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

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WWW.INTOUCHMAGAZINE.COM.AU

ISSUE #55 // MAY 2020

The

#STAYat HOME ISSUE

LOCAL COUNCILS Supporting Communities TIMES LIKE THESE LOCALS SUPPORTING LOCALS

ADAPTIVE LEARNING To Help our Region Recover LAKE MAC INVESTS IN CREATIVITY

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

YOUR FUTURE IS OUR PRIORITY

For more than 100 years, we have been providing accessible education and learning for our community... and it is no different today.

We are here to help you connect with the right course, add to your skill base, gain a qualification or learn something just for fun.

Call 4925 4200 or visit atwea.edu.au

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From the

EDITORS...

Each month, right before pressing the ‘print’ button, we sit down to write these Editors Notes – a letter to our lovely readers that’s usually filled with all the fabulous local events that will be going on around the Hunter throughout the month. This month of course, we know that very little is going on in terms of live entertainment that doesn’t come straight out of a screen.

We’ve all had to make changes to the way we work, the way we live and our plans for the immediate future – if you’re not a fan of change then this will have been a very big challenge indeed. For us, having so many businesses close their doors and social restrictions put in place, meant having to put the printed issues of intouch Magazine on hold until businesses re-open once again. However the response from our readers and from those businesses that have been able to continue trading was such that we have decided to publish a digital-only version instead published directly to your inbox, on your phone, tablet or desktop and created by our fabulous team from their homes!

Of course, we’ve published a digital version of the magazine every month for the past five years – so many of our readers are already comfortable with this format. But to those of you print-diehards – welcome! We hope you enjoy reading intouch Magazine online and all the extra benefits you can only get from a digital version – like linking to more information or video content. And don’t worry – we’ll be back in print very soon.

It is only possible to publish intouch Magazine with the support of our advertisers. It is their advertising revenue that allows us to keep publishing (whether in print or digitally), to keep our fabulously talented team of staff and freelancers on the job and share the stories, the news and events that are then delivered to our readers and connect us all as a local community.

So throughout this time, we ask you to support our advertisers in any way that you can right now. We are privileged to be part of this wonderful community that we love and have you as our readers and to have the quality of advertisers that we have.

Now more than ever is the time to support each other and our local businesses.

In our #StayAtHome issue, you’ll find loads of great stories and interviews about locals! You’ll get to know your intouch team a little better, find out what it means to be local in our new column ‘What Makes it Local’, learn about everything our local councils are doing to support the local community at this time, discover the mission behind local charities and get to know more about local legend – Brian Lizotte.

This month we’re also encouraging you to ‘get intouch’ (while following all the rules of social distancing of course!) So, send us an email – tell us what you want to read about, post some shots to our Capturing Covid Collage online, love us on social media and subscribe to be kept intouch more often. Stay safe!

Publisher & Editors Two Tribes Media 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 (02) 4943 0888 © Copyright 2020 Two Tribes Media. Published monthly by Two Tribes Media. All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or quote excerpt granted by written request only. While every attempt has been made, Two Tribes Media cannot guarantee the legality, completeness or accuracy of the information presented and accepts no warranty or responsibility for such.

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Contents

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ISSUE #55 MAY 2020 4

Horoscope

5

NFP Spotlight – Reach Homeless Services

6

What Makes it Local? Letter to the Editor

7

Business as Usual at The Newcastle Fishermen's Co-Op!

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Lake Mac Invests in Creativity During Time of Crisis

9

Times Like These – Locals Helping Locals

11

Book Club – Book Vs Screen Adaption

12

Local Councils Supporting Communities

16

Defining Beliefs That Set Macquarie College Apart

17

Virtually All the Fun of the Market!

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Brian Lizotte Cooking up a Storm At Home and on the Stage

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MAC Exhibition to Reconnect Local Artists with their Community

22

Let's Talk About Grief

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Adaptive Learning To Help our Region Recover

25

The Legal Report

26

Collaborating for Sustainable Outcomes

27

Hunter Children Won't Miss out on Healthy Harold!

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All Ablaze at Jetmaster Newcastle

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Who is Tailored HQ?

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Freezing Time

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Special Offers from Local Restaurants and Cafés

“This too will pass” has been the catchphrase in our homes over the past several weeks. But until then, we’re all enjoying snuggling up on the couch with our loved ones and spending some quality time together. From our couches to yours #StayAtHome and stay safe.

GET MOBILE!

CONTRIBUTORS

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

Michelle Meehan Jess Codrington Di von Essen Quentin von Essen Tanya Obreza Claire Bradshaw Chloe O'Sullivan AJM Photography Kim-Cherie Davidson

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

Alex Huszti Melinda Murray Lara O'Donnell Michelle Payne Kristen Goldsworthy Mia Kyrikos

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 3

ambitions also feature. Some may harbour a quiet dread of an even heavier workload, but there’s plenty of financial gain on offer. Variety, too. So if anyone stands a chance of succeeding in what others find a difficult month, it’s you.

Just work your magic.

Sagittarius 22 November – December 21 Your health needs attention, Sagittarius. Make every effort to regard your body as a temple rather than a road-stop.

This means fewer take-away meals and more exercise.

Quarrelsome co-workers or family suffer your wrath after the 14th. You’ve lost patience for petulance and limping promises. If you’re single and hoping to meet someone new, stop hiding behind closed doors. Go out and sparkle like the star you are.

Capricorn 22 December – January 19 This month has a special mission: to show how capable you are. Playing the devil’s advocate isn’t your usual role, but May’s assertive edge will benefit you more than your typical composed approach. While it’s often sensible to sort things out before taking action, there aren’t many reasons for caution right now. Even if there were, you’re fuelled with too much enthusiasm to be held back. Give the world your best shot.

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

STAR OF THE MONTH

Taurus 21 April – 20 May Here’s a year that encourages cooperation, as well as delegation and sharing. Although Saturn may throw the occasional spanner in the works, Uranus maintains the balance by offering invaluable support. Fortunately, money’s not too much of a problem, so you can afford to play as hard as you work. Settle debts, see to unfinished projects and send out clear signals that you’re back in control. While clearing your financial burdens, also try to discard any remnants of self-doubt. For some, too, this is a unique year for love and relationships. A good thing, and long overdue!

Gemini 21 May – 21 June Strict Saturn has kept you under tight rein for some time. Stuck in a holding pattern, some Geminis have felt trapped or controlled. Others have been confronted with sober realities. Saturn, however, always has a plan.

This drill sergeant taught you better ways to deal with adversity – and you’ve emerged a mental, emotional and spiritual hero. Armed with your own new set of rules, you’re transforming into an unbeatable force.

Cancer 22 June – 22 July While caring Cancerians are often homebodies, this month you break out of your shell as Mars muscles in on your sector of adventure. Book a holiday with best friends or plan a romantic trip with your partner. For some, 4 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

an inheritance or financial bonus helps clear old debts.

Another possibility: the sale or purchase of property.

Romance also wins a generous time slot, with enough allure to conjure up sensational love.

Leo 23 July – 22 August The Sun and Mercury put pressure on career matters. If you’re occasionally overwhelmed by the enormity of your workload, don’t be. Once you’ve stepped into the breach, fate has little choice but to move forward with you. One warning: until the 14th, curb your spending – a difficult ask, perhaps. Still, not everything in May gives cause for concern. Love and friendship look delightful, particularly after the 21st.

Virgo 23 August – 22 September Jupiter continues to give you the go-ahead for practically anything. Money pressures are off, so there’s more cash to play with. You’ll be drawn to adventure and relationships that develop a crazy rhythm and spontaneity. Stability may be compromised, but with delightful results. Love tangles aside, there’s new openness with friends and family too.

It’s a welcome turning point.

Libra 23 September – 22 October As anyone who’s been forced onto a stage will tell you, it can be overwhelming. This month you might find yourself in the spotlight but doing fine. Surges of brilliance could even earn you an encore or two. Finances, though, become a source of concern. Those “must-have” urges may test even the strongest of wills. Sentimental romantic ties lead to a temptation to revisit old ground. If already coupled, take care.

Scorpio 23 October – 21 November Early May is keen to drop most Scorpios into the sexual playpen. You might think you’re in for just a quick fling, but there’s more here than meets the eye. Professional

Aquarius 20 January – 18 February May begins with an adrenaline surge. Passions run strong as an opinionated cosmos provokes power struggles or stress. It’s essential, though, that you find a way to express what’s bothering you. Nothing positive comes from suppressing hidden feelings. After the 14th, Mars offers an abundance of new opportunities – prompting intriguing invitations both at work and at home. Some singles strike it lucky in love.

Pisces 19 February – 20 March May is about love and maintaining important relationships.

Feisty Mars moves into your own sign on the 14th, and Jupiter sends sparks through your friendship sector.

Romance, too. If you’re single, this is the time to get out there and make the first move. You’ll be attracting attention for all the right reasons. Couples should clear time for carnal delights. Why can’t every month be like this?

Aries March 21 – April 20 Parents, colleagues and siblings feature prominently in your chart this month – and it’s high time! For whatever reason, you haven’t paid enough attention to the people who can help you the most, but your future may depend upon your making peace with the past. Listen to their points of view, with respect. In the meantime, why not try a style make-over? New clothes, hair and makeup – discover a “new” you!

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.

Not-for-Profit SPOTLIGHT

REACH

Homeless Services FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DRIVEN DOWN BEAUMONT STREET ON A FRIDAY NIGHT, SEEN THE BBQ SET UP IN JAMES STREET PLAZA AND WONDERED WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT – WONDER NO MORE! IT IS THE EXCELLENT WORK OF THIS MONTH’S SPOTLIGHT CHARITY – REACH HOMELESS SERVICES.

CREDIT Jorg Lehmann

THEIR MISSION REACH Newcastle provides a safe/regular place in a prominent location in the CBD that makes contact with a wide range of people in the community. These people could be affected by homelessness, drugs and alcohol, mental

health issues, or just lonely.

REACH provides a free BBQ, water, clothing, blankets, hygiene bags, weekend survival packs and referrals to other health and welfare organisations.

REACH Newcastle’s activities indirectly benefit the broader community by helping reduce incidents of alcohol abuse and antisocial behaviour and by helping alleviate the burden on the public welfare system by rehabilitating homeless individuals and empowering them to become independent and proactive members of the Newcastle community.

HISTORY OF REACH

How can WE help as a Community?

REACH Newcastle has been steadily expanding its community presence and volunteer team since it launched in 2014. Every Friday night, the REACH team of volunteers set up a BBQ in Beaumont Street Hamilton (James Street Plaza). Not only do those in need get a hot BBQ sandwich, but REACH also provides weekend emergency food hampers along with a selection of male and female hygiene products. During the cooler months, REACH assists with blankets, sleeping bags, warm clothing, hats and gloves.

Of recent times REACH have partnered with other community organisations and individuals to provide hairdressing, community nursing and vouchers (Connecting the Hunter) that can be redeemed at local businesses.

COVID-19 has meant that REACH could not deliver their 'normal' Friday night services (social distancing issues). As a result, they have teamed up with Suspension Expresso cafe in Beaumont Street Islington to do what they can to continue to assist those impacted by this pandemic as well as their regular clients.

The team at Suspension have been outstanding in the provision of their support. REACH is a local NFP who are not affiliated with any other organisation or religious group, the board of directors are just local citizens who have a desire to make a difference to the lives of those in need. REACH is funded by donations and grants and would really appreciate local assistance with either donation of specific nonperishable food items or donations via their website at www.reachhomeless.com.au. You can also find a list of items that are currently in short supply at the moment and urgently needed on the website, or perhaps you would like to volunteer your time. Reach has DGR status and any donations are tax-deductible.

For more information Visit www.reachhomeless.com.au or email Gary Parsisson at gary.parsisson@reachhomeless.com.au

Our Team WHAT ARE YOU BINGEWATCHING AT THE MOMENT? "Unorthodox (Netflix). It’s the first Netflix series to be primarily in Yiddish and is loosely based on Deborah Feldman's 2012 autobiography Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots. It’s a real eye-opener into the lives of what it’s like to be in a community full of ‘rules’ that are both antiquated and smothering. I also have to add a plug for Ozark (Netflix) - I binged the whole three seasons over a couple of weeks - edge of your seat drama and can’t wait for S4 (although it did cause me a few sleepless nights!)"

