Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and Hunter Valley | INTOUCH MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 20' ISSUE

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WWW.INTOUCHMAGAZINE.COM.AU

ISSUE #52 // FEB 2020

12 PAGE

HEALTH + WELLBEING FEATURE

Celebrating 30 Years of

TROG CANCER RESEARCH ENTERTAINING & DELIGHTFUL: Civic Theatre Season 2020 SCINTILLATING CABARET HEADLINES Spiegeltent Newcastle MUSICA VIVA PRESENTS Garrick Ohlsson NGS STUDENTS PREPARE TO BE Wicked

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

LEARN TO LEARN TO SKATE TERM 1 LESSONS AVAILABLE NOW! PLAY ICE ALL AGES - ALL LEVELS HOCKEY LESSONS START ANYTIME! HUNTER ICE SKATING STADIUM 230 MACQUARIE ROAD WARNERS BAY

WWW.HISS.COM.AU (02) 4954 4499

PAGE 21

From the Editors...

Welcome to the first issue of intouch Magazine for 2020!

Traditionally the holiday period is a time to relax and prepare for the new year, but for many, the holiday period has brought heartache and loss. And, let's face it, it may be a long time before our courageous firies can take a break and relax. Not only have families suffered incredible losses but our regional areas will continue to suffer the loss of revenue from tourism for some time to come.

With much-needed funds raised already going to those immediately impacted by the fires, we hope to do our bit to increase regional tourism back to pre-January levels. We are donating space each month for regional tourism groups in fire-affected regions to promote their local attractions and holiday options. We encourage our readers to jump on board and book holidays (even if it's just a weekend getaway) to some of these amazing destinations and help them to get back on their feet.

This month we spoke to Susan Goode, who heads up the Newcastle organisation considered a global leader in the field of cancer research – TROG (the Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group). TROG is celebrating 30 years of providing life-changing research that has helped advance the way many cancers are treated across the globe.

In this issue, you’ll also find a 12-page Special Feature on Health & Wellbeing to ensure those New Years resolutions you made back in January stay on track! With everything from 2020 health trends to martial arts that’s good for your heart, holistic dentistry and getting your x-rays straight to your phone – we’ve got you covered.

It’s great to start a new year knowing that we have a full 12 months of live entertainment to look forward to. This month we get just a small taste of what’s in store this year from Musica Viva, the Civic Theatre, Music in the Podium, Civic Cinema, Spiegeltent 2020 and Newcastle Grammar School’s upcoming production of Wicked! Enjoy!

Stay intouch at getintouch@intouchmagazine.com.au

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PAGE 38

Contents

PAGE 43

ISSUE #52 FEBRUARY 2020 Features 11

Garrick Ohlsson – A Man, a Piano and You

14

Civic Theatre Season 2020

16

Leave Your Monday to Friday Behind at Music in the Podium

18

Students Prepare to Bring Wicked to Newcastle

21

Scintillating Caberet Headlines Tented Mini-Festival

22

Visit the Valley and Support Local!

30

Health & Wellbeing Special Feature

31

Celebrating 30 Years of TROG Cancer Research

36

Imaging for All Ages

38

Honest Approach to Plastic Surgery Pays Off

41

Hunter Imaging Group Launches New HIG Patient Online App

42

Meet the Maker: Madams By Maddison Adams

44

Transform Your Dreams into Reality with Smith & Sons

Regulars 6

What’s on Guide + Highlights

10

Horoscope

25

Business + Finance

Contacts

26

Family + Community

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

28

Social Scene

30

Health + Wellbeing

42

Home + Lifestyle

Marketing & Account Management Di von Essen and Olivia Rodgers Graphic Design Jess Codrington Feature Writers Michelle Meehan & Claire Bradshaw © Copyright 2020 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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CONTRIBUTORS

View this month’s Issue of intouch magazine on your iPhone, iPad, android tablet or android phone.

Michelle Meehan Alex Huszti Jess Codrington Mel Murray Di von Essen Lara O'Donnell Quentin von Essen Chloe Hooper Tanya Obreza Will Bertram Claire Bradshaw Dr Stuart MacKenzie Chloe O'Sullivan AJM Photography Kim-Cherie Davidson

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

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For 30 Years, TROG Cancer Research has been successfully improving the outcomes of cancer patients via radiotherapy-focused research and is now one of the largest clinical trial groups in Australia and New Zealand. Find out more about TROG on page 31.

Newcastle Grammar School Production of

Book by

Music and Lyrics by

Winnie Holzman

Stephen Schwartz

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire Orchestrations by William David Brohn Music Arrangements Alex Lacamoire & Stephen Oremus

24 - 27 JUNE 2020

CIVIC THEATRE NEWCASTLE

(02) 4929 1977

Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia).

All performance materials supplied by Hal Leonard Australia.

What’s on? n

SATURDAY, FEB 1 Surfest 2020 The largest surfing festival in the southern hemisphere is back until 3 March. Visit www.surfest.com for details.

►COMING UP FEB SUNDAY 2ND The Years Queens Wharf Hotel Kristy J Duo Argenton Hotel Matt McLaren Colliery Inn Love That Hat 5 Sawyers THURSDAY 6TH Unwritten Law The Cambridge Hotel FRIDAY 7TH CrocQ 5 Sawyers Phonic Trio Jewells Tavern Ashley Knight+Javier Music in the Podium Mark Wells Trio Honeysuckle Hotel SATURDAY 8TH Bushfire Relief Gig Hamilton Station The Feather Chain Duke of Wellington Rock N Roll Bushfire BBQ Lass O'Gowrie SUNDAY 9TH The Snape Trilogy 5 Sawyers Tim Rossington Caves Coastal Bar Mick Mills Lake Macquarie Tavern THURSDAY 13TH Pennywise NEX FRIDAY 14TH Jumpin Jukebox Music in the Podium Glen Harrison Nags Head Hotel Kazzie Central Charlestown Leagues Club Nick Rage Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club SATURDAY 15TH Pocket Aces The Kent Sounds of Sunday Duke of Wellington Hotel Full Throttle Maryland Tavern Kylie Jane Duo Great Northern Hotel All Access 80's Wallsend Diggers SUNDAY 16TH Trancemission Queens Wharf Hotel Pete McCredie Swansea RSL Pete Hibbert Lake Macquarie Tavern Darren Gould General Roberts Hotel FRIDAY 21ST The Eagles Show Belmont 16s Spank N the Monkey Music in the Podium Beth Gleeson+AK Morris 5 Sawyers SATURDAY 22ND Soundabout Honeysuckle Hotel Barnes Storm Tribute Show Stockton RSL Greg Bryce Duo Duke of Wellington Hotel Emily Smith Mattara Hotel SUNDAY 23RD Rehab Brass Band Babylon Pete McCredie Pippis at the Point Karen O'Shea Honeysuckle Hotel THURSDAY 27TH Grace Petrie Stag & Hunter Hotel FRIDAY 28TH Love That Hat Music in the Podium Jayde Corner Customs House Greg Bryce Shortland Hotel Bobby C Central Charlestown Leagues Club SATURDAY 29TH The 3 Blakcbutt Hotel Dos Eager The Kent Hotel Hurricane Fall Jewells Hotel Iguana Great Northern Hotel

6 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Allambi Cinema in the Park Toy Story 4 on the big screen at Speers Point Park. Rides, entertainment and food from 4pm.

Between Two Worlds Until 16 Feb, Newcastle Art Gallery.

Olive Tree Markets Civic Park, 9am–3pm.

Cinema Under the Stars Music, circus workshops and kids activities from 5.30pm, and Toy Story 4 on the big screen at sundown at King Edward Park.

Wardrobe Rumble for Rural Aid Vintage and second-hand clothing at New Lambton Community Centre. $5 entry, 10am–3pm.

David Suchet Poirot & More: A Retrospective Civic Theatre.

Harrys Schnitzel Joint Eating Competition At The Junction Fair, check the facebook event for details.

SUNDAY, FEB 8 Omega Ensemble: Bartok in Contrast David Rowden, leads an exhilarating program of works for clarinet, violin and piano. Newcastle Art Gallery.

FRIDAY, FEB 14

5K Foam Fest At Hope Estate.

Civic Cinema: The Square & Madame Butterfly The Playhouse is hosting past productions from London's National Theatre Live, until April 12.

SUNDAY, FEB 2 Newcastle Farmers Market At Newcastle Showground every Sunday 7am–1pm (NJC Feb 9).

Newcastle Vegan Market 9am-4pm, at The Station.

International Ocean Film Tour Event Cinemas Kotara.

FRIDAY, FEB 14 Classic Film Series – Casablanca (1942) A special Valentine’s Day show. Couples can book an individual table with tapas style menu and drinks at Lake Mac Performing Arts Centre. Tickets $25 from Lake Mac Libraries.

Valentine's Day Poppin' Tags Markets At The Greenroof, from 6pm.

THURSDAY, FEB 6 Jack Whitehall – Stood Up At Civic Theatre.

FRIDAY, FEB 7 Comedy of Tenors Presented by Newcastle Theatre Company, 7–22 Feb.

Exhibition Opening Event Join MAC for the opening of 'Mervyn Bishop', 'First Class 19', and 'Guan Wei: a case study'. 5.30pm–8.30pm, First St Booragul.

SATURDAY, FEB 15

TUESDAY, FEB 18 Senior Moments 2 18+19 Feb, Civic Theatre.

THURSDAY, FEB 20 Musica Viva: Garrick Ohlsonn City Hall.

Country Music Morning Tea with Adam Price A show for all seniors groups, aged care facilities, day center groups and special needs groups. Bookings essential – more info at www.adampriceoz.com

FRIDAY, FEB 21 RAW Comedy The Playhouse.

The Empire Strips Back Civic Theatre.

SATURDAY, FEB 22 Chat 10 Looks 3 Live Newcastle This awardwinning podcast brings an evening of laughter, kindness and excellent company to Civic Theatre.

Pop-Up Bar & Beats Live music, wine and art at the Museum of Art and Culture yapang. Free, 2pm–5pm, book your spot now – mac.lakemac.com.au

Sunday Sessions at The Station Live music, a food truck and the bar will be open from 1.30pm.

Warners Bay Markets 8am–2pm, Warners Bay Foreshore.

French Twilight Market At The Station, Newcastle, 4pm–9pm.

Music in the Podium See Ashley Knight & Javier Duo, 6pm–9pm (see page 22 for the lineup).

Homegrown Markets The Station, 9am–2pm.

2020 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships 22 Feb–8 March. Event details at www.surflifesaving.com.au

SATURDAY, FEB 8

Exhibition Launch: Peace in a Land of Never Ending War Refugee advocate, photographer and author Mark Isaacs takes us inside Afghanistan at Wallsend Library. Until March 15. Opening Feb 19.

Nudie Australian Boardriders Battle Australia’s biggest grassroots boardriders event at Newcastle Beach.

LakeFest Sailing regattas, Lake Macquarie Classic Boatfest Association Open Day, Belmont 16s Pirate Fun and much more! 15 Feb–7 March. Visit www.lakefest.com.au

Photo by Paul Danovaro

Lake Mac City Pro Junior This World Surf League event is back at Redhead Beach, February 8+9.

Redhead Pump Surf by day and party by night at an outdoor event exclusively for under 18's celebrating the Lake Mac City Pro Junior. Tickets $30 at www.trybooking.com.au George Gittoes: On Being There Exhibition Highly recognised Australian artist, photographer and filmmaker at Newcastle Art Gallery, 8 Feb–26 April.

Tales from the Yellow House Jalalabad George Gittoes exhibit opening at Newcastle Art Gallery. A rare opportunity to hear tales from the Yellow House in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. 2pm–3pm.

Maximum Adventure Race Series – Race 1 Mountain biking, trail running and kayaking at Cams Wharf. www.maxadventurerace.com.au Adventure Race Lake Macquarie Designed for teams of two, the races are fun, fast and furious with teams having to change between mountain biking, trail running and kayaking. Located at Cams Wharf. www.maxadventurerace.com.au

SUNDAY, FEB 16 Community Dragon Boat Regatta 2020 At Carrington Foreshore. BBQ for Drought Assistance.

Chariot Festival A multicultural event starting at the Museum on Wharf Road, ending at Foreshore Park.

Entertainment and free lunch at Foreshore Park!

48 Bourbon St A New Orleans themed event featuring food and drinks at 48 Watt St.

The Coastal Ascent A trail run from Dixon park through Glenrock. www.coastalascent.com.au

NSW Waratahs v Auckland Blues McDonald Jones Stadium. www.mcdonaldjonesstadium.com

Lightning on the Lawn Lightning McQueen will be at Stockton Bowling Club, along with live music food, and raffles, supporting Variety.

Morisset Lake Macquarie Agricultural Show 8+9 March, Morisset Showground.

World Travel Expo At NEX, 9am–3pm.

SUNDAY, FEB 23 Sparke Helmore Triathlon Staged from Queens Wharf Hotel. www.hevents.com.au Homegrown Markets Speers Point Park, 10am– 2pm.

Wedding and Wine Festival 10am till 4pm at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort, Pokolbin.

TUESDAY, FEB 25 The Umbilical Brothers 25–29 Feb, The Playhouse.

Film Screenings: The Breadwinner (2018) + Jirga (2017) Wallsend Library has 3 special free screenings. www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Library

FRIDAY, FEB 28 Bennelong by Bangarra Dance Theatre 28+29 Feb, Civic Theatre.

Lake Mac Grows Crop Swap Bring whatever garden goods, excess produce or seedlings you have to share and take what you need (wear covered shoes).

9am–11am, Landcare Resource Centre, 80 Toronto Road, Booragul.

Last Fridays: Bohemia See Circus Avalon for standing tight rope, unicycling and hoola hooping; plus shadow puppetry with Curious Legends at Newcastle Art Gallery, until 8pm.

SATURDAY, FEB 29 Street Paws Festival A free event with lots of pet stalls, food trucks, kids activities, comps for your pooch, amazing prizes and much more. 11am–3pm.

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

What’s on?

Coming Up March

Live & Cookin’

MONDAY 2ND Russell Brand – Recovery Live At Civic Theatre.

31 Morehead Street, Lambton

WEDNESDAY 4TH The 39 Steps 4–14 March, The Playhouse.

Doors open from 6pm FULLY LICENSED

FRIDAY 6TH Mixed Bill by Catapult Dance 6+7 March, Civic Theatre.

LateMAC See art like never before with immersive performances, music, installations (and wine) at the Museum of Art and Culture. Bookings essential – mac.lakemac.com.au SATURDAY 7TH The Drop Festival Empire Park* – www.eventbrite.com.au Ten Sopranos Sing ABBA At Belmont 16s.

SUNDAY 8TH The Loop Charity Ride Speers Point. To find out more or register visit www.loopcharityride.com.au FRIDAY 13TH Grace Under Pressure 13+14 March, Civic Theatre.

Daughters of Heaven Presented by Newcastle Theatre Company, 13–28 March.

SATURDAY 14TH Music of the Guns Bring along a picnic, a small chair or rug and a bottle of wine and enjoy the sights and sounds at Fort Scratchley. Tickets through Civic Theatre.

Richard Clapton Belmont 16s.

THURSDAY 19TH Ross Noble – Humournoid Civic Theatre.

SATURDAY 21ST Warners Bay Markets 8am–2pm, Warners Bay Foreshore.

Fifty Shades of Ethnic Civic Theatre.

MONDAY 23RD Tim Minchin – Back 23+24 March, Civic Theatre.

THURSDAY 26TH ACO: Arvo Part & Shostakovich City Hall.

Spiegeltent Newcastle The brand new champagne-cabaret Blanc de Blanc Encore.

FRIDAY 27TH Variety Spin 4 Kids Newcastle At The Forum, Honeysuckle.

Sign up now at www.variety.org.au/nsw/events Gordon Koang presents Unity The Playhouse.

Chess the Musical 27+28 March, Civic Theatre.

TUESDAY 31ST Carl Barron 31 March–5 April, +15 April, Civic Theatre.

COMING

Up!

Things Of Stone and Wood 30-Year Anniversary Tour Thursday, 12 March 2020

Thirty years ago, at a Carlton share house, Michael Allen would arrive at the door with some beer and he and Greg Arnold would sit around singing harmonies – just for the fun of it. Then Tony Floyd joined in with some more harmonies, only now, they had some drums, and Things of Stone and Wood was born.

Since then they’ve managed to record two top-ten albums, a topfour radio hit with Wildflowers, tour Australia and the world, and win ARIA and APRA songwriting awards. They even enjoyed a surprising moment of sunshine in the grunge-grey sky of the early 90's with their joyous hit Happy Birthday Helen!

