Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and Hunter Valley | INTOUCH MAGAZINE JULY 21' ISSUE

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Newcastle•Lake Macquarie•Hunter Valley•Port Stephens

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WWW.INTOUCHMAGAZINE.COM.AU

ISSUE #67 // JULY 2021

PLUS....

School

HOLIDA Y

GUIDE

pg. 3 4

Stellar Cast for OPERA HUNTER’S La Traviata Dazzling Priscilla is Anything but a Drag!

Get Away to Stay & Play in Port Stephens

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

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LAMBTON | CHARLESTOWN | BELMONT

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From the

EDITORS...

For almost 40 years, Brett Morgan has been living his dream as a professional dancer, teacher and artistic director. But for the past decade, alongside wife and business partner Vicki, he has been channelling his passion and experience into a new generation of dancers as the Artistic Director of the National College of Dance in Lambton.

Brett says he feels so rewarded to see our students head off to all different parts of the globe and get placed (with dance companies) and knowing that he has been able to give them a platform to be a dancer, but that he also enjoys seeing students having fun and enjoying expressing themselves through dance.

This month we caught up with Brett to discuss his stellar dancing career and the importance of family support. Read more on page 12.

Speaking of stars, this month Opera Hunter present a new production of Verdi’s most famous and beloved opera, La Traviata. If you’re a lover of opera, then it’s a no-brainer – this is one not to miss! Even if you’ve never been to the opera before, there’s no better time to develop a love of the genre than by attending a performance.

Read more on page 17.

In this issue, we also take a peek behind the curtains to see the team from Metropolitan Players hard at work, getting ready to bring us their dazzling production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert (the musical) next month. The iconic hit musical promises a sparkling array of costumes and possibly more glitter than we’ve ever seen before on the Civic stage! Read more on page 11.

It’s the School Holidays again (they seem to come around very quickly), and as always, we’ve got all the best activities in our Winter School Holiday Guide. For the bookworms, artists and curious minds, every day is a new opportunity to learn, and our libraries will be a hive of activity with ‘how to’ workshops on just about everything. With activities ranging from Aqua Fitness to Puppet Shows, Bunyips to Giant Games – we’ve got your back (and sanity!) on page 34.

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Contents ISSUE #67 | JULY 2021 10

New Reasons – Spy vs Spy

11

Dazzling Priscilla is Anything but a Drag!

12

Dancing with Purpose – National College of Dance

17

Stellar Cast for Opera Hunter's La Traviata

20

Eat Local to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

22

Wallsend – Putting Families First

24

Back to School in Sports Uniforms Rather than Traditional Uniforms?

26

Snuggle Up for Winter

27

Things are Heating up at Jetmaster Newcastle

28

Windsor Works Wonders with Windows!

31

The Future of Conservative Dentistry

32

Live Your List – Heart & Mind Combine to Help People

33

Get Away to Stay and Play at Port Stephens

34

Winter School Holiday Guide

35

Hot and Happening School Holiday Hits

REGULARS 6

What's On?

10

Horoscopes

24

Family & Community

26

Home & Lifestyle

30

Health & Wellbeing

32

On the Cover

The quality of training students at our local National College of Dance receive is exceptional and proves you can stay home and still learn from the best of the best. Read more on page 12.

Enjoy!

Publisher & Editors Two Tribes Media Phone (02) 4943 0888 Address 297 Brunker Road, Adamstown, NSW 2289 Web www.intouchmagazine.com.au Email getintouch@intouchmagazine.com.au Advertising Sales (02) 4943 0888

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CONTRIBUTORS

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© Copyright 2021 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.

O Z D E S I G N F U R N I T U R E K O TA R A & R U T H E R F O R D

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WHAT'S On? Live & Cookin’ Look who is coming to dinner!

Use Your Dine + Discover Vouchers!

July THURS

1

BLAKE OCONNOR + HIS BAND

FRI

THE LACHY DOLEY GROUP

SAT

FRANKIE J HOLDEN + WILBUR WILDE

SUN

MICK THOMAS

2 3 4

7+8

HOT FLUSH – LIVIN THE DREAM

FRI

19-TWENTY

SAT

CANDY LAND A NAUGHTY CIRCUS CABARET

9

10

SUN

11

LAZY SUNDAY LUNCH WITH MY LEONARD COHEN

THURS SWINGIN N SINGIN – GREGG ARTHUR

15

+ THE ANDY FIRTH BIG BAND

FRI

GLORY BOX – A EUPHORIC 90’S EXPERIENCE FEATURING AMY VEE

SAT

DENISE DENISE WOMEN OF ROCK SHOW

SUN

LUNCH OR DINNER WITH MARINA PRIOR + DAVID HOBSON – THE 2 OF US

WED

WANITA QUEEN OF HONKY TONK

16 17 18 21

THURS

22

80S ROCK + FOOD TRIVIA

FRI

THE EAGLES SHOW THE HEART OF THE MATTER

SAT

KAREN LEE ANDREWS FMLY MS MURPHY

WED

HAYLEY JENSEN – BREAKIN HEARTS

FRI

ALEX LLOYD

23 24

28

30

THE WHITLAMS GAFFAGE AND CLINK

31 Morehead Street, Lambton Doors open from 6pm FULLY LICENSED LIVE SHOWS starting from $65

BOOK ONLINE NOW

Wednesday’s

+ See who else is coming to dinner...

lizottes.com.au or PH 4956 2066 6 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

JULY THURSDAY 1 JULY The Tap Pack Slick humour, high energy entertainment and world class tap dance at Civic Theatre.

SATURDAY 3 JULY Rafferty's Coastal Run 12km, 22km and 36km options in Lake Macquarie.

John Williamson – Winding Back at Civic Theatre Newcastle.

Newcastle Knights vs North QLD Cowboys at McDonald Jones Stadium, 7.30pm.

SUNDAY 4 JULY The Rock Anthology at The Playhouse.

TUESDAY 6 JULY Carmen The femme fatale you can’t forget and a cast of some of Australia's finest opera singers at Civic Theatre.

WEDNESDAY 7 JULY The Empire Strips Back at Civic Theatre.

MARKET GUIDE SATURDAY 3 JULY Olive Tree Market at Civic Park, Newcastle 9am–2pm.

Pelican Foreshore Market at Pelican Foreshore, 9am–1pm.

SUNDAY 4 JULY Newcastle City Farmers Market at Newcastle Showground EVERY Sunday, 7am–1pm.

Adamstown Lions Club Markets Cnr Brunker and Glebe Rds, EVERY Sunday 7am–12pm.

Homegrown Market at Speers Point Park, 10am–2pm.

SUNDAY 11 JULY Made & Found at Webb Park, Redhead, 10am–2pm.

Lake Macquarie Finders & Keepers Markets at Quinn Park, Swansea, 8am–1pm.

THURSDAY 15 JULY Belmont Country Women’s Association Markets at Lake Macquarie Centre, Wilson's Road, Mt Hutton 8:30am–1pm.

SATURDAY 17 JULY Warners Bay Markets at Warners Bay Foreshore, 8am–2pm.

SUNDAY 18 JULY Homegrown Market at Speers Point Park, 10am–2pm.

SATURDAY 24 JULY Homegrown Markets at The Station, 9am–2pm.

SUNDAY 25 JULY Islington Markets at Wickham Park, 8am–2pm.

Coffee with Art at Newcastle Art Gallery, 10.30am–12pm.

Discover artist Rachel Milne and enjoy morning tea. Tickets $15 members/$20 non-members. Visit www.nag.org.au Carl Barron – Skating Rink for Flies 7–14 July + 5 August at Civic Theatre.

Tim Tszyu V Michael Zefara at Newcastle Entertainment Centre. Visit www.nec.net.au FRIDAY 9 JULY The Sweet Caroline Tour: A Tribute to Neil Diamond at Civic Theatre.

SUNDAY 11 JULY Sunday Sessions at MAC Grab a wine or beer, enjoy some local music and artmaking, 2pm–4pm. Tickets $20, visit www.eventbrite.com.au Brian Cadd & Russell Morris at Belmont 16s.

Miss Porter's House Museum Experience the Newcastle West of yesteryear. 434 King Street, Newcastle West, 1pm–4pm.

Rogue Comedy Come down for a comedy and craft beer experience at the Rogue Scholar on Union Street, Newcastle.

Tickets $20, at www.trybooking.com THURSDAY 15 JULY Bohemian Symphony – The Music of Queen A 24 Piece Symphony Orchestra conducted by the renowned George Ellis will perform Queen’s greatest hits at Civic Theatre.

FRIDAY 16 JULY Things I Know to Be True at The Playhouse, 16–24 July.

SATURDAY 17 JULY Newcastle Spiritual & Lifestyle Market Readings, healing, health, lifestyle and handmade boutique products at City Hall, 17+18 July. 10am–5pm (4pm Sun).

WEDNESDAY 21 JULY La Traviata Opera Hunter and Lake Macquarie City Council present Verdi’s Masterpiece at Warners Bay Theatre. 21 July–1 August. Tickets at Sticky Tickets.

FRIDAY 23 JULY National Theatre Live: No Man's Land A comic classic at Rathmines Theatre. Tickets at www.eventbrite.com.au

WINE, CHEESE & CHOCOLATE AT MCGUIGAN

August 2, 3 +4

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

Immerse yourself in the flavours of the Hunter in this exquisite Wine, Cheese & Chocolate tasting.

Relax in a private tasting area with a dedicated wine expert who will help you explore the exceptional wines that have made McGuigan one of the most awarded wineries in the world. You will enjoy a selection of the best seasonal, hand-crafted cheeses from the artisans at Hunter Valley Cheese Factory, plus carefully selected hand made chocolates by artisan chocolatier Maître Pâtissier complementing a range of premium McGuigan dessert and fortified wines.

Cost – $25pp pre-paid reservations for parties of 1 to 6 people. Visit www.mcguiganwines.com.au and click on Visit Us to book.

WHAT’S ON MONDAY 26 JULY Musica Viva: Genevieve Lacey & Marshall McGuire at City Hall, tickets at www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au TUESDAY 27 JULY The Stones' Sticky Fingers The Rolling Stones’ seminal Sticky Fingers album is celebrating its 50th anniversary! At Civic Theatre, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au WEDNESDAY 28 JULY The TEN Tenors pack 25 years of fun into one night with a 25th anniversary tour, at Civic Theatre.

THURSDAY 29 JULY The Shawshank Redemption 29–31 July, at The Playhouse.

Body of Work – Hannah Gadsby World class, award winning funny person Hannah Gadsby is bringing her brand new stand up show to Civic Theatre.

FRIDAY 30 JULY Shag Rock + Don't Change - Ultimate INXS at The Cambridge Hotel.

Films @ Rathmines: Monty Python - Life of Brian at Rathmines Theatre. Tickets at www.eventbrite.com.au

SATURDAY 31 JULY Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders at McDonald Jones Stadium, 5.30pm.

Arj Barker Comes Clean at Civic Theatre.

Harp and Guitar at Newcastle Art Gallery. www.nag.org.au

AUGUST SUNDAY 1 AUGUST Let It Be Live 50th Anniversary at Civic Theatre.

THURSDAY 5 AUGUST Blues in the Night at Adamstown Uniting Church, tickets at the door. 7.30pm–9.30pm.

Newcastle Knights vs Brisbane Broncos at McDonald Jones Stadium, 7.30pm.

FRIDAY 6 AUGUST Bjorn Again – Mamma Mia! We Are Back Again Tour See the world’s most popular ABBA Tribute Show at Civic Theatre.

NAIDOC WEEK 4–11 JULY 2021 Celebrations for 2021 NAIDOC Week will be in full swing across Port Stephens from 4 to 11 July after COVID-19 kept crowds away in 2020. The events kick off on Monday, 5 July, with the annual

Raw Comedy An open mic comedy competition at The Playhouse.

IGN Art Fair 2021 Bringing together Newcastle’s independent galleries. Discover artist-run spaces, commercial galleries and collectives – and nab yourself some unique local art. 6–8 August. www.nag.org.au SATURDAY 7 AUGUST The Empire Strips Back at Civic Theatre.

Newcastle Crystals Gems and Jewellery Festival Entry $7pp, kids under 12 free. At Souths Merewether, Saturday 7th August 10am–5pm + Sunday 8th August 10am–4pm.

Creedence Clearwater Collective at Civic Theatre.

SUNDAY 8 AUGUST Paul Kelly at Civic Theatre.