- DI VON ESSEN, PUBLISHER/MANAGING EDITOR "Prison Break (Netflix). The new season is out – and it's very addictive! I have also started Ozark."

- OLIVIA RODGERS, ADVERTISING & ONLINE COORDINATOR

"The Catcher Was A Spy (Netflix). It's about a major league baseball player, drafted as a spy to help stop Heisenberg (a theoretical physicist) from making an atom bomb for the Nazis. Also The Elephant Queen (Apple TV). Filmed over several years, this epic documentary follows a herd of elephants across the Kenyan savanna. Stunning scenery!

- QUENTIN VON ESSEN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF "The Bold Type (Stan). A witty show about 3 girls working at a magazine, navigating their personal and professional lives. It's all about strong supportive women, amazing mentors, politics, relatable struggles and empowerment."

- JESS CODRINGTON, SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

"Killing Eve S3 (ABC iView). It's one of the most compelling shows around, and this new season is off to a wild start. My only complaint is that I have to watch it one episode per week rather than binging the whole thing!"

- CLAIRE BRADSHAW, FEATURES WRITER "Just started Outer Banks (Netflix) which is about a teenage treasure hunt, but before that, Self-Made (Netflix). It’s a truly gritty tale based on the real-life story of Madam CJ Walker – America's first black, self-made female millionaire. I also finished The Letter to the King (Netflix) - what can I say it doesn’t hurt to have a little medieval fantasy in your life, especially when it has a couple of modern twists!”

- KIM-CHERIE DAVIDSON, CONTENT WRITER "Shrill (SBS on Demand). Best description is a more relatable version of Girls, it's well written and funny. Also On Becoming God in Central Florida (also SBS) starring Kirsten Dunst. It begins with her husband leaving her in debt because of a dodgy multi-level marketing company and hilarity ensues."

- MEL MURRAY, CONTENT WRITER

" I am currently re-watching the whole Grey's Anatomy series (Stan). I would also like to jump on the bandwagon of Normal People (once I finish the book) also on Stan. It is meant to be amazing!"

- MIA KYRIKOS, CONTENT WRITER

"Westworld (Foxtel). So many twists and turns, so intriguing! (I'll also second Ozark!)"

- MICHELLE MEEHAN, FEATURES WRITER www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 5

THE PURSER CLAN Meg, Noleen, Bob, Jennifer, Michael and Scott (Mills) WORKING TOGETHER FOR LOCAL BENEFIT Got Your Back Sista

Local What makes it

INTOUCH MAGAZINE ASKED MEG PURSER TO SHARE HER THOUGHTS ON WHAT IT MEANS TO BE LOCAL. MEG IS THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF LOCAL FIRM PURSER CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS. LOCATED IN THE HEART OF NEWCASTLE, PURSERS ASSISTS THE BUSINESSES AND PEOPLE THEY BELIEVE ADD VALUE TO OUR COMMUNITY WITH ALL OF THEIR PUBLIC RELATIONS NEEDS. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We welcome letters to the editor – if you have a community minded opinion and would like to share, please email getintouch@intouchmagazine.com.au.

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For a long time, I have joked that there is a magnet at Nobbys that attracts Novocastrians back whether we like it or not.

Truth be told – I believe it. Many of us have left only to find ourselves back in our home town.

I purposely use the term Novocastrian for anyone who lives within the greater Hunter region. As I write these words, I also know that there will be many people in local government areas that will be screaming through their screens at me. But let’s face it, Newcastle is, what most of us happily refer to as, the capital hub of this incredibly beautiful and rich region that we call our home.

I was born in a hospital that used to be situated overlooking Newcastle Beach, as was my mum and my brother. My dad, he was a ‘lakey’ and was born at Belmont Hospital. But here’s the thing, today technically the Pursers are all ‘lakies’ – living with our families in beautiful suburbs of Lake Macquarie but proudly call ourselves Novocastrians.

Like most of my generation, after school and uni, I 6 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

found myself looking for jobs further afield. I landed in Wagga Wagga working at a university that, in just a few years, gave me a lifetime of experiences both personally and professionally. One of the more light-hearted of those was meeting one of my dearest friends who immediately labelled me a ‘Novocastration’ – a person who was removed from Newcastle. I remind him often that he clearly didn’t understand the magnetic pull of our region on locals!

At the time, I had no real expectations of returning to Newcastle, and I nearly didn’t after being slightly tempted by the halls of Parliament in Canberra. But, the Nobbys magnet sucked me back unexpectantly into a job at the only coal loader in the Port at the time. It was in this role that I think I really came face to face with a key historical local element - most local people either worked in or have coal or BHP in their family heritage.

Little did I know at the time, this region was on the cusp of another big chapter in its history with the announcement that BHP would close its doors just a few years post 1989 earthquake recovery. I had also reached a point in my career, where things really started to gel and make sense. So, it was this period when I began to formulate my view on what I consider a powerful aspect of our local community – the power of working together.

I was fortunate to work for a number of years as a PR

person in a homegrown large advertising agency where I experienced firsthand amazing local creative and business talent.

A few years later, Dad and I decided to join forces. Our family had, until that moment in 2000, agreed that a family business was not for us and that it was important for Meg not to be a ‘mini-Bob’. Bob Purser is an award-winning communication expert who has strategically guided some of this region’s biggest and best through good times and bad.

There are many people that I credit for giving me the tools that have helped me in my career and my life, but my Dad gave me the lions share together with the ever sensible and loving support of my mum Noleen.

It turns out that family business was okay for us, as it has been for many other locals. In Newcastle, the family business has spawned some of our region’s most successful and innovative businesses. The interesting part of this notion is that as our region broke out of the steel city mould, we created a place that supports local business ingenuity. Some might call it the concept of a family or village, but we can also call it local. It has created opportunities for entrepreneurs and business innovators that continue to evolve our region and help it compete.

There is no doubt that we are currently living in strange days. As a person who has helped manage all kinds of issues, this one tops the lot. In every crisis, we move through shock, fear, panic, realisation, management, hopefulness and eventually recovery. These are all natural and normal and I make the point that history tells us that our locals are pretty resilient and good at navigating crisis and change. But, change is just change, and we should not lose sight of what is really important for our community (and not just ourselves).

This place has enabled me to carve a career that is based upon my understanding of local. It has introduced me to businesses and organisations of all kinds which, in turn, continues to provide me with absolutely fabulous opportunities (and as a PR person I could not let that popular culture reference to be missed) to meet and work with so many people.

This place has also provided Scott and I with so many opportunities, true friendships and loads of fun things to be involved with and support.

This place allows us to connect with so many versions of local every day (even in iso).

I adore my community and the people, who willingly and within the magnetic pull of Nobbys, work together to do great things. That is what makes it local.

Newcastle Art Space Receives Australia Council for the Arts Grant!

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Newcastle Art Space (NAS) has received a substantial grant from the Australia Council to upgrade and revolutionise how the gallery and exhibitions run. The COVID 19 virus forced the early closure of the gallery and existing exhibition, and led to the cancellation of other exhibitions planned for April and May. In response to the need to exhibit and NAS’ commitment to all artists of Newcastle and Hunter origin, they developed and initiated our dual exhibition policy, recognising that local Artists continue to need an audience and their plan for major events still needed to happen.

NAS Gallery is celebrating its 20th year in 2020 and has been a significant space for the development of artists, curators and gallery managers. The Australia Council for the Arts: 2020 Resilience Fund – Adapt means they will soon be able to take the gallery to the world via a new website.

“Our commitment to exhibit our annual art prizes and host the DOMA sponsored Newcastle Emerging Artist Prize, the Newcastle Club Foundation International Art Prize and the Hunt Hospitality sponsored Shoot Your Local Photographic Prize, can now continue with confidence, knowing we can bring these exhibitions and events to life on the internet, regardless of COVID 19 restrictions,” said NAS Business Manager Leah Fawthrop.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this opportunity for all Newcastle Art Space Gallery Exhibitions to continue to be curated and hung, and now exhibited online. Our Studio Artists will have artworks available in our online shop and also will have the ability to develop online workshops, tutorials and personalised masterclasses.”

For more information visit www.newcastleartspace.org.au

Business as Usual at The

Newcastle Fishermen's Co-Op AUSTRALIANS LOVE THEIR WILD-CAUGHT SEAFOOD AND THE NSW COAST, ALL 2137 KILOMETRES OF IT, REVEALS AN EMBARRASSMENT OF SEAFOOD RICHES.

The lure of surf and sand and the crunch of salty hair is as much about the Australian coastal lifestyle as is the promise of eating great seafood – whether it be cold, poached, pan-fried, deep-fried, barbecued or smoked. There really is no other food that speaks so clearly of place than seafood, especially if you can hear, see or smell the salty air of its former habitat.

The Commercial Fishermen’s Co-Operative, located on Hannell Street in Wickham, is considered to be the best place to get the freshest seafood in Newcastle. Straight from the sea, to the boat, to you – the only way you could get fresher seafood is if you caught it yourself (and have you ever tried to catch a prawn?).

Like many other local businesses, service has slowed at the Commercial Fishermen's Co-Op due to Covid19 and the resulting social-distancing measures, but surprisingly it seems to have had little effect on the overall demand for fresh seafood which is almost on par with previous years.

Co-Op manager Robert Guata said that “trade has been much the same as previous years despite the impacts of the coronavirus which has affected so many other businesses in the area”.

“It seems people who have been unable to go to restaurants, pubs or clubs to enjoy a meal are opting to buy fresh seafood to cook and enjoy at their homes”.

"We certainly were not expecting such positive trade results, but it has been pretty consistent – albeit we have had to limit the number of people in the store and implement a number of safety measures for the benefit of all,” he said.

The Commercial Fishermen’s Co-Operative supplies local caught fresh seafood daily through their retail outlets at Wickham, Swansea, and Tacoma. They also sell wholesale at their receiving depots including Wickham, Nelson Bay, Tea Gardens, Swansea and Tacoma.

Choose from their selection of fresh Atlantic Salmon, barramundi, blue eye travella, tuna, snapper, flathead, kingfish, ling, ocean trout, ocean jacket and orange roughy – fillets or whole. Balmain bugs, blue swimmer crabs, squid, eastern rock lobsters, shrimp, mussels, scallops, clams and oysters… With such a wide selection, there is seemingly no end to this piscatorial paradise!

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

SWANSEA - 69 Lakeside Drive, Ph 4971 4762 • OPEN Tues - Fri 8.30am to 4pm + Sat 8.30am to 1pm

Car Parking now timed for your convenience.

WICKHAM - 97 Hannell Street, Ph 4965 4229 • OPEN Mon - Fri 8.30am to 5pm, Sat 8.30am to 3pm, Sun 10am to 2pm • www.fishcoop.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 7

CLOSE CREATIVE GRANTS Artist Jacqui Garcia of Leiluca Ceramics

The Growing Popularity of Newcastle City Farmers Markets

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Regardless of the weather, there’s one Sunday activity that’s always there for us in Newcastle – Newcastle City Farmers Markets! Admittedly more comfortable on a sunny Sunday, a trip to Newcastle Showgrounds on any given Sunday is still a great way to spend a few hours strolling through stalls filled with fresh, quality and well-priced produce.

Today, Newcastle City Farmers Markets is a staple event of any foodie's weekend. Not only will you find the best local produce all in one place, but it’s the most sustainable way to support your local producers and get straight to the source with a unique opportunity to interact directly with farmers, producers and artisans.

Where else but at ‘The Farmers’ can you buy groceries direct from the farmer – from the person who grew, nurtured and made the product. At the weekly farmers market, you not only get to meet the maker and the farmer, but you can also ask about how and where it’s grown or made, how best to store or use it. It’s an experience that cannot easily be replicated anywhere else.

As more people become aware of the societal and environmental benefits of buying food closer to its source, farmers' markets are also providing an essential

8 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

link between rural and urban communities and promoting sustainable food choices.

Many consumers are turning to farmers' markets to find a greater range of fresh food including organic, free-range and heirloom produce.

But it's not just fresh fruit and veggies on offer. Not only can you stock up the pantry with locally sourced fresh produce, but you can also indulge in a delicious market lunch from one of the many food trucks. Taste wines from boutique wineries, gourmet sauces, jams and chutneys, freshly baked organic bread, handmade pasta, organic eggs and fruit and of course fresh meats and seafood.

