Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and Hunter Valley | INTOUCH MAGAZINE DEC & JAN ISSUE

Lambton Charlestown Belmont

difficult not to be inspired by the

behind Newcastle's favourite art entrepreneur, Mitch Revs, or to be uplifted by his life-affirming coastal artworks that have become synonymous with Newcastle's surf and skate culture. Mitch's art reflects all the things he loves in life, and we're pretty sure they're designed to put a smile on your face!

We caught up with Mitch this month ahead of his latest exhibition, The Long Way Home, which opens on 3 December and features a collection of hand-painted works that draw from childhood memories. One hundred per cent of the proceeds from this exhibition will be donated to the John Hunter Children's Hospital. Read more on page 28.

Global hit musical Come From Away is on its way to Newcastle, with the worldwide smash hit and awardwinning musical launching at the Civic Theatre in February. It's Broadway's 49th longest-running musical in history, with the true story behind the musical providing audiences with a feel-good side-story to one of the darkest days in modern history.

Based on the incredible real-life events in the wake of 9/11, Come From Away is an inspiring musical about unity and kindness in adversity. It is an uplifting story of hope and humanity, and you can read it in full on page 20.

In this issue, packed to the brim with Holiday reading, we also take a trip to the Hunter Valley. Not only is it Australia's premier wine region, but it's also right in our backyard –the perfect place for a day trip, a weekend or a mid-week getaway where the pleasures of eating and drinking are celebrated daily! Read more from page 38.

It's certainly been a year full of challenges, but we all got through it together! We look forward to 2023 and another year of sharing some of our favourite people, places and local businesses with you. We are part of your community and love sharing all the great things about living in the Hunter. So from our families to yours, we wish you a restful Christmas and a fabulous 2023.

Catapult Dance - Transforming the Dance Scene

Dazzling Display Delights Kids {Big & Small}

Come From Away - A Story of Hope and Humanity

Mitch Revs - A Mashup of Creativity & Passion

Jamala Wildlife Lodge - Experience the Unforgettable!

Finding Communities with Purpose

Summer in the Hunter Valley

Art & Wine Combine at Destination Winmark

On Tour with The Kid | So This is Christmas

Unearthing Skills in The Hunter

Community News | What's Happening in Your Community?

ON THE COVER

With murals dotted about the city, a gallery on Hunter Street and products that range from calendars and jigsaw puzzles to coffee cups, stubby holders and beach towels, it's art that's identifiably his and designed to put a smile on your face. A big thank you to Mitch for providing this month's cover, which also happens to be Mitch's 2023 Calendar cover. Read more on page 28.

WHAT'S ON in November

December and January

SATURDAY 5 NOVEMBER

WE MAKE EVERY EFFORT POSSIBLE TO BE CORRECT, HOWEVER EVENTS DO CHANGE. PLEASE CHECK INDIVIDUAL EVENTS ONLINE BEFORE PLANNING.

WE MAKE EVERY EFFORT POSSIBLE TO BE CORRECT, HOWEVER EVENTS DO CHANGE. PLEASE CHECK INDIVIDUAL EVENTS ONLINE BEFORE PLANNING.

complete without a visit from the man himself, and, as in years past, the night will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display that is sure to delight and amaze. For more information, visit www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au

■ Bitter & Twisted Boutique Beer Festival at Maitland Gaol. Get together with like-minded people to celebrate three great things – music, food and, most obviously… beer. There will be over 80 craft beers on show, an eclectic range of music and entertainment, as well as delicious food choices from all over the world. For more information, visit www. bitterandtwisted.com.au

■ Meet Me in St. Louis, playing at Rathmines Theatre Enjoy the 1944 musical romance Meet Me in St Louis to celebrate the silly season. A classic romantic musical comedy that focuses on four sisters on the cusp of the 1904 St. Louis World Fair. The film commences at 6:30pm; for more information or to book, visit www.lakemac.com.au

▼ Vera Blue at Civic Theatre, Newcastle. The metamorphosis of gifted folk singer/ songwriter Celia Pavey into the electro-pop powerhouse Vera Blue has been as visually electrifying as she has been musically scintillating. Watch the incredible artist perform at the Civic Theatre. To book, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

■ WWYW Fundraiser Ball at Newcastle City Hall. What Were You Wearing Australia is a community-based organisation that provides education, advocacy and awareness of sexual violence. Get set for a night full of live music, special guest speakers, presentations, food and an open bar! For more information or to book, visit www.eventbrite.com.au

FRIDAY 2 DECEMBER

FRIDAY 4 NOVEMBER

■ 9 Squadron Rathmines at Rathmines Theatre. A remembrance for a 9 Squadron plane and all crew that were lost with HMAS Sydney in November 1941. 9 Squadron flew from Australian cruisers nationally and internationally during WWII, and were stationed at Rathmines during much of the war. Gold coin donation upon entry. For more information, visit www.lakemac.com. au/Events-directory/Council-events/9Squadron-Rathmines

■ Women’s Comedy Showcase at Newcastle Comedy Club. Enjoy a night of the funniest women in comedy right in the heart of Newcastle. Grab the girls and swing by Newcastle Comedy Club for some after-work laughs. In collaboration with Rat Klub Comedy, Newcastle Comedy Club presents a monthly showcase of the best and brightest female acts from Sydney, Newcastle and all over! For more information or to book, visit www. eventbrite.com.au and search for Women's Showcase.

■ Come Together is an orchestral tribute to the Beatles, performing at the Civic Theatre. All your Beatles favourites performed by a 28-piece Symphony Orchestra and conducted by George Ellis. Featuring Special Guest Vocalists Jason Singh (Taxiride), Darren Percival, Glenn Cunningham, and Dave Wilkins! For tickets, visit www. civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

■ Carols in the Park at Cessnock Showground from 5pm. Country music star and local resident Tara Naysmith returns to the Carols stage in 2022 as host. Santa’s Little Helpers – a 14-piece big band, comprised of talented musicians from across the Hunter – are also back for another year of musical magic under the guidance of Musical Director Greg Paterson. Of course, the night would not be

SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER

Croatian Wickham Sports Club Co-Op. Higher Ground will create a new world for you to explore through good tunes by Newy's finest DJs and art on a variety of levels!

■ Lake Mac Open Studios at Lake Macquarie. This is a biannual event, running from 5-6 November, that allows local artists and makers to throw open their studio doors to

■ Kitty Flanagan LIVE at Civic Theatre Newcastle. You’ve seen her on Fisk, Utopia and Have You Been Paying Attention? She wrote a best-selling book called 488 Rules for life. But now, after a year at home drinking hand sanitiser and tonic, Kitty Flanagan is

DISTILLER'S FLIGHT SPIRIT & COCKTAIL EXPERIENCE AT MCGUIGAN WINES

For the spirit and cocktail enthusiasts who are looking to try something new! Sample the best of our new spirit selection and find your favourite flavour. This guided tasting

the general public. Visitors are also able to purchase unique artwork to take home. To plan your Open Studio weekend, visit www. lakemac.com.au/Events-directory/Councilevents/Lake-Mac-Open-Studios

finally back on stage doing what (she thinks) she does best - solving the world’s problems. All of them. For more information or to book, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

SUNDAY 4 DECEMBER

■ Wellbeing & Mystic Festival at Speers Point park, from 9:30am-3:30pm. This family-friendly event will hold over 60 stalls of unique well-being and spiritual services. For the young at heart, you will find a range of activities on offer, including interactive African drumming and children’s yoga. For more information, head to www. wellbeingandmysticservices.com/festival

▲ 2022 Newcastle Toy Run and Family Day at Stockton/Wickham Park. Help bring joy and hope to families in need this Christmas by being a part of this fantastic community event. Get along to Wickham Park to welcome the riders and enjoy an exciting Family Day. There’s so much to do, see and get involved with, from face painting and kids’ rides to market stalls, food trucks and live music. Every toy donated ends up under the Christmas tree of a child or teenager in need who would otherwise go without on Christmas morning. Entry to the event is FREE and un-ticketed. Just bring your Christmas spirit! For more information, visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au

TUESDAY 6 DECEMBER

■ Dean Lewis - Sad Boi Winter Tour at Civic Theatre Newcastle. Dean will electrify the audience with his ‘Sad Boi Winter Summer’ tour. After losing his voice and having to take a break. His show has been rescheduled to 6 December. For more information, visit www. civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

■ Newcastle Pride Fair Day at Gregson Park, Hamilton. Newcastle Pride is back with their annual signature LGBTQIA+ all-inclusive fair day, hosted by special guest Miss Danni Issues. This free family friendly all-day event includes: Youth & Meet-up Tents, glamorous drag shows, non-stop performance art, live music, Doggywood Parade, children’s space, food vans, mixed retail stalls, LGBTQIA+ community stalls, The Red Torquettes, and so much more. For more information, head to www.newcastlepride.com.au/newcastlepride-2022-festival

includes pours of gin, vodka, liquor creams, espresso, cosmo's and more, this is a not to be missed flavour experience!

Cost: $15 pre-paid reservations for parties of 1 – 20 people. Visit www.mcguiganwines.com.au and click on Visit Us to book.

Kitty Flannagan Live

Carols in the Park

FRIDAY 9 DECEMBER

■ Deck the City Halls at Newcastle City Hall. Newcastle Pro Wrestling brings its worldclass, explosive action back to Newcastle City Hall for “Deck the City Halls 2022". Featuring championship matches, tag team action, women’s wrestling and much more, tickets from $30. For more information or to book, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

SATURDAY 10 DECEMBER

▼ Lago di Mac – Lap of the Lake at Thomas H Halton Park at Croudace Bay. Get along to this inaugural festival and celebrate all things Italian around the gorgeous shores of Lago di Mac. A day to enjoy three of our favourite loves – family, food, and fine Italian automobiles and motorcycles. Thomas H Halton Park at Croudace Bay will showcase local produce - coffee, Italian food, artisan stalls, amazing gelato, an Antipasto and Aperol Spritzer zone, live music and games for kids and families to enjoy! For more information, visit www.lakemac.com.au

■ James Morrison and the James Morrison Quartet at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music. Toronto Brass proudly presents world renowned jazz musician, James Morrison, performing with the James Morrison Quartet. Don’t miss this unforgettable night filled with fantastic music. For more information or to book, visit www.trybooking.com.au and search for James Morrison.

SATURDAY

Jessica

SUNDAY 4 DECEMBER

Yours Truly The Cambridge Kazzie Argenton Hotel

Josh Drinkwater Beach Life Newcastle SLSC

FRIDAY 9 DECEMBER

Project X Royal Federal Hotel

SATURDAY 10 DECEMBER

Rolling Sets The Entrance Memorial Park

Blues Bros Rebooted Broughtons at the Bay

SUNDAY 11 DECEMBER

■ Lake Mac Carols at Speers Point Park. This free event will feature kids’ activities along with food trucks, roving entertainment and a jam-packed main stage program from 5pm8.30pm. For more information, visit www.lakemac.com.au

■ Carols at the Bay 2022 at Fly Point, Nelsons Bay. Carols at the Bay is a community carols event that includes performances from local primary schools, performing arts students, community groups, and entertainment. For more information, visit the First National Carols at the Bay Facebook page.

SUNDAY 11 DECEMBER

Bobby C Honeysuckle Hotel

TUESDAY 13 DECEMBER

Midland Bar on the Hill

WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER

Nick Cave and Warren Ellis Civic Theatre Newcastle

THURSDAY 15 DECEMBER

Amy Thatcher and Francesca Knowles The Old Coal Yard

SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER

Nick Roberts Albion Hotel

SATURDAY 31 DECEMBER

■ Medowie Christmas Carnival at Ferodale Park. Hosted by 2NURFM presenter Todd Sergeant, with a special performance from Megan Spiller and the Studio band, Medowie Christmas Carnival will feature a range of children’s rides, amusements and showbags, carefully-curated artisan market stalls, gourmet food vendors, live music and entertainment as well as activities involving local schools, dance and community groups, local businesses, Christmas carols, Santa and much more! For more info, visit the Medowie Christmas Carnival Facebook page.

■ A Merry Little Christmas at The Levee Maitland. Once a season, The Levee Shared Zone hosts a small fair with select market stalls from the local region. Santa will be joined by his elves to enjoy kid's activities, food, beverages and gift stalls. Bring the whole family along to get all your Christmas shopping done, or visit one of your favourite cafés or bars. For more information, visit www. thelevee.com.au

WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER

■ Much Ado About Nothing playing at Civic Theatre Newcastle. Artists, celebrities, and royalty have visited the legendary family-

The Levymen Belmont 16’s

WEDNESDAY 4 JANUARY

Formidable Vegetable Royal Exchange

SATURDAY 7 JANUARY

Amends Cambridge Hotel

SUNDAY 8 JANUARY

The Black Sorrows Toronto Hotel

FRIDAY 13 JANUARY

Adam Newling Cambridge Hotel

SATURDAY 21 JANUARY

Steve Kilbey Wickham Park Hotel

SUNDAY 29 JANUARY

Plini The Stag & Hunter Hotel

A Merry Little Christmas at The Levee

WHAT'S ON in December and January

Bublé and Frankie Valli, The Vallies present a vibrant, all-singing, all-dancing show to get you into the Christmas spirit. Tickets include a three-course Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, a drink on arrival, and The Vallies Christmas show. Cost is $125pp. For more information or to book, visit www. broughtonsatthebay.com.au

SATURDAY, 17 DECEMBER

run Hotel Messina on the Italian Riveria. But when the owner’s daughter weds a dashing young soldier, not all guests are in the mood for love. Screening from 7pm-9pm. For more information or to book, visit www. civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

FRIDAY 16 DECEMBER

■ Long Lunch with Johnathan Thurston at The Crown & Anchor. Join us at The Crown & Anchor Hotel for an intimate long lunch with non-other than NRL superstar Johnathan Thurston. Tickets include a two-course meal and a three-hour beverage package (beer, wine and soft drink). There will be auctions on the day and the chance to purchase VIP Meet and Greet packages. For more information or to book, visit www.eventbrite.com.au and search for Johnathon Thurston.