FRIDAY 13 AUGUST Archie Roach at City Hall. www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au SATURDAY 14 AUGUST Newcastle Pride Festival From 12 August–5 September.

Visit www.newcastlepride.com.au for event information.

Kilgour Prize 2021 Exhibition at Newcastle Art Gallery, 14 August–31 October 2021.

WEDNESDAY 18 AUGUST Priscilla Queen of the Desert 18–28 August, Civic Theatre.

FRIDAY 20 AUGUST Films @ Rathmines: Honeyland at Rathmines Theatre.

Tickets at www.eventbrite.com.au Musica Viva: Ensemble Q at City Hall.

THURSDAY 26 AUGUST Newcastle Knights vs GC Titans at McDonald Jones Stadium, 7.30pm.

FRIDAY 27 AUGUST 33rd Annual Newcastle Jazz Festival 27–29 August.

Hockey Dad at The Cambridge SATURDAY 28 AUGUST The University of Newcastle 2021 Open Day at University of Newcastle 10am–3pm. www.newcastle.edu.au/open-day Ride with Pride An 80's style bike ride around Lake Macquarie. Visit www.newcastlepride.com.au Pride by Night – Street Feast Presented by Hunt & Gather, this is your excuse to eat delicious food and celebrate our local community. www.newcastlepride.com.au SUNDAY 29 AUGUST Lake Macquarie Running Festival To enter visit www.lakemacrunning.com MONDAY 30 AUGUST APIA Good Times Tour at Civic Theatre.

3 JULY

Raffertys Coastal Run – Raffertys Resort Take in the sights of beautiful Lake Macquarie with a 12km, 22km or 36km trail option.

21 JULY - 1 AUGUST

La Traviata – Warners Bay Theatre A tale of a beautiful courtesan Violetta and her tragic love for Alfredo, amid scandal and class divides.

23 JULY

National Theatre Live – Rathmines Theatre No Man’s Land - Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart lead the cast in this glorious revival of Harold Pinter’s comic classic.

30 JULY

flag-raising ceremony and barbeque breakfast at the Council Administration Building in Raymond Terrace.

The NAIDOC 2021 theme – Heal Country! – calls for all of us to continue to seek greater protections for our lands, our waters, our sacred sites and our cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration, and destruction. It’s a theme that is particularly relevant this year, according to Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer.

“With the desecration of hugely significant sites at a national level, it’s an important reminder that we need to work together as we plan for the future of Port Stephens to ensure we protect the valuable cultural significance of many sites,” he said.

Other highlights of NAIDOC Week include the Nelson Bay Family Fun Day (7 July) and the special screening of the documentary Grave Injustice (8 July). For more information, visit www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au

Monty Python’s Life of Brian – Rathmines Theatre Films @ Rathmines - Enjoy this film favourite with a glass of wine under heritage high ceilings.

Discover more of what’s on in Lake Mac at

lakemac.com.au/whatson www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 7

W H AT ' S O N

Highlights

G NYOMI AUBREY PHOTOGRAPHY

WHAT'S ON IN

Lake Mac

Stroud Brick & Rolling Pin Competition

� LAKE MACQUARIE

Experience a night out at Warners Bay Theatre for Opera Hunter’s La Traviata (21 July). This is the tale of a beautiful and carefree, but dying, courtesan Violetta and her tragic love for Alfredo, amid scandal, class divides and seduction. Tickets $40, Concession $35 or Family $100 for (2 adults and 2 children).

Want more theatre? Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart lead the cast in National Theatre Live: No Man’s Land, a glorious revival of Harold Pinter’s comic classic (23 July).

Tickets $25 at Rathmines Theatre.

For those that prefer the outdoors, Raffertys Resort is hosting a run where you can choose from a 12km, 22k, or 36km trail option (3 July). Entry cost $30 – $145. Then later this month, take part in the Lake Macquarie Rogaine (31 July). The cooler weather makes it the perfect time to explore beautiful rainforests, pristine creeks, friendly fauna and an extensive track network at the Watagan Mountains. Featuring a 6 hour or a 12 hour event option, enjoy an energetic day out with friends or family while sharpening up your navigation and route planning skills.

Head to www.lakemac.com.au for more information on what else is happening around the lake this July.

HSC SUCCESS: EXAM READY > 13 JULY, CHARLESTOWN LIBRARY Discover the tips and tricks to get exam ready so you or your kids can achieve the best result! Visit www.lakemac.com.au/events-directory/Councilevents/HSC-Workshop-Exam-Ready to register.

> 10 JULY, STROUD SHOWGROUND

THE LOST VOICE OF ANNE BRONTË > 9– 10 JULY, CREATIVE ARTS SPACE – 145 BEAUMONT STREET, HAMILTON Acclaimed playwright, Cate Whittaker, returns to the stage in 2021 with her gothic, inspiring work: The Lost Voice of Anne Brontë.

This inspiring drama of a delicate, dutiful, and devout girl is based on a true story and historical accounts.

Anne is repressed by waring sisters, a dissolute brother and zealot of a father, yet finds the courage to risk financial ruin and reputation to write on the misery of girls pressed into loveless marriages and wives devoid of legal rights powerless against abusive husbands.

Vilified and brutalised to silence her for her heinous book, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (which sold out faster than sister Charlotte’s Jane Eyre), Anne plans a second edition and hits back at her critics in its preface. But exhausted and ill in her work, Anne dies and is barred from taking her rightful place in history. Based on a true story and historical accounts.

After celebrated Sydney performances in 2020, the Whittaker Players will return to the stage before heading off to the UK for Anne Brontë's Bicentenary.

Tickets available from www.trybooking.com/BRSER

This month the sleepy town of Stroud will come alive with propelling pins, pullets and blocks!

For 60 years, visitors from far and wide have gathered at Stroud’s Showground in an attempt to separate the chuckers from the throwers. The ultimate family day out, Stroud’s Brick and Rolling Pin Competition sees men bowling a brick weighing 5 pounds (2 and a bit kg), women a 2.5 pound rolling pin (1.1kg), and the kids get to chuck a rubber chook.

Stroud’s Showground will also be bursting with market, craft and food stalls, activities plus the ever-popular tug-o-war and wood chop.

There's loads more happening on the day – for details visit www.stroudbrickthrowing.com.au

NATIONAL PYJAMA DAY � 23 JULY ONE third. This is the number of adults from a foster care background who are currently incarcerated in Australia, and it is also the same for the rate of children in care graduating grade 12. For the last 17 years The Pyjama Foundation has been working tirelessly to change this, matching volunteers with a child in care in an effort to build learning outcomes, life skills and confidence. On July 23, National Pyjama Day is giving the community the opportunity to be part of this effort to change the life trajectory of children in care.

The community is invited to register their school or workplace for the day, spread awareness about its significance, celebrate in their snuggliest pyjamas and raise vital funds to help support the Foundation's life-changing program.

Visit www.nationalpyjamaday.com to register.

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

www.fishcoop.com.au

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WICKHAM 97 Hannell Street, Ph 4965 4229 OPEN Mon–Fri 9am to 5pm, Sat 8.30am to 3pm, Sun 10am to 2pm SWANSEA 69 Lakeside Drive, Ph 4971 4762 OPEN Tues–Fri 8.30am to 4pm + Sat 8.30am to 1pm

WHAT'S On Highlights

The Ten

TENORS

25th Anniversary Tour > 28 JULY, CIVIC THEATRE NEWCASTLE Australia’s premier vocal group, The TEN Tenors, are bursting back onto stages across Australia this month with a special 25th Anniversary tour – their biggest one yet.

They’ve come a long way since their first performance (where they had a repertoire of only four songs) – and they have lots of stories to tell from over the years.

The song list will feature all the favourites, including Bohemian Rhapsody, Hallelujah, Perfect, plus their three most requested medleys (and so much more!)

For tickets and more information, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

MY KIDS MARKET NSW � 1 AUG, NEWCASTLE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE My Kids Market NSW is the original and largest market for families to source excellent quality pre-loved kids and baby items. Enjoy huge savings on all the popular brands of clothing, toys, shoes, puzzles, books, prams, highchairs, maternity wear, nursery items and more. The event runs 9am–12pm, entry is $4 pp (kids free) and parking is available onsite for $2 at the gate. Please note that this is mostly cash only market – so bring some with you!

29–31 JULY

NEWCASTLE MUSIC F E S T I VA L > 30 JULY–15 AUG, VARIOUS LOCATIONS

The Shawshank Redemption > 29–31 JULY, THE CIVIC PLAYHOUSE Get busy living, or get busy dying. When Andy Dufresne is convicted of murder and sentenced to life in the notorious Shawshank prison, he must find a way to keep himself and his hope alive by using his wits and forging friendships.

Based on the novella by Stephen King, The Shawshank Redemption brings the story of resilience made famous by the acclaimed film to the stage. This Australian premiere is presented by Hunter Drama's senior students, along with some of the region's most talented professional actors, treading the boards for 4 shows only. Visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au for tickets.

Newcastle Music Festival is now in its fifth year running, providing a platform to highlight brilliant local musicians and inspiring guests with a wide variety of musical styles.

The diverse series of concerts will include the likes of Tamara-Anna Cislowska, Deborah Humble, Grace Knight, Anna Fraser, Andrew Blanch, Paco Lara and Terence Koo, plus many more unmissable musicians.

There is something for everyone in this year’s Festival. Even brass band afficionados are catered for this year, with the Festival debut of the brilliant Australian Army Band Newcastle in a free family concert at the Station.

Visit www.newcastlemusicfestival.org.au

6–8 AUG

IGN Art Fair 2021 > 6–8 AUGUST, NEWCASTLE ART GALLERY Presented in partnership with Independent Galleries Newcastle, this is Newcastle’s own affordable art fair! The IGN Art Fair brings together Newcastle’s independent galleries. Discover artist-run spaces, commercial galleries and collectives – and nab yourself some unique local art on Friday 6 August (5pm–8pm), Saturday 7 August (10am–4pm) and Sunday 8 August (10am–2pm).

So what is IGN Art Fair?

Art collectors, the art-loving public and those interested to learn more about arts offerings in Newcastle – come along! This is a showcase of the very best commercial art spaces and artist-run initiatives from across the Newcastle region. Enjoy the Newcastle Art Gallery's current exhibitions while also perusing displays from twelve of the region's most well-known independent art spaces.

Talk directly to artists and gallery directors and get a taste of the different flavour of each of these spaces all at once. You can even purchase works of art directly.

2021 stallholders include: Asw-Art Systems Wickham; Blackstone Gallery Newcastle; Curve Gallery; CStudios Art Gallery; Gallery 139; Make Space; Newcastle ArtSpace; Newcastle Studio Potters & Back to Back Galleries; Newcastle Printmakers Workshop; Onwards Studio; The Creator Incubator; and Timeless Textiles.

Visit www.nag.org.au for more information.

N E WC A S TLE C I T Y

f

Sorry!

7AM–1PM | EVERY SUNDAY at BROADMEADOW SHOWGROUND

www.newcastlecityfarmersmarket.com.au FR E SH B R E AD | M E ATS | FRU I T & V EG | SE AF OOD | FLOWER S & PL AN TS | DAI R Y | F OOD TRUC K S | LIV E M USIC

+ Lots More

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Horo Scope Astrologer TANYA OBREZA on what’s in the stars this month.

STAR OF THE MONTH CANCER 22 JUNE – 22 JULY This next year finds you ridiculously busy, but loving it. The sun shimmers on your first house of self, throwing you a healthy dose of optimism and conviction. So if you’re keen for action, the next few months should supply it. You’re on everyone’s wish list socially and come across as a professional wizard at work. The people you meet and the directions you take steer you towards happiness. This extends to the romantic arena, too, with your irresistible magnetism drawing love to you. At work, expect to rub shoulders with seasoned professionals, who seem all too happy to help you.

LEO 23 JULY – 22 AUGUST Fiesty Mars and Uranus throw you a healthy dose of happiness this month. With this bravado also extending to romance, your newfound confidence can’t help but be sexually alluring – hence the hike in potential suitors. Professionally, you should be setting new targets and self-promoting until you get results. Network, Leo. Give it your all, and soon you’ll be rewarded with financial and career advances.

VIRGO 23 AUGUST – 22 SEPTEMBER There are many Virgos who long for better company. Even those surrounded by love may be feeling a little wistful. So although July is a time of socialising, you may also opt for some solitude.

The upside: new freedoms to make your own choices. By month’s end, your stunning new image will dazzle all. Downside: I hear you also fretting over finances, but listen up: next month, cash flow improves.

