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WWW.INTOUCHMAGAZINE.COM.AU
ISSUE #44 // MAY 2019
Deluxe
DELUXE
A Seductive New Show
FOR THE
FOODIES!
Special Feature
Legendary Folk Duo Foster & Allen Happy 10th Birthday Lizotte’s The Next Step Embark on a New Tour On the Road Again with Thirsty Merc
Lifestyle // Entertainment // Dining // Fashion // Community // Travel // Family // Home // Property
A I H L S E A S O N H O M E G A M E D R AW
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From the Editors... Ten years ago, a beautiful old art deco theatre stood dormant in Morehead Street, Lambton. It was a space that had seen many incarnations having been a picture theatre, a restaurant and even a roller rink. But the best was yet to come for this grand old dame when Brian and Jo Lizotte purchased the venue and turned it into the live music venue that is as intrinsic to Newcastle’s live music scene as Silverchair. On June 2, Lizotte’s will celebrate ten years, and of course, you’re invited! Read all about it on page 24. This month we also caught up with Thirsty Merc frontman, Rai Thistlethwayte who says fans will be in for a treat when they perform at Lizotte's this month with an up-close-andpersonal gig accompanied by a sumptuous dinner. It’s a little different from the usual Thirsty Merc show, with a setlist tailored to the unique atmosphere and vibe of the venue. For a venue-vibe of an altogether different kind, you can’t go past a good old fashioned Spiegeltent where much of the appeal, outside of the show itself, is the chance to experience world-class performances in such a unique environment. With the magnificent Deluxe Deluxe headlining the Newcastle season and a stream of comedic and musical talent taking to the stage across three weeks, showgoers can expect an unbelievable showcase of live entertainment. As we go to print the Newcastle Northstars are about to hit the ice with a roar. With a season-opening doubleheader, a new coach and the signing of a new naming rights sponsor (Newcastle Rescue and Consultancy) we encourage all readers to get along to a game over winter. Even if you’ve never seen a match before, we guarantee you’ll be hooked and lining up for next years season passes! It’s a rare musical act that’s still on top of their game after forty years in the business. A steady cycle of album releases and live shows can be a difficult thing to maintain, even for the most successful group – but legendary Irish folk duo, Foster and Allen, make it look almost easy. We caught up with the duo ahead of their Newcastle show early this month. Enjoy! Stay intouch at getintouch@intouchmagazine.com.au
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Contents ISSUE #44 MAY 2019 Features 11
The Next Step Promises High-Energy New Show
12
Deluxe Deluxe - The Spiegeltent Returns to Newcastle
17
Legendary Folk Duo are Back for 20th Visit
18
Guffaws and Good Times with the Comedy Roadshow
19
Creating Better Managers and Leaders For the Future
21
On the Road Again with Thirsty Merc
22
For the Foodies Special Feature
23
Grab the Gang and Head to Lovedale Long Lunch!
25
Flotilla – Unexpected Flavour in an Intimate Setting
28
Get Out and Go Somewhere Great in 2019
33
List Kicked off with a Spontaneous Decision
35
Opportunity Knocks – Make Your EOFY Really Count
38
Finding a Way to be Comfortable in Your Own Body
42
Is Courage the Key to Resilience?
Amy G is a new announcement to the Spiegeltent family and dubbed the 'star of the season'. See her dance, sing and parade her way around the Deluxe Deluxe stage in May and June. Read more on page 12. Photo by Ben Dauchez.
Regulars Contacts Publisher & Editors Two Tribes Media Quentin von Essen – quentin@intouchmagazine.com.au Di von Essen – di@intouchmagazine.com.au Phone (02) 4943 0888 Address Level 1, 216 Pacific Highway, Charlestown NSW 2290 Web www.intouchmagazine.com.au Email getintouch@intouchmagazine.com.au Advertising Sales Phone (02) 4943 0888 Marketing & Account Management Di von Essen and Olivia Rodgers Graphic Design Jess Codrington Feature Writers Michelle Meehan & Claire Bradshaw © Copyright 2019 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.
6
What’s on Guide + Highlights
10
Horoscope
28
Family + Community
34
Business + Finance
38
Health + Wellbeing
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CONTRIBUTORS Michelle Meehan Jess Codrington Di von Essen Quentin von Essen Tanya Obreza Claire Bradshaw Mel Murray
Anne Ward Brett Cameron Eddie Ayres Alexander Munro Renae Korsman Derek Bouman Chloe O'Sullivan
Paul Godden Kim-Cherie Davidson
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What’s on? WEDNESDAY, MAY 1
SATURDAY, MAY 11
Sodeisha - Connected to Australia See work by a collaboration of curators and artists across Australia and Japan at Newcastle Art Gallery until May 19.
►COMING UP MAY WEDNESDAY 1ST Zane Penn Duo Great Northern Hotel Matt McLaren Kent Hotel FRIDAY 3RD The Kings of Country Wests New Lambton The Screaming Jets Wests Cardiff Grant Walmsley Duo Mary Ellen Hotel Jake Davey Warners At The Bay SATURDAY 4TH The Screaming Jets Wests Cardiff Jackson Broadway Warners At The Bay Redline Duke of Wellington Morning Glory Mary Ellen Hotel SUNDAY 5TH Reg Sinclair Mavericks On The Bay FRIDAY 10TH Dan Sultan Newcastle Conservatorium Sundays Record Duo Great Northern Hotel LoKo Club Charlestown Matt McLaren The Lucky SATURDAY 11TH All Access 80's Charlestown Central Leagues Kevin O'Hara Shortland Hotel SUNDAY 12TH Sundays Record Duo 5 Sawyers WEDNESDAY 15TH The New Cool Great Northern Hotel FRIDAY 17TH Kempy Duke of Wellington Crawfish Stew Hotel Jesmond Felix Quinn Band Mary Ellen Hotel SATURDAY 18TH Robbie T Mavericks On The Bay Felix Quinn Band Queens Wharf Hotel Gen-X Mary Ellen Hotel SUNDAY 19TH Mick Jones Honeysuckle Hotel TUESDAY 21ST The Proclaimers Civic Theatre WEDNESDAY 22ND Ruby Fields Newcastle Hotel FRIDAY 24TH Original Sin INXS Show Wests Cardiff Anyerin Shortland Hotel MardMax Trio Club Charlestown ROX Pianoman Duke of Wellington Choice Cuts Mary Ellen Hotel Michael Mills Trio Hotel Jesmond Rubber Bullet Kent Hotel SATURDAY 25TH Too Pretty For Punk Club Redhead Felix Quinn Band Honeysuckle Hotel The DuoTones Warners At The Bay Mardmax Pippis At The Point SUNDAY 26TH Canned Heat Wests New Lambton Matt McLaren The Lucky FRIDAY 31ST Max Jackson Mavericks On Darby Reg Sinclair Shortland Hotel Zane Penn Mavericks On The Bay Boney Rivers Duke of Wellington Phonic Mary Ellen Hotel Dos Eager Hotel Jesmond
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Autumn Seasonal Olive Tree Market Pop-up At Maitland Regional Art Gallery, 9am–2pm.
THURSDAY, MAY 23 Newcastle International Comedy Festival This inaugural festival takes place 23–26 May featuring Aussie and international comedians. Visit www.newycomedyfest.com
Danny Bhoy – Age of Fools Civic Theatre Newcastle.
KO Classic An annual charity surf event held at Dixon Park Beach from 7.30am.
Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival From 1 May–30 June find the best experiences and tastes the Hunter has to offer. www.winecountry.com.au
Grapes of Mirth: Comedy Wine Music Festival 7 hours of comedy, music, wine, and gourmet food at The Station, Newcastle. www.moshtix.com.au
Micro Theatre Festival An independent festival where short plays are performed in coffee shops around Newcastle. 23 May–1 June. Tickets $18, visit www.microtheatre.com.au
5917 Re-Launch Singleton Express Ride the 1952 Baldwin-built 5917 steam train as it leads the Singleton Express from Broadmeadow to Singleton on 11+12 May. Visit www.trybooking.com
Sydney Symphony Orchestra: Slava Grigoryan & Beethovens Eroica At City Hall. Tickets via Civic Theatre.
FRIDAY, MAY 3 Bar Eats N Beats Food trucks, live entertainment and a licensed bar every Friday at The Station, 4pm–10pm (until May 24). Tocal Field Days Country entertainment, ute muster, Tocal on Show, piglet races and much more! 3–5 May. www.tocalfielddays.com
SATURDAY, MAY 4 The Olive Tree Market Civic Park, 9am–3pm. The Dungeon Singalongs Show tunes all about song and dance at Adamstown Uniting Church, 2pm. Entry $10, includes afternoon tea, funds go to Camp Breakaway. Art Bazaar – Speers Point Park Arts, crafts, entertainment and food, 10am–3pm.
SUNDAY, MAY 5 Hunter Animal Rescue – 13th Annual Pets Picnic Stalls, entertainment and more. 10am–2pm, Speers Point Park. Wings for Life World Run Newcastle Competitors race side by side from Nobby's to keep ahead of the virtual Catcher Car, which gradually increases its speed (shown on your mobile). Once the car passes you, you've finished your race! All funds raised go to spinal cord research. www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com
MONDAY, MAY 6 Hunter Innovation Festival From May 6–17 explore futuristic ideas, exhibitions, entrepreneurial workshops and more. www.hunterif.com.au Luna Light Installation As part of the Hunter Innovation Festival, visit Civic Park where you'll find a responsive and playful light installation until 6 May.
THURSDAY, MAY 9 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour Over 2.5 hours of the most enthralling mountain adventure films. Event cinemas Glendale, and Event cinemas Kotara (Wed 15th). www.banffaustralia.com.au Human Nature – Little More Love: A 30-Year Celebration Tour Newcastle Entertainment Centre. www.ticketek.com.au
FRIDAY, MAY 10 Anh Do – The Happiest Refugee Live At Civic Theatre Newcastle. Ten Years of Newcastle Productions See the art of Trevor Dickinson on display at Newcastle Library until 20 July (10 May is opening night, bookings essential at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Library). Streets of Our Town – Local Subdivision Plans 1880's–1950's Exhibition Some of the most beautiful, artistic and interesting plans on show at Newcastle Library. Until 10 July.
Darkness into Light 200,000 people worldwide will walk from the dawn darkness into the sunrise, to give hope and raise funds for mental health. Tickets from $30 (kids over 5 $8), www.darknessintolight.ie
SUNDAY, MAY 12 Foster & Allen Australian Tour 2019 Legendary Irish folk music duo at Civic Theatre Newcastle.
MONDAY, MAY 13 Movie Night at the Regal A screening of 'At Eternity’s Gate, the tumultuous final years of Vincent van Gogh' to celebrate Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery’s 18th Anniversary. $20 at the door. Email book@regalcinema.org or call 4951 7630 (state event name, no. of people and contact info). Please note The Gallery is closed temporarily until September 2019 for renovations.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16 Zofo – Musica Viva At Harold Lobb Concert Hall. For tickets visit www.musicaviva.com.au/zofo
FRIDAY, MAY 17 Thrones A Game of Thrones interactive show and banquet at 48 Watt St, 17– 25 May. www.trybooking.com Hunter Wind Quintet Playing virtuosic riffs at the Royal Exchange Theatre, 34 Bolton St Newcastle at 7.30pm. Tickets $20 at www.trybooking.com
SATURDAY, MAY 18 Cinema in the Park Allambi Care presents a family friendly screening of The Incredibles 2 and lots of kids entertainment at Speers Point Park, from 2pm. Lovedale Long Lunch 2019 The ultimate annual long lunch full of wine, food and live music is back, 18+19 May. Plan your weekend at www.lovedalelonglunch.com.au Step Back Into King St Heritage Festival Relax and enjoy music, dance, storytelling, poetry and penny farthings – dress vintage for prizes. 10am–3pm, King Street, Raymond Terrace. Port Stephens Triathlon Festival Standard, sprint and super sprint races. www.eliteenergy.com.au
SUNDAY, MAY 19 Rathmines Catalina Festival An air show featuring formation aerobatic display, seaplane rides, seaplanes on display, live music, great food and much more. RSCPA Million Paws Walk 2019 Register from 9.30am (walk at 11am) at Foreshore Park. Plenty of vendors and displays. www.millionpawswalk.com.au
Port to Port MTB The annual 4-day mountain bike race spanning 195km, 23-26 May, Finishing with Eats & Beats at Dixon. www.porttoportmtb.com Spiegeltent Newcastle A stellar line-up of handpicked comedy, music, cabaret, dance and more, 23 May–16 June. Visit www.spiegeltentnewcastle.com
FRIDAY, MAY 24 Hunter Valley Caravan Camping 4WD Fish & Boat Show Maitland Showground, 24–26 May. Newcastle Comedy Festival Gala Featuring a starstudded lineup for a 2-hour show at Civic Theatre. Part of the Newcastle Comedy Festival. Newcastle Comedy Festival Gala After Party DJ sets by Gen Fricker, Aaron Gocs and more at the Clarendon Hotel, tickets $10. newycomedyfest.com
SATURDAY, MAY 25 Belmont Beers, Blues & BBQ A celebration of craft beer, live music and succulent barbecue on Belmont Foreshore. Tickets $50 at lm.city/BelmontBeers Best of Newy Comedy Showcase Newcastle talent at The Happy Wombat. www.stickytickets.com.au High Tea With Friends Supporting Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month at Wests New Lambton. www.friendswithdignity.org.au
SUNDAY, MAY 26 Newcastle Colour Frenzy Join a fun and colourful 5km run or walk at Newcastle Foreshore Park! Visit www.newcastlecolourfrenzy.com.au Nordsy Fair 2019 Stalls, live music, food, rides, local produce and much more. Nords Wharf Public School, 9am–3pm. Walk to d'Feet MND Hunter 2019 5km walk from Speers Point Park, 10am start. BBQ and coffee to follow. Register at www.hunter.walktodfeet.org.au Raid My Wardrobe Quality pre-loved clothes event at Newcastle Basketball Stadium, 9am–1pm. Visit www.raidmywardrobe.com.au for tickets. Medowie Car Show Charity car/bike show and family day. Car entry is $10 and bike entry $5 (pay 8am–9am, no colours). From 10am at the Bull N Bush Hotel, Medowie. Socialista and All That Jazz A girls afternoon out 'Glamourous Gatsby' style at Babylon, Newcastle. Tickets $65 +bf at www.eventbrite.com.au
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29 Goori Dooki Re-imagining Aboriginal language and culture in a contemporary storytelling performance. Until June 1, The Playhouse.
