or their connection to the John Maitland landscape, giving the viewer a yearning for life's simple pleasures. His figurative paintings Maitland himself defines Drawing the Line are colourful, alluring, ethereal, dreamy and as “an exhibition of technicality, merged with command a strong following. ingenuity, meets me!” An exhibition for all – Maitland’s art has strong appeal both nationally and overseas in the UK and Europe. don’t miss it! Visit www.cookshillgalleries.com. au/collections for the catalogue and visit the His work recognises humanity in us all and Galleries Facebook page for more information offers hope. His art can be understood about the next exhibition – Pearla by Rod representing comfortable living - no matter what other things are going around in our lives! Bathgate.

Interior Design | Curtains & Blinds Custom Furniture | Art | Accessories At Tailored HQ we work to make spaces as unique as you are. Our dedicated team has everything you need to customise your home to achieve your dream look.

The Trip of a Lifetime Would you like to indulge in a meal cooked by a Michelin chef in France? In a first for Australia, Newcastle-based Escape Travel has chartered an entire Scenic 5-star river cruise ship to journey through the South of France.

As an exclusive for this departure, Scenic has confirmed that a Michelin chef from Macon will come aboard one evening to prepare a local speciality for all guests.

Due to depart 21 September 2019, guests will enjoy 13 days of luxury, cruising through 24 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

one of the best food and wine regions in the world. Inclusions such as a visit to the acclaimed Beaujolais wine region, a gourmet splurge in Lyon, dinner and a classical music concert in the Pope’s Palace in Avignon – exclusive access gained especially for Scenic guests on this cruise, normally reserved only for the French Parliament.

Book now to receive this amazing 2019 river cruise at 2018 prices. Visit www.etnewcastle.com.au for more information or call Escape Travel today on 1300 766 596.

Don’t forget to ask about 12 Months InterestFree Finance – another exclusive to Escape Travel.

Suite 1A, Ground Floor, 41-45 Hunter Street, Newcastle. Phone 4047 2330

www.tailoredhq.com.au

Home + Lifestyle

TEXTURE

MEDLEY

Designing for Comfort and Style OZ Design Furniture Kotara is warming up their store for a smokin’ hot Summer! From offering a wide range of product to best suit every customer desire and beautiful in-store visual merchandising to providing exceptional customer service to all those who visit the store, the team have all areas of the customer experience more than covered!

With collections inspired by modern trends and traditional styles, the store has a wide range of furniture and homeware pieces on offer. And with

new arrival Spring/Summer collections, you’ll find faultless interior additions in-store.

Designed for comfort and style, their current sofa offering is versatile and refined to suit a range of interior styles. From uncomplicated tastes to sleek defined and unique designs – the team is sure you’ll find a sofa that resonates with your greatest interior needs.

Look for inspiration within their Australian made solid timber collections. Offering quality product from down under, you will thrive off sharing their industry experience and love for these ranges, which will undoubtedly help you turn your house into a home. Like you, they are all about creating the ultimate Australian dream!

Inspired by an industrial style design, new season Abbey is a desirable and highly sought after collection. With black metal detail on a stunning wormy chestnut timber, living spaces are bound to look on trend and inspiring with this urban addition.

Visit the team at OZ Design Furniture Kotara and transform your interior this new season!

What are the elements of a really beautiful room? Of course, you need great furniture and accessories, and the right lighting and colours. But there's a secret that all good designers know that can really take a space to the next level. It's the one element without which no room is complete... texture.

In the world of fashion, texture brings depth and tactility into everyday items.

In an interior application, texture is the perfect compromise between patterned and plain fabrics. Texture provides you with the opportunity to mix and match qualities in a way that creates a beautiful living space.

From plush velvets, metallic details and stonewashed natural fibres to bold embodied details, mixing textures allows you to draw the eye to particular details within a room. Texture is a subtle, pared back way to bring fashion forward, sophisticated style into your home.

“Incorporating timber and textured fabric that have pattern and movement offer a room a tactile influence that makes you want to touch them,” says Catherine Martin, Director at Coastal Colour Curtains & Blinds.

“The Warwick fabric range opens up a world of texture play. Infuse plush velvet, natural fibres and understated metallic flair to bring your space into season and on-trend. Without enough textured elements a space can feel cold and sterile.”

Catherine says that it's all about finding the balance that you like and finding your position on the texture spectrum to create your own unique style.

“We have loads of ideas and inspiration for adding texture to your home.

Some of the new sheers fabrics offer a wonderful textured linen look and sitting back with a cuppa watching them blow in the breeze is absolute bliss,” she said.

Coastal Colour Curtains & Blinds carry a wide range of textured sheers as well as blockout fabrics. And you can book an appointment today for a free window furnishing consultation to see how they can help you to create a balanced, beautiful living space in your home. Phone the showroom on 4959 5901.

Made to Measure Energy Efficient Thermal Solutions

Professional Advice Qualified Designers Mobile Showroom

Locally Manufactured Affordable Products Quality Fast Service Book an appointment today 4959 5901 • FREE In-Home Measure & Quote www.coastalcolourandcurtains.com.au • info@coastalcolourandcurtains.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 25

G.

YO U ' R E M A K I N G M E

BLUSH

It’s hard to deny the fact – pink is having quite a moment in design right now. Blushes, millennial pinks and the splattering of pink hues have been the most sought-after colours, as was showcased at this year’s Milan Design Week. Since the eighties, it has remained a bit of a contentious colour, but it is nice to see it shake off the sickly sweet image, and stand in the spotlight as a key colour for the home this season.

Soft and edgy, the colour has become quite the craze due to its universality. It fits well in any room while adding that certain glow needed to make a space pop.

Plus, blushes are very easy shades to incorporate into the home - whether with paints, fabrics, furniture or accessories – there is plenty of ways to add a splash to your palette!

Try using the tones to make an effortlessly simple setting, pairing with

copper and rose metallic. Cushions, vases and other accessories will really shine against this warm and inviting backdrop.

Or, make a statement by using big pops of blush, like a sofa. Pair this with shades of charcoal grey to create an elegant and chic contrast in the room. For a more cleanlined look, try a softer palette by mixing fabric textures and weaves, and pairing the blushes with warm neutrals.

There is no doubt that using these subtle hues will make a beautiful and interesting room, and that the blush trend is a bandwagon to jump on!

A. Mokum bespoke fabric samples in Dahlia and Blush, POA; B. Mayette Dining Chair, $360.80; C. Deco Flamingo Pink Icing Cushion, $119; D. Cylinder Lamp Shade in Coral and Buttercup, $132; E. Wedgewood Arris Rug $2297.90; F. Tappetti Faded Neon Rug (handknotted nettle and art silk), POA.

E.

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A.

D.

All From Tailored HQ Newcastle.

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26 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

SHOP IN STORE & ONLINE

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BEFORE

AFTER

Add a Little Fairy Dust for a Quick Sale!

H. J. I.

K. L.

G. Mongolian Sheepskin Throw Rug, RRP $528; H. Icelandic Shorn Sheepskin small Pouffe, RRP $418; I. Blush Bogart Velvet chair

by Globewest, $1950; J. Bogart 3 Seat Velvet Sofa

by Globewest, $3455; K. Alexander Peach Vase, $129; L. Nysse chair by globewest, $1395; All from Insideout Newcastle.

Moving soon? Need to upgrade your living space to entice potential buyers? The Style Fairies have styled many properties for the sales market, working on a diverse range of properties from large family homes to compact city flats. They have even decorated 20-foot shipping containers to appeal to buyers as alternative living spaces! With their fresh perspective and professional eye, they make the distinction, which puts your property ahead of the rest.

As property stylists, The Style Fairies aim to make your property a blank canvas that buyers can easily imagine themselves living in. They ensure every element is shown to its full advantage, ensuring each detail showcases all the amazing features and aspects of your property.

When a room is well-styled, the function of each room is made very clear. No matter the size of the room, The Style Fairies can optimise the space, to demonstrate how furniture can be positioned to make the most of the area.

The most important part of selling your property is to make sure the first impression

How about here instead?! Homey, inviting and totally liveable!

is the right one, and The Style Fairies have found through over their 16 years of experience, that buyers are willing to pay more for a property full of visual appeal.

For this reason, the way that you choose to present your property to the market can make a real difference to the price you will eventually achieve for it, and that’s where the services of a professional property stylist are worth the investment. Also, your photos are your selling tool and will ultimately bring buyers to your property and make them want to live there. For this reason, it is crucial to make sure your space is presented in a way that screams this is your new home!

Of course, there are costs associated with styling, and while this can be a deterrent to investing in a stylist when you have already outlaid money for repainting, repairing and cleaning, it is almost impossible to deny the fact that with a professionally styled property, the pay off will outweigh the initial costs.

The Style Fairies aim is to showcase your home in the best possible light and make a first impression that will last a lifetime.

Transforming your property into a home that even the most discerning buyer will fall in love with.

STYLE FAIRIES property styling

When you’re ready to sell let us unlock your property’s potential.

Alana 0408 215 042 | Karen 0409 452 205

stylefairies.com.au

StyleFairies

stylefairies www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 27

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Home + Lifestyle

KICK BACK

This Summer with a Maintenance Free Lawn!

WORDS MICHELLE MEEHAN Having spent his career as a greenkeeper, Andrew knows how much work it takes to keep a lawn looking lush and green.

There’s the hours spent watering, mowing, and fertilising, not to mention the ongoing battle to keep it bug and bindii free.

It’s a battle that has been waged in backyards across the country for years – but with a shift away from the traditional quarter acre blocks towards lower maintenance landholdings, increasing numbers of homeowners are turning their attention to a very different turfing option.

Once just a mainstay of sporting complexes and childcare centres, synthetic grass is now taking root in suburban backyards and popping up in inner city courtyards.

Even Andrew has downed his greenkeeper tools to take up the banner for the artificial surface, joining forces with his long-

time friend Anthony to establish Premier Court Co. Anthony has run a successful synthetic grass and sports surfaces business for more than 15 years and has been building synthetic grass sports surfaces throughout Australia for 20 years.

“We were school friends and played football together. I have a landscaping background, I’m a greenkeeper by trade and have spent my time on golf courses and racecourses, while Anthony has been in the synthetic grass business for many years,” Andrew said.

“We thought we’d combine our skills and this business has been going for two years now. We’re based in Sydney but we work anywhere, we’ve had jobs in Port Macquarie, Wollongong, we’ve done football fields in Perth, and we’d like to get into Newcastle.”

Premier Court Co. provides synthetic grass solutions for both residential and commercial use, with applications including everything from front and back yards to pool areas, courtyards, school playgrounds or even those areas shaded by trees where grass just won’t seem to grow.

“The bulk of the jobs we do are putting in user-friendly lawns that people don’t have to mow,” Anthony said.

“It’s low maintenance, it’s green all year round, you don’t have to worry about bindies, and it’s more environmentally friendly, you don’t have to use a mower, which pollutes the air, you don’t have to use fertilisers or chemicals, and you use less water.”

Anthony said the synthetic grass was far quicker to install than traditional turf and was an affordable option without the ongoing costs associated with keeping your grass green and healthy.

Aside from the standard requests, he said they were happy to discuss more specific requirements with their clients and in the past had installed everything from putt-putt golf greens to a virtual golf driving range inside a house.

Anthony said the business also provides synthetic surfaces for a variety of sports clubs and is the preferred layer of tennis courts in Sydney.

With football participation rates once again topping the list of the most popular sport for children, there has also been a growing demand from parents who are installing synthetic grass practice areas in their backyards.

This is an area Andrew and Anthony are particularly passionate about, with the men sharing a love of football and a desire to see even more children playing the sport in the future.

Both have played football at various levels locally, while Anthony spent time playing high-level football in England and Scotland.

“Football’s going to be really big in Australia in the next 10 or 12 years, and parents want a backyard where their kids can have a kick around,” Andrew said.

“We like to create sporting backyards for kids; having played football ourselves we understand what kids want in the backyard, and we try to make it user-friendly for their parents, who don’t want to do any mowing.

“We’ve even marked the white lines on the grass for kids who are using it for football or hockey.”

Outside of “sporting backyards”, the business is also looking to work with sporting clubs to install five-a-side football facilities on their disused areas such as bowling greens or tennis courts.

Anthony said they have already set up a facility for another company in Perth, which was operating very successfully.

Now they are looking for a venue in Newcastle interested in exploring the same concept, with a complete package that includes constructing the fencing, laying the synthetic grass surface, installing the lighting and even operating the facility for the sporting club. For more information contact Andrew on 0423 134 704.

Are you sick of mowing the lawn?

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PREMIER COURT CO. www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 29

Home

MEET THE MAKER

Kiasmin Burrell WORDS MICHELLE MEEHAN The countdown is well and truly on to Christmas now, with trees being decorated, feasts being planned and carols filling the air. The hunt for the perfect present is also stepping up a notch – but for those looking for a gift with a difference, there’s no better place than the Olive Tree Market, with their December 2 event shaping up to be the biggest handmade art and design market in Newcastle.