LIBRA 23 SEPTEMBER – 22 OCTOBER Feeling confident? Great, because you call the shots this month. No matter what mayhem or challenges the cosmos creates for the rest of us this month, most Librans should have fun, achieve an important ambition or rise over any opposition.

But not without some effort. Although auspicious planets surround you in July, you can’t expect everything to fall into your lap. So if you want something, go after it.

SCORPIO 23 OCTOBER –21 NOVEMBER The planets tinker with your dream states, and, as a result, your intuition heightens - as do any latent clairvoyant abilities. Should your inner voice whisper sound advice, follow its bidding. Those feeling a tad sexier than usual can look forward to a romantic fling. Watch your expectations, though, as this isn’t a rock-solid phase. For happy couples, love becomes increasingly passionate and perhaps a tad more experimental.

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SAGITTARIUS 22 NOVEMBER – 21 DECEMBER July begins with an adrenaline surge. Passions run strong as an opinionated cosmos provokes power struggles or stress. It’s important, though, that you find a way to express what’s bothering you. Nothing good comes from suppressing hidden feelings. After the 23rd, Venus offers new opportunities – prompting intriguing invitations both at work and at home. Some Sagittarians strike it lucky in love.

CAPRICORN 22 DECEMBER – 19 JANUARY Your future could open up by taking the road less travelled. Sudden opportunities or chance encounters are likely. And you may finally be freed from a tense situation – great news from those who’ve been feeling overwhelmed. After the 24th, keep an eye out for inspiration that hints at your next step. Late July also promises a time of luck and, perhaps, romance. Enjoy the journey.

AQUARIUS 20 JANUARY – 18 FEBRUARY With a vibrant tone set early on, you need no excuse to pursue your favourite pastimes: adventure and fun.

The world needs its colourful characters, and, Aquarius, you’re undeniably one of them – even if you occasionally test less optimistic souls with your utopian visions. In matters of the heart, though, you may need to choose between old love and new this month. Don’t hurry.

There’s no rush.

PISCES 19 FEBRUARY – 20 MARCH Sweep the less savoury issues of life to the side for the time being. Instead, make the most of your vibrant mood by stirring up your social life. Type up an invitation list and call your closest and dearest. You may blow the budget, but memories have a wonderful way of outlasting a depleted cash flow. And it’s not just you doing the giving. Generosity becomes a two-way street, as others reciprocate your love and support.

ARIES 21 MARCH – 20 APRIL A hectic month means you need to concentrate - a huge ask for any restless Aries. The culprit? Your imagination. There’s a whole world of possibilities out there, and staying tethered to responsibilities could feel like a prison sentence. So behave, and you may get the occasional day release. With passions also running high, July draws you towards illicit liaisons. Just take care that secrets aren’t exposed.

TAURUS 21 APRIL – 20 MAY Step cautiously through early July, when your emotions run wild. Perhaps your inner voice isn’t as all-knowing as usual. It may therefore be far more sensible to listen to others. Still, not everything gives cause for concern. The cosmos sets the scene for romantic delights after the 23rd, including new playmates. With finances also on side, the occasional luxury is a must.

GEMINI 21 MAY – 21 JUNE Use your innate Gemini eloquence wisely when communicative Mercury fires up unconventional Uranus - making it a great month to turn brilliant ideas into reality. Start creating, writing, painting - anything! If your trust in someone is shaken after the 23rd, express your dissatisfaction – but without going to extremes. No matter how exasperated you are, gentle persuasion is always more effective than conflict.

TANYA OBREZA was born in Slovenija and emigrated to Australia with her parents as a young girl. It was during her first visit to England that Tanya was introduced to astrology, and in 1980 she gained her London Faculty of Astrological Studies qualifications. Over the years, Tanya has established an extensive and wide-ranging international following, mostly due to her reassuring, down to earth presence.

New REASONS

SPY V SPY

WORDS MELINDA MURRAY – PSM PUBLICITY Spy v Spy is unquestionably one of Australia's most socially conscious rock bands. They started out as the voice of Sydney's homeless squatters in the early eighties, but their songs spoke for everyone who felt under the thumb of the system. They told true stories of the everyday struggle that polite Australia didn't necessarily want to hear. With platinum albums and gold top ten singles, the Spy's gave Australia anthems that defined a generation and cemented themselves as Oz rocks, working-class heroes.

With the tragic passing of Michael Weiley, one of Australia's unsung heroes of guitar, Cliff Grigg, original drummer and songwriter, was charged with the task to bring the Spy’s back to their early glory. Michael had handpicked some local musicians and embraced them as the new Spy’s to carry the music forward into the future. Four members one goal; to redeem the Spy’s legacy and play the music with passion and pride. Driven by Cliff Grigg, Spy's first new album in over 28 years came together. The aptly named New Reasons is filled with great Australian rock. The Spy’s are back and here to stay.

The current line-up boasts some stellar talent. Cliff Grigg toured nationally & internationally with acts such as INXS, The Angels, Midnight Oil, The Clash, David Bowie, U2, and Simple Minds. He has recorded top ten albums with the Spy's. His songwriting and drumming style can be heard on countless classic rock tracks like platinumselling Don’t Tear It Down, Credit Cards, One Of A Kind, AO MOD, Clarity Of Mind, and many more. Cliff brings an enormous amount of explosive energy, experience and enthusiasm to the band, reflecting in the live shows that will leave you breathless.

Dean Reynolds earned his reputation in the rugged working-class hotels of Newcastle and the Hunter Valley. An extremely passionate and dedicated frontman that delivers a veraciously soulful live performance, his powerful vocal style and menacing presence give him an edge rarely experienced in the live music scene.

Michael Weiley personally chose him to carry on the legacy.

Cameron Hallmen brings his many years of live performance with the dedication to lay down the thunderous bottom end. With a relaxed and effortless style, bringing the rhythm of a freight train that can be felt as well, as heard. As a mad Spy's fan from an early age, his influences were full of melodic percussive attack, energetic performances of purity, and all heart. He has obtained all of these traits.

Andrew Davis is honoured to pay homage to Michael Weiley, who has passed on his personal guitar to Andrew to keep the Spy's music alive with an authentic and melodic sound and pay true respect to Michael’s style and legacy. His feel and tone are paramount to his sound with a high energy clean style that delivers every night. “No one could emulate Mike’s sound.

He was so unique and melodic. Always had the perfect note in the perfect place a True Australian Guitar hero,” says Andrew Davis.

The issues that Spy v Spy highlighted with their music are sadly still part of our cultural fabric. Now seems like the perfect time for the band to reignite the fire in their original fans and light a spark with a new generation who will need to carry the torch forward.

Your first chance to see Spy v Spy will be at the launch of their new single, Overland, in Newcastle, where it all began at the Wickam Park Hotel on 3 July. Tickets are available now from Bigtix. The album New Reasons will be released in September 2021. Overland will be available for purchase and streaming on Saturday, 3 July.

Dazzling

PRISCILLA

IS ANYTHING BUT A DRAG! THE ICONIC HIT MUSICAL PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT IS HITTING THE STAGE AGAIN WITH MORE GLITTER THAN EVER AND FEATURING A DAZZLING ARRAY OF INCREDIBLE COSTUMES, HEADDRESSES, AND A NON-STOP HIT PARADE OF DANCE-FLOOR CLASSICS. If hit-songs like It's Raining Men, I Say A Little Prayer For You, Venus, Hot Stuff, I Will Survive, I Love The Nightlife and Colour My World get your toes tapping – then this is the production for you!

Based on the Oscar-winning smash-hit Australian film, Priscilla is the hilarious and uplifting adventure of three friends (two drag queens and a transgender woman) who contract to perform a drag show in Alice Springs, a resort town in the remote Australian desert. As they head west from Sydney aboard their battered bus, Priscilla, the three friends come to the forefront of a comedy of errors, encountering several strange characters, as well as incidents of homophobia, while widening comfort zones and finding new horizons. Their epic journey is a heart-warming story of self-discovery, sassiness and acceptance.

Metropolitan Players have been around since 1977, producing high-quality productions that allow the audiences

to escape, be entertained and experience theatre at its finest. The company is committed to continually striving for excellence and creating outstanding theatre for the community of Newcastle and beyond to enjoy.

After the start of the pandemic, like most of the arts, Metropolitan Players was in limbo and in danger of collapsing due to no income from staging productions. Their hardworking committee found other ways to raise funds during this time and keep the company alive. In March this year, the company staged a very successful season of the hit play The Woman in Black at the Civic Playhouse. This further helped the company raise some much-needed funds for the very substantial budget of staging such a massive production.

The company is fast approaching its 45th birthday and wishes to continue producing these wonderful productions for many years to come. Some of the previous hit productions include The Phantom of the Opera (2013), Mary Poppins (2015), Wicked (2016) and We Will Rock You (2018).

Director Julie Black once again leads this production of Priscilla alongside a very talented and hard-working production team including Musical Director Chris Vidler, Choreographers Mick Dean and Renae Youman, Costume Designers Bev Fewins and Steven Harrison, Set Designers Graeme Black and Donna Nipperess, Hair and Wig Designer George Francis, Make-Up Designer Rachel Millard, Props Designer Jennifer Halliburton and Jacob Harwood on Lighting and Sound Design. The cast includes an array of local talent and is led by, in the three iconic roles, Dave Baker (We Will Rock You) as Tick, Drew Holmes (Beauty and the Beast) as Bernadette and Luke Baker (Wicked) as Adam.

The production will be staged at the beautiful Civic Theatre Newcastle from 18–28 August. Tickets can be

purchased from the Civic Theatre Ticket Office or online at www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au. Priscilla is a glittering production you won't want to miss, so get a group together and experience a great night’s entertainment.

LIVE THEATRE Entertainment. Experience. Escape

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 11

WORDS MICHELLE MEEHAN

DANCING WITH PURPOSE

12 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

FOR ALMOST 40 YEARS, BRETT MORGAN HAS BEEN LIVING HIS DREAM AS A PROFESSIONAL DANCER, TEACHER AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR. HIS CAREER HAS TAKEN HIM FROM THE WESTERN SUBURBS OF SYDNEY TO SOME OF THE MOST ICONIC STAGES AROUND THE WORLD AND SEEN HIM PERFORM IN FRONT OF EVERYONE FROM THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND TO ONE OF THE PRE-EMINENT DANCERS OF OUR TIME, MIKHAIL BARYSHNIKOV. BUT FOR THE PAST DECADE, HE HAS BEEN CHANNELLING HIS PASSION AND EXPERIENCE INTO A NEW GENERATION OF DANCERS AS THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL COLLEGE OF DANCE IN LAMBTON.

The studio has been in operation for 47 years and was founded by former professional ballerina Marie Walton-Mahon. Brett joined the studio in 2011, six years after Marie sold it to Michelle and Anthony Bayliss and a year after she left her ongoing role of Artistic Director to pursue other opportunities.

In 2014 Brett purchased the business, with his wife Vicki coming on board as CEO to make it a true family affair.

Brett said he couldn’t be more thankful for the support of his family and especially his wife, who left behind her own successful corporate career to move from Sydney to Newcastle to chase his dream.

“My family are very selfless,” Brett said.

“My wife had an incredible career as a business development manager for an Australian finance group, she was well thought of as a businesswoman, but she left all that behind and moved my kids here so I could pursue this dream.

“I’m getting quite teary talking about it, but she gave up an awful lot for me to live out my passion of actually teaching dance, and I think that’s amazing and a wonderful thing.”

Family support has played a significant role in Brett’s love of dance from as far back as he can remember.

The story goes that when he was just a young toddler, the sound of music made him so animated that he bounced out of his cot toward the TV, and his Dad suggested he should get involved in dancing.

When he was older, his mother would drive a three-hour round trip several times a week to take him to the best dancing school in Sydney at the time.

Brett said this support played a crucial role in his successful career and the accolades that have come with it, including being given the Centenary Medal in 2003 and being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia this year for his contribution to performing arts and dance.

“So from four years of age, I started tap dancing, and that was my first love,” Brett said.

“I can still remember saying to the teacher, ‘Look what I can do’, and I was just shuffling all around the studio. It was a very, very long time ago, but I still remember it, I loved it, and that has never stopped.

“A decade later, when I was a teenager, I went to an all boys’ school, loved football, and I was pretty good at playing rugby league. But I had to make a decision about whether I was going to pursue football or whether I was going to do ballet. In Year 10, I decided that I’d chase my dream and go to the tryout for the Australian Ballet School, and that’s where it all started.