Do you have a local event or gig coming up next month? Email us before the 15th of this month at getintouch@intouchmagazine.com.au
What’s on? Coming Up JUNE Live & Cookin’
SATURDAY 1ST Grapest 5k Run Head to Hope Estate for a 5km or 10km run, finishing with wine tasting and 3 hours of entertainment! www.grapest5krun.com.au
31 Morehead Street, Lambton Doors open from 6pm FULLY LICENSED
SUNDAY 2ND Puttin' On the Ritz Dig out your sequins and slip into your dancing shoes. It’s time to head back to the Golden Age of Hollywood. Civic Theatre Newcastle.
COMING
THURSDAY 6TH Sammy J's Major Party City Hall. FRIDAY 7TH Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow Bringing a jam-packed lineup to Civic Theatre. 7–9 June. SUNDAY 9TH East Coast Championships and Festival of Bands Hear community concert bands and brass bands perform at Newcastle Conservatorium. THURSDAY 13TH APIA Good Times All-Stars Tour The 7th anniversary line-up of 7 of Australia's all-time favourite music Allstars. Civic Theatre. FRIDAY 14TH Star Struck 2019: No Limits At Newcastle Entertainment Centre, 14+15 June. ACO: Indies and Idols At City Hall. Urzila Carlson: Loser At Civic Theatre. THURSDAY 20TH Strictly Ballroom The Musical Presented by St Phillips Christian College. Civic Theatre, 20–22 June. Musica Viva: Doric String Quartet At the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music. FRIDAY 21ST Newcastle Outdoor Adventure & Motoring Expo A one-stop shop to get your outdoor adventure started. 21–23 June. SATURDAY 22ND Newcastle Unity in Diversity Festival A walk, cultural performances, international food and lots of free activities for National Refugee Week. Gregson Park Hamilton 11am–3pm. MONDAY 24TH Seussfest 4–29 June, Civic Theatre. FRIDAY 28TH Newcastle Soul Weekender Hear 60's soul, Motown, rhythm/ blues, and northern soul. Customs House and 48 Watt St, 28+29 June. Tickets $10 at www.trybooking.com
The Legendary GANGgajang
Up!
At Lizotte's, Saturday 15 June 2019 Fashions come and go in the world of music. A song may be a hit for a few weeks, but then it’s gone, and the band is never heard of again. Occasionally, an enduring sub-culture will adopt a band, and their music becomes the soundtrack of their life. They pass on their love of the music to the next generation, the bands become legends, and their music never dies. GANGgajang is such a band. Renown for the perennial Sounds Of Then (This Is Australia), GANGgajang has been part of Australia’s cultural fabric for over 30 years beginning with their debut single in November 1984. It was the mid-1980’s surf culture who first adopted the band when songs from their debut self-titled album became the entire soundtrack to Quiksilver’s seminal surf movie Mad Wax. GANGgajang’s current single Surfing Round The World was recorded at Freshwater Beach in Sydney, where in 1915 the father of modern surfing Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku brought surfing to Australia. Included on the soundtrack of Australian surf music documentary Delightful Rain, Surfing Round The World features the last recording lost friend and founding member Chris Bailey made with GANGgajang. The Surfing Round The World tour and song are dedicated to the surfers and free spirits of the world. From the grommets to the pros and to anyone who has ever waxed a board or thought about it, this one’s for you!
MAY THE U2 SHOW ACHTUNG BABY Saturday 4 THIRSTY MERC Sunday 5 JOAN AS POLICE WOMAN Thursday 9 LIKE A RHINESTONE COWBOY - THE BEST OF GLEN CAMPBELL Friday 10 PEARL - THE JANIS JOPLIN STORY Sat 11 MOTHERS DAY LUNCH WITH THE BEATNIX Sunday 12 MOTHERS DAY DINNER WITH JASON OWEN Sunday 12 ABBY DOBSON Thursday 16 DRAGON Friday 17 DANCING IN THE SHADOWS OF MOTOWN Saturday 18 THE LEGENDARY ERIC BIBB Sunday 19 THE LEGENDARY GALAPAGOS DUCK Fri 24 RICK PRICE - THE RARITIES TOUR Sat 25 CHRIS CAIN (USA) Sunday 26 CLARE BOWDITCH Wednesday 29
Win!
Thanks to the crew at Lizotte’s we have 2 x double passes (show only) to give away to 2 lucky readers. Visit www.intouchmagazine.com.au/Giveaways to enter – entries close midnight May 31st, 2019.
HELLO LIKE BEFORE - THE SONGS OF BILL WITHERS Thursday 30 WONDERFUL WENDY MATTHEWS Friday 31
JUNE THE EAGLES SHOW Saturday 1 OUR 10TH BIRTHDAY OPEN DAY EXTRAVAGANZA! Sunday 2
LY 7 | AUG 4 AM - 3PM
MORE SHOWS added daily. LIVE SHOWS starting from $65 (including dinner)
Wednesday’s
BOOK ONLINE NOW + See who else is coming to dinner...
lizottes.com.au or PH 4956 2066 www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 7
What's On
HIGHLIGHTS
Hunter Animal Rescue Pet Picnic Sunday, 5th May Join Hunter Animal Rescue for the 13th Annual Pets Picnic in Speers Point Park! Supported by PETQuarters, the day will include entertainment, kids activities, market stalls, raffles, dog washing, competitions and much more. You'll also have the chance to meet Hunter Animal Rescue's foster dogs and cats currently looking for their furever homes in the Puppy Precinct and Cat Cave. Pets welcome on leash, don't forget the doggy bags!
Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival
Hunter Innovation Festival
Throughout May and June May and June are definitely the months to visit Hunter Valley Wine Country, with the Wine & Food Festival offering amazing winery experiences and gourmet tastings throughout the region. You can expect signature events such as the Olive Long Table Luncheon at Whispering Brook (June 1), Burning of the Barrel at Glandore Wines (June 29) and the anticipated Hunter Valley Wine Festival at Crowne Plaza (June 29); plus many smaller daily/weekly events such as the Semillon and Sushi tasting at Briar Ridge (daily) and the Epic Tasting Experience at Hungerford Hill/Muse Restaurant (Wed–Sun). Most of these events have a cost, and you may need to book ahead – especially for the larger events. To see the schedule and plan a weekend away visit www.winecountry.com.au
Monday, 6th – Friday, 17th May The 2019 Hunter Innovation Festival is about connecting Hunter people that produce, invest or consume innovation in any way, providing opportunities to connect with other people, new ideas and be inspired to take the next step. Over 35 events and activities range from workshops, interactive sessions, performances, installations, speaker events and more, with something for everyone. Why not sign up for Entrepreneurship101, try an introductory engineering and electronics workshop (for both young and old), get involved in the Q&A session about human vs robot job security, discover 3D 360 VR, take part in the Mars Rover Challenge or find out how you can enhance your backyard food production with technology. There's too many events to list! Many events are free (must book), or have a small cost. To book your spot visit www.hunterif.com.au
Seal Rocks Adventure Festival Friday, 17th – Sunday 19th May This is a festival worth travelling a short way up the coast for! The inaugural Seal Rocks Adventure Festival is located at Treachery Camp, here to challenge your mind, body and tolerance for good times. The festival is a giant combination of activities such as rock climbing, yoga, archery, circus skills, team challenges, orienteering, the Adventure Film Festival, zorbing, cooking classes and much more – and it's completely family friendly. A weekend ticket includes 2 nights camping/glamping/cabin stay, with as many activities as you can fit in off the schedule. At night, 2 entertainment areas will be open with a bar, music and dancing, as well as an outdoor cinema. Once the main stage closes, you'll have to search for the secret party! Tickets start at $340 adults, $280 youths and $80 child. No day passes are available, it's full weekend only! Visit www.sealrocksadventurefestival.com
Ten Years of Newcastle Productions Friday, 10th May – Saturday, 20th July Since 2009, Trevor Dickinson has been capturing familiar Newcastle locations through drawings, prints, zines and murals, his unique perspective now firmly established and recognisable. You can see Trevor's work on show at Newcastle Library (for free) – the opening night being May 10th from 6pm. Bookings for opening night are essential, head to newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library
Read the digital edition of intouch each month at www.intouchmagazine.com.au Find out what’s on at your fingertips. /intouchmagazines 8 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au
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Small Theatre, Strong Performances Thursday, 23rd May – Saturday, 1st June An independent festival in its fifth year, Micro Theatre is a festival of short plays performed in smaller, intimate spaces such as art galleries and cafés, with the stage encompassing the venue. The event invites writers and directors to submit scripts, with 12 successful plays (out of 43 entries in 2019) chosen to play across 3 venues – this year being Birdy's Café, Bolton St Pantry and The Press Bookhouse. Four plays will perform at each venue each night from 7pm. Birdy's Café – BFF; Rollercoaster; Women of the World; and What is About to Happen on the Dancefloor? Bolton St Pantry – Russian Spies; More World; Not Just for Christmas; and Just the Ticket. The Press Bookhouse – The Handsome Man; The Last Confession; Sting; and Accident. Catch the Micro Theatre Festival each Thursday Friday and Saturday night. Tickets are $18, on sale from April 3 through www.microtheatre.com.au
Rathmines Catalina Festival Sunday, 19th May Now in It's 12th year, the Rathmines Catalina Festival will see flying boats in the skies over Lake Macquarie – seaplanes that is! This popular event, held by the Rathmines Catalina Association, attracts thousands of flying boat enthusiasts and families to celebrate the rich history of the Rathmines RAAF Base. The festival will have something for the whole family, offering markets, kids activities, live music, food stalls, a classic car show n shine, military and community displays, historical exhibitions and much more. The highlight is a spectacular air show, featuring a formation aerobatic display, breathtaking stunts and amazing manoeuvres. Visitors can also get a birds eye view of Lake Macquarie in a seaplane joy ride! The event will run from 9am–3pm at Rathmines Park in Lake Macquarie. Entry $10 per adult, $5 kids and $25 for a family.
Sammy J's Major Party
NEXT Month!
Thursday, 6th June Sammy J is back, this time with his Major Party! Bringing his hit ABC TV show's characters to the stage, get ready for a jam-packed night full of singing, stand-up and shenanigans – all taking aim at the politics of today. Listen to the everinspiring Government Coach, sing along to Playground Politics, and flex your core beliefs with some National Yoga! Nothing is off-limits. Sammy has been described as “An endlessly creative talent” by Time Out, London; and “Rubbish” by Prime Minister Scott Morrison. See Sammy's Major Party at City Hall. www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au
Joel Creasey (The Spiegeltent Newcastle)
Comedy Galore in Newcastle There are loads of comedy events going on in May and June, so we thought we'd give you a quick calendar: MAY 1 Danny Bhoy – Civic Theatre MAY 4 Tom Gleeson – Civic Theatre MAY 12 Anh Do – Civic Theatre MAY 23 Newcastle Comedy Festival Launch Party – 5 Sawyers MAY 24 Newcastle Comedy Festival Gala – Civic Theatre; Jordan Raskopoulos – The Spiegeltent MAY 25 All part of Newcastle Comedy Festival (at The Happy Wombat or the Clarendon Hotel) – Best Of Newy Comedy Showcase; What She Said Comedy; Bec Charlwood; Al Del Bene; Nikki Britton; Cam Knight; Luke Heggie; Neel Kolhatkar; Big Dog Up Late; Grapes of Mirth Comedy Wine Music Festival featuring Merrick Watts, Nazeem Hussain, Denise Scott, Heath Franklin's Chopper, Rebecca De Unamuno, Luke McGregor and Sam Simmons – The Station Newcastle MAY 31 Dave Hughes – The Spiegeltent JUNE 1 Matt Okine– The Spiegeltent JUNE 7–9 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow ft Dave Callan, Brennan Reece (UK), Cal Wilson, Sean Choolburra and more JUNE 8 Lawrence Leung – The Spiegeltent JUNE 14 Joel Creasey – The Spiegeltent; Urzila Carlson – Civic Theatre JUNE 15 Will Anderson – The Spiegeltent JUNE 16 Rhys Nicholson – The Spiegeltent JUNE 29 Judith Lucy – Civic Theatre
NO DOGS
• Newcastle City Farmers Market •
Please check our websites for details
• www.nswfarmersmarket.com.au • • www.newcastlecityfarmersmarket.com.au • NSW Farmers Market Pty Ltd, P.O Box 152 MORPETH, NSW 2321
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* Each Sunday at Broadmeadow SHOWGROUND Griffiths Road entry please
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specific goals. If you're in the market for a new car, or property – it’s a great time to buy. Just make sure you research everything thoroughly. Expand your horizons, too. This month, you’re on the winning side of this game called “life”.
Astrologer TANYA OBREZA on what’s in the stars for May.
STAR OF THE MONTH Taurus 21 April – 20 May
It’s a powerhouse year ahead, Taurus. The catch? A total change, of course, may be required. Sure, there’ll be some difficult moments – but with a huge upside. If, until now, you’ve felt invisible and that all your efforts have been unappreciated, the tables start to turn. You finally receive recognition. But if you want something done, do it yourself. Of course, there’s nothing like a helping hand – but until late June at least, it’s best to fly solo. Others may be surprised by your singular approach, but at least you’ll get a result. Finances? The cosmos suggests an exciting detour – as does a very close well-wisher.
Gemini 21 May – 21 June Sisters may be doing it for themselves, but perhaps not for one another. We’ve all been so wrapped up in our own worlds that we haven’t noticed the needs of family and loved ones. May suggests safety in numbers, so gather friends, colleagues and family and make success a team effort. But if you prefer a more sensual setting, new love could trigger imaginative romance. Cancer 22 June – 22 July Your energy powers up in May, and life hurtles on. Get a move on Cancer, but with direction. Direct all this extra enthusiasm into
Leo 23 July – 22 August You’re encouraged to act on a career plan previously left on hold. Expect a hectic social scene over the next few weeks, with invitations to join prestigious groups. To top off a delightful month, intimate relationships find a comfortable level of understanding. For singles, too, the prospect of finding long-term commitment runs high. It seems that through May, whether in work, love or play - all things seem possible. Virgo 23 August – 22 September This is a jewel of a month for determined Virgos. Your mind is sharp and better able to grasp abstract ideas. You’re a bit of a control freak, and you’ll be in your element when put in charge or facing demanding deadlines. Would you have it any other way? Maybe. A little romance would ease the pressure. Look to sexy Venus, who provides recreation in the bedroom. Discretion is the key if you choose an illicit path. Libra 23 September – 22 October Others have had ample time to resolve their issues. The problem is, they continue to rely on your help. If possible, break away for a while and get on with your own affairs. At work, your creative flair saves you from difficulties. This is the perfect time to seek recognition. In matters of the heart, new dalliances may involve an age difference – making everyone uncomfortable but you. Scorpio 23 October – 21 November An action-packed cosmos pushes Scorpios to the limit. Energy is heightened, and you could accomplish a great deal, especially if you work alone. You're not belligerent – just not in the mood to compromise. Becoming irritated with less spirited individuals is easy. Carnal cravings run high. Impulsive behaviour can also make you accident-prone. Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 May sends a tremble through your sector of secrets, hinting at hidden romance. Should the affair go public, it’s good news for some – disastrous for others. Singles get a better time of it. But whether single or settled, this month finds you in the mood to spend. At work, you attract influential company. A temptation to mix business with pleasure, perhaps?