At the forefront of the folk and roots scene, their innovative usage of acoustic instruments helped pave the way for the next wave of artists such as John Butler, The Waifs and Angus and Julia Stone.

On this tour, they will be joined by their long-time collaborator James Black (Rockwiz, Mondo Rock) who, as producer, was so important in carving out their unique sound.

The band reunited in 2014 and has been playing sold-out shows and major festivals to the same enthusiastic response from their dedicated audience since. With meaningful lyrics, and passionate, energetic performances, a Things of Stone and Wood show is always an uplifting and emotional affair. And they still don’t mind smashing out a big harmony either. On their 30th anniversary tour, they'll play all of their hits, plus new material from their forthcoming album: The Final Forest which is their first release in over a decade!

Win!

Thanks to the crew at Lizotte's, we have a double pass to this exclusive show to give away to one lucky reader. Your prize includes a delectable meal for two people. Visit www.intouchmagazine.com.au and head to the GIVEAWAYS page to enter. Entries close midnight February 29 2020.

Don’t miss out!

FEBRUARY THE U2 SHOW HITS AND RARITIES

Saturday 1

COOKIN UP RELIEF AT LIZOTTES Tues 4 8 BALL AITKEN Thursday 6 KIRK FLETCHER BAND (USA) Friday 7 DIAMOND - THE SHOW Saturday 8 19-TWENTY Friday 14 LUNCH WITH ALISON FORBES Sunday 16 STOMPING IVORIES Sunday 16 JAMES BENNETT + VENA KLYMO Thurs 20 BOWIE UNZIPPED (JEFF DUFF) Friday 21 THE BADLOVES Saturday 22 LUNCH WITH BECCY COLE Sunday 23 B&B A NIGHT OF BENNY AND BJORN

Thursday 27

GRANT WALMSLEY BLUES BAND Fri 28 THE INCREDIBLE KARISE EDEN Sat 29

MARCH EUGENE HIDEAWAY BRIDGES Sunday 1 LOVE POLICE PRESENT CEDRIC BURNSIDE (USA) Thursday 5 WHO’S THAT GIRL Friday 6 LUNCH WITH WON LOVE Sunday 8 IRISH MYTHEN Sunday 8 THINGS OF STONE AND WOOD Thurs 12 BURLESQUE IDOL Friday 13

FEB 1 · MAR 7 · APR 4

MORE SHOWS added daily.

LIVE SHOWS starting from $65 (including dinner)

BOOK ONLINE NOW

Wednesday’s

+ See who else is coming to dinner...

lizottes.com.au or PH 4956 2066 www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 7

What's On

HIGHLIGHTS Surfest in Full Swing Saturday, 1st February – Saturday, 7th March It's February and that means Surfest is back! Celebrating its' 35th anniversary this year, Surfest is the largest surfing festival in the southern hemisphere. Events kick off with the ORICA Team Challenge on Feb 1+2 (Stockton Beach); the Lake Mac City Pro Junior on Feb 8+9 (Redhead Beach); the Redhead Pump on Feb 8 (under 18's event); the Sanbah Cadet Cup on Feb 22+23 (Bar Beach); the Go Kindy High Schools Team Challenge on Feb 27+28 (Merewether Beach); the WSL Burton Automotive Pro on Mar 2–8 (Merewether Beach); the WSL Doyle Partners Women’s Pro on Mar 2–8 (Merewether Beach); the Evolution Charity Cup on Mar 6 (Dixon Park Beach); and to finish The Drop Festival on Mar 7 (all ages music event). Find more information through the Surfest Facebook page.

Support Local Every Sunday, 7am–1pm The Newcastle City Farmers Markets have been supporting local farmers since 1999. And what better way to start this year with the new weekly ritual of heading to the markets to pick up your weeks worth of fruit veg, meat and dairy?

This month you can find the markets at Newcastle Showground on Feb 2, 16+23, and at Newcastle Jockey Club on Feb 9 (9am start).

Redhead Pump Saturday 8 February Surf by day and party by night at Redhead Pump, a new beachside party for under-18s set to get Redhead pumping this month as part of Surfest’s Lake Mac City Pro Junior weekend.

Revellers will be treated to a packed program of entertainment, featuring headline electronic music act Predator, Daft Punk tribute show Discovery and Lara D, as well as a full visual feast of lights, lasers and smoke cannons.

Predator tours Australia with a mix of house, trap and hip hop, delivering high-energy performances decked out in neon suits and masks inspired by the titular 1980's action classic movie.

Electronic music duo Damian Andres and Matt Campbell, aka Discovery, pay tribute in look and sound to Daft Punk, cherry-picking tracks from the French act’s Grammy-nominated back catalogue.

Local The Voice finalist Lara D recently performed at Lake Mac

Ultimate Summer Idea!

A Comedy of Tenors by Ken Ludwig

7–22 February This will be the first of many amazing productions in 2020 for Newcastle Theatre Company! One hotel suite, 4 tenors, 2 wives, 3 girlfriends, and a stadium filled with screaming fans. What could possibly go wrong? It’s 1930's Paris and the stage is set for the concert of the century – as long as producer Henry Saunders can keep Italian superstar Tito Merelli and Friday Chill his hot-blooded wife, Maira, Every Friday, 6.30pm–8.30pm from causing runaway chaos.

Enjoy this much loved family Prepare for an uproarious friendly event, supporting Soul ride, full of mistaken identities Café/homelessness, at Pacific and madcap delight. www.

Park. Check the music lineup newcastletheatrecompany. and updates through facebook. com.au for tickets.

Carols, but will be bringing an edgier sound to her Redhead Pump set.

Expect music, food and fun at this beachside party! The event runs 5–9pm at Webb Park, Redhead. Tickets are $30 – visit www.lakemac.com.au/redhead-pump

Picnic in Style!

Every day in Summer McGuigan Wines, named '2019 Winestate Winery of the Year', are offering a range of experiences that allow you to explore their wines. If you are looking for something extra special, their Picnic Hamper Experience is the perfect choice!

Each hamper includes a selection of local Hunter Valley cheeses, antipasto and crackers. Cutlery, glassware and picnic blanket provided. Special pricing is available on all wine purchases.

The hampers are available through Summer. To book, visit www.mcguiganwines.com.au and click on Experiences.

Warners Bay Markets Saturday, 15th February Operating on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 8am to 2pm on the beautiful Warners Bay Foreshore, Warners Bay Markets offer a large selection of fashion, gifts, homewares, arts and crafts, jewellery, skincare, pet accessories, local produce, gourmet delights, fresh flowers, live entertainment and plenty more to tempt you! It's a great day out for the whole family – including your fur-baby (responsible owners only). Pop in and stroll around - find something different and unique, pick up some fresh local produce, enjoy a coffee or a bite from one of the street eat vans and then take home some fresh baked goodies. Don't forget to check out the many wonderful local businesses while you are in Warners Bay. Next Markets: Saturday 15th February 2020 + Saturday 21st March 2020.

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 8 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Homegrown Markets

Lakefest

Coastal Ascent

Saturday, 15th February – Saturday, 7th March In a celebration of Lake Macquarie's aquatic lifestyle and rich maritime history, LakeFest will set sail this month. Now in its sixth year, LakeFest consists of 9 different boating events, including the popular Heaven Can Wait Charity Sailing Regatta, Lake Macquarie Classic Boatfest Association Open Day, Pirate Fun and much more! The full schedule includes: The 2020 Heaven Can Wait Charity Sailing Regatta; Sportsboat Regatta; Belmont 16’s Junior Pirate Fun Race; Lake Macquarie Yacht Club Lakefest Regatta; Lake Macquarie Yacht Club Etchells Championships; Wangi Amateur Sailing Club’s Open Friday Twilight Race; Lake Macquarie Classic Boat Association – Boat Bits Bonanza & Boatfest Picnic Day; Lake Macquarie Classic Boat Association – Open Days and St Ayles Skiff Row; and the Lakefest Charity Ball. Plan your day out at www.lakefest.com.au

Sunday, 16th February The Coastal Ascent is back, and fast being recognised as a must-do on the trail running calendar. The course will take your breath away – and with 4 distances (25km, 11km, 5km and Kids Beach Bolt Mile), there's an event for everyone.

All of the distances are created to challenge runners, with the terrain varied from Dixon Park, through Merewether and into the Coastal Rainforest of Glenrock Reserve. Within the reserve you can take on sections of technical single track, fire trail, grasslands, beach sections with plenty of challenging hills and of course coastal views. The 11km, 25km, and 1.6km Kids Coastal Ascent courses start and finish at Dixon Park (main precinct), and the 5km runners will be walked to their start on Burwood Beach. For more information visit www.coastalascent.com.au

2020 Newcastle Writers Festival Program Launch Thursday, 20th February Celebrate the launch of this year's program with a special evening event at the Playhouse featuring Christos Tsiolkas. The award-winning writer will discuss his ambitious new novel Damascus and the power of conversion, as well as the themes and ideas that have obsessed him as a writer: power, doubt, religion, masculinity, colonisation and refugees.

The event will be facilitated by Ailsa Piper. Festival programs will also be available. Tickets are $25 and are now on sale at www.trybooking.com. Tickets for the festival will go on sale at 9am on February 21 – visit www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au

NSW Surf Life Saving Championships 22nd February – 8th March Returning to Blacksmiths Beach, this event attracts around 6000 competitors from all over NSW, along with 600 volunteer officials and up to 15,000 family and spectators. Find the full schedule at www.surflifesaving.com.au

Street Paws Festival Saturday, 29th February The ultimate day for you and your four-legged friend

is coming to Newcastle!

The festival will have lots of pet stalls, food trucks, kids activities, competitions for your pooch, and amazing prizes by Healthy Everyday Pets.

Street Paws Festival is partnering up with The Pink Program, an organisation educating and supporting dog owners who have adopted a dog. They will be offering advice and host activities on the day. A free event, 11am–3pm at The Station, Newcastle.

The Station Newcastle – Saturday, 15th February Homegrown returns to The Station for a special Valentines Day weekend market – where love is sure to be in the air! Shop handmade makers, enjoy delicious food and coffee, live music, kids activities plus workshops, positive vibes and an awesome laid back morning for the whole family. With a carefully curated lineup of over 100 stalls, you can also give back by purchasing the winning ticket in the NSWRFS fundraising raffle or creating a card at the firies table.

The raffle will be drawn on February 16 – be in it to win it!

Speers Point Park – Saturday, 23rd February Homegrown markets return to Speers Point Park for the first time in 2020, bringing its best lineup to the beautiful lakeside park. Bring the whole family along to shop local makers and enjoy, tasty food and coffee, live music, kids workshops and activities, and soak up the happy vibes!!

For more information and event details visit www.homegrownmarkets.com.au, Instagram @homegrownmarkets or Facebook @homegrownmarketsnewcastle

Loop the Lake Sunday, 8th March Grab your bike and get ready for The Loop Charity Ride. This feel-good Sunday event will be a great day out while taking in the scenery of beautiful Lake Macquarie, as well as raising money for kids' charities.

Enthusiasts and casual riders to families are catered for with 4 options – main ride (88km); team ride (88kms); short ride (45kms); and the family ride (7–11kms). For more information visit www.loopcharityride. com.au – and start training!

NO DOGS

• Newcastle City Farmers Market •

Please check our websites for details

• www.nswfarmersmarket.com.au • • www.newcastlecityfarmersmarket.com.au • NSW Farmers Market Pty Ltd, P.O Box 152 MORPETH, NSW 2321

E: finefoodmarket@bigpond.com M : 0427 586 079

* Each Sunday at Broadmeadow SHOWGROUND Griffiths Road entry please

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 9

warring factions extend the peace pipe. However, it’s probably not until next month that you really feel your much-missed mojo genuinely returning.

Cancer 22 June – 22 July Pluto continues to teach you life-changing lessons on how to use-orlose your personal power. You can be generous to a fault, but with a tendency to give all your energy away – only to be left feeling depleted.

Recently you’ve started to see how this undermines your energy. It's one thing to give but another to know when to hold something back.

This is an invaluable lesson. February is your time to receive, Cancer.

WHAT’S ON Redhead Pump 8 February

Surf by day and party by night at this under-18s beachside party

Astrologer TANYA OBREZA on what’s in the stars in February.

STAR OF THE MONTH Aquarius 20 January – 18 February

Lake Mac City Pro Junior 8-9 February

Watch local and Aussie surfers at Redhead Beach take on the internationals at Lake Macquarie’s World Surf League event

Morisset Lake Macquarie Agricultural Show 8-9 February

Enjoy two days full of family fun at this traditional country show

Maximum Adventure Race Lake Macquarie 15 February

Grab a teammate, bring your sense of adventure and get acquainted with the exhilarating sport of adventure racing

Discover more of what’s on in Lake Mac this month at lakemac.com.au/whatson 10 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

If ever there’s a time for rolling up your sleeves, this year is it. The planets are feeling fidgety and keen to kick you along. Career developments look strong – perhaps even prompting a standing ovation. So forget about the whys and wherefores and get on with what you do best. After March, cultivate new contacts and launch yourself into the work you’ve always wanted to do. While you’re at it, reconsider previously shelved plans and ambitions. And when everything finally starts falling into place, don’t just put this down to luck or good timing. Take some credit here. It is you who is becoming more assertive and more discerning. Perhaps a bit wiser, too.

Pisces 19 February – 20 March Many Pisceans long for better company. Even those surrounded by love may feel a little wistful. Although February is a time of independence, you may opt for some solitude too. The upside: the freedom to make your own choices. Choose a look as fresh as the brand new you. Your stunning new image will dazzle all. I hear you also fretting over finances but listen up: next month cash flow improves.

Aries 21 March – 20 April February urges you to follow your heart. Some might go for more fleeting pleasures, but most favour the option of a rock-solid life mate. Even on a platonic note, you can expect to meet fascinating new friends. You can also take a calm look at how you handle partnerships. Dust away emotional cobwebs and talk problems through. Others will sense that change may be necessary. It’s your choice.

Taurus 21 April – 20 May Right from the start of 2020, you’ve been encouraged to recover lost ground. Uranus has moved into your own sign for the first time in nearly 80 years. What does this mean? Change. Lightningfast change – mostly in how you see and interact with this world.

Outmoded values start to disintegrate. In time, a new you emerges – physically, mentally and spiritually. Should you feel an urge to travel, venture as far as you dare.

Gemini 21 May – 21 June February challenges Geminis to release resentments. Chances are, recent experiences have already stepped up the need for frankness.

If you’re not fully committed or feeling confined, emotional battles could follow. Thankfully, a truce could be called by late month, when

Leo 23 July – 22 August Leos step into a month packed with ambition. Thanks go to Jupiter, who ups both your work responsibilities and your popularity rating.

Don’t worry about any extra duties – you have all the right qualities to meet most challenges. After all, you’re used to switching from low to high gear, and then back again. Your driving force? The promise of financial independence. Just don’t forget to stop for the occasional breather.

Virgo 23 August – 22 September In matters of the heart, February is gentle on your soul and generous with introductions. You need this. Recently, it’s been make-or-break time. This month, the planets expose a much lighter sense of fun and mischief. Being sexy is all about liking yourself, about knowing who you are and enjoying who you are. Straddle this psychological fence with confidence, and you’ll soon be spoilt for choice.

Libra 23 September – 22 October February is a time for tying up pesky loose emotional ends and breaking bad habits. For example, saying “yes” - when you really mean “no”. There’s no getting around it: changes need to be made, with some tricky situations coming to a close altogether. But it’s not a case of being punished for past lapses of judgment – the universe doesn’t work that way. It’s just that for every ending there’s usually a new beginning.

Scorpio 23 October – 21 November February puts forward a strong argument for change. My guess is that you become more assertive, as well as more outgoing. The latter half of the month is also an ideal time for new studies, professional growth or for embarking on promising new business ventures. Whatever happens, keep faith with the spirit that drives you. If extra work hours are required, don’t grumble – the gains promise to be exceptional.

Sagittarius 22 November – December 21 February brings mixed success in love. Relationships have their tempestuous moments, matching powerful plays of passion with periods of cool detachment. Not exactly a smooth run, but friction can become your friend. Although your usual impulse is to run from conflict, sometimes it’s best to stand your ground. Should this lead to new circumstances, so be it. The cosmos always has a contingency plan in motion.

Capricorn 22 December – January 19 Be assertive, Capricorn. Extract yourself from everyone’s beck and call and teach them self-management. You have your own needs to attend to. If something’s no longer working, you’re probably ready to make changes. A tough ask, perhaps, but by discarding outworn attitudes, you’ll be carrying less baggage – making life easier.