This month intouch Magazine sat down with one of the newest stallholders at the market, up-and-coming artist and textile designer Kiasmin Burrell, to learn a little more about what makes her tick.

How long have you been painting and what inspired you to be an artist? I grew up on a property at the base of the Watagan Mountains in the Hunter Valley, and I absolutely loved it. There were plenty of times you would see me out on a grassy patch with paint flying here and there and everywhere

with no concerns about the mess I was making. I think having that kind of freedom from the very beginning just set me up to want to keep creating and exploring art with no thought to the boundaries or mess :) What medium do you primarily work in and why? I absolutely love oil painting. But in the last few years, my curiosity has turned to ink and a little bit of silk screen printing as well.

The vibrancy and life of each colour get me hooked every time no matter what form or medium I am using. I love hand mixing all my colours, and will hardly ever use anything straight out of the tube. It’s more exciting and satisfying that way.

Where do you draw your inspiration from? From everywhere and Instagram, haha! I think being observant and keen to learn technique and unafraid to experiment keeps the curiosity alive and keeps you inspired to see what else you can create and do.

Most of the time I’ll be on a roll painting and won’t want to stop because I just enjoy it so much.

How long does it take to create a work and what is the most rewarding aspect? When I am painting with inks, the only thing that takes the time is the drying time between the layers. I will mostly have a few works on the go at once and can be quite the productive painter. When the creative juices are going I won't come up for air until I am tired or hungry or you know have to pick the children up from school :) I like seeing new things coming out in the work, and again it’s that curiosity to see more and what else wants to be created that day, which keeps me returning time and again to the brushes with absolute joy and excitement.

How long have you been involved with the Olive Tree Market and what products do you sell there? I love the Olive Tree Market. I was there this year working for another creative friend before taking the leap to have my own stall. So it was a nice transition and experience into the life of the Olive Tree Market. I have only had three stalls myself so far, and I have been loving it. We have such a great creative community; it is just an honour and joy to a part of it.

I was told you are looking to branch out into textiles and homewares - is this correct and if so what inspired this? Ooo yes!! This is a carry on from my silkscreen printing. I have been exploring turning fine art into textiles. Using my inky artworks and having them put into fabric print. It has been so much fun.

And I have just completed my first batch of apparel wear, which I will introduce to the next Olive Tree Market in December. The feedback has been great, and I am brewing up many more creative ideas in this field already. All in keeping with the integrity of the handmade and the importance of retaining the fine art originality and identity. I love making one-of-a-kind works, and these textiles will keep in with that methodology.

When people buy work from me, they are buying an original. It is pretty special.

There will be two opportunities to check out the work of Kiasmin and all the other stallholders this month, with the Olive Tree Market being held from 9am to 3pm at Newcastle Civic Park on December 2 and 16.

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262 Macquarie Road, Warners Bay NSW 2282 • PH 4953 7390 • www.wildflowerfurniture.com.au 30 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

We're open longer for you!

There’s time for every gift

Enjoy Myer, H&M, Sephora, The Apple Store, Glassons and Cotton On only at Charlestown Square. Plus over 220 specialty stores and City Beach, Rebel Sport, Big W, Target, JB Hi Fi, Best & Less and more parking spaces.

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www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 31

Cringeworthy Christmas Portraits TOO OLD FOR SANTA, YET NEVER TOO OLD FOR CHRISTMAS? Gather your gang and head to our Cringeworthy Christmas portraits. Dress up in ugly sweaters and awkward festive accessories to capture a silly season snap!

CRINGEWORTHY PORTRAITS DATES FRIDAY 1 DEC - SUNDAY 24 DEC

TIME 11AM - 3PM EACH DAY

LOCATION

JB HI-FI MALL . NEAR QBD BOOKSHOP

SANTA PHOTOS Visit Santa at his magical Santa set daily until Christmas Eve. For times and details visit charlestownsquare.com.au

32 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Feels like Christmas with more choice...

Did you know there are more parking spaces at Charlestown Square than any other shopping centre in the region? There’s time for every gift with longer trading hours from Thursday 14th December daily until Christmas Eve. get ready for The Hunter’s BIGGEST BOXING DAY SALE - doors open from 8am!

Are you a Wests member? Enjoy five hours free parking when you visit.

Just show your current Wests membership card at the Customer Service Desk to get a validated five hour free parking pass. With over 220 stores, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list this year. Here’s a few tips and trends…

FOR A FASHIONISTA

FOR THE BEAUTY QUEEN

Bold colours are a must this summer and there’s a great variety available in shoes, clothes and accessories at over 100 fashion stores.

Head to Wittner for fabulous brightly coloured heels, teamed with great accessories available at H&M, Sportsgirl and Surf Dive n Ski.

Charlestown Square is the home of beauty brands as it’s the only place you’ll find Sephora, Mecca Maxima, M.A.C. Cosmetics, Napoleon Perdis and more! From luxe to less, international brands to well loved local favourites you’re sure to find something special to prime, pamper & pout.

FOR A FOODIE All your festive needs are covered on the ground floor with Aldi, Coles and Woolworths – plus Bakers Delight, Steel Street Fish Market, Dan Murphys and Liquorland. Head to Mojo Health for a healthy option or Darrell Lea Kards and Kandy for something sweet.

FOR THE LITTLE PRINCESS All things that glitter have been hugely popular this year so the way to a little girls heart may be with Unicorns! There’s a great range of books, candles, toys, items and even shoes. Take a wander through Myer, H&M, Typo, Big W, Dusk, Smiggle, Bardot & Platypus Shoes to find some fun.

FOR THE HOME LOVER You can’t go wrong with classic Glasshouse candles - available in a broad range of delicious scents & sizes - including festive flavours. Perfect for setting a delightful atmosphere in any home. Check out the selection at Dolce Home Living, Habitania & Peter Alexander – a perfect addition in any stocking!

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www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 33

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34 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Home + Lifestyle

OUT OF AFRICA WORDS DEBORAH BARTLETT - insideout Newcastle

I have just recently returned from Africa.

Natural textures, earthy terracotta and bright colours of the Massai were wonderful sights to see in this beautiful landscape. The safari lodges filled with natural textures and fibres used in rugs, mud cloth fabrics, baskets, art and sculptural pieces made from timber.

Organic looking timber furniture, inlaid bone can already be seen here in Australia. I also noticed a lot of items made from miniature glass beads and recycled glass. Love the recycled large glass beads. Lamps made from antlers and shades made from ostrich feathers. Art to reflect the African way of life and textural pieces to hang on the walls.

Back at home, I am looking at ways we can bring a tribal influence into our homes without going all the way. Pieces to add interest and texture that are missing from many interiors. A lot of these influences go with a coastal look, the baskets and carved timber fish we have in store from Africa will sit well with a natural organic interior.

FABRICS - beautiful patterned fabrics are available through our store showing tribal designs in earthy textures and colours. Make custom cushions or upholster an ottoman to add a hint of Africa to a neutral décor. Why not make an interesting bed head? The choice is yours, and we are here to help.

RUGS - I now have a renewed love of the natural jute we have sold for a few years. A lot of lodges had these rugs on a stone floor, and they have held up exceptionally well. Natural jute is a great way to add texture if you want to keep your pallet natural and neutral. We have found some beautiful jute rugs that have a natural rubber backing. This means no

tiny break away fibres and dirt under the rug.

They vacuum well and are great insulators on concrete or timber floors. (Interesting to note, jute is a natural fibre, and the colour depends on when it has been harvested, summer or winter, so not all rugs will be identical) BASKETS - hand-woven baskets, large and small. I have bought a few to add to our store.

Baskets are a great decorative item that can be used to texturise a coastal décor or add to a tribal look. Woven Tonga baskets hung on a wall in natural colours are a lovely alternative to art, and these will also compliment other paintings or photos on your wall. They look great when used on mass in an entry or up a staircase.

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

ART - art is in the eye of the beholder. There are many choices to achieve a tribal feel.

We love to help you find the right piece to compliment your décor. It could range from a beautiful Massai Warrior to a textural necklace or simple natural linen decorated with beads or shells behind a glass frame to give it a more upmarket structured look.

These also look great in a coastal home.

FURNITURE - this is what we love to do.

Search for that perfect piece to be the hero in your room. Less is best, having a few pieces that stand out is all you need to give a new look to an interior. Making the right choice and in the correct proportion for your space will make all the difference. Use our advice to save expensive mistakes.

Africa is such a beautiful place, and I am glad it introduced me to some beautiful decors in some amazing lodges we stayed at. I hope we have enticed you to call in and ask some questions to help you achieve a look you will love. Visit www.insideoutstyle.com.au

192 parry street, newcastle west, nsw 2302 t 02 4962 5577 f 02 4962 5588 w www.insideoutstyle.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 35

Time to

9.

WORDS MIA VON ESSEN

8.

It’s that time of year again. Yes, you know the one. That dreaded time of year when you scour your wardrobe, looking for something (ANYTHING!) to wear. You cry a little. Sitting amongst the remnants of your closet, with a glass of something in hand, exclaiming that you have nothing to wear so you might as well not go.

7.

Ladies, we have all been here, especially come Christmas and New Year’s Eve. But, don’t despair! Grab another glass and listen up...

6. Alice McCall Did It Again Playsuit, $490, from David Jones; 7. Adorne Adjustable Bling Necklace, $49.95, from July Jones Style Studio, Hamilton; 8. Curate Rainbow Dreams Dress, $189, Scentsation The Junction; 9. Curate Zip Trip top, $179, Scentsation The Junction.

For some reason (we aren’t sure why), it is a fashion sin to dress as anything but a disco ball during this period. The problem is, while enjoyable, it can be hard to keep your outfit both festive and tasteful. To make sure you’re the glitziest, glitteriest and most sparkly gal on the block, we have compiled the party-perfect pieces that will have you ready to shine no matter the occasion! Now all you will have to do is shimmer and sparkle the night away!

1. Cooper Make It Shine Top, $299, from Hollie Rose Boutique, High St Maitland; 2. Cooper Lickety Split Skirt, $399, from Hollie Rose Boutique, High St Maitland; 3. Fate & Becker Silver Trixie Cami, $79.95, from July Jones Style Studio, Hamilton; 4. Melissa Mar Heels, $165, Ramjet Assortments, Darby Street; 5. I love Billy Oneday Sandals, $89.95, Ramjet Assortments, Darby Street;

1.

6.

3.

2.

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4.

36 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Enhancing your Natural Elegance Dr Rastogi BellaFACE Cosmetic Surgery & Medi Spa now at new Honeysuckle premises.

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Fashion + Beauty

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Thanks to Golden Light Designs, one lucky reader will win the stunning Rodeo bag values at $295, which combines country style with city sophistication. Handcrafted from high-quality leather, the Rodeo Bag can be worn as an everyday essential or stylish weekend option.

Check out the range at www.goldenlightdesigns.com Visit www.intouchmagazine.com.au/Giveaways to enter before January 31st.

The Artistry of Beauty It’s been said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

According to one of Australia’s leading cosmetic surgeons, Dr Anoop Rastogi, beauty can also be found in artistic skills and experienced hands.

Born the son of a doctor and artist, Dr Rastogi inherited precision and a love of medicine from his father, and artistic flair from his mother.

“I always wanted to be a doctor,” he explained.

“So it was natural to combine my love of medicine with my creative abilities.”

38 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

HOW TO GET THAT

Summer Glow WORDS DI GROVER - Empire Industries We are now far too educated to lather our skin in oil and deep fry ourselves in the sun to achieve that golden summer glow. To avoid looking like the leathery old lady from the movie, There’s Something About Mary in your future years try some of my simple makeup tips and tricks to get that summertime glow for your next event.

Try using MAC face and body foundation for a daytime look; it is a lightweight foundation that offers a sheer to medium

After graduating from the University of Newcastle with a medical degree, Dr Rastogi travelled to Europe during the mid 1990's undertaking advanced training with some of the world’s best cosmetic surgeons in Rome, Paris, London and Cambridge.

It was during this time he was first introduced to medically used muscle relaxant injections such as Botox. Returning to Australia with a rare skill-set, he helped pioneer their use for cosmetic purposes.

“Without a doubt, injectables have emerged as a miracle cosmetic compound,” Dr Rastogi said.

“No other product can visibly reduce lines and wrinkles to achieve the same outstanding effects in such a short time frame.”

But most importantly he believes it is the skilfulness behind the technique that allows the result to look natural and unnoticed or alternatively, horribly unusual and fake.

“When it comes to cosmetic procedures of any kind, it is so much more than just the basics of cutting and stitching, or injecting.”

“It’s about rebalancing and restoring a person’s natural features so they can realise and revisit the best version of themselves. That takes creative flare and artistry.”

During the past decade Australia’s cosmetic business has grown into a billion-dollar industry. A recent report citing Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery statistics claims we now spend more on cosmetic procedures per capita when compared to the USA. Australians are consuming $350 million worth of Botox treatments a year, with anti-wrinkle injections, fillers, laser and IPL, breast augmentations and reductions, and liposuction among the top five most popular procedures.