■ Christmas Show with The Vallies at Broughtons at the Bay. Bringing to life all your favourite Christmas classics, including songs by Bing Crosby, The Drifters, Michael

■ Interface | Presented by National College of Dance at Civic Theatre Newcastle. For the past ten years, National College of Dance has brought incredible collaborations of all styles and genres to our stages. This year is no exception, this time collaborating with their dancers to create an incredible dance spectacular, bringing together the dancers’ ideas, choreography, music, costumes and subject matters. This show is not to be missed, as it puts all the dancers' amazing inspirations on the stage. For more information or to book, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

atmosphere of live music in the heart of Hunter Valley wine country at the home of Australia's largest purpose-built outdoor winery concert amphitheatre. For more information, visit www.hopeestate.com.au

WEDNESDAY 21 DECEMBER

■ JD’s World of Christmas Magic at Cessnock Performing Arts. JD's World of Magic is back with a brand-new show to remind us of the 'magic' of Christmas. International awardwinning magician Joel Howlett will delight audiences in this interactive spectacular, which includes magic, puppets, audience participation, and lots of festive fun - a treat for the young and the young at heart! This is a FREE family event, but bookings are essential. For more information or to book, visit www. cessnockperformingartscentre.com.au

■ The Killers at Hope Estate. The Killers will perform an outdoor performance at Hunter Valley's Hope Estate. Live music is back, be sure to secure your tickets as this show is not to be missed! Come and soak up the

THURSDAY 22 DECEMBER

■ Good King Wenceslas, A Christmas Musical at Civic Theatre Newcastle. By popular demand, the Grainery Church presents the

The Vallies

return of ‘Good King Wenceslas’, an original musical based on the story of the much-loved Christmas carol. The story tells of the sainted king who trekked into the snow with his fool by his side to find and rescue a starving peasant from the bitter cold. Tickets from $10, with shows on 22 and 23 December. For more information or to book, visit www. civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

SUNDAY 26 DECEMBER

■ Boxing Day Bash at Shoal Bay Country Club. Santa has been and gone, and the presents are all open. Now it’s time to party! Shoal Bay Country Club is throwing the Bay’s biggest Boxing Day bash with a massive line-up of live music from 2:30pm and DJs till late. The drinks will be cold, the vibes will be high, and entry will be free all day and night. For more info, visit www.shoalbaycountryclub.com.au

a relaxed 3hr cruise around the harbour as they cruise the bay and explore the inlets along the way. Enjoy a beautiful night on the water as you dine on a three-course meal, live entertainment with Karen Soper, and a cocktail available for purchase from the bar. For more information or to book, visit www. moonshadow-tqc.com.au

SATURDAY 31 DECEMBER

■ Underground Disco New Year’s Eve at The Grand Hotel Newcastle. Throw on something spectacular and join us for an evening of disco with DJ’s Tone, Disco Dan Phelan, Old Spice, plus special guests. For more information or to book, visit www. thegrandnewcastle.com.au

■ NYE Party – All Access Punk’d at Cardiff RSL Club. Let’s rock in the New Year with a bunch of Pop Punk and Emo hits from the 90s/00s! Come and rock out with the All Access Punk tribute! For more information www.cardiffrsl. com.au

SATURDAY 21 JANUARY

▼ Paint & Pot Workshop with Wayde Thomas at Playstate Curate. Jump in for a Paint and Pot Workshop, run by local artist Wayde Thomas, as you paint funky, fun, and cool designs onto terracotta pots. Choose a cute succulent from The Prick Store's selection to finish off your pot nicely. BYO optional. All materials supplied. Cost $55. For more information or to book, visit www.humantix. com and search for Paint & Pot Workshop.

SUNDAY 26 DECEMBER

▲ Australian Jazz Convention at Newcastle City Hall. The AJC is an annual gathering for musicians and jazz lovers to celebrate their music. While the focus is on traditional or “Dixieland” jazz, the convention is open to groups playing swing, mainstream, bebop, modern, funk, and other jazz genres. Since 1946 the convention has been hosted by different cities and towns across Australia. It is held from 26 to 31 December, culminating in a New Year’s Eve jazz event. For more information, visit www. australianjazzconvention.org.au

SATURDAY 31 DECEMBER

■ New Year’s Eve Eats ‘n’ Beats Cruise 2022 at Moonshadow – TQC Cruises, Nelson Bay The perfect New Year's Eve night out on the water. Board Moonshadow-TQC Cruises for

SUNDAY 8 JANUARY

■ Elton John | Farewell Yellow Brick Road at McDonald Jones Stadium. Elton John – the most successful performing male solo artist of all time will be performing in Newcastle for his final tour, with shows on 8 and 10 January. For more information or to book, visit www. ticketmaster.com.au

THURSDAY 19 JANUARY

■ Cosentino | Decennium at Civic Theatre Newcastle. Australia’s world-renowned entertainer and International Magician of the Year, Cosentino, celebrates ten years as Australia’s most successful magician, illusionist, and escape artist with his brand new, 90-minute live show Decennium, the greatest hits tour. For more information, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

SUNDAY 22 JANUARY

■ Operation Ouch | Not for the Squeamish at Civic Theatre Newcastle. TV’s favourite doctors return to Australia this January with a brand-new show! Following three sell-out Australian tours and two smash-hit seasons in London’s West End, Dr Chris and Dr Xand are back! This brilliant show will be packed with all-new crazy experiments, mind-blowing illusions, and amazing facts as the doctors explore the fascinating world of biology and show you the incredible things your body can do. It’ll make you laugh and gross you out! For more information or to book, visit www. civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

THURSDAY 26 JANUARY

■ Australia Day Newcastle Harbour Swim Jump in for either the Single Crossing (700 m) from Stockton to Queens Wharf Quay or the Double Crossing (1400 m) from Queens Wharf to Stockton and back. All ages welcome, cash prizes and plenty of FUN! If it hasn't been on your Local Challenges or Bucket List, put it there now. Jump in for the only legal swim across our amazing working harbour. For more information or to book, visit www.oceanswims.com/event/newcastleharbour-swim-classic

Australia Day Newcastle Harbour Swim

> SUN 11 DECEMBER, 3PM – 8:30PM AT SPEERS POINT PARK

Lake Macquarie City Council is proud to present a spectacular evening of entertainment, as we count down to Christmas at the Lake Mac Carols.

The free event will feature kids activities along with food trucks, roving entertainment and a jam-packed main stage program from 5pm-8.30pm including a special visit from Santa!

Organise friends and family and celebrate the festive season under the stars!

We remember and respect the Ancestors who care for and nurture the Country. It is in their footsteps that we travel these lands and waters. We acknowledge the Awabakal people and elders past, present and emerging.

Find the full schedule and more information at www.lakemac.com.au

MULLETFEST GRAND FINAL

This is it, the showdown the whole country has been waiting on since 2018! So who does have Australia's best mullet?

Organisers have spent 2022 searching far and wide for the most luscious locks. Beginning at Summernats in Canberra, Rockhampton, Perth and Alice Springs.

DECEMBER & JANUARY MARKET GUIDE

■ Newcastle City Farmers Market at Newcastle Showground, 7am-1pm

SUNDAY 4, 11, 18 DECEMBER

SUNDAY 22, 29 JANUARY

■ Port Stephens Christmas Market at Nelson Bay Foreshore, 4pm-8pm

SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER

■ Christmas Twilight Markets at Gregson Park, 3pm-8pm

TUESDAY 6 DECEMBER

■ A Merry Little Christmas at The Levee, 10am-2pm

SUNDAY 11 DECEMBER

■ Warners Bay Markets at Warners Bay Foreshore, 9am-2pm

SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER

SATURDAY 21 JANUARY

■ Lake Macquarie Farmers Market at Stockland Glendale, 7am-1:30pm

SATURDAY 3, 10, 17 DECEMBER

SATURDAY 21, 28 JANUARY

They went mullet hunting in Dubbo and found the most unique mullets in Glenreagh, and the cutest junior mullets in Albury and Murrurundi. They have now gone full circle back to Kurri Kurri, where they began for the finale. There will be a Mulletfest Parade with the heat winners from around the country, after which the winners from all categories will be crowned. Come along to this familyfriendly event and gaze at the lusciousness of Australia's best mullets. For more information, visit www.mulletfest.com.au.

LAKE

MUSIC IN THE PODIUM AT WARNERS BAY FORESHORE

> FRIDAY 16 DECEMBER

THEN EVERY FRIDAY UNTIL 31 MARCH

An evening of Christmas entertainment is set to inspire the Christmas spirits of the Lake Mac community on Friday 16 December. Music in the Podium is an iconic Lake Macquarie event that has run continually for 25 years. It’s the perfect setting to unwind on a Friday evening as the sun sets across the lake while you catch up with friends and family, listening to a fantastic mix of popular covers, rock, jazz and blues. The free community event will run every Friday evening until March 31. All nights are weather permitting and there is a two-week break over Christmas and New Year. Music in the Podium is a free family and community event. For information on who will be gracing the stage each Friday and to stay updated, head to the Music in the Podium Facebook page

KEITH URBAN WITH SPECIAL GUEST BIRDS OF TOKYO

>

MONDAY 12 DECEMBER AT NEWCASTLE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

Australian country music legend Keith Urban returns home to Australia for his ‘The Speed of Now’ world tour. It marks Urban’s first performances in Australia for more than two years and will be the first chance that fans will have to see him perform songs from his number 1 tenth studio album. Urban’s shows are power packed with an energy and showmanship that gives him the unique ability to touch every soul in the audience from the first note to the final confetti drop. Supported by Birds of Tokyo, ‘The Speed of Now’ world tour is shaping up to be one of the year’s most anticipated tours. For more information or to book, visit www.ticketek.com.au

ELTON JOHN | FAREWELL YELLOW BRICK ROAD

> SUNDAY 8 AND TUESDAY 10

JANUARY AT MCDONALD JONES STADIUM

McDonald Jones Stadium welcomes Elton John for his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour! Elton John, arguably the most successful performing male solo artist of all time, has added four Australian 'encore' performances to his epic run, with new shows announced for Newcastle, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Elton embarked on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour in 2018, and after two years of COVID interruptions is back on stage. Make sure to grab your tickets for Elton's final performances! For more info or to book, visit www.ticketmaster.com.au

> SATURDAY 28 – SUNDAY 29 JANUARY

Prepare yourself for two days packed full of family fun! Lake Mac Festival is back in 2023. With events spanning almost the perimeter of the Lake, this is a community event like no other. The weekend will kick off with a free family breakfast at Thomas H Halton Park, Croudace Bay, from 8am until noon, with a variety of local community groups cooking up a storm, family-friendly entertainment, activities, and face painting. On Saturday evening, enjoy activities at Warners Bay Foreshore, Belmont, Rathmines, Swansea, and Toronto that will bring fun for the whole family to enjoy! Live Music, food trucks and other exciting activities will be available to all, as well as a fireworks spectacular held across the Lake at 9pm. Don’t miss this incredible community celebration! For more information, visit www.lakemac.com.au

> TUESDAY 24 JANUARY AT CIVIC THEATRE NEWCASTLE

Andy Day is fascinated by all creatures - big and small, existing or extinct. And now, visiting theatres across Australia during the January school holidays, he's on a mission to thrill and entertain in this live adventure. He'll have some help, too - from familiar faces, new friends and hopefully you! Written and directed by Phil Gallagher (Mister Maker), this show is full of laughter, music, interactive games and many surprises. This family production will entertain everyone with its creature chaos and educational fun. For more information or to book, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

WHAT'S ON CHRISTMAS 2022

HUNTER WEDDING EXPO > SUNDAY 15 JANUARY AT NEX NEWCASTLE

Planning your big day or just wanting to gawk at the dresses? Hunter Wedding Expo will be pulling out the stops to showcase all of its wonderful vendors at the first of two expos for 2023. Come along and browse an amazing selection of wedding professionals and participate in workshops. Get inspired to make your wedding even more perfect. All registered couples will have the opportunity to participate and win 1 of 2 $1,000 prizes drawn on the day. For more information, visit www.hunterweddingexpos.com.au

21ST JANUARY

HOLIDAY ADVENTURE IDEA

NEWCASTLE’S TRUE CRIME TOUR

Take a walk on the dark side. Dig deep into Newcastle’s hidden past as this grand old town’s skeletons beg to come out of the closet. Revisit the scenes of the crimes of yesterday and uncover the unimaginable deeds of Novocastrians from the dark past. Be seduced by the murky world of fraudsters, adulterers and impersonators. Walk along with the guide and learn all the stories the city tried to forget. For more info, visit www.darkstories.com.au

Catapult Dance Transforming the Dance Scene

WORDS LIANE MORRIS

Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub is fast transforming the local dance landscape in the Newcastle, Central Coast and Hunter regions through its innovative approach to professional development, collaboration, and multi-disciplinary contemporary dance and arts practice, gaining national and international reach and recognition of excellence.

"In the past year alone, we've employed artists across all our programs on 162 professional contracts and held over 60 performances and events," said Cadi McCarthy, Catapult Founder and Artistic Director.

"We've engaged both professional and emerging artists and helped to develop, present and produce 37 new works in addition to running our residency programs, intensive workshops, masterclasses and community classes."

Highlights of 2022 include:

• Drift – Commissioned as the opening performance of the new MAP MIMA venue at Lake Macquarie.