Also available are artisan stalls selling the Hunter's best range of quality goods, from clothing made from vintage material, jewellery makers, hand-made wooden toys and painters.

“There is something for everyone and a great deal of fun and a good way to keep in touch with the local community while picking up a great deal at the same time,” said Kevin Eade, founder of Newcastle City Farmers Markets.

“Customers are drawn to our farmers’ markets for four main reasons, and that is to support local producers, better quality food and products, better prices, and a great social atmosphere.”

Extra precautions are now in place to ensure the safety of stallholders, patrons and staff and include no tastings enhanced cleaning and hand sanitiser will be supplied throughout the market with markets on 17, 24 and 31 May and also every Sunday in June.

For more information about the markets, visit www.newcastlecityfarmersmarket.com.au.

See you on Sunday!

Lake Mac Invests in CREATIVITY During Time of Crisis

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Lake Macquarie artists have been given the opportunity to receive grants of up to $2,500 in a Council program aimed at supporting the City’s creative community during COVID-19.

Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said the grants, worth a total of $11,500, recognised the importance of strengthening the City’s cultural and creative industries.

“COVID-19 has caused uncertainty and posed challenges for many of our local artists,” Ms Hemsley said.

“This funding program aims to provide support and inspire their creativity.”

“It’s an opportunity for innovation and

for people to think about the contribution the arts make to society, whatever else is happening in the world.”

Applicants can apply for the second round of grants within five categories: Research and Development, Creative Presentation, Emerging Musician and Creative Professional Development.

Council awarded $13,500 last week in first-round grants to 10 local applicants.

Among last week’s grant recipients was local creative Alexandra Mangano, who will use the funding to help develop SILLY-YAK, a children’s book that lends a voice to young people with coeliac disease.

For Ms Mangano, the grant is a helping hand in realising her creative vision.

"It is such an amazing opportunity to get support from Lake Macquarie City Council to grow my creative project,” she said.

Help with applications is available by contacting culturalprojects@lakemac.nsw. gov.au, or by calling 02 4921 0333.

To submit your application, go to www.lakemac.smartygrants.com.

Applications for the second round of grants close at 5pm Monday 25 May.

Times Like These

Locals Helping Locals During Covid-19 Over the past three months our world has completely changed due to COVID-19, as we begin to normalise the idea of social distancing and self-isolation. Even during this global crisis, local businesses around the Hunter have gone above and beyond to help our community. So, intouch Magazine would like to shine a spotlight on the amazing community spirit of the Hunter and sharing a few good things that is happening in our local scene.

LET’S CHECK IN

HELPING HANDS

Hunter Distillery is known for making our favourite gins and vodkas, but they have responded to the extraordinary demand for hand sanitizer by creating their very own range that is available online and in store. If you are needing to stock up – shop and support local!

If you’re enjoying a daily happy hour during isolation, be sure to check out Hunter Distillery’s Quarantini recipe below – time to get mixing!

To help the community help each other, Lake Macquarie City Council have produced some ‘Meet the Street’ Care Cards, that allow you to easily check-in on your neighbour. If you're worried about your elderly neighbour or someone who lives near you, why not drop a note in their mailbox? Click here to find out more: www.lakemac.com.au/COVID-19/ Community-support

QUARANTINI MOCHA ▪ 15ml Hunter Distillery Chocolate Vodka ▪ 15ml Valli Coffee Vodka ▪ 30ml espresso ▪ 1 cinnamon stick ▪ A dash of black pepper ▪ 2 tsp cayenne powder ▪ 2 tsp chilli powder ▪ 2 tbsp cocoa powder Combine espresso, black pepper, cayenne powder and chilli powder in the bottom of a coffee mug. Add Hunter Distillery Chocolate Vodka, Valli Coffee Vodka and cocoa powder, stir with the cinnamon stick. Add hot water or milk/cream as preferred. Drink and enjoy.

TIME FOR SELF CARE

The City of Newcastle has developed a free wellbeing toolkit designed to help people navigate financial, psychological and public health concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pack includes tips for boosting your immune system, like getting enough sleep and eating well; improving your mental health through mindfulness exercises; looking after your social wellbeing by staying connected with friends and family and more.

DO YOUR PART

The Covid-19 pandemic has greatly increased the need for the Soul Café’s Newcastle services. To assist them during this time, Collective Heart are organising and coordinating the Sleepout for Soul at Home fundraising event for Soul Café on Friday 29th May 2020. This will allow the Soul Café team to continue their focus and efforts on helping the disadvantaged in our local community. For more information and to register visit: www.collectiveheart.com.au/sleepout-for-soul

LIVE HOME SESSIONS

Looking forward to the end of the week? Have you heard about LIVE at The Levee Home Sessions on Friday nights? As the physical program is currently unable to occur, LIVE at The Levee Home Sessions have been developed to ensure the community can stay connected and to support local businesses in new ways. Watch live every Friday via facebook.com.au/theleveemaitland

OUR #HUNTER HEROES + ACTS OF KINDNESS Newy Burger Co – Kindness Boxes It started with soup and bread – but in true Newcastle style the community got behind Newy Burger Co. to create the Kindness Box. Newy Burger Co’s Kindness Boxes initiative allows the most vulnerable in our community to have the essentials, during this challenging time. With additional support from local businesses the Kindness Box now offers a family meals for a week, essentials, vouchers and many other goodies. We all need a little kindness in this madness!

Wildflower Espresso – 650 Coffees given to Healthcare Workers Amazing customers started requesting if they could shout a coffee for healthcare workers – so, Wildflower Espresso created a campaign. Within just a few hours they had sold around 80 coffees, and now they have shouted over 650 coffees for healthcare workers over the last few weeks!

Novocastrian Manufacturer Supplying Life Saving Ventilators Newcastle local business Ampcontrol has produced lifesaving emergency ventilators – their engineers designing and delivering the first functional emergency ventilator prototype to the John Hunter Hospital Simulation Unit for testing by specialist clinicians in just 18 days. Production of 10 pilot ventilators will now commence with further clinical assessment and testing by NSW Health, with the aim of enabling 600 ventilators to be rapidly built in the Hunter region if the need arises.

Free Parking for our Frontline Workers City of Newcastle will provide free residential parking permits to key health care workers and emergency services personnel to help them respond faster to emergencies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Essential Services Temporary Parking Permit will allow doctors, nurses, pharmacists and paramedics who live in commercial zones (city centre, Hamilton and Darby St) to park close to home for free and for an unlimited time. For more information visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au Sapphire Indian Restaurant During this crisis, Sapphire Indian Restaurant have been delivering complimentary meals to all frontline workers in the emergency department at John Hunter Hospital.

Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows Help Caves Coastal support those in need! For every meal purchased, Caves Coastal will in return be offering a pre-packaged meal to someone in need during this tough time. If you, or someone you know is struggling, get in touch with them now at: www.facebook.com/CavesCoastal Dougheads Doughheads The Junction have been delivery their amazing sweet treats to our frontline workers at the Calvary Mater and John Hunter Hospital over the past month. www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 9

Committed to where we work and live That’s why in 2019 alone we invested

Into

EDUCATION ENVIRONMENT HEALTH

+ MORE

See how else we’re contributing to a smart, sustainable and vibrant Newcastle at sustainability.pwcs.com.au

(02) 4907 2280

10 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

(24-hr Community Enquiries Line)

R+R

BOOK CLUB

BOOK VS Screen Adaptation PICKS BY DI VON ESSEN With all of us in #StayAtHome mode, is there a better time to pick up a book or watch a movie? Why not up the ante by reading the book and watching the movie based on the very same book (or vice versa)! This month we look at our pick of books that have been adapted for the silverscreen featuring the journeys of three very different, but equally strong women. Should we be adding more to the list? Let us know your personal faves or tell us what your book club is reading this month – email us at getintouch@intouchmagazines.com.au. Enjoy!

CRAZY RICH ASIANS - Written

by Kevin Kwan The Book – Kevin Kwans outrageously funny debut novel is about three uber-rich, highlypedigreed Singaporean-Chinese families and the scheming, gossip and backbiting that occurs when the heir to one of the most massive fortunes in Asia brings home his ABC (American-born Chinese) girlfriend to the wedding of the season. A perfect depiction of the clash between old money and new money. (Source: Goodreads).

GONE GIRL - Written by Gillian Flynn

all. But your spouse never sees those warts really until you get deeper into The Book – After its meteoric rise to the marriage and let yourself unwind the New York Times Best Seller list, a bit."

Gone Girl author Gillian Flynn was The Movie – Directed by David heralded as one of the most critically Fincher and produced by a small acclaimed suspense writers of our team (that includes the likes of Reece time. This ingeniously plotted thriller Witherspoon), the movie stars Ben depicts a marriage that has gone Affleck and Rosamund Pike. It was horribly wrong in a way that literally nominated for a small bag of Golden prevents the reader from putting it Globe, BAFTAs and Academy Awards down. Flynn has said that, in writing the book, she wanted to examine how – particularly noteworthy is Pikes portrayal of Amy. Watch the movie people within a marriage lie to each before you read the book as it hinges other: "marriage is sort of like a long on twists and turns that leave you con because you put on display your clinging to the edge of your seat (but very best self during courtship, yet at probably not if you’ve already read the same time the person you marry the book!) is supposed to love you warts and

WHERE'D YOU GO BERNADETTE? - Written by Maria Semple The Book – Bernadette Fox is notorious. To Elgie Branch, a Microsoft wunderkind, she's his hilarious, volatile, talented, troubled wife. To fellow mothers at the school gate, and her neighbour, she's a menace.

To design experts, she's a revolutionary architect. And to 15-year-old Bee, she is a best friend and, quite simply, mum. Then Bernadette disappears. And Bee must take a trip to the end of the earth to find her. It’s is a compulsively readable,

The Movie – Adapted for the big screen just five years post-release of the book, the movie earned several Golden Globe nominations and high praise from the critics which, of course, led to greater curiosity about the book itself. The film stars Constance Wu as Rachel Chu, Henry Golding as Nick Young and showstealer Awkwafina as Rachels vivacious BFF Goh Peik Lin. It was the first major Hollywood studio film to feature an all-Asian cast in a quarter-century (since The Joy Luck Club in 1993) and has been hailed as a significant step forward for representation.

irresistibly written, deeply touching novel about misplaced genius and a mother and daughter's place in the world.

The Movie – Boasts a stellar line-up including Cate Blanchett, Billy Crudup, Kristen Wiig, Judy Greer, and Laurence Fishburne. Of all the books this month, Blanchett's portrayal of genius turned recluse Bernadette Fox in the movie adaptation brings to life a character that must have perfectly mirrored the author's vision. She is, simply put – brilliant. On the whole, the movie’s ratings were not the greatest – but I can think of worse ways to spend a rainy afternoon – and frankly – I loved it!

• Newcastle City Farmers Market • VISITORS PLEASE NOTE:

Griffiths Road entry please *Please check our websites for details and market locations

www.nswfarmersmarket.com.au www.newcastlecityfarmersmarket.com.au E finefoodmarket@bigpond.com M 0427 586 079 NSW Farmers Market Pty Ltd, P.O Box 152 MORPETH, NSW 2321

Sorry!

NO DOGS

Each Sunday at Broadmeadow Showground 7am-1pm*

• Please wash hands and sanitise when possible • Practising social distancing of 1.5m as much as possible • Limit conversations with stallholders and patrons • Reusable cups will not be accepted at coffee outlets • If you feel unwell, please stay home!

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 11

Lord Mayor with OzHarvest Newcastle’s Peter Tom and Kellie Walker (community grants)

CITY TASKFORCE Inaugural meeting on 17 April

LOCAL COUNCILS Supporting Communities

ACTIVE COVID-19 CASES IN THE HUNTER NEW ENGLAND HEALTH REGION HAVE DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY, THANKS TO SUCCESSFUL LOCKDOWN MEASURES. BUT YOU’D BE HARD-PRESSED TO FIND A SINGLE PERSON WHO ISN’T STILL AFFECTED BY THE PANDEMIC, WHETHER THROUGH LOST WORK, CHANGES TO BUSINESS OPERATIONS, OR THE CHALLENGES OF LIFE IN LOCKDOWN.