Recent adverse media reports featuring unqualified and rogue practitioners have raised questions about the industry’s ethical standards and practices. Dr Rastogi believes

buildable coverage. I love it applied sparingly so you can still see some freckles. It is water resistant and sweat resistant, so you don’t need to worry about it sliding off your face on hot days. It also does not contain sunscreen so you won’t end up with that white reflect in your selfies. Avoid using powder over the top of your foundation to keep skin dewy looking.

If you have quite oily skin, just use a touch of powder down the centre of the face; forehead, nose and chin to matte out any excess shine. As the name suggests, you can use Face and Body Foundation on your body too without the fear of it rubbing off onto your clothes. Use it down your neck and across the décolletage, depending on what you are wearing, or apply it to your legs to add some colour, or to disguise blotchiness and spider veins.

Mac Matte Bronze bronzing powder is fabulous for contouring your face and eyes while at the same time providing a natural sun-kissed look. Apply under the cheekbone, along the forehead, and in the creases of the eye socket to enhance your face and eye shape. If you wish, you can also run it down the sides of your nose and under the tip to subtly contour.

I’m a massive fan of skin looking like it’s your own. Try highlighting with cream products which give the illusion that the glow is coming from within rather than powders, which in daylight can look heavy and overdone. Mac Cream Colour Base, in Shell, is amazing for a golden luminous glow on the cheekbones, brow bone, and very minimally down the centre of the nose. You can also add a touch along your collarbones and to the centre of your top lip line to make these areas look more prominent.

Finish with a touch of your favourite gloss and lashings of mascara, throw on a sundress and look like an effortlessly natural, golden goddess with your summer glow on!

highlighting such cases helps to raise awareness about the importance of checking the experience and expertise of cosmetic specialists and to choose wisely.

“Our level of integrity at BellaFACE ensures that patient safety remains our highest priority. This, in turn, reduces complications and increases the client’s satisfaction – not only with an elegant end result, but the entire experience,” Dr Rastogi said.

Dr Rastogi BellaFACE Cosmetic Surgery & Medi Spa is now located at the new Honeysuckle premises.

The practice offers a range of cosmetic procedures including anti-ageing and wrinkle treatments, injectables and dermal fillers, facial rejuvenation and weight loss, together with consultation services for breast augmentation, liposculpture, facelifts and tummy tucks.

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 39

Family + Community

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REAL WORDS CHLOE SULLIVAN

I was an especially dramatic child. In kindergarten, I fell in love. At the age of 5, I announced to my mother that my classmate Toby and I were moving in together. I wasn’t asking her permission, just making her aware of my plans. Toby lived two blocks away, so I packed my Barbie school port and headed out to the sidewalk, but having not long ago moved into town from a farm, I was too scared to cross the street on my own. Returning to the house, I flung myself on my bed in a manner which would have put Liz Taylor to shame, and said to my mother, "This isn’t over you know.”

Fast forward a generation, and my gorgeous baby girl makes a friend in preschool. It isn’t until they hit Kindy that they establish the “bestie” status. Always in photos together, talking about each other to their respective parents at the end of the day and numerous playdates cemented the relationship.

They were our very own Superman and Lois Lane. It was magical to watch.

On February 14, Superman arrived at school and handed Lois, a bunch of flowers that were almost bigger than her. There were smiles all around and lots of parents holding both hands to their heart to acknowledge the sweetness of the sentiment. In a private moment, once the kids were in class, I grabbed our tiny superheroes’ mother and thanked her for the very sweet gesture. She said that she had planned just to buy a single red rose, but when they arrived at the shop he had said they couldn’t possibly buy a red rose as Lois liked pink, hence the huge bunch of flowers that were finally handed over on the school steps.

During the year, at times, they could have been mistaken for an old married couple.

There was yard work on play dates and the time we had to go and buy colour specific

pom-poms so that Lois could go and cheer on her bestie while he played football. His mum and I were all smiles as we watched from the sideline as she proudly took photos on her plastic play phone.

He was always kind and sweet with her, and we would often comment about their journey through the school years and how nice it would be to watch them grow up together.

One day, as their first school year was coming to an end, there was a heartbreaking moment at school drop off. After a quick trip away, Superman’s mum told me that they were moving interstate and wouldn’t be there at the start of the following school year.

My heart sank at the thought of telling Lois, knowing how much she would miss him. I went home that morning and shed a little tear and thought about how to prepare her for her first real moment of heartbreak.

While trying to come up with a plan, I realised that I knew she would be sad but I was sad too. Sad for this picture of a lifelong friendship I had in my head. I also realised at that moment that not only would Lois miss Superman but I was going to miss Superman’s mum.

Before my baby started school, I wouldn’t have considered myself particularly social.

Groups of new people make me nervous, and after all the horror stories I had heard from friends, the idea of the school mum mafia scared the hell out of me. As an adult meeting people who you actually like in any situation becomes more of a chore but meeting someone you go on to consider a friend is a water into wine level miracle. Mrs Superman is awesome and doesn’t mind that I use the “F” word as punctuation in everyday conversation.

Back in the day, moving away for a kid this age meant a sad wave from the back window of your parents Holden and never seeing each other again (yes, I am picturing a scene from The Wonder Years in my head.)

But thankfully, with Skype, cheap plane tickets and a strong motivation to stay connected, this sweet friendship will endure the test of time and distance. They are already planning their first visit. I know the art of letter writing has disappeared with mobiles and social media, but this weekend I am planning to sit down and write letters to three friends I've had since childhood, who I am so grateful to still have in my life. We’ll miss you Superman and Superman’s mum.

A Fitness Centre for EVERYONE

dropping heavy weights, grunting excessively, using loud and antisocial behaviour, bad language etc. as far as I’m concerned, this is not acceptable conduct. This spurred me to introduce Planet Fitness’ WORDS DALLAS ROSEKELLY - Planet Fitness Australia Judgement Free philosophy into my clubs, so everyone can feel Over 23 years ago, in 1994, I started Planet Fitness Health comfortable when they work Clubs in Australia. I have been around a while and have seen many changes and growth in the fitness industry. I have learned out. If you have an ego, please leave it at the front door; we to understand why and how often people come to gyms. have no room for it in our fitness Planet Fitness as it is today was formulated by listening to my members over the years; I wanted to design a fitness brand community.

There is no great secret to fitness, just keep moving forward that catered to people’s needs. The two consistent lines of with some form of exercise and do it regularly. But, you know feedback that I have heard from people are that they did not what? People cannot always make it to the gym, and that’s ok. want to feel intimidated and that the expense of membership Some weeks they can come three or four times, but others not was highly important. at all. In today’s world, we go on holidays; we work extra hours, There are many gyms to pick from. However, most sell we look after sick kids. Plus, on a nice day, why not go for that memberships at very high prices. This sets to exclude a large walk outside? Or go to the beach and mix it up a little? Maybe portion of our population who simply cannot afford to access to coincide with your gym training you also play sports. fitness. In Australia, around 12% of our population attend So, who can afford to pay high gym prices when you don’t gyms or group fitness-related activities. Yet, our obesity and always attend? overweight problems in society (including our children) is Planet Fitness delivers what most people desire in a health growing. I recognised this problem many years ago and set and fitness club; our price is incredibly affordable, and we about developing a brand of fitness centre that caters to strongly uphold our Judgement Free philosophy. By importing everyone regardless of age, fitness level or socioeconomic most of our gym equipment ourselves, and streamlining status. our business operations, we can pass these savings on to Another obstacle people face is the confidence to actually members. Of course, our facilities are of equal importance. set foot in a gym. Many people find gyms overwhelming, We endeavour to maintain world-class equipment, modern which can be exacerbated by attendees that are intimidating. amenities and a clean, healthy environment where you will be A small portion of people seems to think they have a right welcomed and feel at home. This is coupled with qualified staff to intimidate and create a nuisance of themselves in a gym offering sound, professional advice and great, friendly service. environment. Those who create a scene when they work out by

We accept every single person who walks through our doors.

We pride ourselves on providing a non-intimidating space, beyond image and stigma to welcome everyone – no matter who you are. We understand that everyone is different; we all have different needs, goals and aspirations. We understand that for too many people the biggest challenge is to actually walk through the doors of a health club for the first time. We realise that a health club with no intimidation, no egos, and no hard-core weightlifters is desirable to many.

I believe that everyone should be able to afford fitness while feeling comfortable in a Judgement Free environment. At Planet Fitness, we will deliver that to you! If I can help the 88% of the population who do not attend gyms, by making them feel welcomed at Planet Fitness, I am hopeful that we can turn around our health problems in Australia and all live longer, more active lives.

Yours in health and wellbeing, Dallas Rosekelly, Director & Founder of Planet Fitness Australia

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Changing the Way the World Ages www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 41

CHILD SUPPORT

Something for EVERYONE This Summer!

What are the Options?

WORDS VICTORIA BLAKELEY – Farrar Gesini Dunn

When parents separate, arrangements need to be made about the financial support for the children.

The Child Support Agency (“CSA”) is one avenue available to assist in making appropriate arrangements. The CSA is able to make an assessment about the amount of financial support each parent should contribute. The CSA uses a formula based on taxable income and the number of nights that the children spend with each parent. There are two ways the CSA can be involved: 1. By providing an assessment, but allowing the parents to make and track payments between themselves; 2. By providing an assessment and collecting on behalf of the parent entitled to receive the support.

The involvement of the CSA is not the only way that parents can resolve the arrangements for their children. Many parents are able to reach an agreement in relation to support for their

children without the involvement of the CSA. There are many ways to reach an agreement, and many “outside the box” ways to jointly support children even after separation.

If an agreement is reached, it can be documented in either a Limited or a Binding Child Support Agreement. These agreements can be lodged with the CSA and enforced on the parent's behalf (if needed).

A child support agreement can include arrangements for weekly/fortnightly payments, the payment of medical costs, school fees, health insurance, extra-curricular activities and sports. We can assist separated parents to reach an agreement to best support their children into the future.

This can be done using a number of process options including round-table discussions, mediation, collaborative law. For parents who have already have an agreement, we can provide the necessary legal advice and documents.

The weather is warming up, and it's time to get outdoors, get active and get involved. There are heaps of summer activities and events on in Newcastle, whether you're looking to celebrate Christmas and New Year's with the community, enjoy some outdoor sport or beat the heat with an indoor exhibition. So grab the family or a bunch of friends and come along to our activated spaces!

Here’s some of the highlighted activities in December, January and February. More information on these events can be found on Council's website newcastle.nsw.gov.au

free photo booth and Santa! Carols will start around 7pm. Get in early to secure a great spot.

New Year's Eve 2017 6-9pm, Sunday 31 December, Queens Wharf precinct, Free. Join us for family-friendly fun on the Harbour, with the heart of the event around Queens Wharf precinct, with music, entertainment, food, mind-blowing fireworks and a larger-than-life labyrinth.

FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS Christmas in the Park - Serenade under the Stars 5.30pm, Friday 1 December, Civic Park, Free. Bring your rug, low chair and sparkling for a fun, relaxing evening, with live orchestral Australia Day 2018 10am-2pm, Friday 26 and big-band music, contemporary popular January, Various locations. Australia Day songs and Christmas carols sung by solo celebrations will be hosted across Newcastle, vocalists and a 100-voice choir. including roaring dinosaurs at the Museum, Carols by Candlelight 5.30pm, Friday 15 December, King Edward Park, Free. This year's flower pressing at Newcastle Art Gallery, live music at our swimming centres and a family event will be packed full of performances day out at Blackbutt Reserve. by fantastic local artists, carnival rides, a

 Family Law  Collaborative Law  Mediation and Settlement  Litigation  Parenting and Property  Child Support  Spousal Maintenance  Estate Planning 42 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

We are specialists in all aspects of family law and can help you to finalise your legal issue in the best possible way.

We have a focus on out of court settlements and will ensure that we find the right process option and solution to suit your needs.

Get in touch with the team at Farrar Gesini Dunn today.

PH (02) 4089 5500 newcastle@fgd.com.au Canberra | Newcastle | Sydney Melbourne | Albert Park

www.newcastlefamilylawyer.com.au

ARTS AND CULTURE Newcastle Art Gallery | nag.org.au • Everything Changes: Tim Maguire 20022017 On until 18 February 2018, Newcastle Art Gallery, Free. This major survey exhibition by the internationally recognised artist fills ► the gallery with large-scale, incredibly detailed paintings from the last 15 years, including new works never before exhibited in Australia.

• Painting Memory: From the Collection On until 28 January 2018, Newcastle Art Gallery, Free. Featuring 36 key paintings from the Gallery's holdings that evoke stories about their origins, artists and how they came into the collection - celebrating some of Newcastle's most beloved works of art.

400 participants from across NSW and more than 1200 spectators from Newcastle and the region.

Australia Formula 1 Powerboats 26-27 January, Newcastle Harbour. Fast and colourful, Formula powerboat racing offers explosive starts, hairpin turns and high-speed passing manoeuvres. It's continuous action and excitement for spectators of all ages.

