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ISSUE #59 // OCTOBER 2020
On Top of the World At Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary PLUS.... Health & Wellbeing Special Feature EASY WAYS to Revitalise Your Space for Spring
School
HOLIDA Y
GUIDE
Calling all Artists – Newcastle Fringe Festival is back!
Lifestyle // Entertainment // Dining // Community // Travel // Family // Health // Home // Property
pg. 33
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MY BODY IS Words to choose: STRONG HEALTHY RESILIENT POWERFUL TOUGH WORTHY DETERMINED UNSHAKEN MOTIVATED ENOUGH
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From the
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EDITORS... The extreme bushfire season of 2019/2020 saw such extensive destruction of koala habitat that it is likely that thousands of koalas met their death in the infernos. In some areas, it is estimated that 80% of the Koala population was wiped out. In the face of such tragedy, it gave us great joy to be able to take a first look inside the new Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, which opened last week after five years of planning, fundraising and construction. The Sanctuary is the result of a partnership between Port Stephens Council (which operates the tourism complex), and Port Stephens Koalas (who hold the license to run the on-site koala hospital). Port Stephens Koalas is a volunteer group that aims to provide world best practice standards of care to sick, injured and orphaned koalas. Read more about this significant and heart-warming facility on page 8. Never before has our health been such an allconsuming factor in our lives – and for all the wrong reasons! This month we shine the light on all of those local businesses that remind us to think outside Covid-19 and focus on our Health & Wellbeing in other ways. From monitoring your health journey to martial arts, gut health to skin health, post-surgery recovery to pharmaceuticals – we’ve got you covered in our Special Feature starting on page 15. It's no secret that 2020 is not the year we asked for and we’re all wondering what’s around the corner for us. One thing that’s certain though is that the school holidays will keep rolling around like clockwork – and with them our School Holiday Guide. Whilst we might feel a little like we are stuck on a never-ending rollercoaster, there is no reason we can't make the most of these upcoming school holidays. In this month’s guide, we’ve rounded up the best local school holiday hits to keep the kids busy while maintaining that all-important 1.5-metre social distance. Enjoy!
Publisher & Editors Two Tribes Media Phone (02) 4943 0888 Address 297 Brunker Road, Adamstown, NSW 2289 Web www.intouchmagazine.com.au Email getintouch@intouchmagazine.com.au Advertising Sales (02) 4943 0888 © 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 ISSUE #59 OCTOBER 2020 7
Shout-Out From Newcastle Fringe Festival
8
On Top of the World at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
13
Opinion – On the Music Scene
15
Health & Wellbeing Special Feature
18
Piggott's Pharmacy – Celebrating 50 Years
19
Let's Talk About Gut Health
21
Stress and Dental Disease
22
Spring into a New You – Inside and Out!
24
A Delicious Story to tell the Grandkids
27
Looking After Your Legacy
28
Around the Chambers
31
Spring Tweaks For a Happier Space
33
School Holiday Guide
35
Immerse the Kids in LEGO These School Holidays!
REGULARS 6
What's On?
15
Health & Wellbeing
25
Family, Community & Business
30
Home & Lifestyle
32
Horoscope
GET MOBILE!
CONTRIBUTORS
View this month’s Issue of intouch magazine on your iPhone, iPad, android tablet or android phone.
Alan Spicer Alex Huszti AJM Photography Andrew Piggott Angela Le Rougetel Chloe O’Sullivan Di von Essen Dr Kathryn Holmes Gjenae Rosekelly
SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT WWW.INTOUCHMAGAZINE.COM.AU /INTOUCHMAGAZINES @INTOUCHMAGAZINES
The Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary has finally opened after five years of planning, fundraising and construction and we took a sneak peek at the glamorous glamping options for humans and state-of-the-art rehabilitation centre for the Koalas. You’re in for a treat on page 8.
Jack Lindgren Jess Codrington Kate McDermott Kim-Cherie Davidson Lara O'Donnell Liane Morris Mark Curnow Meg Purser Melinda Murray
Mia Kyrikos Michelle Meehan Quentin von Essen Skyy Crouch Tanya Obreza Tom Russell
The Team What do you love (or hate!) most about Spring? "What I love about Spring is the longer, brighter days and warmer nights that are still cool enough to sit around an outdoor fire. Best time of the year!" – QUENTIN VON ESSEN, MANAGING DIRECTOR
"I love the ‘smell’ of Spring – it’s a kind of floral smell everywhere – like Jasmine and Gardenias combined. It’s also the season all of my lavender blooms – so it makes me feel very relaxed and brings lots of bees to the garden. Unfortunately, it also brings Hayfever – thank goodness for Zyrtec!" – DI VON ESSEN, PUBLISHER/MANAGING EDITOR
"I love how the days get warmer and longer – and plus it’s the perfect weather for sunset cocktails by the beach!" – OLIVIA RODGERS, ADVERTISING & ONLINE COORDINATOR
STEP UP YOUR SKILLS Atwea College is currently offering courses to help you find a job, advance your career or learn something just for fun.
"Spring is the perfect time for camping – it's not too hot, and not too cold! Crescent Head is top of my list." – JESS CODRINGTON, SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
"I love the lighter days, and feeling like we are just on the brink of Summer! There is simply something magical in the air, and I enjoy spending more time outside. On the other end of the spectrum, I am prone to the terrible effects of hay fever and this is my most hated element of Spring. But, with thanks to modern-day medicine, I can soldier through this and truly enjoy all that Spring has to offer." – MIA KYRIKOS, CONTENT WRITER
"I love that the weather is finally nice enough that I can use my new portable projector. The kid and I have made a full list of must see 80's movies that we are going to watch on the back verandah while the movie is screening on the side of the house." – MEL MURRAY, CONTENT WRITER
Offering accredited qualifications in community and aged care, beauty, retail, hospitality, music industry, massage therapy, business and leadership.