WORDS CLAIRE BRADSHAW

A

At times like these, we look to our leaders to provide strong guidance and support – and on a local level, that means city councils. Here, we’ll take a look at how councils in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock and Port Stephens have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and introduced measures to support their communities through a time of crisis.

The City of Newcastle’s COVID-19 response has been robust and fast-moving. Since March, the specially formed COVID-19 Emergency Response Team has been working 12 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

with government partners and local stakeholders to mitigate the effects of the virus on Novocastrians. A comprehensive Community and Economic Resilience Package was announced towards the end of March, putting forth an initial $5.5 million for financial and social support. The package incorporates: • COUNCIL SUPPORT ($1,500,000) – Flexibility on Council fees and policies for businesses and individuals; includes waiving of library fees, returning booking fees and maintaining current parking rates.

• RENT RELIEF FOR CITY OF NEWCASTLE TENANTS ($732,000) – A 50% discount on rent for two quarters for small businesses operating out of Council-owned buildings.

• COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAM ($700,000) – Financial and in-kind support for local not-for-profits, nongovernment organisations, community groups and organisations delivering essential services and solutions to COVID-19 challenges.

• PROCUREMENT AND PURCHASING SUPPORT ($535,000) – Increasing local weighting assessment wherever possible, and fast-tracking invoice payments for existing contracts with local suppliers.

• CITY TASKFORCE AND INDUSTRY RESPONSES

•

•

•

•

•

($500,000) – A task force incorporating business, industry and government representatives from key sectors to coordinate the recovery phase and provide support to targeted industries.

LOCAL ONLINE TRAINING PROGRAMS ($500,000) – Professional development training and accreditation opportunities for local small business owners and staff.

FINANCIAL HARDSHIP SUPPORT ($468,000) – Enabling residents to undertake payment plans for rates and waiving interest penalties until end of June 2021.

LEAN IN NEWY ($150,000) – A soon-to-be-launched social action and economic incentive app, pairing volunteers with local organisations in need of assistance and rewarding participants with points redeemable at local establishments.

NEWCASTLE LIBRARIES E-LIBRARY EXPANSION ($100,000) – Expanded access to e-books, online newspapers and magazines, e-audio, movie and music streaming, and more e-Library services.

NEWCASTLE LIBRARIES ONLINE LEARNING ($60,000) – Expanded subscription to Studiosity, a one-on-one tutoring initiative for students, as well as thousands of online training programs available through LinkedIn’s online learning platform, Lynda.

Novocastrians are already seeing the benefits of the support package. In April, eight charitable organisations received shares in the first $150,000 of Rapid Response Funding community grants, with payments rolled out promptly to initiatives providing meals, care packages, online counselling, education equipment for disadvantaged youth, and more.

A further $550,000 will soon be doled out to the recipients of the Boost Our City Community Sector Grants; after a strong response, applications closed in early May, and funding will be delivered to more organisations whose services support community health and wellbeing.

Longer-term support is in the works, too. The City Taskforce held the first of its virtual meetings in April, and will convene fortnightly until the end of the year to facilitate future recovery phases; its first initiative will be an Expression of Interest program to provide support to targeted local industries. The City of Newcastle’s initial Resilience Package will also be followed by a “Road to Recovery” program.

Expected to be announced in June and implemented from July, the program will focus on infrastructure, advocacy, sustainability programs, events and tourism.

“We are embracing community thinking,” Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says of the council’s response to the pandemic. “The City of Newcastle is a community that cares and looks after each other.”

Over in Lake Macquarie, it’s a robust communityfocused effort as well. A Community and Business Support Package has been developed to alleviate pandemic pressure and includes two rent relief measures – a scaled commercial rent relief program for eligible businesses, and a 50% rent waiver for eligible residential tenants. The package also includes the waiving of Council lease fees until the end of September for community organisations, and updates to the Council’s Financial Hardship Assistance Policy to assist residents, businesses and landlords struggling to pay rates.

Lake Macquarie’s creative community has also been included in financial support initiatives. In April, $13,500 was awarded to 10 local artists in the first round of a new creative grants program, which aims to support creative projects and initiatives by Lake Mac artists by providing grants of up to $2,500. The second round of applications is open until 25th May, with funds to be delivered to successful applicants in July.

LAKE MAC

MAITLAND The Levee

LAKE MAC Looking back to Warners Bay

These are challenging times… But I am certain we will prevail. And we will continue to serve the community that we love and respect.

- Lake Macquarie Mayor, Kay Fraser As the final part of its Community and Business Support Package, Lake Macquarie Council is also in discussions with local charities and non-profits about the possibility of redeploying Council staff members whose roles have been affected by COVID-19. If the initiative goes ahead, it will involve Council staff working part-time with local organisations in need of assistance with their day-to-day operations.

Like Newcastle, many of Lake Macquarie’s cultural services have moved online, with digital catalogues and programming from Lake Mac Libraries and the Museum of Art and Culture keeping residents entertained and engaged during the lockdown. Also in the digital sphere, Council has launched a #LakeMacLocal Facebook group and business directory to bring local businesses and residents together. Businesses offering services throughout the pandemic are encouraged to register for listing in the directory, and can directly promote their services and connect with other local businesses in the Facebook group.

“These are challenging times… But I am certain we will prevail,” sums up Lake Macquarie Mayor, Kay Fraser. “And we will continue to serve the community that we love and respect.”

Maitland City Council has stepped up to support its community as well, with $944,000 worth of response actions to date and a further $1–1.5 million to be considered. The Council’s Hardship Policy has been updated for those affected by COVID-19, suspending debt collection and interest charges on outstanding rates; offering deferment for rate payments and the option to undertake payment plans; and waiving lease payments for Council lease and licence holders.

Local businesses and organisations are a strong focus, with the Vibrant City Sponsorship Program to offer $20,000 of in-kind and financial sponsorship. There’s been a big push for online promotion of local businesses, with $10,000 dedicated to ‘A Taste of Maitland’ – an initiative to encourage support of local food and beverage outlets; $5,000 for social media promotion of businesses in The Levee, increasing awareness of operating statuses and online shopping options; and $30,000 dedicated to fast-tracking actions from the draft Destination Management Plan to boost Maitland’s visitor economy once travel restrictions are eased. Council has also upped its communication with businesses during the pandemic period, distributing online newsletters and blog posts with the latest COVID-19 updates. www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 13

CESSNOCK LIBRARY DELIVERY Rose-Marie Walters and Sally Butler

To lift spirits during these tough times, the recently launched Port Stephens Kindness Project is aiming to “start a kindness epidemic”, inviting the local community to share images, videos and stories of residents staying connected and supporting others.

PORT STEPHENS LIBRARIES

(Continued) Maitland is also focused on fostering an ongoing sense of community throughout these challenging times. Initiatives like Quick Response Creative Streets funding take things to a community level, offering a total of $60,000 worth of grants to support projects that create experiences where people feel connected. Residents can enjoy at-home entertainment as the Live @The Levee program moves online to deliver Home Sessions from local musicians on the third Friday of each month, and a wealth of resources await users in Maitland Library’s online collections.

“We want to ensure that our community members and businesses get through this difficult time and to the other side,” says Maitland Mayor, Loretta Baker. “We are all in this together, and I am confident that our COVID-19 response and recovery efforts will provide relief to our community.”

Around the corner from Maitland, Cessnock has recently begun a new “Support Local” campaign to encourage community support for businesses throughout the pandemic.

Cessnock City Council has partnered with local business chambers and associations to deliver the campaign, which aims to harness the power of social media to raise awareness of the importance of shopping and hiring local, both now and into the future.

While this has been a difficult time for many Cessnock businesses and residents, it’s given rise to innovation in some community services, including Cessnock City Libraries.

In addition to the library’s 24/7 online branch, library teams have partnered with the Northern Coalfields Community Care Association to offer a Library at Home delivery service to members. They have also been hosting storytime and local history chats on the library Facebook page.

On a financial level, Cessnock residents experiencing hardship due to COVID-19 are able to seek interest-free extensions on their rates instalments until the end of August.

Council itself is also seeking financial support from the Federal and NSW Governments; as Cessnock City Mayor Bob Pynsent says, “This will enable us not only to maintain the 14 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

essential services we provide our community but also to give Council more capacity to provide hardship assistance to our local businesses and residents.”

Port Stephens Council is also seeking federal financial assistance to aid its support of the local community through the pandemic. This assistance would enable Council to expand its current efforts, which include increased accessibility of hardship support for residents, as well as implementation of the Port Stephens Tourism and Business Support Fund – an allocation of $500,000 from the Holiday Parks and Property Reserves to support the Port Stephens economy.

On a practical front, the Port Stephens Small Business Support Program is connecting local businesses with government support, advice and services through a dedicated helpline. With a simple call or email, business owners and staff can chat with a Council representative who’ll help them get the expert advice they need. Council is also working on further measures to keep residents connected and supported, including a volunteer ‘helping hand’ program as well as a Community Service Sector Network, which will meet throughout the crisis to understand community needs and collaborate on grant opportunities and projects.

On an individual level, members of Port Stephens Library and Leisure Centres can access digital materials for engagement and enrichment throughout lockdown, including library e-collections, children’s storytime sessions and online workout videos. And to lift spirits during these tough times, the recently launched Port Stephens Kindness Project is aiming to “start a kindness epidemic”, inviting the local community to share images, videos and stories of residents staying connected and supporting others.

“We’re doing everything possible to provide support and deliver services needed to protect community health and keep our communities running during these difficult times,” says Port Stephens Mayor, Ryan Palmer.

PORT STEPHENS BUSINESS SUPPORT

WHILE EVERY LGA IS TACKLING COVID-19 A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY, THEY ALL HAVE ONE THING IN COMMON: THE AIM OF HELPING THEIR COMMUNITIES THROUGH THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS. SO IF YOU’RE STRUGGLING, DON’T BE AFRAID TO REACH OUT – THERE’S BOUND TO BE SUPPORT ON OFFER FROM YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL THAT CAN HELP YOU THROUGH. ■

Stay Close to Home at Junction Fair

Stay Safe, Stay Local

1.5m

Sanitise

Tap to Pay

Junction Fair is your shopping centre offering a range of boredom busters for kids, delicious local ingredients and kitchenware for the home cooks amongst us.

Keeping in Touch

Be Comfortable Made in-store with nourishing essential oils, Savant Apothecary’s hand sanitiser is the best of the bunch when it comes to not drying your hands out.

With Aloe Vera Gel, this botanic sanitiser will keep your hands soft while keeping safe from germs.

Keeping warm and feeling comfortable is easy when you shop the Autumn and Winter range at Privvy. Pair comfy knits, coats and denim together for stylish looks in and out of the house.

Slow down and take a minute to connect. It’s easy to send a quick text message but there is nothing more thoughtful than putting pen to paper and writing a letter to someone special.

Honest Paper has a great range of writing paper in store, so make the most of this time to connect using beautiful stationery.

Treat yourself, friends and family with artisan handmade chocolates and desserts from Cocoa Nib and enjoy a little moment of heaven.

Working from home or having a lot of screen time? Sanbah Surf has trendy style glasses with magnifying lenses, ready to go before your next Netflix show starts!

Comfort Food From active starters to bread-making equipment, The Essential Ingredient has all the baking essentials you knead to begin your own sourdough adventure. Shop close to home at The Essential Ingredient and get bread-y to make that perfect loaf.

Doughheads are open for takeaway doughys and coffee. Beware, just one doughy is never enough, especially with all the specialty flavours available.

Pick up a box with a bag of locally sourced coffee and make afternoon tea special.

Keeping Kids Busy For the little explorer, scientist, astronaut and inventor, Too Cool for School Kids has a selection of boredom busting books and 3D model kits. Together with Frida Khalo books and dolls, there are so many ways to keep the kids busy.

We are open and here to support you. Be at home, with Junction Fair.

Kindness is key! Be kind to your feet and style them up with some Easy Living Footwear.

Style meets comfort with their new Autumn / Winter range.

2 0 4 U n i o n St , T h e J u n c t i o n N S W

MACQUARIE COLLEGE Principal - Rohan Deanshaw

RECONNECT

AT MAC

Calling WOULD YOU LIKE TO FEATURE IN THE EXHIBITION, Lake RECONNECTED? Macquarie Reconnected is a recovery story, artists and at the Museum of Art and Culture. makers!

