Newcastle & Lake Macquarie | December 2016 - January 2016

Newcastle and Lake Macquarie

TM

ISSUE #07 //DEC 15 - JAN 16 WWW.INTOUCHMAGAZINE.COM.AU

CirqueThedu Soleil Wonder and Delight of Quidam

SANTA CLAUS

Is coming to Charlestown

THE NEWTONS On and off the Course

LUXURY TRAVEL

Top 5 Destinations for 2016 Lifestyle // Entertainment // Dining // Fashion // Community // Travel // Family // Home // Property

TM

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 3

INSIDE INTOUCH

From the Editors...

Many years ago we took our very small children to see Cirque du Soleil in Sydney. Although young - the memory of this has stayed with them well into high school (and even university) years - it’s a memory they will hold with them forever. So it was with much excitement that we learned that Cirque du Soleil would be including Newcastle as one of the final stops of their swan song tour of Quidam. This month we spoke to the shows Artistic Director Marjon Van Grunsven and Aerial Contortionist Julie Cameron to find out why these last shows are both bittersweet and magical.

Another enduring event visits the Hunter this month when the Jack Newton Celebrity Classic hits the course for three days in December. A heartfelt thank you to Jack and Jackie Newton for inviting us to their beautiful Cardiff Heights home to share all the insider info on "The Jack," their lives and their beautiful family with us.

Of course, our December/January issue would not be complete without a visit from the big man in red. Find out why you may want to look twice when you hop onto Santa's knee at Charlestown Square this year on page 8. Our Charlestown Special Feature shines the spotlight on some very special local businesses while taking a look at how this once tiny mining town has grown into the thriving commercial centre it has become today.

2015 has been a big year for the intouch magazine family.

We launched our first issue in June and have fast become Newcastle and Lake Macquarie’s favourite lifestyle magazine with well over a hundred thousand readers each month across our print magazine, interactive digital magazine, fabulous website (have you checked it out?) and social media pages. And who do we have to thank? You of course – our readers!

Thank you for embracing intouch magazine as your own.

From our families to yours – we wish you a very merry and restful Christmas and a happy and prosperous 2016.

See you in February!

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

Your entire family are expected to arrive any minute, work is hectic, you still haven’t done all your shopping and to add to all that - you now have a splitting HEADACHE! Know this scenario?

- PAGE 27

WIN! PAGE 13

Contents//

PAGE 32

ISSUE #07 DEC 15/JAN 16

Features 6

On and Off the Course with the Newtons

8

Santa Claus is coming to CharlesTown

17

Charlestown Special Feature

27

Coping with Food Intolerances at Christmas

28

What to Wear at your Office Christmas Party

32

Top 5 Luxury Travel Destinations for 2016

37

Finest Festive Food at City's Newest Emporium

40

Duck into Wine Country

45

Intouch Christmas Gift Guide

46

Cirque du Soleil Quidam

48

All we see is Joy with Julia Morris

58

Ready to Roll at Event Cinemas Kotara

PAGE 52

Regulars Got a great story to tell? Know someone who does?

Budding writer or sensational photographer?

We love contributions, so drop us a line at getintouch@intouchmagazine.com.au

Contacts Publisher & Editors Two Tribes Media Quentin von Essen: quentin@intouchmagazine.com.au Di von Essen: di@intouchmagazine.com.au Phone (02) 4943 0888 Address Suite 4, 2 Smith Street, Charlestown NSW 2290 Web www.intouchmagazine.com.au Email getintouch@intouchmagazine.com.au Advertising Sales Quentin von Essen & Dan Hawkins Marketing & Account Management Di von Essen & Carla Elkin Graphic Design Jess Codrington © Copyright 2015 Two Tribes Media. Published monthly by Two Tribes Media. All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or quote excerpt granted by written request only. While every attempt has been made, Two Tribes Media cannot guarantee the legality, completeness or accuracy of the information presented and accepts no warranty or responsibility for such.

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5

Top Five on Five

10

What’s on Guide

27

Fashion, Health & Beauty

31 Travel 34 Eat//Sip//Savour 48

Family & Community

52

Home & Property

PAGE 46

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

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On the Cover

Contributors

Since 1984, Cirque du Soleil has sought to evoke the imagination, invoke the senses and provoke the emotions of people around the world. In January 2016, Cirque du Soleil invites you into a world more exotic than your wildest imagination, to experience stunning sets, larger than life characters and incredible acrobatic stunts, when ‘Quidam’ comes to Newcastle!

Carla Elkin Megan O'Sullivan Mel Murray Quentin von Essen Alyce Cowell Melinda Smith Nissa Lee

Michelle Meehan Jess Codrington Di von Essen Claire Edwards Jude Gregory Belinda Carrall

Chris Williams Deborah Bartlett Jason Bradley Therese Ferry Lisa Simmonds-Webb Danni Rivett

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Cirque du Soleil

TOPFIVEONFIVE Top Book UNREAL! THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION: 30 STORIES IN 30 YEARS Paul Jennings The Paul Jennings phenomenon began with the release of Unreal! in 1985. Thirty years and 9 million books later, young readers all around the world continue to devour his stories. Paul has personally selected 30 tales from his entire collection to mark the occasion of the 30th anniversary of his first book into one volume!

Dave Bean You'll find a girl made of ice, a dog who digs holes in the cemetery, a see-through boy, magic lipstick, a haunted toilet, a lie detector at school, two musical spirits who try to save a lighthouse – and lots, lots more.

Unbelievable, unmentionable and uncanny, these classic stories will surprise you, leave you tongue-tied, spook you, make you cry and have you laughing out loud.

Definitely a book to add to the collection!

Available from all good bookshops or online for RRP $24.99.

Top Gig AN EVENING WITH DAVID SEDARIS Civic Theatre, Newcastle Fast becoming one of America's predominant humour writers, best-selling author David Sedaris is known for his trademark sardonic wit and incisive social critiques. He is author of multiple best-selling books Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim and his most recent book, Let’s Explore Diabetes With Owls.

JANUARY 17

Photo of the Month Renata Daniel

Photo by Renata Daniel owner/operator at Newcastle Heritage and Ghost Tours. Renata has visited many spooky sites over the last five years of running tours. Catch up on new stories on Diary of a Ghost Chaser at newcastleghosttours.blogspot.com.au or contact her about going on a ghost tour on 0411 357 519.

Top Drop MISTLETOE WINERY Sparkling Mozcato Mistletoe's Sparkling Mozcato (oz because it is from Australia) is made from arguably the world's greatest Muscat grape cultivar Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains (White Muscat with small berries). All the grapes used in making this wine were grown on the Mistletoe Home Vineyard which was planted to this variety in 1998.

An Evening with David Sedaris sees audiences treated to readings from a selection of his renowned essays, focusing on new, unpublished work and diary entries. With past tours selling out quickly, don’t miss your chance to hear one of the most insightful and hilarious voices of our time on the Australian stage!

Fresh, fragrant and spicy on the nose with intense tropical fruit flavours on the palate. Looks very much like a high quality Italian Moscato D'Asti.

See David Sedaris on Sunday, January 17th 2016 at Civic Theatre Newcastle. Tickets are $60, head to www.civictheatre.com.au for more information.

RRP $22. Now tasting at Cellar Door.

It is great just served well chilled as an aperitif or at the end of a meal with fresh fruit and cheese. One for "The Witching Hour" - girls!

Top Movie

Top Eat

DADDY'S HOME

BLACK CIRCLE CAFÉ

Brad, a mild-mannered radio executive (Will Ferrell) struggles to become a good stepfather to his wife’s (Linda Cardellini) two children, but complications arise when their freewheeling and freeloading father, Dusty (Mark Wahlberg) arrives, forcing him to compete for the affection of the kids.

New Lambton

Daddy’s Home promises to have you laughing until you cry as Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg team up again, following the success of 2010 action-comedy film The Other Guys.

Daddy’s Home is in cinemas December 26th.

The Black Circle Café is a new addition to New Lambton but this quirky coffee shop is already proving popular with parents and kids.

Serving up Peaberrys coffee and hot Nutellas (as opposed to boring old hot chocolate), tempting all-day breakfast menu, tasty lunches, sweet treats, gluten free options and a relaxed vibe - Black Circle is a great place to just "hang-out." And with the kids tucked away in the purpose-built play area, the Mums and Dads can really relax over a cuppa!

You can find Black Circle Café at 4/12 Alma Rd, New Lambton. Open Mondays to Saturdays.

If you would like to contribute an idea or photo for our Top Five, simply send it to us at getintouch@intouchmagazine.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 5

INTOUCH FEATURE WITH ROSS THE NOBLE NEWTONS

JACK NEWTON CELEBRITY CLASSIC

On and off the course with Jack and Jackie NEWTON FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: JACK NEWTON, JACKIE NEWTON, CARLY NEWTON WITH HOPE, KRISTIE DIXON (NEE NEWTON) WITH MATILDA (STANDING), JESSIE AND BEN DIXON.

WORDS: Michelle Meehan IMAGES: Courtesy of Jack and Jackie Newton

It’s played host to some of the biggest names in Australian sport, politics, stage and screen. It’s been contested by some of the country’s best professional and brightest up-and-coming golfers. It’s raised millions of dollars for diabetes research and awareness, as well as the development of junior golf. To those who know and love it - and the man it was named after – it is, simply, “The Jack.”

And every year for more than three decades, it has seen 54 professional golfers, 54 celebrities, 54 amateurs and 54 sponsors’ representatives gather together for three days of golf and good times – with a hearty dash of charitable goodwill thrown in as well!

The Jack Newton Celebrity Classic will clock up its 37th year on the fairways this December – the longest running celebrity pro-am golf tournament in Australia.

The inaugural event was held in December 1979 at the “I didn’t need it. I think golf helped me that way because you’re Tewantin Noosa Golf Club on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast – independent, there are a lot of ups and downs. When you’re with Jack, the winner of that year’s Australian Open, among the playing good you don’t think you’re ever going to play bad and professional golfing contingent invited to take part. when you’re playing bad you don’t think you’re ever going to play well again. So it’s a real mental yo-yo.

He became a regular on the event line-up, taking out the title in 1980 and becoming more heavily involved along with his wife “I think because of that, plus all the support I got from blokes Jackie in helping it grow whilst his own career on the golf course I’ve known and played with and against, from Jack Nicklaus to also flourished.

Seve Ballesteros to (Greg) Norman to whoever, the messages I got from them and the general public too, meant a lot to me.”

Then, three years later Jack’s life changed forever when a freak accident at Sydney Airport in July 1983 claimed his right arm, Jack’s accident inspired a massive outpouring of support from his right eye – and very nearly, his life. all walks of life – sporting personalities, celebrities, politicians and every day Australians.

With his professional dreams in tatters, you could have forgiven him for walking away from a sport in which he could no longer But his casual, down-to-earth demeanour and straight-talking pursue a playing career. nature are what has endeared him to family, friends and the Aussie public well before the tragic day - and long since his Instead, he turned his attention to the other avenues golf still recovery. offered him – television commentary, establishing the Junior Golf Foundation and, in 1985, taking over the running of the Along with Jackie’s warmth and friendliness, they are also key celebrity pro-am that had by that time been re-named in his factors in the success that has been the Jack Newton Celebrity honour.

Classic.

Over the years, thanks to the Newtons, the event continued to grow in size and reputation, relocating in 1992 to the newlycompleted Novotel Twin Waters Resort on the Sunshine Coast, before Jack brought the event home to the Hunter in 2006.

Sitting down alongside Jackie to talk to intouch Magazine at their gorgeous Cardiff Heights home, Jack said he had golf to thank for his ability to accept what had happened to him and move on with his life.

Many of those who took part in the early years were among Jack and Jackie’s close friends such as former Prime Minister Bob Hawke, legendary entertainers Ricky May and Ronnie Corbett and golfing greats Ian Baker-Finch and Brett Ogle, while most who have taken part since have become part of that extended circle – or even their family (the couple’s daughter Kristie met her husband, AFL player Ben Dixon, at the Classic).

The fun will tee off at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley and the Jackie said the community that has been created by the Hunter Valley Golf Course on December 14-16 – moving to a tournament over the years is one of its major drawcards. new home in 2015 after spending eight years at Cypress Lakes “When I was in the hospital the surgeon said ‘I’d like you to see a psychiatrist friend of mine, I want him to come and see you’,” “It is wonderful that most of the people that have come have Resort. all become really close friends over the years, they love it that Jack said.

But while Jack himself grew up in Cessnock and has lived in the much they want to come back,” she said.

“And I said ‘Mate, I don’t need him. I’ve pretty much got things Hunter for the past 40 years as well, The Jack had its origins under control, I realise what’s happened now and I’m cool.’ hundreds of kilometres from his home.

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INTOUCH WITH THE NEWTONS “Plus Jack always says ‘Leave your ego at the door,’ so there’s no egos and the ones that do have egos don’t come back.

“An amateur can pay his money and come and be with that lot of people and everyone’s lovely, if he makes the effort to talk to people he will be treated exactly like everybody else.

“Whether you’re a sponsor or businessman, celebrity, or pro or a paying amateur, you’re treated exactly the same and that’s the lovely thing.”

Not surprisingly, this edict lends itself to the “community” created by the event – and the spontaneity that ensues, particularly at the farewell party held on the final night of the Celebrity Classic.

After 36 years, the Newtons have a lifetime of memorable moments from the Classic – some of which will be known only to those lucky enough to attend!

Others, such as those Jack and Jackie were more than happy to share with Intouch Magazine, only prove just how special the event really is.

“Bob Hawke has always pushed Jack’s barrow, he visited him in the hospital because they were friends from before that and he got up (at the Classic one year) and he goes ‘Jack’s just a true Aussie legend’ and all this,” Jackie said.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: JACK NEWTON, JACKIE NEWTON AND CLINT NEWTON. BELOW: BOB HAWKE BELTS OUT WALTZING MATILDA EVERY YEAR.

“Last year we had Kram from Spiderbait, he played (golf) in no shoes and (later) he got up with a borrowed guitar and he did Black Betty, the place was in awe and now, we’ve got him for good, every year he wants to come.

“People get to know one another, they become good friends, kids grow up seeing each other, they mix with adults, our kids have done that all our lives.

“And then he said ‘A bit like Waltzing Matilda - in fact, I think I’ll sing it now’. He sang the first verse and then he proceeded to sing every verse!

“He sang every word and perfect, fabulous, and by the end of it everyone’s got goose bumps, all the young junior golfers that have come through our Foundation, all the pros, all the young actors, they’re all standing up, singing, and after it they went ‘We’ll never forget that as long as we live, a Prime Minister singing Waltzing Matilda’, and so now every year poor Bob has to get up and sing Waltzing Matilda.

“Last year he got sick on the way up and couldn’t come, so a couple of the young actors said how about we get one of the boys to get a camera and we’ll all sing Waltzing Matilda and “Wally Lewis and Jackie come every year and their kids have send him the video, so that’s what we did. He watched it and grown up with it. Wally comes and he feels relaxed there, it was he said ‘Jackie I think they need to learn how to sing Waltzing the one place he said they could come and enjoy and relax.

Matilda!’

“I think it’s because there are no hassles, there are not millions “They’re things that happen spontaneously that only people that of people wanting things.” go to the Celebrity would know about.

While the line-up is stacked with celebrities, Jack said it’s not “You can’t really express to someone how enjoyable certain an event where they are expected to “perform.” Instead, they things are… it’s a special event.” can just relax, have fun and let their hair down after a long year – one of the reasons Jack said he schedules it during December. The other special aspect of the event is how much good it has done for the causes it supports.

“I had to wait until the professional tour events had finished Over the years the Celebrity Classic, along with separate (for the year), but the other reason it’s in that week is I just felt everyone’s had a pretty hard, long year and it’s not a bad way to Corporate Jack events, have raised more than $6.1 million for the Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation and various diabetes finish the working year off, and for good causes,” he said. causes.

“That’s the principle behind it – and I say if you don’t enjoy it, Jack said both were close to his heart – his father died that’s your fault.” from complications related to diabetes while Jack himself But while the players – celebrity, golfer and sponsor alike was diagnosed with it a few years after his accident – while – do take the tournament seriously over what are two hotlyfurthering the development of junior golfers has always been contested rounds of golf, there’s plenty of fun to be had on the one of Jack’s passions. course as well as off, with many participants getting into the And while corporate sponsorship of the Classic has always spirit of things by indulging in fancy dress while they play. been strong, Jack said he’d love to see a few more Hunter The “tradition” has seen the event contested by everyone from “You’ve got people like Jimeoin, we’ve known him since Noosa, businesses get on board – including a major naming rights we knew him before anybody else knew him here. He got up on Santa Claus, Scooby Doo and Where’s Wally to super heroes, sponsor, which the event has never had. the stage and everybody went ‘Who’s this?’ but within a second chap-wearing Cowboys, a bride (in a gorgeous white dress) and But regardless of who is involved each year, there’s one thing Kiss look-a-likes, complete with full wigs and make-up! he had the whole room. you can be sure of – for those who do take part – it will be an No doubt as a result of Jack’s own down-to-earth nature, one “Paul Martell is the same; Vince Sorrenti comes up, he doesn’t event they will never forget! of the only rules of the Classic is that all guests – regardless play golf but he brings his family and he loves it. They all want of celebrity status – “leave their egos at the door,” ensuring to come.

For more information on the Jack Newton Celebrity everyone is free to enjoy themselves on a level playing field.

Classic, sponsorship opportunities or the chance to “Glenn Shorrock is a good friend of ours, he used to come up, “It’s not just a pro-am you play for one day in a group, have jump in and swing a club with the best of them, visit James Reyne doesn’t play golf, he used to come up, Jack’s something to eat and disappear - this is over three days so www.jacknewtongroup.com known him for years and he sang at our daughter’s wedding. you’re meeting so many different people, you get to know them People like Wilbur (Wilde), they donate, they come every year over the three days,” Jackie said. and they will get up (and perform).

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WHAT’SFEATURE ON SANTA ROSS AT CHARLESTOWN NOBLE IMAGE COURTESY OF GPT GROUP.

THE REAL BEARDED SANTA

It is the third year that GPT centres including Charlestown have hosted these sessions and Mrs Claus said Santa can’t wait to take part in 2015.

“We’re looking forward to those – Santa’s very good with children, he’s got the patience of a Saint and can wait them out until they’re comfortable with him if he needs to,” she said.

“It’s his gentle voice, and his way of being able to connect with kids of all ages, being adaptable and being approachable - the children know, deep down inside.”

While he may be great with kids, Santa wasn’t quite so sure when we quizzed him about the always popular pet photo sessions.

“We’ve had puppy dogs and even snakes before but I’m not going to have a spider on me, I’ll tell you that now – I’d hold a snake before I held a spider!” Santa said with a laugh.

The real down side of the pet photos of course is that it doesn’t give Santa the chance to do what he loves best – talk to the kids and find out what they want for Christmas.

Over the years Santa said he’s been asked for everything you could imagine – “I had a boy ask for a wood chipper once. He was adamant he wanted a wood chipper and I had to ask him again to make sure that was what he said.”

SANTA CLAUS is coming

to CharlesTown!

You’d better watch out, you’d better not cry, you’d better not pout, I’m telling you why - Santa Claus is coming to town…

Charlestown that is!

WORDS: Michelle Meehan

And if you look closely at his beard, you may notice something a little different – it won’t come off!

Hmm, we wonder…

But he admitted his own flaw (surely Santa doesn’t have any!) was that he wasn’t always up on the latest trends in toys.

Luckily, he said the elves always know what the kids want when he passes on the wish lists!

Santa also had a few tips for those kids looking to ensure they stay on the nice list: “Be nice to your mum and dad. You treat people how you want to be treated” while for those wanting to know what they should leave out for him, Mrs Claus gave intouch the inside running – apparently a pack of Twisties or an iced coffee milk drink always go down well!

And of course, just before we left, we had to ask Santa about that beard of his…

“I say to the kids who come to see me, ‘Do you think I’m the real Intouch Magazine was lucky enough to score a few moments Santa?’ And they say ‘I don’t know’ and I say well ‘Try and take with Santa and Mrs Claus when they made a sneak my beard off.’,” Santa said. appearance in the Hunter last month - “We were just doing a bit “And they do and they give it a tug (when it doesn’t move) they of surveillance, to make sure all the kids are being good,” - to But 2015 is guaranteed to be a festive season like no other, go ‘Oh!’ - they love it...The babies love to get hold of it as well find out just how they were going to help Charlestown Square with the centre boasting the largest Santa photo set in NSW. but it doesn’t hurt, only when they get one hair at a time!” make this a truly magical Christmas for more than 4500 Stunning in sparkling reds and greens and towering high above families who are expected to get their Santa photos taken at However Mrs Claus hinted that sometimes it almost had a shoppers in Centre Court, Santa’s home-away-from-home is a the Hunter’s largest shopping and entertainment destination. “mind of its own” and while it got trimmed back regularly, Santa sight not to be missed.

“We’re really happy to be coming out to Charlestown,” Mrs Claus had another secret for keeping it in shape…

Featuring everything from Santa’s mail box to gorgeouslysaid.

“He spends more on product for his beard than I spend on my decorated Christmas trees and giant ballerina and more solid hair. I can’t get to my bathroom vanity for his products!” she “We’re passionate about putting smiles on children’s faces figurines perched high on decorative towers, there are plenty laughed. and this is the biggest shopping centre in the Hunter and the of things to keep the kids occupied as you journey along the biggest set in NSW, so we’re just so thrilled to be coming here. unique 12 Days of Christmas pathway towards the fun of the photos. Of course, the set wouldn’t have quite the same magic “In conjunction with Charlestown, we’re going to try and make it unless it culminated in the sight of Santa sitting on his big red one of the best Christmas seasons we’ve had.”

SANTA AT CHARLESTOWN: chair when you reached the front of the line.

While it’s his busiest time of year, Santa said he couldn’t wait to Now of course everyone knows that Santa has a very special •Santa is now in residence at Charlestown Square every get out and meet a host of Hunter children. team of helpers to ensure every boy and girl has the chance to day until Christmas Eve. Full times for photo session are “Every child deserves to see Santa - I want to be part of their get their Santa photo taken. His magic is amazing, but he just listed on www.charlestownsquare.com.au lives and put a smile on their faces,” he said. can’t be everywhere at once!

•All children that have their photo taken will receive a “Seeing them in all their glory, the lovely clothes they come in, Resplendent in their vibrant red suits and flowing white beards, free gift. the excitement in their eyes – it’s just wonderful.

Santa ensures his hand-picked helpers all look the part as •The Sensitive Santa sessions are available during the they help to make magical moments for children all around the “Some are so scared of me, some are super shy; you have to morning and afternoon sittings on selected Tuesdays, have the ability to look at a child and work them out. world.

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Bookings are But if you happen to visit Charlestown Square’s Santa set on a “It’s not 'come and see Santa for a traumatic experience', it’s essential and interested families are encouraged to call come for an enjoyable experience and some children just need Thursday evening, Saturday or Sunday, you might want to look the centre, with the first family photo in Sensitive Santa more time than others.” twice when you get the chance to hop onto Santa’s knees and sessions provided free of charge. whisper your secret wish in his ear …

To this end, Charlestown Square will be holding a series of •Pet photos will be held on three consecutive weekends “Sensitive Santa” sessions in partnership with NSW Autism He’ll certainly have that trademark twinkle in his eye, not to from 7am (before the centre opens) starting from Spectrum to provide children with autism the opportunity to mention a row of very special shiny gold buttons on his suit, November 28th. Bookings are required. have their family photo taken with Santa during a quieter time. each one featuring the pictures and names of his reindeer (a special Christmas gift from Mrs Claus, apparently).