Capricorn December 22 – January 19 There’s no avoiding the truth, which has been a long time coming; but whichever way the dust settles, you emerge looking presentable. You haven’t been too happy lately, so perhaps it’s time to take stock – keep what serves you and discard the rest. Go wherever your ambitions take you, Capricorn. Look for that new job, move house or start your own business. Your quest is to discover the silver lining and turn it into gold. Aquarius 20 January – 18 February A lively tussle between power planets brings even more confusion to those already in a quandary. Mars is energetic, but Saturn is practical and solid. So you have one enthusiastic force encouraging you to go for it, while its opposite number counsels restraint. All you can do is adapt to situations as you find them. Upside: whether single or coupled, the cosmos encourages romance. Pisces 19 February – 20 March Pisceans are famous for having unlimited compassion for those who are suffering, but what about treating yourself kindly? When life turns troublesome, it’s usually your negative self-talk that makes matters worse – enough of the self-criticism. Give yourself a break – accept that most people make the occasional mistake, including yourself. Love yourself as much as you love others. Aries 21 March – 20 April Expect a busy schedule, Aries. Single or attached, it’s a month to turn heads. The time’s also right for singles to find new love, while couples strengthen rapport and expand social contacts. Professionally, you may have to abandon worn-out practices. A tough ask, perhaps – but greater understanding will be gained from letting go of what’s no longer useful to mind, body or soul.
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.
Now Enrolling Students in Kindergarten and Year 5 2021 Macquarie College is a community of faith and learning where curiosity is the heartbeat of the Christian education experience. Over 25 years, Macquarie College has built a reputation for its academic excellence and a diverse range of extra-curricular activities. Today, we are committed to creating a learning environment that is academically sound and future-focused, to equip students to be global citizens.
Discover more at our Open Day on Wednesday 5th June from 9:45am Visit www.macquariecollege.nsw.edu.au/openday for details and to register your attendance 10 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au
The Next Step Promises HighEnergy New Show WORDS CLAIRE BRADSHAW
Dance fans, time to get ready. It may be a few months away, but in September 2019, the cast of Canadian dance-drama TV series, The Next Step, will return to Newcastle for a brand-new show. Set in the highly competitive world of professional dance, The Next Step follows A-Troupe, a group of talented young dancers, as they train for competitions and deal with the dramas of teenage life. First airing in 2013, the docu-drama-style show has just completed its sixth season and is more popular than ever with its global audience. Tween, teen and adult fans alike are addicted – not only to its high-energy dance numbers, but also the rivalries and relationships of the A-Troupe, both in and out of the dance studio. The show airs on the Disney Channel in Australia (with some seasons available on Stan and ABC iView), and the cast has previously visited our shores for two sell-out tours in 2016 and 2017. This year, The Next Step cast is set to embark on its biggest tour yet. Nine cast members will perform in the 90-minute dance spectacular, featuring solos, duets, trios and group dances set to hit songs and original music from the show. The cast members appearing include Briar Nolet (‘Richelle’); Isaiah Peck (‘Henry’); Shelby Bain (‘Amy’); Alexandra Chaves (‘Piper’); Berkley Ratzlaff (‘Davis’); Sage Linder (‘Summer’); Dylan Ratzlaff (‘Jacqui’); Liam Mackie (‘Finn’); and Noah Zulfikar (‘Kingston’). Several cast members have not appeared in previous tours, so for die-hard fans, it’s definitely a must-see event. Something each of the show’s cast members has in common is the passion and talent for dance they’ve demonstrated from a young age. It will come as no surprise that each and every performer has extensive experience in the showbiz scene and some serious dancing chops under their belts. Showgoers might recognise Briar Nolet in particular – as well as starring in The Next Step; the young dancer recently
hit screens for US reality show World of Dance, judged and executive-produced by Jennifer Lopez. During the qualifiers round, Nolet revealed her struggles with epilepsy, inspiring audiences worldwide with her journey. Other stars of the show have performed with the likes of Janet Jackson and Imagine Dragons, and at international competitions and championships. The Next Step live show brings the TV series to life on stage, allowing fans to get up close and personal with its stars. Newcastle is the very first stop on the list for this year’s Australian tour, which visits multiple states and promises to be bigger and better than ever. Dubbed the Absolute Dance tour, the run of shows promises a high-energy experience for audiences. Blending styles of dance ranging from contemporary and hip-hop to classical and with a healthy dose of acrobatics thrown in for good measure, it’s going to get feet tapping, blood pumping and showgoers dancing in their seats. Explosive ensemble dances are interspersed with solos and smaller group numbers, so no matter who your favourite cast member is, you’re sure to see their best moves right up close! For super-fans of the show and its stars, there are separate VIP experiences available on the night to accompany the concert. The VIP treatment includes a meet and greet and professional photo opportunity with the cast, an exclusive autographed poster, a commemorative tour laminate, early access to crowd-free merchandise shopping, and designated VIP check-in and onsite host. These experiences are limited, though, so if you’re keen, you’ll have to get in quick. The Next Step: Absolute Dance Tour appears at the Civic Theatre for one night only on Thursday 19th September. Tickets start at $76.40 for B Reserve and $91.65 for A Reserve, and VIP experiences are available from $110. For further info, visit livenation.com.au. And be quick about it – even though the show is still a few months off, tickets are already selling fast! Visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au
THURSDAY 19 SEPTEMBER CIVIC THEATRE GO TO LIVENATION.COM.AU
www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 11
Deluxe DELUXE
12 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au
The Spiegeltent Returns to Newcastle… Next Stop Slovakia! Two months ago Strut and Fret Production House director Scott Maidment was in Hobart overseeing a three-and-a-half-week run of their sexy new cabaret extravaganza, Deluxe Deluxe. Within days of it finishing he’d flown 15,500km to the far warmer climes of the Bahamas, in preparation for the opening of their intoxicating neon 1920's-themed production Showtime at the Pink Flamingo.
Such is life for the founder of the internationally recognised arts and events company, which since its modest beginnings in 1997 has now toured productions in 38 different countries around the world. “We went to New Zealand (in February) and played Deluxe Deluxe over there for a couple of weeks and then we've just played a month in Hobart,” Scott told intouch Magazine. “Now I’m in the Bahamas, and we’re opening another show here in the world's biggest Spiegeltent. It's called Showtime at the Pink Flamingo, and it's a kind of crazy flamingo-themed show in this great huge tent at The Atlantis on Paradise Island.
WORDS MICHELLE MEEHAN
“[When I started Strut and Fret in 1997] I didn't think it would be this extreme. I started touring shows within Australia, and I think now we've played shows in 38 different countries or something like that, which is really exciting. “Yesterday we got an email from someone in Slovakia, saying could we bring a show to Slovakia? I've never been to Slovakia, I don't even know where it is on the map but it's pretty interesting that now because of the internet, Facebook and social media, a lot of people from all around the world follow our shows, and that’s pretty cool.” Novocastrians number among Strut and Fret’s most ardent fans, having flocked to previous productions held in the city including the award-winning show responsible for some of the naughtiest nights out in 2018, Blanc de Blanc. This passion ensured Newcastle was an automatic inclusion on the list of destinations slated for the current tour of Deluxe Deluxe, a sexy and hilarious adults-only experience featuring the glitterati of international circus and cabaret talent. “We did Deluxe Deluxe for the first time on the Gold Coast about mid last year, and it was supposed to be a one-off, we were just supposed to do it for a three week season and then stop,” Scott said. “But it was so popular that we decided we should give it another run. In Hobart it went gangbusters, people just loved the nuts energy of it, so we're on a little tour at the moment. “After the success of Blanc de Blanc in Newcastle, I really feel like the audiences there, in particular, are going to love Deluxe.
“When we’re touring the shows like Blanc de Blanc and Deluxe Deluxe, Newcastle is one of the biggest selling cities; they really get behind it.” Part of the appeal, outside of the show itself, is the chance to experience a performance in the unique environment of the Spiegeltent. Dutch for ‘mirror tent’, the Spiegeltent originated in Belgium in the late 19th century as a travelling entertainment venue. Unlike the humble canvas circus big-top, many people would be familiar with; the Spiegeltent has a glamorous old-world ambience decorated with mirrors, stained glass, velvet and brocade. Strut and Fret began utilising the extravagant setting for some of its shows more than a decade ago and now bring a different tent out from Holland each year. Last year Newcastle played host to the exquisite Fortuna Spiegeltent during the Blanc de Blanc tour. However, this time around the larger art deco-inspired Victoria Spiegeltent will settle gloriously in the midst of Civic Park for the month-long run of Deluxe Deluxe. “This tent has just come out of from Holland via New Zealand, and it's a beautiful one,” Scott said. “It's got a big foyer, and it's interesting because it holds more people, but it still feels super intimate on the inside. “It’s kind of art deco I guess, in that it's got beautiful wooden panels and of course the stained glass mirrors and the velvet curtains that Spiegeltents are known for. “The booths are a bit bigger, providing a really deluxe environment to sit and see the show. “I think part of the appeal is it's a really special occasion. The Spiegeltent is such a beautiful and unique setting and where the tent is in Newcastle it looks amazing in the park. “It attracts people who may not ever go to the theatre any other time of the year. It's really a once-a-year trip for some people who think, ‘Let's go out and see something crazy and make a night of it", and they take their friends or go on date night.
It's much more actually than just seeing a show. It's an experience. Go along, have a glass of wine, sit in the park, enjoy the beautiful surrounds of the Spiegeltent and see a crazy show with performers that are one-of-a-kind and leaders in their field from across the world. The international line-up of performers is nothing short of amazing including the host of the show, Olivier Award-winner Amy G, an American singer, comedian and actor who has been described as “a virtuoso of physical comedy, a brilliant, insightful stand-up and a truly sensational singer”. German aerial artist, Penelope Elena, will amaze and delight with her awe-inspiring mid-air manoeuvres, while drop-dead-gorgeous UK dancer Busola will have you mesmerised with his high-energy moves. The show will also include rule-bending ‘invertebrate’, Anthony Rodriguez (USA); exotic temptress, Zoe Marshall (AUS); and beautiful-dangerous tigress, Ailona (RUS), with a number of other special guests rounding out the tight-knit cast of nine performers who ensure Deluxe Deluxe delivers an evening beyond even the wildest imagination. “This is more like your classic variety show, it’s got a little bit of old-school charm about it, but it’s also hip, great music and pretty crazy in terms of the performers,” Scott said. (Continued next page) ► www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 13
(Continued) “There’s an amazing line-up of performers, literally from all around the world and we've bought them all together because they've got amazing skills that are deluxe, and we've said that the show is so deluxe that we've had to name it twice. “It is a bit of a changing line-up as well; part of the vibe of Deluxe is that there are new guests happening on every tour, so you'll be able to see some of the regulars, but there’ll also be new guests coming in specifically for Newcastle. “There's an amazing dancer called Busola who is from the UK, he’s a dark-skinned guy with long dreads and a crazy body, and he's just a huge, huge energy on the stage. “Then there’s Amy G who does roller-skating, tap dancing and ukulele all at the one time. She also does an amazing act where she plays the kazoo but it doesn't go anywhere near her mouth, and that's certainly something to be seen. “Then there's a couple of amazing aerialists, including one who's actually from Australia and she does a unique skill, which is kind of like trapeze but there's no trapeze because she’s actually suspended in the air by her hair, and it's something that you never see. “Penelope Elena is another contortionist and aerialist who is from Salzburg. I've been working with her for a little while, and she loves Australia, so she was super pumped to come out here. “There's a pancake sequence in the show where Penelope does a crazy contortion act and covers herself in maple syrup for a song called It's Maple Syrup Time, and I think that it's super deluxe and pretty crazy! You don't often see someone literally getting litres and litres of maple syrup poured all over them on stage! I think she has to have about three showers during the show.
“I think with our productions people expect to see something that they've never seen before or to be challenged... It really is finding those moments which are the talking point of the show – within Blanc it was ‘Oh my gosh, there was an MC who was in a hot tub!’ or in this it’s, ‘I've never seen someone covered in maple syrup’, or ‘I’ve never seen a huge tongue tap dance on stage’, which happens as well. It's pretty outrageous, and it's pretty crazy. It's Deluxe Deluxe.” Scott said the physical characteristics of the Spiegeltent add to the atmosphere of the show, creating the opportunity for interactions between the performers and audience members in a way that is just not possible in a traditional theatre setting. “It is a crazy night out. The show happens not just on the stage, but it happens around the audience, and the audience is really involved in the show, and so it really is something that you probably won't get the opportunity to see anywhere else,” he said. “In the theatre when you go, mostly what you do is you sit there in front of a stage, and the first thing you see is the backs of a lot of peoples’ heads before you see the stage. “But in a Spiegeltent, because it's played on a round stage, you're really close to the action for a start, and then what happens is not only do you see the performers on stage but then you see the audience on the other side of the stage. You see them laughing and enjoying themselves, and then they see you laughing and enjoying yourself and that kind of creates this contagious feeling in the tent, which you can't get in a normal theatre with straight rows.
SODEISHA
走泥社 C O N N E C T E D to A U S T R A L I A
2 March - 19 May 2019
This exhibition is supported by the Dobell Exhibition Grant, funded by the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation and managed by Museums & Galleries of NSW.
02 4974 5100 | nag.org.au |
Museums & Galleries of NSW
This organisation is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW, Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation & Newcastle Art Gallery Society.
Image: Tadayasu SASAYAMA Waves cube B n.d. (detail) stoneware plates on wood base 28.5 x 21.0 x 14.5cm Gift of members of the Sodeisha Group 1981 Newcastle Art Gallery collection.