"Eating dinner outside on balmy spring evenings... although I wish I could click my fingers and have all the mozzies disappear!" – MICHELLE MEEHAN, FEATURES WRITER
"I love Spring because the days start to become warmer and longer. In the air, there is a feeling of change, new start, and growth. It is mirrored all around us in nature, with a myriad of new blossoms and animals. On my walks, I love the changes in the bush and gardens. Plus, there is the possibility of the first ocean plunge, which I have already done at Tuncurry! It was refreshing, cleansing, and made me feel alive with Spring sparkle." – KIM-CHERIE DAVIDSON, CONTENT WRITER
Atwea College is registered as COVIDSafe organisation with NSW Government.
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WHAT'S On? Live & Cookin’ Look who is coming to dinner! For ticket capacity updates and changes please check our website. Bookings are required!
OCTOBER ACOUSTIC EVENING WITH JIMMY BARNES Thurs 1 (Live Stream Ticket Available) JEFF MARTIN SONGS OF LED ZEPPELIN
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70’S & 80’S ROCK TRIVIA Thursday 15 FOR THE LOVE OF PURPLE Saturday 17 LAZY SUNDAY LUNCH WITH ALEYCE SIMMONDS Sunday 18 FAULTY TOWERS - THE DINING EXPERIENCE Wednesday 21 LAZY SUNDAY LUNCH WITH FELICITY URQUHART AND LYN BOWTELL Sunday 25 EAO + MURRAYS BREWERY PRESENTS LIVE N LOCAL Wednesday 28 FAULTY TOWERS - THE DINING EXPERIENCE Thursday 29 MUSIC OF CHICAGO + BLOOD SWEAT & TEARS FT JEFF DUFF Friday 30 NOW WE ARE SWINGIN STARRING TOM BURLINSON Saturday 31
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AS ALWAYS, PLEASE CHECK INDIVIDUAL EVENTS BEFORE PLANNING, AND BOOK AHEAD IF NECESSARY. THURSDAY OCTOBER 1 Civic Cinema Until October 29, catch screenings such as Nightmare on Elm Street, Mad Max, and Shaun the Sheep. Visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au for session times. Mini Twilight Bike Rides Join Rotary Club Warners Bay each Thursday for a social bike ride from 5pm at the Rotunda, Speers Point Park. The rides last 45mins and are followed by refreshments, for a gold coin donation. Text 'YES' to 0428 259 769 before 10am on the day. Brickman Awesome At Newcastle Entertainment Centre until October 18. Tickets at www.ticketek.com.au Jesmond Central School Holiday Safari Hunt Find the animals hidden around the centre to get your FREE Safari Plush Toy! Oct 1+2. Register at www.events.humanitix.com Mega Creatures Until October 11, at Hunter Valley Gardens. Visit www.hvg.com.au for tickets. FRIDAY OCTOBER 2 The Big Picture Fest Amazing talented artists creating large scale murals around our city. 2–4 October. Visit www.thebigpicturefest.com The Big Draw Festival Join in in this worldwide event and enjoy a free series of drawing workshops taking place around Lake Macquarie, suitable for ages 7+ through to adults. 2–4 Oct. www.lakemac.com.au SATURDAY OCTOBER 3 Cocktails + Canapes Celebrate the start of Spring Carnival each Saturday lunch at The Nags, Adamstown. $50 for 4 cocktails and a variety of canapes! www.thenags.com.au Pelican Foreshore Market 9am–1pm. TUESDAY OCTOBER 6 Draw your Pet with Michael Bell Online class, 11am– 11.30am, 6–8 Oct. www.trybooking.com/BLGYG WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 7 EAO & Murrays Brewery Live N Local Brazillian Night At Lizottes, book your spot online (see left). SATURDAY OCTOBER 10 Feast Fest Twilight Market 4pm–8pm, Swansea/Belmont Surf Club, Blacksmiths. Chalkin' About Mental Health Coinciding with World Mental Health Day, join in on creating chalk messages of hope on the pavements at Nobby's Beach, 10am–12pm. SUNDAY OCTOBER 11 Homegrown Markets At Speers Point Park, 10am–2pm.
MONDAY OCTOBER 12 BowlAbilities An inclusive program designed specifically for older teens and adults with a disability. Superstrike Warners Bay, www.bowlabilities.com.au THURSDAY OCTOBER 15 The Gruffalo's Child At Civic Theatre, 12pm+6pm shows. Almost, Maine Presented by Hunter Drama, 15–17 October at The Playhouse. Visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 Gordi – Our Two Skins An intimate, stripped back show at City Hall. Visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au Book Week Puppet Show See Three by Stephen Michael King come to life in a live and interactive puppet show! Warners Bay Theatre, 9.30am–11am, $8 pp. Tickets at www.eventbrite.com.au Classic Film Series – Jailhouse Rock At Rathmines Theatre, 6pm–9pm. Tickets $20 pp. www.eventbrite.com.au SATURDAY OCTOBER 17 Feast Fest Twilight Market 4pm–8pm, Speers Point Park. FRIDAY OCTOBER 23 Prada's Priscillas Prada Clutch and her 'girls' at Civic Theatre. Visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au SATURDAY OCTOBER 24 The Olive Tree Virtual Market From 9am–4pm. Keep up to date through the Olive Tree Market Facebook page. Swansea Quinn Park Makers & Finders Market 8am–2pm. SUNDAY OCTOBER 25 Homegrown Markets At Speers Point Park, 10am–2pm. WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 28 EAO & Murrays Brewery Live N Local Brazillian Night At Lizottes, book your spot online (see left). THURSDAY OCTOBER 29 Belmont Country Women's Association Market Day 8:30am–12:30pm, Lake Macquarie Square, Mount Hutton THURSDAY NOVEMBER 5 Virtual How To Start Your New Business in 7 Easy Steps Run by Hunter Futurpreneurs. 10.30am–12pm. Register for free through www.eventbrite.com.au FRIDAY NOVEMBER 6 Fifty Shades of Ethnic At Civic Theatre. Classic Film Series – Rocky Horror Picture Show At Rathmines Theatre, 6pm–9pm. Tickets $20 pp. www.eventbrite.com.au SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7 Lake Mac Open Studios On 7+8 Nov, local artists and makers will throw open their studio doors and welcome the general public inside. 10am–4pm, www.lakemac.com.au
2020 Rosé
Celebration Special! Immerse yourself in one of Australia’s most iconic wineries and celebrate the release of McGuigan Wines’s 2020 Hunter Valley Rosé! This midweek offer includes a premium wine tasting in the exclusive Members Lounge, a cheese platter from the artisans at Hunter Valley Cheese Factory and a free bottle of the 2020 Hunter Valley Rosé to take home and enjoy! So, plan a day out sipping on award-winning wines this Spring and discover everything McGuigan’s has to offer!