Each year a jolly crew of very special helpers are on hand at Charlestown Square for one of the most loved Christmas traditions of all – getting your photo taken with Santa.

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Enjoy Christmas At the Hunter's largest shopping and entertainment destination!

Everything you need for Christmas is all under one roof at Charlestown Square.

Join us for Santa Photos...

Visit Santa every day until Christmas Eve at the largest Santa Set in NSW! Including the Hunter's favourite real bearded Santa on Thursday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays – and you can even meet Mrs Claus. Plus, receive a gift from Santa when you have your photo taken.

Bring all the family…

Did you know you can bring your four legged fury friends to have a photo with Santa?

Back by popular demand, Santa Pet Photos will be held on three consecutive weekends on Level 1, near the Pearson Street entry.

Sat 28 November Sun 29 November Sat 5 December Sun 6 December Sat 12 December Sun 13 December

7am – 8.30am 7am – 9.30am 7am – 8.30am 7am – 9.30am 7am – 8.30am 7am – 9.30am

Bookings essential at charlestownsquare.com.au

We're open longer for you…

Enjoy over 240 specialty stores plus Myer, The Apple Store, Big W, Target, JB Hi Fi, Rebel Sport, City Beach and so much more.

Thu 17 Dec Fri 18 Dec Sat 19 Dec Sun 20 Dec Mon 21 Dec Tue 22 Dec Wed 23 Dec Thu 24 Dec Fri 25 Dec

9am - MIDNIGHT 9am - 7pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 8am - 9pm 8am - 5:30pm CENTRE CLOSED Christmas Day

Sat 26 Dec Sun 27 Dec Mon 28 Dec Tue 29 Dec Wed 30 Dec Thu 31 Dec Fri 1 Dec Sat 2 Dec Sun 3 Dec

OPEN Boxing Day 8am - 7pm 9am - 6pm 9am – 5:30pm 9am – 5:30pm 9am – 5:30pm 9am – 5:30pm SHOPS ARE CLOSED* 9am – 6pm 10am – 5pm

* Cinemas, entertainment, cafes, restaurants and major stores may trade.

Details at charlestownsquare.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 9

What’s on?

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1

►COMING

UP

FRIDAY 4TH Screamfeeder The Cambridge Hotel Ne Obliviscaris The Small Ballroom Christmas in the Park Orchestra Intergallactica Newcastle Youth Orchestra and NYO Kids, Civic Park, Newcastle Jon Toogood The Stag & Hunter, Mayfield SATURDAY 5TH Elton John Hope Estate Hornet Goldfish Hunter Valley The Fabulous Beatle Boys Wests Cardiff Bad Pony The Small Ballroom SUNDAY 6TH Wish for Wings The Small Ballroom WEDNESDAY 9TH Unwritten Law The Small Ballroom FRIDAY 11TH Todd McKenney Sings Peter Allen Belmont 16's SATURDAY 12TH Cold Chisel Hope Estate Joey Cape The Small Ballroom The Big Bang Quartet Goldfish Hunter Valley SUNDAY 13TH Jon English and The Foster Brothers Wests, New Lambton WEDNESDAY 16TH Jon Stevens The Depot on Beaumont THURSDAY 17TH Endless Heghts The Small Ballroom Steve Clisby The Depot on Beaumont SATURDAY 19TH The Screaming Jets The Cambridge Hotel Hummingbirds Goldfish Hunter Valley SATURDAY 26TH Moonlight Drive Duo Goldfish Hunter Valley THURSDAY 31ST NYE Street Party The Cambridge Hotel John Paul Young + The Allstar Band Wests, New Lambton Bondi Cigars The Depot on Beaumont Mark Wells Trio Goldfish Hunter Valley

JANUARY

SATURDAY 9TH Stray From the Path The Cambridge Hotel SUNDAY 10TH Dead City Ruins The Cambridge Hotel WEDNESDAY 13TH Thee Oh Sees The Small Ballroom FRIDAY 15TH Turnstile The Cambridge Hotel Guy Sebastian Civic Theatre, Newcastle FRIDAY 22ND Shake n Bake Tour w/ Book Seeka The Cambridge Hotel

10 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

MAMBO 31 years of shelf-indulgence MAMBO is loud, unorthodox and quirky and one of Australia's most renowned and recognisable design brands.

With its broad range of appeal from poster design, painting, print making, ceramics, surfboard design and even pinball design. Until Jan 24. Newcastle Art Gallery. For more info head to www.nag.org.au

1 DEC

Summer Family Fun Day A family fun day out at Beresfield Swimming Centre to celebrate the start of summer! Lots of activities for all ages.

Bikers For Kids Charity Toy Run In its 38th year, this event see's thousands of bikers of all ages leaving Stockton Foreshore at 10am, en route to Newcastle Foreshore to bring donations for disadvantaged Hunter kids and families. Entertainment, food and coffee stalls will be available at the end - so get down to the foreshore to join this great community event! www.newcastletoyrun.com.au

6 DEC

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10

Carols by the Lake Toronto has a 22 year history of hosting this family event which includes the arrival of Santa and a spectacular fireworks display over the lake. 6―9pm, Toronto Foreshore.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11

Look Hear Creative Conference 2015 The aim of Look Hear is to inspire, engage and foster creativity and to nurture those who appreciate the imagination and its possibilities through a range of high quality presentations, world class exhibitions, creative workshops, supreme live art and much more. www.lookhear.com.au Springloaded Gateshead Christmas Party Pizza, trampoline park, gymnastics, inflatables, games and giveaways! 6―8pm, tickets $25. Book now www.springloaded.com.au

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12

Tyrannosaurs Meet the Family Newcastle Museum, until Feb 28. www.newcastlemuseum.com.au Christmas Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens Now in its 9th Year, this event has become a family tradition with millions of lights on display.

Sound and light displays, live entertainment plus a Santa appearance, the event is for all ages. Until Jan 26 (entry fee applies, closed Christmas Day). www.hvg.com.au

UNTIL JAN 26

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3

Raw Newcastle Uprising Final showcase for 2015 7pm Great Northern Hotel. Tickets and info at www.rawartists.org/newcastle/uprising

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5

2UP SUP Toy Run Meeting at Punt Road Stockton at 8.30am, bring your safe water craft (stand up paddle boards, boats, kayaks, canoes, anything), your friends, gift donations and xmas outfits to cross the harbour! Acknowledging the thousands of bikers on the road, this group will be delivering donations to the foreshore also. Heckling and cheering from the shore is encouraged! Head to 2UP SUP Newcastle's Stand Up Paddle Centre's facebook page for details.

Variety Santa Fun Run The jolliest fun run of the year and your chance to join thousands of other Santas to spread the spirit of Christmas to Aussie kids in need! You can run, walk, roll or skip it, dance to entertainment along the way! The 5km or 3km run or walk starts and finishes at Harbour Square, Honeysuckle, along the stunning Newcastle Harbour.

Entries close 2pm, Dec 4. Head to www.varietysantafunrun.com.au

6 DEC

Sunset Gather Presented by Hunt & Gather Markets.

Street eats, markets and live music. Pacific Park, Newcastle East. 3pm - 8pm. Also on Jan 16. Check their facebook page for any wet weather details.

Olive Tree Christmas Market Festival This market will be the largest market since Olive Tree was launched in 2008, showcasing 200 amazing stalls full of unique work straight from the hands of contemporary artists and designers. Dont miss the next market on Dec 19. Civic Park, 9am - 3pm.

Crime Writing Workshop TV, film and fiction writer Tony Cavanaugh will teach a day-long crime writing workshop at The Lock-Up Cultural Centre. Tickets at www.hunterwriterscentre.org/crime-writing RPF Building Race Day Broadmeadow Racecourse.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6

Santa's Christmas Circus Spectacular A fantasy wonderland of family entertainment you’ll never forget – starring an amazing cast of acrobats, singing, dancing and performing astounding feats with hilarious antics to keep you enthralled and in wonder. Playhouse Theatre, Newcastle.

Christmas Dinner Dances 3-course dinner and show. Hits of the Bee Gees, The Beatles and the Beach Boys! Saturday 12 AND 19 December, Wests, New Lambton. Tickets $75pp.

The National College of Dance and Junior Academy 2015 Production Delighting audiences annually with their end of year productions, this years triple bill performance will include Romeo and Juliet (with live music composed by Matthew Hindson and Cyrus Meurant), Pacquita and Aurora's Wedding. Civic Theatre, Newcastle.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13

Newcastle Permanent Carols by Candlelight Lake Macquarie It wouldn't be Christmas without an evening of Carols! Featuring entertainment and special guests, this is one event not to miss! Watch Frozen on the big screen from noon, with evening events kicking off at 6.30pm. Speers Point Park, Lake Macquarie.

Miss Porter's House Open Day Christmas With the Porter Family is the theme... Christmas decorations, Christmas recipes, Christmas foods and Christmas table settings owned and used by the Porters will be on display. Open from 1pm to 4pm. Admission $8 adults, $20 family, $5 pensioners and children 5 yrs and over. Free to National Trust Members and children under 5. 434 King Street, Newcastle West.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8

Faulty Towers Dining Experience Waited upon

by Basil, Sybil and Manuel, this is fully immersive, highly improvised and site-specific comedy theatre at its best! Hunter Resort, Hunter Valley. www.interactivetheatre.com.au

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9 Soiree Dinner Cabaret Show Guests will enjoy a three course traditional French dinner alongside an aperitif on arrival with the mesmerising vocals of Australia’s best singing drag star KARA ZMATIQ. Le Passe Temps French Restaurant and Lounge, Hunter Street Newcastle. Show will sell out quick book now 4910 4060.

The Jack Newton Celebrity Classic The Jack Newton pro-am 36 hole golf tournament pairs 54 celebrities ranging from sporting greats, comedians, entertainers, film stars and television personalities with 54 professional golfers. A great opportunity for amateurs to play with their golfing heroes at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley. All proceeds go to the Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation and Diabetes. Dec 14―16. www.celebrityclassic.jacknewtongroup.com

14 - 16 DEC

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

What’s on?

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16

The Wiggles Big Show The great Aussie family tradition of ending the year with a preChristmas Wiggles Spectacular will continue bigger, bolder and happier than ever. Newcastle Entertainment Centre. www.nec.net.au

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18

Newcastle Permanent Carols by Candlelight King Edward Park Drawing more than 15,000 people to the event last year, this year’s evening will be packed full of performances by fantastic local artists, carnival rides, Newcastle Permanent’s free photo booth and of course Santa! Kick off at 5.30pm, with Carols commencing at around 7pm.

Get in early for a good spot on the grass! Shuttle services operating 5.30pm - 10pm.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19

Mambo Masterclass Enjoy an artist-led tour, uncover behind-the-scenes perspectives on the MAMBO: 31 Years of Shelf-Indulgence exhibition. $55pp, includes lunch and all materials. Bookings required, call 4974 5100. www.nag.org.au Nutri-Grain Ironman The nation's best 15 IronMen and IronWomen will battle it out in this summer's six-race series starting with rounds 1 + 2 at Coolum Beach in Queensland, rounds 3 + 4 at Newcastle Beach, 19―20 Dec. Rounds 5 + 6 will take place at North Cronulla Beach, NSW.

19 + 20 DEC

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20

Annual Christmas Pantomime Let It Go, Let It Snow Winner of the Mo award for Best Children’s Show in Australia, this incredible production features songs from the children’s phenomenon FROZEN. Wests, New Lambton.

Carols in the Park Lindsay Memorial Oval, Beresfield.

Carols by the Beach Live music, fireworks, food, Santa, kids activities. Glow sticks for sales! 7―9pm, Empire Park, Memorial Drive, Bar Beach.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25

Christmas Day Lunch Wests Cardiff, Nelson Bay Diggers, Wests Mayfield. Book online now at www.westsnewcastle.com.au Samaritans Christmas Day Lunch Newcastle Foreshore Railsheds, 11am. All welcome!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26

Boxing Day Races The annual must-attend race day! Racegoers are encouraged to get in early and pre-purchase tickets to avoid disappointment.

Broadmeadow Racecourse. www.njc.com.au

NYE 2015!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31

WIN NYE

Cirque du Soleil - Quidam A world more exotic than your wildest imagination, the Quidam is your last chance to immerse yourself in this spectacular as its 20 year run comes to an end. 15­―24 January, Newcastle Entertainment Centre.

Your New Years Eve celebrations are sorted!

Take advantage of one of the following (make sure you book in early): A Dino-mite NYE at Newcastle Museum! Jive into the Jurassic with dinosaur themed activities and family friendly fun for our annual NYE festivities. 6―9pm. Exhibition entry charges apply.

NYE Party at The Depot on Beaumont Tickets $99 - includes a tapas selection and dessert, alongside music act Bondi Cigars. www.thedepotrestaurantsnewcastle.com.au NYE at Honeysuckle Stunning harbourside views, bars, music and 9pm family friendly fireworks.

Goldfish Hunter Valley NYE Package includes a cocktail on arrival, 3 hour canape and pizza, a glass of bubbles at midnight and the Sydney Fireworks on the big screen to see in the New Year! $85pp ($75 members). $20 entry after 9pm. www.thegoldfish.com.au NYE VIP Party at Harrigans Irish Pub $155 includes canapes on arrival, 5 hours of premium beverages, a 3-course dinner and entry into Harrigans to enjoy live entertainment and fireworks. Broke Rd, Pokolbin. www.harrigansirishpub.com.au Hunter Valley Gardens Celebrate new years with entertainment, amusement rides, fireworks and the Lights Spectacular! www.hvg.com.au Nova Cruises Welcome in the New Year aboard their vessel The Princess departing at 7:30pm.

This is a 5hr hour cruise for $155 taking in the sights and sounds of Newcastle Harbour. Avoid the crowds and have the best position in town to view the fireworks! Limited tickets. www.novacruises.com.au Get Along for a Grainy NYE! Get along to The Grain Store to kick off your New Year’s Eve in “Grain-Style.” From 8―10pm enjoy live music from two of Newcastle’s best performers - Ryan Daley and Tim Rossington. Package includes a great 2 hour beverage package plus a hot appetiser share-plate for only $45 per person! www.grainstorenewcastle.com.au Highlander Celtic Rock Show at Sala's with support band Pumpkin Juice. $79 pp includes a 2 course dinner and show. Doors open 7pm then wine, dine & dance with friends until after midnight. Book now 4954 6136.

298 Hillsborough Road, Warners Bay. NYE Wests New Lambton with John Paul Young and The All Stars Band. Bring in the New Year with one of Australia's favourite popstars, plus a retro dj playing the best of the 70's and 80's from 10pm. $50pp. VIP Meet and Greet package $85. www.westsnewcastle.com.au Reserve Wine Bar collaboration with a winery, a Champagne House, a brewer and a distiller bring you the ultimate four way pop up under one roof! www.reservewinebar.com.au

10.30am - 11.30am or 1 - 2.30pm. $10 per child, ages: 9-14 yrs. Bookings essential ph 4974 1401.

WIN WIN WIN

Would you like to win a Grain Store NYE Package for 2 people with a bonus Main Meal thrown in? Head to our giveaways page at www.intouchmagazine.com.au, subscribe to get intouch online then tell us what your ultimate New Year’s Eve would be! Entries close December 23. The winner will be notified by phone and posted on our Facebook page. Happy New Year!

SATURDAY, JANUARY 2

Mega Creatures Immerse yourself in the land of the Mega Creature at Hunter Valley Gardens these January school holidays. See the giant animatronic Mega Bugs and the brand new Mega Dinosaurs including a T-Rex, Stegosaurus, Triceratops and loads more. This event runs in conjunction with the Christmas Lights Spectacular. Open from 9am – 4pm and 6.30pm – 10pm, 2―26 January.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8

Art Fix Fridays A double-barrelled blast with art, music and live performance. Unleash your inner non-conformist as the Newcastle Art Gallery breaks out the pizza, pin-ball machine and ping pong table with good-hearted Mambo musings. Ages 18+ only, Fridays 8 and 15 Jan from 5.30pm. $10pp, $5 student/concession. Food will be available for purchase. Laman Street, Newcastle.

Friday Flick 'n' Food Live music, and food market, Honeysuckle.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9

Cardiff Toyota Race Day General Entry is $12, or $20 pre-purchased to attend the Corona Beach Party Marquee. Broadmeadow Racecourse.

Honeysuckle Short Film Festival 9―10 Jan.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13

Move Like a Mini-osaur! Turn yourself into a dinosaur at these roar-somely fun creative movement classes hosted by Flipside Youth Dance.

Make your very own T.rex tail, imagine you are four metres tall with huge teeth and then join the herd to romp and stomp and roar! Newcastle Museum.

10.30am - 12pm, Weds 13 AND 20. $15 per child, ages 4―6yrs. Bookings essential 4974 1401.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15

Guy Sebastian You.. Me.. Us Tour This much anticipated tour will see Guy, Australia's most successful male artist of all time, performing in a new intimate format like you've never seen him before. Civic Theatre, Newcastle.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16

Sunset Gather Presented by Hunt & Gather Markets. Street eats, markets and live music!

Pacific Park, Newcastle East. 3pm - 8pm. Check their facebook page for any wet weather details.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17

An Evening with David Sedaris Best selling author David Sedaris will treat you to readings from a selection of his renowned essays, focusing on new, unpublished work and diary entries (which he writes in daily). With past tours selling out quickly, don’t miss your chance to hear one of the most insightful and hilarious voices of our time on the Australian stage! Civic Theatre, Newcastle.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19

Newcastle Art Gallery School Holiday TIE-DYE workshop Join Gallery educators for an art workshop inspired by brand Mambo. Twist, tie and dye fabric to create groovy designs on pillowcases, t-shirts and even socks. BYO t-shirts, pillowcases etc. 19―22 Jan. $25 per child, includes all materials. Bookings and payment required.

Ph 4974 5100 or head to www.nag.org.au

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20

The Tiger Who Came to Tea Based on Judith Kerr’s best-selling book. A stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem... expect to be surprised! Civic Theatre, Newcastle.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21

Dino Disco at Newcastle Museum Groove like a Gorgosaurus, dance like a Daspletosaurus! Let Ruby the Clown get your T.rex toes tapping at this special Dino Disco! 5.30 - 7pm, $5 per child. Ages 12 and under. No need to book, just drop in!

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23

Newcastle Permanent Cinema Under the Stars Entry is FREE so gather your friends and family to relax with a picnic as the sun sets over King Edward Park and the screen lights up for MINIONS. Gates open at 5.30pm with a fantastic line-up of entertainment including the energetic Matt Zarb who will have everyone up and dancing before the movie screening at sundown.

23 JAN

Stamp that Beat! Join the team from Newcastle Youth Orchestra and drum along to the dinosaur beat as we learn all about rhythm and keeping in time. We’ll make some loud noises on percussion and have a dino-ball, come ready for fun and monstrous music making! Newcastle Museum. www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 11

What’s on?

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24

Live & Cookin’ 31 Morehead Street, Lambton Doors open from 6pm FULLY LICENSED

DECEMBER THE INCREDIBLE SHEENA EASTON Wednesday 2

GLENN SHORROCK Thursday 3

Jimmy Carr Funny Business Jimmy’s been described as ‘the hardest working man in comedy.’ Book ahead to avoid disappointment to this much anticipated show!

Civic Theatre, Newcastle.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28

Raw Newcastle Futures Great Northern Hotel, 7pm.

Tickets at www.rawartists.org/newcastle/futures

28 JAN

The Very Versatile

THE MARVIN GAYE EXPERIENCE Saturday 5

WINTERBOURNE Thursday 10 THE INCREDIBLE DIESEL CHRISTMAS SHOWS Fri 11 + Sat 12 + Sun 13 RUMOURS - A TRIBUTE TO FLEETWOOD MAC Thursday 17 THE LEGENDARY DRAGON Fri 18 + Sat 19 A FESTIVE LUNCH WITH JAMES MORRISON Sunday 20 GROOVIN NYE WITH DOUG WILLIAMS AND THE MIX Thursday 31

JANUARY KARISE EDEN Sat 2 + Sun 3 lunch BRIANS FAMOUS JAZZ + CHILLI CRAB NIGHT Friday 8 DIRE STRAIGHTS GREATEST HITS TRIBUTE Saturday 9

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31

Surfest 2016 Kicks off with the Maitland and Port Stephens Toyota Wildcard Trials at Birubi Point.

Throughout February various events and competitions are held across Newcastle beaches and in particular Merewether Beach, culminating with the finals of the Pro events (Men's and Women's) on February 28. Visit www.surfest.com for a full schedule and all the latest news.

Coming Up IN FEBRUARY TUESDAY 2 John Butler Trio With special guests Tin Pan Orange.

Check out our article on page 13 to win a double pass! Civic Theatre, Newcastle.

THURSDAY 4 ACO 2016 Season Beethoven & the 21st Century City Hall, Newcastle.

FRIDAY 5 Icehouse 5 + 6 Feb, Civic Theatre, Newcastle.

Caravan, Camping and Holiday Expo Newcastle Entertainment Centre and Showground, 5―7 Feb 9am - 5pm (Closes 4pm Sun).

SATURDAY 6

LANIE LANE Friday 22

Lake Mac Festival of Surfing Surfest will again partner with Lake Macquarie City Council to hold the Lake Mac Festival of Surfing. The event will cater for three disciplines of surfing namely, longboards, shortboards and stand-up paddleboards (SUP). The event will again be held on Redhead Beach. 6 + 7 Feb.

KILLER QUEEN Saturday 23

Maxi Priest Easy to Love Tour The Small Ballroom

LAZY LUNCH WITH MELINDA SCHNEIDER Sunday 10 RICHARD CLAPTON Sat 16 + Sun 17

MORE SHOWS added daily.

LIVE SHOWS starting from

$65 (including dinner)

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

lizottes.com.au or PH 4956 2066 12 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

19 FEB

Honeysuckle Entertainment Australia Day fun including Ducks for Dollars and the annual cross harbour swim. 10am - 4pm.

ABBASBACK Friday 4

A VERY BELLA VOCE CHRISTMAS LUNCH Sunday 6

COMING UP...

SUNDAY 7 FRIDAY 12 Dawn French Thirty Million Minutes The awardwinning actor, best-selling novelist and all round very funny lady, has written a new show, based on her life and career, called 30 Million Minutes. Civic Theatre, Newcastle.

Good Mourning Mrs Brown sees Mrs. Brown and the whole family tackle the wake and funeral of Grandad Brown. There's just one problem…

Grandad isn't dead! Fri 12 + Sat 13, Newcastle Entertainment Centre.

Casey Donovan

Powerhouse vocalist Casey Donovan, one of Australia's most versatile entertainers, brings new life to old classics in her brand new show with a distinctly jazz feel. Taking on contemporary and classic pop hits from Michael Jackson and Madonna to Rihanna and Sam Smith, Casey gives them a jazz twist in a show guaranteed to entertain. Renowned for her interpretations, Casey has always been influenced by the great songstresses of jazz so it's only fitting that she will include some jazz standards.

In 2004 as an Australian Idol hopeful, her renditions of Why Don't You Do Right and Misty Blue blew audiences away. A decade later her voice has only improved. Soulful and powerful she is as comfortable with jazz as she is singing her originals. But Casey's versatility comes as a surprise to no one.

A multi-award winning entertainer, in 2010, Donovan was cast in the role of Cynthia in the musical stage production of The Sapphires which saw the show tour Australia throughout the first half of 2010. Donovan won praise from the critics for her role in the production, which was presented by Company B Belvoir and Black Swan State Theatre Company. Donovan went on to take home the Best Supporting Actress award at the 4th Daegu International Music Festival Awards while on tour with the production in South Korea in July 2010.