“At that time, my mum was driving me all the way from Cabramatta into Sydney because the Saill Academy of Dancing was the best school in Sydney. It was crazy because that was an hour-and-a-half drive there, an hour-and-a-half back, and I was going to school as well, so it was pretty tough, but I was determined.

“For my mum and dad, I’m proud of this latest award, the OAM, because when I look back, without my parents and their perseverance, and particularly my mum, I just simply wouldn't have been able to do what I’ve done.”

The support of his teacher at the Saill Academy, Valma Briggs, was also crucial in the development of Brett’s dance

▼ BRETT AND HIS WIFE/ BUSINESS PARTNER VICKI

I WAS DOING A LITTLE SOLO IN SLEEPING BEAUTY, AND THE QUEEN ASKED TO SPEAK TO ME AT THE END OF THE PERFORMANCE. I REMEMBER HER SAYING, ‘OH, I LOVED YOUR ENERGY’…

SHE DIDN’T DO IT FOR THE WHOLE COMPANY, BUT SHE WANTED TO MAKE A POINT OF SAYING THAT TO ME.

career, with the young dancer working hard under her tutelage to win a place at the prestigious Australian Ballet School when he was 16.

Quickly moving through the ranks to join the Dancers Company and perform with the Australian Ballet Company in the quarter ballet, Brett gained a professional position with the Australian Ballet Company in 1984. During the next six years, he performed more than 40 soloist and principal roles, travelling across Australia and worldwide.

This period in his dancing career brought about incredible highlights, including the chance to meet Queen Elizabeth II at Covent Garden, London, in 1988 following his performance in Sleeping Beauty.

“In the bicentenary year, performing in front of the Queen was a highlight,” Brett said.

“I was doing a little solo in Sleeping Beauty, and the Queen asked to speak to me at the end of the performance.

I remember her saying, ‘Oh, I loved your energy’… she didn’t do it for the whole company, but she wanted to make a point of saying that to me.

“And one of my friends asked if they should take a photo, but I was a bit silly, I guess, and I said, ‘Oh, no, no, no’ because I didn’t want to be a bother, but it would’ve been so wonderful for my parents and obviously a huge thing to have now, but at the time, of course, you don’t think about it.”

Another highlight happened in Soviet-era Russia during a

1988 performance of The Sentimental Bloke at the renowned Kirov Theatre (now the Mariinsky Theatre) in Leningrad (now St Petersburg).

“I was doing this ballet called The Sentimental Bloke, and I was the second cast; I wasn’t going to get a performance. But 20 minutes before the curtain went up, something happened to the first cast, so I got a shot (at playing the lead role of Ginger Mick),” Brett said.

“It was a performance that I absolutely wanted to do, and I loved it. Then I was on the bus afterwards, and there was this lady who I was watching, she was clearly penniless, but she went and bought flowers and came onto the bus and presented me with these flowers for my performance.

“That really touched me. It was a long, long time ago now, but that was an insane moment because over there, they really do know who’s good and who’s not, but more importantly, I moved her, and that was my intention. I love little things like that.”

In 1991 Brett moved to Graeme Murphy’s Sydney Dance Company, where he remained for 17 years, initially as a performer before becoming the nation’s youngest Ballet Master. Later, he was promoted to Rehearsal Director and Associate Artistic Director, touring the company all over the world.

Brett got his first taste of teaching not long into his time with the Sydney Dance Company after an ankle injury cruelled his opportunity to perform some much-anticipated roles.

“I hurt my ankle when I was with Sydney Dance Company.

I was only new to the company, and I just went over on my (Continued next page) ► www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 13

"OF COURSE, IT’S IMPORTANT THEY GET TAUGHT CORRECTLY, WHICH THEY DO. BUT I THINK UP UNTIL SOMEONE’S 13 YEARS OF AGE, IT'S ALL ABOUT HAVING FUN."

(Continued)

I REALLY BELIEVE THAT OUR SCHOOL IS EQUAL TO ANY IN THE COUNTRY, AND I THINK THE RESULTS PROVE THAT. SO THAT’S MY MISSION, THAT ALL THE KIDS WHO GO TO THIS SCHOOL FEEL LIKE THEY CAN GET TRAINING HERE EQUAL TO ANYWHERE IN AUSTRALIA. AND THAT SETS THEM UP THEN FOR LIFE OVERSEAS.

ankle, so I really couldn’t dance,” Brett said.

“I had a series of solo performances that I was meant to do in certain works, I had some excellent opportunities, and I couldn’t do them.

“But at the same time, Graeme was putting on Nutcracker for the Australian Ballet, and Janet (Vernon) said to me, ‘We need someone to teach’ because our ballet master was in the show.

“I said, ‘Oh, I’ll do it’ even though I didn’t have any experience. But it was from there that I started and for that whole tour I taught the company every day, I got to be out the front, and I started taking notes. In about three or four years, I got offered the role of assistant ballet master.”

It is these formative experiences and the incredible knowledge he picked up during his time with both the Australian Ballet and Sydney Dance Company that Brett now channels into his students at the National College of Dance.

“I really did work with arguably the best. Some people came from overseas for the Australian Ballet; I got to work with wonderful directors and then of course working with Graeme and then Janet was incredible,” Brett said.

“So all that knowledge, everything I’ve learnt in my professional career I’m able to bring to any students that I come in contact with, I’m able to pass on this knowledge, and it gives you a great sense of purpose.

“And I think purpose is an incredible thing in life. While you feel like you’ve got a purpose, it keeps you going.

“Then the reward is to see our students head off to all different parts of the globe and get placed (with dance companies). You feel incredibly vindicated that you’ve been able to help them, along with the rest of the staff, and give them a platform to be a dancer.”

Since its beginnings under the guidance of Marie WaltonMahon, the National College of Dance has been renowned 14 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

for producing versatile and technically well-trained dancers in both ballet and contemporary dance.

Since taking the reins at Lambton, Brett has remained committed to continuing that legacy, maintaining its reputation as a regional studio that provides world-class training.

This, in particular, has been a major focus for Brett. His own three-hour round trips during his childhood made him all too aware of the need to allow students to remain close to home rather than having to go to a capital city to receive outstanding opportunities.

“That’s the most important thing of all, and I guess it stems from my background in Cabramatta and the travelling I did to go to the best dance school,” Brett said.

“When I stopped dancing, I used to go and teach out in Campbelltown, which is further west, just to give them a taste of the professional world.

“I really believe that our school is equal to any in the country, and I think the results prove that. So that’s my mission, that all the kids who go to this school feel like they can get training here equal to anywhere in Australia. And that sets them up then for life overseas.

“The kids have the best teachers... the staff that I have here would get a job anywhere in the country, they would be very comfortable teaching at the Australian Ballet School or anywhere like that.

“It’s really important that the people of Newcastle realise that they can be home and can learn from the best and from there they can feel confident that when they go overseas, they’ve got excellent training behind them.”

The National College of Dance’s full-time college offers Certificate III, Certificate IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs, with pre-professional dance students training every day of the week. The students are given a range

of performance opportunities such as stage productions, music videos, runway, performances and openings and are considered in the top 10 training schools within the country, in the company of Australian Ballet School and Queensland Ballet Academy.

The full-time college specialises in classical ballet and classically trained contemporary dance training. During the last three years, it has recorded 100 per cent placement of students into junior companies or finishing training programs all over the world.

The quality of training is certainly paying off for students with some fantastic opportunities, including having four students qualify for the prestigious Prix De Lausanne International Ballet Competition.

Numerous other dancers have continued in professional careers, including Simon Jones (Theatre Dormund, Germany), Rhys Kosakowski (Sydney Dance Company), Caleb Durbin (Houston Ballet Company, Texas), and Chloe Reynolds (Aalto Essen Ballet Company, Germany) while Grace Humphris is currently training with the Dutch National Ballet Academy in Amsterdam.

But it’s not all about creating the next generation of professional dancers at the Lambton studio. The Junior Academy, a registered Royal Academy of Dance training school, caters for more than 300 students aged 18 months through to 18 years.

It has a large Tiny Tot program offering ballet, jazz and ‘acrodance’ for three to five-year-olds, while there are afterschool classes for six to 18-year-olds in ballet, contemporary, jazz, acro, body conditioning, musical theatre and performance groups. The Junior Academy also offers adult dance classes for beginners to intermediate levels.

Exceptional Intensive Training/Transition Programs are also offered through the Junior Academy, which supports students who show the passion, talent and potential to explore the option of becoming a professional dancer. This program lets students come to dance classes instead of sport at school on a Wednesday and provides the chance to pre-register into a full-time program and attend for oneand-a-half days a week in conjunction with their academy school. This allows students and parents the opportunity to experience a full-time dance program without leaving school.

“It’s not only about ‘what company am I going to go to overseas’, and ‘what am I going to do for my career?’ I think it’s vital for young people to have an outlet, and dancing to music is a wonderful outlet,” Brett said.

“I want people to know that they can come to this place and get the best training, equal to anywhere, but not only that, they can actually have fun.

“Of course, it’s important they get taught correctly, which they do. But I think up until someone’s 13 years of age, it's all about having fun. After that, if they start feeling like they want to dance seriously, it’s no different from any other sport.

You start thinking about it differently, and then there are some stepping stones that you can go through if you want to join the full-time college.

“But otherwise, you can keep dancing here until you’re 16, 17, 18, and just be part of the night school and enjoy dancing.

“I love for people to think that they’re safe here, and they can leave all their troubles, literally, at the front door, come in, express themselves, and feel like they’ve had a wonderful afternoon of doing what they love.

“I think honestly, that is the most important thing.”

For more information about the National College of Dance, visit www.nationalcollegeofdance.com ■

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Whale Watching for 2 with Moonshadow -TQC Cruises to see the annual whale migration up the east coast.

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*Minimum/Maximum 2 night stay. Stay & Play package includes: 2 night stay in a Deluxe/Superior Glamping Tent for 2 Adults, Beach & Dune Tour w/ sandboarding with Port Stephens 4WD Tours for 2 Adults and Whale Watching cruise with Moonshadow-TQC www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 15 Cruises for 2 Adults. Tickets must be used during stay. Valid on Glamping Tents only. Valid from 14/05/21 - 17/09/21. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Additonal occupants will incur extra costs.

OPERA HUNTER and LAKE MACQUARIE CITY COUNCIL Present Verdi’s Masterpiece

Starring

Jenna Robertson | Ashlee Woodgate Sam Elmi | Joshua Oxley Tristan Entwistle | PJ Willis Director Michael Blaxland | Music Director Mercia Buck OAM Conductor Christopher Bearman OAM

WARNERS BAY THEATRE

21 July to 1 August 2021

For tickets visit operahunter.org.au | stickytickets.com.au

16 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Book Your

TICKETS ONLINE Today!

F JENNA ROBERTSON AS VIOLETTA AND JOSHUA OXLEY AS ALFREDO. Photo Credit: Terry Cooke, Opera New England.

Stellar Cast for

OPERA HUNTER’S

La Traviata

OPERA HUNTER IS DELIGHTED TO PRESENT A NEW PRODUCTION OF VERDI’S MOST FAMOUS AND BELOVED OPERA, LA TRAVIATA, AT THE WARNERS BAY THEATRE, 21 JULY TO 1 AUGUST. The story is adapted from the novel The Lady of The Camellias by French writer Alexander Dumas Jr. It tells the tale of high-class courtesan Violetta Valery, her life and times in Paris in the nineteenth century, her love for Alfredo Germont, and the forces of society and family which wrenched them apart.

Director Michael Blaxland sets the work in the late 1880s, depicting both the glamour and the seedy side of the times.

There are two casts of principals, the Opera Hunter Chorus and The Opera Hunter Orchestra conducted by Christopher Bearman OAM. Costumier Melanie Hunt is creating an exciting new suite of period costumes. Violetta will be sung by brilliant sopranos Ashlee Woodgate and Jenna Robertson; Alfredo is sung by two outstanding young tenors Sam Elmi and Joshua Oxley. The role of Alfredo’s father will be shared by baritones PJ Willis and Tristan Entwistle, and Violetta’s friend Flora is shared by mezzo-sopranos Anthea Harrington

and Joanna Andrew. Violetta’s servant Annina will be sung by Galatea Kneath and Ballina Gee, tenor John Campbell sings Gaston, James Walker is Baron Duphol, and noted Australian bass Michael Saunders plays Doctor Grenvil. Bass Malcolm Young will sing the role of The Marquis D’Obigny, and tenor Stewart McGowan is Guiseppe, Violetta’s servant.