Cost – $25 pp. Reservations must be prepaid for parties of 2–10 people. For more information visit www.mcguiganwines.com.au and click on experiences.
ISOLATION PORTRAITS OF NEWCASTLE - BY PHOTOGRAPHER LUKE KELLETT
SHOUT-OUT FROM NEWCASTLE FRINGE FESTIVAL WORDS LIANE MORRIS – Newcastle Fringe Festival
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Newcastle Fringe Festival is back and planning on being bigger and better than ever before. The Fringe is calling artists of all persuasions to register their expression of interest in taking part in next year’s festival, to be held 17 to 21 March 2021. The 2020 festival had to be cancelled two days before launch due to COVID restrictions. Newcastle Fringe was one of the first large cultural events to be affected and the first to live stream via Facebook. Before the cancellation, ticket sales had increased 250% on the previous year, and this year the festival is attracting more support from corporate sponsors such as AGL and government grants. For the first time, Newcastle Fringe has been successful with grant applications to the City of Newcastle and the Australia Council for the Arts, ensuring that the show will go on and the festival has a future. City of Newcastle Councillor Carol Duncan said City of Newcastle was proud to support Newcastle’s vibrant art and cultural community through sponsorship of Newcastle Fringe Festival. “We tell our city’s story, share our histories and understand our identity through culture and creative arts. After an immensely challenging period, the 2021 Fringe Festival will attract visitors to Newcastle, provide a valuable boost to the local arts and cultural industries and stimulate the economy.”
Planning for the 2021 festival is being done very carefully to ensure that it has the optimum opportunity to proceed regardless of the status of the pandemic. Larger, COVID-safe venues have been sourced, there will be teams of cleaners between shows and streaming will be more professional with audiences being encouraged to ‘binge the fringe’. But that’s not all that’s happening at Newcastle Fringe. The team are very proud to be able to announce that Jonathan Biggins has agreed to help promote the festival by being the first ever Newcastle Fringe Celebrity Ambassador. He’s come a long way since he played guitar in the Musical Flags – a retro surf bubble-gum pop band that was the precursor to the more famous Castanet Club back in the early 80s, but Jonathan Biggins still has a soft spot for his hometown of Newcastle. When asked to become a Celebrity Ambassador for the Newcastle Fringe Festival, Jonathan was only too happy to oblige. “I like giving back to the community that I hailed from,” Jonathan says. “Fringe represents artistic endeavour at its most grassroots level. I want to help people recognise its value, to support the artists that produce it, to acknowledge that the arts play a vital role in a healthy society and to help get that message across.” Jonathan sees the arts as critical at a time when fake news and conspiracy theories are blurring the truth and affecting our democracy. As one of Australia’s best political satirists, he has built a career on holding those in power to account by mirroring their behaviour and personalities on stage in the critically acclaimed and incredibly popular, Sydney Theatre Company’s Wharf Revue. This year is the Wharf Revue’s twentieth anniversary. Vehemently opposed to censorship, Jonathan is particularly pleased that Newcastle Fringe is open access – anyone can perform, and artists take responsibility for whatever their message is. “Art helps our society confront its issues; it should never be silenced,” said Jonathan. “And it doesn’t hide behind a wall of social media – a performer stands before their audience and owns what they say, in the flesh. I’m proud to be representing Newcastle Fringe and would encourage everyone to get out there and support your local artists by attending the festival or streaming the shows. It’s often where great things begin.” Newcastle Fringe is seeking expressions of interest from artists of all genres including circus, children's’ theatre, burlesque, stand-up, music of all styles, theatre, dance, poetry and just about anyone who wishes to perform at the festival. See the website for more details, www.newcastlefringe.com.au. Artist applications close on Friday 13 November.
See the World in a New Light at Newcastle Museum School trips to Canberra may have been cancelled due to COVID-19, but you can still get a taste of one of the capital’s most popular experiences with Questacon’s Colour Exhibition at Newcastle Museum. This special touring exhibition developed by Questacon – the National Science and Technology Centre – explores the science of colour and perception through more than 20 different interactive experiences. Set up in a COVID Safe space in the Supernova Gallery, Colour allows visitors to discover how light influences colour and why we all see colour differently, using everything from coloured bubbles and iridescent insects to spectacular fluorescent rocks and colour illusions. Questacon partnered with the Australian National Insect Collection and Geoscience Australia for this exhibition, which runs until 31 January 2021. Newcastle Museum has also launched a second new exhibition showcasing the work of Newcastle photographer Luke Kellett. isolation: Portraits of Newcastle during COVID-19 includes around 25 large-format photographs taken in the wake of the first COVID-19 Public Health Order closures announced in March 2020. Newcastle Museum Director Julie Baird said as part of isolation: Portraits of Newcastle during COVID-19, Luke wanted to document how the city felt and looked without the usual crowds and to explore togetherness during isolation. Luke photographed different types of households in isolation and recorded his subject’s thoughts, fears and hopes for the future via written responses to questions. Tickets for Colour can be purchased through the Newcastle Museum’s website and cost $10 for adult, $5 for children aged three and over and $7 for concession card holders, while a family pass (two adults and two children) is $25. Entry into isolation: Portraits of Newcastle during COVID-19 is free. Visitors should bring a mobile phone to enter the museum using a QR code and interact with both exhibitions.