Casey received further praise for theatrical performances in As You Like It (Company B), Opera Yarrabah (Opera Australia) and The Flowerchildren (Magnormos). With a career carved across multiple platforms, Casey has three seasons as host of NITVs Fusion under her belt and is an advocate for plus size women in showbiz. A contributor to Plus Model Magazine in the US and Pink Blitz Magazine in Canada, she also works as a motivational speaker promoting self-acceptance and healthy self-esteem to teens.

Casey is a seasoned entertainer whose musical interpretations have delighted audiences from her first performances on Australian Idol to her YouTube channel, Casey Donovan Music. Her jazz stylings are the perfect accompaniment or show-stopper for your next corporate event.

WIN WIN WIN! FOR YOU AND 3 FRIENDS!!

We have show tickets for one lucky reader (and their three besties) to enjoy Casey Donovan at Lizottes’s Newcastle on Friday February 19, 2016. Winning is simple – visit the GIVEAWAYS page at www.intouchmagazine.com.au and tell us what genre you think suits Casey best and why. Easy! Entries close January 31. The winner will be notified by phone and announced on our facebook page.

INTOUCH WHAT'S ON

NYE 2015!

THE CAMBRIDGE Rocks Wood Street at Newcastle's biggest NYE street party.

Newcastle’s very own Cambridge Hotel has announced what could be called the biggest street party in Newcastle to date!

Newcastle’s Wood Street will be revamped and transformed into the ultimate street party for a special New Years Eve event.

The massive line-up features some of the largest acts that Australia has to offer and more. The New Years Eve street party spectacular will be co-headlined by none other than Brisbane-based indie-pop-rock legends, Ball Park Music and the sweet beat making boys from Thundamentals.

But it keeps getting better! Also included on the bill will be Sydney’s number one indie-alternative dude Steve Smyth and Newcastle’s home grown act The Soorleys who are guaranteed to mesmerise the crowd with their captivating folk pop and country roots.

It’s Christmas time at The Hunter’s favourite place – a magical time of the year! We’re proud to have a real bearded Santa this year as part of Santa’s helpers, and if you visit on Thursday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays you’ll meet Mrs. Claus! Plus all children who have their photo taken here with Santa will receive a free gift.

To keep the party going into the New Year will be Newcastlebased live DJ outfit, Sleepers. Topping off an already incredible line up, Triple J’s very own KLP will be making a special guest appearance on the night.

Our popular Santa pet photos events will be held on several weekends before the centre opens. Bookings are a must – bring your favourite four legged furry family member for a special festive experience.

Celebrate NYE in Wood Street from 6pm until 1am. Tickets to Newcastle’s biggest NYE street party are on-sale now from www.bigtix.com.au, The Cambridge Hotel or the Rockshop.

WIN WIN WIN!

Thanks to Big Apachee we have a Double-Pass to Newcastle’s Biggest NYE Street Party at The Cambridge to give away to one lucky reader!

Visit the GIVEAWAYS page at www.intouchmagazine.com.au, register to receive intouch online and let us know who you would take and why to win! Entries close midnight on December 20th, 2015. The winners will be notified by phone and announced on our facebook page. Good luck… and Happy New Year!!

they’ve spent much time doing exactly what they do best, touring their socks off introducing those new songs to fans all around the world. They continue to carve out bigger audiences globally as they perform through a combination of headline shows and festivals including Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Rock En Seine and Fuji Rock to name a few.

One of Australia’s most loved brother-sister outfits, the critically acclaimed Melbourne indie-folk darlings, Tinpan Orange will open proceedings on the night. With the ethereal and mesmerising Emily Lubitz at the helm, joined by her brother, guitarist Jesse Lubitz and violin virtuoso Alex Burkoy, Tinpan Orange’s 60’s inspired folk has a melancholy, candid and somewhat playful edge.

JOHN BUTLER TRIO

returns to Civic Theatre!

The John Butler Trio will perform at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 with special guests Tinpan Orange. This will be one of the Trio’s last show for their beloved fans before they enter the studio to start work on their 7th album.

The John Butler Trio last played at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre in April 2014 as they introduced their highly acclaimed sixth studio album Flesh + Blood to Novocastrian fans. Since then

What's happening at

Novocastrians you’d best get your skates on if you want to catch JBT this summer! Tickets are available from www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au or www.ticketek.com.au.

WIN WIN WIN!

We have a DOUBLE PASS to give away to one lucky reader to see the John Butler Trio at the Civic Theatre Newcastle on Tuesday February 2!

Visit the GIVEAWAYS Page at www.intouchmagazine.com.au and register to receive intouch online. Then tell us what you think would be a great name for the trio’s 7th album (the 6th was Flesh + Blood). Entries close Jauary 15. The winner will be notified by phone and announced on our facebook page.

Good Luck!

Until Sunday 6 December, be in the draw to win $1,000 to spend at Myer! Ten lucky winners will have the department store open exclusively on Friday evening 11 December to get all their Christmas shopping done – pick up the entry details when you spend $50 anywhere in the centre now.

Have you visited Market Alley? It’s a unique collection of pop-up shops plus a sideshow selfies area located on Level 1. It is part of the centre’s current development and includes five local traders surrounded by interactive artwork designed for us exclusively by popular artist Trevor Dickinson. Take a few selfies, post it to @charlestownsquare official and #charlestownmarketalley for your chance to win GPT Gift Cards.

With over 240 specialty stores plus Myer, Target, Big W, The Apple Store, JB Hi Fi, Rebel Sport you’re sure to find the perfect gifts this Christmas. If you’re looking to give the gift of fun, the new 2016 Entertainment Passes are now on sale at the Customer Service Desk. These amazing value Passes package together great experiences available only at Charlestown Square – a movie at Reading Cinemas, Strike bowling or laser tag, fun at Timezone plus tasty treats. With savings of over $18 on the Kids Passes, this year we’ve introduced Super Passes, great for students plus an even better value Mega Pass which includes a 5 hour free parking pass, so you have ample time to enjoy!

The centre will be open longer for you to enjoy Christmas shopping. For the first time, the shops will be open on Boxing Day along with Reading Cinemas, the entertainment offers and the South Piazza cafes and restaurants, so be part of the Hunter’s biggest postChristmas Sale. Please check daily trading hours at www.charlestownsquare.com.au.

Enjoy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.

Cheers,

Therese

Marketing Team

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 13

SIMPLY 2015 / 2016

IN THE New Year’s Eve, Australia Day and everything in between!

NEW YEAR’S EVE 2015 Four stages of DJs, lounge and jazz, party hits and acoustic tunes from 6pm to 9pm along with food trucks and roving entertainment throughout the Honeysuckle Precinct.

AUSTRALIA DAY 2016 From 10am to 4pm there will be plenty happening across four entertainment precincts at Honeysuckle and on the water including Ducks for Dollars and the cross harbour swim.

INTOUCH WHAT'S ON

RED

Celebrate 30 years under the stars at Bimbadgen Thirty years after introducing a generation to the joys of soul music through their irrepressible, powerful rendition of the Valentine Brothers’ recession-themed classic Money’s Too Tight (To Mention), SIMPLY RED are back with a world tour and a brand new album, Big Love.

Following a sold-out European arena tour, The Big Love tour lands in Australia this February 2016, playing theatres (Live Nation) and four a day on the green events including Bimbadgen Winery, Hunter Valley on Saturday, February 20.

The special guest at all 'a day on the green' concerts is one of Australia’s most-loved performers, the fabulous Tina Arena, returning to the winery stages for the first time since 2010. Also performing, and making her 'a day on the green' debut, will be Natalie Imbruglia, the special guest for all Simply Red’s Australian tour shows.

“I like an anniversary, and this is a big one,” says Mick Hucknall. “30 years! It's incredible.

What a great thing to celebrate!”

Simply Red, Tina Arena and Natalie Imbruglia – don’t miss this all-star line-up under the stars this summer!

WIN WIN WIN

We have a General Admission DOUBLE PASS (valued at $220) for this amazing a day on the green performance at Bimbadgen on Saturday February 20 to give away to one lucky reader! Visit the Giveaways page at www.intouchmagazine.com.au and register to get intouch online. Tell us which act you would most like to see and why. Good Luck!

Enries close January 31, 2016. The winner will be notified by phone and announced on our facebook page.

SUMMER SNAPSHOT* There is plenty happening in Newcastle this summer. Here is a snapshot of some of the great activities happening across the city, for all the details head to our website. Activities are at Honeysuckle unless stated otherwise.

27 NOV

Mambo Street Party, Laman Street

4 DEC

Christmas in Civic Park

13 DEC

Elvis’s Newcastle Christmas Album, Wheeler Place

19/20 DEC Nutrigrain Ironman and Ironwoman series, Newcastle Beach 8 JAN

Friday flick ‘n’ food with live music and food market

9/10 JAN

Honeysuckle Short Film Festival

11 JAN

7am Yoga class, 9am -11am Kids music

14 JAN

Art workshops all morning, 12pm functional fitness class

19 JAN

9am - 11am Mum ‘n’ bub movie morning

23/24 JAN

Deus Surf Swap

*Dates and activities subject to change

16 DEC

10 JAN

Two Shows in One at the Wiggly Big Show!

Hi-5 Summer Songfest!

The grand Aussie family tradition of ending the year with a pre-Christmas Wiggles spectacular will continue bigger, bolder and happier than ever this year as The Wiggles return to Newcastle for 2 shows (10am and 1pm) on Wednesday 16 December.

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley will host an exclusive performance of Hi-5 when they take to the stage on Sunday 10th January in the stunning Hunter Valley. Coming to you live from the on-site Hunter Valley Conference and Events Centre, the Hi-5 team will bring their fun and entertainment to families for the Hi-5 Summer Songfest!

Each of The Wiggles BIG SHOW! concerts will utilise not one, but two of the largest inflatable concert sets that Australian venues will have ever used, as the shows take on an even more family-friendly format this year.

Wiggles creator and Blue Wiggle Anthony explains, “This year we have two really special performances planned for every concert – it really is two shows in one!"

For more information visit:

www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au 2041NOV15

14 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

They’re certainly Australia's happiest entertainment group, and children and families worldwide whole-heartedly agree.

Don’t miss your chance to end 2015 with the biggest, brightest, Wiggliest day out yet!

For more information and tickets visit www.nec.net.au

Come and party with Hi-5 these summer holidays with their brand new show Hi-5 Summer Songfest! This Songfest extravaganza will include all your favourite Hi-5 songs to sing and dance along with.

Ideal for all the family, combine the stunning surrounds of the Hunter Valley with this unique concert by taking the opportunity to enjoy a family getaway with Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley designed to cater to the whole family with a wide range of accommodation options and family activities, so your show experience is truly memorable. For tickets visit www.moshtix.com.au and for accommodation and other event information visit www.crowneplazahuntervalley.com.au

INTOUCH WHAT'S ON

Celebrate BOXING DAY at Newcastle Jockey Club!

exhileracing!

Newcastle Jockey Club is set for a sizzling Summer of racing starting with the Annual Boxing Day Races, now on sale to the public.

Racegoers are encouraged to get in early and pre-purchase their tickets via www.proticket.com.au to avoid the disappointment of missing out on the hottest racing event this summer.

With a DJ on the lawn, live racing action and the cricket being telecast on all plasma TV's in the Courtyard Room, event organisers have everyone covered.

NJC Racecourse Operations Manager, Peter Birch said the attendee numbers would be capped for the popular day and encouraged people to book their tickets early.

TICKETS PRE-PURCHASE: General Entry @ $20 (+ticketing fee) can be prepurchased via the Pro-Ticket website. Members Day passes can only be purchased by a current NJC Member (Limit 2 per Member) at a price of $55 each including gate entry at the NJC.

"We are expecting some solid crowds in the lead up to the summer holidays as businesses celebrate Christmas with their staff, but Boxing Day is all about family and friends," Mr Birch said.

TICKETS PURCHASE ON THE DAY:

"In the general admission area it is a day for everyone to enjoy Summer at the races. For NJC Members, Boxing Day is the day we encourage them to enjoy the Members Lounge with their family."

General Entry on the day will be @ $25 through NJC turnstiles. Members Day passes can only be purchased by a current NJC Member (Limit 2 per Member) at a price of $35 each plus the gate entry fee of $25 = $60.

they would be able to do similar for someone else. In 2014, in the space of 3 weeks, a team of 35 people (half of whom were under the age of 18) managed to put together 106 baskets, which were delivered 4 days before Christmas.

“My team members and I felt absolute joy experiencing the smiles, tears, shock and gratitude on people’s faces when they received their basket,” Michelle said. “It was enough to give me the inspiration to do it again and in a bigger way. Much bigger.

This year our goal is to deliver a massive 1000 baskets. We are aiming for the stars and hey if we reach the moon, now that would be awesome!”

Michelle said that what is most needed now are:

1000 BASKETS of Hope for Newcastle Families

Christmas 2015 will be a much brighter one for quite a few families in Newcastle when a newly formed not-for-profit group delivers baskets of food and gifts to them.

Newcastle Basket Brigade Coordinator Michelle Lee, has been working tirelessly with her dedicated team of brigade members to reach a massive goal this year.

“My team of volunteers has been amazing,” said Michelle. “Last year, 4 weeks before Christmas, I made the decision to rekindle an NFP that previously operated in Newcastle 10 years ago,” she said. “I had been made aware of a heart-warming cause where needy families would receive a surprise basket for Christmas.”

Michelle said that the best part of giving the baskets was that it was done anonymously – the recipient would be told that it was from someone who cares and that it was hoped that one day

• Sponsor/s who can help out financially • Volunteers to deliver neighbourhood flyers and pick up donations • Volunteers for Wrapping Days at the Wallsend Masonic Hall (Sundays December 6 and 13) Michelle said that the recipients are sourced from various walks of life. They may be suffering from financial hardship, lonely elderly, foster children, physically or mentally unwell, victims of abuse, the homeless, struggling refugees or others doing it tough.

BOXING

DAY RACES SATURDAY 26 DECEMBER 2015

“We are collaborating with a few other major NFPs too this year, which is also exciting as these partnerships will enable us to work together and help one another,” said Michelle.

TICKETS $20 PRE-PURCHASED + BOOKING FEE

Michelle Lee is a Transformational Youth Coach who has lived in Newcastle for 4 years. She has a vision of mentoring young people aged 14-25 to lead the Brigade, as she knows that they want to contribute and can make a huge positive impact on their communities.

INCLUDES:

RACECOURSE ENTRY & LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

If you would like to help out then contact Michelle and get involved in a fun and engaging cause, where volunteers can be involved in the whole process from beginning to end.

More information about the Newcastle Basket Brigade is available from www.magicmoments.org.au or www.facebook.com/NewcastleBasketBrigade, you can also email Michelle directly at newcastlebasketbrigade@magicmoments.org.au.

BOOK NOW PROTICKET.COM.AU/NJC PH: 4961 1573

#BOXINGDAYRACES www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 15

INTOUCH WHAT'S ON

MAXI PRIEST

Easy To Love 2016 Australian Tour 7 FEB

BUY NOW, BOOK LATER!

UK Reggae Pop artist, Maxi Priest, has announced his return to Australia with a run of ten shows playing all his hits and promoting new album ‘Easy To Love’ including a gig at The Small Ballroom on Sunday February 7th.

Easy To Love features eleven new songs taking him back to the foundation and highlighting Maxi’s earliest musical influences; roots reggae and lover’s rock.

The album features Reggae music luminaries Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith, Steven ‘Lenky’ Marsden, Clive Hunt and label mate Beres Hammond on the R&B flavoured Without A Woman.

As well as showcasing his new works, Maxi will also perform famous chart topping hits including Close To You, Cat Stevens cover Wild World, That Girl and many more.

We suspect this show will sell out fast (which is why we are telling you about it now!) For tickets visit www.kingdomsounds.oztix.com.au

YOU… ME… US

Guy Sebastian Tours Regional Australia

The most unique Christmas gift in Newcastle!

Guy Sebastian will bring his Australian regional tour YOU… ME… US to the Civic Theatre Newcastle on January 15 2016.

• Choose from 22,000 take off airports worldwide… Choose any weather condition… Bring along your passengers (you can bring 3)… Take Off! • No experience needed as your flight will be overseen by a professional pilot who will be there to guide you through a successful flight.

With ARIA Awards, over 11 top ten singles, multi-platinum albums, platinum and gold certifications, over 3 million album sales, a wife, 2 children and a voice and stage show he is excited to deliver, Guy Sebastian is ready to present his music once again to regional Australia.

“I love just getting out and meeting people. Some of the characters I come across in regional Australia are some of the most interesting people I have met. I’m really looking forward to this tour and stripping back some of the elements and making it all about the music,” said Guy.

PHONE 1300-SIM-FLIGHT OR VISIT OUR SPECIALS PAGE AT

www.jetflightsimulatornewcastle.com.au/intouch •30MIN $79 (was $199) •60MIN $139 (was $349) •90MIN $218 (was $499)

Along with his newly released hit single, Black and Blue, Guy will be showcasing new songs from his forthcoming album as well as performing some of our favourite Guy Sebastian hits in a new intimate format like you've never seen him before. This is an event not to be missed!

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Foleys Pianos 689 Hunter St | Newcastle West | NSW 2302 02 4926 1466 | www.foleyspianos.com.au Images are for illustration purposes only.

16 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

INTOUCH CHARLESTOWN FEATURE

CHARLESTOWN The Heart of Lake Macquarie

Charlestown is the vibrant hub of Lake Macquarie – the go-to place for those seeking anything from shopping, food and entertainment to medical and professional services. It’s the region's number one destination, with no other area in the region offering the array of business, health and lifestyle choices.

Charlestown is flourishing. The precinct is booming with opportunity as demonstrated by the new residential developments, modern apartment towers, office blocks and of course the constantly evolving Charlestown Square – the largest shopping centre in the region. New residents and businesses are moving into the area by the hundreds to be a part of this dynamic community.

Located high on the hill – the Charlestown we know today is nothing like its humble origins as a coal mining village.

Considered to be the founders of Charlestown, the Waratah Coal Company was first established in 1862 to mine coal in the Waratah district of Newcastle. The company then purchased another 2,600 acres to the south of Newcastle and in 1873 began sinking a mine shaft in what was then known as Raspberry Gully – a deep gully to the north of Charlestown and now of significant historical significance for Lake Macquarie.

The coal was taken along the “Gully Line” to Waratah.

Hacked out of dense bushland, the deep gully soon became a hive of activity and variously known as Charles' Pit, Raspberry Gully or The Gully Pit. Officially, the region was called South Waratah, but over the years, the name Charlestown came to include the Gully Pit and all other company owned land.

This surviving name seems to have been derived from that of Charles Smith, the company's manager.

What formed from this was Charlestown's first European settlement with the first inhabitants being the miners from the pit.

The company created the town’s first subdivision in April 1876, including original street alignments along the current Pacific Highway as well as Pearson, Smith, Ida, Frederick, Milson and Ridley Streets. The Charlestown Oval was also established at this time, and bequeathed by the mining industry to the community of Charlestown.

In 1877 Charlestown was included in the Municipality of Waratah and had up to forty houses, several stores and a

population of 200 consisting mainly of miners from Gully Pit and also shopkeepers. The first post office was opened in the same year with mail brought from Newcastle three times a week on horseback. Just two years later, Charlestown had 3 hotels, a School of Arts and several stores as well as a Government Savings Bank. Charlestown’s first school opened in April, 1879 with 68 pupils.

By 1883, Charlestown had two churches and by 1892, had grown to a population of 500 people.

Sometime around the late 1880’s, hostilities broke out when the Raspberry Gully owners employed strike-breaking mine workers brought in from Sydney. These "free labourers", included Spanish, Italian and Turkish migrants desperate for work.

To house some of them, the company built homes on Charlestown Road, which locals called "Blackleg Row" or "Scab Row". Due to the chatter of the many languages being spoken, the area was soon nicknamed "Monkey Town." After some threats from angry miners, the newcomers quickly left and the modest cottages became known as Pit Row. Diagonally down Charlestown Road was also the mine manager's hilltop residence overlooking the Gully mine. Today, the site is better known for the townhouse development Moreton Bay Gardens.

In the 1900’s Charlestown saw a period of rapid growth and expansion. In 1911, Charlestown had 120 homes which quickly increased to 158 homes ten years later and a population of 736 people. By 1933 Charlestown had 318 homes and a fast growing population of up to 1,360 people.

Although the mine did very well at first, conditions proved to be too competitive during the latter part of the 19th century and it was closed in the 1940’s - after World War II. Charlestown surged in population, growth and development in the late 1950’s and 1960’s. Sewerage services were extended to Charlestown and a number of new schools were opened to cope with the growing number of school aged children.

Charlestown Square was built in 1979 - the first shopping centre to develop in the Lake region. The new centre had a significant impact on the town by generating huge increases in traffic, shifting the retail focus to the west and becoming a major employer in the region.

Today, very few traces remain of the Raspberry Gully pits.

However, of the eight miners cottages built by the Waratah Coal

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAKE MACQUARIE LIBRARIES: HTTP//HISTORY.LAKEMAC.COM.AU TOP LEFT: PACIFIC HIGHWAY, CHARLESTOWN. TOP RIGHT: THE CORNER OF SMITH AND IDA STREETS, CHARLESTOWN (NOW THE OFFICES OF INTOUCH MAGAZINE!).

Company for the strike breakers, four remain today at 300, 304, 306 and 308 Charlestown Road. These remaining cottages are essentially the same in form as when they were built, with only some changes to materials (windows and cladding). They are the only remaining obvious relics of the Waratah Coal Company.

Also, tucked away in Rotary Park and very visible to motorists stopped at the intersection of the Pacific Highway and Dudley Road turn-off is a large mining wheel memento - the Rotary Park sculpture commemorating the mining venture that led to the early settlement of Charlestown. This sculpture was completed in 1972 and designed and sculpted by Charlestown resident, Peter Boyd whose father Tom Boyd worked as a miner all his life. It is believed that Tom Boyd modelled for the sculpture which captures the back breaking work involved in working at the coalface.

Beside the sculpture is a plaque that reads, "Dedicated to the coal mining pioneers who in the year 1873 started the first mining venture which led to the formation of Charlestown in 1876. The poppet head was salvaged from the last remains of the Waratah Colliery which was situated in Raspberry Gully from 1873 - 1961."

Symbolically, this historic headframe wheel is located directly opposite Charles Street - Charlestown.

The Building of CHARLESTOWN SQUARE Charlestown Square is the major regional shopping centre in Charlestown and is owned and operated by General Property Trust (GPT) - one of Australia's largest diversified listed property groups.

Originally built in 1979 as a 2-story structure, the centre has undergone several extensions and renovations and currently has over 270 specialty stores – including over 100 fashion stores and more than 30 exclusive stores, making it one of the largest shopping centres in the Hunter region. The centre now has 3 levels, and includes two food courts.

The Centre is constantly evolving, and in late 2010 underwent a major $470 million redevelopment, which almost doubled its size to 88,000 square metres. This included adding over 100 new shops, a new 8-screen Reading Cinema, including 2 Gold Lounge cinemas. The redevelopment also meant employment for an additional 1300 people, significantly boosting the local economy.

As of August 2015, Charlestown Square is undergoing a further major redevelopment in the former Best and Less mall. This development is rumoured to be bringing major international retailers such as H&M, Zara and Topshop to the Hunter region.