Consider this your finest hour, with many insecurities laid to rest.

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.

Garrick Ohlsson – Photo

by Dario Acosta

Garrick Ohlsson A Man, a Piano and You WORDS CHLOE HOOPER

Garrick Ohlsson is a revered American pianist, a master of the solo recital. Touring nationally for Musica Viva, he appears at Newcastle City Hall this month, offering a rare opportunity to experience the Chopin that earned him global acclaim alongside the brilliant, tumultuous music of Brahms.

When Garrick Ohlsson was eight, his mother enrolled him in piano lessons at the Music Conservatory of Westchester in White Plains, New York. If her son didn’t take to the

instrument, it was agreed she could replace him and receive the half-year of lessons herself. Mrs Ohlsson never stood a chance. Her son began playing in September, and by Christmas, he was the star of the school’s annual concert.

Long regarded as one of the world’s foremost interpreters of Frédéric Chopin, Ohlsson’s first real introduction to the Polish composer arrived when, as a nine-year-old, he was driven into Manhattan to hear the great Arthur Rubinstein perform a sold-out concert at Carnegie Hall.

Rubinstein gave eight encores and to Ohlsson a sense of what it would be like to give joy to so many people. The enchantment ‘seemed communal. Rubinstein was feeding off the audience’s excitement and providing more back. It was a life-changing experience.’

Under Chopin’s star, Ohlsson’s life pivoted again in 1970.

As a 22-year-old, he arrived in Warsaw to compete in the illustrious International Frédéric Chopin Piano Competition.

Coming from the prosperous suburbs of East Coast America, life in Poland was a shock. ‘There was the Cold War fear of being followed and having one’s phone tapped. Things didn’t work. Shops didn’t have food. The waiter in the hotel restaurant would announce: “Of the fifteen dishes on the menu there is only chicken. What would you like tonight?”’

But the experience, Ohlsson claims in his mellifluous voice, ‘added an emotional level to me.’

Ohlsson’s point of view was partially informed by a love of nature he connected to his Swedish father’s affection for the outdoors, the sailing and hiking they did together. A juror at the 1966 Busoni International Piano competition – which Ohlsson had won four years earlier – had remarked; ‘When Ohlsson plays you want to open the windows and let the fresh air in.’

This sense of openness and freshness infused his style, and he won the Chopin competition. He was the first and only American to ever do so and was soon given the ‘tremendous boost and responsibility’ of bringing his plein air style to the world’s best concert halls, which he’s now done to phenomenal acclaim for fifty years.

Ohlsson is known for his vast repertoire, but Frédéric Chopin has remained his close companion all his musical life.

This relationship is a constant balancing act: ‘Chopin without a classical foundation, without a clear structure, without balance and an understanding of what he’s doing musically becomes all magic, perfume, smoke and mirrors,’ Ohlsson has claimed. ‘It’s really gorgeous, but it’s kind of sickening after a while. However, Chopin played only as a classicist without the magic and the moonlight is worthless.’

If time travel were possible, Ohlsson is not sure he and Chopin would actually get along. ‘He was a royalist; he liked money and the finer things in life. I’m more middle class.’ Highlighting this odd couple angle, Ohlsson points out their contrasting physiques. The composer was frail and consumptive, whereas, as the 6 foot 4-inch pianist, who is famed for his great hand span, puts it, ‘I’m a large event.’

Still, Ohlsson knows he would have enjoyed, ‘the finesse of Chopin’s brilliant, sharp mind, the intolerance of mediocrity.

He didn’t suffer fools.

Read his letters.’ Ohlsson paraphrases a withering line the composer wrote home during his British visit of 1848; ‘These English ladies look at their hands and play wrong notes with much feeling… You’ve got to love a snob like that.’

Garrick Ohlsson will perform at Newcastle City Hall on Thursday, February 20 at 7:30pm. For bookings and further details, please visit www.musicaviva.com.au/ohlsson

THURSDAY 20 FEB 7.30PM

GARRICK

OHLSSON Newcastle City Hall 290 King St, Newcastle

musicaviva.com.au/ohlsson or call 1800 688 482 (no booking fees) ticketek.com.au | (02) 4929 1977

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 11

Season

2020

19 remarkable shows on sale now!

Season Opening Bangarra Dance Theatre

Bennelong

28-29 February Created by Artistic Director Stephen Page, Bennelong explores the life of one of the history’s most iconic Aboriginal figures through striking dance language and soul-stirring soundscapes.

Adult tickets $60* Subscriber $52*

12 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Dancer: Beau Dean Riley Smith, Photographer: Edward Mulvihill

Celebrating 90 Years

Season Highlights Gravity & Other Myths

Legs On The Wall

Backbone

Man with the Iron Neck

24 April

2-3 July

Witness the internationally renowned Australian company push the boundaries of contemporary circus.

A powerful new work written by leading Australian actor Ursula Yovich and featuring Legs on the Wall’s awe-inspiring aerial wizardry.

Adult tickets $50*, Subscriber $42*

Adult tickets $50*, Subscriber $42*

Softread Enterprise

Sydney Theatre Company

The Gospel According to Paul

The Wharf Revue 2020: Goodnight and Goodluck

9 May

26-27 August

Acclaimed performer Jonathan Biggins returns as Paul Keating in this smash hit full of wit, rhetoric and ego.

The indefatigable trio of Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott reunite for one final victory lap, with the dazzling Mandy Bishop.

Adult tickets $55*, Subscribers $45*

Adult tickets $60*, Subscriber $52*

Subscriber Benefits Subscribe to four or more shows to receive discounts on tickets and more Big savings

Discounted drinks

Best seats

Free parking

Deferred payment

Ticketing flexibility

Box office: (02) 4929 1977 375 Hunter Street, Newcastle

civictheatrenewcastle.com.au * Subscribers pay a one-off Handling Fee of $10 for 4+ shows when booked together. Handling fee from $5.90 applies if purchasing shows individually. Concession and Youth tickets also available.

We would like to thank our sponsors

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 13

September's 'Animal Farm'

Challenging, Entertaining & Delightful Civic Theatre Season 2020 WORDS CLAIRE BRADSHAW

On December 12th, 2019, Newcastle’s iconic Civic Theatre celebrated its most significant milestone yet: the 90th anniversary of its opening. For almost a century, the Civic has hosted performances for hundreds of thousands of theatre-goers, standing proud at the centre of the Novocastrian entertainment scene.

And there it is sure to remain as its diverse Season 2020 program kicks off this February.

Officially unveiled on the venue’s 90th birthday, the 2020 Subscriber Season incorporates 19 shows from February to November. Some are brand-new to Newcastle audiences, while some are returning favourites, back by popular demand.

It’s a genre-spanning program that ranges from dance, drama and physical theatre to music, comedy and kids’ shows – meaning there really is something for every kind of theatre-goer.

“We are delighted to offer a diverse range of shows which we hope will challenge, entertain and delight our audiences,” says Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace. “We look forward to evolving the [Civic] precinct as an even more integral component of the cultural fabric of the city, as we deliver a program ‘Beyond the Stage’ to further increase accessibility for all.”

“Season 2020 is as diverse as our ever-growing theatre audiences and is sure to be a highlight of the 2020 cultural calendar,” adds Newcastle’s Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes. So what does this diverse new program of entertainment involve, exactly? Let’s dive in and take a look…

It all begins in February as Bangarra Dance Theatre, Australia’s leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing arts company, brings its award-winning 14 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

production Bennelong to Newcastle audiences. “The season could not be kicked off in a better way than with Bangarra Dance Theatre’s powerful production,” Leonie says.

Bennelong explores the life and legacy of one of history’s most iconic Aboriginal figures: Woollarawarre Bennelong, a senior man of the Eora who guided his community through a clash of cultures in the late 1700s. Pairing striking dance performances with stunning design and immersive soundscapes, Bennelong is an unmissable experience that’s sure to stay with audiences long after they leave the theatre.

If dance-based theatre is your particular jam, you’ll also want to check out Mixed Bill by Newcastle contemporary dance company, Catapult. Mixed Bill showcases the world premiere of four new works, created by renowned Australian choreographers and performed by local dancers. Running for two nights in March, the show is a bold, breathtaking display of contemporary dance.

Feats of physical theatre continue in April with Backbone, a jaw-dropping new work by internationally renowned Australian circus company, Gravity & Other Myths. Dubbed ‘contemporary circus with a twist’, Backbone celebrates human connectedness and strength throughout this incredible acrobatic performance.

The human experience is explored further throughout Season 2020’s dramatic lineup. One particularly powerful work undoubtedly set to become a season highlight is Man with the Iron Neck, heading to Newcastle in July after a critically acclaimed season at last year’s Sydney Festival.

Through stunning aerial performance and arresting sound and stage design, Man with the Iron Neck tackles the increasing rate of suicide among young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. But it’s a hopeful production, exploring the notion of embracing life after grief and painting a moving portrait of survival through feats of daring physicality.

Fans of classic literature should mark their calendars for September – spring kicks off at the Civic with Shake & Stir Theatre Co.’s stage adaptation of Animal Farm, George Orwell’s allegorical fairy tale. Orwell’s enduringly relevant political commentary receives a new lease on life in this critically acclaimed production, which promises to be shocking and hilarious by turns.

Bearfoot Theatre’s Do Your Parents Know You're Straight? is an equally timely addition to the 2020 program.

Set in an alternate reality where kids have to come out as straight, the production runs for five performances in August, exploring the prejudice faced by members of the LGBTQI+ ⊲

Aaron Walker - 'Man With The Iron Neck'

Jonathan Biggins - 'The Wharf Revue'. Photo by Brett Boardman

community in an experience that will leave eyes opened and hearts moved.

Similarly touching is Grace Under Pressure, a revelatory and disarming inside look at the lives of Australia’s health professionals. Based on extensive interviews with doctors and nurses, this unique theatre experience comes to Newcastle audiences in March, delivering hidden stories from the healthcare sector that range from the hilarious to the heartbreaking.

Season 2020 caters to the youngest of theatre-goers, too.

Fans of Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton may have seen the 13-, 26-, 52- or 78-Storey Treehouses live on stage – but the team is back in 2020 with the biggest show yet! In June, The 91-Storey Treehouse will take kids (and their parents) on a wild and wonderful journey in a new play adapted from the wildly popular Treehouse book series.

The stage adaptation of award-winning picture book The Gruffalo’s Child will also be here to enchant audiences in May. Featuring a magical combination of physical theatre, music and puppetry, The Gruffalo’s Child will have kids aged three and up laughing, gasping and singing along.

Speaking of laughter… The Civic will be welcoming back two of the nation’s favourite comedy offerings in 2020. The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow makes a stop in Newcastle in June; Aussie comedy faves, hilarious up-and-comers and some special international guests will perform over two belly-laugh-filled evenings. And in October, the Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase brings some of the festival’s best acts up the coast for a one-night-only comedic extravaganza.

Also returning this year is the hugely popular one-person show, The Gospel According to Paul. Written by and starring Newcastle-born performer Jonathan Biggins, Gospel was a smash hit at the Civic in 2019 and is back for round two this May. Biggins transforms into former prime minister Paul Keating before the audience’s eyes, distilling the essence of Keating’s politics and personality into 90 minutes of biting wit and compelling insight. And that’s not the last you’ll see of this particular performer in 2020.

“We’ll have the delightful Jonathan Biggins back again later in the season when, after two decades of keeping audiences entertained and politicians nervous, we bid farewell to the magic that is The Wharf Revue,” Leonie Wallace reveals.

The Wharf Revue 2020: Good Night & Good Luck is the last hurrah for the Revue – a satirical comedy venture by the Sydney Theatre Company that’s become a cultural institution since its debut in 2000. Original trio Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott are joined by Mandy Bishop for a night of satire, sketches and songs to send the Wharf Revue off in style this August.

The Civic’s comedy stylings stretch right through to November, with a special show celebrating one of the great comics of our time: Peter Sellers. Being Sellers is a transformative one-man performance by Novocastrian theatre veteran Carl Caulfield, who takes audiences through a gallery of Sellers’ most memorable characters – and in so doing, unmasks the inner life of the man himself.

Keeping in the vein of classic comedy, we can’t forget the marvellous mid-year romp that is Mother & Son. Fans of the classic Aussie TV series can experience the laughs live at the Civic this July, as everyone’s favourite characters are revisited in an all-new story for the stage.

Last, but of course, not least, Season 2020 features a rich musical offering for lovers of sound and song. In March, South Sudan’s ‘king of music’ Gordon Koang makes his first appearance in Newcastle with Gordon Koang Presents Unity.

Once a star in his local music scene, Gordon resettled in Australia after fleeing civil war – and now he’s bringing his music and his message of peace, love and unity to audiences across the country.

In April, the 2020's become the 1920's at the Civic with Echoes of the Jazz Age. Centred around F. Scott Fitzgerald’s essay of the same name, this bedazzling show brings the Roaring Twenties back to life with a vivacious blend of words and music. Audiences will join actor and director John Bell, renowned pianist Simon Tedeschi and guest actress Blazey Best for a sparkling night of jazz and excess.

The Sapphires, the heartwarming musical play that inspired the hit 2012 movie, will be here to charm Newcastle audiences in May. This uplifting tale follows four Indigenous women who are plucked from their lives in regional Australia to form a music group and perform for troops during the Vietnam War. Based on a true story, and full of heart, hope and classic soul hits, this one’s sure to put a smile on every theatre-goer’s face.

Finally, if you’re an opera lover, there’s no need to travel far and wide for your fix this year! Opera Australia is bringing its 25th Anniversary Tour of Bizet’s Carmen to our neck of the woods in September. This classic opera in four acts features everything you could ask for: drama, passion and incredible music, brought together by some of the country’s finest opera singers, a chamber orchestra and a local children’s chorus.

With all these incredible shows on offer, why wouldn’t you want to become a Civic Theatre subscriber this year? All you need to do is purchase tickets to a minimum of four Season 2020 shows. Subscribers get a great ticket price and only pay one booking fee – plus you’ll enjoy discounted pre-show drinks at the theatre, free parking and many more benefits! Head to www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au for further info, or call Civic Ticketek on 4929 1977. ■ www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 15

Leave Your Monday to Friday Behind at

Music in the Podium!

WORDS DI VON ESSEN

Music in the Podium continues this month at Warners Bay with a host of great acts lining up to kick off your weekend in style. Grab a picnic basket and head to Warners Bay Foreshore on a Friday night – we guarantee the work week that’s just passed will be a distant memory by 9pm! There’s a couple of acts that you truly won’t want to miss this month.

Spank N the Monkey Duo (21 Feb 2020) – It’s hard to believe that Spank N the Monkey are turning 13 this year.

Like any rampaging teenager, this act just doesn’t seem to want to comply. If you’re used to duos who seem to be a part of the furniture and try hard not to interrupt your evening, you’re in for a shock.

Muzz Roach founded Spank N the Monkey with his then guitarist in the hope of capitalising on the tired duo scene that had developed in the Newcastle area at the turn of the millennium. The thriving pub rock scene of the 80's and 90's

16 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Love That Hat

was giving way to inane DJs and do-little soloist and duo acts.

The brief was to create a duo using available sequenced backing files, stripping them back to their fundamental instrument tracks, removing the artificial layers of musical gizz and relaying them live at the shows with solid guitar riffs, powerful lead vocals and harmonies and plenty of charm on stage.

But what name for this act? Ideas came and went between serious discussions. It took a shared bottle of scotch and a torrent of stupid drunken suggestions one evening before “Spank N the Monkey” arose out of the ether.

The boys knew almost instantly that the name encapsulated what they wanted to do.

Bring your dancing shoes, because these boys will get you singing along, dancing and clapping for more of your favourite tunes.

Love That Hat Trio (28 Feb 2020) – LTH will be oozing fun at their gigs and this is just what you can expect from this trio, amping up the dag factor with songs by ELO, Pilot, The Buggles and more while slyly impressing you with their jaw-dropping interpretations of classics by Queen, Kate Bush, Guns n Roses and Led Zeppelin, amongst others.

You will remember Sue for her spectacular performances in several of Newcastle′s favourite acts including Sligo Maid, Killkenny and The Sue & Mikey Show.

Dave Carter has performed with almost every single Australian musician, alive and dead, that has ever graced a stage within 50 miles of Newcastle. And he doesn′t look a day over 70! He currently performs with The Cooch Potatoes, Gas, 24 Strings and Newcastle′s favourite madcap duo The Loonatic Fringe. David is another multi-instrumentalist, being a dab hand at the guitar, bass, piano, banjo, bagpipes and Irish pipes. He has an amazing collection of musical instruments, some he has even built himself!!!