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On Top of the World At Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
WORDS MICHELLE MEEHAN – Features Writer
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Habitat loss through the clearing and development of natural bushland is the greatest threat to Australia’s dwindling wild koala population. But one particular “development” in the tourist region of Port Stephens is being hailed as a significant win by conservationists, with the future of the much-loved native species right at its heart. The Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary opened late last month after five years of planning, fundraising and construction. It is a partnership between Port Stephens Council, which operates the tourism complex, and Port Stephens Koalas, a volunteer group that aims to provide world best practice standards of care to sick, injured and orphaned koalas, and holds the license to run the on-site koala hospital. Located on eight hectares of stunning bushland and nestled on the edge of the magnificent One Mile Beach and Worimi Conservation Lands sand dunes, the $9 million project will offer visitors a unique opportunity to see koalas in their natural habitat, while also helping to support their long-term rehabilitation and preservation.
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It incorporates both tourism and conservation elements, with a variety of accommodation options including fourstar glamping facilities that allows visitors to truly immerse themselves in the experience. A ground-level interpretive walk, elevated pathway and viewing platform allow you to learn more about the species and see them in their natural habitat, while a state-of-the-art koala hospital will provide first-class treatment for injured animals, giving them the best opportunity to be returned to the wild. The facility was funded by Port Stephens Council, a NSW Government grant and fundraising efforts by Port Stephens Koalas, with last month’s opening representing the culmination of years of work for many people including Port Stephens Koalas secretary and CEO of the Koala Hospital Ron Land. “It's a mixture of relief and accomplishment because it’s been five tough years from the initial planning to the acceptance of the plans and then the gathering of the funding to build the big koala facilities within the sanctuary,
which accounted for nearly $4 million (from the $9 million project costs),” Mr Land said. “Port Stephens Council are to be congratulated for accepting the premise and the seriousness of the situation. The facility is much more than just coming to have a look at koalas on display because, at the same time, it’s saving ill and injured koalas. “We’re only one of two organisations in New South Wales that have dual licensing from the New South Wales Government to treat, rehabilitate and release koalas whilst simultaneously displaying other koalas in a different cohort. “Visitors will be able to view koalas in their natural habitat in specifically designed and very large enclosures that don’t limit the movement of the koalas, all of whom have direct access to mature trees where they can climb and rest and not feel threatened by human presence. “It’s another part of the educational process because everyone who comes here will see that this is how koalas live, and this is what we’ve got to do to maintain their survival.” Education is key to the future of Australia’s wild koala population, which researchers have predicted will be totally wiped out by 2050 if we don’t do more to protect it. Ron believes the situation in Port Stephens is even more dire, which is why groups like Port Stephens Koalas, and facilities such as the new sanctuary, are just so important. “The group was formed as Hunter Koala Preservation Society in 1987, and we changed our name in 2016 to Port Stephens Koalas. Our main aim, of course, is to save the lives of ill and injured koalas and where possible return them to the wild,” he said. “We’ve got 144 frontline volunteers, represented by the spearhead groups of rescuers and carers, as well as a group of promotional volunteers that now work very hard to raise the funds we need to continue our day-to-day operation.
“We run three rescue vehicles, and we function 24 hours a day, every day of the week, every day of the year. “The number of volunteers we have is not proportionate to the number of koalas we estimate are in the wild; it's proportionate to the dire straits that the remaining koala population is in. “In the last ten years it’s fallen from the thousands, and we estimate there are no more than 400 koalas left in the wild in the Port Stephens region. “Unless these types of concentrated and continuing efforts are made, they will become extinct, and we feel they will become extinct in the wild within ten years. “The single biggest risk is the loss of habitat, and that’s driven by development, and it manifests itself with koalas being killed and injured, being hit by cars, attacked by dogs… but it’s all driven by loss of habitat.