MEET THE STARS Ashlee Woodgate has a Bachelor of Music with Distinction from Newcastle Conservatorium, an Associate of Music Diploma, and a Master of Music Studies (Opera Performance) at Sydney Conservatorium of Music. She has performed many roles, including Susanna in Opera Hunter’s production of The Marriage of Figaro and Zerlina in their production of Don Giovanni.

Scottish-Australian soprano Jenna Robertson has a considerable career both in Scotland and Australia. Among her many roles, she has sung the lead in Manon, Anna Bolena, Nelda in Pagliacci, Laetitia in The Old Maid & The Thief, Lauretta in Pagliacci, Gretel in Hansel & Gretel,

Cunegonde in Candide, Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance, and Christine in The Phantom of the Opera.

Iranian born tenor Sam Elmi studied singing in Mashhad with Dr Lada Georgia after completing his medical studies. Since arriving in the Hunter Region, he has studied with Dr Jennifer Barnes and Deborah Humble. He sang Arichino in Bellini’s Beatrice di Teada for the London Bel Canto Festival and Frederick in Opera Hunter’s Pirates of Penzance. He has won prizes in Sydney, Lake Macquarie and Taree Eisteddfods.

Joshua Oxley is a Sydney based tenor. He is a graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium and won a place in the inaugural ESTIVO Summer School in Verona. His role with Opera Hunter as Don Ottavio in Mozart’s Don Giovanni received high praise.

Among many roles, he has sung Tamino in Mozart’s The Magic Flute and Jenik in Smetana’s The Bartered Bride and has an extensive Oratorio repertoire. He has twice won the Ronald Dowd Memorial Prize, the BBM Scholarship for Music, and The Joan Carden Award and is a tenor for St Andrews Cathedral.

The extended Opera Hunter chorus of 25 singers has some exciting new members, including sopranos Hannah Burton and Emily Healy, Shonti Hardy and the talented actress Beth Traynor.

Lake Macquarie City Council is the co-presenter of this production, and Opera Hunter is very grateful for the council’s support and encouragement of the arts. Tickets are available online at Sticky Tickets.

Prices are $40 for adults, $35 for a concession, and $100 for a family of four. For more information about the production, or Opera Hunter, contact Mercia Buck mbuck@exemail.com.au on (02) 4943 1672.

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EAT LOCAL To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint WORDS DI VON ESSEN With consumers across the world becoming increasingly concerned about climate change and the threats that poses to their environment, there’s an increased push to consider not just what we eat but also where it comes from. And buying locally grown and sourced food (even if it’s just a portion of your weekly grocery shop) holds many benefits for both the environment and your health.

Locally grown food creates critical economic opportunities for our local community, provides health benefits and helps to reduce environmental impact. It also helps bring the community to come together and gives people the chance to make a difference.

In Newcastle (and Lake Macquarie), we’re fortunate to have two local food suppliers that enable us to buy great food – and make a difference!

Newcastle Farmers Market (held every Sunday at Broadmeadow) and Lake Macquarie Farmers Market (at

Speers Point Park on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month) enable you to buy groceries directly from the farmer – from the person who grew, nurtured and made the product.

At the farmers market, you not only get to meet the producer, but you can also ask about how and where it’s grown or made, and how best to store or use it.

It’s an experience that cannot be replicated, with farmers tending to their crops and timing their harvests to ensure your produce is as fresh as can be on the day you purchase it.

A regular at ‘The Farmers’ is our local Commercial Fisherman’s Cooperative, who you’ll also find at Wickham and Swansea. Here you’ll find sustainably caught, fresh local seafood. The “Co-Op” was formed over 75 years ago to service the needs of local commercial fishers by way of providing fuel, ice, gas, cold storage, mooring facilities, transport and the marketing of the daily catch of seafood either locally or in Sydney.

There are currently 130 shareholder members who work independently in their fishing businesses, either in the estuaries or on their fish/prawn trawlers, depending on their individual endorsements. They’re all providing the freshest of freshest local seafood to the Co-Op 365 days a year!

Why not cook up a tasty treat for your family this weekend utilising local produce from both the markets and the Coop.

You’ll find everything you need from the Fishermans Co-op, Wollombi Olive Oil, Tilligerry Organic Produce and Ourimbah Orchards (all found at the markets).

For upcoming Farmers Market dates, visit www.newcastlecityfarmersmarket.com.au or www.lakemacquariecityfarmersmarket.com.au, and for opening hours at the Fisherman's Co-Op, visit www.fishcoop.com.au

RECIPE

Seafood Skewers INGREDIENTS • For the skewers – assorted seafood (salmon chunks, octopus, scallops, prawns), capsicum (sliced into large pieces), zucchini (thickly sliced).

• For the dressing – fresh olive oil, garlic, coriander seeds, wholegrain mustard, fresh tarragon, and lemons.

METHOD • Soak wooden skewers in water.

• Combine the olive oil, garlic, coriander seeds, mustard and tarragon with a splash of lemon juice and let sit for 30 minutes.

• Thread the seafood onto the skewers and cook on the barbecue or the grill, about three to four minutes on each side and drizzle with the dressing when served.

YOUR FUTURE IS OUR PRIORITY Atwea College is currently offering courses to help you find a job, advance your career or learn something just for fun.

Atwea College is registered as COVIDSafe organisation with NSW Government.

20 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

You can choose from hundreds of education programs that are being delivered flexibly online and face to face across our eight campuses.

Enrol or enquire 02 4925 4200 atwea.edu.au

Check out local artist Tanya Loviz from Loviz Art Gallery’s amazing new piece “Cocktail-In-Fusion” inspired by Hunter Distillery. www.lovizarts.com.au/shop

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WALLSEND TOWN Everything You Need in One Place!

Introducin g ...

D N E S L L WA L A V I T S FE 18–25

SEPTEMBER SATURDAY 18 SEPT Movie Night in Federal Park

WEDNESDAY 22 SEPT

Market Day and Fashions on the Foot Path

FRIDAY 24 SEPT

Unveiling of Mural and Celebrations

SATURDAY 25 SEPT Long Lunch in Tyrrell Street, Wallsend

Stay Tuned for Updates!

www.wallsendtown.com.au 22 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

WALLSEND

Putting Families First NOT ONLY IS WALLSEND A FASCINATING AND COMMUNITYCENTRIC TOWN WITH A RICH HISTORY, BUT IT IS A TOWN FOCUSED ON PUTTING FAMILIES FIRST. Wayne Rogers, President of the Wallsend Town Business Association (WTBA), says that not only is the new committee focused on beautifying the town and giving the local business district a boost, but it is also interested in attracting families to the area and hosting a series of family-friendly events.

"The committee has many new faces and new ideas, and we are looking at doing lots of one-day events to help Wallsend and its business community get motivated to bring Wallsend to life," said Wayne.

"As a committee, we are very open to suggestions and ideas for what our members would like to see happening in their town".

One of the fun-filled events planned for September is the Wallsend Festival, taking place from Saturday 18 September to Saturday 25 September. This week-long family event will bring thousands of people of all generations and cultures together to support local business, market stalls, community groups, charities, schools, sporting groups, local entertainers, talent schools and more. Some of the planned events include movies in Federal Park, market days, street fashion parades, unveiling a mural, long lunches, and many more.

WALLSEND SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES For parents, there is no reason to hear the words 'I am bored' coming out of the mouths of their children these July School Holidays, with Wallsend once again coming to the party with a range of free activities and events to keep the kids busy this Winter.

Whether they are interested in movies, books, art or have a fascination with the outdoors, there is something for everyone and of all ages.

These holidays, Wallsend Library is once again delivering a feast of activities and workshops to keep kids of all ages active and entertained. For information, contact library@ncc.nsw.gov.au or phone 4974 5300.

• On Thursday, 1 July, Wallsend Library hosts the family movie – Raya and the Last Dragon (PG). So, snuggle up and enjoy the latest Disney offering with a drink and popcorn. Session time is from 2- 4pm and is suitable for ages 7–12.

• On Monday, 5 July, children get to participate in a Create From Nature session at Wallsend Library, exploring and testing their creative skills using gumnuts, seeds, cones and other native plants. Will it be a cute gumnut person or an evil looking banksia monster?

Session times are 2pm–3pm and are suitable for ages 7–12. Parents with children under eight are required to remain in the session.

• NAIDOC Week Celebration: Celebrate our Indigenous culture at Wallsend Library on Wednesday 7 July with stories, songs, dance and music from Uncle Perry Fuller, a Yadaki (didge) player and artist. Session times are 11–11.45am. Suitable for ages 3–10.

• Those sheep are back! Enjoy yet another family movie afternoon on Friday 9 July, watching A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon (G) with a drink and an ice cream. Session times are 2–3:30pm.

Suitable for ages 5–10.

Wallsend Village is also getting into the School Holiday action with GIANT GAMES. From Tuesday 6 July to Friday 9 July, kids experience some free gigantic fun during the School Holidays with giant Connect Four, Jenga, Cornhole and more each day from 10am to 1pm at Wallsend Village Centre Court. For more information, contact Wallsend Village on 4952 1622.

Wallsend Village is also celebrating NAIDOC Week with Kids Story Time on Monday 5 July from 10am to 11.30am at the Centre Court Wallsend Village.

And of course, Art Mania Studio in Wallsend never disappoint and are once again offering a variety of creative options to keep the kids or teens creatively stimulated with activities that include pottery classes these holidays (check out page 38 for more information).

Whatever you’re after this school holidays – Wallsend’s got you covered!

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www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 23

BACK TO SCHOOL IN SPORTS UNIFORMS RATHER THAN TRADITIONAL UNIFORMS? WORDS NICOLE MCCARTHY, MATTHEW MCLAUGHLIN, NICOLE NATHAN AND LUKE WOLFENDEN – UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE

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Schools across Newcastle and throughout Australia are still wearing traditional school uniforms, mostly button-up shirts, tailored trousers, pleated skirts or tunics and black leather shoes.

Of course, each school in Newcastle sets its own uniform policy, but recent research conducted by our team of PhD students from the University of Newcastle, suggests that school communities should consider offering students the option to wear sports uniforms every day for several reasons.

Reason #1: Traditional uniforms are expensive. In a review of 60 schools, the average cost to Aussie parents for a school uniform was between $330 and $526 per

student. Most sports uniforms consist of a polo shirt, shorts, tracksuit and joggers – at a total average cost of $163. The review suggested parents could save an average of $167 for primary and $363 for secondary students if they only needed to buy sports uniforms.

Reason #2: Students, parents and teachers would prefer students wear their sports uniforms. In a positive step, all government schools must now offer the option of either shorts or trousers to both boys and girls. Some schools, however, are choosing to offer tailored shorts or trousers.

Although helpful, our research has shown that students don’t like wearing traditional uniforms.

Our latest research of NSW schools found that 62% of primary students and 72% of secondary students would prefer to wear a sports uniform every day. In addition,

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four in five parents and six in ten teachers support a change in uniform policy that allows students to wear sports uniform every day.

“We’re lucky; my son goes to a school with a sports uniform every day policy. So it’s been great to help him ride to and from school and be active at recess with his mates,” said mum and former teacher Rebecca Jackson.

Reason #3: Sports uniforms support increases in physical activity – that’s good for learning too. We also know that more active students do better in class, demonstrating better concentration, attention, and classroom behaviours, leading to improved academic performance.

Research suggests that by changing from a traditional uniform to a sports uniform, primary-aged students can improve their physical activity levels. Changing to sports uniforms may be even more critical for Australian girls, who are typically less active than boys.

But uniform changes alone won’t change student physical activity. Combining ingredients such as wearing sports uniforms daily with classroom energizers and safe active travel routes to school will work better together than separately.

Reason #4: Traditional uniforms are uncomfortable. “Uniforms hold me back

from running” was one of several reasons Australian secondary students gave for not being active at recess.

“I don’t like wearing stockings because they fall down when I run. I can’t go on the monkey bars because my dress goes up,” said six-year-old Millar.

Workplace dress policies are almost always appropriate for the type of work required by employees. For example, tradies wear reflective activewear. So why not in schools? In a country with a climate like Australia’s, we must ask if traditional school uniforms are fit for purpose?

Challenges and next steps Our research shows that just one-third of Principals support a uniform policy change to allow students to wear sports uniforms every day. More often than not, Principals say that sports uniforms are inappropriate for formal occasions.

So we strongly encourage school departments to work with uniform suppliers to design physical activity enabling sports uniforms that are also smart and appropriate for formal school occasions.