• Scar – A dance on-film exhibition commissioned by The Lock-Up and created by Cadi McCarthy & Ashley de Prazer.

• The Awkward Tour – an accessible contemporary dance-theatre production for audiences across regional NSW.

• Terra Firma – QL2 and The Flipside Project Collaboration – Canberra, creating a new work, Shifting Ground, directed by Cadi McCarthy.

• Connecting Stories – Collaboration Australian Dance Party, Catapult, QL2 & The Flipside Project – a new cross-generational, crossregional project.

• Sue Healey Dance on Film QL2 Canberra and The Flipside Project

• Human Remains at Maitland Regional Art Gallery - with choreography by Omer Backley-Astrachan.

• At The Beach – celebrates our iconic beach culture and family camping holidays through dance, text, gesture and thigh-slapping wit.

• Jasmin Sheppard Propel Choreographic Residency

• Grappling For the Edge – New Annual Festival and Civic Theatre Subscription Season

• Creations: Deborah Kelly – New Annual Festival

• Faultlines: Mikayla Nangle, Jack Tuckerman & Hamzah Mas – Propel Choreographic Residency in partnership with The Lock-Up.

With 2022 not quite over, there is still plenty of dance to enjoy over the summer, with the next event being the Catapult Film Event on Saturday, 17 December, featuring films Meeting Place, Alumni and Dance Terrain. Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com.au.

Early in the new year, don't miss At the Beach at Map Mima: Lake Macquarie, Friday, 13 to Sunday, 15 January. Tickets will go on sale soon. And if you're inspired, sign up for classes in 2023.

Catapult is supported by The Australian Council for the Arts, and Create NSW.

IT’S A JAM-PACC’D YEAR AHEAD!

2022 was quite the year for Cessnock Performing Arts Centre (CPAC), with a record number of sell-out shows and the opportunity to finally present all of the performances postponed thanks to the pandemic. 2023 looks set to be a similar bumper year for the Hunter Valley venue with the opening of a new purpose-built gallery and artist workshop spaces, and the official launch of their exciting new name: PACC (Performance Arts Culture Cessnock)

PACC’s 2023 Season: Act One has officially launched and is jam-packed with infinite theatrical talent and explosions of dance and humour. The season kicks off with the return of Soft Tread Productions and their new show, The Wharf Review: Looking for Albanese, starring actor, writer and director Jonathan Biggins (best known for The Wharf Revue and, most recently, his one-man show The Gospel According to Paul).

Things get a little stinky in April thanks to CDP Kids and

their production of the hit show Mr Stink, a play by Maryam Master based on the book by David Walliams. Wild Thing in May celebrates friendship with a thought-provoking story for our times - funny and poignant, equal parts comedy and tragedy.

Back by popular demand, the Victorian State Ballet is set to share the enchanting and muchloved tale for all ages Beauty & The Beast, while June sees perennial favourites Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow roll into town with a whole lot of laughs.

As always, there’s a feast of tribute bands for music lovers looking to relive the golden days of rock and pop – the Robertson Brothers, the Australian Bee Gees Show and Bohemian Rhapsody, to name but a few.

PACC is situated on the corner of Vincent Street and Aberdare Road Cessnock. For a complete list of what’s on at the venue, visit their website at www.mypacc. com.au.

WHAT’S ON

Lake Mac Carols

11th December

A spectacular evening of roving entertainment, kids activities, food trucks and a special visit from Santa as we count down to Christmas

A Speers Point Park

Friday Night Foodies

Every Friday from 5-8pm

Enjoy the art and a local wine or beer, with a different gourmet food vendor each week.

A Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima

Lago di MacLap of the Lake

10th December

Celebrate all things Italian around the gorgeous shores of Lake Macquarie. A fun family day out to enjoy food and fine Italian automobiles.

A Thomas H Halton Park, Croudace Bay

Lake Mac Art Prize

Until 11th December

Discover works by artists from across Australia reflecting the theme ‘The Vessel: contained within and moving between’.

A

Museum of Art and Culture, yapang

Please note that events may be subject to change at short notice.

Discover more of what’s on in Lake Mac at lakemac.com.au/whatson

Dazzling Display Delights Kids {Big & Small}

The Southern Hemisphere's largest lights display, Christmas Lights Spectacular, is back this year with a dazzling display of over 3 million lights. The on-switch has been flicked and will run through to Australia Day (26 January 2023).

The mesmerising display encompasses 5 of the 14 hectares of breathtaking gardens. With brand-new immersive features that the entire family can enjoy, Hunter Valley Gardens will bring your favourite Christmas delights to life, making it the perfect destination for the whole family.

This year, Christmas Lights Spectacular will welcome several new additions, including a giant illuminated Santa, a 14m tall Christmas Tree, brand new LED 12 Days of Christmas display, to name just a few. In addition, photos with Santa will be available until Christmas Eve, and a sparkling fireworks display will light up the sky on New Year's Eve at 9pm.

The kids will be able to post a letter to Santa and enjoy Kid's Carols every Saturday and Sunday in December until Christmas Eve.

Hunter Valley Gardens' famous rides will be available every

night of the event and include a spectacular 35-metre-long super-slide for the bold and daring, accompanied by an incredible ferris wheel for those who want to relax and take in the view. Swing chairs, a traditional Venetian carousel and spinning teacups will make it an unmissable event.

Visitors can explore the world by wandering past some of the world's most famous landmarks, including the Taj Mahal, the leaning Tower of Pisa, the Colosseum and many more. For those indulging in a romantic getaway, the Lover's Tunnel will be the perfect spot to create cherished memories this festive season. Or bring along your friends to explore the vastness of the Gardens while taking great photos.

Guests won't go hungry during the festivities, with a delicious selection of food and beverage stalls, including woodfire pizza, Mexican and a dessert tent.

Gates will open at 5:30pm and will close at 10:30pm, with the rides open from 6pm until 10pm. For more details on Christmas Lights Spectacular, tickets and program, visit www.hvg.com.au.

in

world

by David Gray Musical Director Kieran Norman

Come From Away

A Story of Hope and Humanity

READ ONLINE

WORDS LIANE MORRIS

GLOBAL HIT MUSICAL COME FROM AWAY IS ON ITS WAY TO NEWCASTLE.

PRODUCERS

RODNEY RIGBY AND JUNKYARD DOG PRODUCTIONS ARE BRINGING THE WORLDWIDE SMASH HIT, TONY AND OLIVIER AWARDWINNING MUSICAL TO THE CIVIC THEATRE FROM FEBRUARY 18 2023.

Producer Rodney Rigby says Come From Away has been bringing audiences to their feet in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast since its opening in Australia in July 2019.

“Come From Away is Broadway’s 49th longest-running musical in history, and we’re delighted to bring this special production to Newcastle next year.”

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes experienced Come From Away at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre last month and was thrilled to announce the award-winning musical would be making its way to Newcastle.

“This is a spectacular Broadway theatre production and a major coup secured by City of Newcastle that is sure to enhance the cultural life of our city for Novocastrians and visitors this summer,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Major events are a clear economic driver, and Come From Away will be a significant drawcard for our city that will provide considerable benefits for Newcastle’s visitor economy.”

Based on the incredible real-life events in the wake of 9/11, Come From Away is an inspiring musical about unity and kindness in adversity. Set in Gander, Newfoundland (an island off the far north-east coast of Canada), where 38 planes carrying nearly 7,000 people from over 100 countries were redirected during the traumatic event, almost doubling the population of the remote Canadian town, it captures the generosity and hospitality of the small community, who invited the “come from

aways”, (a local term for anyone not born on the island), into their homes. It is an uplifting story of hope and humanity.

Award-winning writers and husband and wife duo David Hein and Irene Sankoff travelled to Newfoundland and interviewed thousands of locals, turning their stories into an inspiring musical to share with the world.

When 9/11 hit, the two writers were living in New York City (NYC) in a residence for international graduate students.

“It was a phenomenal time,” said David.

“We had a cousin who worked in the towers and thankfully escaped, but everyone was affected by the events. There were about 700 grad students in our residence from about 110 different countries, and everyone came together, helping each other out. Neighbours knocking on doors, people sharing food and really looking after one another. It had a profound effect on us.”

The couple met on their first day of university. David has a degree in Theatre, Set Design and Lighting, and Irene has a degree in Creative Writing and Psychology. Irene grew up with a love of musical theatre, and David was passionate about folk and rock music. Their first show together was My Mother’s Lesbian, Jewish, Wiccan Wedding – a true story, about David’s mother, the pair created as a show for the Fringe Festival in 2009 in order to spend more time together in Toronto, Canada. It was a hit and got picked up by one of Canada’s big producers.

When the couple heard about what had happened in Gander, Newfoundland, it resonated with them and their experiences with the international community of their grad school in NYC.

“When we heard about what had happened in Gander, it felt like our story. We’d already experienced our connection between

international citizens in the face of tragedy, and we could feel the potential. We applied for a grant that enabled us to spend a month in Newfoundland, during the 10th anniversary of the events, recording the stories from the people who lived it.”

It is important for people to understand that this is not a story about the tragedy that was 9/11 so much as it is a story about hope and humanity. There were 9,000 people living in Gander when 7,000 people from all parts of the world descended on the remote little town completely unexpectedly after their planes were rerouted.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) made the decision to shut down its airspace when 9/11 happened, forcing over 4,000 planes to land at the nearest airport. Inbound flights from Europe were diverted to Canada. A total of 38 aircraft were diverted to Gander with the passengers then temporarily relocated to the small town and its surrounding areas. They were welcomed into the homes and hearts of the locals for five days. Come From Away is the story of these people, both the locals and the ‘come from aways’, and how they touched each other’s hearts and changed each other forever.

“The people of Gander and Newfoundland are extraordinary. It’s a strange place where people kiss fish, drink weird alcohol and leave their homes unlocked. They made us completely welcome. During our one-month visit, they would leave us the keys to their homes, lend us their cars, walk away and tell us – ‘just feed the cats.’ They are natural-born storytellers, and they are all musicians. The folk music of Newfoundland is a special passion of mine, and it’s in the DNA of everyone who lives there.

“Newfoundland is a cold, giant rock in the middle of the ocean, and they survive through kindness and music. They hold kitchen parties where everyone hangs out in the kitchen to keep warm, telling stories and playing music.

"AUDIENCES WILL DEFINITELY CRY AT THIS SHOW, BUT THEY’LL BE TEARS OF LAUGHTER. IT’S FAST, FUN AND THEATRICALLY DELIGHTFUL.”

Planes on the tarmac in Gander, Newfoundland after

Come From Away writers, David Hein and Irene Sankoff

We hope that Come From Away is like a Newfoundland kitchen party bought to the stage and shared with the world.”

“We tried to tell the stories of everyone who was there – that’s 16,000 stories! Our first draft was hundreds of pages long. We developed the piece through readings and workshops throughout Canada and North America, constantly tweaking and talking with the real people behind the stories. Every character on stage is inspired by several people we interviewed. Unlike many other stage shows, the stories are not just about the people who come to the new environment and how they

are changed. It is also about how the locals are changed by the experience too. It’s not an us and them story – it’s about all of us.”

Nowhere is this more true than in the music featured in the show. With so many nationalities represented, the music becomes a metaphor for community. It’s infectious, hummable and forms the life and heart of the production, with 90 per cent of the show to music that represents the musical influences of the whole world, but with a core of Newfoundland folk music.

The Musical Director of the Australian production is Michael Tyack AM. Michael has been involved with major musicals, including

Cats, Phantom of The Opera, Les Miserables, Miss Saigon and many others. He has worked as Musical Director on shows including The Boy From Oz (original production and the arena tour), The Witches of Eastwick (Green Room award winner), Mary Poppins (Green Room and Helpmann award), and too many others to mention. In 2020, Michael was honoured as a Member of The Order of Australia (AM) for services to the Performing Arts.

“The music in Come From Away keeps the pace driving forward,” says Michael.

“We have a band of eight on the stage with the drums out the back because his set-up is too big to be on stage. There is a strong purpose to every song, a lot of detail in the singing and more dynamics than usual. It’s the most integrated show I think I’ve ever seen. The dodhran (the Irish drum) forms the heartbeat of the show, and there are instruments at play that we are not used to seeing in the orchestra pit – fiddles, whistles, uilleann pipes (Irish bagpipes), mandolins, and I’ve had to learn how to play the button accordion. And we can’t forget the ugly stick, a traditional Newfoundland instrument made from a mop screwed into a boot with bottle caps attached – very similar to the Australian lagerphone.”

“I’m looking forward to bringing the show to Newcastle. I think this is a show that the people of Newcastle will relate to, as a town that has been impacted by issues that bring people together, like the earthquake and the closing of the steelworks. In addition, Newcastle has great facilities, and hopefully, if we are successful here, it will encourage other big productions to include it on the circuit.”

Actress Zoe Gertz who plays Beverley Bass and Others in the show agrees with Michael.

“I’ve got lots of friends in Newcastle, and I’m really looking forward to doing the show there. Hopefully, it will inspire others to bring full-scale musical productions to Newcastle and be a positive outcome for the local arts scene,” said Zoe.

As a member of the original Australian company of Come From Away, Zoe’s performance has seen her nominated for “Best Performance in a Lead Role” at the Sydney Theatre Awards and the Green Room Awards. A graduate of WAAPA (B.A. Music Theatre), her theatre credits include Ilona Ritter in She Loves Me, Enid Hoopes in Legally Blonde the Musical, the original Australian & Singapore company of Wicked, the Witch in Into the Woods, Les Miserables, Fiddler on the Roof, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Kiss Me Kate, The Pajama Game, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Camelot, Georgy Girl, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Big River, as well as co-writing and performing in cabaret shows

The first female captain for American Airlines, Beverley Bass.

in Sydney and Perth. Zoe loves the part she plays in the show.