With over 270 specialty stores, including Apple, City Beach, Rebel Sport, Strike Bowling Bar, Best & Less and also home to the only Myer department store in the region, Charlestown Square has something for everyone. www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 17

INTOUCH CHARLESTOWN FEATURE

Sky Dental

State of the art Facilities in Charlestown

Sky Dental is a state-of-the-art facility in the Sky Central West Building Charlestown that manufactures high quality implants, crowns, bridges and dentures and carries out denture repairs and re-lines, as well as offering a range of sporting mouth guards and orthodontic appliances.

Digital Dentistry is the new direction of the dental industry. It is the most accurate, user friendly, patient friendly option and allows for more restorative possibilities for the patient.

It offers the best possible communication tools between dentist and patient as well as dentists and dental technicians.

professionals in Digital Dentistry in the country and the laboratory is the first fully Digitised Laboratory in Australia.

In fact, the entire Sky Dental team are highly skilled as a result of an exceptional standard of training. Hundreds of hours of certification ensure the team have the highest level of knowledge and are skilled with all the latest technology.

Master craftsmanship, 100% Australianmade products and leading technology at an affordable price – this is Sky Dental’s guarantee to its patients and clients.

As you would expect, Sky Dental’s technicians are some of the most highly trained

For more information visit the Sky Dental website at www.skydental.com.au or phone 4032 7290.

NRMA INSURANCE

NRMA Charlestown wins major site of the year!

Sky Dental is a specialised, high-end dental laboratory and denture clinic, dedicated to offering dentists first-class products and services.

NRMA Charlestown was recently awarded Major Sales Site of the year. Charlestown branch was the winner out of 200 NRMA branches across the state, and won this award for their outstanding performance in the last financial year.

At the same award ceremony, Amy Carter (pictured) from Charlestown branch also took out the prize of ‘Insurance Consultant of the year’. This is the second year in a row Amy has won this award, and it signifies her dedication and commitment to customer service.

Our Guarantee to Patients

As Amy tells us...“I love my customers, and the best part of my job is definitely educating people on insurance, and just how important it is. I always do my best to make sure every customer I talk to walks away with the right level of cover to suit their needs.”

operated. We honestly do believe when taking out Insurance, it’s really important to have local understanding.”

The Charlestown franchise is one of the sites owned by The Bradstreet Property Group from the Hunter/Mid North Coast Regions, who took on this proprietorship in 2013. “We pride ourselves on being locally owned and

The branch, located on the Pacific Highway serves approximately 700 customers per week, and can help with car, home, CTP green slips, business, boat, caravan, and many other types of Insurance.

18 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

AMY CARTER, 'INSURANCE CONSULTANT OF THE YEAR.'

•100% Australian-made products and leading technology •Master craftsmanship •Affordable prices Sky Central West Building Level 3, 28 Smart Street Charlestown PH (02) 4032 7290 E info@skydental.com.au www.skydental.com.au

FREE CONSULTATION AND $200 OFF For full upper or lower dentures when you present this voucher to Sky Dental Labratories

INTOUCH CHARLESTOWN FEATURE a health facilitator very seriously and believes in providing his patients with an honest and open approach to their treatment.

Since opening the doors to his practice in Smith Street Charlestown more than 30 years ago, Phillip has treated well over 15,000 people for a wide range of conditions. In that time he has built a very successful clinic based around integrity and honesty. As a result, his business is built on word of mouth and referrals with many leading surgeons referring their patients to his clinic for treatment.

Phillip has been involved in sports recreation for many years and before opening his clinic, he was teaching swimming and basketball.

Therapy that is Changing Lives and Lifestyles for the BETTER

"In those days very little was known or understood about sports injuries – certainly nothing remotely close to what is understood today" says Phillip.

As a result, Phillip saw a need for a more specialised treatment based on neuromuscular treatment using a combination of deep tissue and soft tissue work (with no manipulation) for injuries that include sprains, strains, torn ligaments, whiplash and other neck injuries, back pain and also back injuries.

"In its simplest form, Neuromuscular Therapy is a modern, logical system of massage therapy that is based on Charlestown Remedial Sports Injuries Clinic is the most understanding how the neuromuscular system functions" established remedial clinic in the area with a particular focus on Neuromuscular Therapy (nerves and muscles) and nutrition. explains Phillip.

"The nervous system controls everything in the body, including The clinic also specialises in Cryotherapy which involves the muscle tension and pain. therapeutic use of cold treatments to promote faster healing time, naturopathy, myotherapy (muscle therapy), Myotrophy which is the nutrition of muscle and Kinesiology which is the scientific study of movement of body parts.

"Neuromuscular principles help me understand what is causing the patients pain- trigger points, posture, and so forth and how to treat it."

With over 30 years’ experience treating sports injuries, motor vehicle accident injuries and work related injuries, the clinic’s owner Phillip Muller has seen it all. Phillip, who has enough qualifications to cover the length of his arm, takes his role as

"Neuromuscular Therapy's approach to massage involves the very detailed massage of muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue. Precise massage therapy releases problem areas that are often missed by other forms of massage."

For Phillip, who is a qualified neuromuscular therapist, herbalist, acupuncturist and nutritionist, much of his treatment focuses on neuromuscular therapy combined with addressing nutritional imbalances and deficiencies to correct underlying conditions.

"I find that most of my patients are deficient in magnesium and iodine. As a result we use ancient magnesium oil in all our treatments. This assists in the relaxation of muscles and reducing joint damage" says Phillip.

Many of the patients Phillip and his colleague Sarah treat at the clinic have tried every other form of treatment with little or no success, and there is no shortage of people who are prepared to come forward to talk about the successful treatment they have experienced at Charlestown Remedial Sports Injuries Clinic.

Faye, who is an amputee after losing her right arm in a car accident over 9 years ago is one such person. Faye has been receiving treatment at Charlestown Remedial Sports Injuries Clinic for the past 8 years and went there after losing confidence in all previous treatments.

Faye suffers from what she calls "one arm overuse syndrome" and can now, thanks to her treatment, drive her car and function normally without pain and the use of pain killers. As a result she has recommended many people to Charlestown Remedial Sports Injuries Clinic over the years.

John, who has worked in the mining industry for most of his life, has suffered from chronic neck and back pain for years and was also told by specialists that he should not expect a full recovery.

After losing all hope for a recovery and after just 4 treatments at Charlestown Remedial Sports Injuries Clinic, John is now learning to manage the pain and has already noticed a significant difference in his mobility.

Charlestown Remedial Sports Injuries Clinic EST. 1988

THE Clinic.. Providing professional care with the highest

ethical standards and integrity for the whole family.

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

TREATMENT THAT WORKS Proven over 28 years at THE Clinic No time limit on treatment

Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year to all our patients from Jaclyn, Sara, Jess and Phil. We will open over the Christmas period and be on-call during public holidays for emergencies, if needed please call 0418 498 272.

Call Jaclyn or Jessica for an appointment with Sara or Phil.

PH 4943 3082

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

www.remedialclinic.com.au

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 19

INTOUCH CHARLESTOWN FEATURE When she is not working or travelling, Karen likes to spend her spare time with her nose in a book and trying new places to eat and of course shopping! She’s a Boxing Day baby after all so it’s in the blood! In fact, December is Karen’s favourite time of the year and Christmas is always spent celebrating with the family, both work and home. If you hear Christmas Carols breaking out instore before December 1st you know who to blame.

Elizabeth (Libby) Collins

PICTURED: KYRIN FRANCIS

Born in Ballarat, Libby went to a Catholic Girls Boarding school for 6 years, before completing her HSC and deciding to study for a degree in Environmental Science. Once qualified, Libby was lured away by the dark side and got bitten by the travel bug! Travelling from 1981 to 1995 she met her partner whilst working as a tour escort on a Trans-Siberian Rail trip across China, Mongolia and Russia, and they have been together for the past 20 years.

Libby is so passionate about travel that she has worked many jobs to help fund this love, including fruit picking around Australia and as a trawler deckhand out of Darwin and the Gulf.

Now with 20 years in the travel industry (10 years in the Charlestown office), Libby’s favourite Australian travel pick is the Kimberley’s. When it comes to her favourite overseas holiday, the list is understandably as long as her arm and includes Himalaya, Bhutan, Tibet, Silk Road, Patagonia, South America, Asia - all of it, Burma, India, Mongolia, Spain and Portugal.

PICTURED: LIBBY COLLINS

PICTURED: KAREN JARVIE

Creating Lasting MEMORIES

If you’re looking for the holiday of a lifetime, you’ve come to the right place.

helloworld Hunter Travel Group (HTG) live and breathe travel and creating lasting memories is their passion. 2014 and 2015 were their biggest years yet with them not only successfully transitioning brands from Travelworld to helloworld, but also proudly taking out the Australian Federation of Travel Agent’s ‘Best Travel Agency - Multi Location’ Award 2 years running at the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) National Travel Industry Awards.

good hands with an experienced and passionate team of professionals ensuring you have a memorable holiday.

We would like to introduce you to 3 of the Charlestown team – Karen, Kyrin and Libby. Each offers something a bit different and unique to their clients and we invite you to get to know them.

Her dream destinations are Georgia, Armenia, and Iran to see Persepolis and Shiraz. She also wants to see the Northern Lights and Northern Scandinavia... and the list goes on.

When not working or travelling, Libby is (yes, you guessed it) - planning her next holiday which could include trekking to the kingdom of Mustang in the Himalaya, trekking to Dolpo, or a bike riding trip in Sri Lanka. Topping the bucket list is time spent at the Amanjiwo Resort overlooking Borobudur. So if you’re looking for a more adventuresome holiday or something a little out of the box Libby is your expert to ask!

As an APT Top Achiever and considered one of helloworld’s River Cruise Experts, Libby loves her job working with the helloworld team.

Kyrin Francis

Pop into the Charlestown store in Charlestown Square (Upper Kyrin grew up in Newcastle where she went to Lambton High Level Pearson Street Mall Entrance) to say hello and meet the School before studying Hospitality Management and later rest of the HTG family. Plus don’t miss their Holiday and Cruise pursuing a career in the travel industry and studying Tourism at Expo on Sunday 17 January. The Expo is Newcastle’s largest Advanced Careers College. holiday and cruise sale day and the team at helloworld Hunter Founded in 1999, HTG is now one of Australia's largest privately Travel Group plan on making this, their 35th Expo the biggest The soon to be married mother of a 14 month old has worked owned travel agencies. The HTG family is made up of over 100 yet with huge savings and exclusive airfare deals on offer! Visit at helloworld for 9 years – spending time at both the Kotara travel professionals, with over 1000 years’ worth of travel www.newcastletravelexpo.com for more information. and Charlestown stores. She is hard working and her attention experience within 5 specialist areas. These include corporate to detail has seen her excel not only as a consultant but also and leisure travel through their helloworld stores, cruise travel as store manager. What she loves most about working at The Faces that know all the Best Places! through their specialist agency Cruise Travel Centre at Westfield helloworld is the fun environment and also the career and Kotara, and escorted group, events and sporting travel through Karen Jarvie travel opportunities that come with the job. their specialist divisions - Signature Journeys and Great Events.

Karen is a long time Global Achiever with Qantas Holidays and Kyrin’s favourite Australian travel destination is the Kimberley The Charlestown store is one of the largest within the network after 32 years of working within the travel industry, she has - Northern Territory and when it comes to overseas travel she with a dynamic team of nine. Recent demand for this uniquely all the insider knowledge to help you travel like a professional. just can’t go past an African Safari, sipping a cocktail by the qualified and fun loving team has seen them open their doors Whether it’s a little vineyard in Tuscany that lets you join the crystal blue waters of the Amalfi Coast, and is never one to say for the first time ever on Sundays! Their focus is first and family for dinner or where to get the best coffee with the locals no to a gelato whilst strolling the cobbled streets of Florence. foremost their clients and to cope with the extra demand and in Vienna, Karen will have your friends green with envy and Kyrin dreams of taking a tour of Canada and Alaska to ensure their high level of service is not only maintained but also wondering if you haven’t taken a few travel courses yourself! experience the wildlife and witness the beautiful landscape in exceeded, they decided to open 7 days a week. Plus the team person. This is a popular holiday choice amongst helloworld eat, breath and dream travel and have such passion for the job When it comes to home, Karen’s favourite travel destinations include Cairns, Port Douglas and Kangaroo Island. Heading clients, with their Signature Journeys tours, escorted from they just could not stay away from the office! over the big blue ocean her favourite overseas holiday picks are Newcastle and hosted by 2NURFM, selling out for the last two Whilst all members of the Charlestown team have varying the Canadian Rockies for its beautiful scenery and Vietnam for years. Just on the quiet we hear the Award Winning Rocky qualifications and experience, as a store they remain a the people, the sights and the food.

Mountaineer is a must when exploring the Canadian Rockies!

Diamond VIP office with APT and have been a Premium Qantas Married for the past 22 years and with a 17 year old daughter, With Kyrin’s love of cooking, mixed with a sweet tooth there Holidays office for 5 years. So whether you are after a river the destination Karen most wants to travel to is Croatia where is sure to be plenty of Christmas delights in the office this cruise, a holiday to Fiji, a trip around Europe, or a Disney she plans to explore Dubrovnik's marble streets and baroque December – so come in for a tasty treat today! vacation with the kids, no matter the destination you are in buildings, island hop and of course stroll along the ancient city walls.

20 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

NEWCASTLE’S

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Toronto 4959 4011

Newcastle (Wickham) 4940 2222

*Conditions apply. Express Pass: All deposits on the day are Non Refundable. Bonus 3 Days may not apply to all expo offers as some airfares will be vaild for 1 day only etc. Full details for offers will be available on the day. Best Price Guarantee: Subject to normal holiday availability & based on Australian registered businesses & websites & for travel departing from Australia, we guarantee to beat (by a minimum of $1) any valid available travel quote presented in writing for the same airline, cruise line, tour operator, hotelier, car hire company, and departure date in the same cabin/ grade/fare type/room type - share basis/booking class/code/category. The quote must be presented to us at the Holiday and Cruise Expo and you will be required to book your travel when we beat your quote, pay a deposit or in full to guarantee the price and normal change and cancellation conditions will apply. If the qualifying criteria are met and your consultant does not beat your quoted price, you will receive your travel free of charge. Booking Bonuses: Subject to a min AUD $3000 per booking spend on travel & holiday must be paid in full by 31.03.16. Excludes taxes & airfare only bookings. 1 per booking & gifts issued on final payment. Choose from one of the following: $100 Cash Passport (if spend $3000-$5999) or $200 Cash Passport (if spend $6000+), Travel Insurance up to the value of $200, helloworld Luggage & Backpack or an Oxfam Voucher for 2 ducks, a pig and a goat. Further conditions may apply - ask your consultant for full details. Hunter Travel Group Pty Ltd. ABN 39 183 096 957. A11468

INTOUCH CHARLESTOWN FEATURE

y f i x Deto

E F I L R FO

DETOXIFY for long term health benefits Nothing is more precious or priceless than your body and your health. We all have times when we want to indulge a little, particularly during the Silly Season and this is ok. But holiday time is also a good opportunity to reflect on your habits, good and bad, and make those small changes that can remain long term.

Detoxing is not a 7 day starvation period where powders and pills replace good nutrition and healthcare. Mojo Health is here to provide you with the tools for long term lifestyle change and support so you won’t slip back into old habits.

Feeling deprived is not the aim of a detox and there is no reason for you to miss out on special occasions or that piece of cake at the office party. This is not about following a 100% perfect diet. But we don’t detox once and then head back to the party and reward ourselves by gorging when it’s all over. Our body will give us back what we put in. So, what are you putting in yours?

BAC

Join our 2 week detox

FREE Mojo Detoxify Info Sessions: » Mon: 4th & 11th Jan 11am » Wed: 6th & 13th Jan 11am » Thurs: 7th & 14th Jan 7pm Follow us on

Toxicity is unavoidable in today’s modern society. When we walk outside we are exposed to thousands of toxins via our lungs, skin, and digestive system. Did you know we have a residual burden of 2 to 3 thousand new-tonature chemicals, which are invented and released into the environment every year?

So where do we start? We do this by reducing as much of the toxic burden on our bodies through healthy diet and lifestyle choices.

Choices need to be made not only about what goes into our mouths but what goes onto our bodies as skincare, hair care, perfumes, makeup, deodorants and even toothpastes are often full of toxins.

Join our Medical Herbalist Melissa Gearing for our free Detoxify for Life sessions at Mojo Health throughout January. Bookings are essential - phone 4023 5320. Learn to live well, naturally.

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HAIRDRESSING

Views from the Top of the Hill at Stellar Hairdressing After working as a mobile stylist while her kids were small, Hairdresser, Tamara Ward was delighted to get back into a salon environment Tamara says she is excited for what lies ahead when she took a role at a hairdressing salon for Charlestown as a burgeoning business in Charlestown Mall. Tamara says she met centre and especially for Stellar Hairdressing. some wonderful clients and was amazed by “I am passionate about hair! I believe every how much of a “hub” Charlestown is, not just client deserves your individual attention and for residents of Lake Macquarie but also for your time so we offer all hairdressing services Novocastrians and the Hunter region. with a full consultation focused on what the With a new found love of Charlestown and the client’s wants and needs are. Our aim is help North Coast (Tamara moved from the South our clients to achieve a style that lasts from Coast 2 years ago) - fast forward 18 months the moment they leave the salon until their and Tamara has recently taken over the salon next appointment,” she said. at the “top of the hill” – Stellar Hairdressing.

Tamara says the salon stocks Eleven haircare “The move across the highway to the ‘top of the products and use Jeval colours and colour hill’ has been such a great experience already. support products to help clients get the best The outlook from the salon is a real eye out of every salon visit. For more information opener to the huge volume of people flowing or to make an appointment drop into the in and out of Charlestown each and every day,” salon at 2 Smith St, Charlestown or make an Tamara said. appointment by calling 4942 5713.

To celebrate we’re offering clients some amazing special offers*...

• Ladies... first 3 visits to STELLAR Hairdressing capped at $99 – includes Unlimited foils+ Cut + Style OR All over colour + Cut + Style PLUS a free eyelash tint at all three visits!

• Gentlemen... first 3 haircuts capped at just $25!

STELLAR Hairdressing welcomes

TAMARA WARD!

The fully qualified team at STELLAR provide clients with the complete experience...

• Onsite parking available • Kiddies Corner *First visit must be made in January 2016

OPEN MONDAY – SATURDAY | PH 4942 5713 for appointments | Suite 1, 2 Smith St Charlestown | 22 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

/stellarhairdressing

INTOUCH CHARLESTOWN FEATURE

PRE-SCHOOL

Charlestown East Educational Pre-school - Creating Smart Kids for a Smarter Country Charlestown East Educational Preschool is a private Child Care Centre located in Keal St, Charlestown that has maintained high quality care for both children and families for the past 30 years.

Owners Frances and Nick Chomyn purchased Charlestown East Educational Pre-school in 1999 (at that stage an already well established pre-school in the area) and set about providing a unique and secure learning environment for children that goes beyond the norm.

Frances, a qualified early childhood teacher who is originally from New Zealand, always dreamed of owning and operating

a childcare centre, while Nick, a construction engineer with BHP, would have been happy to spend his days writing music and surfing. Instead Nick decided to forego the surfing part to qualify in childcare and join Frances in her new venture.

book, craft book and a book of their particular interests. The latter allows the teaching staff to identify the specific interests of the child and further develop those interests.

Sixteen years later and the preschool is a shining example of best practice in early childcare education and intentional teaching methods, providing children with the best educational start and equipping them with the required skills, attitude and confidence for school. This includes being able to confidently carry out the tasks of dressing and undressing, asking for assistance, confidently approaching and relating to their peers, opening their lunch box and feeding themselves.

Each day is clearly divided into specific activities with the morning dedicated to learning activities and the afternoon filled with activities that involve constructing, socialising and playing.

With a license for 30 children aged between 3 years and school age, the centre is structured to meet modern and traditional teaching methods in compliance with the Department of Community Service – Children Service. This small group size also comes with the advantage of providing the children with diverse learning opportunities in a modern environment.

Charlestown East Educational Pre-school provide the best start to early learning - they understand that children, even very young children, are often more competent, more intelligent and more capable than they are often given credit for. In support of this, Nick and Frances ensure that each child is provided with a variety of creative experiences and material to encourage selfexpression and exploration. Each child is also encouraged to make choices, participate in play and to develop and maintain relationships.

The children are also provided with a learning framework that includes experiences and opportunities that encourage them to acquire skills, attitudes and sensitivities that allow them to make the most of their potential. Importantly, a literary programme is also in place ensuring the children get an early start in elementary reading and sounding. As part of the program, all children are provided with a literacy book, a sound

With a library corner, block corner, family corner and a corner well equipped with puzzles and computers, the children are spoilt for choice when it comes to their daily activities. Add to this the fact that each child has a weekly task sheet which includes either a learning activity such as the lifecycle of the frog, a family activity or a community activity such as being sun smart.

Other regular programs include visits from medical nurses, staff, fire department personnel and police who talk to the children about community issues and also safety issues.

The staff at the centre are all experienced/qualified early childhood educators, who focus on a school readiness program all year around rather than just child care. Staff on site each day include an early childhood teacher, 3 diploma qualified teachers and a trainee teacher.

For Frances and Nick, who in the past have also designed 2 other childcare centres, running the facility is not without its challenges as they are governed (and also restricted by) guidelines and procedures that do not always benefit the child.

Frances and Nick would love to have the opportunity to share their school readiness and intentional teaching program with other Childcare Centres and for them it is disappointing that the relevant authorities have not taken the time and necessary steps to recognise the success they are having with their program and see how effective it is.

Charlestown East Educational Pre-School At Charlestown East Educational Pre-School we...

• Provide your children with the best start to early learning... we understand children (even very young children) are often more competent, more intelligent, more capable than they are perceived or understood.

• Provide the learning framework to give children experiences and opportunities that encourage them to acquire skills, attitudes and sensitivities and make the most of their potential.

• Believe that early learning is particularly significant as it lays the foundation for all learning.

Qualified and experienced teachers Reading – Writing – Maths – Computers – Language – Science Promoting confidence and creativity School readiness Singing and playing musical instruments Multicultural policy Special needs support Child care benefits

Learning with FUN Programs!

18 Keal St, Charlestown | PH 4943 3974 www.charlestowneastpreschool.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 23

INTOUCH CHARLESTOWN FEATURE

Sourcing the worlds best Gems...

MATTHEWS JEWELLERS

Matthews Jewellers has been operating for over 37 years in the Hunter. Today, Matthews Jewellers has four stores located at Charlestown Square, Westfield Kotara, Salamander Bay and Singleton.

Matthews Jewellers has always strived to deliver a unique range of jewellery comparable to anywhere in Australia. The range has included diamond rings and accessories set in gold and silver and a beautiful watch collection.

Unique diamond brands such as Hearts On Fire, exclusive silver pieces from Daniel Bentley and the stunning Perlis Collection offer a point of difference to the stores core fashion brands.

Perlis offers South Sea pearls hand made in Australian silver and rose gold with the option of either a Cognac or Argyle diamond.

Purchasers will receive with this collection a letter or Authenticity, which will even identify where the Silver mine is located in Australia.

Matthews Jewellers has complemented their fine jewellery collection with a range of the latest in fashion jewellery with brands such as Thomas Sabo, Swarovski, Nikki Lissoni, Michael Kors, Georgini and Pandora.

Matthews Jewellers long association with the national Showcase buying group of 260 independent retailers across Australia has ensured the best possible prices are achieved for customers. Regular buying trips to Antwerp, Belgium and around the world ensure they are purchasing diamonds and precious gems direct from site holders who not only mine the diamonds but also cut and polish every individual gem. The cutting and polishing process of each diamond takes approximately 12 months to create a truly magnificent gem.