“We are very, very serious about education in regards to koalas, koala habitat and koala treatment, we put an enormous amount of time into training our own volunteers, and we’ve got some of the most highly skilled volunteers in Australia that have received training from our vets and from the more senior carers within our organization. “But the broader education level is exposing people to the facilities that we have down here and letting their education flow on from our activities.” Port Stephens Koalas treat around 80 sick or injured koalas each year, which range from moderately to critically ill. Ron said the construction of the Koala Hospital and its state-of-the-art facilities within the Sanctuary site will provide a much-needed boost to the group’s capabilities to treat, save and ultimately release koalas back into the wild. “We don't get koalas unless they’re badly injured, or they’re ill, and unfortunately there’s a constant stream of koalas who come to us,” he said. “Just this week within four days we had two killed, two more come in as rescues and we’ve got six in the morgue (Continued next page) F
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(Continued) waiting for burial. That’s an indicator of just how dire the situation is. “This hospital provides a centralised facility where we can apply first-class treatment to ill and injured koalas with a variety of methods. “We’ve got two operating theatres, we’ve got four ICUs, we’ve got full digital X-ray facilities, a pharmacy, and so we’re able to now, for the first time, concentrate all of our labour resources and deploy our vets at the one point in what’s called the golden hour (the first hour after injury/rescue), which is no less important for injured wildlife than it is for humans. “The quicker we can apply the best medical treatment to an injured or ill koala, the better chance they have of survival. “With this facility, we will also become the receiving point for quite a large catchment area for koalas, which will come from right throughout the Hunter Valley, down south to Newcastle and north up to Taree.” On the tourism side of things, the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary is also expected to welcome a wide catchment of its own visitors, initially from within NSW and then the other states of Australia as COVID-19 travel restrictions ease. Further down the track international tourists are also likely to form a large segment of the Sanctuary’s visitor mix, and initial interest leading up to last month’s opening had been strong according to Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary Marketing and Promotions Manager James Cook. “The initial reaction to the opening of the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary has been extremely positive, with multiple accommodation bookings confirmed on the opening weekend,” he said. “Additionally, for the school holiday period, accommodation reservations remained very encouraging with many running at near 100% occupancy. “By year three of operations, we expect day visitations will build to approximately 40,000 per annum. “By providing premium tent accommodation located along the periphery of the koala enclosures and offering a unique overnight experience, this concept not only ensures that the operation of the facility is sustainable, but that it is projected to be profitable, which is significant for the facility itself, as well as the wider economic and tourism profile of the Port Stephens area.” Aside from the option of staying on-site, visitors can also enjoy the Sanctuary Story Walk. This 250m-long meandering pathway offers an immersive educational experience
telling the story of the koala and its habitat through artistic sculptural representations. The 225m-long Newcastle Airport SKYwalk and elevated viewing platform provide a unique treetop perspective into the koala’s natural habitat from about nine metres above ground level, while the Fat Possum Café has a range of ‘grab and go’ eats and treats, excellent barista coffee and quality souvenirs in a tranquil bushland setting. Tailored education sessions from local guides on koala care, rehabilitation and eventual return back to the wild will also be available once COVID-19 restrictions ease, but in the meantime, visitors can take a self-guided tour using the Sanctuary’s printed guide materials, which are handed out from the Koala Centre reception area. Mr Cook said the Koala Sanctuary provided a new opportunity for visitors to directly contribute to the preservation of local koalas in Port Stephens and would be a must-see addition to the overall mix of attractions in the tourist destination.
“For day visitation, the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary will complement other attractions within the local area, with the Newcastle Airport SKYwalk and viewing platform providing the signature experience of a visit to the Sanctuary,” he said. “For overnight visitors, we also offer brand new four-star glamping accommodation where guests can wake up with the koalas in their spectacular natural bushland setting and enjoy everything that our Koala Sanctuary has to offer. “Additionally the conservation work and education opportunities available here at the Sanctuary will also provide potential visitors with greater knowledge and understanding of the plight of the koala, with a visit to the Sanctuary directly contributing to the long term survival of the species in the Port Stephens region.” Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer said the Sanctuary would provide a greater incentive to regional tourism at a time when it is needed the most, while also helping to support the long-term future of one of Australia’s most loved native animals. ►
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“Port Stephens is home to koalas. We’re incredibly proud of that, and we all have the responsibility to protect koalas and ensure their future for generations to come,” Cr Palmer said. “Port Stephens Council is working to sustain and grow a healthy and viable koala population in our region — the Koala Sanctuary is one way we can do that. “Given how hard our region has been hit by the effects of COVID-19, it’s also incredibly exciting that Port Stephens has a unique new attraction to encourage regional visitation. “The Koala Sanctuary will help to attract safe and sustainable visitor numbers to our region. This will ensure continued support for our local business and tourism industries, securing jobs as we continue to grow even during these unprecedented times.”
Glamping Among the Gum Trees For those who want to truly immerse themselves in the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary experience, there’s no better way to linger a little longer than by booking a night to stay on-site. The undoubted star of the accommodation mix is their new four-star glamping options, which allow you to choose from either a Deluxe two-person tent or a Superior fourperson tent. Set amongst the natural bushland and offering an experience like no other from dawn to dusk, the deluxe
glamping tents feature private ensuites, king or queen size beds and spacious outdoor decks with picturesque outlooks, some of which face the koalas’ enclosures. You certainly won’t feel like you’re roughing it with this upmarket alternative to camping, with all the creature comforts of home including air conditioning, a television, and a well-equipped kitchenette complete with a microwave, toaster, fridge and kettle. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary Marketing and Promotions Manager James Cook said visitors would also discover “a few little additional luxurious surprises”, which are sure to make their stay just that little bit more memorable. Those looking for a more conventional stay can make the most of the Sanctuary’s recently refurbished motel-style accommodation rooms, ranging from Deluxe Studio Rooms to their One Bedroom Deluxe Suites. Features vary depending on the room type, but most include a kitchenette with a fridge, microwave, kettle and toaster. Each motel room is also equipped with a television and air-conditioning, and some bathrooms include a corner spa bath. Accommodation in a Superior Glamping tent starts from $460 per night for two people, with a Deluxe Glamping Tent experience starting from $480 per night (two people). The contemporary-style motel accommodation starts from $325 per night for a Deluxe Studio room. Room. Inclusions such as welcome hampers on arrival, continental gourmet breakfast ingredients that you can whip up yourself in the tent kitchen, unlimited access to the Koala Sanctuary, a guided Sanctuary tour and an exclusive koala viewing are also provided depending on the accommodation style that is booked.
For more information or to make a booking visit www.portstephenskoalasanctuary.com.au The Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary is open every day from 9am to 5pm, with the last admission at 3.30pm. The Newcastle Airport SKYwalk and viewing platform close at 4pm. Admission costs $25 for adults, $14 for children and $17 for concession. Children three years and under are free when accompanied and supervised by a paying adult. ■
GET IT AT ‘THE FARMERS’ This Sunday!