“Beverley just so happened to be the firstever female captain for American Airlines and one of the pilots that had to reroute to Gander. She still flies today, and she’s an inspirational leader and powerful human being. The fact that she’s still alive and I get to portray her is such

a privilege. There aren’t a lot of strong female empowerment roles in musical theatre, so I love my role,” said Zoe.

“The whole show moves people so profoundly. When the applause hits, it’s like a wall of sound that hits you on the stage. I’ve never known anything like it. It’s magical. Everyone remembers where they were on 9/11,

and it affects people on a really personal level.”

When the musical premiered in Melbourne in July 2019, it began a love affair and took the city by storm. Enjoying months of standing ovations and universal acclaim, it went on to break box office records to become the most successful production in the Comedy Theatre’s 94-year history.

"IT'S NOT AN US AND THEM STORY

– IT'S ABOUT ALL OF US."

The outstanding ensemble includes Kyle Brown, Zoe Gertz, Manon Gunderson-Briggs, Douglas Hansell, Kat Harrison, Joe Kosky, Phillip Lowe, Joseph Naim, Sarah Nairne, Natalie O’Donnell, Emma Powell, David Silvestri, together with Kaya Byrne, Jeremy Carver-James, Noni McCallum, Michael Lee Porter, Alana Tranter and Jasmine Vaughns.

With book, music and lyrics by David Hein and Irene Sankoff, Come From Away is directed by Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley, choreographed by Olivier Award winner Kelly Devine (Rock of Ages, Diana), with music supervision by Ian Eisendrath (A Christmas Story, Diana), scenic design by Beowulf Boritt (Rock of Ages, Be More Chill), costume

design by Toni-Leslie James (Jelly’s Last Jam), lighting design by Howell Binkley (Jersey Boys, Hamilton), and sound design by Gareth Owen (Diana, A Bronx Tale).

Come From Away won the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical (Christopher Ashley) and four Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical, Best Theatre Choreographer (Kelly Devine), Best Sound Design (Gareth Owen) and Outstanding Achievement in Music. Since its Australian premiere in 2019, the production has added five Green Room awards, including Best Production and Best Ensemble, to its award tally, along with being voted Ticketmaster’s ‘Ticket of the Year’ by Australian audiences.

Co-author David Hein believes that the show does particularly well in Australia because we are so similar to Canadians.

“There were Australians trapped in Gander, and one of the flight attendants was an Australian. Australians and Canadians don’t just have the British royal family in common; we’ve also got a similar sense of humour. I think we deal with tragedy by being kind to each other and telling jokes. Audiences will definitely cry at this show, but they’ll be tears of laughter. It’s fast, fun and theatrically delightful.”

Tickets for the Newcastle season at Civic Theatre are on sale now. To purchase, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.

Hummingsong Community Choirs will present Newcastle’s own sisterhood of song, Sundara and Meraki choirs, at Hunter Theatre on Wednesday, 14 December, in support of local women’s community shelters through Nova for Women and Children.

Hummingsong Community Choirs are a network of 17 women’s choirs, with over 850 members, situated across locations within Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle and Melbourne. Founded by Artistic Director Anna Humberstone in 2012, the choirs offer women a vibrant opportunity

to sing for fun and nourish their souls.

Committed to raising both awareness and funds for women and children escaping domestic violence, the choirs raise funds through events and concerts and, in recent years, have raised over $300,000 for women’s refugees.

The choirs have been supported through the generosity of the Hunter School of Performing Arts (HSPA), which has assisted with the venue, set up and ticketing. Tickets are available from www. trybooking.com/cdmen and are $20/adult and $15/concession.

Merrily We Roll Along

> 4-18 FEB 2023 AT NEWCASTLE THEATRE COMPANY – 90 DE VITRE ST, LAMBTON

This much-loved Sondheim musical is a Broadway fable about friendship, fame, and the high price of success.

The story is told in reverse. It begins with three close friends – a composer, a lyricist and a writer - at their lowest point – jaded and unhappy despite their fame and wealth. Then, it tracks back through their lives to end up 20 years earlier, at the very beginning, when their youth, talent and enthusiasm promise to change the world.

The creative team is headed by long-term friends David Gray (director) and Kieran Norman (musical director). Choreography is by classically trained dancer Jade Shearman. The show features three of the Hunter’s leading young music theatre performers: Zac Smith, who recently appeared in Opera Hunter’s The Last Five Years; Freddy Hellier, who was in Metropolitan Players’ Jersey Boys; and Chiara Patalano, who has a degree in Music Theatre from the prestigious Australian Institute of Music (AIM). For tickets and more info, visit www. newcastletheatrecompany. com.au.

Mitch Revs

A Mashup of Creativity & Passion

being diagnosed, I was probably neurodiverse, and I struggled to find my place after school."

Mitch's first foray into art as a career began when his friends started getting tattoos. He invested in a tattoo machine from eBay (which he doesn't recommend as a safe thing to do) and started experimenting on himself.

"I have the scars on my legs as a constant reminder of how my journey began," he laughs.

"I ended up getting an apprenticeship at Mystery Ink on Hunter Street, which I loved, and then I moved up to Byron Bay and worked out of my home doing a lot of tattoos for a lot of bikies. It was all dark stuff, skulls and the like, no colour, and I was getting sick of it."

"It was around that time that I started struggling with anxiety, and my dad encouraged me to find something more positive to do with my life. It was a really big drinking culture; I was partying too hard and hanging with the wrong sort of crowd – drinking to mask my anxiety. Dad asked me what I liked – surfing, skating, the coast, colour, drawing, and suggested that I simply mash them up into one new thing – to do what I enjoy. And it just kind of happened naturally. I developed this new style right around the time Insta kicked off, I started to document my creative process, and before I knew it, I'd entered a whole new world of collaboration with brands and making art."

Mitch has embraced sobriety and hasn't had a drink for three years, and it's been an incredibly productive time for him. He almost never stops working and is passionate about making art.

"If it was my last day on earth - I've told my family this - I would spend half of it with them, and then I'd have to spend half of it just making art. I was born to do this."

WORDS LIANE MORRIS

It's difficult not to be inspired by the story behind Newcastle's favourite art entrepreneur, Mitch Revs, or to be uplifted by his lifeaffirming coastal artworks that have become synonymous with Newcastle's surf and skate culture. With murals dotted about the city, a gallery on Hunter Street and products that range from calendars and jigsaw puzzles to coffee cups, stubby holders and beach towels, it's art that's identifiably his and designed to put a smile on your face.

Mitch's art reflects all the things he loves in life, and he credits his grandmother for instilling a love of colour and form into his world at a young age. His parents split when he was just three years of age. His father and grandfather ran Resevsky Engineering out of the family home in Merewether Heights, and his mum

worked two jobs. Much of his time was spent with his cousins, in the care of his grandmother, who would use art, drawing and craft to entertain her young charges.

"We used to sit up at the dining room table, colouring in and drawing, we even did crotchet," remembers Mitch.

"We did a little bit of everything, and there was always the pool too. They are the best memories. I love where I grew up, and I'm so grateful that it wasn't a digital childhood."

Despite his success in business and art today, ironically, he failed both subjects at school.

"I've always had a busy mind and am easily distracted. My family were intellectuals, so it was hard for me. The only subject at school that I excelled at was creative writing in English, where I could explore my own visions and create new worlds. I think that despite never

Mitch established a small gallery space on Hunter Street primarily because he needed somewhere to hang his art and try to sell it. It was a small space that had been vacant for some time and, as such, was reasonably priced. As his popularity increased, he was able to employ someone to help him, which is where his PA and Brand Development Manager, Kelly Williams, comes into the story.

"Kelly has been incredibly valuable and formative for the business. She came from a custom framing and printing background, so we now have the skillset to offer custom framing and high-quality art printing services for artists. Those first few years, every penny I earned went into the purchase of high-spec equipment so that we could offer these services with confidence and not scrimp on quality. It was one of the things that used to drive me nuts. As an artist, I was always looking for better quality,

consistent printing, mounting and framing so that I could sell my artworks and present them in the best possible way. But, unfortunately, it's tough to find and can get extremely expensive. So now we do it all in-house, offering those services at reasonable rates to make it easier for other artists."

This idea of giving back is central to what Mitch does. The workshops he offers for children, teens and adults are about trying to recreate that dining table creative experience from his own childhood – a chance to share in the pursuit of creativity and to teach that it is possible to make a living from your art.

"The whole idea of the starving artist is bullshit. If I hadn't had a creative grandma, what would I be doing now? People disregard the creative arts as a viable career option, and I'm here to tell you that that's wrong. If I can inspire kids so that they look back and remember how

good it felt to create, to open their eyes to the possibilities of art making, then I'm happy."

And let's not forget that art-making can simply be fun. Mitch also offers Pinot & Picasso workshops for adults and hopes that it helps people to reconnect to their inner child.

"About 50% are super excited about their artworks, and the other 50% rave about the wine!"

With so much going on for the artist, there have been lots of highlights in his life and career of late. Career-wise, being one of just three artists nationally to be chosen to adorn the iconic Vegemite label on their 95th anniversary to sum up the 'taste' of Australia was unbelievable. There was a little bit of panic by the artist before he came up with the answer.

"It tastes like the outback, the ocean, the road trips. It feels like our youth, the summer sun and endless fun. A sign of good times, good

company and salty memories. I wanted this job more than anything in the world."

But undoubtedly, the absolute joy of his life is his partner Emily and their gorgeous twins Bobbi and Bodhi. The couple has only just announced their engagement now that both Emily and the babies have recovered from a premature birth that was a difficult time for the young family.

"Emily is an amazing person, and I love her to bits. We knew all along that childbirth might be difficult for her due to medical issues, so when she fell pregnant naturally, we were stoked. Both my mum and my dad have twins in their family, so I guess we shouldn't have been surprised. At 26 weeks Emily wasn't well and had to go to hospital. At 30 weeks and one day, little Bodhi had stopped growing, and they had to birth them and put them in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at John Hunter Hospital. They spent about ten weeks in NICU, which is an amazing place. Bodhi was born at just 700 grams, and his sister was 1.5kg. I can never repay them for the wonderful work that they did in helping my little family survive and thrive. It's all sunshine and rainbows now!"

Mitch's latest exhibition, The Long Way Home, opens on 3 December and features a collection of hand-painted works that draw from childhood memories. The works in this series offer interpretations of playful creativity. The objective to emphasise—that we are born creative and how we can reconnect with our childhood freedom of expression to remind ourselves of what we have learnt along the way. Overall, the series invites the viewer to reflect on their own journey and remember simpler times, before the internet and screens, when all we had was a piece of paper and a crayon. One hundred per cent of the proceeds from this exhibition will be donated to the John Hunter Children's Hospital.

Mitch is not big on planning for the future, he prefers a more organic approach, but in 2024 it will be ten years since his first exhibition, so until then, he expects to create as much work as he can.

"I never know what's going to come out of my brain. I guess my work may change a little with a greater reflection of my family, perhaps, and new things always come up - new collaborations. I just want to enjoy the early years of my kids' lives, keep my business steady and keep the colour coming!"

Mitch and Emily with their twins, Bobbi and Bodhi Image by Kobe Benton

Image by Sean Fox

When the Shoe Fits

WORDS PAM DAVIES

Too often, good foot health is overlooked as an integral part of our overall well-being. Ensuring our kids maintain healthy, well-supported feet throughout their growing years is essential to reducing their risk of foot problems in later life.

Ivor Davies, owner and manager of Davies Shoes Mayfield, understands the importance of good quality, well-fitted shoes and ensures precise measurement and fitting are central to every footwear purchase for your child.

Ivor recommends having your children’s feet accurately measured at the start of each school year.

“Children spend over 30 hours a week in their school shoes, so expert fitting is vital,” Ivor said.

As stockists of Clarks Premium school shoe range, Davies Shoes takes care to match each child’s feet to the most suitable style, ensuring correct length, width and maximum growth room without compromising fit and support.

With quality leather uppers and durable soles, Clarks Premium school shoes are hardwearing whilst allowing feet to breathe. They also come in six different widths as well as half sizes, allowing the expert fitters at Davies Shoes to ‘fine tune’ for the best fit possible.

The staff at Davies Shoes is also highly experienced in fitting ‘challenging feet’ and are well known for stocking back-to-school footwear that can accommodate the very narrow to the extra wide foot. “Shoes that pinch or slip are not providing the support essential for good foot health,” Ivor said.

Clarks Premium school shoes are also well designed to fit orthotics and arch supports where needed.

“Shoes need to be supportive and deep enough at the heel to maximise the efficiency of orthoses,” said Ivor, whose years of experience working closely with podiatrists and physiotherapists have further added to the wonderful reputation of Davies Shoes.

Word-of-mouth recommendations see a constant stream of customers, both familiar and new, visiting the store. Appreciative of the knowledge and understanding of their footwear needs, successive generations of families continue to shop at Davies Shoes where customers’ needs are always the priority.

Norwegian designed furniture that delivers world leadding comfort. Motion home theatre suites, Nordic Recliners and fixed sofas, all available in your choice of fabric or leather. Try the range in store today.

2023 Horoscopes

STAR OF THE MONTH

CAPRICORN

22 DECEMBER – 19 JANUARY

Not all years are created equal, and if you don't have the support of the great cosmic providers, there is only so much you can accomplish. That was your financial reality for much of last year. However, everything changes as Venus sidles into your money sector in early January. Slowly but surely, this agreeable planet will prepare a very welcome financial package all of your own. As Capricorns surge forward, your directness will win you many favours. February through April prompts yet another change of direction. After June, you're ready to tackle this crazy world on new terms. Your own.