Level 2 Charlestown Square (next to the Apple store) 24 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Matthews pride themselves on offering our customer’s exceptional service and going above and beyond in assisting customers

to achieve their dream piece of jewellery, especially for that precious moment. If they don’t have the piece you have been dreaming of, their Award Winning Jeweller Leah Abercrombie will assist you to conceptualise your dream piece and create something Unique Like You! To ensure your unique piece retains its beauty, they also offer a full repair and restoration service on all jewellery and watches.

Visit the store today to view some of the exciting new ranges and find out what is "Uniquely You."

Matthews Jewellers and Hearts on Fire Hearts On Fire - the World’s Most Perfectly Cut Diamond is an exquisite diamond collection world renowned for a mesmerising sparkle like no other diamond and exclusive to Matthews Jewellers.

Skilled craftsmen then uphold the highest quality of diamond creation, leveraging cutting-edge anti-vibration technology and a scientific diamondcutting formula that is unknown to anyone else in the world. In addition, while most manufacturers use a 10X magnification process, Hearts On Fire artisans craft diamonds at 120X magnification, using unique imaging software that results in a perfect mirror polish. That's 10 times the global industry standard.

When a diamond has perfect proportions, perfect symmetry, perfect alignment and perfect polish, a natural phenomenon of light is created. This unique and extremely rare display of sparkle is the easiest way to differentiate a Hearts On Fire diamond.

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 25

INTOUCH CHARLESTOWN FEATURE

Charlestown Practice Leading the Way Cosmetic surgery is now common place – not just for celebrities, but everyday people who want to improve their appearance. With the growth of the industry, there has been an increase in the number of clinics offering these procedures.

Frighteningly, not all clinics are suitably qualified and recent media stories highlighting patients with complications from surgery emphasise the importance of choosing your surgeon by reputation in the field.

Charlestown clinic, Hunter Plastic Surgery, is a stand out across Australia for leading the way in excellent outcomes and service as recognised by the local business community and industry experts across the country. We asked the practice founder, Dr. Nicholas Moncrieff a few questions about why Hunter Plastic Surgery has achieved such an excellent reputation in the field.

Technology also helps to educate patients about the surgery they are interested in. Before consultations, we encouage patients to watch 3D animated videos of the primary procedures on our website. This helps them make an informed choice about what’s right for them.

Firstly, how big is the cosmetic surgery market in Newcastle? Then once they book a consultation, we also offer unique 3D In short, it is large and growing. But it is important to photography, using a device called a Vectra. We invested in understand that cosmetic surgery for many people is much Vectra because the most frequent question our patients ask us broader than just a cosmetic improvement. I personally perform is, “what will it look like?” a significant number of breast reductions, which significantly To help answer that we take a 3D image in a private room, improves neck and shoulder pain and tummy tucks which improve back pain and incontinence. Of course, there are more which is quick and easy as it’s just like having your photo taken, except in 3D using a camera that works from different cosmetically focussed surgeries too, but even for something angles.

Then, we use computer software to create life-like like a breast augmentation, our average patient is a mum in models of how your ‘new’ breasts or nose would actually look her thirties who is merely seeking restoration of what she had on you, viewed from any angle. Primarily we use this technology pre-pregancies. for breast augmentation and reduction and nose correction There is also clearly a “fashion” element to cosmetic (rhinoplasty) surgery. But we have also used it for patients procedures, but most of our patients are people looking for looking at breast reductions, breast reconstructions and tummy natural results. The patients asking for really obvious or over tucks. the top results tend to go overseas or other parts of Australia to the low-cost clinics. Worryingly, I’m increasingly seeing these Technology also has an increasing role in providing solutions for people without surgery. For example, our CoolSculpting patients after they develop complications and they realise that machines have helped us deliver fat reduction on hundreds of sometimes cheap is cheap for a reason. patients in the last year.

Winning customer service awards is unusual for medical Can you tell us more about how your practice is now clinics. How do you make this happen? mentoring others?

My colleague, Dr Gary Avery, and I are lucky because we are We are very passionate about helping make patients aware of able to focus on interacting with patients and performing their choices in this industry and so my wife, Amber, co-founded surgery while our customer service team provide outstanding a non-profit group to help other plastic surgery clinics manage service from that first phone call to the last post operative appointment. We have a great management team who keep us and market themselves better. This has meant we have had the chance to learn from other leading clinics, but also have had all focussed on our clinic’s purpose, which is ‘to make people many other practices learn from us by sending their managers happy and healthy’. And we contstantly seek feedback to find to spend time in our practice in Charlestown. out if we are on track and what we need to improve. In fact, we have done patient surveys every quarter for over 6 years and over 99% of our patients say they would recommend us to others.

This led to us winning the Hunter Business Chamber customer service award for small businesses in August and we are also finalists in three categories, including service, at the upcoming Australasian My Face My Body Awards.

How important is technology in your practice?

Technology is a fundamental element of our overall experience.

It allows us to provide a seamless experience for our patients in terms of their interactions with us and management of their private records.

26 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Many people don’t understand what the difference is between a Cosmetic Surgeon and a Plastic Surgeon like you.

What’s a simply way to explain it?

Currently in Australia, it is legal for any doctor with a basic medical degree to perform surgery. So we see brand new general practitioners and other doctors hanging out their shingles saying they are cosmetic surgeons and people think that means some special training, but it does not.

Specialist Plastic Surgeons, like myself, have extensive surgical education and training including a minimum of 12 years medical and surgical education, with at least 5 years of postgraduate specialist training.

ABOVE: DR MONCRIEFF CONSULTS A PATIENT.

Of course, all surgical procedures carry risk, but you can reduce the chance of risk and complication by consulting a Specialist Plastic Surgeon. And what letters do you look for on their websites or business cards? The only recognised qualification is FRACS (Plas Surg) – the first part means they are a surgeon, the second part means they have specialised as a Plastic Surgeon. If they don’t have that, they are not a real Plastic Surgeon.

Hunter Plastic Surgery’s 5 star difference •Expert Plastic Surgeons - Dr Moncrieff and Dr Avery are Australian-qualified Plastic Surgeons. They each completed over 17 years of training, including 5 years specialising in Plastic Surgery. They use the latest techniques mastered during 20,000 procedures throughout their careers, with over 10,000 of these performed in Newcastle.

•Residents of Newcastle - Dr Moncrieff and Dr Avery live in Newcastle and are available for patients should the need arise. Unfortunately not everyone operating in Newcastle has made the same commitment.

•Public and private - Dr Moncrieff and Dr Avery are the only Plastic Surgeons in the Hunter to be appointed to the Public Hospital system to assist uninsured patients.

•Award winning patient care - In 2015, HPS won the Hunter Business Chamber Award for Customer Service.

They are also finalists in the upcoming Australasian My Face My Body Awards in the categories of Best Plastic Surgery Clinic, Best Practice Team and Best Customer Service.

•Upfront about costs - Hunter Plastic Surgery is the only practice in the Hunter, which publishes price guides to all the most common cosmetic procedures on their website to ensure patients understand the likely costs before they commit their valuable time and money to a consultation. Every patient receives a fully personalised quote before any procedure.

To find out more go to www.hunterplasticsurgery.com.au, visit the clinic at 3 Hopetoun St, Charlestown or call 4920 7700.

Phy sio Ass ess me

nt!

INTOUCH FASHION, BEAUTY, HEALTH

Init

Physiotherapy

Fre e

Body Worx

ia l

ARE YOU SUFFERING WITH PAIN OR INJURY?

Find the cause and solution to your problem at BodyWorx!

Why use BodyWorx Physio?

• One-on-one care in private rooms.

• Dry needling, massage and exercise based care.

• Onsite claiming health funds through HICAPS. • Awarded Australian Small Business Champion Physio 2015.

• Extended open hours 8am-8pm Monday-Friday plus Saturdays.

Book online at www.bodyworxphysio.com.au or PH 4952 7033. Shop 1, 78 Glebe Rd, The Junction

or flight. Its an instinctive response, but is often felt as tightness and aching in the neck, shoulders or jaw. One of the best ways to help reduce stress is to take time out and spoil yourself. Massage has long been used to help loosen tight muscles, create relaxation and help you to zone out and let go.

Coping with Food Intolerances at Christmas

Is all this Festivity giving you a WORDS: Melissa Gearing Medical Herbalist, Nutritionist and Iridologist at Mojo Health.

ADV. WHM. Dip. Iridology. Bach. Health Sci (Comp Med) current.

It is estimated 95% of people have a food intolerance. Could you be one of them?

How long have you put up with bloating, constipation or diarrhoea, headaches and migraines, weight gain, irritable bowel symptoms and chronic fatigue – all possible symptoms of something which could be as simple as a food intolerance?

Are you feeling even more nervous about your tummy troubles as the smorgasbord of delicious treats laid out before you during the Festive Season draws near? This should be a time to celebrate and enjoy food with family and friends, not clutching your tummy in agony.

If you experience some or all of the above symptoms you could have food intolerance.

What is food intolerance? This is when your body sees a particular food (or a few) as foreign invaders. It can happen hours or even days after ingestion so it is very difficult to pin point the specific food. Symptoms can be greatly reduced or eliminated by identifying individual food intolerance culprits. Big

attackers like gluten and dairy are not always the cause and avoiding these foods is a blanket fix which does not suit everyone. Have you tried cutting one or both of these out, only to find your symptom picture stays the same or even becomes worse? What if you swapped cow milk products over to almond milk and were intolerant to almonds in the first place? Your symptoms would certainly worsen.

Better yet why is your body doing this? We can test for food intolerances and remove them from your diet, but you may have some driving factors behind your food intolerance such as candida, autoimmune disease or leaky gut which also needs tackling.

Food intolerance testing is a simple and quick procedure and can be performed at our Herbal Medicine Clinic. We can also take an in-depth look at your current health and lifestyle.

Christmas feasts are to be enjoyed, not dreaded. Now is the time to look after you and your health and be ready to take on Christmas celebrations with gusto!

MOJO HEALTH Ground Floor, Charlestown Square PH (02) 4023 5320 www.mojohealth.com.au

Headache?

WORDS: Jason Bradley Physiotherapist at BodyWorx Physiotherapy

Your entire family are expected to arrive any minute, work is hectic, you still haven’t done all your shopping and to add to all that - you now have a splitting headache! Know this scenario?

3. Dodgy pillows Sleeping on an incorrect pillow height can place your neck in poor posture and put stress on the muscles and joints. Leading you to wake up stiff, sore and with a headache. Ideally your pillows should help support your neck and keep you in a neutral position. Your physio can help advise you on pillow heights and types best suited for your body.

4. Clear the air If you are stuck in air-

conditioning or an office environment all day get out and enjoy the sunshine. Taking 15mins during lunch to get out and walk has been shown to help increase oxygen to the brain, boost concentration and help you feel more energetic when returning to work.

5. Get your neck checked A large

percentage of headaches can be caused by referral from tight and stiff neck joints and muscles. This can be brought on by a combination of stress, poor posture and Headaches can be caused by a range of things bad sleeping habits among other things.

Its important to have this assessed by a from dehydration or stress or even serious Physiotherapist, who can diagnose the cause medical conditions. They can be debilitating and have the ability to drain the energy from an and help create a treatment plan. Headaches can typically be treated by some hands-on otherwise energetic person. work followed by a gentle exercise program to If you suffer from headaches, check out these help you be independent and self manage long 5 tips to address the common causes: term.

1. Dehydration The body relies on

If you suffer from headaches, don’t just keep maintaining adequate fluid levels to operate popping pills. Speak to BodyWorx to find the efficiently. During exercise or sport, your cause and solution to your pain – before you performance reduces by 5% for every 1% of start “decking the halls” this Christmas! dehydration compared to your optimal level.

Remember that while coffee, tea and soft drinks contain water they also contain caffeine, BodyWorx offers free sugar and possibly guarana, all of which initial assessments cause further dehydation. So first step with to readers of intouch a headache: have a nice refreshing glass of Physiotherapy magazine.

If you water. would like a second opinion about upcoming surgery or 2. Stress The bodies natural response to current physical treatments please feel stress is to produce cortisol (a stress hormone) free to take advantage of this offer. and to tense the muscles to prepare for fight

Body Worx

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 27

INTOUCH FASHION, BEAUTY, HEALTH

SURVIVING THE SILLY SEASON with Mayfield Medical Connection!

Summer is upon us, the nights are warming up, the silly season is nigh. So let your hair down, enjoy some sun on your skin, pour a wine and spend time with loved ones… but please read on to learn how to do this safely!

•Limit your sun exposure especially in the middle of the day. A bit of sun on your skin provides us with Vitamin D and a healthy glow, while excess sun exposure especially in the high UV periods of the day can burn us and increase the risk of skin cancer. It is recommended to use sun protection when the UV Index is 3 or above. UV levels are low in the early morning, increasing around the middle of the day and then decreasing slowly as the sun lowers in the sky. So cover up in the middle of the day!

•Treat sun burn naturally! Aloe Vera cools the skin and sooths sunburn. Or try adding green tea bags to a cool bath. Green tea antioxidants help prevent the process of carcinogenesis (cancer formation).

•Drink water! The Australian summer sun can cause dehydration and heat stroke... so can drinking alcohol, exercising or working outside.

Replenish your fluids and your electrolytes. Nature has given us coconut water - a natural product rich in electrolytes that restores body fluids and electrolytes after a hot day.

•These tips and many more can be found on our facebook page so visit facebook.com/ MayfieldMedical to like us and find out about our great health workshops.

Are you due for a health check-up? Do you need support to stay well? Nurturing a great relationship with health professionals you can relate to is paramount for good health for you and your family.

Our GP's and naturopaths at Mayfield Medical Connection are here to support your health needs.

We’re open usual hours over Christmas, but closed on the public holidays. To make an appointment go online to MayfieldMedicalConnection.com.au or call 02 49 682 157.

By Nissa Lee Naturopath

STREET STYLE WHAT TO WEAR TO YOUR OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY

By Alyce Cowell official stylist/blogger for Westfield Kotara #fashionobsessed

The hottest topic circulating the water cooler at this time of year isn’t the end-of-year budgets or the final projects you need to finish before the holiday deadlines – it’s what everyone is wearing to the office Christmas party. Among the ladies, at least.

When it comes to the annual office party, though, there are a couple of problems we face; firstly, we need to walk that fine line between festive and appropriate, and secondly, nobody wants to spend an hour getting all dressed up in the office bathrooms before you head out. The solution? Head straight from the desk to the dinner by choosing an outfit that that can be worn for both settings, as well as meeting the dress code guidelines. (PS. it’s easier than you think!)

Start at the top by looking for a shirt or blouse that’s a statement, but one that could also be worn at work. A classic white shirt with a twist is the perfect option! It gives your look a fashionable spin and is also a canvas for the rest of your look.

Next, opt for a pencil skirt, midi skirt or tapered pant; these are professional yet fashion-forward, which is exactly what you want at this event. If you want to feel festive without wearing tinsel earrings or a sequin mini dress, add a splash of chic red, green or gold to your outfit.

Accessories are another great way to add a touch of sparkle to your outfit, without going overboard. Simple layered necklaces, charm bracelets, cocktail rings and stacked metallic bangles will bring the festivity, elevate an everyday outfit and are easy to add on just before the party.

If you plan on kicking up your heels at the end-of-year celebration, there’s nothing quite like a pair of fun, pretty shoes to do it in! This season, there are so many great options

The Best of the Best LBDs!

By Alyce Cowell official stylist/blogger for Westfield Kotara #fashionobsessed

Mayfield Medical Connection 55 Hanbury Street, Mayfield 2304 PH (02) 4968 2157 www.mayfieldmedicalconnection.com.au 28 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Party season is just around the corner, and if you’re like us, you’ve got absolutely nothing to wear. Seriously this time!

With the long list of end-of-year office parties, Christmas get-togethers and New Year celebrations, we practically need a whole new wardrobe to get us through party season.

That’s where the Little Black Dress comes in. It’s a godsend when it comes to this time of year for a number of reasons: •They’re foolproof: no matter what the occasion, venue or time of day, it’s almost impossible to be over (or under) dressed in an LBD.

IMAGE CREDIT: BEN GREER. ALYCE WEARS: SEED HERITAGE WRAP SHIRT, SHEIKE OPULENCE KNIT SKIRT, OROTON ODEION METALLIC CLUTCH, SEED HERITAGE COLLAR WITH TASSEL NECKLACE, SEED HERITAGE STRETCH BRACELET SET, MIMCO NARROW HINGED CUFF, MIMCO THE GO-TO RING, SEED HERITAGE BONNIE HEELS. (*BEAUTY NOTE: ALYCE ALSO WEARS SPORTSGIRL LIPSTICK IN BERRYLICIOUS)

out there, from silver and gold foils and attention-grabbing prints to bright pops of colour and beautiful jewels. If you can only buy one thing for your outfit, this should be it. Pair with a great white dress in your wardrobe and you’re good to go!

The only thing you should really need to do at the end of your work day is swap your bag. Transfer your essentials – lipstick, credit card, mobile phone – into a small clutch and ditch the huge tote under your desk to collect on Monday.

If you do want to touch-up your makeup before you leave the office, try slicking on some bright lipstick, dabbing on some shimmery eye-shadow and adding a coat of mascara to your lashes – this will transport your look into the evening and make you feel more dressed up in two minutes flat. Also, try and do your hair the night before to maximise your chill time.

•They’re a blank canvas: dress them up or down with whatever accessories you’re feeling because LBDs go with everything.

•They’re timeless: wear the same dress season after season, year after year and you’ll still be nailing it every time.

•They’re inconspicuous: you could wear the same dress to every party season event (with a quick change of makeup, accessories and shoes) and guests will be none the wiser!

•They’re slimming: need we say more? Pass us the Christmas pavlovas!

We went shopping to find the best LBDs in stores now, whether you want to fly under the radar or stand out from the crowd this party season. The best part? They’re all under $100, because you know… we have Christmas presents (and new shoes) to buy!

INTOUCH FASHION, BEAUTY, HEALTH

Photo by Ale

xia Sinclair

Alexia Photo by

Sinclair

WHERE SMART GIRLS SHOP! Stockists of Desigual, Boo Radley, Bleu Blanc Rouge, Savage Culture, Smash, Threadz, Holmes & Fallon, Dolce Vita, Ana Alcazar, Darling, Honey & Beau, Funki Beat, Joe Browns, Jana... to name a few. Sizes 8 to 20.

163 Swan St, Morpeth. PH 4933 0455 Open 7 days from 10’ish until late | www.princessbazaar.com.au

How much is TOO MUCH? Rule #2. Is it the best use of your money.

When I was 18, yep, a few long years ago, our With Fashion Guru local boutique was having a 50% off sale on & Owner of Princess Bazaar Studibaker Hawke. It was 1986 and these Lisa Simmonds-Webb dresses, not only were they a most prized possession, but they were reduced from $360 We’ve all been there, you’ve walked past your down to $180. OMG, this was the equivalent favourite boutique, and there it is, the pride of shopping Nirvana. Here lies the issue, I did of place in the shop front window. OMG, it actually have $180 saved. It was for tyres for is so beautiful, and it’s going to match your my car. So, I was sensible, and I didn’t buy the new snake skin stiletto’s so perfectly. Well dress. Are you kidding! Of course, I bought the maybe. You know you mustn’t but… well dress. My dad was seriously cranky, but he got maybe if you just tried it on. over it (he lectured me on the danger of bald tyres but loaned me the money regardless, so You shimmy in past the snotty sales I was both safe and fabulous). So if the deal is assistant, locate said article on the rack and so awesome that it cannot be overlooked for surreptitiously check out the price. Now you anything less worthy, buy the dress. know that it’s not going to be $59.95 but nothing quite gets you ready for the $489.95 Rule #3. The expensive item makes you look price tag. Bugger. And the sales assistant is thin – enough said. watching, eye brows arched with a look that Rule#4. It goes with at least four other pieces could out-smirk Patsy in a heartbeat. in your wardrobe therefore quadrupling the What to do next? Option A: flick the tag over, smile like, “is that all, what a bargain” and walk confidently to the change room. Try it on and hope it looks bad, oh my, shame about the camel toe. Option B: pretend you get an SMS from the school, your child has nits, actually no, your child has chicken pox, and you have to go immediately, smile at the sales assistant insisting you will be back later to try it on. Option C: hold it up against yourself in the mirror, make sure you have your right foot pointed out as is mandatory in such situations and declare that it’s not really your colour, that’s a shame or Option D: try it on and decide that you must have it then and there.

TOP LEFT: BARDOT NATHALIA DRESS, TOP RIGHT: DIANA FERRARI EVONNE CAP SHIFT DRESS, BOTTOM LEFT: GEORGIE WRAP DRESS FROM JEANSWEST BOTTOM RIGHT: SPORTSGIRL HIGH NECK LBD.

Now, I have a couple of rules when it comes to buying expensive clothes. Listen up, it’s very important. Rule #1. To convince myself that it is okay to purchase these little must haves, I firstly work out how many times I can wear it. I once paid $460 for black suit-pants; it was at least 15 years ago, and it was a lot of money, but… I wore those pants at least once a week for the next four years. That equates to at least 208 wears, divide that by the cost price and voila that is only $2.21 per wear, one word BARGAIN, hugely economical.

number of outfits you will now have, which will lead to the elimination of you having to shop.

Yep, that’s lame, clutching at straws now. Okay, I’m out of rules, it’s simple. If you love it, and the kids aren’t going to starve because you’ve bought it, then that’s okay. Our partners all like us to look nice right, and if you are single, you have all the more reason to look beautiful, so I’ve just thought of another rule. Rule# 5. If it will help you pick up, then it’s entirely worth it!

Actually, there’s another one - Rule# 6. If the item will guarantee to make you look better than everybody else at the party – no brainer, it’s a must.

So here it is, in summary, it’s okay to buy expensive clothes if they are economical in the long run, are the best value for your money at that particular time, make you look thin, quadruple the outfits in your wardrobe, help you to pick up and make you look better than everybody else at the party.

We could talk about when it’s NOT okay to buy expensive clothes but, looks like I’m running out of space, maybe next time. And I do promise, we will get to “smart-casual” eventually! www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 29

INTOUCH FASHION, BEAUTY, HEALTH But there is much more to diamonds than just sparkle, and no two diamonds are exactly alike. You might have noticed, for example, that some shine more brightly, or are more symmetrical or simply appear “clearer.”

Stephen Matthews, Director of Matthews Jewellers, says “Matthews Jewellers will assist you to select and design the piece – starting with the diamond. Once a budget and the characteristics of the diamond have been decided the perfect stone may be sourced from around the globe. Matthews Jewellers directly source diamonds from New York, Hong Kong and Antwerp.”

“JEWELLERY IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF YOUR INDIVIDUAL STYLE. WHAT COULD BE BETTER THAN DESIGNING YOUR OWN?

Diamonds Are

FOREVER...

“Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without,” said Confucius. Indeed, diamonds by their very nature are a delight to look at, and anything more than a billion years in the making has got to be pretty remarkable.

30 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

“If you would like to design a ring (or any other piece of jewellery for that matter) to be “uniquely you” the designers at Matthews Jewellers can help. Our jeweller, Leah Abercrombie is an award winning jeweller of the Showcase International Design Awards 2013 and 2015. From concept to reality, Leah’s amazing attention to detail ensures a piece of jewellery that is both personal and priceless. Matthews can also restore and restyle other jewellery pieces, ensuring your most prized treasures a new lease of life” said Stephen.

Of course the starting point of any design lies in selecting the perfect diamond, one that reflects the personality of the person who will ultimately be wearing the piece. Matthews Jewellers shared a few tips in diamond selection with us. If you plan to pop something sparkly under the tree this Christmas read on!