Rain, hail or shine, 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 pass the time, strolling through stalls filled with fresh, seasonal produce for you to nibble on while you wander around or throw together at your next dinner party. Not only will you find the best local produce all in one place at Newcastle City Farmers Markets, 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. And 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 beef and of course fresh seafood (an essential ingredient for Summer!). For more information about the markets, visit www.newcastlecityfarmersmarket.com.au
See you on Sunday!
• Newcastle City Farmers Market •
Sorry! NO DOGS
VISITORS PLEASE NOTE:
Each Sunday at Broadmeadow Showground 7am-1pm* www.nswfarmersmarket.com.au www.newcastlecityfarmersmarket.com.au
Griffiths Road entry. *Please check our websites for details and market locations*
• Please wash hands/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! For any enquiries, contact us: E finefoodmarket@bigpond.com M 0427 586 079 www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 11
Now Open
in Port Stephens Port Stephens Council in partnership with Port Stephens Koalas has created a Koala Sanctuary to ensure first-class care to sick, injured and orphaned koalas. Visitors to the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary will be able to experience: Waking up with Koalas! A unique oppurtunity to stay overnight in a 4 star deluxe glamping style tent within the Sanctuary grounds. Koala Hospital Take a look through the hospital viewing window as veterinary staff carry out examinations and administer treatment to koala inpatients. Newcastle Airport SKYwalk A 225 metre in length elevated boardwalk and viewing platform, offering a unique ‘tree top’ perspective into a koala’s natural habitat. Sanctuary Story Walk A 250m in length immersive educational experience telling the story of koala and its habitat through artistic sculptural representations.
Buy Tickets Now Connect With Us 12 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au
Contact Us:
02 4988 0800
portstephenskoalasanctuary.com.au koalasanctuary@portstephens.nsw.gov.au
OPINION
On the
Music Scene WORDS MEL MURRAY – PSM Publicity
T
Triple M’s Oztober is set to rock off once again throughout October as the month-long celebration of Aussie music returns bigger than ever to the Triple M airwaves from Thursday, October 1. From the songs to the artists, and the stories behind them, Triple M will play the best of new and upcoming performers while continuing to honour household Aussie favourites. There will be four Garage Sessions for listeners throughout the month and joining this year’s lineup will be, Hoodoo Gurus, DMAs, Dave Gleeson from the Screaming Jets, Hands Like Houses, Kingswood, Eskimo Joe, Something for Kate’s Paul Dempsey and Diesel. The network will partner with Movember to deliver these performances to support and raise awareness for mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. “We know the struggles and pressures this year have brought to a lot of people, especially those in the entertainment and music industry. Events like Oztober help to give our lives a sense of normalcy, by coming together while celebrating and supporting some of the incredible local acts we have in this country,” said Triple M’s Mikey Maher.
Great Southern Nights – Land of 1000 gigs Great Southern Nights is a music event which will bring 1,000 COVID-safe performances to live music venues in Greater Sydney and regional NSW in November (Australian Music Month).
WHAT’S ON TEAM FROM THE WELLRED PODCAST
This event is a NSW Government initiative, delivered by its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW in partnership with the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) to stimulate the revival of the live music and entertainment sectors and in turn the visitor economy in the recovery phase of COVID-19. Venues will present 1,000 gigs showcasing established, emerging and local Australian artists, across a multitude of venues around NSW. Great Southern Nights will culminate in Australia’s premier music industry event, the ARIA Awards. All music events will be programmed in line with current NSW Government health advice regarding physical distancing and venue capacity of public gatherings. We have it on very good authority some great local venues have secured some of these amazing gigs, which will be announced soon. Keep an eye on the Great Southern Night website for details. My favourite podcasts Given we have all spent so much time inside, my podcast list is getting longer and longer. Now that the weather is nicer, my best moment of the day is when I can make a coffee, sit on the back porch and have someone else do all the talking for an hour or so. In case you're looking for something new. These are my current weekly go-to podcasts: Literally with Rob Lowe – It is literally Rob Lowe having an hour-long conversation with one of his mates. Guests so far incl. David Spade, Demi More, Chris Pratt and Alex Baldwin. WellRed – This is three liberal boys from the deep south talking politics and life, and I often find myself actually laughing out loud. Smart, insightful and funny as hell. Lots of cursing but in the best accent ever so it just makes it funnier.
Until 2 December
Living Smart
Beyond 2020
The Living Smart Festival presents a fantastic range of online activities, talks and interactive workshops, plus small in-person pop-up events.
2-4 October Take part in this worldwide event with our free series of drawing workshops taking place around Lake Macquarie.
12-15 October
Lake Mac BIG BOOK FAIR Love books?
The World’s Biggest Drawing Festival Comes to Lake Macquarie The Big Draw Festival will be taking over a host of different venues in Lake Macquarie this October 2-4. A worldwide event, The Big Draw sees free drawing events, exhibitions and workshops pop up across scores of different countries, and this year’s theme, ‘A climate of change’, gives the nod to a greener, brighter future amidst the threat of climate change and life in a global pandemic. From a large-scale drawing by the Lake to creating art from humble root vegetables, this year’s program offers something for everyone, with activities suitable for ages 7+ through to adults.
Love a bargain? GREEN THUMBS CREATIVE FINGERS
Head to Warners Bay Theatre, $2 entry includes a bag to fill full of books, with over 8000 titles to choose from.
Discover more of what’s on in Lake Mac this month at
lakemac.com.au/whatson All workshops are free, but bookings are essential. Visit lakemac.com.au and search for ‘The Big Draw Festival’. All workshops will be conducted within COVID Safe guidelines.
When attending events or activities in Lake Macquarie, remember to stay COVID Safe. Greet friends with a wave, not a hug. Maintain 1.5 metres physical distance. Wash your hands and sanitize before, during and after the event. www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 13
FREE TASTINGS!