Mikey has been breaking new ground in the Newcastle music industry for more years than he cares to remember.

Although involved in numerous high profile, successful bands including Swanee, The Curvettes, Hussy, Killkenny and The Sue & Mikey Show (the latter two with Sue), Mikey′s biggest claim to fame (or notoriety) would have to be his role in the legendary Funbusters, where his skills as idiot frontman and quirky lead guitarist became a trendsetting style.

Mikey′s seamless adaptability from rock, Celtic, and folk to commercial material is well respected within the musical fraternity.

Music in the Podium runs from 6pm until 9pm on Friday evenings. Follow Music on the Podium on Facebook and Instagram for updates on bands and weather cancellations.

For more information, visit www.warnersbay.net.au

MAGIC OF THEATRE

Celebrated on the Big Screen at Civic Playhouse City of Newcastle is bringing the magic of cinema back to the city centre with the Civic Playhouse screening a selection of quality theatre productions and acclaimed classic films.

Locals can watch incredible international performances like Met Opera’s Madame Butterfly in all their theatrical glory thanks to a new programming initiative, Civic Cinema.

As part of February’s Seniors Festival celebrations, the inaugural Civic Cinema Season has been extended and will include four outstanding Australian feature films – two classics and two set-to-become-classics – presented in the Playhouse.

The showcase opens with Bruce Beresford’s 1979 masterpiece, The Getting of Wisdom, on Monday 17 February which chronicles a rebellious youngster from the Australian outback experiencing difficulty adjusting to her new life at a strict Victorian boarding school in the city.

This quintessential Australian film is followed by the screening of Emu Runner, a unique story of love and loss set in an outback NSW town where a young Indigenous girl forms a very special bond with a wild emu. This lyrical and poetic film was the winner of the 2018 AACTA award for Best Indie Film.

Later in the week, the magnificent Careful He Might Hear You screens before an afternoon session of West of Sunshine.

Present Laughter featuring Fleabag’s Andrew Scott, The National Theatre’s Frankenstein and celebrated The Lehman Trilogy are just some of the highlights of the program.

Cinema and theatre have a long and proud history in Newcastle’s CBD and Civic Theatre is pleased to combine the two for the enjoyment of the community after the closure of the Tower Cinemas.

A trial season at the Civic Playhouse has proven to be a massive hit which has encouraged the City to continue presenting the movie experience.

While the new offering has been exceptionally popular with patrons of all walks of life, for those who can cast their memories back to before the mid-1970's, they know cinema viewing at the Civic Theatre was, in fact, a regular and muchloved pastime in Newcastle.

The Civic Theatre opened in 1929, and although designed as a live theatre, it was immediately leased as a cinema. Forty-five-years ago City of Newcastle decided to move towards more live productions and phased out cinema operations completely.

The films have already been well received with lots of positive feedback from patrons who are eager for them to continue.

The initiative is part of the Civic’s Beyond the Stage program of cultural offerings beyond the traditional uses of the City’s jewels, Civic Theatre and City Hall. This has included the Civic Beats events at Civic Digest and lunchtime concerts at City Hall.

For more information about the program of films and how to book tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au Pictured Top: Small Island – Leah Harvey and CJ Beckford. Photo by Brinkhoff Moegenburg.

Pictured Bottom: Present Laughter – Photo by Manuel Harlan.

Civic Cinema World-class theatre

on your local screen!

Featuring the most acclaimed productions from London’s National Theatre, to Opera and modern-day films.

New screenings just announced!

February - April A reserve $20* / B reserve $15* The Playhouse *Transaction fee of $1.95 applies

Full program at civictheatrenewcastle.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 17

Both images from 'Annie' performed in 2018.

Students Prepare to Bring Wicked to Newcastle It will be a truly wicked start to the year for many Newcastle Grammar School students, as they begin preparations to stage the region’s first school production of the hit Broadway musical Wicked.

A cast of 60 students from as young as Year 5 through to year 12 have already been selected for the musical after auditioning in singing and dancing last year.

They are set to begin intense rehearsals as soon as the school year starts, in order to be ready to stage the show in late June 2020.

Executive Producer and Musical Director Mr Kevin Young said the rights to stage Wicked had only recently become available to schools, and it was thrilling to be able to take on such a big production.

“It’s a very challenging musical. There’s lots of music and lots of dance, and it’s quite a long show,” he said.

“But we believe we have the right cast to take on a show of this calibre, and we have a wonderful staff team who can really work with the students to make it all happen.”

The Wizard of Oz Backstory ‘Wicked’, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book

by Winnie Holzman, is a prequel to the classic Wizard of Oz tale that is already familiar to most people.

Based on a novel by Gregory Maguire, it tells the story of Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) – a misunderstood young girl who was born with green skin – and Galinda (who later becomes Glinda the Good Witch), who are unlikely friends in the Land of Oz, in the time before Dorothy arrives.

18 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

“We believe we have the right cast to take on a show of this calibre, and we have a wonderful staff team who can really work with the students to make it all happen.”

Following an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard, their friendship reaches a crossroads, and their lives take different paths.

First staged in 2003, it has become one of Broadway’s longest-running musicals.

Mr Young said the show has some amazing songs and offered a range of challenging roles for both male and female actors, as well as ensemble members.

The story encompasses themes of acceptance, belonging and loyalty, which align with the values that the School espouses, he said.

“And of course, there is love as well,” he said. “It’s a story that adults, teens and younger children can all enjoy and relate to.”

Playing at the Civic Theatre The planning for Wicked follows the School’s successful production of Annie in 2018. However, Mr Young said this would be the first time that Newcastle Grammar School had been able to put on a production at Newcastle’s heritagelisted Civic Theatre.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for the students to perform in the Civic Theatre, which will take the show to a whole new level. It will also be a joy for audiences to come and see the show at such a beautiful venue.”

He is working alongside assistant Musical Director Erin Sweetman, Assistant Producer Jordan Grant, Director Luke Aspinall, choreographer Laura Dawson and many other staff members to prepare students for the show.

Miss Dawson, a dance teacher and former Newcastle Grammar School student, said the students were rehearsing twice a week, and would also be giving up time in their

holidays and some weekends to ensure the show is in top shape by June.

“The students who have put their hands up to be part of Wicked are all really committed – they know it will take up a lot of their time in the coming months, but they are willing to put in the hard work to make it outstanding,” she said.

“We are already working to ensure we coordinate all the elements of dramatic acting, music and choreography, as well as some incredible stage production.”

That includes Galinda flying onto the stage in a giant bubble – a feat made possible by the use of the professional theatre.

She said the costumes would also be spectacular.

“It will be an amazing show to watch – we can’t wait to see it all come together.”

As well as forming the cast, students are taking on roles in the technical crew, including assisting with lighting and sets.

And a full orchestra will comprise students alongside teachers and professional musicians.

“The music is quite difficult, but we have some very talented student musicians who are keen to take part,” Mr Young said.

“The students get the opportunity not just to be the cast on stage and part of the orchestra, but also to be involved behind the scenes – it’s their show, we are just here to facilitate and help them make it fantastic.”

Wicked will play at the Civic Theatre, Newcastle from 24–27 June 2020. Tickets will be sold through Ticketek.

Sort & Save at Summerhill save money

save time

save the environment

Newcastle residents can now drop off the following free of charge at Summerhill Waste Management Centre if you sort your load before you go!

PAPER & CARDBOARD

SCRAP METAL

UNTREATED WOOD

Clean cardboard only.

No waxed cardboard.

No packaging material (e.g. polystyrene, plastic strapping/ wrapping or excessive tape).

Including BBQs, bikes, car parts. Fees apply for fridges, freezers and air-conditioners.

Clean wood only.

No painted, varnished or engineered timber (e.g. particleboard, plywood, MDF).

SOFT PLASTICS

E-WASTE

RECYCLABLE CONTAINERS

Including clean plastic bags, packaging, mail satchels and bubble wrap. No food waste, strapping or tape.

Electrical waste items such as small appliances, computers, tvs and electric tools.

Glass bottles and jars, aluminium and steel cans, plastic bottles and containers.

Sorting means separating items into like groups in your car, ute or trailer, rather than having them mixed together (e.g. putting scrap metal in a separate pile to cardboard). Terms and conditions: Service for Newcastle residents only, proof of residency required. Residents must sort their items prior to arrival to drop-off for free.

Normal fees apply for mixed waste loads and waste items not listed above. Maximum of 10 items of e-waste per visit. Customers must wear closed shoes.

For full service details, phone 4974 2000 or visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/sort-and-save www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 19

20 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Blanc de Blanc Encore

Joel Creasey

Program highlights for the 2020 season include:

Scintillating

Judith Lucy

CABARET

Headlines Tented Mini-Festival WORDS DI VON ESSEN

Newcastle’s favourite pop-up venue, Spiegeltent Newcastle, is set to take up its prime location at Civic Park again during March and April, with a program oozing excitement, talent, variety and class – a mix of old favourites together with brand new acts.

Now heading into its fourth local season, the 2020 program features circus-cabaret sensation Blanc de Blanc Encore as the headline show.

Created by entertainment masters Strut & Fret, Blanc de Blanc Encore features an internationally renowned cast of dancers, acrobats and entertainers who create a feast for the eyes, ears and minds with their daring moves, risqué acts and vintage glamour.

“Tickets to Blanc de Blanc Encore have been flying since we announced its Newcastle season back in July 2019.

Some fans of the original Blanc de Blanc missed out on tickets to Blanc de Blanc Encore in other cities, so if you want to catch it in Newcastle, it would be wise to get in quick,” said Spiegeltent and Strut & Fret Director, Scott Maidment.

Designed around the concept of ‘Champagne’, the original Blanc de Blanc was created four years ago at the request of the Sydney Opera House. Since then the show has become an international smash hit, with extensive touring and seasons in London’s West End. “The show sort of mirrors the feeling of when you’re having a nice glass of Champagne… you think you’re all smooth and sophisticated, you sit down, and you taste the Champagne,

and it’s all very la-de-dah,” said Scott of the original Blanc de Blanc.

“But then after a few glasses and a good night out, it all turns a bit crazy, sometimes a bit debaucherous and a bit of a heady mess, and that’s really the shape of the show overall!”

Fresh from record-breaking sell-out seasons at Sydney Opera House, Brisbane Festival and Darwin Festival, Blanc de Blanc Encore revisits the hedonistic, Champagne-soaked world of beautiful debauchery in Blanc de Blanc. The sequel invites audiences to crack open the Champagne and indulge their senses in a scintillating, steamy blend of breathtaking live jazz, thrilling circus tricks, side-splitting comedy, astounding acrobatics and risqué humour. Blanc de Blanc Encore is a party of Gatsby-esque proportions. Packed with plenty of skin and more than a few surprises, this is opulent, edge-of-your-seat theatre that will pop your cork.

While Blanc de Blanc Encore is the headline act during the Spiegeltent’s return to Newcastle during March and April, the 2020 season also includes a number of performances from some of Australia’s favourite comedians and cabaret and dance performances from some of the best nationally and internationally touring performers.

“Audiences are in for a real treat with this program – the calibre of acts is truly outstanding. There are old favourites and new faces: a line-up of some of the very best comedy, music and cabaret talent Australia, and the world has to offer,” said Scott.

• Joel Creasey: Australia’s Crown Prince of Comedy is back with a brand-new hour of sass and sauce; • Chopper: Winner of the Comic’s Choice Award at the 2018 MICF, Heath Franklin hits Newcastle with Chopper’s latest stand-up show; • Tackling modern love and lust is Logie-Award-winning legend Effie In Love Me Tinder.

• Dom Chambers – Fake Wizard: Winner of Best Magic Show at the Adelaide Fringe in 2019, a semi-finalist in America’s Got Talent, and star of the sell-out Broadway hit show The Illusionists, Dom Chambers returns to Australia in 2020 with his biggest show yet!

• Shades of Bubleé: Direct from a sold-out USA tour.

Expect smooth choreography, dashing good-looks and astonishing vocal talent from this New York-based three-man tribute show to Michael Bublé; • Son: Susan O’Neil is the rising star of Ireland that critics have compared to Adele, Florence Welch and Janis Joplin; • This show from a multi-award-winning comedy icon has taken Australia by storm! Don’t miss Judith Lucy vs Men; • Anne Edmonds appears in her stand-up show, What’s Wrong With You. As seen on Channel 10’s Have You Been Paying Attention and her own ABC show The Edge Of The Bush; • Carlotta: the living legend of Australian cabaret returns with a new show I’m Not Dead Yet Darlings; • The Kransky Sisters: From Abba to Daft Punk, Sia to Steppenwolf, these three eccentric sisters with their eclectic mix of instruments including musical saw, tuba, old reed keyboard, and kitchen pots, have cooked up a very special sweet and sour serving of well-known songs gleaned from their old wireless at home; and • Reneé Geyer: Geyer started life as a sassy blues belter.

Now she is the consummate entertainer with a proud body of work still transfixing audiences with the power of her music and voice.

“We’ve put together an amazing line-up to complement Blanc de Blanc Encore… it’s like a mini-festival in the tent.

You can visit a couple of times to see different things – we’re announcing new acts all the time – so you need to keep checking back. We’ve got a magical venue, and we want as many people to experience it as possible.”

You’ll find the Spiegeltent located in Civic Park Newcastle from 26 March until 19 April, with Blanc de Blanc Encore performances running daily for the entirety. For the full program of events and tickets visit www.spiegeltentnewcastle.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 21

VISIT THE VALLEY

And Support Local!

WORDS JESS CODRINGTON

With the bush fires and drought at the forefront of everybody's minds, supporting local is as important as ever.

Hunter Valley Wine Country is always open for business – and being just a hop, skip and a jump from Newcastle and

Lake Macquarie, it’s literally in our backyard. Check out the great range of activities designed to get you up the Hunter Expressway this month!

Are you or a friend getting married soon? Grab the girls for a day (or weekend) out and head to Dalwood Estate for Love Wedding Festival or Ben Ean’s Wedding Open Day both on February 2, or the Wedding and Wine Festival at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort on February 23. These festivals will be packed with local and regional suppliers, all ready to help you plan the wedding of your dreams.

Love is in the air on Valentine’s Day (February 14), and there are many local restaurants guaranteed to impress your loved one! Visit Goldfish at Roche Estate for a shared platter (for 2), a special ‘Hearts & Arrows’ cocktail on arrival and live music for just $90 per couple. You could also indulge with a romantic 5-course degustation at Margan in Broke Fordwich, featuring produce grown in their one-acre kitchen garden for $120 pp (incl. a glass of wine).

If cheese and chocolate is your thing, Hunter Valley Cheese has a fun tasting experience on offer on Sunday, February 9 which includes four Hunter cheeses, chocolates and wines, plus tasting notes at a seated candlelit table.

Simply purchase a ticket and turn up any time between 1pm and 4.30pm.

New Hunter hot spot, The Artisan Cheese Room, has the ultimate cheesy experiences ready for your tastebuds – cheese and wine; cheese and cocktails; gin and cheese; and for the boys… beer and cheese. Tastings range from $28–$33 pp and are available any time Friday to Monday 9am–5pm (Monday 4pm).

If you haven’t heard already, Two Fat Blokes have been holding their very well received High Cheese on Sundays – which include multiple courses of cheesy goodness, as well

as bottomless bubbles for $75 pp. These guys have just moved, and it’s worth checking out their new intimate café and cellar door located at 691 Hermitage Road Pokolbin.

In an innovative and artfully designed fashion, Lisa McGuigan has re-created the wine tasting experience with her recently opened cellar door Vamp, located at 2198 Broke Road, Pokolbin. Life really is too short not to drink great wine – and we are sure you’ll find it here!

Speaking of new, M&J Becker Wines (located at Roche Estate) has something special for the spirit lovers with the release of the first Australian style Tequila. Made from blue Agave Tequiliana plants grown in Queensland, this Tequila style spirit named Pinché is a one-off production with a limited number of only 240 bottles. Of course, we can’t talk about spirits without recommending a visit to the Hunter Distillery (find their details on the right). Check out the colour changing Mystery Gin which is currently a firm favourite at the intouch office (Friday afternoon of course!)

East Gresford winemakers Boydell’s, who also operate a boutique Luxury African Safari Tent accommodation, have taken their business to another level with the successful opening of their cellar door and restaurant located at 2 Green Street Morpeth. Open Wednesday to Sunday, there’s wine tasting from 10.30am, and a delectable locally-sourced menu available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Morpeth is already one of a kind – this is yet another reason to visit!