Surfest 2018 20 January-25 February, Various locations. Australia's biggest festival of surfing provides a wide array of action in and out of the water for locals and visitors. In 2018, Surfest offers 11 different surfing events with more than 800 competitors.

Queen's Baton Relay Saturday 3 February, Lee Wharf. The Queen's Baton will visit Newcastle as one of its stops on its long journey from Buckingham Palace to the Gold Coast for the XXI Commonwealth Games.

CANINE FUN Pups in the Park 8am-3pm, Saturday 16 December, Lambton Park, Free. Giveaways, food and market stalls, dog owner information and pup photos with Santa. Council rangers will be providing free microchipping, which is available to Newcastle residents only. ■

Newcastle Museum newcastlemuseum.com.au Dinosaur rEvolution On until 27 August, Newcastle Museum. Research suggests that many of these amazing beasts were covered with all kinds of spikes, quills, horns and feathers, many with brilliant colours. Learn more at Dinosaur rEvolution, with lifelike animatronic dinosaurs, fossils and more!

Rock this City On until 4 February, Newcastle Museum. Newcastle in the 1970's and '80's was a powerhouse of rock music with dozens of bands performing every night in the city's pubs and clubs. 'Rock this City' showcases these decades of the Newcastle pub rock scene.

SOMETHING SPORTY Celebration of Cricket 1-31 January, Various locations. Throughout January, Newcastle will be home to major cricket carnivals and competitions, attracting

After hours home visit Doctor service

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Monday to Friday 6pm - 7am Saturday 11am to Monday 7am 24 hours on a public holiday

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‘Providing you with Complete Diabetes Care’ • Access to a team of specialists all at one convenient location • Endocrinology, Diabetes Education, Nutrition, Clinical Research, and Pathology • Receive the comprehensive diabetes care you deserve Level 1, 41 Llewellyn St Merewether (02) 4963 2323 reception@hunterdiabetes.com.au

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LOCAL AUTHORS Empowering Young Readers

Jess Black

KEEPI AND O

WORDS MICHELLE MEEHAN

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Everyone knows that books can inspire – but two Hunter authors are hoping their words will also empower young readers with the sense they can do anything.

Writers Jess Black and Sophie Stokes have drawn on their own childhood experiences for their latest picture books, creating stories designed to encourage the next generation of children to follow their dreams.

Jess said her book, Bold Australian Girl – was a reaction to the mass-marketed stereotypes that pigeonhole girls and boys along gender lines.

Featuring stunning illustrations from Swansea artist Fern Martins, the book tells the story of a young Indigenous girl, whose mother whispers words of wisdom to her while she brushes her hair.

“Bold Australian Girl came about for a few reasons. I had a three-year-old and a five-year-old daughter when I wrote the story (they are six and eight years now) and it was partly a

reaction to the messages that girls are inundated with to look a certain way, rather than do a certain activity,” Jess said.

“For example, at Halloween the boys have a plethora of superhero costumes to choose from, girls get offered a pretty witch costume (in mass marketing). The emphasis is on how they look, not what they do.

“So there were these messages that I wanted to create a counter argument to, but also because my childhood involved a great deal of time running around barefoot or riding horses.

I didn’t grow up in the country but I spent a lot of time outdoors getting dirty.

“I think that Bold Australian Girl is about encouraging girls (and boys) that they can do anything and that it’s okay to be different. ►

How do you sleep?

Do you snore or feel tired during the day? Or has anyone observed you stop breathing during your sleep?

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea affects between 1 in 20 adults.

Piggotts Pharmacy are now offering Sleep Study tests and trials of all our CPAP machines.

Drop into Piggotts Pharmacy for more details. www.piggottspharmacy.com.au

OUR LOCATIONS BLACKBUTT

HAMILTON

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PH: 02 4957 2474 FX: 02 4957 2488 58 Orchardtown Road, New Lambton, NSW 2305

PH: 02 4961 3179 FX: 02 4969 8126 83 Beaumont St, Hamilton, NSW 2303

PH: 02 4969 1978 FX: 02 4969 8092 400 Glebe Rd, Hamilton South, NSW 2303

PH: 02 4957 3630 FX: 02 4957 3756 117 Elder Street, Lambton, NSW 2299

PH: 02 4938 1156 FX: 02 4938 1162 56 Maitland St, Branxton, NSW 2335

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Sophie Stokes at an orphanage in Mbeya, Tanzania.

picture books are sent to schools in Tanzania, Fiji and Greece.

“I started writing children’s books when I was on a volunteer trip to Tanzania in 2015,” she said.

“I had gone over to help in the orphanage located in Mbeya, Tanzania. There was a young lady on team and we got on like a house on fire!

“As we chatted about our hopes and dreams, we both realised we would love to write a children’s book with purpose.

We had both noticed a lack of culturally relevant books available to the children in Tanzania and the books that were available, educationally they were not up to scratch.

“So as we sat in that humble lounge room in the middle of Africa, we penned down the first of many drafts of the book now so lovingly known as Kula Chakula is Hungry. Today, this book is being enjoyed by the children in Tanzania, Fiji, Greece and Australia.

“

“If kids can see a thing then they can imagine being it. I hope that both girls and boys take away from the story that the dreams they have for their future can be a reality. Sure, there will be hard work along the way but anything is possible.”

Jess has certainly made a success out of following her dreams, with the Carrington author having published more than 30 junior fiction titles, as well as two children’s picture books.

“I have a background in theatre and television, all for kids.

It wasn’t until I had worked at Scholastic as a buyer for their Book Club that I felt I had a really strong grounding in children’s literature,” she said.

“I didn’t have kids of my own back then so I had to immerse myself in the books they loved in order to understand the market and appeal. I finally found the courage to write a story of my own and it has all gone from there.

“I really enjoy the actual writing, especially when I have breakthrough moments with the story and I manage to solve story problems. I love going into schools and spending time with kids and hearing their own ideas for stories. They always blow me away with their creativity.

Getting to chat to a child who has read a book of mine and hearing their opinion is wonderful – I could do that all day.

They’re always refreshingly frank in their opinion and that’s valuable for me to hear (not to mention, entertaining!).”

Fern Bay author Sophie Stokes also loves hearing about children who have read her books – although meeting them face-to-face can be a bit more of a challenge as many of her

The most fulfilling aspect of writing a children’s book is when you get news from faraway lands and the teachers are telling you their students love the book and constantly ask for that one to be read in class.

“You know the kids have connected and you are honouring their culture, their language and their way of life.”

Sophie’s books are specifically written for particular cultures, addressing issues that are relevant to children in those countries and using language and illustrations that reflect their lives. They are all written in English but feature subtitles of the local language, such as Swahili, Khmer and Greek.

“The way we come up with the story ideas is we look at that country, usually we have a personal connection with that country and look for possible issues we can address on a child’s level. For example, Sokha Goes to School is about safety for kids on their way to school as trafficking is a huge problem and we address this in the book on a kid’s level,” she said.

“They are all culturally relevant to the corresponding country and are subtitled in the local language of that country.”

Sophie has recently published her third picture book, A Visit to the King’s Garden – which deals with cultural-influenced notions around gender equality.

“My latest book has been floating around in my head and heart for many years,” she said.

“Growing up in Australia in a Greek home was challenging and even confusing at times. When we went to school we were Australians and when we came back home we were Greeks.

“We were living out two different cultures and so when I wanted to play competitive soccer, it was not allowed. You know in those days, girls learnt how to cook and clean and boys did whatever they liked! Because of this, a lie crept into my thinking that boys are better than girls.

“A Visit to the King’s Garden is about a young girl who loves to play soccer with her brother in the backyard but when it comes to competition soccer, her father does not allow her to play, but her brother is allowed. She goes on a journey of discovering she is significant and has purpose.

“I believe many cultures will be able to relate to this story, on so many different levels.

“It’s a book that says your value doesn’t come from your culture, what you do or don’t do, your value comes from whom you are and you are unique and what you have to offer is wonderful… whether you are a boy or girl!”

Visit www.jessblack.com.au to find out more about Jess and her books or log onto www.insofiaskitchen.com.au/ exousia-publishing for more information about Sophie’s stories ■

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www.drstuartmackenzie.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 45

YOUR Better Health Update WORDS SMITH ST MEDICAL

One Hour a Day Keeps the Doctor Away Inactivity is a major risk factor for poor health outcomes. It generally involves prolonged periods of sitting, where people can spend many hours each day with little movement of their major limbs.

Whether this is driving or working for hours on end at a computer, the health detriment is the same – higher risk of early death. Estimates suggest that at least five million avoidable deaths can be attributed to inactivity.

Despite the many known and well-publicised benefits of exercise, few people meet the recommendations of at least 60 minutes per day. Data on the health of over a million people highlight that meeting this recommendation could be a lifesaver. People who meet the recommendations of getting at least one hour of exercise each day cut the risk of early death by at least 40% compared to people who are active for less than 30 minutes per day. Furthermore, research has shown that the type of exercise isn’t crucial. All movement is good movement.

Achieving one hour of movement each day, including periods of standing, eliminates the risk of early death from inactivity. If you sit for hours each day, whether it’s on the couch, at the wheel or in front of a screen, now is the time to start moving. It could be a lifesaver.

NUTRITION: Protected by Fruit Fruits and vegetables are filled with healthy nutrients including fibre and vitamins and are an essential part of any balanced diet, promoting better health as we age.

High fruit and vegetable consumption has been linked to various positive health outcomes including lower risk of chronic diseases and cancers. Some research has also shown an association between fruit and vegetable consumption and reduced risk of breast cancer, however, results from different studies are varied. Furthermore, whether or not consuming fruits and vegetables early in life is beneficial to lowering risk of breast cancer in adulthood is not well understood.

Researchers investigated the association between fruit and vegetable intake in adolescence and early adulthood and the risk of breast cancer. Data was analysed from the

Nurses’ Health Study II, a study that’s been running since 1989 involving a large cohort of female registered nurses.

Participants’ filled in food frequency questionnaires that included questions about their diet in high school and intake of fruits and vegetables during this time.

Their level of fruit and vegetable intake was classified into one of nine categories spanning from “never or less than once per month” to “six or more times per day”. The primary outcome assessed was the incidence of breast cancer. This was self-reported by participants or their next of kin and then medically verified for most cases via records and reports. Researchers also controlled for other risk factors for breast cancer including age, weight, family history of breast cancer, smoking status, menopausal status and oral contraceptive use.

The follow-up period spanned 22 years and showed that a higher total fruit intake in adolescence was associated with lower risk of breast cancer. This association was significant for postmenopausal breast cancer but not premenopausal breast cancer. The association between vegetable and fruit juice intake and breast cancer risk was not significant in this study.

Researchers flagged the bioactive components of fruits and vegetables, which might explain their protective qualities including carotenoids, vitamin C, flavonoids, fibre, magnesium and potassium. Fruits found to have the largest association were apple, banana and grapes. These results suggest a benefit for increased consumption of fruits in adolescence with regard to breast cancer risk.

While this study did not find a significant association between vegetable intake in adolescence and breast cancer risk, there are numerous positive health benefits associated with vegetable intake and guidelines consistently advocate for a diet high in leafy greens.

FOR ALL APPOINTMENTS PH 4943 3066 5/154 Park Ave, Kotara (Near NRMA Service Centre) www.searlestmedical.com.au

Opening Hours

Services we offer

Monday 8am to 6pm Tuesday 8am to 6pm Wednesday 8am to 6pm Thursday 8am to 6pm Friday 8am to 6pm Saturday 8am to 12.30pm

Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Indigenous Health, LBGTIQA Health, Children’s Health

Smith Street Medical Centre and Searle Street Medical Centre BULK BILLS Pensioners and Health Care Card holders.

28 Smith St, Charlestown www.smithstmedical.com.au 46 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Family Health, Mental Health, Chronic Disease Management, Skin Cancer Screening and Treatment, Travel Immunisations (Including Yellow Fever) Driving Medicals, INR Testing, Minor Surgical Procedures

Providing quality healthcare to the community since 1955.

Our Medical Professionals Dr Andrew Keyworth Dr Catherine Eve Dr Adrian Watts Dr Rodney Watson Dr Benjamin Nicholas Dr Paul Saunders Dr Rachel Giblin Dr Lucy Stuart Dr Debra Scott Dr Margaret Lynch Dr Jamie Tran Dr Erica Gomes Dr Jennifer Whiteley Dr Julian Jackel Dr Dean Miller Dr Upasana Thakorlal Dr Alaric Giles (Locum) Dr Karyn Forbes Dr Tristan Yolland

“I was a dancer from the age of about three, so movement has always been a part of my life,” she said.

“I started with a career in natural therapies, doing remedial massage and sports injuries and then I trained as a Pilates instructor to complement that. I was treating all these recurring injuries, and I just thought we need to give these people a prevention, rather than just fix their injuries.”

She began teaching Pilates in 2003, and during 2011 she introduced Newcastle to Xtend Barre, an increasingly popular workout that takes the principles of Pilates and applies them to ballet moves such as pliés and pirouettes.

Since then her passion for fitness programs that combine Pilates fundamentals with dance elements has grown, and in 2014 Skye opened The Pilates Barre in Warners Bay. A second studio was established in Newcastle in June this year.