SUBMISSION DEADLINE TUESDAY 2 JUNE Submit your application lakemac.smartygrants.com.au/MACreconnected

16 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Defining the Beliefs That Set Macquarie College Apart MACQUARIE COLLEGE, PART OF THE WORLD-WIDE SYSTEM OF ADVENTIST SCHOOLS, IS A NON-SELECTIVE, FAITH-BASED SCHOOL WHERE WE BELIEVE THAT GREAT LEARNING IS MADE POSSIBLE WHEN STUDENTS, THEIR FAMILIES AND STAFF FEEL SAFE AND HAPPY.

T

This precondition for learning and school community life underpins all aspects of the Macquarie College program, where a strong tradition of academic excellence is supported through comprehensive pastoral care, wellbeing, sporting and extracurricular programs which have been intentionally planned to meet the diverse and changing needs of today’s learners.

Macquarie College is committed to providing each of our Preschool to Year 12 students with age-appropriate skills and dispositions to equip them for the workplaces and communities of the future.

From that perspective, Macquarie College is committed to providing a learning community which actively demonstrates the following eight elements: Flexibility – A learning community and programs which enable students to

develop agile thinking and adaptability in finding solutions to complex challenges.

This skill equips our students to more readily adapt to the changing contexts of workplaces and community life.

Community – A learning community which is formed around healthy, relationship-based networks which encourages ongoing partnerships between students, families, staff, businesses, community organisations, tertiary institutions and the broader global community. This skill equips our students to see their healthy participation in the community as being central to both their personal and professional lives.

Success for all – A learning community which understands that not all people are the same and, as a consequence, not all students will learn and/or achieve success via the same pathways. By encouraging the development of an active growth-mindset, this equips our students to measure their success more broadly than merely the attainment of a test score or selection in a team.

High-quality adults – A learning community where the intentional inclusion of wise, caring and highly-skilled adults ►

is used to enhance student learning and self-development.

Staff are supported to both maintain and grow their professional skill set while, at the same time, external partners included in the learning program are carefully curated to ensure their relevance to authentic future-focused learning. This element of the College’s programs equips our students with a sense of valuing the attainment of diverse and authentic skills as lifelong learners.

Co-constructed learning – A learning community which values student ownership of the learning experience and actively engages students in planning for their individualised post-school success. skillset Student empowerment – A learning community where students are supported to take increasing ownership and responsibility for their education and lives. Through initiatives such as the Invictus program, the College’s active student leadership programs, extra-curricular and various student-led learning activities, students are equipped to contribute to the operation and direction of the College.

Development of self – A learning community where a supportive framework of Biblical, faith-based learning, encourages each student to explore values and their place in, and interactions within, communities. By actively pursuing the development of self, students are equipped to know how they learn, how to become a critical questioner, how to assess and take appropriate risks and to develop the deep skill of empathy.

Core skill development – A learning community where confident written, spoken and digital communication skills, alongside established numeracy and scientific understanding, equips students to make informed choices in life and to be active contributors to their community.

Finally, Macquarie College places a high value on the contribution that strong home-college partnerships can make to the successful social, emotional, spiritual and academic well being of each student. As such, parent/carer’s active involvement as families in the life of Macquarie College is both sought and appreciated.

Recognised as a leading Independent school in the Hunter region and, while proud of the excellent achievements of both students and the College staff, Macquarie College is committed to being a learning community which leads its region into a future of relevance, opportunity and growth. Empowered through real-world, authentic learning, Macquarie College students are being equipped as the global citizens of the future. ■

Virtually All the Fun of the Market!

C

WORDS JUSTINE GAUDRY - THE OLIVE TREE MARKET

COVID-19 had an immediate drastic impact on the creative community of The Olive Tree Market, as well as the Australian creative community as a whole. The majority of the 150 regular small creative businesses who participate at Olive Tree rely on markets for the large part of their income.

With all large events with customer visitation numbers of over 500 people, we too were required to cease operating due to public safety concerns. So not only did our stallholder community lose their ability to trade, and the income they relied on from The Olive Tree Market, they also had all their other events cancelledboth locally and nationally.

As the curator and event organisers behind The Olive Tree Market, it was imperative to me that I found new ways of continuing to support the creative community during a period that presented so many uncertainties.

In the first few weeks, everyone was adjusting to the health and financial implications of COVID-19, so it was important to be sensitive to this. During this adjustment phase, I surveyed both our stallholder and customer communities, to see if there was the desire to trial and support an online Olive Tree Market platform during COVID-19.

The initial aim was to quickly create a virtual ‘portal’ to showcase our artists and designers, which would allow our customer and visitor communities to continue supporting local, and Australian made, creative small businesses, by shopping online from the safety of their own homes. It was important to me that 100% of any income generated through the online market would go directly to the artists, rather than creating a site where The Olive Tree Market charged a commission from sales.

The weeks leading up to the event were very hectic, clarifying which businesses wanted to take part, many stallholders were unable to do so due to not having their own online stores we could link to. In contrast, others were unsure whether an online platform would work

given the timing of launching this type of new initiative.

By mid-April it was decided that an initial collective of 60 businesses would participate in the trial Virtual/ Online Olive Tree Market, to be held on May 2nd- the date our May market would normally have been held.

Building knowledge and anticipation about the event in the local Newcastle community was vitally important. Since Olive Tree began trading in 2008, our local community has wholeheartedly embraced and supported the market, and have been pivotal to the event's success and longevity. Olive Tree also has a considerable customer community that travels from Regional NSW, Sydney and beyond, to attend the market, so it was also important to reach this audience.

All aspects of creating this new initiative had to happen quickly, including creating online marketing, media and publicity campaigns. Reaching our social media followers was really important, as was reaching out to ask for support from well known local websites, and the traditional press, to help communicate that the virtual market would be launched. And of course, collaborating with the fantastic participating stallholders, to build awareness and excitement about the virtual market through their individual and joint online follower communities, was vitally important.

I also developed a new partnership with D’Alton Baker Productions- run by Angela D’Alton and Renée Baker. They are both powerhouses of the Australian maker community and have worked at Etsy and Finders Keepers. The partnership entailed a social media take over of the Virtual market, and LIVE online interviews with several makers, on the Olive Tree social media platforms (these interviews can still be viewed on IGTV, on Instagram and our Facebook page).

The event was a fantastic experience and the support, both from our Newcastle community, and beyond was amazing. The interest, connection, and engagement with our artists and designers, and the support of local and creative small businesses at this time meant the world. In essence, I believe what the whole COVID-19 experience has shown, is how our community is taking care of each other And better still – our website analytics from the virtual market showed a lot of customers came from around Australia, as well as overseas, so that was exciting! So now we’re running a global-local Olive Tree Market! Visit www.theolivetreemarket.com.au to find out more or check out our social media pages. www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 17

Brian & Jo Lizotte

Cooking up a Storm

AT HOME & ON THE STAGE WORDS MICHELLE MEEHAN

B

Brian Lizotte’s life has always been filled with good food and great music.

For almost two decades, Brian has been the name and face behind Live @Lizotte’s, a dinner show concept that began in a restaurant at the Ettalong Beach War Memorial Club.

He expanded his offering north to Newcastle in 2009, creating an intimate, atmospheric and genuinely unique fusion of delicious food and outstanding musical acts at the former King’s Theatre in Lambton.

18 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

But long before he became known by Novocastrians as a purveyor of “fine food with a musical mood,” Brian had already forged an impressive career as one of the most highly regarded caterers in the Australian music industry, dishing up delicacies to some of the biggest local and international acts.

His passion for food and music began during his childhood, fostered by his father Hank, a saxophonist, and his mother Theresa, a fantastic home cook.

“I always loved cooking. My mother was a fabulous home cook, and later on in life, as I became a teenager, we had some amazing Burmese friends that taught my mum how to cook. All of a sudden we were eating Burmese food and Malaysian, and so we were always tempted by great cuisine,” Brian said.

“I was always into food as a young boy, and music obviously because dad was a musician and we all learned to play. All of my brothers and sisters kept us busy for all my life with food and music, so it kind of was no surprise in the end (what I choose as my career), it was either healthcare, music or food, they were three things that my family was into.”

The music clearly won out for his younger brother Mark, who went on to become a household name with his rock band Johnny Diesel & the Injectors, before building a hugely successful, and ongoing, solo career under the shortened moniker, Diesel.

But while food became the vehicle through which Brian forged his own career, it was also heavily rooted in both music and family.

After completing a diploma in hotel and catering management, Brian travelled overseas to the US (where he was originally born, and his older sister lived) and then throughout Europe, tending bars and working as a waiter.

He eventually met up with his younger brother in London while Mark was on tour supporting Jimmy Barnes (his future brother-in-law).

It was an encounter that would flavour the course of Brian’s career for the next decade.

Brian began chatting with Mark’s girlfriend at the time, Jep, who was also the sister of Barnes’ wife Jane, and discovered that she had been doing some catering at a recording studio in Sydney.

Then there’s my memories of Michael Hutchence and all of the INXS boys every night, looking after those guys. My wife used to be a masseuse and back in the days when Michael was seeing Kylie Minogue, they'd sit in the studio, and before dinner, Jo would massage them both, and then I’d be in the kitchen cooking and we’d feed them later.

“I was like, ‘Wow, that sounds good. You know, I’ve got nothing when I get back to Australia, mind if I come and we hook up?’ and we ended up doing some catering at the studio,” he said.

“Then all of a sudden we got on so well we ended up forging this business, and we started catering for recording studios. From there it just flourished into record companies and then concerts.”

Founded in 1989, More Than a Morsel Catering went on to become one of the largest catering groups in the Australian music industry, working with recording studios and entertainment centres, and co-ordinating food for international tours.

Brian says it was an amazing time in his life, allowing him to go behind the scenes as some of Australia’s most iconic songs and albums were being created.

“It all started in a recording studio, and some of our first clients were the biggest names in rock'n'roll being INXS, Midnight Oil, and some of the biggest albums of the 90's with Ian Moss's Matchbook album and Two Fires from Jimmy Barnes and Wendy Matthews Emigre album and all of them went to number one,” he said.

“Midnight Oil's Blue Sky Mining, I did for three-and-a-half months and INXS’ Kick album… there was a lot of amazing music in those days.

“Just being invited into the studio and to be able to listen to some of those tracks before anybody else ever heard them, was amazing. A lot of Australian history was made in the studios with some of those bands that we used to cater for.”

Being in the studio, as well as out on the road catering a tour, gave Brian and his team access to some of the biggest acts from Australia and across the world at that time. The Lizotte’s website includes a long and impressive list of the “famous stomachs” Brian has fed throughout his career, with the musical heavyweights including everyone from ‘Ol Blue Eyes’ himself, Frank Sinatra, who used to bring his own chicken and rice soup, to the soul and blues dynamo Tina Turner, who has a penchant for lemon myrtle tea.

While he was surrounded by stars, Brian said he was never starstruck, instead enjoying the process of getting

to know the musicians he was feeding and their individual tastes.

“I’ve got some great memories with Billy Joel, and the tour that we did with Billy and Elton. My daughter has been working with Elton John for about nine years now as a production assistant, so I've got very proud Dad memories now of when I used to cater for him and his tours and now my daughter is working with him. It’s been a bit of a huge buzz,” he said.

“And Billy used to come into the kitchen every night, and stir the pot and ask what was cooking… he’d often be seen at the stove, stirring a pot. That was one of my best memories.

“Then there’s my memories of Michael Hutchence and all of the INXS boys every night, looking after those guys.

My wife used to be a masseuse and back in the days when Michael was seeing Kylie Minogue, they'd sit in the studio, and before dinner, Jo would massage them both, and then I’d be in the kitchen cooking and we’d feed them later.

“There was a lot of camaraderie, we got to know the musicians, and there was no stardom involved, especially when we were in the studio.

“You really did find out that 99 per cent of musicians are just people, and they’re really who they are when they're in the studio and especially when they sit down for dinner.

“That's probably my best memories, just getting to know some of these great musicians that we have in this world.