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Pretty much everybody can get looked at right in the eyes or touched by a performer or you can see the sweat glistening on them, and it really is an upclose-and-personal experience, there's really no doubt the performers are playing then and there for you, and you're as much part of the action as they are. “It's not like there's a fourth wall and they're just doing their stuff, and you just happen to be a voyeur. You're really part of the action. “A lot of the performers that we work with have been touring the world doing Cirque du Soleil and things like that, but in that environment, they're playing in a massive arena, and they're just like the third blue person from the left or whatever, but in this environment, they really get to shine with their personalities, and they really get that intimate connection with the audience, and the performers love that. And because they love it, the audience loves it, so it really is a unique environment.” The uniqueness of the environment also works in Strut and Fret’s favour when it comes to booking the other acts on the Spiegeltent program. ►
DELUXE DELUXE
Have you ever seen somebody covered head to toe in maple syrup? During its three-and-a-half week visit to Newcastle, the Spiegeltent will play host to 25 individual performances of Deluxe Deluxe, as well as a massive line-up of comedians, singers, dancers and musicians including iconic cabaret star, Carlotta, who will be bringing her smash-hit show, Queen of the Cross to Newcastle for the first time. Indigenous, world-renowned dance sensations Djuki Mala will also make their Spiegeltent Newcastle debut in what Scott believes will be a real highlight of the program. The group, from Elcho Island in North East Arnhem Land, perform a highenergy and stunning fusion of traditional Indigenous culture, contemporary dance and storytelling. They made their mark in 2007 when their interpretation of Zorba the Greek went viral and have been thrilling audiences ever since with reinterpretations of popular culture and traditional dances in a way that juxtaposes contemporary Yolngu culture. “Djuki Mala is an Indigenous dance crew that became famous for their YouTube clip Zorba the Greek; I think they've had three million views of this one clip worldwide,” Scott said. “Then they've built on that and built a whole show, so if you've never seen Djuki Mala before, it's something special because their energy in that close environment is great. They're crazy, and they're fun, and the music is super good. It's been put together very well, the Djuki Mala show and it's really in demand internationally. I think they're headed back over to Edinburgh in the UK straight after Newcastle, so this is a great opportunity to see these guys.
DAVE HUGHES
HAIRY
DJUKI MALA
JOEL CREASEY
DRINK. SLAY. REPEAT.
“Because the Spiegeltent is such a unique environment to perform in, we're able to get some great performers as part of the bill, and especially this year; I think the comedy line-up is great. “These performers, they'd rather play in a Spiegeltent than play in a concert hall or a club or something like that, and because Newcastle audiences are really turning up in full force, they're getting the highest quality acts and the highest quality performers, so it works both ways.” Among the comedians on the line-up is well-known TV host and radio presenter Dave Hughes, whose laconic style of humour and bald-faced honesty has earned him a legion of fans over the years. Another familiar voice from the airwaves will also make his way to the city this month, with former triple j breakfast host Matt Okine bringing his critically-acclaimed production The Hat Game to the Spiegeltent, while Newcastle-born Rhys Nicholson, The Ronnie Johns Half Hour performer Jordan Raskopoulos, Choose Your Own Adventure star, Laurence Leung and stand-up comedian, actor and television presenter Joel Creasey are also on the bill. The comedy program will come to a blockbuster conclusion with a performance by one of the most successful comedians in the country, Wil Anderson, whose awardwinning Wilegal show is a must-see for lovers of smart, fresh quality laughs. For more details about the full schedule of acts and to buy tickets to any of the Spiegeltent Newcastle performances visit www.spiegeltentnewcastle.com ■
CARLOTTA
WIL ANDERSON
QUEEN OF THE CROSS
WILEGAL
ALL THIS AND SO MUCH MORE AT
23 MAY – 16 JUNE SPIEGELTENTNEWCASTLE.COM PRESENTED BY STRUT & FRET PRODUCTION HOUSE
SUPPORTED BY
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(L-R) Alex Redington violin, Hélène Clément viola, Ying Xue violin, John Myerscough cello. Photo by George Garnier.
Striking the
PERFECT BALANCE WORDS EDDIE AYRES
Violist Hélène Clément talks tennis, slippers and her upcoming tour with the Doric String Quartet – the British supergroup hailed by The Times as ‘superb’. Hear them in Newcastle on 20 June as they undertake their first national tour for Musica Viva. A Doric column, thanks to the ancient Greeks, is a simple, perfect thing. It makes its fluted way directly into the floor; no fancy stuff, only a sublime balance of proportion. The same can be said for the Doric Quartet. This year
they celebrate their twenty-first birthday, and they are going to do it in slippers. Hélène Clément, viola player with the quartet, spoke with me from Milan; she laughs as she talks about the importance of slippers, supermarkets and family dinners in that balance, especially when they are on tour or recording. “When we are recording, we try to make it as stress-free as possible. To make it celebratory. We usually bring our slippers and go on a big trip to the supermarket and buy lots of food. Make it more like a family.” Balancing an ensemble with three other people is perhaps a bond beyond marriage. But there is yet another bond – the one with your instrument. Hélène has been playing for a year on an 1843 Guissani viola, once owned by Frank Bridge, and given to a chap called Benjamin Britten as he left England for America in 1939. Your instrument is important, but the bow, the tool that draws out the sound from the instrument, is crucial too. Do you remember that scene from Harry Potter, when Harry thinks he’s choosing his wand? Hélène agrees with the comparison. “It’s the same thing. It sounds stupid to say, but it’s the same thing absolutely. The bow chooses you. “The bow I just bought inspires me to play differently. I respond to what the bow offers, so therefore I play a bit differently, and then the bow responds. It’s a constant dialogue.” The quartet plays earlier composers such as Haydn with slightly different bows, known as classical bows. They are lighter, slightly shorter, generally nimbler. More like Lleyton Hewitt than Mark Philippoussis. But Hélène reminds us of a crucial fact. “It’s important never to forget they are just tools. It’s the
feeling that is more important.” And that feeling is demonstrated by the Doric in some of the most profound work in the quartet repertoire, especially the Beethoven Opus 131. There is no shying away from complexity then, with this programming for the Musica Viva tour. And the new piece by famed Australian composer Brett Dean, his third quartet subtitled Hidden Agendas, sits confidently and aptly beside these other masters. Another perfect balance. “He sent us the score, and we got hugely excited. We have played so much of his music, so we know the language. I could hear a lot of it, just by looking at it. He knows our playing so well that we know he really wrote for us. And it’s a great viola part! “We have a very strong relationship with Brett. We got to know him well when we played chamber music with him and made a recording.” But did they get him to wear slippers? “He did!” Ah, Brett. So what will the Doric Quartet be doing for their 21st birthday? “As always – recording, at least once a year. We’re slowly working our way through all the Haydn Quartets. Now we feel we’re mature; it’s exciting to reach out to the next generation. We’ve started a festival in Scotland called Mendelssohn on Mull. We invite ten young musicians, and we try to inspire them with our essence. With what we are, who we are.” And that is exactly who they are – a sublime balance of proportion. Just like those columns. The Doric String Quartet will perform at Newcastle Conservatorium on Thursday June 20 at 7:30pm. For bookings and further details, please visit www.musicaviva.com.au/doric
Musica MusicaViva Viva
International Concert Season 2019 International Concert Season 2019
ZOFO
Doric String Quartet
THURSDAY 20 JUNE 7.30PM Harold Lobb Concert Hall Newcastle Conservatorium of Music Corner of Laman & Auckland Sts, Newcastle
musicaviva.com.au/doric or call 1800 688 482 (no booking fees) ticketek.com.au | (02) 4929 1977
“ZOFO’s feisty performances surge with athletic precision, always mindful of how much joy there is in music” WASHINGTON POST
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Legendary Folk Duo are th Back for 20 Visit! WORDS CLAIRE BRADSHAW
It’s a rare musical act that’s still on top of their game after forty years in the business. A steady cycle of album releases and live shows can be a difficult thing to maintain, even for the most successful group – but legendary Irish folk duo, Foster and Allen, make it look almost easy. With record sales in excess of 20 million and a tour calendar that still takes them all around the world, the duo will return to Australia this year for the twentieth time. Mick Foster and Tony Allen began their musical journey in the mid-seventies, playing in country music bands together around their home country. “The plan was to try to make a semi-success of it in Ireland,” explains singer and accordion player Mick. “By 1977 we had done that, and we were able to go professional.” The decision was made to form a duo and play easy listening music and traditional Irish instrumentals. Shortly after, the pair had a ‘turntable hit’ with ‘The Rambles of Spring’, but it was in the late seventies and early eighties that they really made their break, releasing number one single ‘A Bunch of Thyme’ and breaking into the British market. The rest is Irish folk music
history, with hit songs, successful albums and world tours to follow. Foster and Allen’s first Australian visit came off the back of their fourth single, ‘Maggie’, which was released in 1983 and went to number one both here and in New Zealand. “That opened up that market for us, and we’ve been going ever since. So far, so good,” Mick says. So far, so good indeed: next month, with signature accordion and guitar in hand, Foster and Allen will make the long trek back to Oz to entertain our audiences once more. “We’ve completed nineteen [Australian tours] – this will be twenty,” says Mick. “Nobody’s more surprised than us that we’ve lasted so long!” The duo kicks off their tour at the start of May, playing a string of shows in Queensland and Port Macquarie before heading to our own Civic Theatre. Then it’s on to more shows around New South Wales, ACT, Victoria and Queensland, right through until June. It’s a demanding schedule, to be sure – but fortunately, Mick and Tony always enjoy visiting our sunny shores. “The weather is fabulous in comparison to weather we would have [back home],” Mick laughs. “On top of that, the audiences are great. We’ve been coming to Australia since 1984, so we’ve gotten to meet an (Continued next page) ► www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 17
Eric Bibb Is Coming to Australia
(Continued) awful lot of people over that length of time, and we look forward to seeing them every time we come out.” So what is it that has made the duo so successful, and endeared them to so many fans in Australia and across the globe? “I think we were lucky enough to hit a niche in the market that was totally neglected,” Mick explains. “The radio stations were all catering for folk and pop and country, but the type of stuff that we were doing was middle of the road – there’d be Irish, and there’d be Scottish, and there’d be a bit of country. We’ve recorded everything from Dire Straits and Status Quo right through to Strauss waltzes, but we’ve done them all our way. They still all sound ‘Foster and Allen’, if you know what I mean. “On top of that,” he adds, “we have a very loyal audience. When they take to you, they stick with you. They’re a great audience in all our markets that have stuck with us from day one.” Fans both old and new are sure to enjoy a Foster and Allen live show. It’s a joyful affair with a mix of songs and styles, including plenty of classics and favourites. Here’s a sneak peek from Mick of what showgoers have to look forward to… “In the first half, my wife, who’s our band leader and keyboard player, does a medley of Scottish songs; our bass player does a song; our guitar player does
a guitar solo, and the rest of the night is Tony and myself. We do a section of songs from our current album; then we do a lot of the most requested songs we’ve had from the albums over the years. “There’s hopefully something for everyone,” he continues. “I love to see the audience singing along and getting involved because it shows that they’re enjoying it, which is why we’re there in the first place!” After their Australian visit, Foster and Allen have a few well-deserved months off, perhaps with some recording thrown in here and there. Then they’re off to Canada for a handful of shows in September before another break. Not overdoing it is the key, Mick explains. “At our age, we wouldn’t be able to do it around the year. We work for three or four weeks, and then we take a break, then we work for another three or four. All in all, between recording and everything, we don’t really work any more than four months a year. When you’re 71 and 67, that’s as much as we’re able to do!” Luckily for their fans, it seems the pair will still be entertaining audiences for quite a while yet. Foster and Allen appear at the Civic Theatre on Sunday, May 12 at 7pm. Tickets range from $57 (for season subscribers) to $72 and can be purchased through Ticketek. For more info, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au ■
Ever on the move, pursuing a career spanning five decades, never resting on his laurels, Eric Bibb has a full bag of stories to tell from around the world and here he comes, bringing his new album Global Griot with him.
Cal Wilson
Guffaws and Good Times With The Comedy Roadshow Just as the curtains close on the funniest month of the year in Melbourne, the Festival’s most loved and laughed at comedians will pack their bags and hit the road for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow, homedelivering hot and tasty comedic treats right around Australia and in particular a 3-day pit-stop at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre from June 7 to 9.
Global indeed, recorded in France, Sweden, Jamaica, Ghana, Canada, the UK and the US! If the expression “World Music” were not so problematic and much misused as a marketing tool it would suit Eric’s approach. But don’t get it wrong; He is first and foremost a “blues brother”– an old school bluesman who finds ways to expand his domain. Always the entertainer, the educator and the motivator, Eric Bibb, continues to resonate with what is currently happening in the world today. You can catch Eric and the band at Lizotte's on Sunday, May 19 2019. Get your tickets today at www.lizottes.com.au
Forget I-Spy, Spotto and stale servo snacks; this road trip is jam-packed with a crew of fantastically funny comedians, specially selected to bring the fun of the Festival to towns and cities around the nation. The Roadshow will visit 88 Australian towns, presenting 99 performances of sketch, stand-up, satire, silliness and song across 11 weeks. Storming the stage in Newcastle will be Dave Callan (MC), Cal Wilson, Sean Choolburra and more. For 20 years the Melbourne International Comedy Festival has been touring far and wide, bringing giggles, guffaws and good times to Australia and further afield. Whether you’re in Katherine, Quirindi, Kyneton or Cairns, you can still experience Australia’s largest and bestloved comedy festival in your own backyard. The journey doesn’t end there either, with the Roadshow taking its talent abroad with International tour dates across Hong Kong, Singapore, India and Malaysia to follow. The Roadshow really has something for everyone! Grab a mate, grab a date… grab a ticket to the Roadshow! Visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au for more information and tickets.
Grab a mate, grab a date… grab a ticket to the Roadshow!
Hosted by Dave Callan (MC) with special guests Cal Wilson, Sean Choolburra and more!
June Long Weekend Friday 7 June 8pm Saturday 8 June 8pm Sunday 9 June 8pm Civic Theatre Newcastle 18 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au
Box Office 4929 1977 or civictheatrenewcastle.com.au
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Creating Better Managers and Leaders
For the Future Teams don’t simply happen. Indeed, teams are far beyond groups of people. A group of goal-focused individuals with specialised expertise and complementary skills to collaborate, innovate and produce consistently superior results makes a high-performing team. Every leader has a vital role in bringing these people together to build, manage and sustain high-performing teams because effective leadership is directly proportional to performance excellence. The solutions for yesterday’s leadership challenges won’t necessarily equip you with the tools needed to overcome obstacles or seize leadership opportunities in the future. What if there was a forum where you could workshop futurethinking leadership strategies, brainstorm tactics and talk innovation with senior leaders and management experts? Enter the Institute of Managers and Leaders ANZ and their Masterclass Series. To be held on Wednesday, May 22 at the Harbourview Newcastle the Leading High Performing Teams Masterclass is a half-day event designed for managers and leaders looking to develop, manage and sustain high-performing teams. This aspect is vital for every organisation to sustain effective teams working together towards shared goals that result in business success.