A quick look through their website confirms that The Pilates Barre is anything but ordinary, offering everything from traditional Pilates through to classes that incorporate a fusion of dance, Pilates and sculpting exercises completed at the ballet barre.

WORDS MICHELLE MEEHAN The classes may include fun elements of dance movements, Pilates or drumming, as well as the satisfying neurological Skye Baldwin is constantly looking for ways to raise the barre effects of the mind-body connection of Yoga or relaxing when it comes to injecting fun into fitness. The renowned Newcastle fitness professional is the owner of The Pilates Barre, meditation.

Each program is designed to create challenges, but apart a boutique Pilates, barre and dance fitness studio providing from providing a great workout, the classes also inject a healthy fresh, innovative and exciting classes for all levels of fitness.

A former ballet dancer, Skye began her career in 1999 as a dose of fun into your fitness routine.

“Lifestyle movement is so important. But not everyone wants remedial massage therapist, but it wasn’t until she undertook to go to the gym,” Skye said. training to become a Pilates instructor that she found her true “For a lot of women we want that exhilaration we get when passion.

Health + Wellbeing

SKYE BALDWIN...

Anything But Ordinary!

we dance with our friends, but we also want to look good in our clothes.

“Fundamentally our programs are Pilates with an element of dance – I’m always looking for something new that combines these and makes fitness fun.

“Moving at all ages is so important, health and wellbeing are so important, and we’ve created this great little community where people can have fun, laugh at themselves and each other, and somewhere in there I sneak in a bit of fitness.

“It’s about core strength and mobility, and it’s super easy, anyone can do it.”

Aside from conducting classes for clients, Skye also regularly trains and mentors aspiring fitness teachers in their chosen field.

This aspect of her career is also going from strength to strength, with Skye recently securing a personal invite from Christopher Harrison, the founder and creator of the internationally renowned entertainment and fitness brand AntiGravity, to become a Master Trainer in Australia.

Skye met Christopher while on a trip to New York in October, after taking a number of his classes at the AntiGravity fitness training centre.

“After the class, he approached me, and we had a chat. He commented on my ability and my movement and asked me to pursue a teacher/trainer position with him in Australia,” she said.

“Positions like that don’t come up very often, I have to do training with him in New York or through a company in Australia, and then I’ll be able to teach other trainers in Australia his programs.

“I love teaching other instructors, I really thrive on it, being able to pass on all my skills and my experience to others and so I want to continue to do that and head more into that direction.”

GET EN POINTE & MEET ME AT THE BARRE...

The Pilates Barre

The Pilates Barre is Newcastle’s premier boutique Pilates, Barre and Dance Fitness studio providing fresh, innovative and exciting classes for all levels of fitness.

Come along and try a class, it’s never too late to start, Summer is here, so why not take the leap into the new you, we promise you’ll love your new dancers body.

The Pilates Barre is a small private studio that is innovative, dance based and VERY different to the gym experience. You’re always welcome at the barre!

NEW CLIENT OFFER! · Try your first class for only $18 or bring a friend for $15 each · Unlimited classes for December OR January only - $199 per month

info@thepilatesbarre.com.au www.thepilatesbarre.com.au Located at 1/24 Lake St, Warners Bay and 1/151 Hunter St, Newcastle

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 47

Changing Women’s Lives

Are you Unable to Take Statins for your High Cholesterol?

If you are unable to take statin medication to lower your cholesterol, you may be able to participate in the CLEAR Outcomes study at Hunter Diabetes Centre.

The CLEAR Outcomes Study will include more than 12,000 people worldwide who have, or are at high risk of, cardiovascular disease (also known as heart disease), and cannot tolerate taking cholesterol-lowering medications called statins.

The main purpose of the CLEAR Outcomes study is to see if an investigational medication reduces the risk of major cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel-related) events in participants with, or at high risk for, cardiovascular disease. The study will also look at how the investigational medication may affect the level of cholesterol and how safe it is.

Stress Incontinence Vaginal Dryness Vaginal Irritation Vulvovaginal Laxity Orgasmic Dysfunction

Available at The Mayah Clinic 5/149 Ambleside Circuit, Lakelands PH 4954 5044 www.themayahclinic.com.au 48 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

What is a clinical research study? Clinical research studies help to determine whether potential new medications (known as “investigational medications”) are safe and how well they work.

In a clinical research study, a group of people agree to take the investigational medication while being looked after by study doctors, nurses and other staff. Clinical research studies provide the best information for health-related decision-making, new medications and new treatments.

Can I take part? You may be able to take part in the CLEAR Outcomes study if you: • are over 18 years of age • have, or at high risk for, cardiovascular disease • cannot tolerate taking statin medications (have tried two or more statin medications, but you had problems taking them because of side effects) Please note that, while we are a diabetes specialist centre, you do not need to have diabetes to participate in this study.

What’s involved? The CLEAR Outcomes Study will last for 2-5 years, with an average length of 3-5 years. This will begin with regular visits to Hunter Diabetes Centre, moving onto three monthly visits and phone calls. There will be some health checks and tests performed at study visits, and our experienced research team will closely monitor you.

What else do I need to consider? Taking part in the CLEAR Outcomes study is your choice. The study team will explain the risks and benefits of taking part in the study. Study medication and tests will be provided at no cost.

Who should I contact for more information? If you are interested in learning more about the CLEAR Outcomes study, please contact the Hunter Diabetes Centre research team on 4963 2323 (take option 1) or email kate@hunterdiabetes.com.au.

NEW TREATMENT

For Sensitive Issues

Dr Kathryn Holmes is the founder and director of the Mayah Clinic at Lakelands – a professional boutique clinic specialising in laser, skin health, cosmetic medicine, beauty and now the new ThermiVa technology. Dr Holmes had the first Halo fractional Laser in Australia at the Mayah Clinic and says it’s been a highly successful addition to the skin management options available to the clinic’s clientele over the last three years. It’s also seen the clinic garner the reputation as a leader when it comes to embracing effective new technologies.

There’s been a lot of buzz about the new ThermiVa technology, and so we went straight to Dr Holmes for the answers!

What is ThermiVa? ThermiVa is a tool for treating symptoms that many women never talk about. They think that they just have to put up with them. That nothing can be done to help them. But now we really can offer a non-hormonal, non-surgical treatment to treat vaginal issues, like stress incontinence, post-menopausal or chemotherapy-induced dryness and irritation, laxity and orgasmic dysfunction.

Isn’t this a bit different to the other treatments the clinic specialises in? That is true in some ways, however, when I think about the concerns of our clients in a holistic way, it seems obvious that our clinic could and should provide a supportive, medical setting to address these very common but often distressing problems.

How does it work? It is a radio-frequency device - basically, that means it isn’t a laser so it can provide gentle tissue heating with no burning of skin at all, so no healing downtime time. It is possible to return to normal activities immediately.

BUT this heating is effective at stimulating new collagen and elastin internally and externally. The increased blood flow results in healthy functioning tissue. This truly is such an exciting life-changing treatment Who can benefit from this? At all stages of life, stressors can cause problems for women in this intimate area.

Vaginal births can result in stretching and damage resulting in pain or laxity. Hormone changes can result in dryness, irritability and reduction in healthy functioning. Women treated for Breast Cancer will often suffer similar problems as a result of the medication they are treated with, so this is a fabulous option for them.

Can anyone have ThermiVa? This is a medical procedure, and so there are medical issues to take into consideration.

That means it is necessary for everyone to have a consultation with me before treatment to assess suitability. They also need to have had a recent PV and Pap smear by their general practitioner.

This professional level of care is what the clinic provides in all areas of treatments it offers. I would also urge clients to think carefully about where they are going for treatments and who will be doing those treatments. At a time when the enforcement of regulations is not keeping up with the explosion of laser, skin, and cosmetic clinics, it is up to the individual to do their research. For example, it is illegal for cosmetic injections to be performed without a doctor prescribing those treatments, as the products used are prescription items, with uncommon but real risks - as we saw in Sydney recently!

So if someone thinks ThermiVa might be right for them, what can they do? They just need to call the Mayah Clinic and book in for a consultation! Easy!

Watch me

GROW! WORDS PENNY O'DONNELL - Genea

With one in six Australian couples suffering infertility, more and more people are turning to IVF to conceive. In fact, the latest data available in 2015 showed around 1 in every 25 Australian births was the result of assisted reproduction. And globally, Australian Fertility group Genea’s science and technology has played a part in bringing over 800,000 babies into the world.

Latest advances in incubation technology for patients Traditionally and in many other clinics, embryos created in the laboratory are placed in a small dish filled with culture media which is placed inside an incubator for the first five days of development. The scientists would need to remove the dish

from the incubator to review the development of embryos under a microscope, on days 1, 3 and 5 and also change the culture media fluid exposing the embryos to temperature and atmospheric changes.

Genea’s scientists have introduced a breakthrough in IVF treatment which is the result of the combination of Genea’s new Geri incubator and specially designed culture media. The state-of-the-art incubator uses time-lapse imagery that displays on the outside of the instrument, meaning scientists no longer need to remove the embryos to check their progress. The culture media is also specially designed to support continuous culture, meaning the embryos remain in place for the full five days providing an environment that mimics what they would experience in the human body like never before.

The Geri incubator has six individual chambers, so each patient’s embryos have their own personalised space. The chambers also have their own hi-res camera taking photographs of each embryo at five-minute intervals.

Embryologists review the time-lapse footage to assess the development of the embryos and by doing so, can ascertain which embryos are most suitable for transfer, and more likely result in pregnancy.

Revolutionising the patient experience Until recently, scientists and fertility specialists were the only ones who could view the embryo development but thanks to the new Grow by Genea app, this footage is now available to Genea patients, allowing them unique access during this part of the fertility journey.

Patients can download the app from iTunes or Google Play and view their developing embryos while they develop in the lab at no additional cost. After being highly involved with the clinic in the early part of their IVF cycle with blood tests and ultrasounds, patients often feel detached once their eggs and

sperm are collected and growing as embryos in the lab. Being able to see their embryos develop allows them to still feel part of the process during those five days between egg collection and embryo transfer.

Grow is not intended to replace patients’ discussions and interactions with their Fertility Specialists, Embryologists and Nurses as all information about the progress of a patient’s embryos will initially happen over the phone. Nurses will explain to the patients on Day 1 and Day 3 the status of each embryo.

The patient can then log into the app and see exactly what the nurse has discussed.

Grow is all about enhancing the patient experience during what can often be a challenging process. The app is intended to give patients an understanding of what embryo development means. It also gives patients a better appreciation of why IVF doesn’t always result in a live birth. The Grow by Genea app and Genea technologies are available to all patients at Genea clinics across Australia.

Genea’s local clinic located in Merewether offers the full suite of fertility treatments including ovulation tracking, IVF and ICSI cycles, donor egg and sperm services, surrogacy and preimplantation genetic diagnosis.

The clinic has been helping create families for 33 years, longer than any other fertility clinic in the region. To date, more than 4,100 babies have been born with the help of Genea’s Merewether clinic, about the same number as the total population of nearby suburb Cooks Hill!

Fertility specialists, Dr Myvanwy McIlveen, Dr Matthew Holland and Dr Erin Fuller, offer the highest quality of care and expertise to patients with the support of the clinic’s experienced professional staff. The outstanding livebirth rates and very appreciative parents speak for themselves.

If you’d like to organise an appointment with one of their Fertility Specialists, you can contact the clinic on 4902 7000.

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 49

calories for that meal in the first twenty-five minutes of arrival at a Christmas party due to all the seasonal festive delights and finger foods and drinks? We encourage you to eat something light and preferably containing protein (for example, a tub of yoghurt, protein shake, almonds etc.) before your event to reduce your chances of snacking on high-calorie party food. We can educate you on the best ways to starve fat and feed muscle at Curves, and you’ll have access to plenty of tips and tricks that will help you to beat the Christmas party overindulge.

The month of December evokes different feelings for all of us, and unfortunately for many, Christmas is synonymous with stress and can result in heightened feelings of depression. If you're one of those people feeling more frazzled than festive, taking thirty minutes out of your day to do a Curves workout can reduce stress tenfold and instantly boost your mood. This is because physical activity helps bump up the production of Maria Ward, Franchise Owner your brain's feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins.

Exercise can also improve your sleep, which is often disrupted by stress, depression and anxiety. All of these exercise benefits can ease your stress levels and give you a sense of control over your body and your life. You'll also often find that by coming in and doing a circuit, you've forgotten the day's irritations and concentrated only on your body's movements.

WORDS MARIA WARD So if the pressure of last minute shopping, family tensions - Curves Charlestown or the heightened expectations of social togetherness feels a bit too much, drop in an visit the team at Curves Charlestown It’s that time of year again, lots of preparation, celebrating, – they guarantee you’ll be leaving with an extra spring in your family time and holidays. So how will you end 2017 and make step! the New Year your strongest, healthiest and happiest ever?