So what sets apart a ‘good’ diamond from a truly top-tier sparkler? It’s all about the Four Cs – how these elements interrelate determines a diamond’s overall beauty, rarity and (monetary) value.

CARAT WEIGHT - the weight or size of a diamond is measured in Carats. A carat is 0.2 grams and there are 100 points in one carat. The heavier the diamond, the rarer it will be. A single one carat diamond ring will always be worth much more than a ring that has smaller stones, even if the TDW (total diamond weight) is 100 points. The weight determines the size of the diamond but is never the only factor used to determine the value.

CLARITY (PURITY) - a diamond is said to be pure when no inclusion is visible to the diamond cutter under 10-times magnification. The various degrees of purity are coded by international standards and range from IF (pure - no inclusion visible under magnification) to I (inclusions - inclusions visible to the naked eye) with a number of “in-between” stages.

COLOUR - there is a whole palette of colours of diamond: white, blue, pink, green, pale yellow and even black. Coloured diamonds are exceptionally rare and very high in value. The colours of diamonds are also graded on an international scale. The colour ranges from D the most sought after to Z the yellowest.

CUT - the quality of the polish and the proportions of the diamond are of the utmost importance as they maximise the sparkle and brilliance of the diamond. The round or brilliant cut is the most popular cut. It has 58 facets and takes advantage of the diamond’s natural shape, maximizing dispersion of light.

Other exquisite cuts such as the princess, marquise, pear, oval and emerald cut are also highly sought after.

Diamonds are forever and investing in a diamond is an important decision as you will have the pleasure of the stone for life. It is a reflection of one’s beauty and individuality with each piece saying something different to each hand that holds it or each set of eyes that gaze upon it. Take the time to work with a professional to design a piece of jewellery that is “uniquely you” – and love it forever!

REMOTE | EXOTIC | INSPIRED

Since 1994, we’ve been Australia’s experts in inspired travel. For us, inspired moments – big and small – are everything. Our business has a proud tradition of such moments. We set a new standard with the private charter of a Qantas Jet for international touring and we pioneered Australian travel to destinations such as Vietnam, Cuba and Bhutan.

Through innovation and fresh thinking, this tradition continues today. We continue to lead the way with high staff-to-guest ratios, genuinely all inclusive tours and active engagement with many of the local communities we visit.

Our customers come first in every way. By constantly doing the little things, thinking beyond travel and curating fresh wonders for them, our inspired moments in turn become theirs.

We are Captain’s Choice. Inspired travel since 1994…

To find out more about the unique tours in the Captain’s Choice collection, call

[4962 1116 the junction] [4947 1116 warners bay] CC2181

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 31

circle your iColour

INTOUCH TRAVEL

TRAVEL 2016 [4962 1116 the junction] [4947 1116 warners bay]

By Megan O'Sullivan

There was SO much excitement at the recent Newcastle and Hunter Valley Local Business awards when itravel The Junction scooped the pool winning the ‘Outstanding Tourism Services’ award, followed by the coveted ‘Business of the Year’ award (chosen from a pool of thousands of businesses in the area). To say we were ‘thrilled’ is an understatement!

Top 5 Luxury Travel Destinations for 2016

BY MEGAN O’SULLIVAN

L to R: Monique, Raquel, Kylie, Georgette (co-owner), Andrew (co-owner), Darienne, Simone, Sam and Megan.

Absent: Tammii

With almost 200 YEARS travel experience between us, the team from itravel The Junction have covered all corners of the globe and can offer you firsthand knowledge and advice on your travel destination. Your holiday is too precious to trust to just anyone. Visit our award winning offices and you will be delighted by how easy it is to book your holiday with one of our knowledgeable consultants at a great price.

This month we are drooling over the opulent Captains Choice Private Jet tours. Travel by private jet to exotic and inspiring locations such as Marlon Brando’s private island in Tahiti, the remote Galapagos Islands, exciting Havana in Cuba plus many more. Contact itravel for details on these extraordinary journeys.

One of the pioneers of luxury travel in Australia, Phil Asker has just announced his ‘Top Travel Destinations’ for 2016, and some locations may come as a surprise. If you are looking for something new in 2016, the below destinations are the five that Phil believes are the most unique and sought after in the eyes of the modern traveller.

1. AUSTRALIA

Affluent, multicultural and laced with natural splendor, Australia is a destination that few of us have the opportunity to explore in depth, despite all the dazzling contrasts being right on our doorstep. Why not savour the taste of gourmet Australia as you travel from Hobart to King Island, and from Coonawarra to Kangaroo Island in an exciting deviation from traditional paths.

2. SPAIN

This vibrant country has so much more to offer when you venture off the traditional tourist trail, from the Jewish quarter of Girona to the El Transcantabrico rail tracing the country’s northern coastline. Whether it be simply sampling local tapas or riding the romantic Al Andalus train, which cuts a steady path to Cadiz, Spain is definitely a country commanding attention in 2016.

3. MEXICO

itravel The Junction PH 4962 1116

194 Union Street sales@itravelthejunction.com.au

itravel Warners Bay PH 4947 1116

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

Follow us on facebook!

32 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

From the sun scattered beaches of Mexico’s coast, to the burnished glow of its desert interior, everywhere you venture you’ll be greeted with openhearted smiles, which mirror an exuberance for life. Colourful and quixotic, Mexico enjoys an inspired talent for transforming even the most sombre side of life into cause for celebration. This country is an endless adventure for the senses.

4. JAPAN

For all its technology, fierce competitiveness and fast moving pace, Japan remains a country stilled by ancient culture and revered traditions. From the delicate springtime cherry blossom buds, which signal a week of ‘Hanami’ (flower watching) parties, to the UNESCO listed snowy mountain village of Shirakawa-go, the Land of the Rising Sun still manages to mesmerise.

PICTURED TOP: MOUNT FUJI, JAPAN. PICTURED HERE: ST BASIL'S CATHEDRAL, MOSCOW, RUSSIA.

5. THE SILK ROAD AND THE ‘STANS’

Follow in the footsteps of explorers, warriors, poets and nomads along the ancient Silk Road and experience the contrasts of Eastern culture, as you cross the tracks between China and Russia on private trains. From ghostly desert cities to armies made of stone, prepare to be fascinated by all the Silk Road has to offer.

Feeling inspired yet?

Phil Asker founded Captain's Choice with his wife Kaye over 20 years ago, and still plays an active role in the research and management of every journey. In that time, Captain’s Choice has built an enviable reputation for being connoisseurs of exceptional luxury travel.

From private jet tours, to specially created luxury cruises, rail and land journeys, Captain’s Choice fly the flag across all that’s remote, exotic and inspired. For a brochure on these extraordinary journeys contact itravel The Junction on 4962 1116 or itravel Warners Bay on 4947 1116.

INTOUCH TRAVEL

SHORT BREAKS

Summer in Sydney Sydney has once again shown its international appeal as the only Australian city to feature in the Top 25 Cities in the World (number 4), in the recent Condé Nast Traveller’s latest annual Readers' Choice Awards in the United States.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said Sydney was voted as the number four city, cementing its position as one of the world’s premier travel destinations, alongside Vienna, Budapest and Florence.

“With Sydney’s buzzing night life, spectacular harbour and beaches and world-class restaurants, it’s no wonder that this city is continually loved by visitors from across the globe,” said Stuart Ayres, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events.

The good news for us is that Sydney is a short 90 minute trip down the M1, which makes it the perfect day trip or short–stay for Novocastrians. A day (or two) in this internationally recognised travel destination during Summer may just be the perfect remedy for bored kids, keen shoppers, sight-seers or those needing a big city-fix with a plethora of activities and events to suit every traveller.

Kicking off our summer in Sydney is, of course, New Year’s Eve and “those” fireworks! There's no better place to welcome the New Year than in Sydney - the New Year's Eve Capital of the World where you can be one of the first in the world to welcome the New Year.

The internationally-loved event on Sydney Harbour brings in more than 1.5 million spectators and is watched by more than one billion viewers across the world. Visit www.sydneynewyearseve.com to find the perfect vantage point and official program of events.

• About an Hour. WHEN 19th to 24th January. WHERE Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh. Perfectly priced performances striking the 60-minute-ish mark. Dazzling, thrilling, funny and always fascinating, About an Hour showcases local and international acts at just $35 a pop. There’s everything from acrobatics to theatre, dance, hip-hop, classical music and much more – a huge dose of Sydney Festival packed into each brilliant bite-sized show!

It’s well worth the extra effort to make a real night of this event and stay overnight in Sydney – but you’ll need to book early (like now!).

Take advantage of the great NYE15 package available from North Sydney Harbourview Hotel and enjoy the fireworks spectacular from the comfort of your own luxury room. The package includes a beautiful buffet dinner and a “room with a view.” For more information contact Brittany on 9455 7436 or email brittanyp@viewhotels.com.au.

• Meriton Festival Village. WHEN 7th to 26th January (Family Week 12th to 16th January) 10am–3pm. WHERE Hyde Park North Entry near Archibald Fountain. The ultimate oasis of musical and theatrical delights, along with plenty of delicious eats, all in the heart of the city at Hyde Park. Drop by and get a taste of the Festival with a mix of free and ticketed events. Look out for The Famous Spiegeltent, Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent and a week of family shows and free activities to make the ultimate kids day out.

Every January, Sydney Festival enlivens and transforms Sydney with a bold cultural celebration based on the highest quality art and big ideas – in fact, this is the 40th year of the Sydney Festival. In all, the program comprises around 370 performances and around 100 events performed by over 700 artists in more than 30 venues each year. With so many events on offer, a visit to the website to find your favourite is a must (visit www.sydneyfestival.org.au). Here’s a few of our top picks: • Antigua I Barbuda Catalonia (Australian Exclusive).

WHEN 7th to 24th January, Tue–Thu and Sun, 2pm–8pm Fri and Sat, 2pm–10pm (Closed Mondays). WHERE Prince Alfred Square, Cnr Church Street and Market Street, Parramatta.

Welcome to a fairground like no other. Adults and children play together, twirling handles and spinning pedals to operate the whimsical fairground machines – including a hand-cranked Ferris wheel fitted out with toilet seats and a bicycle-powered carousel with a whirling crocodile and a rocket ship. Recycled objects gain new life in surprising and spectacular ways, in the captivating wonderland of fun that is Arquitectura de Feria.

It wouldn’t be summer in Sydney without Symphony in The Domain (January 16th). Celebrate the 40th Sydney Festival by bringing a hamper, a blanket and your friends, and settle in for a free concert under the stars. This year the Sydney Symphony Orchestra has gathered a repertoire of music performed at Symphony in The Domain over the years to astound us with a ‘best of’ musical journey.

Best of all, Symphony in the Domain is free! Just find a patch of grass and get comfortable for an evening of delightful music.

In 2016, FAST4 Tennis is back, bigger and better than ever, with Australia versus The World in FAST4 Tennis hitting Allphones Arena on Monday 11th January. Spanish 14-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal will spearhead The World team along with Frenchman Gael Monfils and legend John McEnroe. They'll take on an Australian team made up of new Davis Cup Captain Lleyton Hewitt, young gun Nick Kyrgios and legend Pat Cash.

Tickets from www.ticketek.com.au Whatever you do –don’t forget to Slip, Slop, Slap and enjoy Summer in Sydney!

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NEWCASTLE

So whether it’s a German style pilsner, a European style lager, hoppy IPA, malty porter or dry stout, and everything else in between, it will be there for you to pair with one of their fresh and tasty food offerings. Try one of the house favourites - Buffalo wings with a blue cheese dressing.

The venue offers a very welcoming, casual and relaxed environment perfect for all occasions. The menu has taken inspiration from your classic old school American Diner with a little bit of a modern twist so that everyone’s taste buds are accommodated. To top things off they also boast the largest tap range of Independant Australian craft beer you’ll find anywhere in the WORLD!

GRAIN STORE The place to get your hops on!

The Australian beer landscape continues to change every day and today the amber fluid has a far more sophisticated image, with beer lovers all over the world experimenting with new, innovative and interesting varieties, from diverse places and even matching them to food.

Owned and operated by Kristy and Corey Crooks, the Grain Store Craft Beer Café is a specialised restaurant located in Newcastle’s food and café hub of the historic East End and boasts one of the largest Craft Beer tap lists in Australia!

What was once a 19th century grain warehouse is now home to this smartly refurbished craft beer bar and restaurant with 21 taps showcasing a selection of some of the finest regional brews that include breweries like Modus Operandi, Stone & Wood, Badlands Brewery, Feral Brewing Company, Hope Brewhouse, Mountain Goat, Prickly Moses, Murrays, Fortitude Brewing Company and Hargreaves Hill – to mention but a few.

The diverse all day menu by no means comes second to the beer and includes a tempting selection of share plates, quality pizzas, burgers, dogs and subs and meals that work together with a quality beer. This is a slick establishment that ticks all the boxes.

Kristy and Corey pride themselves on supporting the 100% independent Australian craft brewers and they put extra effort into supporting all the local (Hunter and Northern NSW) craft breweries.

Supporting the local market also crosses over to the wine and spirit lists with the focus well and truly placed on Hunter Valley wine and Australian produced spirits.

With its high ceilings, art deco tiling, clever use of timber sleepers and worn timber flooring, this venue oozes character and style.

Black and white checkered tiles set the bar apart from the dining area with its charming collection of dining tables and seating, chesterfield-style booths along with an eclectic mix of comfortable couches and settees.

This is the perfect place to relax by yourself, with family or a group of friends, so if you appreciate really good beer, then pop into the Grain Store and be prepared to be amazed!

Throsby Street Providore wishes everyone all the best for the

Fabulous food... to eat in or take away!

Create your own gift hamper.

Great food ideas for special presents from around the globe.

A huge range of BBQ sauces, exotic spices, oils & marinades .

Gourmet deli choices, cheeses & charcuterie.

And of course... COFFEE!

Unit 3/18 Throsby St, Wickham

Ph: 02 4965 4398

throsbystreetprovidore.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 35

NEWCASTLE

Rockin’ good food in a family friendly setting.

Set in a décor that pays homage to old school vinyl, Black Circle Café is anything but old-school!

Serving up Peaberrys coffee (you can buy their beans to take home), hot Nutellas (as opposed to plain old hot chocolate), tempting all-day breakfast menu, tasty lunches, sweet treats, gluten-free options and a relaxed vibe - Black Circle is a great place to just hang-out.

At Black Circle Café kids are welcome! The purpose-built kid-friendly play-area is full of toys, games and of course a chalk board!

ADDRESS 4/12 Alma Road, New Lambton OPEN Monday - Friday 6.30am to 5.00pm, Saturdays 7.00am to 2.00pm PH (02) 49 523 366 W www.blackcirclecafe.com.au

Enjoy quality wines and craft beers from around Australia with your meal, from our bar.

Love Tree Cafe is somewhere you can escape and enjoy some time for yourself, with friends, your family or that special someone; Human or furry! A great cafe and restaurant to enjoy a dinner in Hamilton.

Our food is fresh, full of flavour and created with passion and pride. Our menu includes gluten free and vegan options and we will try our best to meet any dietary requirements you may have.

Our philosophy is for you to have a dining experience that will entice you to come back and be a regular part of the Love Tree Cafe family.

Love Tree Cafe wants you to have the best, so our coffee is from the exciting and delicious Fish River Roasters in the O’Connell Valley NSW. At Fish River Roasters they roast in small batches so they can deliver to us fresh and fast. Their philosophy is simple: source the best coffee beans and roast each variety to bring out their best flavours and aroma.

The Williams Bar

Longworth House is Newcastle’s most spectacular Heritage Listed Buildings, built in 1892 by Frederick Menkens, and is home to The Williams Bar. Named after William Longworth, the first owner after Frederick Menkens, this architectural masterpiece exudes history, class and sophistication, whilst the soft lighting, vintage furnishings, and ornate decor give patrons a comfortable and relaxed dining experience. Every item in the bar has been handpicked, from the estate furniture right down to the antique cutlery, plates and glassware.

Artfully presented food made with the freshest of local produce, is matched with tantalising wine, craft beer and cocktails, to create an amazing dining experience like no other.

Bookings can be made by phone or email book@thewilliamsbar.com.au ADDRESS 129 Scott Street Newcastle OPEN 5pm - Late, Wednesday to Saturday PH (02) 49270077 W www.thewilliamsbar.com.au 36 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

ADDRESS Shop 5, 79 Beaumont Street, Hamilton OPEN 8am - 4pm Breakfast and Lunch 7 days Dinner 5pm til late Wednesday to Saturday PH (02) 4940 0006 W www.lovetreecafe.com.au

NEWCASTLE

PHOTO CREDIT: JAMES COATES

“Customers can come in and find something for breakfast, lunch or grab dinner on the way home from work,” Mr Webster said.

Finest FESTIVE FOOD found at city’s newest providore emporium

By Melinda Smith Purser Corporate Communication There’s no doubt that the upcoming Christmas holiday season is a time for family, friendship and most importantly fine food. And when it comes to finding such fair, foodies are now discovering the international and locally sourced delights of the recently launched Throsby Street Providore located at Wickham.

“For a reasonable price they can enjoy a really good tasting meal – or find all the ingredients needed from our special ‘recipe of the month’ to create something at home that is both delicious and also great quality.”

Scott has enjoyed a successful career that’s spanned four decades in Australia and abroad where he has worked at leading international hotels and restaurants including Los Angeles’ Bel-Air Country Club, London’s Savoy Hotel and Switzerland’s Grand Hotel. Back home, the celebrity chef and entrepreneur also owns the award winning Carrington Place which was included for the fourth year running in the 2016 Good Food Guide and described as “the best pub food in Newcastle.”

In 2010 Scott opened the award winning threestar Osia Bar and Restaurant in Singapore with his long-time friend, renowned international Chef Otto Weibel.

This modern food store is the latest venture of one of Newcastle’s most experienced Scott’s Wickham-based Providore will also be and celebrated chefs, Scott Webster. Driven available as a catering and function venue by a passion to share his vast knowledge from early 2016, hosting up to 50 guests for a and educate customers about good food sit-down dining experience or 150 for a standthe Providore represents a long-time goal to up cocktail affair. supply a wide variety and range of high quality “There is nowhere else in Newcastle that offers produce and products. a bakery, pizzeria, deli, café, fresh market “Newcastle is now ready for a fine food produce, small goods and retail section providore of this calibre,” Mr Webster said. located all under the one roof,” Mr Webster said.

“Many of the other major cities have emporiumstyle food stores and I think local people who “If you are looking for something special to know and really enjoy a good food experience serve this holiday season, whether it be are eager for a high-end quality food supplier.” food that’s ready-to-go or the best available ingredients to create a memorable meal, Traditional festive season delights include you’ll find something here that will be the best legs of ham, Tiptree Christmas puddings, fruit quality around.” mince pies, biscuits and sweets along with all the finest ingredients from the products section to prepare the most elaborate or simple array. A full selection of fine cheeses (Hunter, Australian, European) and food platters can be pre-ordered ahead of that special function or gathering.

The Providore’s Christmas hampers come ready-made or can be customised and ordered to suit all culinary tastes and preferences.

From the delicatessen there’s lamb prosciutto, bresaola (air dried beef) and olives, and on the shelves truffle oils and salts, vinegars, pastas, American marinades and BBQ sauces. In the meat section, high quality steaks, pot ready lamb legs, pork and chicken products are available along with locally sourced fruit and vegetables. Fresh bread and cakes baked daily and pizzas cooked onsite are proving popular for busy customers.

3 COURSE BANQUET & DESSERT 6 DISHES ~ $45 PER PERSON 8 DISHES ~ $55 PER PERSON Beverage package option available for group bookings. $30 for 2 hours. $15 per hour after that.

Includes Rustica wines, beer and soft drink.

eat@rustica.com.au ~ 02 4929 3333 ~ www.rustica.com.au

THE BEAR ESSENTIALS FOR A CHRISTMAS PARTY 3 BEARS CANAPÉ MENU

Choose 4 types / 3 per person @$35 • Choose 6 types / 3 per person @$45

PAELLA

Paella cooked in front of you ~ $44 per person

THREE BEARS GLOBAL DINNER MENU

Choose from any of the Global Dinner Menus ~ $55 per person Sit down banquet style. Menus available on the website @ www.threebearskitchen.com.au Minimum of 25 Guests ~ Function Bookings are for Sunday to Thursday (to discuss other options call us on 4929 4477)

PHOTO CREDIT: MJK CREATIVE

Throsby Street Providore is located at 3/18 Throsby Street, Wickham - open from 7am to 6pm on weekdays, 8am to 5pm weekends and public holidays, closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day and will open New Year’s Day.

SEAT ED O R STAN DING SERV ICE OPTIO N

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LAKE MACQUARIE AUTHENTIC

Italian cuisine opens in Lake Macquarie

Positioned on the waterfront of picturesque Lake Macquarie, Awaba House is set amongst 15 acres of lush parkland with an Art Gallery and Sculpture Garden as well as a deep water jetty for boat access. The house, with its elaborate roof, leadlight glass windows and the art-deco interior was built in 1927 and has retained its beautiful period features. Awaba House is enjoyed by visitors for many reasons – but now there is a new (and scrumptious) reason to visit!

Thirteen years ago, restaurant entrepreneurs Greg and Jan Hopper opened the café, restaurant and wedding/functions centre at Awaba House. With its perfect outlook and thriving gallery, Greg and Jan have turned this idyllic location on the lake into the well patronised Café and Restaurant it has become today.

Julie Wood, their Manager of fourteen years, took over the reins in 2014. Julie’s depth of experience comes from managing Greg and Jan’s other well-known restaurants across the region including Mama Mex, Saltwater Grill and Caves Beachside Cuisine.

Julie’s passion for the restaurant industry shines through and along with her team of talented Chefs they have created a fine-dining experience that is wowing diners – Tuscany at Awaba House.

PICTURED LEFT: GENERAL MANAGER, JULIE WOOD AND EXECUTIVE CHEF, AARON YOUNG. PICTURED RIGHT: AUTHENTIC CAPRICE SALAD WITH HEIRLOOM TOMATOES AND BUFFALO MOZZARELLA.

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Chefs Aaron, Beau and Dan are passionate about Tuscany at Awaba House and have been enthusiastic in transforming the menu into one that celebrates traditional and authentic Italian cuisine. They have all enjoyed the experience of cooking in Italy and now bring their own unique touches to the Tuscany at Awaba House experience.

Italian wines and beers compliment the extensive menu and with traditional favourites plus the chef’s house specialities, guests are in for a truly wonderful dining experience.

If you love your seafood then the Pesce Gremolata is for you - market fish baked and served with sautéed greens, potato discs and topped with fresh parsley, garlic and lemon zest or perhaps the Scaloppina di vitello (veal escalope with mushroom marsala sauce) is more your style. Whatever your fancy – you would be remisce not to finish off your meal with the divine Tuscany Tiramisu – created with Baileys liqueur and mascarpone cheese.

Tuscany at Awaba House opens every Friday and Saturday evening and bookings are essential – phone 4950 6366.

LAKE MACQUARIE

Lake Macquarie’s ultimate craft beer and dining destination.

Welcome to Mama Mex!

With 16 taps of craft beer, a carefully curated wine list and a classic selection of spirits, plus a range of delicious share plates, The Boat Shed Bar + Galley is serious about good food, good drinks and of course good times.

Located at beautiful Warners Bay, Mama Mex is the perfect blend of Italian and Mexican dining!

The fun and friendly atmosphere and views of the glorious lake make for a relaxing lunch by the bay, a romantic dinner or special family night out.