In this masterclass, we'll cover: • Developing and managing individuals • Communicating and delegating effectively • Managing people performance • Focusing on organisational culture, diversity and supporting inclusion • Building, managing and sustaining high-performing teams Masterclasses feature a range of interactive speaker sessions and exclusive panel discussions, making them practical and engaging events. Attendees have the opportunity to ask questions, workshop ideas and share learnings. The day is designed to draw out as many perspectives and concepts as possible to raise the bar on management and leadership. These events are also a great way to network with like-minded participants – after all, networking is working! The Institute of Managers and Leaders Australia and New Zealand (IML ANZ) is a not-for-profit Membership organisation and the peak body for managers and leaders. The Institute is also the principal Membership body for businesses that take management and leadership seriously, and for universities who are looking to gain a competitive edge by accrediting their leadership-focused courses. The team at IML ANZ believe that leadership matters and this belief lies at the heart of everything they do. For more than 75 years, they have been supporting professionals on their leadership journeys, representing 350,000 individuals – from multinationals to small local businesses, from interns to CEOs, in Australia, New Zealand and beyond.
WHAT Leading High-Performing Teams Masterclass WHEN Wednesday 22 May 2019 from 8am to 12.15pm WHERE Harbourview Newcastle PRICES Early Bird Member: $155/ Early Bird Chartered Manager: $145/ Early Bird Member Group (2+): $145 pp/ Early Bird Non-Member: $175/ Early Bird NonMember Group (2+): $165 pp
REGISTER
Email events@managersandleaders.com.au Phone 1300 661 061 Visit http:/iml.click/newcastlemasterclass
LEADING HIGH PERFORMING TEAMS 22nd May 2019
Harbourview, Newcastle
A half-day workshop to develop, manage and sustain high-performing teams for business success. SPEAKER HIGHLIGHTS
Emma Fensom Chief Operating Officer Port Authority of NSW
Colin Law Executive Manager Commonwealth Bank
Adrian Howard GM Product Support NSW Westrac
https://iml.click/newcastlemasterclass
Register
www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 19
MEET THE MAKER
Everything but Everyday
At Littlecrow Designs WORDS CLAIRE BRADSHAW
Slow fashion for the home. That’s the way Georgie Avis, designer and maker at Sydney-based Littlecrow Design, aptly describes her products. From unique cushion covers and cute tote bags to wall hangings in eye-catching prints, all Littlecrow pieces are created with love and designed to tell a story. At a time where ‘fast’ fashion and homewares are more ubiquitous than ever, with mass-produced, cheaply made pieces flooding big-name retail stores and homes around the country, makers like Georgie really stand out. Littlecrow products are perfect for those searching for that little something special, those who value locally made products, original designs and high-quality production standards. With a focus on authenticity and detail, they’re pieces designed to last. “Along with a thoughtfully made product comes a genuine hope that you will really, really love it! And love it for a long time,” Georgie says on her website. As well as high-quality standards, creativity and selfexpression are two concepts central to the Littlecrow Design brand, and close to Georgie’s heart. “I’ve noticed that people feel a quiet joy when they wear or use their favourite things. It’s confirmed to me how important self-expression is to our everyday wellbeing,” she explains. “It’s why I love designing and making things. It’s true to who I am. It’s also why I take such time and care to make something for my one-of-a-kind customers.” This is where one of Georgie’s points of difference comes in: her personal connection with her process, her customers and each of the pieces she creates. Her passion adds character and charm to each individual product, transforming everyday homeware like a simple cushion or wall hanging into a unique piece that makes its mark in the home.
Littlecrow Design might have started off several years ago with a focus on quirky, standout cushions, but these days, it’s not only your couches that Georgie’s ready to deck out. As well as individually designed pieces of wall art, you can also sport a signature Littlecrow design on your person in the form of a one-of-a-kind linen tote bag. Durable, practical and gorgeously detailed, these bags are perfect for replacing the plastic. They have a versatile range of uses – including stowing all your market finds of a weekend! All Littlecrow pieces are handcrafted using quality woven fabrics, eco-friendly inks and special details, like handmade timber buttons and unique cotton, linen and wool trim. Georgie’s home studio in Sydney’s inner west is where the magic happens from start to finish. After a design is dreamed up, materials are sourced, screen-printed by hand and carefully sewn, with great attention to detail in the finish (just look at those delicately hand-frayed edges). Every Littlecrow design is part of a small themed collection. Four ranges are currently available, each featuring tones and textures inspired by a different scenic Australian location. The ‘Coorabel’ range draws its inspiration from the comfortable, quintessentially Australian colours of sandstone and scrub, while the moody greys, soft blues and crisp whites of ‘Cape Byron’ pieces are reminiscent of sea and sky. The ‘Coopers Shoot’ theme evokes the richness of the earth, with warm textures and pink-clay highlights, and the ‘Leura’ collection captures the essence and natural beauty of the Blue Mountains and their surrounding landscapes.
Littlecrow Design is a market favourite, with Georgie regularly appearing at our own Olive Tree Market as well as various makers’ markets in Sydney. But for those who can’t catch her in person, you’ll be rewarded for purchasing Littlecrow products online. Each piece is carefully packaged like a little gift, using recycled card, jute twine and unique fabric dilly bags that can be reused. If that’s not the perfect excuse to treat yourself to some new homewares, we don’t know what is! Keep an eye out for Georgie at upcoming The Olive Tree Market days on May 4th, June 1st and July 13th at Civic Park Newcastle (for more information visit www.theolivetreemarket.com.au).
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“This one coming up’s going to be great. It’s a great venue; Brian Lizotte’s a great dude. Great food, really great service, the artists are really looked after. We often do it as a more intimate-style show, so it gives us an opportunity to explore the songs in a different way, and we find it goes down really well with the audience.”
On the Road Again with
THIRSTY MERC WORDS CLAIRE BRADSHAW
If there were an award for ‘Hardest-Working Australian Band’, Thirsty Merc would be right at the top of the nominee list. The Aria-nominated pop-rock trio seems to be on the road almost more than they’re off it, playing all manner of venues from pubs and clubs through to festivals and special events. A venue with a difference that the Merc crew always enjoys playing is Newcastle’s very own Lizotte’s. Live n Cookin’ at Lizotte’s has been bringing local and international acts to the old King’s Theatre in Lambton for the past ten years – Thirsty Merc often among them. The band will revisit the dinnerand-show venue in early May, and they’re looking forward to visiting us once again. “Any gig in Newcastle’s great,” says Rai Thistlethwayte, the band’s vocalist and primary songwriter.
Showgoers are definitely in for a treat, with an up-closeand-personal gig accompanied by a sumptuous dinner. It’s a little different from the usual Thirsty Merc show, with a setlist tailored to the unique atmosphere and vibe of the venue. “It’s different for us and different for the audience,” Rai explains. “It’s all about the dinner and show experience, I think. We’ve done quite a few things in that format over the years now because we’ve been around for seventeen years. You do get to know how to structure a show like that, and I think we’ve gotten into a pretty good setlist, and got some versions of the songs which tend to cater towards that as well.” The band’s Lizotte’s show will cap off their most recent run of tour dates, which has encompassed the Red Hot Summer Tour with the likes of John Farnham and Daryl Braithwaite, as well as a string of their own shows in Queensland. It can be quite the gruelling schedule at times, especially for a group whose live shows are such a consistent and essential part of their make-up as a band. But Rai and the rest of the Merc crew have learned better than most how to keep on keeping on, no matter the circumstances. “You just fight through, and that’s kind of what it is. It’s no different from any job in that way. You’ve got that trust and responsibility to be part of a team, where it’s not always just all about you,” Rai says. “On a long tour, someone’s gonna
have a bad week here; someone else is gonna have a bad week the next week, someone else is gonna have a bad week the week after. And everyone’s trying to juggle what everyone in life is trying to do. So I think that’s really the glue in it all – if you kind of think of it as an ‘all for one, one for all’ kind of thing.” This strong team mentality has seen the band through some incredibly tough times, including a tragic road accident while on tour in 2015, which resulted in the death of their stage manager and serious injury for one of their touring drummers. Nowadays, the band and crew’s support for each other, as well as their history and experience, helps them strike a balance and keep visiting fans around the country, even when things get tough. “You use your experience and learn from the personal accounts of everybody, and take it all into account – try and keep working towards a dynamic which has more equilibrium and balance, I guess,” Rai muses. “But, you know, that takes time. And the other thing that keeps moving the goalposts is the fact that everybody’s getting older. Sometimes people have different injuries, different sort of emotional things that are happening… so it’s never really cut and dry. You’ve just got to roll with the punches, and work out how to move forward.” When Thirsty Merc isn’t touring, the band members get precious time to focus on their families and individual pursuits. Rai explores his interest in photography and often spends time travelling overseas and working with other bands as a session musician. Guitarist Matt Smith can often be found out fishing on his boat, and bassist Phil Stack appears with a number of other musical acts, including Australian jazz great James Morrison. So after this tour, what’s next for Rai and Thirsty Merc? “I think that I’d like to do more solo shows, and also do more gigs and keep going with the band as well – bit more of the same,” says Rai. “But you know, the industry’s always changing anyway – there’s new methods of getting music out there, so we’ll be learning about that.” Plus, in just a few years, it’ll be the band’s twentieth anniversary. Rai had a few hints about what might be on the cards. “If I was a betting man – which I’m not – but if I were, I’d say it’d be stupid for us not to do some sort of celebration or tour or new release for a twenty-year hallmark event.”
Stay tuned, Merc fans! Thirsty Merc appears at Lizotte’s on Sunday, May 5. For tickets and further info, visit www.lizottes.com.au or call (02) 4956 2066.
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18 & 19 MAY 2019 Round up your friends. Come and join in the celebration that is The Hunter’s BIGGEST Wine & Food Festival 22 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au
www.lovedalelonglunch.com.au
Grab the Gang And Head to the Vineyards for the Lovedale Long Lunch! The Lovedale Long Lunch is celebrating fine wine, fabulous food and friendship on the 18 + 19 May with seven of Lovedale’s best boutique cellar doors and vineyards paired up to celebrated local restaurants and great live entertainment. The iconic progressive-style lunch is like no other – celebrating the food and wine treasures of the Hunter Valley. Set in the grounds of seven of the area’s most elegant and exciting cellar doors and vineyards, the iconic event serves up a weekend of premium wine tasting, accompanied by a mouth-watering menu put together by some of the finest chefs in the Hunter Valley. Saturday is the big day, lots of fun and enjoyment with many loyal long lunchers – groups of family and friends, big and small. The weekend sees everything from themed attire to elegant day wear. From the charming men, young and mature, in smart shirts, trousers and sometimes jackets to the lovely ladies of all ages in attire which would not look out of place at the polo or a garden party. No matter what you wear, or your style, we want you to look your best. For those of you that like your days tasting wine and food a bit more chilled, Sundays are alot less busy and a little more laid back. Grab your ticket, spend a relaxing day visiting
your favourite Lovedale Long Lunch destinations, take advantage of the tasting tents, sample the extensive range of wonderful wines and sit back and enjoy a drink with your friends. You’ll experience casual al fresco dining with food from the best and enjoy the laid-back music, reminiscent of days past of the Lovedale Long Lunch. Fewer people, great wine, great food and great music make Sunday Session the best day for Novocastrians and locals. Live entertainment is on offer at each venue on both days, with music from some of the region’s most popular bands and solo acts guaranteed to keep the party atmosphere pumping for the thousands of visitors who flock to the annual event. Celebrating its 26th year in 2019, the Lovedale Long Lunch will be held across the following wineries: Allandale Winery, Emma’s Cottage Vineyard, Gartelmann Wines, Saltire Estate, Sandalyn Wilderness Estate, Tatler Wines and Wandin Estate. Event tickets can be purchased for either the Saturday or Sunday, or as a weekend package, which includes entry to three wineries each day, vouchers for three main meals, and two dessert or cheese tokens.
An institution on the Hunter tourism calendar, tickets for the event always sell quickly, so make sure you secure yours early. A number of bus tour companies offer combined ticket and transport packages, while other visitors prefer to arrange their own private charter to allow them to select their preferred itinerary. For the sake of your fellow long-lunchers, please remember to check entry conditions, bring your ID and ticket, leave your alcohol at home and arrive at your last venue before 3pm as there will be an event-wide lock-out. As always – there will be no exceptions and no tolerance for disorderly or aggressive behaviour. For those who have never been to the Lovedale Long Lunch, the weekend offers a wine and food tasting experience not to be missed, with the Saturday known for its big, party vibe and the Sunday perfect for those looking for a more laidback affair.
WHAT 2019 Lovedale Long Lunch WHEN 18 + 19 May 2019, 10am to 4pm daily TICKETS & INFO www.lovedalelonglunch.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 23
incarnations as a picture theatre, a restaurant and even a roller rink. It was once filled with laughter and sound, but then in 2009 it stood silent.
A DECADE OF FINE FOOD AND FABULOUS ENTERTAINMENT WORDS MEL MURRAY
Ten years ago the bones of a beautiful old art deco theatre stood dormant in Morehead Street, Lambton. For decades prior, generations of people had passed through its doors. Through the spaces many
Meanwhile, 90 mins down the freeway was a legendary music venue called Lizotte’s. It was the kind of place that as a music fan, even if you hadn’t been there, you had heard about it. There were numerous stories of moments that you wished you had been there, times when a huge name artist had played an intimate show to just over 100 people. It was the place owned by Brian and Jo Lizotte and frequented by the who’s who of the music industry, including brother Diesel. Sometimes the stars collide. The Lizotte’s team became aware that the theatre was up for sale and not long after they had the keys in their hands. With only ten days between picking up the keys and opening the venue, it was all-hands-on-deck to turn Brian and Jo’s vision of a space where Newcastle music fans could come and really listen to music, into a reality. A space the artist is not just in the background but is the feature of the night. With a mouth-watering menu and a huge line-up of talent, the doors to Lizotte’s opened for the first time on June 2, 2009. In the ten years that have followed, there have been some huge milestones and some moments that will stay with people for a lifetime. Perhaps it was the joy of seeing artists like Mick Fleetwood, Macy Gray and Jimmy Barnes in an intimate setting. Or maybe it was the night ‘The Hoff’ recorded a charity cover of Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again in the courtyard to raise money for Doc Neeson. People have shared their first meal as a married couple, kids have performed for the first time on a stage with proud
Scratchley’s is an absolute waterfront restaurant on Newcastle Harbour, specialising in Seafood but catering for all tastes. Fabulous food, wine and views, you bring the company! We also have a fish and chipper/ice creamery out the front for family picnics on the Foreshore.
Battlesticks Bar is the shining jewel of the Harbour. The cocktails are superb, the tapas are tasty and the view is stunning. An over 18 venue, Battlesticks is ideal for a relaxing afternoon/night out – complete with live local music. We take bookings for large groups only.