In the past twelve years Curves Charlestown has helped Christmas is notoriously a time to indulge, but you can still enjoy all the festivities without impacting your health. At Curves hundreds of women in our local area to get healthier and stronger, by enjoying a total body workout in just 30 minutes.

Charlestown, we are huge advocates of living our best life The Curves coaches are on hand at every circuit to support, possible and want you to celebrate this time of the year while teach and motivate members to ensure correct form and creating healthy habits that’ll carry on to the new year. help members reach their goals. The boutique club is a nonDid you know that you can consume up to 75% of your

Strengthen Your Way to Better Health

• SPORTS INJURIES • SHOULDER & ELBOW • TENDINOPATHIES • WORK INJURIES • BACK & NECK PAIN • HIP, KNEE & ANKLE • ORTHOTICS • POST-OPERATIVE • VERTIGO/DIZZINESS • REAL TIME ULTRASOUND • EXERCISE PRESCRIPTION • PLASTERS • MASSAGE

judgemental and welcoming environment in which women of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities can work out with like-minded members who support each other’s journey. Knowing you’re in good company makes your journey to better health and fitness more achievable, enjoyable and rewarding.

What better gift to give yourself or your loved one than the Gift of Good Health – a gift that will keep on giving throughout 2018! Did you know that the top 3 New Year’s Resolutions were to get (and stay) fit and healthy; to lose weight, and to eat healthily.

But unfortunately, 92% of New Year's resolutions fail. The team at Curves want you to be part of the 8% of people that succeed with their goals, and they can show you how with a plan of action. People who develop action plans experience less anxiety, more confidence, improved concentration and greater satisfaction about achieving their goals and are more likely to succeed. In 2018 let Curves help you to completely change your life.

Making real lifestyle changes and better health choices during the ‘silly season’ is so much easier when you have both coaches and members support and encouragement. If you’re wondering how you're going to not only survive the holiday party season but come out healthier and fitter, drop in and speak to one of the experienced team and find out how they can help or go to www.curves.com.au to download your free 'Strengthen Your Way to Better Health' booklet. “I would just like to say how Curves has changed my life to make me feel more confident, believe I can do it and love working out with such positive, motivating people. I will LOVE Curves Charlestown for life. Thanks so much.�

- Liza, Curves Charlestown member.

Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and Strong and a Healthy 2018! Maria, Shirley, Callie and Susan - your Curves Charlestown coaches.

OUR TEAM CRAIG BOETTCHER | ANDREW DELBRIDGE | PIP CAVE ERIN CUSKELLY | CAITLIN BRINDLEY | KATHRYN FITZGERALD PHOEBE FREEMAN | JESSICA HARRISON | BEN WESTÂ

PH (02) 4950 9805 OPEN Monday to Friday 7am – 7pm, Saturdays 7am – 2pm Shop 5/71 Regent Street, New Lambton

E regentstphysio@bigpond.com 50 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

www.regentstphysio.com.au

/regentstreetphysiotherapy

The MAGIC of

Christmas

WORDS DR GARY AVERY - FRACS (Plast Surg) Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Avery Plastic Surgery.

Over the past few weeks, I have been thinking about column ideas for the December/January issue. I thought about various topics focused on rejuvenation, which seemed timely as we see out 2017 and move into a new year. Then as the Christmas decorations started to come out around Newcastle and my children started to talk about what Santa might bring them, I got to thinking about what the underlying message of Christmas really is. I imagine this is somewhat different for everyone, but for me, it is essentially about appreciating family and community, and the humanity of helping one another with kindness and compassion. This is the understanding of Christmas I want my children to grow in their minds, and what I would like to talk about in this issue.

We are lucky enough to live in a city where the best of human nature is all around us. I am often surprised and heartened to learn about people I know who despite busy lives make the time to help others. Whether it is volunteering their time and resources, organising fundraising activities, or being involved in a charity.

Two local charities we made the decision to be involved with this year are, firstly the Dana Ball Lung Cancer fundraiser supported by the Cancer Council. Dana is a 46-year-old Aussie bloke with three children who was recently diagnosed with Lung Cancer. Dana has never smoked, and one of the goals of the

fundraiser is to raise awareness that this disease also affects non-smokers. The second charity we have partnered with this year is one of the now better known Newcastle charities - the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF). Mark and Kirralee Hughes, and Events and Sponsorship Coordinator Kris Buderus, have done a remarkable job of both raising awareness of brain cancer and the funds needed to research its cure. This year Avery Plastic Surgery pledged to help the MHF by donating money for every person operated on, running the Sydney Blackmore’s Marathon and donating 10% of the funds raised from our opening night art exhibition. Our Artists in Residence also donated 10% of the value of their work sold on the night.

We now have eight artists exhibiting in our Practice. They are all based in Newcastle, and we have made a commitment to them to show their work without restriction and at no cost to them. They include Donna Buck, who is a contemporary abstract painter. Donna has donated her paintings to over five charitable fundraisers this year alone, including to the HMRI (Hunter Medical Research Institute). Alison Pateman has a number of her Newcastle themed reduction lino prints hanging in the Practice. Alison teaches art and is regularly involved in fundraising for the Cancer Council, including being part of a team in the Relay for Life. Sandy Lee, renowned for her spiral paintings, works within the adult disability sector and volunteers her time with an aboriginal art class at her daughters’ school. June Orr is an abstract and landscape artist who volunteers her services as an art teacher including with children within the ‘Red Zone’ at Salt Ash, an area contaminated by elevated levels of toxic chemicals.

There are people all over Newcastle who when you scratch their modest surface you discover donate their time, resources, and energy to people in need. It is one of the reasons I love living in Newcastle and feel privileged to do so. Of course, I would like my children to grow up with the idea that the

magic of Christmas includes Santa and flying reindeer, but as they grow I would like them also to internalise what I believe to be the core values behind that magic – good-heartedness, kindness, generosity, and essentially humanity.

My New Years resolution is to find new ways to live this magic, not just at Christmas, but also throughout 2018 as a business and personally, as a friend, husband, and dad.

More information about the charities and fundraising efforts mentioned above can be found at: www.markhughesfoundation.com.au www.cancercouncil.com.au www.gofundme.com.au - Search Dana Ball.

Dr Avery has operated as a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon in the Hunter region for over five years, treating over 5000 people with reconstructive or aesthetic procedures.

Dr Gary Avery is a specialist Plastic Surgeon who performs cosmetic body and facial procedures including: • Breast Augmentation • Breast Reduction • Breast Reconstruction • Abdominoplasty • Rhinoplasty Avery Plastic Surgery Suite 1, Ground Floor 31-33 Watt Street Newcastle NSW 2300

CALL. (02) 4002 4150 info@averyplasticsurgery.com.au

www.averyplasticsurgery.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 51

Check out our tantalising new Christmas Menu throughout December!

The Hunter Valley's

Premier Tea House

Welcome to the Sabor Tea Room, the Hunter Valley's premier Tea House where you will experience the ultimate High Tea. Located in Lovedale, just off the Hunter Expressway you'll discover our purpose built Tea House – the pinnacle of High Tea. From the Egyptian lead crystal chandelier hanging above your head and crisp white table linen to the antique Royal Albert Teapots and Tea sets that are almost 100 years old, we have spared no expense when it comes to making your High Tea experience an unforgettable one.

From the moment you arrive, you will be spoiled. You'll be served a glass of bubbles on arrival, and dessert wine served with your sweet treats, not to mention an unlimited supply of our selection of teas and freshly ground barista made coffee.

From the house made mini butter croissants to the handcrafted mixed-berry chocolate teapot surprise dessert and every bite in between, our menu is a guaranteed sensory overload!

Check out the full menu and book at www.sabortearoom.com.au.

319 WILDERNESS ROAD, LOVEDALE PH 1300 958 850

OPEN Saturdays & Sundays with two sessions a day (BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL): Session 1 10:30am concluding at 1pm Session 2 2:30pm concluding at 5pm.

52 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

10,000 Puddings for Worthy Causes

Inner City Winemakers To celebrate the release of three exciting new wines - our 2017 Hunter Valley Verdelho, 2016 Rosé and 2016 Hunter Valley Chambourcin, we would like to offer readers of Intouch magazine a complimentary tasting and a cheese platter. You will be able to taste our new releases as well as all our favourites.

This offer is for a maximum of four people and is valid until January 31st, 2018. Please call to book.

Complimentary Offer!

ADDRESS 28 Church Street, Wickham OPEN Wednesday to Sunday 10am - 5pm PH (02) 4962 3545 W www.innercitywinemakers.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

It’s Pudding time and our favourite pudding makers at Adamstown Pudding Kitchen are hard at work to bring us all the puddings we’ve grown accustomed to having adorn our Birthing Kit Foundation. Lifeline, Hunter and Christmas tables. We grabbed Linda Barnier Central Coast is also a large recipient of our for a quick chat.

How many puddings does APK make from support.

How much money was raised in sales July to Christmas? 10,000 puddings. last year? We have given over $1 million to How many volunteers are involved? 25 charities over the years. volunteers, and we are looking for more.

What sets APK’s puddings apart?

What’s special about APK volunteers?

Consistently moist and flavoursome, proceeds Committed, reliable, community focused, do assist charities and the work of the Uniting passionate about the philosophy of APK and Church, handmade and we use local produce knowing that the proceeds go to important where possible. charities.

If you’d like to get a look at the team Which community organisations/ in action APK conduct complimentary bus initiatives do proceeds from the puddings tours and onshore excursion tours of of benefit? The charities we mostly support are the premises approximately once a week, UnitingWorld projects (Health centres, labour or drop in - tasting are available for all wards and remote aid posts in Papua New product ranges. Email the kitchen at info@ Guinea), Maternal health programs in South adamstownpuddingkitchen.org.au for more Sudan, Health care and mobile clinics in the information. Opening hours in the lead up Solomon Islands, Eye care in Fiji, Partnering to Christmas are Monday to Thursday 9am – women for change – Pacific Women, Climate 4pm, Friday 9am – 6pm, Saturday 9am – 1pm. changes assistance to the islands of Tuvalu.

Tasting available for all product ranges.

We also support Mercy Ships Australia,

WIN! HEALTHY FESTIVE DINING! When the silly season rolls around, many people are left wondering how to stick to their healthy eating plan.

Temptation abounds, and nobody wants to feel that they are missing out on the fun. Thanks to the Healthy Mummy, you can enjoy the festive meals and treats you know and love, all while keeping your weight loss goals in check.

The Healthy Mummy Christmas And Entertaining Cookbook is packed with over 150 recipes that are delicious and easy to prepare. The Healthy Mummy is Australia’s largest parenting health site, exclusively for mums. The Healthy Mummy’s goal is to empower mums to live a healthier life.

Designed by nutritionists, there are breakfast recipes to feed a crowd like Coconut French Toast; breezy barbecue ideas like Lamb with Asparagus and

Feta; tips for roasting a whole fish with our Snapper with Tahini Sauce; along with a stack of side dishes, salads, cocktails and mocktails to keep everyone happy.

RRP$49.95 from all good bookstores. Thanks to the Healthy Mummy team we have two books to giveaway to 2 lucky readers. Visit www.intouchmagazine.com.au/giveaways to enter competition closes January 31st.

For all your Australian, sustainably caught, fresh local seafood needs, you wouldn't go anywhere else, other than the Fishermen’s Co-Op!

SWANSEA - 69 Lakeside Drive, Ph 4971 4762 • OPEN Tues - Fri 8.30am to 4pm + Sat 8.30am to 1pm

Car Parking now timed for your convenience.

WICKHAM - 97 Hannell Street, Ph 4965 4229 • OPEN Mon - Fri 8.30am to 5pm, Sat 8.30am to 3pm, Sun 10am to 2pm • www.fishcoop.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 53

GET YOURSparkle ON AT MISTLETOE

Mistletoe Méthode Traditionelle Petillant 2014 A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes that were grown in the cool climate Hilltops wine region of South West New South Wales. The juice was barrel fermented and matured for 20 weeks in older French oak barriques, before being disgorged after nearly two years "en tirage". This is a virtually bonedry aperitif style which is perfect for festive season drinking and right through the warmer months.

“Come quickly! I am drinking the stars” were the supposed words exclaimed by Dom Pérignon upon his accidental invention of Champagne in the late 17th century.

Mistletoe Christmas Cheer Mozcato 2017 (New Release) This sparkling wine is the same wine as the 2017 Hunter Valley Mozcato but is especially dressed up ready for Christmas and the Festive Season and makes a superb gift. This is a beautifully fragrant, full of flavour, bubbly but not too gassy and not too sweet like most commercial Moscatos.

A great drink for the warmer weather and perfect for that Christmas gift.

Christmas and sparkling wine simply go together… it’s like turkey and stuffing or Christmas pudding and brandy. One cannot be without the other - they go hand in hand.

Mistletoe Winery, a 5.5-hectare boutique vineyard and James Halliday 5 star rated winery on Hermitage Road in Pokolbin, is a small family owned winery producing some of the most respected and awarded wines, fortified, dessert wines and sparkling wines in the Hunter Valley. Now in its 28th year, Mistletoe’s “no compromise” approach to producing “true to origin” premium quality wines, has seen it receive hundreds of awards and accolades.