“A lot of the times my cooking was home-cooked meals because they didn't want the fancy stuff. They travel the world and eat in some of the best restaurants, they get wined and dined by all these promoters and live the high life, but you know, the old sausage and mash used to be one of the favourites, a lot of down-to-earth, homecooked food like mum used to make was what they used to really enjoy.”

Aside from his passion for food and music, Brian’s life is also flavoured by his love and dedication to family.

Brian’s wife Jo, who he actually met at one of his brother’s gigs in Sydney, worked with him in the catering business and was also instrumental in helping him set up and run his restaurants when he decided to leave More Than a Morsel behind in 2000.

It was this love of family that prompted Brian to move on to the next chapter in his career, with his catering commitments in Sydney and on the road forcing him to spend more time than he wanted away from his wife and daughters Sammy-Jo and Emelie, who by this time were all living on the Central Coast.

While setting up a restaurant close to home seemed like the ideal solution, music proved to be the missing ingredient in the mix for Brian, and a year later Live @Lizotte’s was born.

Offering more than the typical dinner show fare, Lizotte’s attracts an amazing line-up of high profile acts from across Australia and internationally, dished up with mouth-watering meals and an intimate atmosphere.

While at one time he ran three separate Lizotte’s venues, including one on the Central Coast and another in Sydney, these days Brian is more than happy to focus his energies on the sole remaining venue in Newcastle.

While the current COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a spanner in the works, forcing him to shut up shop, for the time being, he is making the most of the unexpected break from routine to throw his energies into his other relatively new role in life – as a grandfather – with his youngest daughter Emelie having given birth to twin daughters in 2018.

“I’ve got two beautiful daughters, and both of them have got incredible partners and families. My youngest has got twin daughters and they're visiting us at the moment, so we are spending a lot of time with them,” Brian said.

“Becoming a grandfather was one of the most incredible experiences of my life, that I will never take for granted. I spend as much time as I possibly can with them, that’s one of my huge priorities at the moment.

“We also bought a little motorhome a couple of years ago when I got diagnosed with prostate cancer, and I was determined to spend more time with my wife and just chilling.

“One of my biggest things is not to stress and to stop trying to build the empire, so to speak, and just be happy with what I’ve got.

“The need for wanting more is not necessary if you concentrate on what you’ve got in front of you, and just enjoy what you’ve got. And now that this (coronavirus) has happened to the world, I think it’s even more important that people think like that.”

To check out Brian’s long list of celebrity stomachs, and keep an eye on the acts he has in store once the COVID-19 trading restrictions are eased, visit www.lizottes.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 19

JAMIE NORTH Succession (detail) 2013

E V I T A E CR NTS A R G

UP TO $2500 IN FUNDING

is available to Lake Macquarie’s Creatives through Lake Macquarie City Council’s Creative Grants program.

Applications close Monday 25 May SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION lakemac.smartygrants.com.au/creativegrantsround2 20 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

MAC Exhibition to Reconnect Local Artists with Their Community

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Lake Macquarie artists will feature frontand-centre in an upcoming exhibition celebrating the region’s ongoing emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reconnected: a recovery story will provide a way for local artists to reconnect in a physical sense with their community after months of closures, restrictions and bans on social interaction.

Museum of Art and Culture, Lake Macquarie, Director Debbie Abraham said that while MAC was still closed to the public, the NSW Government’s easing of restrictions meant it was time to move ahead with plans for future exhibitions.

“Reconnected is planned for a July launch, by which time we’re hoping the world will be a place in which MAC can open again to the public,” Ms Abraham said.

“It’s perfect timing for an exhibition intended to showcase the works of local artists and their interpretation of this unprecedented journey we’re all on at the moment. We want contributing artists’ works to reflect on the recovery process and on finding a positive way forward.”

The exhibition also presents an excellent opportunity for local and community artists to exhibit their works in a major regional gallery, whose space often features works by nationally and internationally recognised artists “COVID-19 has made us all appreciate things closer to home, and the mindset behind this exhibition reflects that theme,” Ms Abraham said.

Artists can submit up to three works each, across all mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, video and installation art.

Ms Abraham said works could be displayed inside MAC or within the grounds outside.

“Most of the artworks in this show will also be for sale, offering the community a chance to support local artists, MAC to celebrate the wealth of creativity in our City, and artists a professional opportunity on the other side of isolation,” she said.

Expressions of interest can be lodged online at www.lakemac.smartygrants.com. au/MACreconnected. Submissions close Thursday 4 June.

MAC DIRECTOR DEBBIE ABRAHAM

CAVE TEMPLE BABAJI: A worshipper at Babaji Cave Temple, Lahiri Mahasaya Ashram in Varanasi.

LIVE YOUR LIST

KC AND AJ: KimCherie and Alexandria Joy at Kunajupuri Temple with the backdrop of the snowcapped Himalayas

GREEN GANGA RISHIKESH: The Ganga at Rishikesh glowing in her beautiful clean green hue.

THE POWERFUL PRESENCE OF

Great Beings

WORDS KIM-CHERIE DAVIDSON – LIVE YOUR BUCKET LIST

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India had never been on this culture coach's bucket list. However, about three years ago when this Merewether Heights resident started a regular yoga practise, her perspective changed as she became immersed in the philosophy and drawn to the subcontinent.

In December 2018, Alexandria Joy (AJ) left Australia with 14 other women for a 17-day Sacred Pilgrimage following the Ganga (Ganges River) from Varanasi to Mukhba via Rishikesh and Netala. In Hindu mythology, the river is sacred and personifies the Goddess Ganga, the benefactor of all that lives. The waters are believed to wash away sins and liberate souls from the cycle of life and death.

"I knew it would be moving,” said AJ. “And it ended up being very significant [for me], as I was cracked open, left raw, and forced to let go of old ways and also learn to just be," AJ said.

This journey started with AJ meeting yoga teacher Kym McDonald of Yogic Wisdom, followed by yoga and meditation sessions than training to be a yoga teacher.

'The main reason I decided to go to India was that Kym was leading the trip, and we had a connection and affiliation through her teaching and spiritual guidance. The more I studied, the more interested I became in India – I had to go!"

During the pilgrimage, AJ visited many holy sites.

Although, there were two – Babaji Cave Temple in Varanasi and Kunajupuri Temple, 15 kilometres north of Rishikesh – that changed her life.

By chance, on day three of the pilgrimage, the group went to visit the Babaji Cave Temple at Lahiri Mahasaya Ashram. In the temple are part of Lahiri Mahasaya ashes, the yogi known for reviving Kriya Yoga, which he learnt from its founder Mahavatar Babaji in 1861.

AJ entered the temple, only knowing a little about Babaji from him being mentioned in other books, such as Autobiography of a Yogi and Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master. As she meditated in the temple, AJ felt waves of emotion and the powerful presence of many great beings.

"I felt Babaji then the tears of sadness, guilt, shame and anger flowed. It was time to let go of life as it had been, mourn the past, release the emotions and relinquish the control."

Several days later, on day five, the group arrived in Rishikesh as the sun was setting on the Ganga and AK knew it was time to close the most recent chapter in her life.

"It was New Year's Eve, the end of a year, and the end of an era for me. It seemed like a fitting place, as the Ganga becomes closer to its source, it is cleaner. Plus, the river is known for its purification qualities – to cleanse people and in spiritual practices."

Then three days later, the group travelled 15 kilometres north to Kunajupuri Temple, a shrine to the Divine Mother, in the foothills of the Himalayans. According to Hindu lore, it is the place where Goddess Sati's chest and heart fell when Lord Shiva carried her dead body in his arms and wandered through the mountains.

After the temple blessing, AJ walked around the sacred building, giving gratitude for certain people in her life and sending them love.

"All of a sudden, I was filled with incredible love. It was transformative, I felt so connected and in love with everything and everyone. There was clarity, perspective, stillness and peace."

AJ admits, she has always been a thinker and lived in her intellect. When she travelled to Europe and went to historical sites, she researched and visited them with her five senses.

However, for her trip to India, AJ did no reading, not even the itinerary, so she travelled with no perceived ideas. She wanted to feel the place and be present for every experience.

"With the energy of each site, I didn't need to do anything.

Millions of people and great beings had been there and left their energy, I just needed to be there and absorb it."

The group never made it to Mukhaba to the winter abode of the Goddess Ganga due to black ice and snow. However, AJ, believes that summed up the trip to surrender, be present, enjoy the moment and its beauty.

She loved India’s vibrancy and the culture of living and breathing spirituality as a way of life.

"Yes, it is a mish-mash of colour, religion, flavour and noise.

It is an assault on the senses, yet beautiful at the same time.

And one takeaway was the humbleness, and simplicity of life.

And it prepared me for our time now, as you really see what is valuable. I am much more accepting and calmer in my life as well as more joyful in the simple things." www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 21

Let’s Talk About

GRIEF WORDS MICHELLE PAYNE - ANGLICAN CARE

HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED THE VARYING DEGREES AND WAYS YOU, OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW, MIGHT FEEL AND EXPRESS THEIR GRIEF?

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Perhaps you have experienced grief first hand. You may have lost a parent, a partner, friend or child and can relate.

Contrastingly, you may have minimal experience, somewhat limiting your ability to relate or feel compassionate towards those bereaved.

As a nation, what exactly are Australian’s attitudes and behaviours towards those facing grief?

A recent article quoted Family Therapist, Emily Adams who believes ‘we have a cultural expectation of claiming to be okay very quickly after a loss.’¹ Adams states that because we have this expectation of ‘everything’s fine,’ when things are not fine it can be quite difficult for those in our community who are experiencing grief to reach out for help.

This, in turn, can add further anxiety to the bereaved.

22 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

With that sentiment in mind, have you ever considered how comfortable you are at engaging with friends or family in conversations about their grief? If your answer is, ‘that sounds uncomfortable’, or even ‘very uncomfortable’ – you are not alone. However, learning more about grief may help you to feel more at ease about starting up a conversation or reaching out to someone you know who is suffering from a loss.

To better understand grief and become more comfortable with the feelings, get to know the five stages of grief below.

Keeping in mind though that people often bounce from stage to stage and back again.

• DENIAL – this helps us to survive the loss and make sense of the overwhelming shock. We can feel numb to the loss as a way to cope or slow down the absorbing and processing of such a painful experience, survive the loss and make sense of this overwhelming shock in our lives.

We can begin to feel numb to the loss and try not to feel what has happened as a way to cope or to slow down the absorbing and processing of such a painful experience.

• ANGER – Anger is a necessary stage of the healing process. The more you genuinely feel it, the more it will begin to dissipate and the more you will heal.² Grief can feel like being abandoned, deserted or even lost at sea.

We can begin directing our anger at all sorts of people.

In time anger becomes easier to manage as we start to process this stage of our loss.¹ • BARGAINING – At this point, we begin trying to bargain with God to make changes. For example, “if you do this God, I will change that and never sin again.” We can begin to live in the ‘what ifs,’ looking to avoid the pain of our loss or injury in an attempt to rescue our loved one.

We want life returned to what it was; we want our loved one restored. We want to go back in time, recognise the illness more quickly, stop the accident from happening… if only. Guilt is often bargaining’s companion. This stage is about negotiating our way out of the pain.

• DEPRESSION – At this stage, we can experience grief, intense sadness and emptiness on a more profound level.

This is the appropriate response to great loss and may begin to feel like it will never go away. We may start to withdraw from any social activities and from the activities we usually participate in during our daily lives. This is a very necessary step towards healing and is not deemed a mental illness but a natural, essential and progressive response to loss.

• ACCEPTANCE – We may never be okay with the loss of a loved one. This stage is not about liking what has happened. But rather about reaching an acceptance of the permanence and reality of our loss. Eventually, we will learn to live our lives as a readjustment to life without our loved one. We can also experience a range of emotions including guilt.

Every individual grieves in their own way. It’s key to remember that while you may not know what stage a friend or family member is experiencing, following the social norms and avoiding the topic, may not be the answer.

In fact, avoiding the topic may act to exacerbate the pain of someone grieving. In some cases, the bereaved may be left feeling their loved one, maybe their late husband, Mother or dear friend, has been forgotten. It may also rob that person from an opportunity to ask for support or simply talk, reminisce and process their loss.

Yes, it may feel uncomfortable but as a community, let’s not avoid the topic of grief any longer.