AQUARIUS 20 JANUARY – 18 FEBRUARY

As an Aquarian, you love being uniqueso you'll love the amazing events coming your way this year. Just don't become too smug. Even though you may be riding waves of optimism, the currents could be unpredictable, so pay attention to details. Also, be prepared to jettison old baggage for new opportunities. Money shouldn't be too much of a problem. So if you're prepared to work hard, you can play hard as well.

PISCES 19 FEBRUARY – 20 MARCH

If money and possessions are your priority, a generous Jupiter now promotes a substantial increase in cash flow. At times it could even seem you're blessed with the Midas touch. Although it may not be a huge windfall, your financial circumstances could greatly improve. If your values are more spiritual, then expect personal growth in this area. Of course, there's no reason why it can't be a combination of the two.

ARIES 21 MARCH – 20 APRIL

This is a jewel of a year for determined Ariens. Your mind is sharp and better able to grasp abstract ideas. Being a trailblazer, you're in your element when put in charge or when facing demanding deadlines. Would you have it any other way? Maybe. A little

extra romance would ease the pressure. Look to sexy Venus, who provides recreation in the bedroom. Discretion is needed if you choose an illicit path.

TAURUS 21 APRIL – 20 MAY

As Jupiter moves through your sector of subconscious and psychic sensitivity over the next year, Taureans learn about the mystic dimensions of their lives. If you feel more spiritually protected - you probably are, and if you need to be taught or healed, a guardian angel or new mentor will be close by. The really lovely news? If and when you truly need help, it's likely to arrive - sometimes from the most unexpected sources.

GEMINI 21 MAY – 21 JUNE

Sometimes it's hard to stay motivated. Even so, it doesn't hurt to acknowledge your talentsespecially in moments of doubt. You know your true potential, and now's not the time to downplay it. There's a financial flavour to 2023, with enough interested forces ready to boost your cash flow. It also wouldn't hurt to spruce up your image - others will be drawn to your new look and magnetic charms.

CANCER 22 JUNE – 22 JULY

Benevolent Jupiter has progressed into your career sector, so what seemed unattainable in the past should move closer within reach. At last, long-held ambitions can be fulfilled, even if some obstacles still need a bit of a determined nudge. But don't over-correct by eagerly taking on more than you can handle. Keep your good sense about you. In matters of the heart, singles could literally bump into someone from the past.

LEO 23 JULY – 22 AUGUST

Jupiter is happy in the 9th house, its natural placement. So if you've suffered any self-doubts, this positive planet's influence should help you get back on track. This next year can also have a powerful maturing influence - a time of personal and spiritual growth. Expect some beneficial contact with those living overseas - so listen up when you hear an interesting accent. You may also move house this year, perhaps long distance.

VIRGO 23 AUGUST – 22 SEPTEMBER

Whether in business or pleasure, it's all systems go. Basically, you can do most of what you want. Even so, expect the occasional drawback.

Success often happens when preparation meets opportunity. This year, it's good fortune that prevails but remember - prepare for all possibilities. A similar theme applies to your love life. There's a good chance of finding your karmically-linked soulmate.

LIBRA 23 SEPTEMBER – 22 OCTOBER

Logic and instinct have had their differences lately, but they finally reach a truce, resulting in peace of mind. Through 2023, many Librans find themselves in an emotional state of grace, almost bordering on spiritual ascendancy. Friends and family could also have something special in store for you, so trust them. But as old habits die hard, trusting someone else's plans may take getting used to. Succumb and enjoy.

SCORPIO 23 OCTOBER – 21 NOVEMBER

Ambitious Jupiter encourages serious breakthroughs at work. Though you might still be feeling a tad overworked and underpaid, throughout 2023, recognition and rewards seem inevitable. Business travel is also likely, as is an increased cash flow. The biggest threat, however, seems to be extravagance. As more cash arrives, there seems to be little chance of it accruing interest.

SAGITTARIUS

22 NOVEMBER – 21 DECEMBER

You're good at making money, Sagittarius. Even more so this year. Splitting expenses will help, as does an untapped new source of incomewhich means you could end 2023 feeling much more financially comfortable. Playful Jupiter also sparks a plethora of pleasurable appetites. Your capacity for personal enjoyment expands, as could your waistline. Just don't overdo a good thing—everything in moderation.

TANYA OBREZA

Tanya was born in Slovenia 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 wideranging international following, mostly due to her reassuring, down to earth presence.

ASTROLOGER TANYA OBREZA ON WHAT’S IN YOUR STARS IN 2023

intouch contributor

E A T

D rin k

Jamala Wildlife Lodge Experience the Unforgettable!

Jamala Wildlife Lodge is nestled within the grounds of one of Australia's most interactive zoos, the National Zoo and Aquarium in Canberra. It boasts 18 luxurious 5-star, African lodge-inspired rooms set across three different accommodation precincts.

This luxury escape is specifically designed to get you up close and personal with some of the zoo's best-known residents. Jamala won the Australian Hotel Association's award for best de-luxe accommodation in Australia.

Jamala Wildlife Lodge is an all-inclusive experience where guests are treated to exclusive behind-the-scenes zoo tours. They encounter some of the lodge's most famous residents, such as rhinos, lions, tigers, giraffes, monkeys and meerkats, for an unprecedented opportunity to connect with and learn about these incredible animals.

Outstanding fine-dining culinary offerings complete your lodge stay, featuring sunset canapés and drinks, a gourmet Africanstyled four-course dinner with fellow guests and a freshly prepared breakfast. These are all often accompanied by some very special visitors and are the perfect complement to this once-in-a-lifetime accommodation adventure.

uShaka Lodge

The cornerstone of Jamala Wildlife Lodge is uShaka Lodge, filled with stylish and luxurious furniture and African artefacts and artworks, whilst in the company of the curious and captivating Colobus Monkeys and the graceful inhabitants of the 200,000-litre shark tank.

Jungle Bungalows

Guests can choose to spend the night within the habitats of some of the world's most amazing animals. The Jungle Bungalows provide guests with the unique opportunity to bathe alongside Sun Bears, sleep next to a Lion, check out a Cheetah or admire a Tiger from the 5-star comfort of their African-inspired bungalow as they get to know these beautiful creatures in the most personal and intimate way.

Giraffe Treehouses

The six Giraffe Treehouse suites allow guests to mingle with the friendly animals which reside in a private garden setting. Enjoy panoramic views of the Molonglo River from the balconies while meeting and hand-feeding the resident giraffes!

At Jamala Wildlife Lodge, guests are invited to immerse themselves in one of the most unique experiences in the world and take on the thrill of a wild African safari, making it a truly remarkable accommodation experience.

For more information and bookings, visit www.jamala.com.au, email info@jamalawildlifelodge.com.au or call (02) 6287-8444.

Lodge

Hyatt Hotel

Wildlife

Finding Communities with Purpose

Community is more than just sharing a common goal, living in the same region or having similar interests. A meaningful community gives its members a sense of belonging and purpose and offers a safe and encouraging space.

A great example of community is the one Surf Getaways have created for female surfers over the years. Their female coaches and founders created a community for

beginner women in the industry where one didn't exist, and now have a thriving following in their Surf Clinics and Surf Holidays.

To allow more women worldwide to benefit from this community, the team has just developed and released a new Online Community platform. This unique space is available for existing members and women around the world to connect, watch fitness videos, get surf tips, participate in events and access exclusive content to support their life journey no matter their age, location or background and regardless of if they surf or not.

So if you're looking for something different and to be part of a community of like-minded, adventurous women from all over the world, sign up today from only $49. Or grab a VIP membership for $99 and receive $775 in discount vouchers for international tours and activities. Sign up herewww.surfgetaways.com.au/ community.

SEAFOOD the Ultimate Christmas Treat

WORDS FISHERMAN'S CO-OPERATIVE NEWCASTLE & SWANSEA

With all the rain in the leadup to Christmas, this year has seen one of the best School Prawn seasons with abundant catches of good size Stockton Bight School Prawns earlier than normal and then Myall Lake School Prawns putting in a welcome appearance midNovember.

Of course, what people really want piled high on the Christmas table are Australian King or Tiger Prawns. This time of year, the new season South Australian King Prawns are a slightly paler cold-water prawn. They have a unique sweetness compared to prawns caught on the east coast and, when thawed gently overnight in the fridge, never disappoint. Fresh Farmed Queensland Tiger Prawns are robust in flavour and dark red in colour and are a breeze to peel with no need to devein.

Rain is great for prawns but not so good for oysters. They’ll be in short supply through December, but luckily there are great substitutes, with Victorian

Scallops on the half shell, grilled with garlic butter in the Webber.

Pressed for time? Get them stuffed with extra scallops and mornay sauce or with prawns, garlic and chilli. They make everything fancier.

Want to splurge? You can’t beat Eastern Rock Lobster. These Lobsters from the Bay or Newcastle are the best eating Lobster in the world due to their unique diet of mostly sea urchins. Sustainably trapped and tagged, they come in a range of sizes to suit most budgets.

Looking for a wow factor with your Christmas Feast? Whole BBQ Australian Atlantic Salmon or Barramundi with ginger and shallots is a picturesque piscatorial delight. Both beauties should be in bountiful supply.

For the real foodies, there is smoked salmon, salmon caviar, West Australian pickled octopus and a terrific array of Australianmade sauces, Pukara Estate Vinegars and olive oils, OZ Tukka herbs and spices and Bunsters Hot Sauce.

For some great recipes and Christmas opening hours visit www.fishcoop.com.au

READ ONLINE

Mouth Vodka is a small family run business that specialises in Shimmering Vodka and Gins – handcrafted from only premium and organic ingredients. We boast full �avour with a long smooth �nish in every sip of our Vodkas, Gins, and Liqueurs. We try to show even the non-spirit drinkers that with our products its di�erent, that it is smoother and overall a more enjoyable experience than our competitors.

If you love wine and food, you've come to the right place! It's Australia's premier wine region, where the pleasures of eating and drinking are celebrated daily. This beautiful region and renowned foodies' paradise has been built on more than 185 years of dedication to the craft of winemaking, resulting in the production of many world-class wines. However, there is

more to the Hunter Valley than wine, and with a choice of luxury accommodation, delicious dining options, stunning views and a seemingly endless selection of gourmet delights, the Hunter is the perfect short break and romantic getaway.

For generations, people from all over Australia and the world have travelled to

the Hunter Valley to experience the region's exceptional food and wine experiences - its greatest asset.

With a range and quality of produce that is second to none, combined with a rich history going back to the 1830s, the Hunter Valley has become not just Australia's oldest wine region but a leader in wine and food tourism. Combined with its relatively mild climate, the Hunter Valley's food and wine experiences lead us outside to enjoy some of the world's finest flavours against a backdrop of stunning beauty.

Stepping inside the restaurants, renowned for their exciting food, warm hospitality and magnificent locations, is a chance to experience the culinary creativity of some of the best chefs in the country, if not the world. Visiting a cellar door, too, is quite extraordinary, and you are likely to find yourself chatting to the winemaker and several family members, often second or third-generation vignerons.

UNLOCKING THE GEMS

An explosion of wineries, wine tours, tasting rooms, and restaurants specialising in wine country cuisine has added a jolt of grapefuelled energy to the foothills of the Brokenback Mountains, where more than 150 wineries now produce a wide range of world-class wines from varietals that include Chardonnay,

Semillon and Verdelho amongst the whites and Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot among the reds. Wine lovers will also be thrilled to find a fast-growing range of Mediterranean varieties, including Fiano, Viognier, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris, and the red varieties of Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Tempranillo, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.

Nestled amongst the breathtaking surrounds of the Brokenback Range, Mount View, with its winding roads and panoramic views, offers some of the most outstanding scenery available in the Hunter Valley. Visitors have their choice of a handful of impressive and highly acclaimed boutique accommodation and wineries that seem to appear out of nowhere - all providing a relaxed and idyllic wine-tasting experience and superbly welcoming hospitality.

At the southern gateway to Wine Country is the region's Wollombi Valley – a small, picturesque, and historic village that has always been an important base for travellers along the Great North Road. Here you get to experience the influx of new mixed with the old, with the village continuing to retain its fine architectural heritage bolstered by cafes, wineries, comfortable guesthouses and, let's not forget, the famous Wollombi Tavern, which sits on the site of an earlier public house, originally built during the 1840s.

Often referred to as the ''Heart of the Hunter,'' Lovedale is located just east of Pokolbin and is renowned for its close-knit community, award-winning boutique wineries, family-owned and operated cellar doors, quality boutique accommodation, fine restaurants and unique galleries. It's also home to the famous annual Lovedale Long Lunch.

With a vast selection of boutique and luxury accommodations to choose from and a wine

and food trail consisting of 12 cellar doors and ten restaurants, Lovedale offers the perfect weekend away and the ideal opportunity to experience some of the best wine and food the Hunter has to offer.

The rural locality of Pokolbin sits in the shadow of the Brokenback Range. It is the ''hub'' of the Hunter Valley wine region and where the largest collection of wineries, guesthouses, hotels, restaurants, providores, shops and ▶

The Deck Café and Gartelmann Wines, Lovedale

some of the best-known names in Australian wine can be found. This is where you get to sample vintages from old vines and new varietals at some of the country's oldest and most historic vineyards.

Pokolbin is internationally recognised for being Australia's oldest commercial wineproducing area, and the place viticulture in the Hunter Valley is believed to have first started

considered the first vineyard in the area in the 1830s. Some of the most well-respected names in Hunter Valley wine history today soon followed, establishing vineyards in the area in the 1850s. Some of these long-established names are still in existence today

With well over 50 cellar doors, an equal number of restaurants and cafés and a growing number of distilleries and breweries, visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do, see and taste.