Mistletoe Petillant Rosé In the same mould of the past ten vintages, this is a very popular Sparkling Rose that tastes like strawberries and has a minimal sweetness on the front of the palate but finishes lovely and clean. This is an easy drinking aperitif style that also goes well with Asian food. Serve Chilled.

Introducing the Hunter Valley's

POKOLBIN ESTATE VIN EYARD

Winery - 2017 James Halliday Australian Wine Companion

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.”

The Lady i

n Pin k . . .

Tempranillo | Nebbiolo | Sangiovese | Nebbiolo Rosé Get your taste for adventure today at ...Pokolbin Estate.

Pokolbin Estate Vineyard | 298 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin Open 7 Days 9am - 5pm | PH 4998 7524 | www.pokolbinestate.com.au 54 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

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.

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

5 star rated winery

James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2007 to 2018

“Quality without compromise”

WE ARE FAMILY Christmas is coming!

Make sure you get your Mistletoe Wines in plenty of time for the Festive Season. Only available direct from the winery!

Christmas is fast approaching and what better time is there for having Mistletoe Wines on hand to help you, your family and friends, celebrate the Christmas Season and Summer.

Why not reward your loyal staff, customers or suppliers with some great Mistletoe Wines for Christmas?

Friends and family are certain to appreciate them as well. Mistletoe can assist with quality gift packaging, include personal messages from you and offers direct to recipient deliveries as a time saving and hassle free option. We also offer special pricing for volume purchases.

Mistletoe’s comprehensive range of more than 20 different wines guarantees something to suit everybody’s taste.

Quality wine is a gift that is always appreciated!

To ensure timely delivery please place your order as soon as possible. We also invite you to visit the Mistletoe Cellar Door to taste the wines.

Open every day between 10am and 6pm. Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

“Christmas just isn’t Christmas without Mistletoe”

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

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 55

Family Business Profile

IT’S THE FAMILY WAY

At Piggotts Pharmacies!

WORDS MICHELLE MEEHAN

For the past 50 years, the Piggott name has been synonymous with family-owned pharmacies in Newcastle and the Hunter.

The connection began in 1968 when Christopher and Shirley Piggott, who met while studying Pharmacy at Sydney University, moved to Newcastle to take over Borthwick’s Pharmacy on Orchardtown Road at Blackbutt. It was strengthened in 1979 when the couple established a second pharmacy at the newlybuilt Charlestown Square and continued over the years with the purchase of a number of other locations.

But while Christopher Piggott sold off his pharmacies and hung up his white coat almost a decade ago now, the Piggott pharmacy legacy is still being carried on today by the family’s second generation of pharmacists.

It’s not surprising the business has remained within the family. Three of the couple’s four children (Maddi, Anthony and Skye) became pharmacists themselves, while the fourth (Andrew) pursued a career in surveying but ended up falling in love and marrying an Austrian woman, who also turned out to be a pharmacist!

However, Anthony said it wasn’t until his father was preparing to sell his original pharmacy at Blackbutt that he actually thought about taking on the business for himself.

“I was working up at Airlie Beach originally, and then in Europe, I worked there for a few years in the UK, at community 56 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Anthony Piggott

“Lambton was a similar case with Brett Plumb, we bought it in 2016, and we’ve just had it for one year.”

Anthony now has five pharmacies across the region operating under the name Piggott’s and said his father was proud to see his children playing an important role in the local community.

“He’s very proud, very excited,” Anthony said.

“All of his (pharmacies) were franchises, he did it with good people, good friends, and did that well with them. But… seeing me expand with the family, he’s really proud, very happy we’re doing such a good job.

“He’s still very much involved, not on a day-to-day thing but just as moral support, he takes stock between the shops and comes in and tells people jokes.

“He’s always making sure we keep to a certain standard, making sure pharmacists wear white coats, he really likes that sort of traditional-style. He likes collecting the old medicine bottles, and we’ve got them round all the shops, old pharmacy wares.”

Aside from his father’s support and guidance, Anthony also likes to bounce ideas off his wife Wendy, a successful GP who practices under her maiden name of Dr Wendy Bridges and runs Blackbutt Doctors Surgery.

Family oriented and with a love of community, Anthony is passionate about helping others.

The pharmacies regularly support a wide range of causes and community groups including making significant contributions to not-for-profit organisation Soul Café, while Anthony and his staff go above and beyond to meet the needs of all those who come into the five stores.

“

pharmacies but also worked at Croydon University Hospital in South London, and that was doing first-in-human drug trials. It was good fun; I enjoyed that,” he said.

“My dad really wanted to sell his final pharmacy because he was getting older, not that he feels old, so I thought I better go back because no-one else is putting their hands up in the family for it, so I’d better go back.

“My sister Skye and I took over in March of 2009.

“It was a good opportunity for me to get started and I guess work on something myself, so I thought ok, it’s time for me, rather than just running around the world having fun, it’s time for me to start building on something.”

And build on it he did. Within the first 12 months, Anthony had expanded Piggott’s Pharmacy to include a second business at Hamilton, with further acquisitions extending Piggott’s reach into Hamilton South, Branxton and Lambton.

“Blackbutt was already so good I actually worked in a different pharmacy - I managed Blacksmiths Pharmacy while I owned Blackbutt,” he said.

“There was no point me kicking out the pharmacist (at Blackbutt), she would have known me since I was born and they were already working well so I just would work on the business before and after work and worked somewhere else.

“I thought (Blackbutt) is running so well itself I’d better find a second pharmacy and then I came across Hamilton.

“That opened in November 2009, and I worked there fulltime and still do. When Hamilton South came up, it was a good opportunity to get my brother Andrew and his family to move to Newcastle. His wife Sandra is the pharmacist there.

“That was an established business down in Hassall Street, but two-and-a-half years ago we moved into bigger premises on the corner, which has been going from strength to strength.

“Branxton came after that. I didn’t need any more pharmacies, didn’t need to work anymore but had such a good bunch of people working for me that wanted to get into ownership.

“Lee Grundy was doing such a good job, and so we did that (Branxton) together otherwise there would be no other way for him to be able to get into pharmacy ownership (without leaving Piggott’s).

The community, they’re the people who feed me and my family, I’m happy to help back. Basically, anyone who supports us here I’ll support them back, it’s the way it’s always been.

“The main thing is community engagement, we know pretty much most of the people that come in the door by name, we not only know the people but who their family is, their grandparents or their children, and we genuinely care. Because your name is associated with it you want to make sure everyone is happy, so we try and help them as much as possible.

“I like to think it sets a standard of quality and trust.

“You want to go in feeling confident and leave feeling reassured. Just ask, and we’re always here, friendly, open, warm, and you’ll get that in any shop, it doesn’t matter what time you walk in, ask, and we’ll help as much as we can.

“There’s not a day goes past that I don’t look forward to going to work. I never, never begrudge going to work… I just love it.

“That’s the really good thing about pharmacy; it’s a lot more than just putting labels on boxes.”

Piggott's Pharmacy, Beaumont Street

School Holiday FUN!

50+ super-fun activities for kids (big and small) to enjoy! www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 57

NEWCASTLE REGION LIBRARIES

AFTER ALL THE ACTION!

There’s always plenty going on across the region’s libraries during the school holidays, with everything from Family Board Games Afternoons and Family Movies to Pizza Box Movie Making and 3D Printing for Fun. The Lego Olympics offers a fun-filled hour of challenges and games for children aged 5-12 at Newcastle, Beresfield and New Lambton libraries during January, while Snaptronics Quiz Masters will introduce children aged 8-12 to the world of electronics at Newcastle and Wallsend libraries as they create a working game buzzer and compete in the quiz fun.

Older children will enjoy taking their first steps towards designing their own clothes and accessories with an Introduction to Sewing for Teens ($50 per person for two workshops) and Boomerang Bags: Personalised Tote Bags ($25 per person), as well as learning Minecraft coding basics in Raspberry Pi Beginners Workshop for Teenagers.

Bookings for all activities are essential. To find out what’s on near you, check out www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Library/Whats-On

NEWCASTLE ART GALLERY

WORDS MICHELLE MEEHAN

The anticipation of Christmas is a great way to keep the kids busy in those first few days after school breaks up for another year. But once the final present has been unwrapped and the tree has come down, many parents are left staring down the barrel of four long weeks without any other plans in sight.

Thankfully there is a way to survive the school holidays without digging too deep into the wallet, with a great line-up of free or low-cost activities organised

by Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Councils.

Floral fun is the theme of the Newcastle Art Gallery’s holiday program, with a host of drawing, painting and up-cycling workshops on offer.

The Art of Flowers will see children create a botanical masterpiece with acrylic paints and watercolours. Three one-hour workshops will be held each day during January 15-19.

The following week will see budding artists let their imaginations run wild with a garden-inspired upcycling Blooms + Bugs Workshop, using ordinary household items.

Both workshops are suitable for children aged 5-12, at a cost of $10 per person, with bookings essential.

The art gallery will also host Australia Day fun for all ages on January 26, with free workshops on the art of pressing flowers and still life drawing between 10.30am and 12.30pm. For more details visit www.nag.org.au ►

PLAY

Fo o t G o l f

Scenic Helicopter Flights WITH SKYLINE AVIATION AGES 3 AND OVER Get the kids out of the house and show them the best experience they’ll have these holidays!

With Scenic Helicopter Flights from $95, we can show the kids a view of Newcastle and the Hunter Valley like never before.

58 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Departing directly out of Lake Macquarie Airport and the Hunter Valley, our helicopter joy flights cover everything from stunning beaches to mountain ranges and the city of Newcastle!

Don’t leave them in front of the iPad, give them an experience they’ll never forget these holidays!

DETAILS 7 Days a week, 8:30am to 5:30pm.

Located at 864 Pacific Hwy, Marks Point. www.skylineav.com.au

Beres ield Golf HOME OF MINI GOLF AND FOOTGOLF With a relaxing 11 hole golf course, the only FootGolf course in the Hunter and a brandnew 18-hole Mini Golf Course, Beresfield Golf Course provides a fabulously fun day out for family and friends with something for everyone!

Mini Golf and Footgolf are great fun activities for the holidays – they are active and the whole family can play. Book the kids in for a super-fun School Holiday Golf Clinic where they will learn the basics of golf, meet friends

MENTION INTOUCH MAGAZIN FOR A 10 E DISCOUN % T!

and get to play some real golf (along with some footgolf and mini golf of course!), all under the eyes of a qualified coach.

At Beresfield Golf you can enjoy great undercover outdoor areas and a BBQ* - making it the perfect and affordable destination for your next kids party, social group or work party. *Hire charges apply.

DETAILS Mini Golf – Open every day from 10am; FootGolf – Open every day from 10am (excepting Saturdays – after noon). Check the Facebook page for golf clinic details. 260 Anderson Dr, Beresfield, phone 4966 4665. www.beresfieldgolf.com.au

OUT AND ABOUT

NEWCASTLE MUSEUM A visit to Newcastle Museum is always a fascinating affair, with these holidays featuring some amazing dinosaur-inspired science in the Skins, Scales and Feathers show. Be amazed at the size and strength of these pre-historic creatures and be surprised by their colour during the popular free science shows, which will run three times a day on January 9, 11, 16, 18, 23 and 25. Visit www.newcastlemuseum.com.au for more details.

LAKE MACQUARIE LIBRARIES From Ozbots coding activities and Newsprint Animal Art to Pokemon Trading Card Game Workshops and Shark Facts, there will be plenty to see, do and learn about at the region’s network of libraries.

Discovering Dinosaurs to Dodos is sure to be a highlight at Swansea Library these holidays (January 11 and 24) as participants learn about the dinosaurs that roamed across Australia before taking part in fun prehistoric games and craft, while Hogwarts fans can test their knowledge during Harry Potter Trivia at Morisset Library on January 24.

There will be plenty more activities on offer across the holidays, so log on to www.library.lakemac.com.au/kids/ school-holiday-fun for more details, prices and to book your place.

LAKE MACQUARIE CITY ART GALLERY Have fun designing and printing your own beach bag at the gallery this summer (January 9 and 17) or make your mark on the Hit the Road art installation, with participants given the chance to add their own design or artwork to a sculpture created by local artist John Turier and Hunter TAFE students (January 9).

The gallery’s program of activities also includes creating recycled watercraft, a creative writing workshop inspired by the current exhibitions and the chance to make skateboard stencils and surf sculptures.

Bookings are essential. Contact 4921 0382 or visit www.artgallery.lakemac.com.au for more details.

There’s no better time to dive into the intensive five-day School Holiday Learn to Swim Program at Lake Macquarie’s three swim centres.

Suitable for children aged three years and older, the program will run each week during January, with bookings required by calling Charlestown on 4921 0782, West Wallsend on 4921 0738 or Swansea on 4921 0733.

There will be plenty of other opportunities to enjoy the summer sunshine these holidays, with activities planned at Lake Macquarie’s beaches, swim centres, on the lake and at the Glenrock State Conservation Area.