In what has become an annual treat, Essential Theatre is returning to Calais Estate on February 22 for Shakespeare in the Vines. Let eight professional actors take you on the thrilling and dark journey that is Macbeth. Grab your tickets quick for this one!

Check our What’s On Highlights page next month for more ‘Visit the Valley’ ideas.

6pm - 9pm FRIDAY EVENINGS*

1st NOVEMBER 2019 to 27th MARCH 2020

WARNERS BAY FORESHORE FEBRUARY 2020

MARCH 2020

7th

Ashley Knight & Javier Duo

6th

Loose Bazooka Band

14th

Jumpin Jukebox Trio

13th

Tre Soul Trio

21st

Spank n the Monkey Duo

20th

The Big Bang Band

28th

Love That Hat Trio

27th

Kaylens Rain Trio

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 0458 549 222 | www.warnersbay.net.au

2019-2020 EVENT SPONSORS

MEDIA SPONSOR

*Weather Permitting – Please refer to Facebook or Instagram for cancellation updates. Dates & Entertainment are subject to change. No Music in the Podium 27/12/19, 3/1/20

22 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

EVENT MANAGERS

We have a flavour for every taste.

Hunter Distillery is the only certified organic distillery in the Hunter Valley region.

Visit us to try our wide range of multi-award winning Gin, Vodkas, Liqueurs and Schnapps!

OPEN 7 DAYS 10AM - 5PM

1686 Broke Road, Pokolbin Hunter Valley ¡ PH (02) 4998 6737 ¡ www.hunterdistillery.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 23

Supporting Little Friends With Scholarship Program Australian Charity of the Year 2018, Friends With Dignity, will soon launch the sixth round of its Little Friends Scholarship program.

The program, which is an Australian-first, awards bi-annual monetary scholarships to children throughout Australia who have faced, or are facing, domestic or family violence.

The educational and extra-curricular scholarships help to cover a variety of expenses from helping kids attend camp and after-school activities with their peers, to providing uniforms.

The first five rounds of the program have seen a total of 187 scholarships awarded, with a minimum of 40 scholarships on offer in round six.

“Two scholarships are guaranteed to be awarded per State or Territory, with the remaining balance being awarded on an as needs basis,” said Friends With Dignity Director and Chief Financial Officer, Julia McKenna.

"We established the Little Friends Scholarship program to ensure all children who are facing or have faced domestic violence have the ability to normalise their lives. The scholarships are designed to help young domestic violence survivors rebuild their confidence by finding something they are good at, and ensuring their education continues.”

The not-for-profit organisation responded to requests from the community to contribute to their Little Friends Scholarship program by launching the Little Friends Scholarship Community Fund in round three, allowing the general public to also help children in need.

"Donations to the Little Friends Scholarship Community Fund can be large or small. All funds received will be pooled together in $500 amounts (the size of a scholarship), and all donations over $2 are tax-deductible,” said Julia.

To find out more about the Scholarships or how to contribute to the Community Fund visit www.friendswithdignity.org.au

City Expands Drought Response Plan City of Newcastle will initiate new water savings measures in response to the introduction of Level 2 restrictions which came into effect across late last month.

To assist with reducing pressure on the region’s dwindling water supplies, the drought response plan will be delivered in consultation with Hunter Water and include strategies to measure and reduce water consumption.

Initiatives include minimising irrigation practices at sporting fields, installing new rainwater tanks, using surface water catchment ponds at Summerhill Waste Management Centre and auditing water use at inland pools.

They are part of a suite of efficiency strategies which started in the lead up to Level 1 restrictions, including ceasing the annual planting regime at King Edward Park and installing smart water meters at key sites across the city that track water usage in real-time and help identify leaks.

Manager Parks and Recreation Lynn Duffy said the City has been proactive with its plan to reduce water usage.

Igniting Community Connection Through Bespoke Retail Imagine a community shopping centre filled with everyday essentials and hidden gems waiting to be explored and stumbled upon.

Junction Fair Shopping Centre is a community that thoughtfully offers a unique retail experience to locals and visitors alike. Our stores are predominately owned and run by locals who not only provide the very best in offering but who also boast an array of knowledge.

“Hunter Water has been working closely with City of Newcastle to help predict and prepare for this scenario borne out of one of the worst droughts ever experienced across the State.

“Over the length of the water restrictions – however long they last – we will continue to work with Hunter Water on our drought response plan to ensure we’re using water as efficiently as possible while still providing a level of amenity at key sites across the city.”

The City of Newcastle has also applied for several exemptions under the Level 2 restrictions, including using some irrigation at key public parks, such as Civic Park and Foreshore Park, and some high-use sporting fields such as No.2 Sportsground which plays host to international sporting events such as the upcoming Trans-Tasman Touch Football competition.

RETAILERS FRESH FOOD, TAKEAWAY & CAFES Bakers Delight Buzz Junction Cocoa Nib Artisan Chocolate Doughheads Greenacres Gourmet Meats The Essential Ingredient Harrys Schnitzel Joint Cuppa Joe’s Popolo Gelateria Scoop Wholefoods Sushi Koo SUPERMARKET AND LIQUOR Coles Liquorland RETAIL SERVICES

Junction Fair is the core and beating heart of The Junction Newcastle, taking pride in community outreach, charity engagement and its unique retail offering.

Honest Paper Hunter Phone and Computer Doctors Still Life Floral Art

Our centre proudly supports OzHarvest Newcastle, The Junction Public School, Animals Australia and The Delta Dog Society.

FASHION

We are locals supporting locals.

Easy Living Footwear Privvy Sanbah Surf Too Cool For School HEALTH AND BEAUTY

junctionfair.com .au OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK, WITH LATE NIGHT SHOPPING ON THURSDAYS

24 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

12RND Fitness Best Body Supplements Get Polished Nails Savant Apothecary Terry White Chemmart

Strong Relationship with Community at

Kathryn Halyburton

HALYBURTON LEGAL WORDS CLAIRE BRADSHAW

If you’ve strolled down The Boulevarde in Toronto sometime in the past few months, you might already recognise the name Halyburton Legal. The boutique law firm, set just back from the lake’s edge, was formerly the Toronto office of a long-established Newcastle/Lake Macquarie firm and home to now-retired local lawyer, John Williams. But the name change doesn’t mean the firm’s 30-year connection to the local community will be any different. In fact, Director Solicitor Kathryn Halyburton and her team are determined to ensure that connection will be stronger than ever.

The firm’s name change to Halyburton Legal officially came about in the second half of 2019. Kathryn became the owner of the business’ Toronto arm two years prior when the previous firm merged with a national firm. “I was employed by the previous firm for a long time, about 17 years, and ended up buying the Toronto office,” she explains.

It was a natural move for Kathryn, who has been practising law since 2002. She began her career as a legal

secretary, having children and working part-time while studying law. In 2013, Kathryn became a partner of another local firm, Schofield Muir Lawyers, with offices in Warners Bay and Belmont. Last year Halyburton Legal purchased Schofield Muir Lawyers as well – and now, the Halyburton name is being rolled out across all three offices in Toronto, Warners Bay and Belmont.

Clients in Warners Bay and Belmont can expect to see new signage over the coming weeks. While the branding may have changed, both the personnel and approach to providing quality legal services remain the same. Clients can still expect to see familiar faces and experience the same high level of service when they visit any of the three offices. “While we’re always keen to improve, there’s also the promise of the same high standard of quality work and quality care for our clients, which has always been the priority for us,” Kathryn says.

With the firm’s ties to the local Lake Macquarie community stretching back across three decades, it’s no surprise that a strong relationship with the area and its people is a cornerstone of Kathryn’s work and Halyburton Legal as a whole. “I live locally in Lake Macquarie, my kids have gone to school in Eleebana and Warners Bay, I’ve worked in Toronto and Warners Bay for a number of years, even my husband is a Warners Bay boy from years back – so there’s that local connection,” she explains.

Plenty of local ties are to be found throughout the rest of the Halyburton Legal team, too. Amanda Douglas, a solicitor who has been working in the local area for over a decade, specialises in criminal, family and civil litigation as well as wills and estates. Solicitor Samantha Woods also provides services in criminal and family law, while Jenna Ingram, also a solicitor, mainly carries out property work for conveyancing and leasing, wills and estates. Solicitor Lisa Boyd provides a more generalised range of services, like Kathryn herself, who has extensive experience in areas such as estate litigation and planning, property and small business. And finally, licensed conveyancer Geoff Zietsch rounds out the team with 30+ years of experience in residential conveyancing.

No matter your legal needs, there’s a member of the Halyburton Legal team who can help you out. Kathryn assures that it’s simply a matter of calling through or making an appointment to visit one of the offices, where you can discuss your requirements and the best way forward with the right expert for your situation.

Get in touch with Kathryn and the team at info@halyburtonlegal.com.au or by phoning any of the offices listed below.

OPEN, HONEST AND PERSONAL EXPERT ADVICE Halyburton Legal is the new name of the combined firm of Schofield Muir Lawyers and the Toronto office of a long-standing Newcastle firm. With offices in Warners Bay, Belmont and Toronto, Halyburton Legal is able to provide legal services to all areas of Lake Macquarie and beyond.

Halyburton Legal is led by Kathryn Halyburton, Director Solicitor, who has over 20 years legal experience and together with her experienced team is ready to assist you with all your legal needs.

BELMONT

TORONTO

24 Macquarie St | P 4945 4484

20 The Boulevarde | P 4935 8600

WARNERS BAY 478 The Esplanade | P 4948 9311

For more information email info@halyburtonlegal.com.au or visit www.halyburtonlegal.com.au

PROPERTY LAW & CONVEYANCING | WILLS & ESTATES | CRIMINAL LAW | FAMILY LAW COMMERCIAL PROPERTY LEASING | BUYING & SELLING BUSINESS | ESTATE LITIGATION | CIVIL LITIGATION www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 25

The Great

AUSSIE SUMMER

Timberlina

Rainbow Storytime Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

WORDS CHLOE O'SULLIVAN

There is nothing better than the Australian Summer. Once the school holidays kick in, there is usually a blur of BBQ’s, drinks with friends, trips to the beach (if you are lucky to live close enough), and the joyful sound of the revolving door or your child’s friends in and out of your front door. That’s how it should be. However, this Summer was covered by an ominous dark cloud. Smoke from fires that you weren’t close enough to see hung thick in the air. The smell would hit you as soon as you opened the front door.

The nightly news and everyone’s Facebook feeds were filled with the stories of our fellow countrymen fleeing for their lives away from flames taller than their houses. Stories of those who stayed to fight, of animals fighting their natural instincts to approach humans for help. The heart-sinking feeling every time you hear that someone didn’t make it out or that the firefighters trying to help were injured or killed.

Discussing evacuation bags and fire safety plans with friends with the frequency that you would usually discuss your social life.

As we live near the water, part of my plan has always been to head to the water where we would be safe. Until this fire season, that seemed like a foolproof plan but then I saw so many photos like this one – a friend of a friend who was evacuated to the beach at Batemans Bay. Despite being near the water, which would make them safe from the flames, the air quality was so bad he was holding a wet towel over the face of his 5-year-old son to prevent him breathing in toxic smoke.

It’s difficult enough for an adult to process what is happening. I can only imagine it is much scarier for the little people in your life.

The tiny humans that hear everything even when you don’t think they are listening. The ones who pick up on how you're feeling like mini physiatrists. It’s part of the natural

survival instinct – when the large human in charge of them is scared, they know to be scared.

Even once you know all this, how do you have an ageappropriate conversation? It’s going to be different for every kid. Even two kids of identical ages are going to process things in different ways. There is a fine line between giving them useful information and loading them up with things they can’t do anything about.

I tried to do a little bit of research and worked out a plan that I thought would work for my child.

We had an honest but age-appropriate conversation about what was happening. I reassured her that we are not currently in danger, and that there are good and brave people who are helping those who are (in danger).

I talk to her a lot about ways that we can help: being there for friends who are in the fire zone, donating money and supplies to people who need it and mostly keeping to our normal routine as much as we can. Kids need to feel like even if there is craziness going on around them, that you have things under control. This worked for us.

I hope I never have to come up with a strategy if we are ever in the path of a fire, as for those who are, the solution is much more complicated.

I still love the Australian Summer, and I’m much kinder to mother nature now that I have been reminded that she is tougher than I am.

Newcastle Libraries will be hosting Rainbow Families Storytime on the first Saturday of each month commencing February 1, as part of its commitment to City of Newcastle’s Pride in Diversity Strategy.

The five-month series of glitter-filled storybook readings is an innovative twist on traditional storytime and the library’s popular rock and rhyme-time sessions, building on the success of previous storybook sessions held during the Newcastle Pride Festival.

“Rainbow Storytime is fun, and inclusive reflects our city’s diverse LGBTQ families and piggy-backs the creative community visiting Olive Tree Markets in Civic Park on the library’s doorstep,” Manager Community Programs & Partnerships Alex Mills said.

“Families of all ages and backgrounds are invited to join in for an all-singing, dancing and storytelling celebration of our city’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen welcomed Rainbow Families Storytime as part of the City’s commitment to inclusion and literacy.

“This series is another way our libraries are delivering on the promotion of both diversity in our community and childhood literacy,” he said.

“Our Pride in Diversity Strategy helps ensure that our City services are welcoming for all Novocastrians. Our libraries are important community hubs. Rainbow Families Storytime is another way we can ensure all Novocastrians feel included by the range of free programming in our libraries.”

The first Rainbow Families Storytime session will be held at Newcastle Library on Saturday, February 1 at 10am and will continue through until June 2020. For more information visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Library/Whats-On

AUTHENTIC | STRATEGIC | DEPENDABLE

Business and Commercial Law • Property Law Employment Law • Estate Planning and Probate Public Notary • Not-For-Profit Law

www.jenkinslegal.com.au | PH 4929 2000 26 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Nicole Chaffey

What’s Happening at MAC? Over the holiday season, the new-look Museum of Art and Culture at Lake Macquarie welcomed many people through the doors enjoying the art, activities and respite from the warm weather. MAC's opening exhibitions highlighted the stories that unite us, human and cultural connection to the elements and generosity of spirit – all much thought about and needed in our current climate and conditions.

Looking ahead, 2020 at MAC will provide creative outlets and experiences for all, launching new programs including Late MAC, MAC Saturdays, and a History Illuminated cruise series. The free ArtSpace artmaking each Sunday, art classes for adults and children, teachers' days and HSC clinics will also continue.

Upcoming events include new evening exhibition openings, a talk with Mervyn Bishop, a Connect to Country cultural day under the yapang program banner and performances by Catapult Choreographic Hub complementing the annual First Class project.

Term 1 art classes commence on 3 February. Adult courses include life-drawing, acrylic painting, natural history illustration, drawing fundamentals and Wednesday waterfront studio. For children 6–10 years, Art Club will be on each Tuesday.

There is a great line up of exhibitions over the next six months including touring shows from the National Gallery of Australia, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, The JamFactory and Artspace Mackay as well as MAC curated exhibition projects. For dates and details visit www.mac.lakemac.com.au or pick up a copy of the November – June Visual Arts Program from MAC or your local Lake Mac Library.

LIVE YOUR LIST

Do it Now! WORDS KIM-CHERIE DAVIDSON - Live Your Bucket List

After leaving university, this Lake Macquarie yoga and meditation teacher decided to seize all opportunities that came her way. This attitude saw her volunteer overseas for the United Nations and Green Peace, cycle through Southeast Asia for six months and live in the UK. But when she became sick, Hannah Perkins returned to Australia for treatment.

In 2012, after winning her battle with cancer, Hannah wrote a bucket list. It included training to become a yoga teacher, getting married, having a baby and hiking the Routeburn Trail, one of the South Island of New Zealand’s Great Walks.

“I wanted to live in the moment, as I realised, I could die anytime, so I was going to do what I wanted now,” Hannah said.

One opportunity came along when Hannah and her fiancé, Frank Reti, were looking to go on their first holiday together in April 2019. They had decided to go to Cradle Mountain in Tasmania but were disappointed to find that there was no availability, so Hannah suggested they tick off the Routeburn Trail instead.

Re-Discover Mortels

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“It was pretty amazing, as usually, you need to book six to 12 months ahead for accommodation on the Great Walks. And when we looked at two weeks away with flights, accommodation and campervan hire, the price was actually pretty comparable to Tassie.”