Instead ask more questions, be a good listener and support a family member or friend in need. Together, we can share in the healing process.

I’ll leave you with this lasting thought, ‘a man is not dead while his name is still spoken’, Terry Pratchett.

Sources: 1 www.grief.com 2 www.lifehacker.com.au 3 www.grieflink.org.au

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ROWAN COX

It is becoming clearer that there is a real need for people to access affordable and relevant skills training. Atwea is well prepared and is working with business, organisations, the not for profit sector and the wider community to develop the right courses and learning experiences now and into the future – whatever that might look like.

Adaptive Learning

were at home and considering future job prospects. Atwea will offer courses in skill sets in focussed service industries, business, health and community services. It will also provide training for ever-changing job seekers through customised skill sets. Training will be delivered immediately by a combination of online, blended and practical application at all Atwea campuses,” she said.

“It is becoming clearer that there is a real need for people to access affordable and relevant skills training. Atwea is well prepared and is working with business, organisations, the not for profit sector and the wider community to develop the right courses and learning experiences now and into the future – whatever that might look like.” she said.

To Help our Region Recover ATWEA COLLEGE BEGAN MORE THAN 100 YEARS AGO AS A PLACE THAT PROVIDED ACCESS TO EDUCATION AND LEARNING FOR WORKERS OF THIS REGION. WHILE THE COLLEGE HAS CHANGED SIGNIFICANTLY SINCE THEN, ITS COMMITMENT TO DELIVERING TAILORED EDUCATION AND LEARNING OPTIONS HAS NOT.

E

Executive Director of Atwea College Rowan Cox, said that Atwea’s role had always been to provide a stable learning platform that could flex and adjust to the ever-changing needs of the community.

“We have been able to provide the people of the region with learning and education that could add value to individual, community and economic outcomes through skills training, educational qualifications and lifestyle learning options,” she said.

“We know that our community needs to access affordable and bespoke educational courses that are designed to suit their needs as they navigate through the health and economic challenges of Covid19,” she said.

24 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Like most, the COVID-19 crisis had had a significant impact on the college which includes eight campuses in the region (included the Alesco Senior College) that are operated by more than 100 staff who provide learning options to thousands of local people each year. While the organisation continues to hold on to its staff, delivery of face to face accredited and non-accredited courses were put on hold. However, Atwea has been able to advance its plans for a new online teaching platform and has been successful in attracting additional government funding to provide facilitated learning.

Current students are in the process of being contacted and set-up in the new online ‘Canvas’ platform.

The NSW Government grant will provide additional skills training for the growing number of unemployed in our community. The College was successful in securing a grant through the government’s Training and Services Department of Education under the ACE Relief to combat the effects of the COVID-19 crisis.

“The grant will support the delivery of online and blended learning platforms specifically for people who have been redeployed, unemployed, low to middle-income adults who

About Atwea College Atwea College (Formerly WEA Hunter) is one of the state’s largest providers of adult and community education in NSW. It is also one of the sector's most diverse education providers offering government contract training, vocational education training and youth education across seven campuses.

Atwea College is also the parent organisation to the award-winning Alesco Senior College.

The Legal Report

S

WORDS JENKINS LEGAL SERVICES

Since Covid-19 hit our shores, it seems as if there have been new announcements and laws announced daily by both state and federal governments. In what appears to be a minefield of legislation, we’re happy to help you navigate safely through with our snapshot of some of the new laws and regulations recently enacted in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. Make sure you check out the links for additional information.

1. Introduction of the Code of Conduct for Commercial Leasing The Government has introduced a ‘Mandatory Commercial Tenancy Code’ which is a Code of Conduct based upon ‘good faith’ principles.

The purpose of the Code is to enable landlords and tenants to share the cash-flow burden during the current conditions. It is aimed at keeping premises tenanted so that businesses can get back up and running once the lock-down measures cease. If this may affect you, read more here.

2. Jobkeeper Scheme and changes to the Fair Work Act The Government has implemented this new scheme to assist businesses to retain employees during the pandemic. For more information on the scheme, and how to apply, read more here. The Fair Work Act has also been amended to grant eligible employers with the ability to issue directives to employees in certain circumstances, including in relation to temporary stand-downs and reducing employee’s hours of work. Read more here.

3. The importance of protecting your business’s personal property Many business owners are facing unprecedented financial strain in the current economic climate. One possible protection to consider is whether the business should protect its interests by registering any personal

property interests on the PPSR. If you think this may be relevant for you, read more here.

4. Changes to the Electronic Transactions Act Video conferencing technology like Skype, WhatsApp, FaceTime and Zoom can currently be utilised to witness a number of documents, including Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Appointments of Enduring Guardianship. Read more here.

5. Temporary changes to the Conveyancing Rules to allow electronic signatures Changes to the Conveyancing Rules temporarily allow paper land dealings, plans and Section 88B instruments to be signed electronically. These documents may also be witnessed electronically using an audiovisual link during the COVID-19 restriction. Jenkins Legal Services can seamlessly guide you through your conveyance during COVID. If you would like more information, contact us.

6. Temporary changes to Australia’s foreign investment framework There have been changes to the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (Cth) (the Act) in order to reduce the possibility of Australian corporations being sold to foreign investors which may pose a risk to Australia’s economic climate. If this may affect you, read more here.

To learn more and meet the team, check out Jenkins Legal Services Facebook here.

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

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4929 2000

www.jenkinslegal.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 25

Our tagline of Pioneering through Partnership isn’t just words; it’s at the core of the way we do business. We know we are only as strong as our people, the working relationships we share as part of the coal chain, and the trust we build with our community stakeholders.

COLLABORATING FOR

Sustainable Outcomes

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Port Waratah Coal Services has published its annual Sustainable Development Report, describing its sustainability approach and performance for the 2019 calendar year.

With a theme of Collaboration, the report demonstrates how Port Waratah improves their operational, social and environmental performance through building strong relationships and working in partnership with their employees, customers, coal chain partners and the local community.

“The role collaboration plays in Port Waratah achieving its objectives and goals is crucial,” said Chief Executive Officer Hennie du Plooy.

“Our tagline of Pioneering through Partnership isn’t just words; it’s at the core of the way we do business. We know we are only as strong as our people, the working relationships we share as part of the coal chain, and the trust we build with our community stakeholders.”

The report highlights the ways in which sustainability is integrated into Port Waratah’s day-to-day operations – from improving safety performance and reducing the organisation’s potential impacts on the environment, to supporting the local community and pursuing operational 26 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

excellence. 2019 was a near-record year for Port Waratah in terms of export tonnes. In addition to setting a number of operational performance benchmarks, significant improvements in safety and environmental performance were also recorded.

In 2019 Port Waratah also grew their commitment to making a local difference consistent with the global sustainability agenda by addressing new areas, such as the potential for modern slavery in their operations and supply chain.

During the year Port Waratah completed a comprehensive review to ensure they are identifying and mitigating modern slavery risks, an aspect which is not only essential to meet new legislative requirements but also makes a positive contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“As a local business with a global reach we recognise our responsibility to identify the risk of modern slavery in our supply chains, and take positive action to ensure it is eliminated, thereby positively impacting the global goals around decent work and economic growth,” said Mr du Plooy.

The 2019 report also marks the launch of Port Waratah’s Sustainable Development site, which provides an engaging experience for users. The site is structured around Port Waratah’s five key business drivers. It allows users to explore details of our sustainability approach and performance, with the option to download corresponding sections of the report or read the report in full.

Visit www.sustainability.pwcs.com.au for more information and to download the full report.

About Port Waratah Coal Services Port Waratah Coal Services has been receiving, stockpiling, blending and loading coal for export at the Port of Newcastle for over 40 years. They own and manage the Kooragang and Carrington Coal Terminals, which operate 24/7, and have a combined capacity of 145 million tonnes per annum.

Port Waratah has always been two things – a pioneer and a partner. They are committed to understanding and fulfilling their responsibilities as an employer and community member, as well as meeting their legal obligations. Port Waratah is an unlisted public company working in partnership with more than 25 producers and other service providers in the Hunter Valley Coal Chain. They aim to continuously improve their environmental performance, contribute to the local economy by buying and employing locally and support the sustainability and resilience of the local community through their Community Investment and Partnership Programme.

Hunter Children Won’t Miss out on

Healthy Harold!

Healthy Harold might not be able to visit schools face-to-face right now, but children in the Hunter won’t miss out on vital health and wellbeing education, thanks to the launch of Life Education Online.

In response to COVID-19, Life Education NSW, with the support of BHP Vital Resources Fund, has launched a new online program to support schools and families.

Available to all NSW schools, Life Education Online provides valuable lessons exploring healthy eating, personal safety, physical activity, cybersafety and the impact of alcohol and other drugs.

The virtual offering includes a range of free resources for parents and children, available on the Life Education website, to help families stay resilient, healthy, safe and strong.

Life Education NSW CEO Jonathon Peatfield said during this unprecedented health crisis, Life Education is committed to doing everything they can to support parents, children and communities.

“Children are living through a time of great uncertainty.

This year has seen drought, fire and floods. Now we are facing broad community upheaval due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Our mission – Empowering our children and young people to make safer and healthier choices through education – has never been more important than it is now,” Mr Peatfield said.

“Coping with stress and anxiety, overcoming isolation from friends and family, staying physically healthy and active, communicating respectfully and openly – we need to focus on all of these things and more.

“That’s why Life Education, a charity with more than forty years’ experience in health education, is here to support you and your family through this crisis.”

BHP’s Mt Arthur Coal Asset President Elsabe Muller said the organisation was proud to continue supporting Life Education NSW and its work protecting the health and wellbeing of children.

“For the past 11 years, we have been funding Life Education in the Upper Hunter and Muswellbrook areas, helping more than 3000 local children to receive a visit from the Life Education program. We are delighted to extend this support so that children continue to receive vital health education at a time they need it most,” Ms Muller said.

The funding was provided through BHP’s newly established Vital Resources Fund, which was established to

support regional Australian communities facing significant challenges as a result of COVID-19.

Life Education NSW Fundraising Manager Sarah Gray said the support from BHP’s Vital Resources Fund would allow Life Education to provide important health education to more children across the state including remote areas in the future.

“Together, we can empower the next generation of young Australians to lead safe and healthy lives,” Ms Gray said.

To book the Life Education online program, schools and teachers can contact bookings.nsw@lifeeducation.org.au or call 1300 427 653.

For free online resources for parents and children, visit www.lifeeducation.org.au.

About Life Education Life Education is Australia’s largest provider of preventive health education to school children. With the help of our iconic mascot Healthy Harold the giraffe, Life Education has been empowering children and young people to make safer and healthy choices for more than 40 years. In NSW we work in more than 1800 schools and preschools with approximately 290,000 school children participating in our program each year. Our 60 specially trained Educators visit students across the state via our 44 mobile classrooms, three pop-up classrooms, and online resources.

Our print issues are temporarily on hold until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

But you can enjoy the same great articles, interviews, news and entertainment from the comfort of your own home and device.

Better still… why not check out all the latest daily local news as it breaks to stay on top of what’s happening in your local area and within your local community.

You’ll find it all at your fingertips now at… www.intouchmagazine.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 27

All Ablaze

AT JETMASTER NEWCASTLE

W

WORDS DI VON ESSEN

Winter is almost upon us, and although temperatures have yet to hit rock-bottom, it does not mean that we need to freeze until they do.

Jetmaster Newcastle is well known for their extensive range of fireplace products, and has been providing Newcastle and its surrounding regions with the highest quality fireplace products for over ten years. Their showroom at Adamstown is continuously updated and hosts the regions premier display of gas and log-burning fireplaces Whether you’re looking to add a fireplace that oozes

contemporary style or perhaps a period fireplace to suit the heritage of your home, you’re sure to find exactly what you are looking for at the Adamstown display centre.