For schools across Newcastle and the Hunter, there’s currently an opportunity to join our latest research on school uniforms; please email Nicole McCarthy at Nicole.McCarthy@uon.edu.au.

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www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 25

Re-Discover Mortels

Snuggle up FOR WINTER!

See our full range at our large spacious stores!

1 Weakleys Drive, Thornton Ph 4966 0990 4/305 Hillsborough Road, Warners Bay Ph 4953 7373

www.mortels.com.au for online ordering and delivery 26 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Mortels Sheepskin Factory is a multi-award winning Australian-owned family business with two retail outlets in the Hunter – Thornton and Warners Bay. Not only are Mortels the oldest, continuously running ugg boot manufacturers in the world, but their extensive range also includes furnishings such as floor-rugs, small and large ottomans and pillows covered in genuine cowhides, which is definitely ontrend in homewares at the moment. Your four-legged friend will also love the new designer, sheepskin pet rugs!

We’re in love with their beautiful cowhide rugs, which are bound to complement any room, making your space both cosy and stylish. You can use cowhide rugs in high traffic areas or entryways as

they’re durable and easy to clean with a damp cloth or vacuum cleaner, and you’ll find a range of colours available at Mortels – from speckled and tri-colour to brown/black and the classic black and white.

Imagine a reading chair and a cowhide rug tucked into the corner of your master bedroom or one laid out in front of the fire in the living room. They add a touch of luxury that will make you will feel like your home belongs on the cover of Vogue magazine.

For a similar look with a functional purpose, check out the range of ottomans, or if you are simply looking for a cool accent piece, then cowhide pillows might be the ticket. Whether they are for the living room couch, home office, or bed, these pillows are fun to look at, and because of their soft, supple skin and fur, they are also very inviting.

Things Are

HEATING UP AT JETMASTER NEWCASTLE WORDS DI VON ESSEN THE THERMOMETER HAS HIT ROCK BOTTOM, BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN WE NEED TO SHIVER OUR WAY THROUGH THE REST OF WINTER. Jetmaster Newcastle has been providing Newcastle and its surrounding regions with the highest quality fireplace products for over ten years. Their constantly updated showroom at Adamstown hosts the regions premier display of gas and log-burning fireplaces.

Whether you’re looking to add a fireplace that oozes contemporary style or perhaps a period fireplace to suit the

heritage of your home, you’re sure to find exactly what you are looking for at the Adamstown display centre.

Designers increasingly include fireplaces in interior designs, and Robin Hastings, the owner of Jetmaster Newcastle, says that they are definitely seeing a real trend towards homeowners returning to having a fireplace as a central feature of their living environment.

“At Jetmaster, we offer both gas and log burning fires. Our gas range is perfect for those who prefer the cleanliness of gas and convenience of touch button, while our log burning fires are for those who love the beautiful natural heat and effect that only a log burning fire can provide,” says Robin.

“In our showroom, customers can view the Heat & Glo range of balanced flue gas fires. This range is available in many configurations. In addition to the health benefits of the sealed unit and flue system, the design allows for flexibility in installation and location within your home. There are not many places you can’t fit a Heat & Glo gas fire. The rangetopping Mezzo Series from Heat & Glo is certainly a favourite with architects and is found in some of the finest homes in Newcastle,” he said.

“We also have our range of contemporary Horizon and traditional Jetmaster naturally drafted (open) gas fires. These fires are aesthetically stunning and provide brilliant, radiant heat, reliability of operation and a myriad of accessories so you can achieve just the look you’re after.”

For those who love a real wood fire (and who doesn’t), then you will find that Jetmaster Newcastle have you covered there too! Open fires are where it all began for Jetmaster.

Over 50 years ago, the Jetmaster firebox design was patented, and since that time, the name “Jetmaster’ has become synonymous with simply the best open fire you can

buy. With a smokeless design, a wide range of sizes, and a convection system providing up to five times more heat than a conventional open fire, there really is only one choice.

The friendly team at Jetmaster can also help you plan your installation. For new fires going into existing homes, they provide a full, obligation-free home consultation. They come to your home at a time that suits you and fully assess your options in regards to fire selection, installation and finishes. They can also organise your installation from start to finish, so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy. For new home builders and renovators they will liaise directly with your builder and other site trades to take the fuss out of any purchase and install.

Jetmaster Newcastle is also the regions largest supplier of period architectural hardware. Meticulously crafted reproductions from authentic originals collected from around Australia include door and window hardware, locks and latches, cabinet hardware, electrical switches, tiles, pressed tin panels, and so much more.

For architects, interior designers, builders, developers and commercial proprietors, Jetmaster Newcastle offers the services of a dedicated commercial division. With over 20 years of experience in commercial and government contract works, the team truly understand the way to ‘make things happen - on time, on budget, fuss-free and fully compliant from start to finish.

Offering the full start to finish service, Jetmaster Newcastle is your one-stop solution for Winter warming fires and period restorations. For more information visit www.jetmasternewcastle.com.au

­

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 27

The WINDSOR BLINDS AWNINGS - SHUTTERS 75th Birthday Sale is ON NOW!

Get in quick for some great savings as the sale ends 31 July.

Book your Free Measure and Quote today on 4956 6133!

WINDSOR WORKS

Wonders with Windows!

Local Manufacturer at the Forefront of Design & Technology WORDS DI VON ESSEN WINDSOR BLINDS - AWNINGS - SHUTTERS IS A LOCALLY OWNED NEWCASTLE BASED WINDOW FURNISHING MANUFACTURER AND SUPPLIER. Established over 73 years ago by Mr B.J Young (Bill) after he returned from World War II in 1946. Mr Young had served as a member of the RAAF and felt he needed to give a patriotic tribute to Britain by naming his business after Windsor Castle and the Royal Family. And so, Windsor Wonderworld was born.

Windsor quickly became a name nationally accepted as the leader in the blind industry, a position it still retains – recognised as being in the ‘Top 10’ of its field in Australia.

In 1967, Windsor was the first in Newcastle to supply the now-famous 25mm Invisorama ‘Slimline’ Venetian. Windsor patented the Steel Curved Venetian Blind Slat design and became the first blind manufacturer to use Terylene cables and tapes. This put Windsor at the forefront of design, innovation and technology in blind manufacturing.

28 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

With the installation of a state-of-the-art venetian blind making machine in 1982, Windsor went from strength to strength, forging a lucrative market in venetian blinds. This machine brought with it enormous customer benefits – particularly in terms of production output, economy and order processing and so Windsor embarked on a new stage in history.

With Bill's passing in 2013, his legacy was passed down to his second-youngest son Craig, who had been part of the business since he was a boy. Craig has also been responsible for relocating the company from its original premises in Carrington to the current location in Cardiff.

Nowadays, Craig is joined in the business by wife Zdenka and a team of professionals who can offer customers a wealth of experience and knowledge. Some staff have been working in the company for over 20 years.

“The business is so entrenched in family that in addition to Craig's leadership, three out of his four brothers have

been involved in the business at one stage or another before moving on to other careers,” said Zdenka.

“Our team has pride in their work, and we’re a family. We locally manufacture the popular Ziptrak Blinds and most of our other outdoor blinds and awnings that we have on offer.

We cater for commercial and domestic requirements.”

Windsor’s success can largely be attributed to Craig and Zdenka’s dedication to customer service. With an offering that combines high-quality products, value for money and above all personal service, they continue to maintain 100% satisfaction for their customers.

Windsor uses only the best standard of componentry and materials, specifically designed for the Australian Environment. This ensures a long-lasting, quality product that is backed by the Windsor Warranty.

Always recognising the customer's best interest, Windsor has kept and will continue to stay up-to-date with all the latest developments, ideas, technologies, trends, and services standards that have become synonymous with the Windsor name. Find out more at www.windsorblinds.com.au

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The Future of

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

Those of you reading this article who have met me, you’ll know that I’m not getting any younger! I’ll be 54 this year, but I still feel I’m 15 years from anything that even remotely looks like retirement. However, over the last four years, I’ve been searching for a young dentist who has an interest in the kind of dentistry that BelleDental delivers. This has certainly been a challenging task.

Much of the type of dental care that I have been delivering at BelleDental over the last 20 years (and in other dental practices prior) is founded in the concepts of conservatism, planning and simplicity of care. When executed with passion, this kind of dentistry delivers versatile, durable as well as cosmetically pleasing functional outcomes.

Unlike much of what is being promoted as being “state of the art”, it is not founded on the latest computerised gadgetry.

Instead, the restorative systems I’ve developed rely on a proven knowledge base that has firm foundations in adhesive systems, occlusion (how your teeth bite together) and biomechanics - with a generous serving of art. Cosmetics is a given - cosmetically pleasing results are the simple byproduct of delivering the above concepts effectively.

This is why I’ve struggled to find a young dentist that has a passion for these most basic of skillsets associated with modern dentistry. These concepts are just not sexy – they’re not some type of “magical” computerised gadget that relieves workload and mindlessly delivers solutions. You see, even if some type of computerised gadget was available, the final outcome would still be reliant on the imparting of a proven knowledge base to that restorative outcome.

Definitely not sexy. So, maybe you can see why I’ve struggled to find a young dentist.

Until now.

Late last year, I was contacted by a young dentist – Chia.

She told me that she had boarded with a common friend while on a dental program at Charles Sturt University. I discussed with Chia what I was looking for, and she was onboard 100% from the beginning.

In the short time that Chia has been working with me, she has mastered the specific ways that we use dental adhesives – and implemented this in the reconstruction of teeth using the techniques for BelleDental CRCs. I didn’t expect that Chia would be placing CRCs so soon, but by following the specific steps, techniques and close mentoring from myself - she is producing virtually identical results to myself.

When I graduated, I didn’t have the benefit of such a mentor – but then again, it was easier back then to find and study ‘coal face’ operators. The world was commercialised,

but a lot less so than today. Unfortunately, the dental world feels as though it’s become a place where much of the most important fundamentals are overlooked in preference to the more commercially viable, expensive and often complex treatment modalities. These expensive treatment modalities are almost invariably much more invasive than more ‘traditional’ treatment options – yet the successful use of these more complex treatment modalities still requires a comprehensive understanding of fundamentals. Maybe I sound like someone my age, but I am concerned about the loss of many conservative skill sets in dentistry – especially ones that can deliver simple, durable, beautiful restorations that aid in keeping teeth for life.

This is the skill set that I’m committing to Chia – and I hope that if you are looking for simpler, more conservative outcomes that you consider Chia and Belledental for your dental needs. And in the process, you’ll be helping to keep the future of conservative dental care alive.

3 Techniques That SAVE Your Teeth 1

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

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Direct Resin Build-ups – All in ONE day!

What if you have suffered with erosion... you have already lost much of your tooth structure – the last thing you need is your teeth being CUT AWAY EVEN MORE for crowns. Direct Resin Build-ups are a NO CUT, one day alternative that saves the remaining tooth structure and enhances the cosmetics and function of your teeth.

They often require modifications to your bite to accomodate your new smile.

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

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www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 31

Live Your List

G SONIA AS A ZENTHAI PRACTITIONER CONNECTING HEART TO MIND.

HEART & MIND COMBINE TO HELP PEOPLE WORDS KIM-CHERIE DAVIDSON

BY ACCIDENT, THIS NEWCASTLE-BASED ZENTHAI SHIATSU PRACTITIONER STUMBLED INTO A MODALITY THAT CHANGED HER LIFE'S COURSE AND SENT HER ON THE PATH TO FACILITATE THERAPIST TRAINING. Sonia Brown was at the Woodford Folk Festival when she first met the movementtherapy founder Gwyn Williams. Then in Newcastle at the 2011 Bodhi Festival, she attended another partner Acro yoga class with Gwyn and was handed a flyer about a four-day immersion course.

"I fell in love with Zenthai. For me, it was fun, connecting, soulful, and challenging enough to put me on edge," Sonia said.

In 2013, she headed to Queensland to explore Zenthai Shiatsu — a combination of Zen Shiatsu energetic systems, Thai Massage, and osteopathy. This blended bodywork also includes yoga asana and mindfulness, which creates an effective structural and energetic therapy to help with musculoskeletal, digestive, and nervous system issues. There was much more involved than the physical practice that combined yoga and acrobatics, usually with lifts, she had expected.

A NSW Sports and Recreation outdoor adventure teacher with an affection for nature and permaculture, Sonia found this modality combined all her passions while helping people.

"My eyes were opened to the possibility of really improving my life on many levels.

Here, I decided to do the therapist training."