If you want some time away from wine tasting, then explore the world-famous Hunter Valley Gardens or browse the shops at Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village.

Continuing your wine country travels and situated an easy 10-minute drive from Pokolbin, the village of Broke-Fordwich is home to a treasure trove of wineries, galleries, food offerings and experiences. It is most worthy of your next visit.

With a wide selection of unique wineries and world-class wines, wellness retreats, art galleries and sculpture walks, great coffee, degustation dining, gin distilleries, olive groves, farm produce, boutique accommodation, local markets, an annual Italian Festival and everything in between, there really is so much

Available in print and digital format and widely recognised as the leading guide to local wine and food experiences, Wine & Dine Hunter Valley has guided visitors on their tasting journeys throughout Hunter Valley Wine Country for over ten years. It includes a comprehensive listing of cellar doors, restaurants and cafés, providores, craft breweries, distilleries, wedding venues and more. So visit www.wineanddinehuntervalley.com. au and start planning your next visit, and when you hit the ground in Wine

Chardonnay leaves have inspired a sterling silver hand-cast collection. There is much to admire in this amazing gallery filled with paintings, sculptures, framed prints and jewellery. Visit Winmark to enjoy a Chardonnay tasting, explore the art gallery and sculpture walk with a barista coffee in hand, and find the perfect gift for Christmas.

Art & Wine Combine at Destination Winmark

Winmark Wines has a rich viticultural history, with a vineyard that has produced extraordinary fruit for more than 50 years. But did you know they also have a sensational art gallery that is home to some renowned Australian and international artists and a Sculpture Walk that provides the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs in the spring sunshine?

More than just a premium Chardonnay producer, Winmark is a destination in Broke that is well worth the visit, and with Christmas fast approaching, you may just find a bottle or two of Winmark wines, a painting, sculpture, print

or piece of jewellery that could all be wrapped under your tree!

Owner and vigneron Karin Adcock, the former founder of Pandora Australia, never lost her passion for fine jewellery, and it was not long before the beauty of the Chardonnay leaves inspired a unique collaboration with TuaMea to produce exquisite pieces ranging from silver cufflinks to earrings, bracelets and sterling silver charms.

Karin has also curated a generous gallery offering framed posters to original paintings, superb wood grazing platters to small

table sculptures, pottery vases to ceramic collectables.

And, of course, there’s the Chardonnays! For half a century, the Winmark site has grown exceptional fruit with a proud history of producing highly acclaimed Chardonnay. Winmark’s recent win of the NSW Small Winemakers Best Young Chardonnay trophy is just the start of the praise for the Chardonnays being produced since Karin purchased the former Pooles Rock property and re-established the vineyard with a wine team of genuine and award-winning experts.

For the savvy wine enthusiast, the iconic Winmark 7 2 Chardonnay is the perfect addition to add to their collection. The icon ‘seven two’ heralds the move to produce a Chardonnay exclusively using premium fruit from block 4, planted with Penfolds clone vines in 1972.

With Winmark focused purely on producing Chardonnay, the Winmark 7 2 Chardonnay keeps fine company with Rusty’s Run, Winmark Expressions and the Single Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay.

Enjoy a tasting at their Cellar Door, explore the Art gallery and sculpture walk with a barista coffee in hand. You won’t regret it! Open 7 days; visit www.winmarkwines.com.au for more information and opening times.

2022 Hunter Valley Cellar Door of the Year

Just Like Summer! SHIMMERY & DELICIOUS

WORDS DI VON ESSEN

Small Mouth is a small family-run distillery specialising in handcrafted, quality spirits, including shimmering vodkas and gins, using only premium and organic ingredients. The vodka boasts a full flavour with a long, smooth finish. But that's not all you'll find in their tasting rooms at Hunter Valley Gardens.

Small Mouth Vodka has been online for years, but since the tasting room in Pokolbin was opened early in 2019, the team has been working hard to expand the range available for tasting and purchase.

"Small Mouth is a hand-crafted, premium spirit that is organic and vegan friendly. Our produce is distilled in traditional copper pot stills and uses freshly captured rainwater. In addition, we add edible glitter to our products so you can shimmer on the inside just like you do on the outside!" said co-Manager Jaydan Addis.

"Since the tasting rooms opened, we have grown our range and now have a fleet of gins, vodkas and liqueurs to offer customers."

Jaydan adds that he and the team have been surprised by

the range of customers that walk through the doors, with everyone from fresh-faced 18-year-olds to 92-year-old connoisseurs lining up to taste!

"For us, this is evidence that we are on the right track. We aim to create a premium and innovative product that can be used to make even simple cocktails unique and delicious. We're dedicated to providing a product that excites all ages," said Jaydan.

Small Mouth offers gins, vodkas, and liqueurs, ranging from 45%, 40%, and 20%. All products include edible shimmering glitter, so when you add any mixer with bubbles, the glitter will continuously move in your drink. Top sellers include the Shimmering Passionfruit Vodka, Shimmering Caramel Vodka, Shimmering Watermelon Liqueurs, and Shimmering Espresso Liqueur (which is perfect for cold winter nights). All are delicious on the rocks or with your favourite mixer.

Visit www.smallmouthvodka. com (for some Summer inspired cocktails, check out their recipes page), or drop in for a taste at Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village on Broke Road in Pokolbin and pick up everything you need to wow your guests at your next cocktail party.

48 Hours in Wine Country

With its 150 cellar doors offering samples of award-winning drops and no shortage of worldclass restaurants, a bounty of locally made produce, craft breweries, distilleries, and luxury accommodation, the Hunter Valley is an idyllic trip for young and old.

But with so much on offer, how best to spend your time in wine country? Here are our top picks for any weekend away:

DAY ONE

After a hearty breakfast, the day starts with a drive to Mount View to experience Briar Ridge wines which can be enjoyed in the old winery building or on the picturesque wine deck. Apart from the typical Hunter wines, Briar Ridge also produces some exceptional examples of Grüner Veltliner, Fiano, Pinot Gris and Viognier. While you are there –ask them about the 2021 Albarino recently awarded “White (and Blends) Wine of the Year.

Driving back to Pokolbin along McDonalds Rd, take the turn to Tamburlaine Organic Wines, one of the country’s largest producers of certified organic wine. The cellar door staff are incredibly knowledgeable, and the range of wines is extensive and includes cooler climate wines from their Orange Vineyards and the new Jack Squat – Zero Alcohol range.

Continue along McDonalds Road to Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village, where you

will find one of the most exciting distilleries around. Small Mouth Vodka is a small, family-owned distillery specialising in Gins, Vodkas, and Liqueurs decorated with edible glitter. Take the time to pop in next door to the Gardens Cellars and explore the vast number of international beers available (the tunnel of beer is something else!).

For lunch, take a short walk to The Cellar Restaurant - perfect for dining alfresco in the wisteriasurrounded courtyard on a warm day. The menu is refreshingly diverse with options that include salt & pepper soft shell crab, whole grilled garlic prawns, lemongrass chicken wings, beef croquette and sirloin steak - to mention just a few. After lunch, stretch your legs with a stroll browsing through the 23 shops in the Shopping Village or visit Hunter Valley Gardens and be amazed by the sensational sights, colours, and fragrances of the ten stunning feature gardens.

For Dinner – Hunters Quarter is difficult to beat, especially at this time of the year when there is a deliciously festive threecourse A La Carte menu designed by internationally renowned Executive Chef Brian Duncan on offer. Celebrate Christmas and the New Year while indulging in a memorable dining experience with loved ones, overlooking the Pooles Rock Vineyard and Broken Back Mountain Ranges.

DAY TWO

The adventure starts with a trip to the village of Broke Fordwich –stopping along the way at Pukara Estate (@ Peppers Creek Village) to sample the delicious range of olive oils, olives, and other condiments on offer. They also have a range of gift ideas – perfect for this time of the year.

A little further up the road, de Iuliis Wines – winner of the 2022 Best Hunter Valley Cellar Door, is one of the top wine producers in the region, producing a range of wines that include Merlot, Shiraz, and Touriga Nacional amongst the reds and Semillon, Chardonnay, Verdelho amongst the whites. Check out the quaint village of Broke and travel on – you will soon arrive at Winmark Wines,

renowned for specialising in exceptional Chardonnay wines. Take the time to explore the property with its onsite art gallery and sculpture walk while taking in the glorious views as you sip on a glass of Rusty’s Run Chardonnay.

It’s nearly time to leave for home, but before you do, head back to Pokolbin to stock up on goodies at the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop to enjoy with your wine. True to its name, this venue is not for the sensitivenosed. The range of local and imported cheese options, cured meats and accompaniments is extensive. This is a one-stop shop for all local produce and a great way to stock up for your Australia Day Charcuterie Board.

On Tour With the Kid

CHLOE O'SULLIVAN

SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS

It's the time we look back over the year, and well, this one has been eventful, to say the least. After a surgical mishap, I needed to put my Grandma into care 7 hours away from where we live. She is my only extended family, so that was a really difficult decision. It's been a tough transition for so many reasons. Not the least of which is that when deciding where would be the best place, she was very insistent that she wanted to go "home" to the country where she grew up.

This seemed like a good plan at the time, as we still have people out there. It has, however, landed her in the centre of the worst floods in decades, which meant delays in our being able to get to her when there is a problem. It

also meant her having to watch on the news as her beloved hometown of Eugowra, 20 mins from where she is, was flooding.

My cousin's house was washed off its piers and broken in half. When the water finally did subside, their furniture, clothes and treasured family memories were all over the lawn.

A friend has spent years heading the program that has seen Eugowra covered in murals. She could do nothing but watch as the town she had worked so hard to make beautiful became something that resembled a war zone.

My childhood memories are so tied to that town. There is one house across from the town's pool, which almost every family member has lived in at some point. The pub feels like home, and walking up the ramp to the supermarket that was previously an old movie theatre always

makes me smile. Less than a month ago, four generations of our little family were sitting in the sun at the Fat Parcel, our favourite local cafe.

Then on Monday, 14 November, the town was woken at 5.56am to an evacuation order.

PETS OF THE MONTH

Naomi is named after model Naomi Campbell as she has legs that go for days (we also think she is equally attractive!). Naomi is eight months old. A talkative young lady who is proactive in her want for cuddles; she will jump up for forced cuddles if you are not giving them out freely! Naomi enjoys being carried around, sleeping next to you and is litter trained. She is extremely alert and keen to play at all times. She would suit most homes with another friendly cat and/or dog for company and must be a strictly indoor girl.

Kenny is an affectionate 6-month-old red cattle dog cross who is very smart and easy to train. Kenny loves being inside with his foster family and playing with the kids, but is also happy to play outside with dog toys and other dogs. He loves sleeping in his doggy bed or on the couches in the sun but sleeps in his crate at night. He would suit an active family who enjoys the outdoors and wants to take Kenny with them on adventures.

THINKING OF ADOPTING? Check out our… If

Cuddly & Leggy NAOMI

Sweet & Affectionate KENNY

Grandma Mavis from Eugowra

Usually, the creek rises slowly, and the main street will see water creep up over time, but this day, less than half an hour after the evacuation order, there was a wall of water up to two metres high, hitting the town with nowhere

for residents to go. People were stuck on the rooves of their homes for 7-plus hours with nothing to do but wait for help.

I know there is lots of talk about natural disasters, but the management of dams and

insurance companies abandoning whole communities has nothing to do with the elements and more to do with human nature. You can only hope that this Christmas, kindness wins out over ego and greed and the people in these tiny towns get what they need, whether it's a safe political seat or not.

On top of that, this year, there have been friends dealing with the loss of friends and family members, dealing with terminal illness, separation, and divorce. There have been so many heartbreaking situations surrounding us this year that it feels like it will never end.

Of course, I could choose to be enveloped by the darkness, but this Christmas, for the kid, I'm choosing to see things differently. We know so many people who have heartbreaking things going on because we have so many amazing people in our lives. People who we love and who love us back. So it hurts when they are struggling and in pain. But how lucky are we to have all those people around us?

Ultimately, all that matters is how we care about people and the feeling we leave with those people when we are gone. So make this Christmas more about being fully present than the presents and looking after the people who show up for you (and the occasional stranger, too). What else is there?

Central Hotel Eugowra

Unearthing Skills In The Hunter

The Hunter Adults Financial Collaborative (HAFC) is a not-for-profit organisation founded in 2022 by Dr Pat O'Flaherty with a mission to make a difference in the life of financially disadvantaged adults. HAFC is the only not-forprofit organisation focused on helping people develop ideas for business and employment.

Dr O'Flaherty says that HAFC may provide financial support, career advice/development, mentoring, and support. These supports are provided by a group of volunteer Business and

Hunter Adults Financial Collaborative is a not-for-profit organisation that encourages financially disadvantaged adults in the Hunter Region to reach their full potential, through the provision of financial, education, employment, and mentoring support.

Career Development professionals who wish to work with successful applicants on their journey to become self-sustaining. So far, the most interest has come from people who have ideas for online or home-based businesses and those who need help finding employment.

"Supporting the community is at the heart of our approach to managing the organisation. We have strong support within the community from people who wish to give something back. We are very fortunate to have funding provided by

the Ian and Shirley Norman Foundation in the first year of our operation," said Dr O'Flaherty.

"We are proud to be supporting an organisation that focuses on unearthing a variety of skills hidden amongst the people of the Hunter Region. Unemployment and underemployment continue to be significant issues across the nation, but it's wonderful to see HAFC leading the way in supporting financially disadvantaged adults to gain better employment opportunities in our local area," said the Chief Executive Officer of the Ian and Shirley Norman Foundation, Coralie Nichols.