Â
Visit us at 200 Wharf Road, Newcastle 24 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au
parents in the audience, partners have proposed, and dreams have come true. There are so many unforgettable moments in the decade since Jo and Brian transformed this space and none of these moments would have been possible without their vision. The fact that they hand pick staff who share that vision and a passion for music, the amazing talent of every artist that has set foot on the Lizottes stage and of course every customer who has ever come to the King's castle has made most of Newcastle part of that journey too. As of June second, Lizotte’s will have hosted 2381 shows, served over 120,000 meals and hosted 260 dedicated Live and Local Night where young talents take the stage and share the profits. There have been countless school showcases and sell out shows headlined by well-known local musos such as Morgan Evans, Lyn Bowtell, Amy Vee, Bob Corbett, Marissa Saroca, Mark Well, Justin Ngariki, Ty Penshorn, Adam Miller, Grant Walmsley and Mark Tinson. To everyone who has been part of the journey, Brian and Jo and the Lizotte’s team invite you to celebrate with them at the Lizotte’s Open Day on June 2. There will be free entertainment thanks to a long list of our favourites including Piper Butcher, Rehab Brass Band, Dexter Moore, Avalon Circus and more to be announced. The doors and the kitchen will be open from 11am till 3pm to help celebrate the milestone 10th Birthday with as many of you as possible. There will be plenty of amazing entertainment and great food from the new Winter menu. Later in the evening, Lizottes will host a ticketed birthday bash with Doug Parkinson and Glenn Shorrock and support act Ty Penshorn. Tickets are selling fast so jump onto www.lizottes.com.au and reserve your spot now – this is one birthday bash you will not want to miss!
FOOD REVIEW
"The kind of restaurant that breeds an instant following and is a must visit"
Flotilla
Unexpected Flavour in an Intimate Setting WORDS QUENTIN VON ESSEN
Wickham has a new and stylish restaurant, and it’s well worth a visit. intouch Magazine was invited to be guest of Flotilla before it was opened to the public and it proved to be everything we expected and more. The brainchild of Chris Joannou and Zach Scholtz, who in 2014 also opened one of Newcastle's most exciting venues – The Edwards, brought in chef Jess Brooks and bar manager Simon Nicholas from The Edwards to Flotilla to create a menu catering for "from vegans to carnivores" with quality produce sourced locally. The restaurant itself has a very warm and welcoming feel with seating for just 48 diners inside and serving up a refined and yet casual dining experience. Once shown to our table, we were presented with a sample menu of what was to be available to the public when it launched later in April, and we were not disappointed. First up was an entree of Butter Poached King Prawn with sweet corn, cucumber, sunflower and green onion. This dish was truly superb as was the other entrée – Glazed Butternut with fried enoki, chestnut caramel and shitake, which came with an amazing boost of flavour from the miso sauce infusing the butternut. For the mains, we were served the Wagyu MBS 8+ Sirloin and Little Hill Farm Chicken. Both dishes arrived beautifully presented with the Wagyu Sirloin accompanied by young carrots and burnt celeriac – full of flavour, wonderful texture and cooked to perfection. The Little Farm Chicken was true premium organic chicken from the foothills of the Watagan Mountains in the Hunter Valley. Served nestled in a roast nashi pear puree, steamed leek and roasted grapes, it delivered a delicious combination with an unexpected flavour explosion. This is simple, honest and high-quality food – prepared and cooked with care and respect for the food and the ingredients.
To round off what could only be described as a true culinary experience, we were then presented with two delicious desserts. The Chocolate Mousse with whipped coconut, rhubarb caramel and cocoa nib was the perfect dessert for the serious chocolate lover. The silky-smooth feel from the coconut together with the melted chocolate delivered that extra-rich flavour which left us wanting more. The second dessert was Burnt Mandarin consisting of juicy mandarins baked in custard and topped with a mandarin scented caramelised cream. A wonderful end to the meal with the dried mandarin and salted caramel providing a wonderful crunchy contrast. The drinks menu provided a range of beer and cocktail options and a wine list wine consisting of wines mostly originating from Australia with a nice selection from the Hunter Valley. Half of the mostly Australian wines are natural or made with minimal chemical intervention. What makes Flotilla so different to so many other restaurants is that everything prepared and served from the kitchen is either organically grown, sustainably farmed or ethically sourced from local growers. Flotilla is the kind of restaurant that breeds an instant following and is a must visit for anyone who loves wellcoordinated food and excellent service enjoyed in a chilled and yet refined atmosphere.
Find Flotilla at 9 Albert Street in Wickham, open Wednesday to Sunday from 3pm till late, with plans to offer weekend brunches in the near future.
Taste the best of authentic Thai cuisine in the heart of Newcastle! Made with an aim to make you feel like you’re taking a trip to Thailand.
PH (02) 4031 4750 or 0434 653 635 Open Tuesday–Sunday Lunch 11:30am–3pm Dinner 5:30pm–9pm 2/15 Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle
Dine in | Takeaway | Uber Eats | Deliveroo www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 25
THE CHOCOLATE
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Indulge yourself in a world of delicious chocolates! High quality cooking chocolate • Imported boxed chocolates Liqueur chocolates • Bulk chocolates • Chocolate bars and treats
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OPEN Weekdays 8am - 5pm, Thurs till 6pm, Sat 8.30am - 4pm, Closed Sun & Holidays • Ph 4954 6044
www.bibina.com.au
Ruby Chocolate
Chocolate
Not Just for Mother’s Day! People have been consuming chocolate for centuries, enjoying the rich flavour of the cocoa bean originally as a bitter drink. By the mid-19th century solid chocolate was coming onto the market, and developments in the late 19th century saw massive improvements in quality, consistency and the texture of chocolate available world wide. Today we are truly spoilt for choice, with high quality International and Australian chocolates available in huge range of shapes, sizes, styles, colours and flavours. European chocolate is still considered the best in the world, although Australian chocolate – from Australia’s most popular Cadbury, to many others including Bibina’s own 1kg bags in a huge variety of flavours – are all popular. Making Chocolate The primary ingredient of chocolate is the cacao bean, which are fermented, dried, and roasted to develop their flavour. Then the cacao nibs (the meat inside the large pod-like beans) are extracted and ground before being liquefied, which is effectively chocolate in its pure form. This is where we get the percentage figures you’ll see on some chocolates – the higher the percentage of cacao, the darker, richer and ‘chocolatier’ it will taste.
For cooking, dark chocolate is often preferred, because the intense flavours contrast with the other ingredients in a recipe to make the chocolate flavour stand out. Milk chocolate By far the most popular form of prepared chocolate, milk chocolate is usually 30-40% cacao blended with cocoa butter, sugar and other ingredients. Sweet and delicious, milk chocolate is often made into chocolate bars with nuts, caramel and many other ingredients.
Launching at Bibina on May 17, Swiss Chocolatier Callebaut’s new Ruby chocolate is set to become a favourite for professional pastry cooks and home cooks with it’s new berry-like chocolate, Ruby RB1. It’s not flavoured or cured white chocolate, but is naturally occuring in a special strain of ruby cocoa beans, with Callebaut saying “it owes its colour and specific taste solely to the expert selection and meticulous processing of the ruby beans – no fruit flavouring or colourants are added to the chocolate”. “It’s flavours are more berry-like than you’d expect, tasting fresh with a hint of sour tones,” one early tester told Intouch. Kirsten Tibballs, Australia’s ‘Queen of Chocolate’, is enthusiastic about Ruby chocolate. “It opens up a whole new world of ideas and makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about chocolate.” Callebaut will be presenting Ruby RB1 at Bibina on May 17, with tips on how to cook with Ruby and free tastings.
White chocolate White chocolate doesn’t contain cocoa solids, but does include cocoa butter. It’s usually quite sweet and milky and is often popular with kids. Cooking chocolate Although you can buy bags and bars of cooking chocolate, it often contains a low proportion of cocoa, and substitutes vegetable oil for cocoa butter, which means the texture and flavour simply won’t match a better quality product.
Bibina stocks a variety of cooking chocolate, from high quality Callebaut to inexpensive lines which still meet Bibina’s high standards.
Dark Chocolate Strong, rich and bitter, dark chocolate lovers often shun other tyres of chocolate: for them the rich taste is where the pleasure of chocolate really comes from. www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 27
GET OUT & GO SOMEWHERE GREAT IN 2019! Some of our best memories are made on holidays, and there’s no better way to create these memories than with some quality time-out on a caravan and camping adventure, whether that adventure is travelling around this amazing country or even just a few hours up the road – in your own back yard so to speak. The Hunter Valley Outdoor Show has everything you need to start creating these precious memories. Whether you want the tent, camper trailer, campervan, caravans or motor home, plus all the accessories, it’s all at the Show at Maitland Showground on
Since 1958
Friday 24, Saturday 25, Sunday 26 May. The Hunter Valley Show is the largest show of its kind in the Hunter Valley, and this year organisers are celebrating 22 years of the annual event. The Hunter Valley Outdoor Show provides visitors with an ideal opportunity to compare products and select the recreational equipment that suits their needs. Free educational entertainment is one of the many highlights of the Outdoor Show. You have “Cookie” from the Australian Travelling Fishing Show demonstrating how to catch those pesky elusive fish with his fish lure demonstrations. Then there is Alan from the Reptile Awareness Display, demonstrating the friendly and not so friendly reptiles that you may encounter on your travels. The kids can get up close and personal with the friendlier ones at the Show. If you’re feeling lucky, why not enter the $9900 4WD prize kindly donated by Active 4x4. Collect your entry ticket on the way in, fill out the details and drop it into the entry box at the Active 4x4 site. The winner will be drawn 4pm Sunday, May 26. With thousands of various products on display, you should find anything and everything you require for your next outdoor adventure. Visit www.ruralscene.com.au for more information, including exhibitor details.
RURAL SCENE PROMOTIONS PRESENTS
THE HUNTER VALLEY’S
NUMBER ONE
OUTDOOR EVENT
• OVER 300 EXHIBITORS • 4WD DEMO TRACK (BY THE GOLD EAGLE 4WD CLUB) • CAMP OVEN COOKING • FISHING SHOW • REPTILE AWARENESS SHOW • FREESTYLE BIKE SHOW (SAT & SUN)
HUNTER VALLEY
24, 25 & 26th May, 2019 Maitland Showground, Maitland
WIN A GREAT
4WD PRIZE Each paying visitor to the Hunter Valley Caravan, Camping, 4WD, Fish & Boat Show will receive an entry form to be placed in the barrel, located at Active 4x4 sites. Judges decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into. Winner does not have to be present. NSW Permit No. LTPS/19/32067. Prize is not transferable or redeemable for cash.
9am - 5pm Friday & Saturday 9am - 4pm Sunday • Adults $15 • Aged Pensioners $11 • Kids Free with Adults 28 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au
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ADAMSTOWN ROSEBUD FOOTBALL CLUB Cordially invites Supporters to the
130TH YEAR OF FOOTBALL
Gala Ball
To be held Saturday 22nd June in the Starlight Room at Wests New Lambton Tickets are $150 per person and can be purchased online at www.proticket.com.au/Events/Details/5059 For all other enquiries please email arfc130ball@gmail.com Dance the night away with fine food, fine wine and friends in football and celebrate 130 Years of Adamstown Rosebud Football Club.
ADAMSTOWN ROSEBUD FC HOME GAMES THIS MONTH NATIONAL PREMIER LEAGUES
SUNDAY 12TH MAY Adamstown Rosebud v Newcastle Jets Youth Main Game Kick Off 2.30PM (U18 10.55am & U20 12.40pm)
SATURDAY 20TH MAY Adamstown Rosebud v Football Mid North Coast U18 Kick Off 4.30pm
BANGA & SMACH As Northstars Take the Ice Newcastle’s Australian Ice Hockey League team, the Newcastle Northstars, have hit the ice with a roar with a season-opening doubleheader late last month and the signing of a new naming rights sponsor – Newcastle Rescue and Consultancy. A nationally-accredited safety training organisation based in the Greater Newcastle area, Newcastle Rescue and Consultancy offer a range of products and services to organisations across Australia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore and Laos. Services include workplace safety training, equipment hire, servicing and maintenance and international business consulting. Newcastle Rescue Northstars’ General Manager, Garry Doré, said he was proud to have the association with Newcastle Rescue and Consultancy, which has been a gold sponsor of the AIHL team for many years. When the team takes to the ice this season, they will be chasing their 7th national championship and preparation for the season included a training camp at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium where players and coaching staff worked on and off the ice to improve fitness, strengthen team bonds and perfect game tactics. It also gave selectors the final opportunity to look at new recruits and some budding young players to fine-tune the final team selection.
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NON-STOP FOOTBALL ACTION! For Season Tickets visit www.adamstownrosebudfc.org.au 30 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au
SATURDAY 4 Live & Local - Live stream from Sydney's Writers Festival Visit Lake Mac Performing Arts Centre to watch a live stream of your favourites. Gold coin entry. Visit library.lakemac.com.au to see the schedule of events (Sat 4 + Sun 5 May). Toronto Uniting Church Market Day Local food stalls, trash & treasure, clothes and more, books and morning tea. 9am–1pm, 118 The Boulevarde Toronto. Hands across the Sand Say no to seismic testing and offshore gasfields. 9.30am, Nobbys Beach. Pelican Foreshore Markets 9am–1pm, Pelican Foreshore. Cardiff Community Festival Markets, rides, food, demos and more at Wilkinson Park, 10.30am–3pm.
Garry says the team has been training strongly under the guidance of John Kennedy, and the tempo is right up there. “We have been utilising our Northstars younger local players during the practices, and we can sure see a lot of potential in a few years with these guys. Things are looking good for our future,” he said. And with the return of fan fave Sammy Banga and signing of Czech defenceman Ondrej Smach (pronounced On-dray Smash), the future looks bright indeed. Northstars fans should be hearing the line “Banga and Smach” plenty of times in 2019! Smach comes to the Northstars after a season in France’s elite league, Ligue Magnus. The 32-year-old played 42 games for Amiens Gothiques in 2018–19 scoring four goals and 11 assists for 15 points. In the playoffs, he picked up three assists in 11 games. Smach has an elite resume including more than 300 games in the Czech national league, considered to be one of the top leagues worldwide, along with representing Czech Republic in IIHF tournaments for the Under 20 team. Smach will be staying for the first half of the season and is still expected to make a big impact in the Australian Ice Hockey League. Like many of the Northstars' visiting players, Smach is looking forward to trying the beach lifestyle in Newcastle and learning how to surf. Another exciting event happening at the Hunter Ice Skating Stadium next month will be the Canada vs the USA series game taking place on Wednesday June 12 at 7pm – tickets for this game and all home games are on sale now – visit the Northstars website at www.northstars.theaihl.com or call the stadium on 4954 4499.