The Routeburn Trail is one of the nine NZ Great Walks. An intermediate-graded, three-day trek, it covers 32 kilometres and ascends to 1255 metres above sea level. With soaring peaks, vast valleys and glacial lakes, it links the Mount Aspiring National Park to Fiordland National Park. It is renowned for “spectacular scenery”.

“We caught a boat from Glenorchy, an hour outside Queenstown, to the heritage-style accommodation that has been looking after hikers for more than 150 years. It was so lovely - we ate sturdy British food, sat by the fire, cycled around the lake, relaxed in the hot tub before they gave us lift to the car park to start our walk.”

On the trek, the couple occasionally saw other people, including several families. Though, mostly it was just them and the mountain landscape. The views lived up to their reputation, as they crossed the glacial river, ascended and descended, walked along the ridge and into the moss-draped forests.

“In parts, it was incredibly hard. It brought up lots of emotions, so we would stop for a cup of tea and take in the view, usually of the massive snow-covered mountains. After a couple of deep breaths, I was flooded with wonder and that on ‘top of the world’ feeling. When we finished, I felt an amazing sense of accomplishment.”

Hannah has many memorable moments on the track from reaching the top to being surrounded by the mountains; the Lake Mackenzie Hut vista and the emergence of Lake Harris.

Hannah Perkins

“I also loved the moss-draped forest. It reminded me of the Lord of the Rings, with its different shades of green and the trees intertwined with each other. I felt safe, comfortable and sheltered after being so exposed out on the mountain tops.”

“We were totally blessed. This holiday was momentous for us in so many ways – our first trip, the Routeburn Track and our baby was conceived. I ticked two things off my list,” laughed Hannah.

As for what’s next on Hannah’s bucket list: last month she gave birth to Gabriel; in April the couple will be married then honeymoon in Europe, visiting Frank’s family in Hungary and Hannah’s relatives in England. www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 27

LOCAL Samaritans Christmas Lunch 2019

28 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

What started 18 years ago as a simple lunch in Newcastle for those who have ‘nothing else to do’ on Christmas Day, Samaritans Christmas Lunches have since flourished into three remarkable events (Newcastle, Singleton and Central Coast). Guests simply turn up at 11am on Christmas Day and enjoy a free Christmas Lunch, entertainment, friendship and of course a visit from Santa! Of course, these lunches couldn’t go ahead without the support of local businesses and volunteers – so if you’re keen to help out in 2020, get in touch with Samaritans at mail@samaritans.org.au or phone 4960 7100.

Waterford Carols Event

'Is Belonging About a Place?' By Elsa Licumba Book Launch

Left: Elsa Licumba Above: Anthony Umen, Cristina Viola, Jodi-Ann Beckles, Nichol Papandreo, Alexander Irving Top: Rosa Conclaves, Elsa Licumba, Joao Maria Larrat

All images thanks to

Thornton Fire Brigade

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 29

W HEA E FE LL LTH AT BE & UR IN E G

HEALTH TRENDS FOR 2020 And Beyond!

WORDS CLAIRE BRADSHAW

The silly season is officially over. The decorations are down, the kids are back at school, and all the ham has (finally) been eaten. But what about those New Year’s resolutions you made to kick off 2020? Have they stuck around, or

become a distant memory along with the Christmas lights and leftovers?

Whether you’ve committed to your new healthy habits or are in need of a helping hand to make them stick, this month’s 2020 Health & Wellbeing Special Feature is here to help. We’re kicking things off by taking a look at some of the health trends predicted to shake up the industry this year, both locally and around the globe.

As with most other areas of life, technology is at the forefront when it comes to the future of health and wellness.

General advances in technology will undoubtedly contribute to plenty of the trends that come into play this year. And as specific areas like artificial intelligence become more highly developed, we’ll see more and more changes in the way healthcare is accessed and delivered.

The fitness industry is particularly rife with technological innovations. In 2020, we can expect to see a focus on fitness in the home. The range of home workout equipment on offer is more impressive than ever, with popularity growing for items like the Peloton (an exercise bike with in-built live-streaming fitness classes) and the MIRROR (a ‘nearly invisible interactive home gym’, which looks like an ordinary full-length mirror until it’s switched on to display workouts from an instructor).

But not all the top fitness gadgets are that big (or expensive)! An annual global survey by the American College of Sports Medicine put wearable technology at the top of its 2020 fitness trends list. From smartwatches and activity trackers to heart rate monitors and sleep tracking apps, wearable tech is one of the biggest industries in the wellbeing world – and the popularity of keeping your fitness and health close at hand is surely set to keep rising in 2020.

Keep an eye out as more devices and apps hit the market

this year, with greater functionality, accuracy and accessibility than ever before.

You’re going to need fuel for all that exercise, and in 2020, plant-based diets, in particular, are predicted to become more widespread than ever. It’s safe to say we could all strive to eat more vegetables – but a plant-based (or at least ‘plant-forward’) diet is about more than just eating your greens. It’s part of a larger societal movement towards more sustainable, socially conscious eating habits. Expect to see a wider range of plant-based meat alternatives hitting the shelves of supermarkets and health food shops – but be cautious about how much of your plant-based food swaps are highly processed. There’s nothing wrong with the occasional faux-beef burger, but for the most part, dietitians recommend sticking to the old faithful approach: plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

So apart from eating well and exercising, what can we do to benefit our health and wellbeing in 2020? As we move into a new year (and a new decade), it can feel like the pace of life is picking up faster than ever, and that we have to move faster along with it. But many industry experts are actually espousing the benefits of slowing down. Offering an alternative to the go-hard-or-go-home mindset of popular movements like no-carb diets and high-intensity interval training, this approach focuses on the slower side of life: mindfulness and meditation, recovery training, healthy sleep habits, the prioritisation of mental health, and so on. There’s never been a better time to make a concerted effort to rest and recalibrate amongst the chaos of life.

So now you know what’s on the horizon for health and wellness in 2020, be sure to check out the rest of our Health & Wellbeing Special Feature and get ready for a healthy year ahead!

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HEALTH & WELLBEING FEATURE

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS Of TROG Cancer Research WORDS MICHELLE MEEHAN

Susan Goode understands all too well the benefits that flow from advances in cancer treatments. Not only did she care for her motherin-law during her battle with the insidious disease, but Susan also heads up the Newcastle organisation considered a global leader in the field of cancer research – TROG (the TransTasman Radiation Oncology Group).

Since 1989 TROG Cancer Research has been successfully improving the outcomes of cancer patients via radiotherapyfocused research and is now one of the largest clinical trial groups in Australia and New Zealand.

Working collaboratively with more than 70 hospitals and cancer treatment centres, as well as universities and the broader community around the world, TROG’s life-changing research has helped advance the way many cancers are treated across the globe.

“Our mission is to conduct world-class radiation therapy research to improve the outcomes and quality of life of people affected by cancer,” Susan said.

“In 1989, seven visionary radiation oncologists from radiation therapy centres across Australia and New Zealand saw a need to collaborate and improve the outcomes and treatment for patients affected by cancer.

“This bold vision resulted in the formation of the Trans Tasman Radiation Oncology Group; a collaborative clinical trials group seeking to advance the study of cancers that could be treated with radiation therapy.

“It’s hard to believe 30 years have passed since then … we’ve come a long way from our humble beginnings and now have medical professionals approaching us from around the world with new ideas on how to use radiation therapy to improve quality of life and treatment of a specific cancer disease.

“By collaborating and bringing to life these concepts in a managed environment, we’ve been able to achieve great advancements in cancer patient care and outcomes that have changed the way patients are treated worldwide.”

While TROG itself is celebrating 30 years of cancer research, Susan is a much more recent addition to the team,

Susan Goode

having been appointed CEO of the not-for-profit organisation in August 2018.

However, her personal and professional interest in the field began well before she took on her current role.

“I had been working with the University of Newcastle in primary care research for seven years, focused on dementia and stroke when an opportunity arose to lead the University of Newcastle’s translational cancer research program,” Susan said.

“Having personal experience of caring for my mother-inlaw during her cancer battle, I was keen to apply my medical research and management skills to the field of cancer research.

“I was then the Centre Manager for the Hunter Cancer Research Alliance for the next eight years, successfully coordinating a locally-based cancer research program involving laboratory research, clinical research and implementation/public health research.

“When the opportunity arose to come to work at TROG Cancer Research, I was very excited to be able to apply my skills and knowledge for the benefit of a national not-for-profit organisation.

“I’ve always been motivated to work in a role where I can benefit others and here at TROG Cancer Research, our research benefits trial participants, clinicians and health professionals, as well as the wider community.

“I was particularly motivated to conduct research into more effective radiation therapy treatments, as my ⊲ www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 31

HEALTH & WELLBEING FEATURE

“We know that one in two cancer patients will benefit from radiation therapy, so the research we conduct is vital.”

(Continued) mother-in-law had benefited from previous advances in radiation therapy clinical trials through her treatment using stereotactic radiation therapy. Without these advances discovered through TROG trials she, and many other cancer patients, would not have access to this safe and more effective treatment.

“Our focus (at TROG) is to improve radiation therapy treatments for cancer patients using cutting-edge technology and techniques; to improve quality of life and outcomes for all cancer patients worldwide; and to provide rural and regional patients affected by cancer with better access to services, while also facilitating opportunities to participate in clinical trials.

“The survival for many cancers has improved over the last few decades; however, there is still further research needed to discover more effective treatments for specific types of cancer.

“We know that one in two cancer patients will benefit from radiation therapy, so the research we conduct is vital.”

During the past 30 years, TROG Cancer Research has conducted more than 105 trials involving 14,600 patients across Australia, New Zealand and internationally.

This has included research into all cancer types including breast, lung, genitourinary (prostate, bladder and kidney), head and neck, skin, gastrointestinal (colorectal, pancreatic and stomach), gynaecological (cervical, endometrial), lymphoma and central nervous system as well as symptom control and palliative care.

“We have a great track record of completing trials with over 210 journal publications featuring TROG Cancer Research trials, ensuring that the academic and medical community are informed of the latest clinical research findings,” Susan said.

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“Our trial results are also incorporated into clinical practice guidelines both in Australia and internationally. This ensures that the latest clinical research advancements are implemented in cancer treatment centres, and that future patients benefit from the findings of TROG trials.

“TROG Cancer Research has been instrumental in supporting and speeding up the safe and effective implementation of many new radiation oncology technologies, which are more targeted to the tumour and spare more healthy tissue.

“Over the past 30 years, TROG Cancer Research has supported the implementation of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT).

“The research conducted by TROG Cancer Research and our international collaborating partners has shown that radiation therapy cures cancer and is a safe and effective treatment option.”

Collaboration has been crucial to TROG’s success – and is also one of the critical elements that ensured the organisation stood out from its beginning.

“Collaboration is now common practice. However, when TROG Cancer Research was established over 30 years ago, it was not so common, and so TROG was a leader in this field,” Susan said.

“Even today, we continue to collaborate with hundreds of hospitals and cancer treatment centres around the world.

“TROG Cancer Research is in a unique position in that we focus on one treatment - radiation therapy – for all cancers.

Having a broad remit to improve treatments for all types of cancer requires us to have multidisciplinary and crossdisciplinary collaborations.

“Our multidisciplinary membership consists of over 1,600 TROG members in the disciplines of radiation oncology, radiation therapy, medical physics, medical oncology, surgery, trial coordination, statistics, health economics and quality of life.

“We also work with other leading groups including the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists, the Australasian Clinical Dosimetry Service, the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Global Harmonisation for Radiation Therapy Quality Assurance.

“In Australia, we collaborate with other cooperative trials groups including Breast Cancer Trials (BCT), the Australian and New Zealand Urological and Prostate Group (ANZUP), Australasian Lung Trials Group (ALTG), Australasian Gastro-intestinal Trials Group (AGITG) and the Australasian Radiopharmaceuticals Network (ARTNet).

“By working collaboratively with these groups, we can bring together clinical expertise and specialist research knowledge from across Australasia in a united effort to fight cancer globally.”

Radiation Oncologist and Associate Professor, Jarad Martin, says this spirit of collaboration allows TROG to effectively tap into the “world brain” to enhance outcomes for patients.

TROG Cancer Research trials have been run in more than 200 hospitals and cancer centres in urban hubs and regionally around the world, including Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Asia, Canada, Europe and South America.

“There’s a real legacy from what TROG Cancer Research has achieved over 30 years. Their approach to clinical trials that focus on collaboration over competition is being emulated by other organisations,” Jarad said.

“They give opportunities to researchers by providing a vehicle to make their research possible. For me, that opportunity has transformed and improved the way a lot of people with prostate cancer are treated.

“TROG encourages and harnesses new ideas and brings people together virtually from around the world so we can tap into what I call the world brain to produce real results for patients.”

Jarad is a Newcastle-based Radiation Oncologist who subspecialises in the treatment of genitourinary and gastrointestinal cancers as well as benign conditions using radiation therapy.

He is also an Associate Professor at the University of Newcastle and Director of Research in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Calvary Mater Newcastle and has been involved with TROG for more than a decade.

“I was one of the early members of TROG Cancer Research, having been with the organisation for 13 years in different capacities,” Jarad said.

“I started off as a fairly novice clinical researcher when I first became involved with TROG Cancer Research in 2007, and my role has evolved over time. I’ve led several successful cancer clinical trials coordinated by TROG Cancer Research, and I now hold the position of Clinical Liaison Leader.

“My main research areas are in the technical aspects of prostate cancer radiation therapy, while my technical knowledge is well recognised in areas including intensitymodulated radiation therapy (IMRT), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and stereotactic radiation therapy (SBRT).

“TROG Cancer Research provided the vehicle to get my first cancer trial off the ground, which has now transformed the way a lot of people with prostate cancer are treated.

“Today, I’ve had the opportunity to deliver a number of successful clinical trials and much of that has been thanks to the opportunities and support TROG Cancer Research provided to enable my ideas around radiation therapy treatment.”

Jarad has contributed to research in an approach that has improved options for patients with prostate cancer, with his findings now being used by medical facilities globally. ⊲

HEALTH & WELLBEING FEATURE “I’ve led a few clinical trials through TROG Cancer Research and, as a highlight, found a radiation therapy treatment approach that has improved options for patients with prostate cancer,” he said.

“That trial’s findings are now being used by medical facilities globally and have resulted in a reduction of treatment time from eight weeks and 40 medical visits to just four weeks with five medical visits for prostate cancer patients.

“The new KM (knowledge management) technology approach, which usually persists of three components, namely people, process and technology, has also improved accuracy by enhancing cancer-targeting for prostate cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy treatment.

“Healthcare is a knowledge-driven process, and thus knowledge management and the tools to manage knowledge in the healthcare sector are gaining attention and popularity.”

Research is also driven by knowledge – and the willingness to share this knowledge freely among those involved in the sector is both its most significant challenge and greatest opportunity, according to Jarad.

“One of the greatest barriers to cancer research is that there are so many organisations out there now, working to find solutions, but doing so independently and even in competition with each other.”

“The future of cancer research should centre around collaboration across research groups – TROG Cancer Research was one of the first collaborative trial groups in Australia. Their philosophy of tapping into the world brain by bringing people together globally to collaborate on cancer clinical trials paves the way for improved cancer treatment options across the world.

“TROG Cancer Research is very innovative and forwardthinking in harnessing the potential of specialists from outside the ‘norm’ to contribute to the cancer research space and have also provided the mechanism for younger generations to bring their ideas into being.

“It’s vital that we don’t just have the same people working in cancer research, we need to ensure that we bring in new ideas and train the future generation of clinicians and researchers.

“Having a mechanism of new ideas, and ongoing review and renewal in treatment options is going to produce the best outcomes for patients.”

Those outcomes for patients have already greatly improved over the past three decades, as technological advances and a better understanding of tumour biology have improved the efficacy of radiation therapy, resulting in a better quality of life and treatment options.

Cancer rates overall have also improved considerably: in the 1980s, the cancer survival rate was less than 50 per cent, while today, the survival rate is as high as 90 per cent for some cancers.

However, Susan said there is still more work to be done to continue providing hope to people with all cancers through the potential of radiation therapy.

“Although our clinical trials have facilitated great advancements in the way that different cancers are treated and have improved the quality of life for patients, there’s still much to be done to continue to increase cure rates, minimise side effects and improve the patient experience,” she said.

“It’s an exciting time to be working in cancer research, with advances in technology and new treatment options available that involve combining drug treatments with radiation therapy to determine the best treatment for each patient.

“In Australia, there are several cancer treatment centres that are implementing new MRI Linac machines that will assist with real-time imaging and adapting plans while delivering radiation treatment to the patient - this represents an excellent opportunity to research how this advanced technology can be utilised to best benefit patients.