One of the Four Best Australian Spirits Right Now. GQ Magazine Australia March 2015
A Small Mouth doesn't have room for just anything... Small Mouth Vodka is a family run business, that specialises in Shimmering Vodka and Gins, handcrafted from only premium ingredients. We boast a full �avour with a long, smooth �nish in every sip of our Vodka or Gin. We are open 7 days a week, 10am–5pm and we try to show even the non-Vodka or Gin drinkers that with our products, it's di�erent, that it’s smoother and overall a more enjoyable experience than our competitors. SmallMouthVodka
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At Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village – Broke Road, Pokolbin. For any bookings phone 0492 031 862 or email jay@smallmouthvodka.com
smallmouthvodka.com
14 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au
Health + Wellbeing Feature
Follow Your Progress For Increased Motivation WORDS ANGELA LE ROUGETEL – Hunter Imaging There are the scales, which is probably the most straightforward and most accessible, but there’s a big problem – the scales can lie to you about your progress. How many times have you stepped on the scale expecting to see dramatic results, only to be disheartened by the number that appears? Well. You’re not alone. That’s why experts and everyday Novocastrians are moving away from the old school method of measurement. The scales measure everything – every sip of water, every bite of food, your bones, muscles, organs, fat. There’s no way to distinguish what you’re gaining or losing. Opting for new technology is Katie Shakespeare from New Lambton who is a member of Genesis Health and Fitness and eagerly taking part in the coaching zone 6-week challenge. “Measuring my true body composition at the start of my program helped me to set my goals which were to lose weight (fat mass) but increase muscle (lean mass). I selected a DEXA Scan at Hunter Imaging Group Cooks Hill on Darby Street. The scan was quick, easy and safe, providing me
instantly with an accurate report that I can now access easily on my phone via the HIG patient app. It’s so cool”. Katie will have a second TBM scan before summer to keep track of her real results and assess if her hard training and diet program is working for her body type. By measuring your body’s muscle mass, fat mass and bone mineral density, Hunter Imaging group are using the latest technology that allows you to see how your body changes over time even if your weight stays the same. And best of all you can refer yourself.
When it comes to exercise and weight loss, there are plenty of ways to track your progress.
So what does it involve? TBM is a short scan performed on a DEXA scanner (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry). It is a highly accurate measure of Body Mass Index (BMI).
What will my TBM scan tell me? The report generated from your TBM scan will tell you the following; • Where your BMI sits within the normal ranges defined by the World Health Organisation. • Body Mass Index (BMI) and Total Body Fat percentage. • Fat distribution throughout the body including legs, trunk, android (stomach) and gynoid (waist/hips).
Where can I have my TBM Scan? Hunter Imaging Group Provides this service at several branch locations including Adamstown, Cooks Hill, Gateshead, Maitland and Tuggerah.
How can I make an appointment? NO doctor or medical referral is necessary, making an appointment is easy. Simply contact our friendly consultants on the following: TBM Hotline: 4925 5492 TBM Email: tbm@sonichealthcare.com.au
For more information please visit www.hunterimaging.com.au/tbm
Spring Special 2 TBM Scans for $100! Visit www.hunterimaging.com.au/tbm
A copy of your results can be provided to any of your medical health care providers.
Simple, easy access via our Patient Portal App
GO digital
Access your images and reports online
• Quick, easy access to your X-Ray, MRI, Ultrasound etc. images—any place, any time • Share images and reports with your doctor, health provider, family and friends • Highly secure online network • Being “filmless” reduces our impact on the environment
Download the HIG Patient App from the App Store or Google Play, or visit patient.hunterimaging.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 15
Health + Wellbeing Feature
LAYTON HILLS, WHO HAS LOST 45KG DURING HIS TIME TRAINING AT POLLET'S
Get Fighting Fit with
MARTIAL ARTS WORDS SKYY CROUCH – Pollet's Martial Arts
BUY THE DIARY THAT SAVES LIVES Support breast cancer trials research and give hope to the 54 women diagnosed with breast cancer every day.
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18.95
from Newsagents, Woolworths, Participating Post Offices & womenshealthdiary.com.au
16 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au
At Pollet’s Martial Arts, we have something for the whole family! You can train together or in different disciplines. For ages 7 – Adult, we offer Karate, Okinawan Traditional Weapons, Boxing, Muay Thai, Kempo JiuJitsu, MMA and a specialised Little Tiger’s self-defence class (ages 2-6 years). Pollet’s has 30+ classes each week and is open 50+ hours weekly. There is a variety of attendance options and flexible days each week to fit in with your schedule. We have single or family memberships. With our amazing value
OVERSUBSCRIBED Podcast Partners with Breast Cancer Trials Alana Nixon and Laura Jackel of local podcast Oversubscribed, have joined forces with Australia’s oldest and most respected breast cancer research organisation, Breast Cancer Trials (BCT) for season five of the podcast. The duo hopes to use their podcast platform, which has been engaging thousands of women across Australia and New Zealand each week to promote some ground-breaking new research. Breast Cancer Trials is now recruiting for a world-first clinical trial designed to help women with the BRCA 1 gene mutation, who have an approximate 70% risk of developing breast cancer and 40% risk of developing ovarian cancer over their lifetime. “Currently, for these women the most commonly used preventative option is the surgical removal of their breasts and/
family memberships, you pay for only two family members and all other immediate family members train for FREE! Our aim is to empower you to develop a strong mindset and understand that we all face setbacks in our lives. By choosing to get back up again and progress forward, you will become stronger and more resilient. This helps with setting goals and having patience while they are being achieved. At Pollet's, You will very quickly feel part of our community, in our friendly, supportive, non-intimidating atmosphere. We have no fitness level requirements and no experience level requirements. We offer you encouragement and motivation to make ongoing improvements. With our Martial Arts, we approach health from all angles, covering physical, emotional, spiritual and mental health, for wellbalanced, thriving and fulfilled students. If you would like to invest in skills and qualifications in Karate, Traditional Weapons, Kempo Jiu-Jitsu or Muay Thai, your grades with Pollet’s Martial Arts are Internationally recognised and reputable. We offer private lessons in all disciplines for those who would like a kick start, an edge or simply work away/difficult hours. Pollet’s also runs resilience and selfdefence programs at Day Care facilities, Primary and Secondary Schools. Call us today on 4952 2444 to book in your free trial class for yourself or the whole family!