SUNDAY 12 MAY Stop Ovarian Cancer Annual Mothers Day Walk Join to Light the Lake 2.5-5km walk, return from Lion's Park Eleebana, bbq to follow. Meet at 3pm for a 3.30pm start. Tickets $20 can be purchased via www.stickytickets.com.au. For further info call Kaisey Brogan 0412 354 679. All money raised to Hunter women. The Magic of Mother’s Day Treat mum to a slice of history and enjoy special displays of tea sets, photographs and other memorabilia at Miss Poter's House Museum, 434 King St, 1pm– 4pm. Tickets at door – adults $10, conc. $8, family $25, kids <5 free. Enquiries 4927 0202, www.nationaltrust.org.au SUNDAY 26 MAY Book Launch: Mr Walker Author Jess Black and illustrator Sara Acton are launching 2 new books at Wallsend Library, 3pm–4pm. Autumn Fair Market stalls, plant sales and lots of family fun at Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 9am–2pm.
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335 Charlestown Road, Charlestown // 02 4943 0833 66 Donald Street, Hamilton // 02 4969 6500 Grotts Pty Ltd. Licence No: MVRL38672
www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 31
pre-school, which meant she would end up with friends that would lead her into a life of crime and she ends up in prison or living under a bridge? These are not the things prospective parents say out loud to each other because they are scared people will think they have gone off the deep end. They are, however, exactly the sort of things we should say to each other. So that someone who is not on the ledge at the time, can talk you down. I was so fortunate that I had an amazing role model in my mum and of course I fell in love the moment I saw the kid and I wake up every day wondering what I can do to make her smile. Not everyone is that lucky.
ON TOUR WITH THE KID
The Things We Should Say Out Loud WORDS CHLOE O'SULLIVAN - On Tour With the Kid
Some things you know you will be good at. For example, I’m really good at my job. Before I even knew what a publicist was, I knew I loved to write. My best friend had moved away from our home town when she finished high school, and in the days before Skype and social media, the only way to stay in touch was to write letters. Our correspondence back and forth was filled with a certain flair, and there are lines in our letters that we can still quote to each other to this day. I knew that I had a way of getting other people excited about the things that I loved and that I got a certain joy in connecting people. I also loved music. My hippy mum had taken me to folk festivals since the time I was born. As I got older, if mum took her eye off me for even a moment,
she always knew to look for me near the stage. If the Bushwhackers were playing, I would talk them into letting me play the lagerphone and join in singing the Rye Buck Shearer. They say if you are doing what you love, you’ll never work another day. My mother loved what she did for a living and so when it came time for me to decide what to do with my life, it just seemed natural that I would take the things I loved and figure out how to make a living that way. In my 30’s, with my biological clock ticking, I wanted to be a mum. I wasn’t sure however that I would be any good at it. At that time in my life, I thought nothing of spending $300 on a pair of shoes, I worked a lot of hours, and I lost my keys on average about four times a week. In my head, I thought, “You can’t be a woman who forgets where she puts things and be in charge of a person, that’s not ideal.” When I was finally able to get pregnant (sadly there had been a few false starts), I was overjoyed, but it also sent all of my anxiety into full swing. What if I wasn’t good enough at the biggest job I was ever going to do. They tell you that it comes naturally when the baby arrives, but the news was full of people who were less than ideal parents, so that wasn’t true. What if she didn’t like me? What if I picked the wrong
It’s estimated that 15% of new mums develop some form of postnatal depression. Some people have strained or no existent relationships with their own parents or stressful family situations, medical problems or any number of issues that make day to day life harder. The pressure of knowing the fate of the next generation on you is enormous. We are all running a marathon, but we didn’t all have the same starting point. We should be kinder to each other. We are all just trying to make it through the day. Happy Mother’s Day to all those parents who care enough to worry if they are doing it right.
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LIVE YOUR LIST
List kicked off with
SPONTANEOUS DECISION WORDS KIM-CHERIE DAVIDSON - Live Your Bucket List
An introduction to a networking business opportunity through a friend, led this Newcastle Wellness Coach, on a path of travel, self-discovery and freedom. Within three months of joining the health supplement network marketing group, Casey Warwick had booked a ticket to a three-day conference in the United States. “I had never been a spontaneous person but here I was with a ticket to a conference in Fort Worth, Texas, in three weeks and no passport,” Casey said. It was a big step as Casey had never travelled overseas, let alone by herself. “The weekend before I left, I was doubled over in pain from gut-wrenching fear, though when I boarded the plane it disappeared.” Landing in Texas, loneliness engulfed Casey, though she felt safe and advise from home “trust yourself” had her confident it would all work out. At the conference, her favourite parts were a talk by body language expert Allan Pease and a night out at Porky’s learning to line dance. However, it was a five-day stay in San Francisco that ended up being the highlight of her overseas debut. In March 2017, as Casey booked into a hostel – another first: she was greeted by “is that an Aussie I hear?” “The question came from a bloke from Melbourne, and it was just enough of home for me to relax,” she said. During her short stay, Casey packed a lot in with her best-loved times being a Twin Peaks tour, a beer under the Golden
Gate Bridge and a St Paddy’s Day Block Party, where everything was sprayed green. “It was fun to be free to be me. I was with people I didn’t know, doing things I didn’t normally do, I trusted myself to let go and let my guard down.” Casey found this experience had a profound impact on her life. “It changed everything. I had a taste of freedom and wanted to live it all the time.” When she arrived home, Casey started to work on living “a big life”, which included a bucket list. “I realised we could have it all. First, you need to stop limiting your life and step into your fear, and a bucket list can give you this power. What do you want?” Before her US trip, Casey had never experienced different lands and cultures; now she wants to go here, there and everywhere. At the top sits Machu Pichu, Everest Base Camp, Sweden and Germany. She has enjoyed a trip to Bali. Her ‘list’ also includes business goals such as Becoming a keynote speaker in feminine energy, to speak at an international entrepreneurship summit and a 10,000-women movement on feminine energy tips and tricks. She has already started on this path with the Dating Divinity Facebook page, talks and workshops on feminine energy supporting women to understand feminine and masculine energies and their impact on all areas of life. “I want to help women to open up to be themselves, to speak their truth and give back to themselves and in turn to the world.”
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Avoiding Deceased Estate Litigation WORDS ALEXANDER MUNRO - Wills and Estates Law, Unfair Wills Claims and Estate Litigation, Turner Freeman Newcastle
No-one wants their loved ones, friends and family to become embroiled in estate litigation and disputes after their death. Estate litigation can take many forms, but it is almost always costly, time-consuming and impassioned. It is important to arrange your affairs to minimise potential disputes after your death. In general terms, estate litigation falls into four broad categories that test: 1. Does a Will exist, can it be located, is it the original, can it be proved to be the last Will, and has it been revoked (or cancelled) prior to death;
2. Does a Will meet the formal requirements to be called a Will, or not; 3. Is the Will questionable because of the circumstances in which it was prepared or because it is unclear or ambiguous; and/or 4. Does the Will fail to adequately provide for certain categories of persons. The first category is important because, in order for the Supreme Court to validate/probate a Will, it must be satisfied the document provided is, in fact, the last and only testamentary document made by the deceased. Usually, a later testamentary document will revoke a former one, so it is essential that in order to avoid questions about which is your last Will, the original, dated document should be quickly and easily locatable. You can achieve this by entrusting your original Will to your solicitor for safe keeping. The second category of estate litigation involves the operation of sections 6 and 8 of the Succession Act (NSW) 2006. These sections set out that a valid Will must be in writing, signed by the testator or by some other person in the presence of and at the direction of the testator, and be witnessed by at least two independent witnesses over the age of 18 years. There are limited exceptions which may allow the Court to dispense with formal validity requirements. The third category of disputes about Wills is often concerned with what is contained in the document itself and the manner in which the document was created. As a Will usually disposes of all of the assets a person has accumulated in their lifetime, it is important that the person making the Will knows and approves of the contents of the document. In order to make a valid Will the testator (will maker) must be of sound mind, memory and understanding. They must understand the nature and effect of a Will, what
their assets and liabilities are, and who they may have an obligation to provide for. Allegations of fraud, undue influence and suspicious circumstances also arise, particularly when Wills are made at home or without the independent assistance of a qualified solicitor. The fourth category of disputes is increasingly an issue as testators struggle to balance their obligations in blended family situations. If an eligible person is left without adequate provision from an estate, they can make an application to the Court for relief. Eligible persons can include a spouse or former spouse, a de facto, a child (including adopted), a grandchild, a dependent member of the household, or someone living in a close personal relationship with the deceased. In order to avoid estate litigation, it is important to ensure: 5. Your executor knows where your last, original and clearly dated Will is located; 6. Your last Will meets the formal requirements to be considered a valid Will; 7. Your last Will has been prepared with a solicitor to ensure the Will clearly sets out your wishes and unsubstantiated allegations are less likely to be made; and 8. Your last Will has been prepared in consideration of the various categories of persons that could make a claim on your estate. Seeing an experienced and qualified solicitor to assist you to prepare your last Will is the best way to ensure your estate does not become embroiled in unnecessary litigation following your death. Ensure you get the right advice and avoid these risks by contacting Turner Freeman Lawyers. For more information and contact details visit www.turnerfreemanlawyers.com.au
Turner Freeman offers specialist legal advice and representation in the following areas... Asbestos Claims | Conveyancing and Property Law | Wills and Probate Law | Trust and Estate Planning | Will Disputes: Contesting or defending a claim | Purchase and Sale of a Business | All Negligence and Compensation Claims | Employment Claims
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Opportunity
Knocks
How to make your EOFY really count! WORDS RENAE KORSMAN AND DEREK BOUMAN - DFK Crosbie
Do you remember those car ads on TV that made us all familiar with the acronym EOFYS? You pronounce it like this: Ee-ohfees, just in case you were unsure! The EOFY message urging you to buy before the end of the financial year to ensure a bargain stuck like glue. So much so that plenty of people believe spending up on a hot deal of any sort before June 30 is a sensible thing to do, whatever your financial situation. But there’s another way to look at EOFY that offers you a lot more peace of mind.
Peace of mind for you and your business • • •
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“The end of financial year is an Excellent Opportunity For You.” This time of year is an “Excellent Opportunity For You” to make sure you’re in a better position when it comes to your tax and superannuation. Being able to breathe easy about your finances is a winning feeling. Even more so if you have a business to take care of. Where to start As simple as it sounds, you need to start with a conversation. Talk to your accountant or business adviser ASAP to get an idea of your current position. You’ll be able to put in place some strategies to manage and minimise your tax liabilities before that Excellent Opportunity For You deadline. Planning and early interventions, often small, can make a big difference.
Changes to be aware of There are lots of recent legislative changes affecting individuals and businesses. Don’t be fooled into thinking these are just directed at the big end of town. There may be more changes ahead too depending on the outcome of the federal election, particularly in relation to franking credits and negative gearing. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an everyday earner, high-income professional, business owner or building a superannuation fund (you get the idea… almost all of us!) these changes will create potential gains, losses and liabilities. There are too many to list in one article. Your adviser can simplify and help you understand the ones you need to worry about and/or can benefit from. Online payroll system a must for small businesses From July 1 this affects small businesses with 19 or fewer employees. If that’s you, your online payroll reporting to the Australian Tax Office needs to be compliant and ready to go. We’ve been receiving lots of calls and questions from clients because it’s a significant change for many businesses. Your superannuation • Is your super balance less than $500,000? Did you know you can make concessional contributions of up to $25,000 each financial year? You can also carry forward any un-used concessional contributions for up to five years. • Don’t forget that preservation ages are moving. If you are born after 1 July 1960, your preservation age is no longer 55! • If you have an SMSF (Self Managed Super Fund) with a balance of more than a million dollars, you must now report any ‘event’ that changes your transfer balance within 28 days of that financial quarter ending. Note the new acronym too. It’s called TBAR (Transfer Balance Account Reporting). Why it all matters The right strategy for your situation means you’ll ultimately have more to save or spend on what matters to you. Between now and EOFY really is an Excellent Opportunity For You.
Renae Korsman and Derek Bouman are both Partners at leading business advisers and accountants DFK Crosbie, which is proudly based in Newcastle. Renae is a highly regarded taxation strategist and business adviser, while Derek is a self-managed superannuation adviser and Specialist Member of the SMSF Association
www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 35
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Whether moving up or downsizing, they have continually returned to make fresh purchases. These customers know that, even though styles do change, the quality does not. With all those years of experience in this very specialised field, and an excellent memory for products and customers, Morye is able to give the right advice, to suit each customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special situation. Alfresco has a large showroom, displaying a wide range of stock, tastefully displayed. The atmosphere is relaxed and personal. If you are moving, renovating, upsizing or downsizing, or just simply browsing to see the latest trends, please come in and enjoy the innovative ideas on display. Have a chat with Morye. She may be able to find just the right solution to your outdoor furniture needs. A pleasant shopping experience is guaranteed.
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www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 37 (Currently Under Renovations)
Finding a Way to be Comfortable in Your Own Body The words plastic surgery conjures up a range of thoughts and images – perfection, enhancement, implants, finesse. But plastic surgery is not always about having the perfect body. In a lot of cases, it’s about giving a person the gift of changing their whole outlook on life. Erin was in her late teens when she decided enough was enough. Being a larger busted girl with a petite frame was not all it was cracked up to be. “I was a G cup by the time I reached 20 years of age. With my frame, I looked really out of proportion. Not to mention my bust size hindered my self-confidence and was painful,” Erin said. As with all major surgeries, choosing to have plastic surgery can be a big decision. For Erin though, the focus wasn’t just on the end result. “Research is the most important part when making this type of decision,” she said. “Ask as many questions as you can, speak to the office staff, visit public forums and discuss all of your options with friends and family.” Which leads to knowing the difference between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon. If you’ve always thought that they were one and the same, you are not alone. Plastic surgeons are a recognised speciality, requiring a minimum of 14 years of training, study and examinations. While ‘cosmetic
38 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au
surgeon’ is a term that anyone with a basic 5-year medical qualification is able to use as the government has not regulated the use of the term. So, why did Erin choose Hunter Plastic Surgery for her procedure? “Dr Moncrieff made me feel completely confident in the decision that I was making. And because of the way I felt at that consultation, I went out and straight away cancelled the two other appointments I had with other plastic surgeons in the area and booked my surgery, which was two weeks later.” When asked about the recovery from breast reduction surgery Erin was frank about some of the challenges. “For me, it was about two weeks of laying flat on my back, but I know for others it can be longer depending on what they do for work. Luckily, I work in a field where light duties are part of the everyday. I didn’t really experience any pain though, just a bit of discomfort from laying on my back for so long.” Four years on and Erin is still thrilled by her results. “This is definitely the best decision I have ever made, and it has made me so comfortable in my own body!” It’s stories like Erin’s that prompted plastic surgeon, Dr Moncrieff, to enter the world of plastic surgery. “Being able to help someone overcome their insecurities
and to be able to love their self-image is a huge bonus in my line of work,” he said. “I think it is really important for men and women alike to be 100 per cent comfortable in their own body and themselves. It’s not just about having the surgery, but it’s about how you’re treated after having the surgery as well,” added Erin. Hunter Plastic Surgery is this year celebrating their 10th anniversary, with Dr Moncrieff having performed over 20,000 surgical procedures.
arise, people can find themselves having strong emotional reactions – feeling hurt, disrespected or insecure. Responses can be, try to escape, pretend nothing is wrong, become aggressive, or remain calm and able to keep a dialogue going. Being able to stay open to emotions is an important skill.