With a focus on quality ingredients and classic flavours, the menu features premium quality dishes perfect for sharing. With a range of smaller share plate and snack items, as well as larger main-style share plates, each dish has its own unique fusion of flavour that pairs perfectly with the extensive drinks menu.

Best of all… if you’re running short of time everything on the sit-down menu is available for takeaway so you can have that Mama Mex experience at home!

The Boat Shed Bar + Galley is beckoning as your new ‘local’.

ADDRESS The Parade, Belmont 2280 OPEN 7 days, 11am til late PH (02) 4945 7756 W www.theboatshedbar.com.au

The superb food and fully licensed bar compliment both the indoor and al fresco dining experience.

BOAT S HED B A R

+

G A L L E Y

So pop in and see us or place an order over the phone.

Bookings are recommended to ensure you don’t miss out.

ADDRESS 75 King Street, Warners Bay OPEN Dinner Wednesday to Sunday until 9pm, Lunch Friday to Sunday from 11.30am PH (02) 4948 9963 W www.mamamexrestaurant.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 39

HUNTER VALLEY

SUMMER SATURDAYS - We’re opening our newly appointed outside bar at 11am and closing the venue at 2am with the re-launch of Saturday night live music.

● EXPERTLY MADE COCKTAILS ● FINE FOOD ● EXTENSIVE WINE LIST ● ● GROUP BOOKINGS ● COCKTAIL CLASSES ● AL FRESCO DINING ● NEW YEAR’S EVE @ GOLDFISH BAR & KITCHEN - bookings at www.thegoldfish.com.au/events GROUP BOOKINGS - Are you looking for somewhere to have a get together? Thinking about your Christmas party, hens party or birthday party? We can cater for groups from 10 to 400 people.

CONCERT SEASON - A great place to meet for a drink and a bite to eat before heading to a concert across the road at Hope Estate. VIP Packages at Roche Estate Concerts are available at Goldfish also.

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

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

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

Contact functions@thegoldfish.com.au for any enquiries or to join our mailing list. Like us on Facebook and follow us on instagram or twitter to keep up to date with all of our events.

The fast take away options are also delicious.

ADDRESS Roche Estate, Cnr Broke & McDonalds Rds, Hunter Valley OPEN 7 days, Midday to Late RESTAURANT 7 days, Lunch and Dinner PH (02) 4998 7688 W www.thegoldfish.com.au

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

DUCK INTO WINE COUNTRY AND DELIGHT YOUR PALETTE Duck is a dish that rarely fails to delight the palate – it’s juicy, “gamey” and perhaps the most flavourful of all poultry meat.

Although Duck meat is relatively high in fat and cholesterol (especially if you eat the skin), it's also an excellent source of protein, niacin, phosphorus, riboflavin, iron, zinc, vitamin B-6 and thiamine and smaller amounts of vitamin B-12, folate and magnesium.

It’s also a dish that, for whatever reason, even the very best athome cooks are nervous about preparing. This is despite duck meat being more readily available at your local supermarket than ever before (check out the range of Luv-A-Duck products).

Given that we don’t cook duck meat that much at home it can be a fabulous treat when eating out. So this month we trekked around the glorious Hunter Valley, taste-buds in hand to discover some ducky-delights that are on offer. Here are 5 of the best…

RESTAURANT CUVEE. Entreé Duck – Tea-smoked sliced duck breast sprinkled with strawberry salsa, coriander and mint and drizzled with caramelised balsamic. Wine match – Peterson House Sparkling Chambourcin.

THE VERANDAH RESTAURANT. Tapas Duck – Duck liver parfait with quince paste caramelised onions and charred sourdough.

Wine Match: Adina Vineyard 2015 Pinot Gris.

CIRCA 1876. Two Parts Duck – Seared duck breast, slow cooked duck egg, fresh black truffle, truffle potato foam, asparagus and Jamón (Spanish pronunciation: [xa'mon] is the Spanish 40 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

word for ham. In English, it refers to certain types of dry-cured ham from Spain). Wine Match: Briar Ridge Vineyard 2013 Dairy Hill Single Vineyard Shiraz.

OISHII JAPANESE THAI RESTAURANT. Curried Duck – Panang Duck Curry – Southern Thai style with fillet duck. (The description gives away little as to the ingredients but I think this just might be Oishii’s signature dish – it doesn’t matter how many times I order their duck curry – I always enjoy it better than the time before!) Wine Match: Pokolbin Estate 2011 Late Harvest Riesling.

THE CELLAR RESTAURANT. Confit Duck – Free Range Duck Confit with beetroot and eschallot Tarte Tatin and Seville orange.

(Confit – pronounced 'con-fee' – is the name given to a meat which has been cooked in its own fat and then covered and preserved in the same fat to prevent it from spoiling.) Wine Match: DenMar Estate 2009 Reserve Range Pinot Noir.

BEST WINE MATCHES FOR DUCK Duck meat invites a wine companion that is lighter bodied, slightly fruity, with good acidity and some earthiness to it. There’s one wine that’s invariably recommended as a pairing for duck and that is Pinot Noir but of course duck, like any other meat, can be cooked in different ways (as we’ve just seen). So choose a wine partner that combines well not just with the flavour of the meat itself but also with the method used to cook the meat. Other great matches include a late harvest Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Shiraz (for something different try a Sparkling Shiraz). Enjoy!

HUNTER VALLEY TICKING ALL THE BOXES AT THE GARDEN CELLARS.

H U N T E R

The Garden Cellars mantra is a simple one - stock a wide variety at affordable prices.

With a range of over 800 different local and imported beers, including stouts, ales, lagers, pilsner, porters, light beers and dark beers displayed in their “must-see” Tunnel of Beer, a huge range of ciders (both Australian and imported), and an enviable range of boutique Hunter Valley and other regional wines including fortified wines (dessert wines and ports), it looks like they’ve ticked the ‘wide variety’ box.

dinner – it's also about the tastings and every day (7 days a week) there’s a host of treats to ‘try before you buy.’

In December, the focus is on international beer varieties with the second annual International Beer Cup where visitors will be asked to tick a few boxes of their own! Each weekend in December will see tastings of 4 international beers from 16 competing countries, a total of 16 beers from 16 countries over the course of the month. Taste brews from Australia, New Zealand, USA, Mexico, Belgium, Germany, England, Scotland, Netherlands, Czech In fact, if you can’t find what you are looking Republic, France, China, Croatia, Serbia, South for on their website or in store, just contact the Africa and Denmark. friendly staff and they will endeavour to source Tasters will be asked to rate each beer they it for you (extra tick – great service!) try from 1-10, and at the end of the month But what about price? They have great deals the beer with the highest average score will on wine gift packs, you can mix your own be declared champion. A case of this beer case or be adventurous and choose a prewill be sent out to one lucky taster. For more mixed mystery dozen! Great value, affordable information and to get involved visit The prices – tick!

Garden Cellars at Hunter Valley Gardens Of course a visit to The Garden Cellars is not Shopping Village, Broke Road, Pokolbin – or just about picking up a bottle (or two) for visit the website at www.gardencellars.com.au

V A L L E Y

Join us for a Decadent Christmas Lunch $165 pp Sumptuous farm-to-fork dining

Book now info@circa1876.com or (02) 4998 4998

International

BEER CHALLENGE Every weekend in December!

CLOSED from 29th Dec, REOPENING 15th Jan SABOR POKOLBIN open Boxing Day!

The Sabor dessert menu features over 50 different desserts, each one created individually bringing a new level of culinary delight to desserts in the Hunter Valley. Large range of Gluten Free desserts, barista-made coffee, teas or pair your desserts with a delicious Hunter Valley wine.

WINof

a case beer!

It's a unique Hunter Valley experience you can only enjoy at a Sabor in the Hunter Dessert Bar only 30 minutes from Newcastle.

TASTE AND RATE

16 BEERS FROM 16 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES! (4 BEERS EACH WEEKEND!)

But it’s not just about the Beer! At The Garden Cellars, you’ll enjoy daily wine, beer, cider and vodka tastings all in one convenient location at Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village.

THE GARDEN

CELLARS

Stop in for a tasting today!

It’s a tough job – but someone’s got to do it!

At the entrance to Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village, Broke Road, Pokolbin.

OPEN 7 DAYS 10AM – 5.30PM | PH 4998 7466 www.gardencellars.com.au

Sabor in the Hunter Pokolbin

2342 Broke Road, Pokolbin (at Lambloch Estate) PH 1300 958 939 OPEN Thursday 10am-4:30pm, Friday & Saturday 10am-9:30pm, Sunday & Monday 10am-4:30pm

Sabor in the Hunter Lovedale

319 Wilderness Road, Lovedale PH 1300 958 850 OPEN Saturday & Sunday 10am-4:30pm

www.saborinthehunter.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 41

HUNTER VALLEY Introducing the Hunter Valley's H U N T E R

V A L L E Y

POKOLBIN ESTATE VIN EYARD

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

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

WHIMSICAL LUXURY AND FINE FOOD at an evening to cherish Roberts Restaurant was first established 25 years ago by award winning Hunter Valley chef Robert Molines. For many years, it was (and continues to be) the area’s most iconic dining venue. Fast forward to early 2015 and the landmark restaurant is now known as Circa 1876 Hunter Valley in recognition of the year the heritage-listed cottage (Halls Cottage making up the front section of the restaurant) was built.

Circa 1876 Hunter Valley is one of the most popular restaurants in the region. Its unique setting amongst the vineyards, whimsical antique furnishings and two private dining rooms provide diners with an elegant and unique sense of history, coupled with a most memorable dining experience.

Dine under the whimsical luxury of classical chandeliers in the grounds of one of Australia’s most picturesque wineries. Set in the expansive acreage of the glamorous guesthouse Peppers Convent, and surrounded by rich, produce filled kitchen gardens, Circa 1876 is a tranquil culinary treat pleasing to 42 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

lovers of both food and wine. The venue is especially magical (and memorable) when it is the place you share a special occasion with family, friends or your significant other.

Christmas Day at Circa 1876

Join the team at Circa 1876 on Christmas Day and enjoy the most sumptuous of feasts without any of the fuss. Three courses of carefully curated Chrissy goodness with no washing up, no serving, and no need to duck to the shops for an extra bottle of wine!

Just two of our tidings...

Grab one before they fly away!

NYE at Circa 1876

Start your year as you mean to continue, with a glamorous and whimsical feast at Circa 1876. For just $110 per person, you will be treated to a night of luxury in this gorgeous landmark restaurant surrounded by the beautiful grounds at Peppers Convent Hunter Valley.

Bookings for both events are essential and can be made by phoning 4998 4998 or by emailing info@circa1876.com.

OPEN 7 DAYS PH (02) 4930 7113 701 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale NSW 2321 • www.gartelmann.com.au

CHRISTMAS IS COMING! It’s that Mistletoe time of the year!

Make sure you get your Mistletoe Wines.

Only available direct from the winery!

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

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

We can assist with quality packaging,include personal messages and offer direct to recipient deliveries as a time saving and hassle free option.

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

Quality wine is a gift that is always appreciated!

To ensure timely delivery please place your order as soon as possible.

You are welcome to visit Mistletoe Cellar Door and try the wines.

Open every day between 10am and 6pm.

“Christmas isn’t Christmas without Mistletoe”

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

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 43

HUNTER VALLEY Wine Dine Play

Stay

● ● ● ● ● ●

Premium Hunter Valley wines Cellar Door Open 10am - 5pm Daily Beautiful farm fresh olive and providore products for tasting and sales Fabulous accommodation overlooking the vines Emersons Café & Restaurant and Hunter Valley Reflections Day Spa on-site Centrally located 3 minutes from M15 Hunter Expressway (Lovedale exit) ADDRESS 492 Lovedale Road, Lovedale OPEN Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm PH (02) 4930 7473 W www.adinavineyard.com.au

Australia’s Most Awarded Boutique Winery Celebrating our 30th Vintage

BOUTIQUE WINERY

McLeish Estate continue to affirm their position as the Hunter Valley’s most awarded boutique winery by consistently producing an outstanding range of single vineyard wines.

The family-owned winery celebrate their 30th Vintage in the Hunter Valley this year and at the industry’s definitive Wine Shows, the company has been praised for the single vineyard wines, receiving three trophies, four gold and seven silver awards.

MCLEISH ESTATE TROPHY Best ‘Named Vineyard’ Semillon 2015 Hunter Valley Wine Show TWO TROPHIES 2015 Hunter Valley Boutique Wine Show NSW Wine of the Year 2014 FOUR TROPHIES 2014 Sydney Royal Wine Show TROPHIES Best Semillon in 2013 & 2014 Sydney International Wine Competition TROPHY Best International Semillon 2012 & 2013 London International Wine Challenge Experience our ultra-premium range of Estate grown single vineyard wines at our Boutique Cellar Door.

OPEN 7 DAYS 10am - 5pm 462 DeBeyers Road POKOLBIN NSW PH (02) 4998 7754 E info@mcleishhunterwines.com.au W www.mcleishhunterwines.com.au 44 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

More Accolades for

McLeish Estate is currently celebrating their dual Trophy win for their 2007 Cellar Reserve Semillon, which received the Best Named Vineyard Semillon at the prestigious Hunter Valley Wine Show and the 2009 Cellar Reserve Semillon, which received the Best Open Vintage Semillon at the Hunter Valley Boutique Wine Show. The McLeish Estate Semillon is produced in a single vineyard on the Estate.

McLeish Estate’ 2013 Chardonnay received the coveted title for the Best Open Vintage Chardonnay, as this year’s trophy winner at the Hunter Valley Boutique Wine Show.

The wine was judged against the Hunter Valley regions finest producers. The single vineyard wine expresses the elegance of the

variety while maintaining the Hunter Valley’s lingering persistence and intensity.

Robert McLeish, owner of McLeish Estate Wines said of his family owned winery’s success so far this year, “Having created a winery and produced wine in the Hunter Valley for thirty years, I have to say that this year’s show results for McLeish wines have definitely been a highlight. It is a great attribute to our cellar door, vineyard and winery team who work cohesively to produce the standout wines. The hallmark Hunter Valley characters are reflected in our highly awarded Semillon that has achieved International, National and now Regional Wine Show success.”

McLeish Estate Wines have asserted their position as the Hunter Valley’s most awarded boutique winery, successfully producing their range of premium wines for the past 30 years, with owners Robert & Maryanne McLeish overseeing all aspects of the family business. The wines are produced using only hand-harvested fruit from the Estate on DeBeyer’s Road in Australia’s most historic wine producing region of Pokolbin.

INTOUCH GIFT GUIDE

Christmas

Run out of gift ideas? Here are a few to get you started: A. Flight Simulator Newcastle gift vouchers avail. at www.jetflightsimulatornewcastle.com.au/intouch B. Dairy free advent calendar $12.95 (while stocks last) from Mojo Health. Ground Floor Charlestown Square, www.mojohealth.com.au

GIFT GUIDE

C. Eye of Horus Gift Pack - contains Goddess Mascara in black or brown, Goddess Eye Pencil (colour of choice) and Custom Cosmetic Sharpener. Only $54.95, valued at $74.95. Mojo Health, Ground Floor Charlestown Square, www.mojohealth.com.au

C. A.

D. Ecotan Organic Body Pack - contains Coconut Body Milk, Himalayan Salt Scrub & Lemongrass Foaming Body Wash. Only $69.95, valued at $94.85. Mojo Health, Ground Floor Charlestown Square, www.mojohealth.com.au

D.

E. Marble cutting/bread board made of natural white marble with dark marble inlaid cross, RRP $119 avail. from insideout – 192 Parry St, Newcastle West, www.insideoutstyle.com.au

B.

F. Breadboard made of mango wood with coloured side.

The wood in unfinished. Available with green, orange or yellow edges, RRP $69 avail. from insideout – 192 Parry St, Newcastle West, www.insideoutstyle.com.au

E. G.

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G. Jute Rugs - Hand woven rug made of hemp with coloured border. Available in Chartreuse yellow, pink, turquoise and black, RRP $199 avail. from insideout – 192 Parry St, Newcastle West, www.insideoutstyle.com.au

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H. Cirque du Soleil - Quidam tickets, from $71.36. www.ticketek.com.au

H. F.

I. Beer Cooler Sticks from The Waiters Friend, RRP $28.95, Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village, Pokolbin J. Aqua Glow Light Up Shot Glasses - the perfect gift for any party animal - contains 6 light up shot glasses backed with LED lights in red, yellow, blue, green, white and multi-colour. RRP $29.99, Yd, at Westfield Kotara

K.

J.

K. Essential carry all duty bag featuring double external compartments, internal zip pocket, large phone pouches and additional internal pouch. RRP $79.99, Diana Ferrari, Westfield Kotara L. Legendary Chewbacca © ™ Lucasfilm Ltd Chewbacca is a fiercely loyal Wookiee that would make the perfect companion for any Star Wars fan. Build-ABear Workshop, Westfield Kotara

L.

M. L to R Michael Kors Slim Runway watch RRP$299, Daniel Wellingtin Dapper Sheffield watch $429 both avail. from Matthews Jewellers, Charlestown Square N. Charlestown Square Gift Card - this card can be used to get just about anything! It is incredibly easy to use and redeemable at any Charlestown Square store where EFTPOS is available. Just visit one of the Charlestown Square Gift Card kiosks or ask one of our friendly staff members to purchase

M.

O. Swarovski Delta Necklace (small) RRP$99 and Matching Earrings RRP $129. Avail. from Matthews Jewellers, Charlestown Square

Q.

N. P.

R.

O.

P. Throsby Street Providore Christmas Hampers – Pack your own (and let the team hamper it up!) or choose from pre-packed hampers such as brekkie, bbq, sweet, savoury or coffee & tea. Priced from $40. 3/18 Throsby Street, Wickham Q. Iris & Pearl Artisan Soaps RRP $5/cake. Throsby Street Providore, 3/18 Throsby Street, Wickham R. My Little Pony Dj Pon-3 © 2015 Hasbro is the heartbeat to every party! RRP $40, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Westfield Kotara www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 45

INTOUCH CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

The Wonder and Delight of Quidam WORDS: Michelle Meehan IMAGES: Courtesy of Cirque du Soleil

Mention the words Cirque du Soleil and you instantly conjure up images of stunning sets, larger-than-life characters, dazzling costumes and incredible acrobatic feats that are almost beyond belief.

“This show is about something that we can all relate to in this world,” she said.

“In 1996 when (director) Franco Dragone started talking about this show he had created a couple of shows for Cirque already and had travelled the world, meeting all these different people, feeling so blessed with his experience.

“Then he realised when he was walking down the street in a big, big city like New York City, that nobody really connects with each other anymore.

“This is back in 1996, so if we look at today, it’s probably even worse or perhaps still the same.

“Here it’s what you see is what you get, there’s the stage, there’s the band, there is gorgeous lighting, gorgeous costumes, but it’s really the artists that bring the show to life.

“There’s no way you cannot be touched by this show, the music just takes you into a different world and then the artists are just stunning.

“Sometimes it makes me smile, sometimes it makes me cry … every time you see it, you feel different.

“I’ve never seen, honestly, such an amazing show, and I’ve seen many. This is, in my opinion, by far one of the most classic, iconic shows Cirque has ever made; it’s beautiful, absolutely stunning.”

Quidam features a 46-strong international cast of world-class acrobats, musicians, singers and characters performing acts guaranteed to blow your mind.

“The acrobatics are absolutely stunning - I think every show that was created after Quidam was trying to do better acrobatically,” Marjon said.

“But this one creates a little bit of an explosion inside of me when I watch it.

“For me, Quidam is very theatrical, I find it more theatrical than any of the other shows at Cirque, which is why I think I so love working on it.

“So the show is about a young girl who feels disconnected from “The artists are eclectic because they’re acrobats and clowns her parents and her parents are disconnected from each other.

It is a world more exotic than your wildest imagination; a and characters and dancers and all-round performers. dramatic mix of circus arts and street entertainment brought to This world she lives in she hates, so she has started to create, “They understand music, they understand the theatre and this life around the globe by 1300 artists hailing from more than 50 in her mind, an imaginary world. is really very special. I worked on younger Cirque shows where different countries.

“And one day this world opens up to her and this stranger comes the artists were phenomenal, but they didn’t have that in-depth in without a head - we call this person Quidam, it’s Latin for And for 10 days in January 2016, that world will be brought respect or knowledge of what it means to be on stage; it’s a ‘stranger, passer-by’ - and he walks in and basically opens up to life right here in Newcastle when Cirque du Soleil stage 11 sacred moment, you cannot fool around with that. that imaginary world she had painted for herself. shows of Quidam – one of their longest-running productions.

“The show is so brilliantly choreographed and so simple and “So we enter into that world and her parents enter into that The show tells the story of Zoe, a young girl ignored by her that’s why I think it’s so strong. Newcastle audiences will be world and there’s darkness in there but there’s also joy … there distant and apathetic parent. She seeks to fill the boredom in blown away.” is a lot of acceptance and forgiveness, there’s a lot of funny her life by creating a whole new world in her head – the world Woven within the story of Zoe’s journey into the world of moments. of Quidam – where a host of curious characters lead her on a Quidam are an incredible array of acts, such as the Banquine, journey of encouragement to finally free her soul.

“He (Franco) was just not afraid to show us it all.” an Italian acrobatic tradition with origins that date back to the Delving into the imagination of a young girl who feels Middle Ages, where 15 artists perform spectacular sequences Talking to intouch Magazine from South Korea, just before disconnected from life, Quidam presents a somewhat darker of acrobatics and human pyramids.

Quidam ended its 10-week run of shows in Seoul, Marjon vision than what audiences may have come to expect from a said the relatability of the story behind Quidam, along with its Then there’s the German Wheel, which sees an artist perform Cirque du Soleil show. minimalist set (amazingly stark in comparison to most Cirque a series of somersaults and acrobatic manoeuvres while du Soleil shows), and the spectacular nature of the acrobatics But the everyday nature of the scenario – the feeling of being encircled by a large metal hoop. There’s the diabolo, or involved combined to create a truly iconic production. lost in the crowd of today’s modern society – is a feeling Chinese yo-yo, which evolved from a child’s game into an audiences have been able to tap into ever since Quidam art form and the twirling Aerial Hoops trio who amaze with “The set is very simple, it’s not like our newer shows where debuted under the Big Top in Montreal in 1996, according to its you get overwhelmed by the set design and the props and stunning feats of grace and dexterity performed around hoops artistic director Marjon Van Grunsven. suspended above the stage. everything,” she said.

46 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

INTOUCH FEATURE CIRQUE ROSSDU NOBLE SOLEIL “Yes it is dark but it’s also very funny and it’s great for children too,” she said.

“Often I watch the children at the show. I see the response of the children and they laugh out loud, they love it.

“We have this one character in the show, Mark, who keeps coming back and kind of ties everything together. He is so funny and so adorable and you just love him.

“He’s trying to make Zoe, who is a child, laugh; he’s trying to make her happy. He only succeeds at the end of the show, but every time he comes on I can hear those kids in the audience laugh, it’s so wonderful.”

With so many different elements within the show, it is little wonder Quidam has become such a phenomenal success story for Cirque du Soleil – still touring 19 years after it first debuted, having travelled to five continents and been experienced by millions of people around the world.

But unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.

While it will chalk up its 20th year of performances during its seven-week tour of Australia, Quidam will then head across the Tasman to New Zealand for what will be its final run of shows ever.

Marjon said this made its stop in Newcastle an opportunity not to be missed.

“For a touring show it’s absolutely extraordinary that we are making it all the way to 20 years and I think if the show was open for another 10 it would be a great success,” she said.

“But the audiences (in Newcastle) are going to see really something special because they’ll see one of the last performances of a very iconic classic.