"We offer three programs aiming to meet the needs of our target market: Business Startups/Micro Businesses, Self-Employment, and Employment (Career development). Our charity benefits financially disadvantaged adults who are unemployed or underemployed in our local community. Application is online through our website," said Dr O'Flaherty.

HAFC has received strong interest in all the programs on offer, and they encourage anyone who may be eligible to contact the team for a chat. They also encourage potential employers to get in touch via the website www. hunteradultsfc.com.au.

HAFC also acknowledges the financial support provided by Lake Macquarie Council.

L–R Shekofa Nieby, Hamidah Rezaie, Jemma Hoare Project officer ISN, Mursal Ahmady, Pat O’Flaherty CEO

Christmas is a time of joy and giving, often spent with family - making it extra special. Unfortunately, at a time when most are enjoying this occasion, so many are not. For hundreds, if not thousands of families, it is a stressful, sad, and unpleasant time. Their situation and the

pressures surrounding them are often too much to handle.

When Matt* first came to the Samaritans for support, his family had been homeless since April. They had lost their longterm rental due to it going on the market and were spending many nights couch surfing and on the street, sometimes in dangerous situations. The increased cost of living and rental shortages in our region have not helped.

One of the Samaritans staff

members, Renee, remembers the day Matt came in for help.

“He was frightened and very anxious. He had

accommodation, and we are assisting them in securing a home for the next two years, ” said Renee.

“With the pressures that Matt and Keira are facing, we have put the call out, and we hope to give further support to the family this Christmas. We are working to ensure that their kids will have some presents on Christmas morning. We will also look to provide them with some nice food to enjoy the day.”

Each day as Christmas approaches, Samaritans will be needed to support more families like Matt and Keira, desperate to give their children any kind of Christmas at all.

During Christmas, Samaritans services will experience a spike in demand, so this year they are looking to raise $150,000 to support these families in need.

This year, your Christmas donation will give other families the help they urgently need. Safety with a place to stay, support from Samaritans staff, and gifts and food on Christmas Day. With their network of services, Samaritans can offer additional emergency relief, financial support, and family support, should families need extra help during the festive season. Donate today at www. samaritans.org.au.

*Names have been changed to protect the identity of the people we support.

This Christmas, families like Matt, Keira and their 3 young children need you more than ever.

Your donation by 25 December will provide support, warm meals, gifts, and crisis support for local families and their children who are in need this Christmas.

Donate Now 1300 656 336 For information visit samaritans.org.au A part of Newcastle Anglican

Christmas is a time of joy and giving. For hundreds, if not thousands of families, it can be a stressful, sad, and unpleasant time.

Relationship Between Costs in Dentistry

DR ALEX HUSZTI BelleDental

If you’ve been following some of my articles regarding dentistry costs, you would be aware there are three basic costs associated with any dental (medical) intervention. There is the obvious financial cost that we all consider. There is an emotional cost – the emotional toll of undergoing the intervention. Thirdly, there is a biologic cost – the amount of your tissues

involved in / lost as a consequence of the intervention.

There is a relationship between all of these costs. If you were to consider undergoing a dental procedure, you would have a few questions. Is the procedure surgical? How long will my recovery be? What kind of risks are associated with having the procedure done? What kind of success does the procedure have?

Yes, there is a lot to consider. Let’s break interventions down in terms of complexity and see how they stack up.

For a simple intervention, the expectations would read something like this: Minimally invasive. Low level of complexity. Relatively quick recovery. Low or manageable levels of risk. High level of success or reversible (which will mitigate risk).

As the complexity of any intervention increases, these metrics change. With higher complexity, the level of invasiveness increases. Recovery times increase, and risks around complications increase – sometimes impacting success rates and frequently making the intervention less reversible or irreversible.

Complexity also increases financial costs. I have always sought techniques that lowered/minimized biologic cost. Sometimes I couldn’t find a minimally invasive solution, so I formulated interventions (many based on adhesive techniques) that were minimally invasive.

Yes, I understand that, occasionally, these low-biologic cost interventions can fail. However, because many are reversible, we can recover from them – frequently without loss of tissues and often by reusing lab-manufactured components. In those circumstances where a more involved solution is required – being minimally invasive in the first instance frequently provides for a broader scope of solutions.

3 Techniques That SAVE Your Teeth

Belledental CRC’s (Composite Resin Crowns)

CRC’s can rebuild teeth to a similar appearance, strength and functionality of conventional crowns with the added benefits of being much more conservative of tooth structure, repairable, and ONE appointment restorations that are often HALF the fee of conventional crowns.

Direct Resin Veneers (Zero cutting of tooth)

Direct Resin Veneers have a multitude of uses –they can be used to improve function, enhance the colour and shape of teeth, modify tooth position as well as in this case, restore teeth that have su ered trauma. Direct Resin Veneers can do this without cutting teeth – all in one visit.

Direct Resin Build-ups – All in ONE day! What if you have su ered with erosion... you have already lost much of your tooth structure – the last thing you need is your teeth being CUT AWAY EVEN MORE for crowns. Direct Resin Build-ups are a NO CUT, one day alternative that saves the remaining tooth structure and enhances the cosmetics and function of your teeth. They often require modifications to your bite to accomodate your new smile.

New Patient O er

Special o er for new patients! Comprehensive exam, x-rays, photos, impressions, cleaning, and a treatment plan, all for $240. Book today!

Alex has had a career focused on lowbiologic cost reconstructive cosmetic dental care – common sense teeth for life.

intouch contributor

Hunter Melanoma Foundation Free Skin Checks Are Back

This summer, the Hunter Melanoma Foundation (HMF) is bringing free skin checks back to the local community. Launched in 2020, Spot Check has provided more than 700 free skin checks to local community members and the Surf Life Saving community. Of these 723 skin checks, 36 were suspected melanomas, and eight were confirmed melanomas.

HMF’s Executive Officer, Claudia Tolhurst, said the Spot Check campaign is set to save more lives this year.

“We all know that early intervention of melanoma is extremely important, and through Spot Check, the local community

has the opportunity to take accountability for their skin through a free skin check. Skin checks save lives,” Claudia said.

The pop-up skin check stations will run over two days at Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club. Due to high demand, people are encouraged to book their skin check in advance online (visit www.hmf.org.au). Walk-ins will be accepted if the clinics are not booked out in advance.

The Spot Check campaign has been made possible through the support of Newcastle Skin Check and the Wests Group through NSW Club Grants.

Community News

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY?

SIZZLING SUMMER IN NEWCASTLE

Newcastle has launched into a sizzling Summer of events, with 150 of the state's best rowers taking to the waters of Throsby Creek today ahead of a busy period of music, sport and culture.

The Central Districts Sprint Championships hosted by Newcastle Rowing Club are part of a stacked calendar of events supported by City of Newcastle, which will see everyone from global music superstar Elton John to some of the world's best surfers descend on the city during the next four months.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Newcastle had become an events powerhouse, attracting nationally and internationally renowned acts and events to entertain audiences across the city.

"Newcastle has a vibrant calendar of major and community events, which continues to

grow off the back of a strategic focus and investment by City of Newcastle," Cr Nelmes said.

"City of Newcastle is proud to support events at every level in Newcastle, from communityled activations to the attraction of major events of international renown, which offer invaluable benefits, including increased visitation and a significant boost to the local economy.

The events calendar will kick into gear on Sunday, 4 December, when more than 10,000 motorcycle riders and enthusiasts from across the east coast gather for the 45th annual Bikers for Kids Newcastle Toy Run and community fun day at Carrington.

Festive fun in Wheeler Place, New Year's Eve along the Foreshore and the sweet sounds of the 76th Australian Jazz Convention at City Hall will wrap up the revelry for 2022.

There will be plenty of sporting action to kick off 2023 with national and international events, including Surfest, Beach 5s Rugby, Australian Water Polo League matches, the Summer of Cricket festival and the opening round of the Supercars championship.

Elton John's incredible Yellow Brick Road tour, the smash hit Broadway musical Come From Away, and the 76th Australian Jazz Convention at Newcastle City Hall will provide plenty of star power for the city's cultural events calendar.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes with one of the winning teams from Newcastle Rowing Club at the annual Central Districts Rowing Association Sprint Championships on Throsby Creek, which is part of a sizzling summer of events in Newcastle.

State Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp MP at last year’s Spot Check.

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NSW ATHLETES DIVE INTO NEW SWIMMING HUB

Elite swimmers across the Hunter can now train locally following the opening of the NUsport Performance Hub, a world-class facility created in partnership with the NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS), University of Newcastle and Swimming NSW.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Taylor Martin, said the new partnership would create many opportunities for the next generation of athletes in the region.

"The NUsport Performance Hub is a fantastic opportunity to provide a pathway for local, talented athletes to reach the highest levels in their sport while training in their own backyard," Mr Martin said.

"The performance hub will operate from the University's recently refurbished swimming pool at NUsport, Callaghan, and athletes will be coached by internationally recognised swimmer Sander Ganzevles."

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said NSW is one of the greatest contributors to Australia's success in the pool, and the Hub will support athletes to achieve podium performances.

"This partnership cements our collective regional strategy to provide better access to world-class facilities and training environments for our future Olympians," Mr Henskens said.

YOUTH WEEK FUNDING TO FLOW IN LAKE MAC

Lake Mac's junior generations are primed to shine next April when Youth Week 2023 bursts to life across the city.

Applications are now open for grants of up to $1000 for events and activities during the annual national celebration of young people, to be held from 20 to 30 April 2023.

Lake Macquarie

Tony Ellitt said funding was available to any incorporated non-profit organisation hosting Youth Week activities or events within the municipality aimed at young people aged 12-24.

"It's important that youth across Lake Mac have an outlet to create and engage with events and activations that represent their ideas, aspirations and values," he said.

Applications that aim to deliver social and cultural outcomes for youth in the community – in line with the objectives and actions in Council's Youth Strategy - will have a greater chance of receiving funding.

Grants have been offered for a variety of events in the past, including skate festivals, drama workshops, fitness activities and more.

Grant applications can be lodged online at www.lakemac.com.au before 5pm Friday, 16 December.

SWANSEA BOARDWALK OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

A new lakeside boardwalk on Pirrita Island will showcase the unique landscape and heritage of Swansea foreshore. Lake Macquarie Deputy Mayor Adam Shultz was joined by Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley MP on Pirrita Island to officially open the new boardwalk, which was constructed thanks to $3 million in funding from the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program.

Cr Shultz said the accessible boardwalk, which spans 230 metres and winds through mangroves, would be a major drawcard for residents and visitors alike.

"Pirrita Island has been a popular recreation spot for many years, with activities largely focused around the reserve at the southern end of the island, which offers picnic and barbecue facilities and panoramic views of Swansea Channel," Cr Shultz said.

"The new boardwalk invites visitors to explore the area around Miners Point, on the island's north-western edge, and boasts

uninterrupted views across Lake Macquarie –the stunning jewel of our city."

Interpretive signage will be installed along the boardwalk, showcasing the area's heritage and the unique flora and fauna that call the island home. The boardwalk is part of a suite of improvements that Lake Macquarie Council is undertaking along the foreshore at Swansea.

LIVE MUSIC IN THE PARK AT KURRI KURRI

The community is invited to reconnect with the Kurri Kurri CBD with live performances in the newly upgraded Col Brown Rotary Park. Over four big afternoons, the park will come alive with performances by homegrown talents. Bring a picnic blanket and help support Kurri Kurri local businesses by purchasing food and drinks or dining out after the show in one of the town's eateries.

Cessnock City Mayor Jay Suvaal said the live performances were set to be fun and familyfriendly events.

"The Kurri Kurri town centre upgrade has seen a downturn in business, and I am encouraging the whole community to come out and enjoy these events," Mayor Suvaal said.

"The CBD upgrade works will be finished before Christmas, but until then, let's show our support for Kurri Kurri while enjoying some of our area's finest performers."

Catch the following performances live in Kurri Kurri:

Splashing Mood, Saturday 26 November, 4.30-7.30pm

• Teasha & Mari, Saturday 3 December, 4.307.30pm

• Sami Cooke, Saturday 10 December, 4.307.30pm

• Jadily (Emily Jade), Saturday 17 December, 4.30pm -7.30pm

This event is proudly organised by Cessnock City Council and supported by the Reconnecting Regional NSW Community Events Program.

City Council Community Planner Youth and Safer Communities

Sizzling Summer School Holidays

WEDNESDAY 21 DECEMBER

TO FRIDAY 27 JANUARY 2023

WORDS DI VON ESSEN

Twelve months have come and gone, and the last day of school for the year is finally here. Once more, the dreaded school holidays have chased us down and are knocking at our doors. Six long weeks - here they come! When the wrapping paper is in the recycling bin and the toys that were the 'best thing ever' last week become a bit ho-ho-hum, how can you turn the rest of the school holidays into an action-packed Summer adventure of epic proportions? Read on, of course!

WHEELER PLACE

Get down to Wheeler Place and get a family selfie or pet pawtrait with Santa and his elves under the magnificent Christmas tree. Plus, there's free family-friendly music and entertainment to add jolly cheer to the end of the year. Across two weekends this December, bring the whole family along and enjoy a drink and snack at the Civic Bar or Crystalbrooks pop-up bar at Ms Marys.

LIBRARY FUN ACROSS THE HUNTER

Film and Craft - Ages 5-12

Tuesday 10 January | Kurri Kurri Library

2pm – 4pm | FREE

Wednesday 25 January | Cessnock Library

2pm - 4pm | FREE

Enjoy an afternoon at the movies, followed by craft.

Faces Off Pages Exhibition

Until 14 February 2023 | Wallsend Library

This digital exhibition at Wallsend Library showcases the work of young artists aged 12 to 25, who were invited to submit an artwork of a character or scene from any book – a character that spoke to them or a scene that, as soon as they read it, they were compelled to bring it to life. Drop in to Wallsend Library and explore the artworks on display. No bookings necessary.