The Language of Feelings WORDS ANNE WARD – Mindinsight
Dealing with emotions is a large part of life. Emotions can make us feel happy, sad, angry or elated. Emotions can also be confusing. Most of what we learn about emotions comes from our early family experiences. Families have unspoken rules that set the norms for how family members should behave, including how to deal with emotions. Examples are: keep your feelings to yourself; don’t ever disagree; keep the peace; always be nice and people will like you; blame yourself if things aren’t right; anger is bad; the loudest person will get the most attention. We take these rules into relationships outside our family environment, without realising that our rules may be different to others. When differences of opinion or disagreements
Feelings hold valuable information – Emotions are felt in the body as sensations, giving us the experience of feelings. To make sense of what is happening, we need to be able to decode feelings into the language of words. When this happens, our thinking mind can start to work out what is happening. Emotions have a purpose. They carry information that can help to understand and deal with situations and issues that are important to us. Emotions that signal a sense of: Joy – satisfaction, goals reached, reward Pride – achievement Disappointment, sadness – loss Frustration, anger – goals frustrated, injustice, unfairness Fear – sense of danger or threat Emotional awareness – Being emotionally aware helps us to think about a situation from different perspectives. This enables us to consider what is important and generate options, rather than being overwhelmed and stuck. Being able to manage emotions is important in preventing and managing anxiety and depression. Emotional awareness involves: • Being aware of emotions rather than dismissing or minimising them • Feeling the feeling not ignoring it or pushing it away; not getting lost in distressing emotions, not reacting
• Putting words to the emotion, to translate the feeling into a problem that your thinking mind can solve • Responding to the emotion in a useful way that helps ease or solve the problem Emotional awareness at home – When families are emotionally in “sync” with each other, they feel heard and understood. Problems can be worked on with less misunderstanding and conflict. Children lack the vocabulary needed to put feelings into words and need help in managing emotions. Children also act out what they learn from others. If they see others reacting, this becomes their “norm”. Parents have a role in helping children develop good emotional problem-solving skills. Can people develop better emotional awareness? Becoming more skilled with emotions is often a central part of coaching and therapy. The benefits can include: • Being less reactive, leading to more considered responses • Developing perspectives and insight into other people • Having empathy • Becoming more aware of your impact on others • Feeling more connected with yourself and others • Making more informed decisions • Managing stress and being more resilient • Feeling more confident to deal with problems
Anne Ward is an executive coach and principal psychologist at Mindinsight, providing coaching and psychology services to individuals and organisations. Visit www.mindinsight.com.au or phone 4942 7660 for more information.
Bringing Curly Hair Back Curly hair can be a blessing or a curse. How many times have you left a salon and tied your hair up to contain the mass of frizz created by a general lack of knowledge about curls? Not at Sirocco Hair, where business is booming with 5 star reviews on curly hair forums and their Facebook page. No wonder they have curly locks travelling from up to 2–3 hrs away to be tamed.
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Having curly hair herself, Leanne has been through the struggle of terrible haircuts and playing the waiting game for those crimes against curls to grow out. Taking the good with the bad, Leanne had an ambition to change the game, to embrace the beautiful blessing that is the curl. With 20 years in the industry Leanne has seen it all, from curly spiral perms to flat irons and she now has the experience and knowledge in recommending new styles and products to suit all types of curly hair and trains her staff to do the same.
Sirocco Hair is that shining example of a salon that has a deep understanding of its brand and its clientele. Using only selected products in their Eco Salon with DAVINES being the main star. Davines has been using renewable electric energy from natural sources – such as sun, wind, water and soil – to supply its plants and offices since 2006 and Davines entire product line is completely paraban free, sulfate free, gluten free and vegan, since January 2015. They are also one of the most sustainable hair products out there, measuring their emissions and balancing them 100% by planting fruit bearing trees all over the world!
The Sirocco Curl Queen will provide you and your twirly locks with the perfect cut and styling advice to embrace, love and feel
For more information on any of their services visit www.sirocco-hairdesign.com.au or call 4962 3070. Find them at 10 Wood Street, Newcastle West 2302.
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The Hidden Benefits of Regular Exercise WORDS PAUL GODDEN – Membership Consultant, Planet Fitness Belmont
5/149 Ambleside Circuit, Lakelands PH 4954 5044 www.themayahclinic.com.au
40 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au
As a Membership Consultant with over three years of experience at Planet Fitness, I admire every person who walks through the door of the gym. Why? Because each person has made a commitment to themselves and has honoured that commitment by turning up. No excuses. In my time, I’ve seen some amazing transformations in some members and not a lot in others. But it’s never been about the amazing transformations; it’s all about the hidden benefits that regular gym attendance brings with it for anybody and everybody. Numerous research studies have shown that exercise does your body good almost instantly. The moment you jump on a treadmill, launch into your Spinn Class or start your Body Pump session, the benefits of exercise kick in. Your heart rate increases and blood is delivered to your muscles. You start burning calories for fuel. And you get an almost immediate mood boost. From the minute you start to work out, your lungs are getting stronger. And thanks to a flood of endorphins, which trigger the classic runner's high, you feel psyched and energised. Every sweat session you do elevates your level of immunoglobulins, which are proteins that help bolster your immune system and ward off infection. Mood-enhancing chemicals, like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, flood your brain for a couple of hours post-exercise and for up to a day if you've competed in an endurance event, like a marathon. After exercising, you're blasting calories, even at rest. For every 100 calories, you burn during your workout; you can
expect to burn 15 calories afterwards. BUT, be warned, once you’ve burned through your energy stores, your blood sugar levels are dropping. So exercise needs to be balanced with healthy eating (most of the time) plus adequate rest periods. And don't forget to drink plenty of water with your snack. Intense or long workouts can leave you dehydrated. Post benefits of exercising are that within one day you're adding lean muscle. If you did a strength-training routine, your muscles are now starting to rebuild themselves and repair the microscopic tears that come with lifting weights. Ladies, a little side note here, preliminary research shows that women respond to and recover from resistance training faster than men. So don’t be shy, start using the weights areas at the Planet Fitness gyms. Other little known benefits are that your heart is healthier. One sweat session lowers your blood pressure for up to 16 hours. Also, you're super alert and focused post-exercise. That's because a good workout increases the flow of blood and oxygen to your brain. Within one week of regular exercise, your risk of diabetes goes down. The more you work out, the greater your sensitivity to insulin. That, in turn, lowers your blood sugar levels, reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes. To increase your endurance and aerobic fitness, incorporate some interval training during your workouts. Doing something like four to seven 30-second sprints followed by four-minute periods of recovery has been shown to double your endurance within two weeks. Plus, you burn more belly fat by doing intervals rather than keeping a steady pace, other research shows. And cutting down by just 500 calories a day through exercise and diet will help you drop up to half a kilo a week. After four weeks of regular workouts, your body is ditching flab and gaining muscle. If you want to trim your tummy, researchers advise that you do fewer crunches and more planks. To do effective planks, rest your forearms on the floor and extend your legs straight behind you, balancing on your toes. Keeping your abs engaged and back flat, hold for 30 seconds; do ten reps three or four times a week. Planet Fitness offers a 7 Day Free Trial to local residents. So don’t be shy, invest in yourself today.
When it comes to exercise and weight loss, there are plenty of ways to track your progress. There's the scale, which is probably the easiest and most accessible, but there's a big problem.. the scale can lie to you about your progress. How many times have you stepped on the scales expecting to see dramatic results, only to be disheartened by the number that appears? Well, you’re not alone. That’s why experts along with everyday Novocastrians are moving away from the old school method of measurement. The scale measures everything—every sip of water, every bite of food, your bones, muscles, organs, fat. There's no way to distinguish between what you're gaining or losing. Marc Hingston, Personal Trainer at Genesis Cooks Hill, says that kilograms are only a small component of your overall wellness. “If your goal is to lose weight (lose fat mass), increase muscle (lean mass) or both, then it is extremely important to accurately track changes in your muscle and fat tissue.”
TRUE BODY MEASUREMENT SCAN
Hunter Imaging Group are a local and trusted radiology provider that can help you track your progress by measuring your body’s muscle mass, fat mass, and bone mineral density. Dr Demetrius Voutnis CEO and Specialist Physician at Hunter Imaging Group recommends a body composition scan as the latest technology for monitoring weight loss in a healthy way. “Measuring body composition allows you to see how your body changes over time even if your weight stays the same. This information is also useful for people who are happy with their weight but would like to achieve a more toned physique. Body composition is expressed as a percentage of body fat and lean muscle mass.”
KEEP TRACK OF THE
REAL RESULTS
So what does it involve?
TBM is a short scan performed on a DEXA scanner (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry). It is a highly accurate measure of Body Mass Index (BMI).
What will my TBM scan tell me? The report generated from your TBM scan will tell you the following; • Where your BMI sits within the normal ranges defined by the World Health Organisation. • Body Mass Index (BMI) and Total Body Fat percentage. • Fat distribution throughout the body including legs, trunk, android (stomach) and gynoid (waist/hips).
Is your training or nutrition REALLY WORKING for you?
Where can I have my TBM Scan?
Hunter Imaging Group Provides this service at several branch locations including Adamstown, Gateshead, Maitland, Tuggerah.
Available Locations
How can I make an appointment?
Adamstown | Gateshead Maitland | Tuggerah
NO doctor or medical referral is necessary, making an appointment is easy. Simply contact our friendly consultants on the following:
TBM Scans
$70
Non-Medica
re
TBM Hotline: 4925 5492 TBM Email: tbm@sonichealthcare.com.au For more information please visit www.hunterimaging.com.au/tbm A copy of your results can be provided to any of your medical health care providers.
CAMERON
hypnotics Clinical Hypnotherapy
Are you ready to make lasting and positive changes? Q: Why Clinical Hypnotherapy? A: Because it works.
Is Courage the Key to Resilience? WORDS BRETT CAMERON - Cameron Hypnotics
“Courage is knowing what to fear” ~ Plato. When I talk to other health care workers, they all report an increase in clients experiencing symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. It is common for those clients also to list a lack of confidence and self esteem, feeling overwhelmed, and some will talk about how they just can’t perform “the way they used to”. It is as though they are lacking the resilience to cope and to prosper. It could be argued that society is becoming more stressed as the pace of change is forever increasing. Technology is developing faster than most of us can absorb. If you are in business, or for that matter any profession, you are expected to wear many hats at any given time of the day. A businessperson is a manager of people, a financial juggler, a salesperson, a marketer, a counsellor, and a producer, while at the same time is wearing the many hats of being a parent and a partner while hoping to find some time for self. A teacher is planning and prepping for lessons for students as a class and individually. They are also increasingly managing the emotional, physical and sometimes financial welfare of students. They have increased administrative accountabilities and also try to squeeze some time in for family and self. School and Tertiary students are not immune to these added stresses as they work on the jigsaw of life, finding puzzle pieces for study, exams, friends, family, work, sport, leisure and self. Workers from mining and industry tell me of the increases in workload both physical and mental. Primary producers can throw climate change into the mix of juggling balls as mentioned above. It doesn’t matter what field of industry or society a person is participating in; there are some people whose resilience, adaptability and survival mechanism sees them through the toughest of battles, whereas others struggle under the same pressures. I offer five tips to start the resilience building process: 1. What in your life do you do well? When do you feel most comfortable? That is your foundation point. Find a memory where you surprised yourself with an achievement. Keep an image in your mind of you “at your resilient best”. Replicate that behaviour and mindset. Step into that image and be you. 42 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au
2. Make a note of circumstances that bring out the fear in you. Do you have a “limiting belief” about that situation? Tell yourself that there is no failure; just an opportunity to learn and grow. Repeat a new positive mantra “I can do this, I can do this, I can do this”. 3. Have a positive and effective plan. This has to be a plan that is true to you. What are your values? What are your goals? What is your vision? Make sure that you are standing in your truth. 4. Have the courage to share your story with a trusted loved one or colleague. You are not the only one who has experienced this. Find a mentor who will not judge you, but will listen and encourage. 5. Modelling: Have a look at people who have succeeded in your field. What character traits do they display? How do they speak? How do they stand? How do they dress? How do they behave? You don’t have to become that person. However, you will find that they present physically as a confident, courageous person. History is littered with tales and stories of courage and resilience. I often tell my clients stories and metaphors while they are in trance. Children love the story of David and Goliath. David had the courage to confront Goliath when armies before him had failed. In 14th century Switzerland, a tyrant named Gessler forced a defiant yet courageous William Tell to fire an arrow into an apple that was perched on Tell’s son’s head. In a more contemporary time, one can only wonder at the courage of Curtis McGrath, an Australian soldier who lost his legs when he stood on a land mine in Afghanistan. While still conscious he told his mates that “you’ll see me at the Paralympics”. Four years later he won Gold in the Men’s KL2 Canoeing at the Rio De Janeiro games. David R. Hawkins says “Courage implies the willingness to try new things and deal with the changes and challenges of life. These people find the capacity to face fears or character defects and to grow in spite of them.” Are you ready to fortify your resilience? Brett at Cameron Hypnotics has created a 3 Session Resilience Hypnotherapy program for $450. You might also want to check the range of self-hypnosis MP3s on Spotify and iTunes by searching Cameron Hypnotics. For more information visit www.cameronhypnotics.com.au
• Are you ready to give up smoking ... permanently? • Is Weight Control an issue for you? • Are old habits holding you back? • Stressed/anxious/lacking in confidence? • Is a good night’s sleep something you used to have? • Are old traumas or phobias still playing in your mind? • Are you achieving your life and career goals? • Or do you just want a reboot?
Professional Clinical Hypnotherapy is Now at THE JUNCTION CALL BRETT NOW on 0403 335751 It might be the best call you’ve ever made.
Create Your Future NOW! xiety Put An ast ep into th !
NOW
ns 3 Sessio 0 5 4 $ r fo
CameronHypnotics For a full range of self-hypnosis MP3s go to iTunes and Spotify, search Cameron Hypnotics and let your journey begin.
www.cameronhypnotics.com.au
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