Each step along the path has been gradual. After the therapist course, she became a therapist and felt a desire to "share this profound healing with others and spread it a little further into the world."

She completed many post-graduate courses then headed to Bali in 2014 to do the facilitator training. This combined Chinese Medicine, solo asana practice, creative partner yoga and effective therapeutic bodywork sequences.

"I have learnt through teaching that teaching is the best way to learn. When you try to teach something, that is when you see the depth of your knowledge. The more I learn, the more I realise that there is so more to learn."

In 2016 Sonia extended her learning and teaching with a local yoga teacher.

32 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Then in May 2018, she taught her first four-day introductory course at Lemon Tree Passage with a team of therapists. At the course's closing ceremony, she knew this was a great path as the students beamed, sang and danced.

"I loved teaching and asked if there were any more opportunities to do more, and from that, was asked to join the therapist program on the Sunshine Coast as an assistant teacher."

At the first module in 2019, Gwyn offered her the opportunity to teach the therapist program in Newcastle, starting either in 2020 or 2021. When COVID struck, Sonia took the opportunity to deepen her knowledge as she wanted to support herself – energy and mind – to be "solid and clear" to teach the next level.

This year, Sonia launched the eightmodule therapist training program in Newcastle. Students are currently progressing through the third module.

Last month, Sonia taught her 10th level-1 workshop, which she teaches twice a year; her next one is in January.

"I feel a deep sense of gratitude, grace and honour to be in this space. It gives me a lot of joy to support people to open to their healing ability, connect to their true nature and be reminded that we are all here for a reason."

Sonia's bucket list is to be connected, present and dancing with life, especially nature, community, creativity and her roles as an aunty to a niece and nephew.

Previously, through her sister's adventurous spirit, Sonia was able to go cross-country skiing, white-water kayaking and rock climbing. Sonia also travelled overseas – Europe, Morocco, Thailand, New Zealand – and realised how good we have it in Australia.

Her vision is to live in harmony with nature and support projects focusing on regenerating the earth.

In the meantime, she feels the best way to live is to support her therapy students to complete their training and be inspired to put what they have learned into action.

GYM WORKOUTS... THE BIGGEST MISTAKES WE SEE PEOPLE MAKING WORDS PLANET FITNESS NEWCASTLE OVERUSE OF CARDIO FOR WEIGHT LOSS Along with increasing confidence levels and overall wellbeing, many people come to the gym to generally lose weight and ‘tone up’. But for those trying to lose weight, the most common approach we see is people jumping on the treadmill or bike for an hour.

While this type of exercise will certainly help you burn calories and work up a sweat, cardio alone won’t lead to the physique members often say they are striving towards. Incorporating weight training and HIIT into your workout will get you to your goals much faster than slaving away on the treadmill. We suggest- try a Group Fitness class like Body Pump to mix up your routine.

USING TOO-HEAVY WEIGHTS Have you ever seen someone pick up a weight and not be able to finish a set?

Using weights that are too heavy for your current abilities only leads to poor technique, which will target all the wrong muscles and effectively waste your time.

Start with light weights (or none at all) to perfect your technique before you add in more kilograms. Increase the weights gradually until you start to see a drop in performance. At which point, go back to a slightly lighter weight. Failing to do so could lead to injury.

NOT HAVING A PLAN Our bodies are smart. If you’re doing the exact same run for twenty minutes every day, your body will adapt and learn

to preserve energy and fat that would otherwise be spent. The same goes with completing identical sets and reps of weight exercises every week.

Spend some time thinking about your fitness goals and devising a solid plan that will help you get there. If you’re not sure where to start, chat to one of the personal trainers at your gym – they’ll be more than happy to give you a few pointers. To keep things interesting and ensure you see results, make sure you incorporate a diverse range of exercises.

SETTING UNATTAINABLE GOALS The number of times we hear, ‘I’m going to start running for an hour every morning at 6am’, only to see people bow out three days later? Setting unrealistic goals will only lead to feelings of deflation and failure.

And as soon as you feel like you can’t keep up, you’ll lose the momentum and motivation to keep exercising at all.

The best way to start an exercise regime that sticks is to set super small goals (as small as you can make them) that increase in difficulty every week. For example, if you’re only hitting the gym once a week at the moment, aim for two sessions next week. If you end up going more than that – it’s an added bonus!

And if you’re still in need of a motivation boost, come into Planet Fitness Lambton, Charlestown or Belmont and speak to one of the friendly staff members about your fitness goals. You get a free Orientation with a Personal Trainer when you join to get you started on the right track. For more information, visit www.planetfitnessnewcastle.com.au

GET AWAY TO STAY AND PLAY AT PORT STEPHENS

G r a te f u l

THAT SOME THINGS DON’T CHANGE

{Too Much!} WORDS CHLOE O'SULLIVAN - ON TOUR WITH THE KID IT'S FUNNY THE THINGS THAT ARE IN THE BACK OF YOUR MIND THAT YOU DON'T EVEN REALISE ARE THERE. WE RECENTLY HAD TO GO BACK TO ORANGE IN THE NSW CENTRAL WEST, WHERE I HAVEN'T LIVED SINCE I WAS 11. THE KID HAD NEVER BEEN, AND IT'S THE TOWN THAT HOLDS SO MUCH OF OUR FAMILY HISTORY. As we drove into town, I wondered if I would need the GPS to find my way around, but as I turned into the main street, I spotted the place that anyone who grew up in Orange knows well, Cook Park.

At this time of year, it's one of the most gorgeous places on earth, with the leaves on the huge trees changing colour with the season. The park is 4.5 hectares of parkland in the heart of the city, located at the far end of the main street. It was laid out in a traditional Victorian design with straight paths and rows of trees. The moment we walked in together, I could actually picture my mum and I standing at the duck pond, my grandfather sitting with me near the fountain.

My fondest memories are from the Park Guildry. It was a little craft store inside the park. It was a small cottage that was always filled with handcrafted goods from the locals and homemade treats wrapped in cellophane. We used to go in there a lot as my grandfather created beautiful tapestries and pins that would sit in the store for sale.

Pops would buy me a gingerbread man every time we went to visit. I expected things would have changed in the almost three decades since I had been there last, but it had not. It even smelt the same.

Warm and familiar, like a giant hug from an old friend.

We spent the next few hours doing all the usual things. Driving around to all the houses where we used to live, the schools that I went to. One of the places we lived in for a little while was Lucknow, which is just slightly outside the city limits. Although, given the growth that has happened since I lived there not as far out of the city limits as it once was.

For anyone who has ever lived in the area Lucknow Skin Shop is iconic and a place to go for Akubra hats, boots, clothing and Ugg boots. I had forgotten how cold my hometown is, so we took the opportunity to not only relive a childhood memory but purchase some stylish footwear that would also thaw out both our feet.

I know a visit to the local psychiatric hospital wouldn't be on everyone's must-do list, but Bloomfield is where my grandmother, my mum, and all of her friends worked, and I have lovely memories of spending time serving chocolate frogs to the patients when we would have movie days in the rec hall. There is a beautiful new building at the front, and the old wards have been repurposed, but the red brick buildings and the grounds, which are now covered with roaming wild kangaroos, were all such a big part of all my childhood stories.

Once you drive out of the hospital, it's a straight drive down a single road to my grandparent's old house. They built it from scratch the year they got married. The kid and I pulled up out the front, and it started to rain; it's Orange, after all. The house is currently for sale, and as luck would have it, the owner was home and more than happy to have us come inside.

After the trip, I was left with a feeling of gratitude. There is so much to love in all those places that will stay in my heart for the rest of my life.

Experience the best Port Stephens has to offer this Winter by staying at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, and witness spectacular acrobatic displays of humpback whales during the annual whale migration and the thrills and spills of sandboarding down 30-50 metre high dunes!

Port Stephens is one of the most incredible natural ‘stages’ on earth, with a wealth of bucket-list-worthy experiences waiting for you.

A getaway to Port Stephens is all about the sea and sand, tasting freshly caught seafood and sampling local produce from the farm gate, enjoying clear water vistas and sandboarding down the spectacular Stockton Sand Dunes.

Winter is the perfect time to visit, with warm sunny days casting long dreamy shadows across vast stretches of sand and sea, making for dramatic memorable ‘insta’ moments.

This Winter, enjoy multiple activities when you book a two night Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary Stay & Play package that incorporates accommodation in a Deluxe Glamping Tent, exclusive private guided morning Koala viewing, tickets on a local whale-watching cruise as well as experiencing Sandboarding on Birubi Beach.

Your glamping accommodation includes a Welcome Hamper with a Selection of Australian Sourced Produce, Continental Breakfast (Ingredients In Room), unlimited access to the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary and a guided Sanctuary Tour by a local guide with an exclusive Koala viewing.

Although you may not want to leave the serene surroundings of the Koala Sanctuary, the opportunity to never forget seeing the tremendous bulk of a Humpback whale that can be up to 18 metres long and weighing as much as 40 tonnes awaits.

Being the most surface active of all the whales, you will have the chance

to view spectacular displays - spy hops, pectoral slaps, body rolls and, if you’re lucky, the breathtaking breach.

You’ll enjoy informative commentary as you cruise with views to the beautiful outer coastal islands and the chance of seeing other species, including seals, common dolphins and the local Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins.

Your vessel provides excellent viewing decks (both inside and outside), ensuring you get the best views of these friendly giants, as well as offering a fully licenced bar for beverages and snacks.

Once you’ve seen the majestic creatures of the deep, it’s time to get your heart racing on the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, with an adrenalin-filled afternoon of Sandboarding.

You’ll be picked up from the lower car park at Birubi Point by a purpose-built 4WD vehicle and transported to the best sandboarding dunes on the coast, where you can sandboard for as long as you like. Professional and friendly staff will provide all relevant instructions on how to sandboard and answer any questions you may have before you speed down the 3050 metre high dunes.

Once fulfilled, it’s time to head back to Birubi Point before returning to the Koala Sanctuary for another restful night sleeping in your deluxe 4-star glamping tent, gently rocked to sleep by the nighttime sounds of the adjacent wetlands and crashing waves of Samurai Beach.

Wake up with koalas when you join your private local guide for an early morning exclusive tour and Koala Viewing before the Sanctuary opens to the general public. Learn about the current plight of koalas and be educated on ways you can assist and support their longterm rehabilitation, preservation and conservation in the wild.

Prices start from $368 per night twin share. For more details of the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary Stay & Play package, visit www.portstephenskoalasanctuary.com.au or call 4988 0800 for more information. www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 33

School Holiday

! n Fu

Super-fun activities for kids (big and small) to keep busy with this School Holidays!

34 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

some liquid nitrogen and talks about all things freezing cold.

Or, explore the wonderful world of international architecture as seen through the photographic lens of the renowned Australian photographer John Gollings and help create a cardboard mini-city at the Museum. There is plenty more on offer for your future Einstein. To find out more and book your place, head to www.newcastlemuseum.com.au

NEWCASTLE ART GALLERY Creative minds need stimulation. There is no better way for your mini-Monet to get their fix than to head to Newcastle Art Gallery. Budding artists will love what’s on offer. Touring Rachel Milne’s exhibition ‘Rest’, ‘Paint a Cupcake’ workshops or designing their very own Torres Strait Islander flag, kids will delight in the creative and hands-on art experiences. Open throughout the School Holidays, take a wander through the gallery and discover the incredible exhibitions, or book into one of the awesome workshops. To register for workshops visit www.nag.org.au

SCHOOL HOLIDAY

HITS! WORDS MIA KYRIKOS

MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, WHEN IT SEEMS PERILOUS TIMES LAY AHEAD, THE INFAMOUS QUOTE FROM GAME OF THRONES SPRINGS TO MIND - “WINTER IS COMING”. AS MELODRAMATIC AS THIS MIGHT SOUND, ANYONE WHO HAS EXPERIENCED THE WRATH OF WINTER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS WILL KNOW THIS IS A PERIOD NOT TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLY. COLDER DAYS TEND TO MEAN MORE HOURS SPENT INSIDE AND MORE PENT UP ENERGY WITH THE KIDS. AND, I CAN PROMISE, THERE IS NOTHING QUITE AS TERRIFYING AS HAVING PENT-UP, BORED-OUT-OF-THEIR-BRAINS CHILDREN LURKING IN YOUR MIDST. LUCKY FOR ALL WHO HAVE THE PLEASURE OF TAKING ON THE SCHOOL HOLIDAY BREAK, WE HAVE A FEW IDEAS THAT MIGHT MAKE THIS A BIT EASIER. WE’VE ROUNDED UP THE BEST LOCAL HITS TO KEEP THE KIDS BUSY AND ENJOY FAMILY TIME THESE HOLIDAYS.