Tech Play - Let's Make Music

Thursday, 12 January 2023 | Belmont Library

Join in a session of innovation and technology at Lake Mac Libraries. At this hands-on activity, learn how you can turn everyday objects into musical instruments. Bookings are essential (see library.lakemac.com.au). Suitable for children aged 5 and above.

NEWCASTLE MUSEUM

Discover Sharks! Workshops

Wednesdays 11, 18, and 25 January 2023

Check out a famous prehistoric shark and discuss how sharks have evolved over 500 million years. Learn about the anatomy and physiology of sharks, from their teeth to the tiny scales that cover their bodies! We will compare how tall we are to a baby White shark and take a look at the role that these apex predators play within ecosystems, and raise our awareness of some of the threats they currently face. Presented by School of Earth – visit www. newcastlemuseum.com.au for more info.

Sea Monsters: Prehistoric Ocean Predators

Until Sunday, 26 Feb 2023; Low Sensory Session – Monday, 23 Jan 2023 – 9am. Earth's oceans were home to some of the largest, fiercest and most successful predators ever. And while dinosaurs ruled the land, giant reptiles and sharks hunted the depths. Sea Monsters combines real fossils from millions of years ago, gigantic replicas including a 13m long Elasmosaurus and 9m Prognathdon, hands-on interactives to make your own monster, dress-ups, dino poo and much more! For more information, visit www. newcastlemuseum.com.au

CIVIC THEATRE

Andy's Amazing Adventure

Tuesday 24 January – 1pm and 4pm

Andy Day is fascinated by all creatures - big and small, existing or extinct. And now, visiting theatres across Australia during the Summer school holidays, he's on a mission to thrill and entertain in this live adventure. He'll have some help, too - from familiar faces, new friends and hopefully you!

Written and directed by Phil Gallagher (Mister Maker), this show is full of laughter, music, interactive games and lots of surprises

and

the local knowledge questions by looking around you. Complete the trail and receive a downloadable certificate. The trail takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete and is open for a week at each location. Ages 5+.

PLEASE NOTE: Both trails are on uneven ground, slopes and stairs and are unsuitable for strollers and people with mobility aids.

register to participate. BYO bucket! Competition categories and details are available online at www.lakemac.com.au.

Dudley Beach ROCKS!

Monday 16 January, Dudley Beach

Discover Dudley Beach through the eyes of a geologist. Starting with a trek down the Bombala Track, you'll make your way to the pristine Dudley Beach. Check out unique geological features on the rock platform, including fossilised trees and the blow hole.

Cultural Workshop and 4wd Sand Dune Adventure

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

AT LAKE MAC

LAKE

MACQUARIE TREASURE TRAILS

Lake Mac Treasure Trail # 1 9 to 13 Jan at Green Point Foreshore Reserve

Lake Mac Treasure Trail # 2 16 to 20 January at Rathmines

Adventure through a beautiful area of Lake Mac on a self-guided nature treasure trail.

At each location on the trail, use your Smartphone to scan the QR code and answer

Sand Sculpture Workshop and Competition

Saturday 21 January, Blacksmiths Beach

Want to make the best sandcastles on the beach this summer? Join master sand sculptor Steve Machell for a 30-minute sand sculpting tutorial, and then put your new skills to the test in a family-friendly sand sculpting competition. This free event is a favourite, so make sure you

Wednesday

11 January | Murrook Cultural Centre Williamtown | FREE

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and their friends are invited to join us to learn about local history and the cultural significance of the Port Stephens area thanks to the team at Murrook Cultural Centre. Transport and light lunch provided. Permission note required to attend. Numbers are strictly limited – spots are not secured until permission note is returned. Time: Meet at Cessnock Youth Outreach Centre (CYOS) for departure at 7:30am, and return to CYCOS at 2pm. For more info, visit www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au.

will entertain everyone with its creature chaos and educational fun. Presented by Live Nation, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com. au for tickets.

Hunter Ice Skating Stadium

ALL AGES, ALL ABILITIES

Why not try ice skating this School Holidays! Enjoy top 40 music and video clips playing on the big screens, plus people can request their favourite songs to be added into the mix. There will also be a sectioned o area for beginners with available skating frames. For the non-skating spectators –why not relax in the café while the kids skate!

Rental Skate sizes range from a Kids 9 up to an Adults 14. Lockers are available for a small fee to secure your belongings.

Kids 9 to Adults 5 for 7yrs

DETAILS 230 Macquarie Road, Warners Bay. Prices are $15 for 6yrs or under, $22 for 7yrs or over, $18 seniors and $70 for a family

(1 adult + 3 kids OR 2 adults + 2 kids). These prices include skate hire. For more details and other session times please visit the website. www.hiss.com.au

Hunter HorseridingValley & Adventures

ALL AGES

Get away from city living and go horseriding! It’s the perfect day trip – just 30 minutes up the Hunter Expressway. Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures o ers trail rides for both beginners and experienced riders – even the tiny tots can ride beautiful ponies with qualified guides leading the way. Other activities on o er include tractor hay rides to feed the animals, pedal go karts, farm animals, BBQ facilities, mountain bike trails (BYO bike), ATV

breeding barn and property tours, bush walking and ATV sunset tours with cheese and wine. We also o er race day packages in association with Muswellbrook Turf Club.

If you feel like staying a little longer, we o er great guest house and semi self contained villa accommodation, where kids stay free during school holidays! (Villas only). Be quick to book, as we have limited spots available.

DETAILS Open 7 days 288 Talga Road, Lovedale. Bookings are required. PH Margaret on 4930 7111 or 0417 233 008, or visit www.huntervalleyhorseriding.com.au

HUNTER HOMES & Lifestyle

What Can I Do With My Property?

SHAY RILEY-LEWIS Property and Planning Lawyer Jenkins Legal & Advisory

Shay is a property lawyer and qualified environmental planner with over 23 years of experience undertaking planning assessment, approvals and environmental licensing and offering clients planning and property advice.

Just because a development is listed as a permissible use with consent under Council’s Local Environmental Plan (LEP) zoning, it does not automatically mean it is appropriate in that location and will be approved. When assessing a development application (DA),

Council must consider a range of factors listed in section 4.15 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act).

For example: The RU1 Primary Production zone permits open-cut mining with development consent, however, this use is not likely to be appropriate in all RU1 zoned land; and

• Even for a straightforward extension to an existing house, Council must consider environmental impacts, including overshadowing, traffic, parking, noise, privacy, visual amenity, vegetation and public interest.

Councils also have a range of strategic plans they must consider. These plans include additional development objectives, controls, desired future layout, and uses that may affect your site.

Alternatively, a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is available for a range of simple developments considered to be of low impact. A CDC is an application that can be approved by a private certifying authority (PCA) or Council and is generally faster, cheaper and easier than a DA.

When considering buying a property or redeveloping, it is prudent to consider more than the zoning. A Section 10.7 certificate (previously known as a Section 149 Certificate) will identify key constraints, including zoning, flooding, heritage, mine subsidence and bushfire, but there is a range of state policies and legislation that also affect development potential, override Council zoning and prevent the use of CDCs. Issues such as bushland, coastal zone, waterways and priority development precincts affect certain land in addition to Council’s LEP and DCPs.

Councils each have Development Control Plans (DCPs) that provide detailed guidelines around the standards Council will use to assess a DA. Whilst DCP controls are not statutory (i.e. not imposed by government or legislation) and therefore not a prohibition to development, they are persuasive policy that Council should apply consistently. www.jenkinslegal.com.au

When purchasing a property, it is vital to get advice on the planning restrictions affecting the development potential of the property and the best approval pathway for your development proposal.

AUTHENTIC | STRATEGIC | DEPENDABLE

intouch contributor

Get excited about Clarendon's new Centre of Attention

If it's single-storey living you're looking for, look no further than our brand-new display homes at Lochinvar Display Centre at Hereford Hill. Whether you're seeking the perfect home design to build on your vacant lot or exploring the options for your knockdown rebuild, we will have the right home for you.

The Bowral 44

Tranquil, expansive living at your fingertips

Walking into the Bowral 44 single-storey acreage style display home in Lochinvar, you can almost hear the whip birds call over the treetops as you're immediately transported to a new era of Australian country living: cool, clean and refined design, with expansive living and cosy, serene escape in one.

Behind the fresh Hamptons exterior, with its wide patio and dormer windows, the Bowral 44 is sympathetic to the heart of traditional design while maintaining modern, edgy appeal with oak timber flooring, gunmetal and brass highlights, modern finishes and inspired textures.

This modern farmhouse-inspired large family home is built for entertaining all year round, with alfresco off large living and dining areas for the warmer months and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to multiple aspects for the cooler nights cosying up with loved ones by the fire. The home has an air of tranquillity, with sweeping views out to the rear, blending into the landscape eloquently.

A highlight feature of this forever family home is the spectacular master suite with full-sized ensuite and walk-around walkin wardrobe that turn a bedroom into a retreat. Sophistication pairs seamlessly with functionality, ensuring every space is as truly liveable as it is beautiful.

The sophisticated design that hinges on supporting a busy family as they grow and thrive includes a butler's pantry, children's activity room, home theatre, sitting room, secondary rooms including a home office, multi-function attic and raked ceiling to the living room.

The Manning 31

A family home for lifelong treasured memories

The Manning 31, on display in Lochinvar, is the quintessential family home that nurtures the unforgettable milestone of first homeowners and young families. Made for entertaining and supporting togetherness with clever use of space and functional design, this home fulfils the needs and wants of the entire family.

With five spacious living areas, and the master suite conveniently located at the front of the home, the Manning 31 is the perfect design for appealing to the privacy and personal space individual family members need while also catering to the togetherness you dream of sharing with your loved ones.

The Manning 31 design has a floor plan that allows flexibility and lifestyle options to make it uniquely yours. From options to increase or decrease the square footage to choosing design extras such as the triple garage, larger bedrooms and larger living/alfresco, it can cater to your specific needs.

The standout features of this home are the generously sized spaces and their functionality and usability. The kitchen is central to the home, surrounded by light-drenched living areas and alfresco, to provide versatility for busy family day-to-day and those special occasions for entertaining guests.

The Hamilton 27

Mid-century modern delight

Mid-century design has stood the test of time, and we have encapsulated its paired back appeal with a contemporary twist with generous-sized rooms, additional breakout space, open-plan living at the rear, and opportunities to expand and make the most of natural light that floods in.

The design has the flexibility in allowing the home to be increased in size to suit your requirements, including the option of a triple garage, larger bedrooms to wider lots, larger family/meals area to the rear and alfresco area.

The Hamilton 27 display home showcases how perfectly the contrast of light and dark can work to accentuate the brighter areas designed for communal family time, with the cosy corners with black and charcoal feature walls and access to really sink into your alone time, with moody tranquillity.

While our display home has tapped into the magic of mid-century modern, the Hamilton 27 is versatile and can be a blank, though highquality, canvas for you to express your style and personality with ease.

The interior and exterior design of our Hamilton 27 is purposefully a departure from many other Clarendon display homes, using colour and materials to provide inspiration for you and your future forever home.

Discover our Display Homes and make the most of our expert advice.

A visit to see our three new homes will give you the opportunity to get a true gauge of what your life could be like in a Clarendon Home. Open seven days a week from 10am – 5pm or visit www.clarendon.com.au.

Three new homes on display in Lochinvar.

HOW TO ACHIEVE THE PERFECT

Summer Interior

Summer is finally here! This change in season is the perfect opportunity to update your space to suit the warmer days. As we embrace the warmth in the air, we welcome materials that offer a light and airy look for your home. It’s time to strip back to beautiful linens and organic cotton finishes with the ease of switching your look whenever you feel.

This season we are loving the versatile Loft sofa. Being a modular design and having removable linen slipcovers, you have the opportunity to build your own configuration with separate pieces. Available as a chaise, armless extension, end and corner piece, you can seamlessly fit the Loft sofa into any space. Its versatile design allows you to simply remove the linen slipcovers and take them to your local dry cleaners, making it feel like you have a brand-new couch. This provides a laid-back look as well as promoting casual

elegance to breathe new life into your living room.

Layering with neutral tones will never go out of style. Soft palettes inspired by nature carry the effortless summer feeling into your home. With breezy linen décor, your space will feel instant serenity and calmness, providing an opportunity to add pops of colour through artwork and vases.

Paired with the natural fibres and lovely texture of rattan such as the Rita coffee table and basket, you can create the perfect relaxed look for your home. When styling with white tones, texture can introduce a layer of depth within your furniture. Look for fringe cushions, textured lamps, quirky vases and decorative pieces to elevate your whitewashed interior.

Live in style this summer and discover OZ Design Furniture's new season pieces that will transform your home into a space that feels like there is no place like it. Shop online or in store today.

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Developing Local Talent at D&J Constructions

Proudly owned and operated by Daryl and Joann Miller, D & J Miller Constructions has been steadily growing since its beginning over fifteen years ago. During that time, the company has expanded to include a number of highly skilled staff, all of whom share Daryl and Joann's desire to produce high-quality, costeffective work.

D & J Miller Constructions also take an active interest in developing talent, welcoming aboard a number of apprentices over the years, with most remaining with the company

long after they become fully qualified. The whole team takes pride in their high level of workmanship and strive to help customers achieve their desired results, time and time again.

Specialising in small to large extensions. Whether you need a small job completed or have an extensive renovation planned, contact D&J Miller Constructions for a quote. For more information, visit www. dandjmillerconstructions1. godaddysites.com or call 0400-117-867. Servicing the Newcastle, Maitland and Hunter Valley regions.