“Particle Fast, as little as Fast,therapy as Fast, littletreatment aslittle aswill also be available in as 15-minutes Australia15-minutes within the next few years. Currently, patients need to 15-minutes travel internationally to receive particle therapy treatment, so it will be a great opportunity for patients to be able to access No or No surgery or No surgery surgery or this treatment optionneedles in Australia.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING FEATURE (Continued) clinical research to ensure the treatments are safe and effective.

“Our efforts in clinical research are not just technology-based, we are also working with our nuclear medicine colleagues to determine how to use novel tracers for PET imaging to improve diagnostic applications, define radiation treatment volumes and monitor patient response to treatment.

“There is currently a large volume of drug treatments available for cancer patients; however, radiation therapy remains a primary localised treatment option. Going forward, our research will likely involve combining treatments such as immunotherapy with radiation therapy to determine the most effective treatment regimens for patients.

“Radiation therapy remains an important curative treatment option; however ongoing research is still needed to ensure we can progress the ways we use this advanced technology to outsmart the many strains of the disease and also enable patients to maintain their quality of life both during and after treatment.”

Funding for these research projects isn’t always easy to come by, with TROG reliant on both funding from the government and community donations to continue with its vital work.

34 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

“Delivering world-class cancer research is expensive, and there is a significant gap between the cost of our clinical trials and the government funding available to them,” Susan said.

“Our primary focus is to support clinical trials that are investigator-initiated and independent of industry. This means we work with our oncology clinicians in Australia, New Zealand and internationally to develop clinical research studies and then support these clinicians to secure research funding to conduct the clinical trial.

“A lot of our trials run for seven to 10 years as we need to gather follow-up information on the trial participants for several years after their treatment.

“We frequently spend months and even years, supporting our researchers to try and secure funding, typically through competitive grants, where success has been reported to be as low as 10-15 per cent. This means that many critical clinical questions can go unanswered.

“As a result, TROG Cancer Research relies on the support of the community to bring our vital research to life.”

To find out how you can donate, or learn more about the work of TROG Cancer Research, visit www.trog.com.au ■

Martial Arts that’s Good for Your Heart WORDS CLAIRE BRADSHAW

When you think of karate, jiu-jitsu or other martial arts, it’s easy to assume only those at a certain age, fitness or experience level can participate. But that’s not the case – and the team at Pollet’s Martial Arts will be the first to reassure you of this. Their range of classes is for everybody: individuals, families, kids or people with special needs.

No matter who you are or what your goals may be, you’ll be welcomed with open arms at any Pollet’s dojo.

Pollet’s Martial Arts Newcastle is the largest arm of the Pollet’s family, which features centres throughout New South Wales and Queensland. Pollet’s is one of the heavy hitters of martial arts in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, featuring the most extensive range of classes in the region – six disciplines under one roof. Classes are offered in Adamstown, Medowie, Edgeworth and Valentine, and you can be sure you’re in the best of hands at every venue. All instructors are trained under ninth dan karate master, Hanshi Ian Pollet; Newcastle’s head instructor is fifth dan karate black belt Shihan Danny Crouch, who leads a team of four qualified, experienced black belts.

Whether you’re interested in karate, Kobudo, Muay Thai, Kempo Jiu-jitsu, mixed martial arts or boxing, there’s a class at Pollet’s for you. Offerings range from the Little Tigers program – a specialised syllabus for two- to six-year-olds – through to gradings, tournaments and private lessons. With a friendly, supportive, nonintimidating atmosphere and no fitness or experience requirements, you’ll feel welcome as soon as you step through the dojo doors.

So, why choose martial arts classes for yourself or your kids? As well as giving the whole family a chance to get active, martial arts training is a fantastic self-defence initiative, empowering students to protect themselves. The syllabus at Pollet’s derives

from the teachings of grandmasters in Okinawa and Thailand; it’s rich in culture, but also based around principles of safety, common sense and environmental awareness. The techniques you’ll learn and the reflexes you’ll develop through your training will improve your confidence and help you to feel safe.

Apart from the self-defence skill set, you’ll build (and the fun you’ll have), what else will you gain from taking classes at Pollet’s? It goes without saying that there’s a wide variety of health and wellness benefits to be found through martial arts training. Firstly, your cardiovascular system will get a workout through the cardio and endurance training aspects of martial arts.

With classes averaging an hour in length, you’ll be sure to get your heart pumping and your blood flowing. You’ll also increase muscle mass, agility and strength while losing excess fat and becoming more toned.

Your flexibility, coordination and balance will improve, too, which helps to reduce the chance of injury in both training and day-today life.

The mental benefits of martial arts training are just as significant as the physical. It’s a highly effective outlet for improving the symptoms of a variety of conditions such as autism, Asperger’s, ADD, ADHD, depression, anxiety or high stress. Both adults and children living with these conditions can experience a range of benefits from the structure, focus and discipline of martial arts. Pollet’s also offers specialised classes for those with mental or physical impairments, providing guidance throughout the journey towards a healthier body and mind.

Below: Layton Hills, who has lost 45kg during his time training at Pollet's

The Adamstown dojo is a fully equipped two-level facility, offering more than 35 classes per week (and it even plays host to kids’ birthday parties, complete with action-packed games!). There’s a great variety of classes across Pollet’s Medowie, Edgeworth and Valentine venues as well. So if you’re ready to kick off your martial arts journey, visit www.pollets.com.au, call 4952 2444 or email newcastle@pollets.com.au for more information.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING FEATURE

Why Strength and Resistance Training is For Everyone!

WORDS WILL BERTRAM – Membership Consultant, Planet Fitness Charlestown

Have you ever heard that strength training is just for bulking up and building those big muscles like Arnold Schwarzenegger?

Well if you haven’t been living under a rock for the past few decades, you’ve probably heard something along those lines.

In an era where we are surrounded by everything health and fitness, whether it be by social media or as part of our lifestyle, if you knew that there was a particular way to exercise that is proven to not only benefit your health but make you feel and look better all at the same time.

Would you do it? Well then, if you said yes, it’s time for you to try strength and resistance training. When we think of strength training, our mind immediately jumps to bodybuilding and huge muscles, but that’s not all it’s good for. Getting those big muscles is just one of the many beneficial by-products from this type of exercise.

And what’s important to know is that strength and resistance training is a very significant part of people’s health and has a multitude of benefits to individuals of all ages.

So, how does strength and resistance training help your health? How can it benefit you? Here are some of the oh so many ways it can help.

1. Let’s start with the obvious one – you get stronger and fitter. Strength training helps preserve and increase your muscle mass, strengthens bones and keeps your joints healthy, while also making day-to-day jobs easier.

Also, depending on your style of training, you will begin to see yourself look more toned and stronger. Who wouldn’t want that!

2. It boosts your metabolism and promotes fat loss. As strength and resistance training increases your heart rate, it results in the use of more calories as energy, thus promoting fat loss. Pair this with your favourite cardio and/or interval training, and you will be definitely burning some calories.

3. Develops your body mechanics. Your posture, balance and coordination can all be improved during strength and resistance training. Did you know that older people who 36 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

are involved in either strength or resistance training have a reduced risk of falling?

4. Mind and energy boost. Any form of exercise will heighten your levels of endorphins. These endorphins will raise energy levels and improve mood. These endorphins also enhance cognitive function keeping you alert and sharp and on your A-game.

5. Helps the heart. Strength and resistance training while as well as cardio, has the effect of improving blood flow and pressure, keeping the cardiovascular system strong and at a lower risk of heart disease and hypertension.

So, now that you’ve made the decision to incorporate strength and resistance training into your lifestyle; let’s get started on how to add it to your routine.

Obviously, if you have any health issues, be sure to consult your doctor first. But let’s start with the simplest and most cost-effective option. Use what you have! Use your body! Body squats, planks, push-ups, crunches just to list a few. These all rely on your bodyweight as resistance.

Now, if you’re willing to splurge a little, a gym membership is a great way to expand on what you’re already doing. Most gyms have a wide variety of equipment that gives you the ability to target specific muscle groups. Of course, bodybuilders use this to sculpt their bodies, but we can utilise this to target weak links in our bodies such as muscle imbalances or physical attributes. And if you’re scared, don’t be afraid to ask for help!

So, what are you waiting for? Get started on being healthier, happier and living a longer life!

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From the first images of your baby’s beating heart at your six-week pregnancy ultrasound scan, Clarity’s caring and highly trained staff are a part of your family’s health and wellbeing. Clarity offers the full range of pregnancy ultrasounds including nuchal translucency assessment, morphology and growth scans as well as 3D imaging of your baby. As they grow up, with a specialist Paediatric Radiologist as part of our team, there is no better place to entrust the care of your children, from a simple bump or break to childhood illnesses; Clarity can assist in their diagnosis and care.

Sports injuries are common in the young, but also the young at heart “weekend warriors”. Mishaps, injuries and accidents are all too common from our sports and recreational activities. Clarity not only can help your Doctor diagnose these with our state-of-the-art x-ray, ultrasound, CT and MRI scans but also help get you moving and back to play quicker if joint or spine injections are part of your pain management plan. You can trust our specialist musculoskeletal and sports radiologists, just like they’re trusted by our prominent local and national sports teams.

We all feel unwell from time to time, and unfortunately, our bodies age as we grow older. Imaging helps assess the health of all the organs in your body, from head to toe and everything in between! X-ray, ultrasound, CT and MRI scans can assist your Doctor in diagnosing many common ailments such as joint and back pain, brain, kidney, lung and heart disease. The dual-energy CT at Waratah even allows more accurate diagnosis of certain conditions such as gout and tumours. At Clarity, we make all this a pleasant experience with easy access to our clinics, ample parking, and friendly and professional staff. We have short waiting times and quick turnaround times with reports back to your Doctor the same day.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING FEATURE

Advances in

Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery WORDS DR STUART MACKENZIE

Over the 50 years since artificial joint replacement became available, there have been many advancements in technology. Over the same time, hip and knee replacement surgery has become increasingly common. With an ageing population, there is expected to be even greater need into the future.

So, what changes have happened in hip and knee replacement technology recently?

Direct Anterior Hip Replacement There has been a trend over the last few years to perform hip replacement surgery through the direct anterior approach.

Although the direct anterior approach has been around for a long time, it has become much more popular recently as equipment advances have made it somewhat easier to do a hip replacement this way.

It has been suggested that the direct anterior approach may allow faster recovery from surgery as the surgeon goes between muscles rather than having to split muscles or detach them from the bone. It has also been suggested that this may lead to a lower risk of dislocation of the hip replacement, which, although uncommon, is a potentially very serious complication.

Direct anterior approach hip replacement is not suitable for all patients, and other approaches for hip replacement are still excellent, very successful ways to do a hip replacement.

Robotic-Assisted Hip and Knee Replacement Although used in the USA for almost ten years, robotic assistance for hip and knee replacement has only been available in Australia for a relatively short time and is still only available at a limited number of hospitals and used by a limited number of surgeons.

The surgeon uses the robot during the operation to prepare the bone and position the artificial hip or knee. The purpose of the robot is to achieve more accurate positioning of the hip or knee replacement than can be achieved through traditional techniques.

Accurate positioning of the joint replacement parts is critical to the success of hip and knee replacement.

It may affect how long the hip or knee replacement lasts.

Poor positioning of the parts in a hip replacement can lead to dislocation of the hip and the need to redo the hip replacement.

Robotic-assisted surgery is currently available in Newcastle for total hip replacement, total knee replacement and partial knee replacement.

Partial Knee Replacement Unicompartmental (partial or unicondylar) knee replacement is suitable for some patients where only part of the knee is affected by arthritis. Up to one in 5 patients who need a knee replacement may be suitable for a partial knee replacement rather than total knee replacement The knee is made up of three compartments: medial, lateral and patellofemoral compartments. In a unicompartmental knee replacement, only the diseased compartment of the knee is replaced, and the remainder of the knee is left untouched.

In partial knee replacement the incision is smaller, and, unlike total knee replacement, no ligaments have to be removed. Recovery from a partial knee replacement is usually faster than for total knee replacement and knee function may also be better.

Partial knee replacement has been around for a long time. The popularity of partial knee replacement in Australia is increasing due to the availability of robotic-assisted surgery.

The Australian Joint Replacement Registry has reported that partial knee replacement done using robot assistance is less likely to fail early than a partial knee replacement done without robot assistance.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING FEATURE

HONEST

APPROACH To Plastic Surgery Pays Off

Are you tired of seeing photoshopped images of teenage models promoting cosmetic surgery?

If the answer is yes, then you are not alone! Local Plastic Surgeon, Dr Nick Moncrieff and his wife Amber are tired of it too and have taken a stand, only featuring real patients across their website, social media and even print ads in this publication.

“One thing we are very vocal about in our industry is the importance of honesty and reality in the images of women in the marketing of plastic surgery,” Amber Moncrieff, Practice Director said.

“For example, we refuse to use stock images of models in our marketing – unlike so many clinics in this industry, because we believe they are misleading and a negative force on body image.”

By way of example, our refreshed Hunter Plastic Surgery website is an industry first as it only features real patients across the web site.

“No misleading pictures of skinny teenage models here!” said Mrs Moncrieff.

Dr Moncrieff feels strongly about this issue, “plastic surgery is not for everyone, and I believe women should be given a realistic idea of what’s achievable.”

“If a woman wants to change something about her body, such as reduce the size of her breasts or repair tummy muscles damaged in pregnancy, then she should be able to. But images of models who have never even had surgery promotes negative body image and completely unrealistic ideas about what surgery can achieve.”

38 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

“We not only invest in beautiful images of our patients who are happy to share their journeys, but we also have hundreds of proper before and afters for prospective patients to review before they invest their time and money in a consultation. We pride ourselves on being very upfront, not only on our results but even with the total fees associated with surgery being outlined on our website.”

“Plastic surgery is not for everyone, and I believe women should be given a realistic idea of what’s achievable.”

A strong emphasis on reality in marketing, along with a dedicated focus on breast and body surgery, has paid off for Hunter Plastic Surgery with the team picking up ten global awards in 2019. They included the MyFaceMyBody Australasian Body Transformation of the Year and Global Practice Team of the Year.

“Those awards are more confirmation that our decision to focus exclusively on breast and body surgery for women has been the right one. We know we are very busy, but it is great to have global judges look under the hood of some many clinics across the world and decide we have something so special,” said Dr Moncrieff.

Amber Moncrieff explained, “we have now grown to be one of the most popular plastic surgery practices in Australia for women, with 45% of our patients travelling for more than 50kms for surgery with us, and half of them from more than 100kms away. It’s great to see those dollars invested locally, including at the three hospitals we operate in.”

“I think women are increasingly looking for surgeons who focus on a particular area of aesthetic surgery – and they are prepared to travel from right across Australia for the right person. In our case, that’s Dr Moncrieff!” Mrs Moncrieff concluded.

For more information, visit the Hunter Plastic Surgery web site at www.hunterplasticsurgery.com.au, or check out the Facebook and Instagram pages at @hunterplasticsurgery.

I chose Dr Moncrieff for my transformation after four babies and losing 40 kilos.

Follow ‘@HunterPlasticSurgery’ for more patient journeys

Breast Reduction and Tummy Tuck Patient

by Dr Nicholas Moncrieff RACHAEL, 28

HUNTERPLASTICSURGERY.COM.AU www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 39

HEALTH & WELLBEING FEATURE

Holistic Dentistry

What does it mean?

WORDS ALEX HUSZTI - BelleDental Alex has had a career focused on low-biologic cost reconstructive cosmetic dental care – common sense teeth for life.

The term “holistic” is like many words these days – it starts off standing for something, having a meaning that resonates with most people, and as its use becomes more widespread, the meaning of the word becomes diluted. Not slightly diluted – actually muddied and even somewhat ambiguous.

Holistic: relating to the whole of something or to the total system instead of just to its parts.

How does this relate to dentistry? What is HOLISTIC dental care?

Based on my reviews of marketing information, holistic dentistry appears to be largely about avoiding silver amalgam fillings, safe removal of silver amalgam fillings, sleep medicine (anti-snoring devices) and the engagement of allied health practitioners (such as chiropractors, physiotherapists and Bowen practitioners) that treat a multitude of “ailments” via their specialised field of knowledge. The balance of treatments offered by holistic dentistry is conventional dental interventions such as crowns, veneers, fillings, dental implants and dentures. I surmise that this is what I was referring to as dilution.