EXPERIENCE FORT SCRATCHLEY

NEWCASTLE REGION LIBRARIES Calling all bookworms, artists and curious minds! Every day is a new opportunity to learn at Newcastle Region Libraries.

Newcastle and Wallsend Library branches will be a hive of activity with ‘how to’ workshops on just about everything.

From learning about Aboriginal weaving, creating shadow puppets or discovering the inner artist at the various painting workshops, there are loads of opportunities to unleash your imagination. If you just need to get out of the house, families are even welcome to snuggle up and join the special family movie afternoons!

Over on the digital library, there is plenty to keep little minds busy. Whether it’s creating your very own music video or creating some old-fashioned opera seeing glasses, there is something for everyone. It’s also the best place to pick up new release books for both kids and adults!

The library is always open and available via your fingertips on the Newcastle Libraries app. Be sure to visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library/whats-on/events and book your spot!

With spectacular vistas across Newcastle’s coastline, Fort Scratchley is not only home to one of the best views in Newcastle but a great place to discover more about the history of our city. Make the most of the grassy hills for a family picnic, or book in for a tunnel tour where you will learn about the history of this amazing site. Then, stick around for the daily gun firing at 1pm, weather permitting! Eagle-eyed youngsters might even be lucky enough to spot whales from the headland. For more details, visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/fort-scratchley/home

BLACKBUTT RESERVE Looking for the perfect way to get outdoors and enjoy that beautiful Winter sun? Get the family to Blackbutt Reserve for the ideal day out! Get up close and personal at the Reptile Show, where Blackbutt's expert team allow attendees to meet and learn about their favourite scaly, slithery friends!

Kids will learn interesting facts about animal behaviour, physiology and habitats. With sessions running Monday to Friday ($4 per child), the kids will love the time spent out in nature. Alternatively, let the kids blow off some steam at the adventure playground at Richley Reserve.

Visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/blackbutt-reserve for more details.

NEWCASTLE MUSEUM Take the kids and enter a whole new world! Over at the Newcastle Museum, kids can enjoy some fun science time with our resident scientist Catherine as she lets loose with

LAKE MACQUARIE LIBRARIES Kids are sure to delight in a range of activities across the various Lake Macquarie Council libraries! Discover the F

Fire up your creativity these school holidays With so many unique events and workshops happening in Newcastle there’s something for everyone. Take part in digital and coding challenges at Newcastle Digital Library, science experiments at Newcastle Museum, or get artistic with cupcakes at Newcastle Art Gallery. There’s also a host of activities to celebrate NAIDOC week.

newcastle.nsw.gov.au/school-holidays www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 35

BUNYIPS 29 JUNE UNTIL 17 JULY ‘Digital Animation’ Workshop at Charlestown Library, where kids aged nine and above will learn how to write, shoot and edit a short claymation movie using the latest equipment.

Over at Wangi Library Creative Hub, there will be a hands-on branch-weaving workshop on Tuesday 6 July for ages eight and above. Kids will create woven wall hangings in the colours of the Aboriginal flag to celebrate NAIDOC Week.

There will be plenty more activities on offer! Be sure to visit www.library.lakemac.com.au for more information, prices and to book your place.

MUSEUM OF ART AND CULTURE LAKE MACQUARIE Over at MAC at Lake Macquarie, there is plenty in store to keep creative minds active. With a range of incredible workshops and exhibitions, your little one is sure to be a Van Gogh in the making. Be sure to join the incredible largescale pastel drawing workshop on Wednesday 30 June and Thursday 1 July. Kids will be able to put brush to canvas and express their creative flair in two separate age-appropriate sessions. Head across to www.mac.lakemac.com.au to discover what is on these School Holidays.

OUT AND ABOUT Are the kids feeling a bit cooped up? Get them out of the house and burn off that energy! There is plenty more to see and do across Newcastle, Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie.

Young People’s Theatre Newcastle Inc. invites you to head back to school this School Holidays with their adorable production of BUNYIPS, a big, beautiful mess of a play.

Over at Charlestown and West Wallsend Swim Centres, school holiday celebrations will be kicking off with the Aqua Fitness, STOMP squad and Swim squad. Check out www. lakemac.com.au for class times and details.

Looking to inspire little minds? Rathmines Theatre will host a live puppet show on Monday 28 June and Tuesday 29 June using three styles of puppetry to tell three classic fairy tales. Kids will see how the puppets work with hands-on interaction after the show. Follow this with a stop at SEEN@ Swansea on Wednesday 7 July and enjoy the collage and mixed material landscapes workshop.

For the tech-obsessed, Edgeworth Memorial Neighbourhood Centre will provide kids with the opportunity to try their hand at coding with Ozbots and engineering Snap circuits on Wednesday, 30 June. Parents are encouraged to stay and play as well!

There is plenty in store these School Holidays, for more information visit your local council website. ■

Loosely based on the famous Australian children’s book Naked Bunyip Dancing by Steven Herrick, this story captures the heart of school in Australia and the ups and downs of being in Year 6.

BUNYIPS plays for a total of 16 performances at the YPT Theatre, corner of Lindsay and Lawson St, Hamilton. This production is 65 minutes in length with a short interval. Fun for the family and suitable for all ages! Great for group bookings and school holiday entertainment.

All tickets are $25 and available at www.ypt.org.au/bookings – why not use your Dine and Discover Vouchers by calling 4961 5345 (Mon to Thurs between 10:30am and 3pm).

Experience the thrill of riding upon the Ships of the Desert!

Revel in the vastness and beauty of the most extensive Sand-Dunes in the Southern Hemisphere.

Come along and join us for a relaxing camel ride along the sands of beautiful Birubi Beach, Anna Bay. We also have Gift Vouchers available!

CAMEL RIDES PORT STEPHENS

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Anna Bay, Port Stephens | Ph 0429 664 172 E enquiries@oakfieldranch.com.au | www.oakfieldranch.com.au Open 6 days a week throughout the year* (Closed Wed) plus Public Holidays and every day of the School Holidays.

Mini Golf & Footgolf!

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

At Beresfield Golf you can enjoy a great undercover outdoor area and a BBQ* – making it the perfect and affordable

destination for your next kids party, social or work group and even that first date too. *Hire charges apply.

• Mini Golf open weekdays from 10am–5pm; • Footgolf open weekdays 10am–5pm and 12pm–5pm on weekends Use your Dine & Discover Vouchers here!

DETAILS Open everyday from 7am–5pm, 260 Anderson Drive, Beresfield PH 4966 4665 www.beresfieldgolf.com.au

AND FOOTGOLF

Hunter Valley

Horseriding & Adventures

ALL AGES Get away from city living and go horseriding!

It’s the perfect day trip – just 30 minutes up the Hunter Expressway. Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures offers trail rides for both beginners and experienced riders – even the tiny tots can ride beautiful ponies with qualified guides leading the way. We also offer full day horse riding camps for the

teens (12-16 yrs old) where they will get to groom and feed horses, learn about looking after horses, saddlery, and of course ride!

Other activities on offer include ATV tours, tractor hay rides to feed the animals, pedal go karts, farm animals, BBQ facilities and mountain bike trails (byo bike).

If you feel like staying a little longer, we offer great guest house and semi self contained villa accommodation, where kids stay free during School Holidays! (Villas only).

Be quick to book, as we have limited spots available.

DETAILS Open 7 days, 288 Talga Road, Lovedale. Bookings are required.

PH Margaret on 4930 7111 or 0417 233 008, or visit www.huntervalleyhorseriding.com.au

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 37

a guided 5.5km off road tour through scenic hunter valley vineyards and backcountry.

Awesome family experience, what are you waiting for! Minimum age 11YRS.

find us 917 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin NSW // T 4943 7223 E tours@nswsegway.com.au // nswsegway.com.au

Bookings essential!

Finite Gallery AGES 6 - 18 YEARS The kids are sure to be kept busy this school holidays with the fantastic range of 2-hour children's workshops at Finite Gallery.

Creative

There are a wide range of workshops on offer – everything from creating in Clay to Tie Dyeing, Painting and Drawing. All materials are included!

Kids at

Parents/Carers are also welcome to participate, so why not make it a fun family day?

Art Mania

www.finitegallery.com/learn LOCATED 60 Caves Beach Rd, Caves Beach E info@finitegallery.com PH 0419 471 660

Studios

Looking for creative activities for your child this term?

Art Mania Studios offer art and pottery classes for 4 years to 17 years. Nearly all classes run weekly for the term, giving your child instruction in art and clay techniques as well as developing their creativity, imagination and fine-motor skills.

Our after school art classes gives your child the opportunity to learn about different artists, art mediums and the ability to create artwork each week from a variety of materials. Our pottery classes give kids the opportunity to learn handbuilding and wheel techniques, as well as developing their fine motor skills and creativity. Our new pottery course for preschool age children begins term 3- a small group designed to support your child in exploring clay, teamwork and fine motor skills.

All our kids classes are eligible for the NSW Creative Kids Rebate – just email or call us when booking to use it.

Give your child the gift of creativity!

OUR CLASSES Kids After School Art Development Tuesdays 4pm–5.30pm (starts 13th July) Teens After School Art Development Wednesdays 4pm–5.30pm (starts 14th July) 38 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Creative Kids Pottery Wednesdays 4pm–6pm (starts 14th July) Thursdays 4pm–6pm (starts 14th July) Preschool Pottery (6 week course) Tuesdays 9.30am–11am (starts 27th July)

BOOK ONLINE NOW

Phone, email or check out our website for further details, costs and booking.

Hunter Ice

DETAILS Art Mania Studios 12 Council Street Wallsend PH (02) 4955 0509 (Tues–Fri) E hello@artmaniastudio.com.au www.artmaniastudio.com.au

Stadium

@artmaniastudio

Skating

ALL AGES, ALL ABILITIES Why not try ice skating this School Holidays!

With two day sessions Monday to Friday and evening sessions Monday to Wednesday, there's plenty of time to give it a go! Enjoy top 40 music and video clips playing on the

big screens, plus people can request their favourite songs to be added into the mix.

There will also be a sectioned off area for beginners with available skating frames.

For the non-skating spectators – why not relax in the café while the kids skate!

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

DETAILS 230 Macquarie Road, Warners Bay. Prices are $16 for 6yrs or under, $20 for 7yrs or over, $18 seniors and $65 for a family (1 adult + 3 kids OR 2 adults + 2 kids). These prices include skate hire – with your own skates you will save $4. For more details and other session times please visit the website. www.hiss.com.au

10 WEEK

WINTER SPORTS COMPETITION STARTS JULY 12

MONDAY–WEDNESDAY NIGHTS SOCCER Mens | Mixed Leagues NETBALL Ladies | Mixed Leagues

Call 02 4926 4488 or visit theparc.com.au Cnr Darby St & Tooke St, Cooks Hill NSW 2300

• GET THE KIDS MOVING • 3 HOURS OF SUPERVISED FUN • NINJA, CLIMB AND SKILLS SESSION

$55 PER CHILD PER SESSION USE CODE INTOUCH AT THE ONLINE CHECKOUT TO GET 10% OFF!

FROM

June 28 UNTIL July 9

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO ENROL. JUNIOR ACADEMY Classes for 3yrs through to Adults BENEFITS: • Qualified Teachers with Diploma in Dance (Elite Performance), Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and First Aid • Royal Academy of Dance syllabus trained with qualified Examiner on staff • Fun Safe and encouraging environment • Fully air-conditioned purpose built studios • Affordable classes

BALLET | CONTEMPORARY | JAZZ | STRETCH | ACRO BOYS CLASSES | ADULT CLASSES | TINY TOTS

DANCE FOR LITTLE BODS Pre-Schooler Movement Classes with Imagination. AGES 3-5YRS Our Tiny Tots program is a wonderful way to introduce kids to the fun and magical world of dance, music and the performing arts. A registered teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) developed this program over many years of practical face-to-face teaching with young children.

NEW INTENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAM Start your career ahead of the rest Not ready to leave school? Not sure if full time ballet is for you? Our new 2 step ITP program launched this year is suitable for dancers in years 7, 8, 9 and 10.

It’s a great way to transition into any full time dance program.

Achieve your dream of a professional career at NCD while staying close to home.

Artistic Director – Brett Morgan OAM Visit our website for enrolments or contact the studio for more information.

P 02 4952 9294 | www.nationalcollegeofdance.com