“Our show is going through a huge phase right now because we’re about to put it to sleep, so there is sadness, there is relief, there is concern and fear about the future.

“I think what we want is for the audience to embrace us and we’ll embrace them back. We need to be comforted a bit and we will comfort the audience as we do every day.

“But the magic of the exchange between the audience and the artist is going to be so special once we hit Australia, so I just hope as many people as possible can come and see this gem.”

Cirque du Soleil will present Quidam at Newcastle Entertainment Centre from January 15-24, with tickets on sale now at www.cirquedusoleil.com/quidam, through Ticketek www.ticketek.com.au or by calling 4921 2121.

There’s even Skipping Ropes – a child’s pastime transformed into perfectly choreographed feats of co-ordination and rhythm.

Among the most graceful and gravity-defying acts featured in Quidam is the Aerial Contortion in Silk, performed by Scottishborn acrobat Julie Cameron.

it just portrays the struggles that she has in life, that she can’t really handle it. It’s very artistically demanding; it’s not just about acrobatics, my act is mostly about the story,” Julie said.

“So for a while it was quite difficult for me, coming from gymnastics where you’re always told what to do and it’s all about technique and execution, whereas this is different, noone can really teach you this, it has to come from within.

With a strong background in Sports Acrobatics – winning several British Championships, European Championships and world Medals while representing Great Britain - Julie was a “For a while it was hard for me to be a struggling woman who natural choice to join Cirque du Soleil and has been with the can’t deal with life but as it went on and I got a little bit older it show for nine years, first as a Banquine flyer before switching to got easier for me, I had more experience to draw from. the Aerial Hoops.

“I think it helped me develop as an artist more, it really pushed But in 2013 she secured the Aerial Contortion solo act, me to find something in myself that I didn’t know was there performing acrobatics while suspended about 12m above the because that was something I always really struggled with. stage from a long silk band of fabric.

“I think it’s definitely helped me develop a different side of it, it’s Incorporating contortion into the act, Julie manipulates the not just purely acrobatics.” fabric to wrap, swing and spiral herself into and out of various While Julie’s act encompasses some of the more emotional difficult positions. moments in Quidam, the show overall is a combination of But it is more than just a demonstration of skills, with the darkness and light, with characters such as the pseudo choreography, which Julie was responsible for creating, having “ringmaster” Mark providing the perfect antidote to the more to be able to represent the inner turmoils of a person’s mind. serious themes – making it perfect for audiences of all ages according to Marjon.

“It’s quite a dark act, I’m the soul of the mother in the show and

FAST FACTS Cirque du Soleil •Cirque du Soleil is a Quebec-based company recognised all over the world for high-quality, artistic entertainment. Since its dawn in 1984, Cirque du Soleil has always sought to evoke the imagination, invoke the senses and provoke the emotions of people around the world.

•In 1984, 73 people worked for Cirque du Soleil.

Today, the company hires close to 4000 employees worldwide, including 1300 artists.

•More than 100 types of occupations can be found at Cirque.

•The company’s employees and artists represent more than 50 nationalities and speak 25 different languages.

•Close to 155 million spectators have seen a Cirque du Soleil show since 1984.

•In 2015, Cirque du Soleil will present 19 different shows around the world. www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 47

INTOUCH FAMILY AND COMMUNITY

ALL WE SEE IS JOY

with Julia Morris.

By Danni Rivett (for Westfield)

This Christmas, Westfield has teamed up with one of the nation’s most-loved comedians, Julia Morris, to remind Australians that Christmas doesn’t have to go exactly to plan to be extraordinary through the ‘All We See is Joy’ campaign.

in the family having one of their favourite foods on the Christmas table. From roast chicken to crunchy potatoes, there is something for everyone. It is not out of the question that I eat my body weight in Hard Brandy Sauce. My husband Dan gets to be head chef and I get to be head cleaner when everyone is passed out on the couch.

D: What’s your decorating style? Over-the-top or laid-back?

JM: I wouldn’t call it a ‘style’ as such. Our “Christmas is chaos, no matter how much we decorations have been a bit like a progressive plan otherwise, but that’s the great thing about dinner party. Bits from here and there. We try it. This Christmas, there are no disastrous to find a tree ornament on each family holiday Santa photos, just a chance to share and and the girls have “crafternoons” to complete laugh. There are no cracked Pavlovas, just an the look. I always love the decorations in excuse for extra whipped cream and berries.

Westfield (my mothership) and it makes me For me, ‘All We See is Joy’ is about celebrating wish I was the sort of person who has a colour the real Aussie Christmas, even if it’s not theme for the tree. ‘picture perfect’,” says Julia.

D: What’s your Christmas party dress go-to?

I caught up with Julia to talk about how JM: Well, any excuse for a new sparkly frock. she keeps smiling through the craziness of I am away so much for work that my ‘party Christmas. season’ is all about entertaining at home.

Danni: What have been some of your favourite Mum always made sure I had a new dress for Christmas moments?

Christmas day. It’s a tradition I have continued Julia Morris: I have travelled to some pretty with my little women and they love waking exotic locations for Christmas over the years, up to see something sparkly to wear. I don’t including Jamaica, where Santa arrived on believe in the expression ‘overdressed’. a boat and was a girl. Nothing beats waking D: What’s your strategy for getting all the up with my family all under one roof. Many Christmas shopping done? grown-ups and two children, all in our jarmies, JM: You cannot believe the plans I make inspecting reindeer droppings. Magnificent. each Boxing Day, at the sales. I buy cheap D: What has been your biggest Christmas Christmas cards that I store and can never find disaster and how did you handle it? a year later. I also vow to be more prepared JM: Christmas is all about little disasters. We by shopping throughout the year, then all of a put so much thought into the day being perfect sudden it’s December 23rd. Even now, when that we forget our expectations rarely meet I hear the expression ‘extended Christmas the reality. When I was nine, my grandmother trading hours’, it fills my heart with joy. bought everyone in the family a very expensive D: What has been your biggest gifting watch. Well, everyone except me. She bought disaster? me a new shower cap. A SHOWER CAP. This is JM: I usually buy one gift for someone else and one of the few examples I can think of where one gift for me. It’s been a personal tradition the thought really didn’t count. I still can’t tell I have honoured for years. Of course when the time. you get home and realise you have forgotten D: Do you have a traditional family Christmas someone, you have to give them one of the menu or do you mix it up each year? gifts you bought for yourself. I won’t lie; giving JM: Mother started the tradition of each person my grandfather those GHDs still hurts.

48 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

INTOUCH FEATURE FAMILYROSS AND NOBLE COMMUNITY The Kids Pass includes movies, bowling, Timezone fun, a Boost Juice, a kid’s meal at McDonalds plus an hour of playtime at Megamania. With a retail value of $55, the Kids Passes are on sale for $37 – a popular choice during the school holidays and for birthday party groups.

New Entertainment Passes in time for the Christmas Stocking!

Only at Charlestown Square can you see a movie at Reading Cinemas, go bowling or play laser tag at Strike, have fun at Timezone plus enjoy a wide range of tasty treats! And the best way to enjoy all these terrific attractions is with the exclusive 2016 Charlestown Square Entertainment Passes.

Packaged together so you can enjoy amazing value, there are three Entertainment Passes – the ever popular Kids Passes, and new this year are Super Passes and even more value in the Mega Pass.

The $35 Super Pass is a great choice for teenagers and students, saving over $20 with a movie ticket plus small popcorn, bowling or lager tag, Timezone fun, a hot chocolate at Max Brenner and either a burrito, or nacho’s or quesadillas from Guzman Y Gomez.

And the new Mega Pass is available for $42 – a saving of over $30 and includes a Reading Cinemas movie ticket plus small popcorn, bowling or lazer tag, Timezone fun, a large coffee at Fifi La Femme, a classic burger with fries or salad at Coco Cubano plus a 5 hour free parking pass, to provide your ample time to enjoy all that Charlestown Square has to offer.

Give the gift of fun this year with new 2016 Entertainment Passes, on sale now in time for memorable Christmas gifts at the Customer Service Desk, located level 1 near JB Hi Fi. Charlestown Square is The Hunter’s largest shopping and entertainment destination with the entertainment offers and South Piazza cafes and restaurants open every day expect for Christmas Day. For trading hours information, please visit www. charlestownsquare.com.au

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www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 49

INTOUCH FAMILY AND COMMUNITY

CUT THE APRON STRINGS When our children are little, the thought of them moving out of home seems both terrible and way too far away to think about. Before you know it the thought of your children moving out of home is not so terrible after all – and right on your doorstep!

{ design } YOUR FUTURE

Enter Suzanne James and Catherine Edman – sisters, and co-authors of the book “Cut the Apron Strings” – a very practical and thorough guide to help your kids set up their own homes and become independent adults.

As Suzanne points out, our lives these days are faster paced and we often forget to teach our kids basic life skills as they grow up – assuming that they just “know.” This is where the book comes in handy for both parents and teenagers, and the reason why it is now finding its way into the classrooms of several local high schools.

PICTURED L TO R: SUZANNE JAMES AND CATHERINE EDMAN. The sisters are firm believers that learning life skills is for everyone, regardless of their academic results. ‘back seat’ to their children’s decision making – giving them the independence to make “Our book reminds parents of all those decisions. unspoken chores that we constantly do and that sometimes can be taken for granted. Life Suzanne said they had received a lot of positive is so busy that we can sometimes forget to feedback from both parents and teenagers. explain things and then just assume that our “Most comments, especially from parents children know the “who, what, when, where and were ‘wow I didn’t think of that; I forgot there why” about everyday life skills and situations. was so many things I do daily that my child Running a household, working, studying, paying knows nothing about,’ or ‘I didn’t realise how bills, purchasing a car, house or even going on emotional it would be when my child moved holiday is all about good time management and out.’ knowledge” says Suzanne.

“From our young adults who have moved out, Catherine says the reverse is true for teens the words ‘I miss a home cooked meal from as they near the point of moving out, “Young mum,’ ‘I feel so sick and tired. I need to get to adults on the other hand may not understand the doctor but don’t know who to see,’ ‘I can’t and can take for granted all that is done believe I left my tissues in my pockets. What around the house. Our children have better a mess it made to the entire load of washing,’ opportunities than we did when we were young, ‘how am I going to get time to do everything’ so it is so important to equip them with the and from another who was overwhelmed with knowledge needed to succeed outside the it all, ‘oh no, now I own a vacuum cleaner, I family home.” suppose I have to grow up!’” she said.

Both sisters agree however that as parents, there comes a time when we need to take the

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the very end when they leave home and finally “When we were writing our book we knew we “Cut the Apron Strings.” wanted to make our pictures comical; let’s face it, talking about life skills is not very exciting. Daniel Brennan, who is an art teacher You can purchase your very own copy of at St Pius X High school was right on target Cut the Apron Strings online at with what we wanted. It was great working www.cuttheapronstrings.com, Dymocks with Daniel and we were excited every time at Charlestown he finished each chapter, eager to see what Square, The Co-op drawings he would come up with.”

Book Store at The sisters say that it’s amazing how many the Newcastle ideas from the book can be (and should be) University, Q Books introduced to our children way before they Beaumont Street, leave home. For example, many young ones Hamilton and getting their first part time job, the book McDonald Brothers introduces them to budgeting their finances.

Book Store at When we think about it, we are “Cutting the Maitland.

Catherine said they tried to add some comedy Apron Strings” in each day of our child’s life.

RRP: $14.95 to the book through the whimsical illustrations. It’s just that we really don’t think about it until

Not all children will have a safe home this Christmas.

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

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Shopping Village OPEN 7 DAYS FROM 10AM www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 51

INTOUCH HOME AND PROPERTY

4 festive table settings for Christmas lunch

By Claire Edwards (for Westfield Kotara)

Once you have chosen your theme, consider the space you’re working with, the number of guests, how much time you have and what course you are serving to ensure your idea comes to life as you imagine to add joy to the day. Merry Christmas!

PICTURED BELOW: DAVID JONES ELEGANCE CHAMPAGNE TRUMPET FLUTES, DAVID JONES HEMINGWAY DESIGN JUG.

Bring joy to your table on Christmas Day with four different beautiful themes to create a stylish setting for Christmas lunch. Whether you’re planning a formal lunch in your dining room, entertaining outdoors, organising a boho theme or opting for a beachside location with a tropical design, we have four wonderful ways to decorate your space. #1 LUXE: Create an elegant table setting for your guests with a linen tablecloth in fresh white, matching napkins, a few elegant silver decorations and a couple of newly lit candles.

10 Tips for choosing and hanging art

#2 AL FRESCO: If you have the space outdoors, a stunning al fresco setting will provide a relaxed vibe to your lunch. Think a bright large jug filled with punch, a classic white dinner set and wooden salad servers set over your favourite runner. Water views are a bonus. #3 BOHO: Vibrant colours are the thing that’ll add extra cheer to your Christmas table this year. Mix and match patterns and fabrics with napkins and cushions, and finish it all off with sparkling bon bons. #4 TROPICANA: Perhaps you’re hosting a Christmas brunch that’s a little more relaxed than the full family feast. Pick up a few pineapple– and fruit-inspired pieces, handmade place tags and bright bon bons to set the scene for your guests.

Deborah Bartlett & Chris Williams from insideout.

#1

At insideout we have a range of wall murals that can be used to evoke the feel you want to achieve as art does, whether it is a study, bedroom or living area. Our love of art is reflective in some of the pieces in our showroom.

Art is very personal and I believe you should love it. Art should earn its place in your home.

Visit our store and let us help you find the pieces to bring out your homes personality.

Your journey starts here. ► Select a wall that is most visible when you first walk into your home and has an important place in the room.

PICTURED ABOVE: TREE OF LIFE THROW, BIG W WHITE PINEAPPLE.

#2

► Choose a canvas or print that is similar to the shape of the wall. If it is long and horizontal, choose a large rectangle shape or a collection of pieces on that wall. If it is narrow and high, choose a long vertical piece or collection to accentuate the height of the wall. ► If you have a long hallway leading from the entry to the main area of the house, wallpaper can be like a large piece of art to lead to the next room. Wallpaper these days can be custom-made with many designs or images that can be used to tie a room or rooms together. (A great way to decorate a wall) ► Large walls can be filled with large art pieces. The right piece can look amazing and make a room look even bigger.

#4 52 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

#3

instance). Warm colours can feel warm and welcoming where as bright combinations can stimulate an area. Bright colours are best used in the dining or lounge - a place for conversation. ► If hanging several pieces throughout a room, change up the texture by using a framed art piece and a canvas. Beautiful beaded or embroidered art is inexpensive and can add another layer of texture to a room. ► Framing of an art piece is very important.

Not only to the art but also to the room it is hanging in. A good framer can give great advice as to how to frame the actual artwork but always keep in mind the other pieces in the room and how the frame will tie back to them.

Choose timber similar to the floor, or a colour that will pick up with other strong elements in the room. Gold or silver accessories will look great if the frames tie back to them. ► When hanging an artwork behind glass remember to take into consideration the glare from the surrounding windows. Non-reflective glass is a better choice, even though it costs more. Keep artworks away from direct sunlight as they will most likely fade. ► Always use acid free borders to protect your art, and if you want it to last get professional advice. ► Art brings out the personality and feel of your home. Take your time, get advice and love the pieces you choose.

At insideout we can help you tie your look together with the choice of rugs or cushions, which will bring out the best in the pieces you ► Art is a very personal choice. When choosing have chosen. www.insideoutstyle.com.au art remember that colours can evoke feelings.

If you want a relaxing, calming feel you can choose blues and greens (in a bedroom for

find us on

@insideoutnewcastle

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INTOUCH HOME AND PROPERTY

FANS OR AIR CONDITIONERS?

By Jude Gregory (Published with permission from domain.com.au)

CEILING FANS Fans are an inexpensive way of cooling a room, right?

Technically yes – and no. They cost less to run; however, they don’t actually cool the air – they simply move it around the room. The faster the air moves over your skin, the more it works to evaporate sweat, which is the mechanism your body uses to cool itself.

Although they won’t turn a sauna into a fridge within minutes, ceiling fans will help save on the electricity bill. In fact, most ceiling fans use approximately 25 to 90 watts of energy, whereas central air conditioners can use as much as 2500 to 3500 watts. Many newer models come with a remote control to help adjust the speed in the same way you’d control the air con.

AIR-CONDITIONING Air conditioners might burn through your power bill, but they’re remarkably effective at cooling the home. While ceiling fans work to lower body temperature, air conditioners actually affect the temperature of the room.

With air-conditioning, you’ll get a quick lift of warmth on a cold day or a welcome arctic blast in the middle of summer; however, these perks come at a cost. Apart from drawing power, air conditioners need regular maintenance to ensure they continue to run effectively without recirculating harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and dust particles throughout your home.

Ever noticed your skin drying out in an air-conditioned environment? That’s not surprising – as the air is cooling, its moisture levels decrease. In a country that is often humid this can be beneficial to a point, but extended periods in a dry environment (especially while sleeping) can cause physical discomfort.

TAG TEAM So we know that air conditioners are all-stars when it comes to dropping temperatures fast, and ceiling fans are exceptional at cooling our bodies naturally without breaking the budget. Can they work together? Quite effectively, it seems.

These days it’s quite common for homes to have both airconditioning units and ceiling fans, as the two work well in tandem by dropping the initial temperature of a room, and then circulating that colder air.

Neither needs to be run as cold or as fast, and once the temperature of your home has dropped, switch off the air con and leave the work to the ceiling fans.

Our Australian climate can be irregular and unruly at times, but there’s no denying it gets warm. Whether you choose to cool your home with ceiling fans, air-conditioning or both, what’s important is that it makes your living space more comfortable throughout the summer months without breaking the bank.

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INTOUCH FEATURE PROPERTY ROSSAND NOBLE FINANCE

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This is "home" – a place where you and your family get to relax and enjoy life and nature in a safe and secure resort style environment.

A Lifestyle of Relaxation and Refinement This beautiful residential estate wrapped within the green oasis of the 18-hole Greg Norman designed championship golf course has its own unique blend of village life, natural beauty, resort style convenience and luxury.

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everyone at the Vintage gets to experience an exclusive and relaxed lifestyle offered by this family friendly community.

Here, life tends to travel at a more sedate pace, with everything required for daily living no more than 10 or 15 minutes away. The Vintage is also a very convenient 30 minute drive to Newcastle suburbs and just 90 minutes from Sydney.

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For residents, the benefits of living at The Vintage go well beyond the world-class 18hole golf course.

With its superb facilities, function rooms, café and restaurant, the award -winning Clubhouse provides a haven for people to relax in private or enjoy with friends while overlooking the stunning views of the golf course.

Those living at The Vintage compare it to being on holiday 7 days a week with the multi award winning Château Élan Destination Spa and Salon also set in the resort as well as recreation facilities which include a heated swimming pool and spa, tennis courts, a health and fitness centre and 7km of bicycle and walking trails.

When you purchase a house at The Vintage you are buying into a lifestyle that is unique to the Hunter Valley and with it comes a rare blend of beauty, urban convenience and a tranquil country style ambience with outstanding resort facilities. That’s The Vintage life!

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The Vintage In the heart of the Hunter Valley Wine Country

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View over the 15th hole and 16th fairway

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56 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

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www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 57 *Agent declares interest

INTOUCH EVENT CINEMAS KOTARA

Ready to Roll at

Event Cinemas Kotara!

The centrepiece of Westfield Kotara’s Rooftop entertainment precinct will be unveiled this month - Event Cinema’s “best-in-class” 8-screen complex. Opening on December 17th with the new STAR WARS: The Force Awakens adventure (expected to break all records on its opening weekend) this is a premium entertainment venue in every sense, offering the most modern facilities in the Hunter.

Event Cinemas Kotara will boast one VMAX cinema, two Gold Glass cinemas and five General Admission cinemas, with state-of-theart digital technology providing the ultimate big screen movie experience. This will be topped off by a jaw dropping candy bar and café – all designed to make your trip to the movies an experience like no other.

What is VMAX? This will be the first time we have seen VMAX technology in the Hunter – hence the “best of class” tag. The VMAX cinema will feature stadium-style seating (450 seats), amazing Dolby Atmos sound and a giant state-of-the art 20 metre digital screen that places you right in the action of the latest Hollywood blockbusters (including digital 3D movies).

The seats have been exclusively designed to provide additional comfort through contoured high backs, generous armrests, tables and double the amount of leg room.

The private and exclusive Gold Class experience Event Cinemas Kotara will also feature two Gold Class cinemas – each sporting 49 recliner seats and complemented by a full bar service that includes an in-house menu and on-call waiter service to ensure you don’t miss any of the on-screen action! Order from the menu to receive your meal at predetermined times during the movie. In the Gold Class lounge movie-goers can enjoy drinks before the movie, and have coffee and dessert after the movie.

One thing we know for sure is that when Event Cinemas Kotara flings open its doors in December visitors will be welcomed by a host of smiling, energetic and enthusiastic team members from throughout Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter Region!

In late October, Newcastle City Hall was buzzing with eager potential employees when management conducted the biggest recruitment process this region has ever experienced. 1,200 applicants were given the opportunity to showcase their talents, skills and professionalism by attending group and one-on-one interviews.

The end result? Eighty bright new staff members comprising of full time, part-time and casual employees.

The opening of the cinemas has provided locals with a terrific new employment opportunity, but even the team at Event Cinemas were surprised by the number of applications.

“We knew there would be interest in the positions available but to receive just short of 1200 applications was quite remarkable,” said Garth Weiley, General Manager, Event Cinemas Kotara.

“It is great to see residents of the region really embracing our new cinema opening at Westfield Kotara and in particular our Gold Class offering with many experienced and dedicated food and beverage applications received.”

Marketing Manager, Dana Pichaloff said, “Our brand represents quality films in superior surroundings and with the introduction of the very first true Gold Class experience in our region complete with delicious food and beverages and served by our very own professional local wait staff – there is nothing like it and we encourage everyone to come and visit us at Event Cinemas Kotara when we open on December 17th.”

Visitors are encouraged to pre-purchase tickets (www.eventcinemas.com.au) for the opening of the new Star Wars movie (coinciding with the launch of the new cinemas). See you at the movies!

Thirty years after defeating the Galactic A long time ago... in a galaxy Empire, Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and far far away... his allies face a new threat from the Be amongst the first to see STAR WARS: evil Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and his The Force Awakens when Event Cinemas army of Stormtroopers...

It’s a story we all know well, but recordbreaking advance ticket sales signal that this episode in the Star Wars saga could be highest-grossing release of all time.

Many in Hollywood are predicting “The Force Awakens” will easily beat the $209 million opening weekend record set by “Jurassic World” in June. Even if the opening falls short of the record, the fact that most people have time off work and school for the holidays during the two weeks after could put the record set for “Avatar,” $761 million total gross in the U.S. and Canada, at risk.* *Source: The Wall Street Journal 58 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Kotara open their doors on December 17th, but a warning… to avoid disappointment we recommend you pre-book tickets.

STARWARS: EPISODE VII A continuation of the saga created by George Lucas set thirty years after Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983).

Cast: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, Kenny Baker, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Daisy Ridley, Max von Sydow Director: J. J. Abrahams (Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness) Trailer: www.YouTube.com/StarWarsAustralia

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 59

THE ROOFTOP NOW OPEN An exciting new dining, cinema and entertainment experience has launched at Westfield Kotara. Explore the beautiful open air garden space with friends and family, surrounded by nine new restaurants and a playworld for the kids to enjoy.

Don’t miss the live entertainment on our custom stage with children’s shows, live local bands and plenty of summer fun for everyone.

For all Rooftop events and restaurant details visit westfield.com.au/kotara