Designers increasingly include fireplaces into interior designs and Robin Hastings, the owner of Jetmaster Newcastle, says that they are seeing a real trend towards homeowners returning to having a fireplace as a central feature of their living environment. “At Jetmaster, we offer both gas and log burning fires. Our gas range is perfect for those who prefer the cleanliness of gas and convenience of touch button while our log burning fires are for those who love the beautiful natural heat and effect that only a log burning fire can provide,� says Robin. “In our showroom, customers can view the Heat & Glo range of balanced flue gas fires. This range is available in many configurations. In addition to the health benefits of the sealed unit and flue system, the design allows for flexibility in installation and location within your home. There are not many places you can’t fit a Heat & Glo gas fire. The range-topping Mezzo Series from Heat & Glo is certainly a favourite with architects and in some of the finest homes in Newcastle,� he said. “We also have our range of contemporary Horizon and traditional Jetmaster naturally drafted (open) gas fires. These fires are aesthetically stunning and provide brilliant, radiant heat, reliability of operation and a myriad of accessories so you can achieve just the look you’re after.�

For those who love a real wood fire ( and who doesn’t), then you will find that Jetmaster Newcastle have you covered there too! Open fires are where it all began for Jetmaster. Over 50 years ago the Jetmaster firebox design was patented, and since that time the name "Jetmaster" has become synonymous with simply the best open fire you can

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

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

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

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

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

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28 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

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Who is

TAILORED HQ?

O

WORDS LARA O'DONNELL – TAILORED HQ

Our aim at Tailored HQ is to create interior spaces that have personality and give their occupants a chance to enjoy their home rather than just live in it. Australians tend to be a very social culture, and we want to reflect this in our designs by giving our clients spaces they can entertain and spend time with their families in, and essentially to make memories in.

Tailored HQ is an interior design studio based in the heart of Newcastle. We have a brick and mortar store on the corner of Hunter and Watt street where we showcase a curated selection of furniture and homewares and run our interior design studio out of the space too.

Back in 2017, we began Tailored HQ in an effort to bring an element of sophistication and high-end design to Newcastle, and it’s surrounds. Now in our third year of business, we offer a range of interior design and styling services along with being one of the regions biggest suppliers of custom blinds and curtains.

Our service list includes interior consulting, where we visit clients in their home and give them direction on their space. We also offer colour consults. This is the process of designing a colour scheme for your home, and we offer both interior and exterior colour consults.

Our team of designers also offers a full interior design service offering furniture and accessory selection, colours and finishes.

We love being involved from start to finish when it comes to a new project. It’s a great tip to hire a designer as early on as you can to avoid costly mistakes and get a professional opinion from the start.

As well as all things interiors, we have a large selection of fabrics in the studio for the ability to create our ‘tailor-made’ range

of bedheads, cushions, furniture pieces and of course, curtains. There are so many inspiring patterns and colours in our range, and we encourage our clients to come into the showroom to view the range alongside one of our designers to really get the most out of what we have to offer.

Curtains and window coverings can be a tricky element to navigate, so we offer a complimentary one-hour in-home measure and quote to make sure you’re choosing the correct window treatments, as it’s essential for them to not only look beautiful but serve a functional purpose. We bring a curated selection of fabrics along to the consult to colour match with your interiors.

Being local ourselves, we love to support local brands and talent. Our tight-knit team of sewers are all locally based ladies with sewing capabilities second-to-none. We also stock a range of local artists’ work, linen, ceramics and hand made décor items.

Covid-19 required us to react quickly.

We have recently added E-Design to our offerings list, as it meant we could conduct virtual in-home consults via video calls. We found this service to be very popular for both near and far new clients. Even though we are making in-home appointments again, we have kept it going as it allows us not only to reach local clients but others we wouldn’t normally have access to such as clients who live interstate and in remote areas.

We like to think of our showroom as an inclusive and welcoming space, and we want to help our clients understand that by hiring a designer, you don’t have to have a full house project. You may only want and need one cushion or new dining chairs or artwork - we are here to help with any design problem big or small.

Pop in and see us Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm or view our work and shop online anytime.

Interior Design | Curtains & Blinds Custom Furniture | Art | Accessories SHOWROOM OPEN MONDAY–FRIDAY FREE E-Design available for May In-house appointments for curtains and blinds and interior design available

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

www.tailoredhq.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 29

During the Covid-19 restrictions, dentistry was wound back to the most urgent, emergency dental care. Many were treated only temporarily and symptomatically. Many problems were dealt with at a distance.

I can only imagine that some of the circumstances that these patients found themselves in led them to think ‘if only I could wind back time’. Unfortunately, rewinding time is not technologically possible in 2020, but sometimes freezing time is the next best thing.

In the same way that governments around the world have been ‘freezing time’ as a response to Covid-19 – sometimes freezing time is possible in dentistry. Certainly, under earlier Covid-19 restrictions, it was not possible to stabilise a dental problem in a definitive way, however, as restrictions have been eased it now possible to stabilise dental problems – to freeze time around these teeth and allow patients to address their dental health progressively.

I’m expecting to see patients who present with urgent, painful, decayed teeth – teeth that require definitive, immediate emergency care. Usually, the teeth have counterparts in the same mouth – often not at the same stage of deterioration as the problematic presenting tooth, but often on precisely the same path.

What do you do when multiple teeth are presenting with serious problems? Freeze time.

FREEZING Time WORDS ALEX HUSZTI - BELLEDENTAL

I

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

But how do you freeze dental time?

This is one of the great versatilities of direct resin crowns – Belledental CRCs. Belledental CRCs can be used to restore/ stabilise teeth in a definitive manner – in one appointment.

At the same time, if the tooth requires a root canal therapy, this can be initiated at the time of the placement of the Belledental CRC. The root canals can be located; they can

I hope that this digital issue of intouch Magazine finds all of its readers well. Belledental is one of the fortunate businesses that can express significant gratitude around the imminent further easing of restrictions that commence from today (May 15).

be initially cleaned and dressed at the same time as the placement of the resin crown. Most often, patients are largely free of pain that day, and the tooth is restored so that patients can start to function on these teeth again.

So how does this strategy freeze time?

It allows the relief of pain and restoration/stabilisation of the tooth in question. Patients can then move forward with a thorough assessment of their mouth, discussion of other concerns/problems, formulation of a plan of treatment and discussion of patient priorities with the dentist.

Very often, there are other teeth in the patient’s mouth that also warrant attention. Giving these other teeth the attention that they need may prevent them from progressing to the complexity and added expense of root canal therapy.

So, by ‘freezing time’ around the original problematic tooth, we can prioritise problems and deal with the issues in a way that ensures minimal or no further deterioration, as well as the prevention of future problems.

Eventually, patients will need to come back to the tooth that has had the root canal therapy initiated and deal with the completion of treatment on this tooth. This is often done in 6–12 months. Often the patient’s insurance has started a new cycle – which allows the release of further health fund benefits as well as the obvious benefits of increased comfort and confidence from having dental stability and health.

Throughout the balance of 2020 – Belledental is ‘freezing time’. Let Belledental take you back to pre- Covid-19 by stabilising those problem teeth. As an incentive, we’re also taking our fees back to 2019 on critical dental work such as Belledental CRCs, root canal dressings and root canal therapy – helping everyone freeze time around problem teeth and looking forward to a healthy 2021.

3 Techniques That SAVE Your Teeth 1

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

2

Direct Resin Veneers (Zero cutting of tooth)

3

Direct Resin Build-ups – All in ONE day!

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

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

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

Call us today on (02) 4946 9122 68 Dilkera Avenue, Valentine Open Mon–Thurs 8am–5pm; Fri 8am–12pm

BelleDentalValentine fwww.belledental.com.au 30 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

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

Show us your

ISO PHOTOS!

SPECIAL OFFERS From Local Restaurants & Cafés WITH MOST CAFES AND RESTAURANTS OFFERING TAKEAWAY OPTIONS NOW, WE THOUGHT WE'D LIST A FEW GREAT DEALS AVAILABLE. (Please check at the time of ordering for any menu changes) 5 Sawyers – $10 pizza’s, $10 espresso martini’s, $5 beers. Avail. Wed–Sun, Ph 4927 0070 or order online.

Lambton Park Hotel – Family Combo $45.

Large chips & potato gems, 6 nuggets + choice of 4 main meal options (burgers, schnitzel or fish & chips). Avail. Wed–Sat, Ph 4956 1376 or order online.

Kombi Keg Newcastle – At Mayfield Hotel Carpark. Beer/cider on tap from $5/L. 2L growlers ($15) + 1L squealers ($10) available, or BYO vessel! Check their Facebook for open times/what’s on tap.

INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY AT JOHN HUNTER HOSPITAL

Nags Head Hotel - $12.50 Schnitty’s on Tuesdays, or 2 for $25 on Saturdays.

Ph 4952 5743.

Wil&Sons – $10 small coffee + breakfast Avail. 7 days 7.30am–10.30am, Ph 4929 4854.

TOCAL HOMESTEAD “OH TO BE SO LUCKY TO GET YOUR NAILS DONE”

Prince of Wales – 2 pizza’s and a bottle of wine for $50 on Wednesdays.

Ph 4963 1722.

Restaurant Mason – Al a carte 2-course $75 and 3-course $92. Avail. Wed–Sat dinner, Ph 4926 1014 or order online.

Bao Brothers Eatery – Bao at Home Boxes $60 + $5 for delivery. Order online.

Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows – Family Meal Deal (2 mains/pizzas, 10 nuggets, chips + salad) for $50. Buy a meal and they will offer one to someone in need.

Avail. lunch & dinner, order online or Ph 4980 9912.

THE ESSENTIAL WORKING TEAM AT GRILLD, THE JUNCTION

PADDLEPUPS MAKING SURE OUR ANIMALS ARE CLEAN DURING ISOLATION

Grain Store – Family Chicken Feast $44 (16 Chicken wings, 8 buttermilk chicken strips, w/ sauces + fries & house slaw).

Avail. 7 days dinner, Fri–Sun lunch, order online.

The Icon Thai – The Amazing Thailand Set for 2 $39 (satay chicken, spring rolls, curry puffs, red curry beef, pad see ew chicken, prawn fried rice. Avail. Tues–Sun lunch & dinner, Ph 4031 4750 or DM on Facebook.

WILDFLOWER ESPRESSO WALLSEND

CASS DAVIS - THE JETS WOMEN STILL TRAINING

TUESDAY, 19 MAY Support your local pub by joining in with hundreds of others and ordering a schnitty for dinner. Together we will create the Hunter's Biggest Schnit Night In! scallops, crumbed calamari, garlic & herb flat bread, grilled baby octopus, grilled New Zealand hoki, chips). Avail.

Tues & Wed dinner, Ph 4044 3011.

Parry Street Garage – Order pickup via their website for 20% off! Avail. 7 days for dinner.

Sabor Dessert Bar – Delivering to the Newcastle/Lake Mac area on Saturdays, orders must be placed by 3pm Fridays.

Check their website for more details.

Susuru – Grab a 20-piece Frozen Gyoza Pack from $24.50 or a Frozen Ramen Kit (5 serves) for $80 to enjoy at any time you like. Avail. 7 days lunch and dinner, order online or Ph 4049 8448.

Habesha Ethiopian – Family Dinner Special (or friends!) $130 (2 starters, 4 mains & 2 bottles of wine). Avail.

7 days dinner. Ph 4927 6775 or order online.

Duke of Wellington Hotel – Family Meal Deals; whole applewood smoked chicken (serves 4–6 ppl) hot chips, Greek salad & corn $60; 8 hour smoked beef brisket taco platter w/ 800g house smoked brisket, hot chips or salad $70.

Avail Thurs–Sun dinner, order online.

Maryland Tavern – Mates Rates Meal Deals; pizza, pasta, garlic bread & wine (4 ppl) $55; 4x steak burgers & chips + 8 beers $60. See their Facebook for more details, Ph 4955 0588.

The Blind Monk – Buy and burger and get a free beer (starting from $19). Avail.

Tuesdays for dinner. Order online.

Paymasters – Are offering 25% off takeaway orders for ALL healthcare workers! Avail. Wed–Sun, see menu online.

Smokin Hot n Saucy – The Mega Lot Platter (4–6 ppl) $100.A selection of all meats, appleslaw, fries + condiments.

Avail. Wed–Sun lunch & dinner, order online or Ph 0452 477 468.

The Kingfish Honeysuckle – $59 MidWeek Seafood Platter (4 oysters kilpatrick & mornay, 2 chilli garlic prawns, 2 grilled

Nor East Bistro – $15 specials (pizza Tues, schnitzels Wed, burgers Thurs).

Ph 4940 8188 or order online. www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 31