In reviewing the information surrounding holistic dental care, I believe in the following: 1. I don’t believe that amalgam is as toxic as it is portrayed. I haven’t used amalgam for almost 30 years – not because I think it is toxic – simply because the composite resin materials are a better choice of restorative material.

If you believe that you have a sensitivity associated with amalgam – the solution is simple. Have your amalgam restorations replaced with composite resin ones using rubber dam – rubber dam is freely available in any dental practice.

When placed competently, it reduces exposure to amalgam dust to virtually zero.

2. Sleep medicine is a legitimate medical speciality. If you suffer from this, get tested via an Ear Nose and Throat specialist who can advise you around both appliances as well as surgery.

3. Stress is a significant factor in our world. Everyone’s response to stress (and life in general for that matter)

is different. Our bodies don’t come with an instruction manual-part of the joy and challenge of life is to discover and understand ourselves – all ourselves – our physical, our emotional and our spiritual selves. This takes work. I once read that ‘life’ is irritable. It is this very irritability that drives us towards growth. Sometimes, what we perceive as stress (or discomfort), is our body’s awareness of the potential for growth – the ‘irritation’ associated with the stress is a signal to enter a ‘space’ that facilitates growth. Please note: I am NOT suggesting that allied health practitioners are quacks.

They are invaluable in assisting our learning about ourselves.

I have used them at pivotal points in my life, and yes, they have helped me. I’m just not sure what it has to do with dentistry.

4. I believe that minimal intervention is a primary tenant of any holistic care. There are still a significant number of dental techniques that carry a high biologic cost.

Cutting away healthy body tissues and replacing them with inferior ‘modern’ dental materials is NOT holistic. Holistic is about augmenting ourselves – not cutting away huge sound portions of ourselves. Instead, gently and thoughtfully removing those parts that have decayed or are chipped and broken and adding a repair that carries us forward. This kind of measured augmentation (in combination with our developing understanding) IS about being holistic. This is what I believe to be the fundamentals of modern dental care.

In summary, all health practitioners should be holistic.

Being holistic is not a speciality; it’s at the core of all medical and allied medical interventions. It facilitates growth in both the practitioner AND the patient. We’re living longer and have ever-increasing expectations of our physical being which can be supported thoughtfully and conservatively by the health profession.

Some Minimal Intervention, “Holistic” Approaches Do you have a loose tooth?

This patient suffered from a loose top front tooth that was getting looser with time.

A simple intervention involves the splinting of the 6 top front teeth with a metal splint, that affords stabalization and protection for the loose tooth. Eventually, the loose tooth was lost due to prexisting gum disease. We didn’t need to undo the splinting – just surgically remove the tooth root and leave the patient’s own tooth on the metal splint as their own false tooth. Simple, adaptable and I would argue... holistic.

Safe replacement of Amalgam Fillings with BelleDental CRC’s Often, teeth with old amalgam fillings are reccommended for crowns – the amalgam filling should be replaced before placing a crown. Why not do a single appointment safe removal of the old silver amalgam filling and replace it with a tooth-conserving belledental CRC? It has similar strength to a crown, saves valuable tooth structure – all at around half the fee of a conventional crown – and I would argue... holistic.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING FEATURE

Hunter Imaging Group

With Australian Healthcare Week (AHW) – the largest healthcare event in Australia coming up on 21 March, “customer experience” and the “digital transformation” of the industry have been touted as megatrends and are high on the agenda.

“With so much innovation and transformation happening at the moment it’s certainly an exciting time to be working in the healthcare space,” said Angela.

Launches New HIG Patient Online App

Say goodbye to storing those gigantic envelopes of printed film at home. And while you’re at it, you can also say goodbye to having to take scans with you to doctors, specialists and allied health!

Hunter Imaging Group (HIG) patients can now access their scans via the easy-to-use HIG Patient Online App. The app enables the immediate transfer of your scanned images, direct to your phone or preferred device.

“Being part of Sonic Healthcare, we not only have the latest technology and radiology expertise, but we also have highly secured online protection of patient data,” said Angela Le Rougetel, Business Development Manager for HIG. “The HIG Patient App supports a growing consumer movement of customers wanting a more efficient system of accessing and managing their own health records and scans. The move to digitisation has been driven by customer expectations of a more convenient experience.”

Hunter Imaging Group’s e-revolution enables customers to access their health scans at the click of a button. So far, they are the only local radiology company providing this technology.

“The Australian community has been clear about what it expects from healthcare services today and in the future…. They want better access to mobile digital health services.”

- Australia's National Digital Health Strategy Alongside digital access and customer experience, The Australian Medical Association (AMA) highlights that ‘the production of physical waste as one of the most discussed environmental by-products of health care.’

Global consumers are seeking companies that care about environmental issues. Hunter Imaging Group is one such company leading the way by digitising their scans for customers.

“We’re aware of our corporate responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint. The environmental advantages of becoming a filmless provider is important to us along with, of course, enhancing our customer experience,” said Angela.

“With nine out of 10 Australians concerned about sustainability, we’re proud to be contributing to the solution by reducing our waste and carbon emissions through digitalisation.”

Digital health is emerging to enable a more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable industry. By going digital and supporting the filmless movement the problem of destroying unwanted, old films will be a thing of the past.

HOW TO GET THE APP On arrival at Hunter Imaging Group, customers are asked if they would like to ‘go digital’ and subscribe to the app. The new HIG Patient Online App means that customers can access and share their scans such as MRIs, CTs, X-Rays and Ultrasounds on-line. HIG Patient is available on the App Store and Google Play. For more information visit: www.hunterimaginggroup.com.au

Simple, easy access via our Patient Portal App

GO digital

Access your images and reports online

• Quick, easy access to your X-Ray, MRI, Ultrasound etc. images—any place, any time • Share images and reports with your doctor, health provider, family and friends • Highly secure online network • Being “filmless” reduces our impact on the environment

Download the HIG Patient App from the App Store or Google Play, or visit patient.hunterimaging.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 41

MEET THE MAKER

MADAMS

By Maddison Adams WORDS CLAIRE BRADSHAW

We are local manufacturers of Concrete Retaining wall sleepers and Concrete Post and Rail fencing.

• Our RetainEase Concrete Sleeper Retaining wall system is fully Engineered to suit almost any retaining wall height.

• Our concrete sleepers are steel reinforced and come in a range of colours and styles.

• Our sleepers are guaranteed never to warp, twist, rot or be eaten by termites.

Contact Gavin or Rachael at RetainEase to discuss your retaining wall needs!

Visit our Showroom at Unit 1/58 Mitchell Road, Cardiff Ph (02) 4956 5269 • E info@retainease.com.au

For more information visit

WWW.RETAINEASE.COM.AU 42 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Summer is the season for platters. Cheese, charcuterie – even DIY pavlova platters, if you believe the online articles about what’s trending. But forget about what goes on these grazing boards: what about the boards themselves? If you need some beautifully unique serving ware in your life this summer, you can’t go past a gorgeous wood burnt piece by Madams Handmade.

Maddison Adams is the face behind Madams. Having recently completed a Bachelor of Visual Communication Design, the 22-year-old creates her range of handcrafted serving boards alongside her work as a freelance graphic designer.

Maddison has been an arty type for as long as she can remember: “I have always had a love and passion for creating,” she explains. “I always had drawing materials with me wherever I went from when I was a small child, and if I was at home I would be sewing. I just loved being creative.”

In fact, Maddison was such a prolific young creative that she had her first market stall at the tender age of twelve, selling handmade children’s clothing and accessories. She kept drawing, too, creating mandala patterns that she eventually started selling as prints – but this approach never felt quite right. And that’s where the idea of pyrography (woodburning) came into play.

“I wanted to take my drawings that used to only exist on paper and turn them into something permanent that could be used in everyday life,” Maddison explains. “I bought my first woodburner from Bunnings and just started practising on scrap pieces of wood.

You could say I fell in love with woodburning very quickly! I have created everything from phone cases to wooden spoons, serving boards and even leather key rings.”

Woodburning is a slower, more complicated process than drawing on paper.

It requires patience, precision and the steadiest of hands to ensure patterns are burned clearly and evenly into the wood.

Maddison creates every piece entirely freehand: “I simply turn on my machine, pick up the pen and start drawing. I just zone out and begin creating mandala patterns,” she explains. “This is what makes my serving ware so special – no two boards will ever be identical. It also gives me the freedom to add names and small messages to my pieces to create really unique gifts that can be cherished for years to come.”

And cherished they are. Every Madams Handmade creation is a piece of functional art, ready to be used in everyday life. As well as serving boards in an array of sizes, shapes and designs, Maddison creates trays, mini folding picnic tables and more – all of which can be customised with a personal message, name or date. “It is so exciting when people tag me in their posts and I get to see how they have used my serving ware,” Maddison says. “My art has been shared in so many special moments in life and it makes me smile every time I see it, from birthday parties and family gatherings to engagement parties and weddings.”

So what’s in store for Madams in 2020?

Well, with Maddison having finished her studies, she’ll be sinking all her time into creating products and growing the business.

“I currently have two new designs in the works, which will be released really soon – so keep your eyes peeled!” she reveals. “I am so excited to see where this year takes me. I feel incredibly lucky to do what I love every day.”

Check out Maddison’s stunning serving ware online at facebook.com/madams. handmade and on Instagram: @madams_ handmade. And if you fancy perusing the Madams product range in person, head to an upcoming Olive Tree Market (February 1 or March 7 at Civic Park, Newcastle) or visit The Birdcage in Hunter Street Mall.

TOP 4 TIPS

To Create the Perfect Cushion Combination WORDS LARA O'DONNELL – Tailored HQ

Cushions are one of the best ways to give your space a brand-new look, without breaking the bank. However, picking a killer combination of different patterns, hues and sizes that work in a cohesive way can often be a tricky task. Whether you’re decorating a casual living room or a more formal space, here are four simple tips to make sure you nail it every time.

1. CONNECTION – When you are selecting cushion combinations, make sure they all have some element that links them together and connects back to the overall style. Strong pops of colour and pattern can look great in a space when they link back with artworks, rugs or accent furniture. If they don’t link to anything – they can look a little odd.

A good idea is to create your ‘hero’ element – draw on existing colours within the space that you wish to highlight. Find a focal colour in an artwork or an accent furniture piece and then introduce, say, a velvet, or woven cushion in the same block colour and voila you have your ‘hero’ – now it’s time to make some connections!

2. TEXTURE – Mixing up your textures will allow the space to become more tactile and interesting. They can also be a good way to give some subtle contrast,

without leading too far from the original colour palette. A tone-on-tone palette using differing textures is always a winner to look at (and lay on!).

3. SCALE – When using multiple patterns in a look, ensure the scale of the actual pattern is different. If all of the patterns are small scale, then the overall look can become erratic. On the other hand, too many large-scale patterns will clash and fight for attention. You can mix and match patterns if they are of a different scale. Balance is key!

4. QUALITY – I am a firm believer in the idea that when it comes to items that are used close to the body, i.e. bedding, towels and cushions – the more you should invest in quality fabrics and workmanship. It is always money well spent, and the quality can have a lot of influence on the overall style and feel of the room. For example; washed or vintage linen feels soft and familiar; making it a great choice for larger cushions that you can lounge around on.

But, it can often give off a more casual, nonchalant air. If you are going for a more luxurious style, velvet has an undeniable glamour and elegance, as does a stunning silk, or embroidery.

Think about how you are going to use the cushion. A piece with beaded embellishments won’t be comfortable under your head, so these are often better on a bed instead of a lounge.

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.

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

www.tailoredhq.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 43

MOVING BACK IN If you’re feeling stressed from increasing life and financial pressures and thinking about moving back home, you’re not alone. In fact, many families are reconsidering their living options and moving in with their relatives: kids, parents, grandparents, all under the one roof.

Multigenerational living arrangements thought to be more commonplace in many parts of the world are quietly emerging in Australia.

Research from the UNSW City Futures Research Centre shows one in five Australians live in a multigenerational household. That increases to around one in four Sydneysiders who live with multiple generations of relatives.

Senior Research Fellow from the UNSW City Futures Research Centre, Dr Edgar Liu, studies the emergence of multigenerational housing in Australia. He says that housing affordability is one of the key drivers behind the growth of multigenerational living.

“You have young people who, increasingly, are unable to afford to leave home, and at the same time, you have [their parents and grandparents] experiencing perhaps similar financial stress,” Dr Liu says.

But while most families are entering into the arrangement for financial reasons, many choose to stay for the support. “‘We find that whether forced to live in the arrangement because of financial pressure or not, people like having their family around and having that companionship and support. It’s a way for families to stay connected and allows for greater intergenerational connections especially for the older generation, they can be closer to the family and spend more time with the grandkids.”

Transform Your Dreams to Reality with

Smith & Sons WORDS CLAIRE BRADSHAW

Home renovations can be equal parts exciting and stressful. Yes, a full renovation or extension project gives you the chance to live in your dream home (what’s more exciting than that?). But first, the project actually has to be designed, planned and completed (hence the stress). The only way to really ensure you’ll get the renovation results you want – without sending stress levels skyrocketing – is to bring in the professionals. And there’s no one more professional than the team at Smith & Sons Newcastle.

Owned by builder Tim Bates and designer Sally Royal, Smith & Sons Newcastle is there for every kind of customer – from those just beginning to think about a potential renovation, to those with a full set of plans who just need the right builder for the job. Tim has spent 20 years in the building industry, while Sally has 15 years of design experience in the retail market and has spent the past ten years in building design.

So it’s no surprise that their combined expertise leads to outstanding results.

Supported by a talented team of local suppliers and professional licenced tradespeople, Tim and Sally can guide you through any number of projects – from full home renovations and extensions to bathrooms, kitchens and decks, and much more. So what exactly can you expect when engaging the Smith & Sons team to make your renovation dreams a reality?

QUALITY BUILDER & RENOVATION SPECIALIST We are a local builder with an abundance of local knowledge. We have over 20 years experience in delivering home renovations, where our focus is always on quality, execution and beautiful finishes.

We enjoy working with our clients to ensure their vision, budget and plans become reality.

Your Dream. Our team.

Contact us today!

Call 0439 304 645 | E newcastle@smith-sons.com.au | www.smithandsons.com.au 44 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

“Clients can expect a local couple who are very much focused on delivering exceptional quality,” Sally says. “Tim and I review and discuss every aspect of each client’s project; every project is different. While we have been building for a long time, we are always learning and looking for better ways to provide the best quality outcome for our clients.”

Smith & Sons’ tried-and-tested three-step renovation process is designed to ensure you and your home are taken care of from start to finish. Step one is Design: a collaborative phase where your renovation goals and dreams are transformed into pen-and-paper reality. Tim and Sally take every aspect of your home and lifestyle into account, sitting down with you to discuss ideas, designs, materials, colours and every other possible detail to ensure your new space will be picture-perfect.

Sally explains: “We ask specific questions – why do you want to renovate? What was your driver? What type of building improvement are you looking for? What do you like about the home currently? What is your inspiration – Hamptons, midcentury modern, coastal? Or is it a practical necessity, such as needing more space for a new baby, or needing a granny flat because your parents are coming to live with you?”

After initial discussions, it’s on to step two: Plan. This is where things get technical, ensuring the proposed construction will be strong, safe, compliant and within budget. “We like to work with clients to ensure their vision can be delivered within their budget. Our estimating system is comprehensive, and specifications are very detailed,” Sally explains. “For some clients, this is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, or they have saved up a long time to do their renovation, and we respect that. We like to deliver well at every stage of a project, and it starts by providing a detailed execution brief and specifications.”

After this, it’s time for the last and most exciting step: Construct! This is the moment you’ve been waiting for – design and planning coming to life as the construction process kicks off. “Tim is technically driven and always focused on quality execution,” Sally says. “For me, it’s about getting onsite and working with our trades to ensure the finish I want for our clients is delivered – they are going to use the finished product every day, and it should be a delight.”

If you’re ready to take the leap and transform your home with the help of Smith & Sons, call 0439 304 645, email newcastle@smith-sons.com.au, or head to www.smithandsons.com.au for more information.

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HAND FORGED WROUGHT IRON • EXCLUSIVE DESIGNS UNCOMPROMISING QUALITY Specialising in artistic restoration and new works, Danish born RenÊ Rasmussen has the blacksmith’s skill to restore and recreate the style of yesteryear in many creative and varied forms.

Former blacksmith and farrier for the Queen of Denmark Former blacksmith and farrier for Carlsberg breweries Traditional Danish Family Blacksmiths since 1784 619A Medowie Road, Medowie Ph 4981 7174 | M 0402 190 835 E cosyiron@optusnet.com.au www.cosyiron.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 45

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