From a Pirate School, the Aquatic Challenger inflatable obstacle course and Kayaking on the Lake to Sea Caves Exploration, Disc Golf at Rathmines and a Sand Sculpting Workshop and Competition, there are plenty of reasons to enjoy the great outdoors.

For more information about all the activities on offer visit www.lakemac.com.au/recreation/whats-on/school-holidays ■

Get Wild at

Hunter Valley Zoo! ALL AGES Come and visit the Hunter Valley Zoo this school holidays! See our Lions, Meerkats, and all your favourite native friends. Get up close and personal in our interactive walkthrough enclosures where you can feed our farmyard animals, Kangaroos, Lorikeets and Camels.

Why not make use of our free picnic and BBQ facilities? There’s no better place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

If you are bringing a group or having a party just give us a call and enquire about reserving an area to yourself.

With keeper talks and shows throughout the day there is something for everyone; and for those who want to get even closer, you can book in for one our unique animal encounters for an experience you’ll never forget!* We’re open every day during school holidays except for Christmas Day. We’ll see you on the wild side! *All encounters are charged separately to general admission, bookings essential!

DETAILS 138 Lomas Lane, Nulkaba, NSW 2325. Ph 4990 7714. Open 9am - 4pm. www.huntervalleyzoo.com.au

Art Space|Art Club Art Zone|Art Studio Holiday Art Classes artgallery.lakemac.com.au

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 59

Learn to Surf Newcastle AGES 5 - ADULT Weetbix Surf Groms is back again this December/January school holidays! Lessons are available every week commencing December 11th - learn to Surf with Miles Niddrie. All equipment is supplied and every class includes surf safety education.

Great kid to coach ratios for ages 5-12 yrs (Surf Groms) and 13-18 yrs (Surfteens) with four x 1.5 hour classes Monday to Thursday each week of the holidays. Over 18's to adults catered for too with single 1.5 hour lessons daily.

www.learntosurfnewcastle.com EMAIL miles@learntosurfnewcastle.com PH 0404 839 585

Finite Gallery AGES 6 - 18 years The kids are sure to be kept busy this school holidays with the fantastic range of 2-hour children’s workshops at Finite Gallery! With everything from painting and drawing to macramé and tie dyeing. There are also full day workshops in mosaics, Hebel sculpture and paper making!

Parents and Carers are also welcome to participate, so why not make it a fun family day? The gallery is fully air-conditioned so activities are not affected by the weather. Each school term there are also After School Art classes and Adult painting and drawing classes.

Learn with

SLAM! STEM . Learning . Arts . Makerspace FOR SCHOOL AGE KIDS SLAM is running holiday workshops for kids throughout December and January. With a range of workshops that include robotics, coding your own video games, sewable electronics, aircraft design, building your own electronic instruments and augmented reality – there’s something to keep every little genius busy. There’s no such thing as “I’m bored” with SLAM!!

60 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Jet Flight E info@finitegallery.com PH 0419 471 660 www.finitegallery.com/learn

SLAM also run after-school workshops each week in selected schools. For primary schools, SLAM’s professional development programs focus on the new Science & Technology syllabus, Design Thinking and STEM, and can bring a whole new dimension to the school curriculum!

DETAILS Call Rob on 0422 709 463 or visit www.slameducation.com for a full program of activities. /slameducation twitter.com/slamedu @slamedu

Simulator AGES 6 AND UP - NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED Have you ever wanted to feel what it is like to captain a 737? Here is your chance to virtually experience the thrill of being in control of the most popular plane in the world, and no experience is needed.

Choose your favorite airport or city to take off from. Just before take-off you will be briefed on the primary controls, instruments and procedures necessary to be ready for take-off. After permission from Air Traffic Control you will accelerate the plane down the runway and take-off.

During your flight you will be fully immersed in your experience. You will be managing your airspeed, altitude and watching your heading whilst monitoring any other air traffic. The wide array of screens and indicators will also need to be monitored.

Enter this link to receive 50% off discount! www.jetflightsimulatornewcastle.com.au/intouch

or call 1300-SIM-FLIGHT (1300-746-354) Prices: 30min $89 (was $199) 60min $139 (was $349) 90min $218 (was $479) 120min $249 (was $599)

• 737 simulator experience • Gift vouchers available • No experience needed (kids 6+)

• Payment over the phone • Bring up to 4 passengers for FREE DETAILS By appointment only. 1 Tudor St, • 22,000 destinations Newcastle. PH 1300-746-354.

• Fly alongside an experienced /JetFlightSimulatorNewcastle instructor • By appointment only • Buy now, book later

Sand Dune

Sa a is ALL AGES, ALL ABILITIES Come on the ultimate adventure! Join Sand Dune Safaris in one of our purpose built off road vehicles and experience the magnificent Stockton Sand Dunes - the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere, right here in beautiful Port Stephens.

Discover the remote outpost of Tin City and learn about the history of the ecosystem and inhabitants. You also can’t miss Sand Boarding, fun for all the family. Don’t forget your camera, the scenery is spectacular!

School holiday activities: We will be open every day for our Sand Boarding Adventure,

BEASTLY TALES (6-9yo) Wed 3 Jan, 10am1pm: Ed Wright.

Write stories pretending to be animals and invent your own animals.

TIME TRAVELLER (8-13yo) Thurs 4 Jan, 10am-1pm: Jess Black.

See if you have what it takes to be a time traveller!

MY DIARY - ALL ABOUT YOU (8-13yo) Wed 10 Jan, 10am-1pm: Jess Black.

In this journaling workshop, tap into your favourite memories, hobbies and prized possessions.

CREATE YOUR OWN PICTURE BOOK! (5-8yo) Tues 16 Jan, 10am-1pm: Jess Black.

We’ll form our ideas, make a storyboard and play with layout and illustrations.

NAPLAN WRITING WORKSHOP (Years 3 + 5) Wed 17 Jan, 10am-1pm: Ed Wright.

Get tips for writing narrative and persuasive responses to stimuli when time is short.

NAPLAN WRITING WORKSHOP (Year 7 + 9) Thurs 18 Jan, 2pm-5pm: Ed Wright. Get tips for writing narrative and persuasive responses to stimuli when time is short.

between 10am and 4pm. Price includes a 10 minute 4WD trip over the dunes, board hire, instructor and unlimited Sand Boarding. Also fantastic for kids birthday parties! Bring along your esky with food and drinks and relax in our shaded picnic area on the dunes whilst the kids have a ball!

DETAILS Open every weekend, 10am - 4pm, weekdays by appointment. Open every day during summer school holidays from 9.30am until 4.30pm and later. Please call to confirm last shuttle times as they may vary according to weather conditions. Departure location Lower car park, end of James Paterson St, Anna Bay. Look for the big army bus! Phone 0425 213 096. www.sanddunesafaris.com.au

Creative Writing Classes FUNNY FABLES (7-13yo) Tues 23 January, 10am-1pm: Ed Wright.

Write outrageous stories that will make you and your friends laugh.

DETAILS Suite 51, Level 1, 164-170 Hunter Street. COST: $80 (bring a brother/sister/ friend or sign up for 2 classes, 2 for $140; earlybird until 18 December, $65; 2 for $120). For more info ring Ed on 0408 788 765 or email info@creativewordshop.com.au www.creativewordshop.com.au

Hunter Valley Horseriding & Adventures ALL AGES Get away from city living and go horseriding!

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. Take in the scenery as you ride the unique and beautiful Molly Morgan Range, and experience the spectacular views of the Hunter Valley and as far north as Barrington Tops. Not to mention the amazing native wildlife that will be a memory not soon forgotten - you can even ride among kangaroos and wallabies!

Even the tiny tots can jump on board, with beautiful ponies and qualified guides leading the way. We also offer full day horse riding camps for the teens (12-16 yrs old) where they will get to groom & feed horses, learn about looking after horses, saddlery, and of course ride!

You could also enjoy a picnic (we have over 300 acres of great spots), utilise our BBQ facilities, enjoy a tractor hay ride to feed the animals, check out the kangaroos, hiking and mountain bike trails or sunset rides. Plus, don’t forget to visit our aviary to say hello to our birds, guinea pigs, goats and sheep.

We have also recently introduced the new pedal go karts! An activity that is sure to keep the kids busy, and ready to hit the hay later on.

If you feel like staying a little longer, we offer great guest house and semi self contained villa accommodation, where kids stay free during school holidays! (Villas only).

Be quick to book, we have limited spots available.

Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures is really your one stop shop for an awesome school holiday experience that we know the kids will love. So, get back to nature, breathe that fresh country air and enjoy a seamless experience like no other. Whether you are up for a day trip, or plan to stay a little longer, this is the perfect way to feel your school holiday stresses slip away! Book the kids in for some outdoor fun today.

DETAILS Open 7 days, 288 Talga Road, Lovedale. Bookings are recommended, phone Margaret on 4930 7111 or 0417 233 008. www.huntervalleyhorseriding.com.au

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Deborah Barlett - one half of the insideout dynamic duo.

Family Business Profile

years. He has always had a love for architecture, design and all things nice. Chris is very entrepreneurial like me, and he is very good at looking at an end result, working backwards and making the correct decision to bring a job together.

“Chris and I are both very good at looking outside the square to come up with some unique solutions. We go the extra mile to help our customers.”

As a design concept store, insideout has everything from wallpaper, rugs and window furnishings to lighting, furniture and Australian-made sofas, with a focus on classic styling accented by on-trend accessories.

They also offer an interior design and home staging service, conducting home visits in the Hunter, Upper Hunter, Westlakes, Central Coast and Newcastle areas.

“Visiting your home enables us to know when we recommend a piece of furniture whether it will be the correct size and the right style and colour for what you want to achieve.

We have very successfully moved into property staging. We do try and offer classic, beautiful pieces that last; then we can layer up with what is trending, this way our clients can change without a great outlay,” Chris said.

Products are sourced from around the globe, with a focus on ethical production methods and quality materials.

“We both want to sell something we can feel confident about,” Chris said.

The business is also committed to supporting Australianmade furniture and accessories.

“We are very passionate about the Molmic brand of sofa we sell,” Deborah said.

FAMILY

VISION FOR

ICONIC BUSINESS WORDS MICHELLE MEEHAN

For more than two decades, novocastrians hunting for homewares with a difference have headed to insideout on Parry Street.

But while the Newcastle West business built its reputation on the back of ‘Balinese-style’ furniture during the first decade of its operation, the second 10 years have seen it evolve into a design concept store offering unique, custom and designer pieces from across Australia and around the globe.

The evolution coincided with a change of ownership at the business, which was purchased by former mechanical engineer Chris Williams.

While Chris continued to import unique and high-quality products from around the globe for the next few years, his decision to establish another store in Victoria opened new doors for both him and the business.

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“

He began aligning himself with up-and-coming suppliers who saw where the market was heading and as customers’ needs changed, Chris made the decision to close the Victorian store and transform the Newcastle business with the assistance of his sister Deborah Bartlett.

“Chris and I have very similar visions when it comes to business,” Deborah said.

“The store in Victoria closed, and we decided to rebrand the insideout concept. This was a great time to align both of us in the one business.

“It was a very exciting time. We were passionate about creating a store customers could come to where we do all the running around to source the correct products and put an interior together that creates a feeling of pride, and that they absolutely love.

“Chris has a good eye and feel for quality products, and we have often been ahead of the market in Newcastle with the suppliers we use.”

Chris and Deborah use their individual strengths to complement each other’s skills and share a commitment to ethics, quality products and outstanding customer service.

“I have always worked in retail, managed stores and having parents in business, Chris and I both knew that customer service is paramount,” Deborah said.

“My love of art and quality always has me researching products and stories behind them. Ethics are very important to me in the making of products.

“Chris has a mechanical engineering degree. He has worked for multi-national companies and travelled the world for many

Molly and Mick have been manufacturing sofas for over 30 years, so they do know their stuff. We have people coming to our store to buy a sofa after they are tired of the one they bought 20 years ago.

The siblings have watched trends come and go over the years and said Newcastle has its own sense of style that does not necessarily just follow on from Sydney and Melbourne.

While natural textures and neutral tones are certainly very popular right now, Deborah said novocastrians “know what they love”.

“A walk through our store is ever changing. We always have a surprise or two up our sleeve, and we try to accommodate everyone’s needs with great advice. I believe in classic pieces also and giving a client what they love. If you love something, you will always find a place for it and have it for many years to come,” she said.

While working with a sibling isn’t for everyone, Deborah said insideout wouldn’t be the same if it wasn’t a family-owned and run store.

“In all the time I have worked here I walk in every day and love, love what I do. I love working with my little brother. I trust him and his instincts. We do have our moments, but insideout wouldn’t be the same without him.

“Our main aim is to keep evolving and get better at what we do, giving our customers what they what and staying unique, with great customer service and excellent quality in what we sell. We don’t want our customer to make expensive mistakes; we want them to come back.

“My personal goal is to keep doing what I am doing now for as long as I can. I can’t imagine a life without insideout. I will always be doing something to help to grow the business, even if it means travelling around the world to research products and trends. Someone has to do it!”

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