or ovaries,” said Dr Nick Zdenkowski, medical oncologist and BCT Medical Advisor. “The new BRCA P clinical trial is testing whether a drug called Denosumab is effective in preventing breast cancer in women who carry this BRCA1 gene mutation. Breast Cancer Trials aims to recruit at least 300 women to the trial across 15 hospitals in Australia, as part of an international recruitment target of just under 3000.” The Oversubscribed duo will be releasing a special episode about this ground-breaking new research to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Season five launched on Thursday 24 September and will run until the end of November 2020 and will discuss (among other things) imposter syndrome, the US election, the wellness industry, women’s health and Harry and Meghan! Listen to an episode of Oversubscribed on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Castbox FM or visit www.getoversubscribed.com
Healthcare Evolutions is a group of medical centres in Newcastle and Hunter Region. We offer dedicated Doctors for you and your family. SERVICES WE OFFER ⋅ General Medicine ⋅ Children’s Health ⋅ Adolescent’s Health ⋅ Men’s Health ⋅ Women’s Health ⋅ Aged Care ⋅ Chronic Disease ⋅ Health Assessments ⋅ Vaccinations
⋅ Child Immunization ⋅ Travel Medicine ⋅ Skin Cancer Checks ⋅ Work Place/Pre-Employment ⋅ Workers Compensation ⋅ Driving Medical ⋅ Iron Infusions ⋅ Pathology Collection
Cameron Park Medical Practice
Opening Nov 3rd 2020 – 309 George Booth Drive, Cameron Park
Laser Pain Management Clinic
For drug free pain relief and better healing through ‘best in class’ photomedicine products and services, including NOVO THOR Full Body Laser Treatment Bed. Conditions treated: • Neck Pain • Knee Pain • Back Pain • Sciatica Treatment • Arthritis Pain
• Nerve Pain • Migraine • Sporting Injuries (all ages) • Tendinitis and Tennis Elbow • Fibromyalgia
For more information visit www.laserpainmanagement.com.au
Wallsend Medical Practice Shop 5, Wallsend Village Cnr Kokera and Cowper Street Wallsend, NSW 2287 P 02 4951 2100
Maryland Medical Practice Pain Management Clinic Shop 5 A-C, Maryland Drive Maryland, NSW 2287 P 02 4950 1333
Paterson Medical Practice 16 King Street Paterson, NSW 2421 P 02 4938 5527
Clarence Town Medical Centre 40 Grey Street Clarence Town, NSW 2321 P 02 4996 4003
Book your appointment today via our Friendly Mobile App – Healthcare Evolutions; online at www.healthcareevolutions.com.au; or by simply calling one of our clinics listed above
www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 17
Health + Wellbeing Feature
PIGGOTT’S PHARMACY
P
Celebrates 50 Years of Caring for Newcastle
Piggott’s Pharmacy will be giving away $50 every day for 50 days in every store from 1st October, as they celebrate 50 years of serving Newcastle with personal service and care in November. The first Piggott’s Pharmacy was purchased in November 1970 at Orchardtown Road, Blackbutt. Chris and Shirley Piggott met in Sydney University whilst studying Pharmacy, they got married, enjoyed a working/travel honeymoon and moved to Newcastle to start their new business. At the time, Shirley was three weeks away from delivering the couple’s first child. The Piggott family lived in an apartment above the Pharmacy for three years with Chris and Shirley alternating Pharmacist, management, accounting and parenting roles. Piggott’s Pharmacy is not a generic brand; they are a local family Pharmacy caring for your family and community. Chris and Shirley now have four children; Petrina “Maddi” almost 50, Andrew 48, Anthony 40 and Skye 38 plus nine grandchildren. Nobody could have foretold that three of them would follow in their parent’s footsteps and became Pharmacists. The one son who instead studied Surveying
later fell in love and married an Austrian Pharmacist! So, Pharmacy certainly does run rich in their veins. In 1979, the opening of Charlestown Square was an opportunity that allowed Piggott’s Pharmacy to expand and open a Soul Pattinson. This Pharmacy was revolutionary at the time, as well as providing all Pharmacy needs, a photo lab, Juvena beauty products and of course the much loved “Homypeds” and “masseur sandals” were a staple part of the business. Chris was a big personality and became well known as a genuine, knowledgeable, and caring Pharmacist with regular radio and TV appearances. Chris had sporting, church and Rotary involvements alongside his Pharmacy interests that culminated in his becoming President of the Newcastle & Hunter Valley Pharmacists Association. Chris also had all his Pharmacists trained in Naturopathy and Herbal Medicines to lead in the thirst for knowledge that the public requires to stay healthy. Anthony grew up around his family Pharmacies. After finishing his studies in Sydney, he was in London working at Croydon University Hospital in South London, doing firstin-human drug trials, before working in Airlie Beach for a successful Queensland Pharmacist. Anthony returned to
FOR
Newcastle as his father was preparing to sell his original Pharmacy at Blackbutt. In 2009 Anthony, with his sister Skye, took over the family business with the original Pharmacy at Blackbutt seeing considerable growth since. Its initial growth involved adding a small medical centre to the former upstairs living area, but in 2013 the Pharmacy extended, and the medical centre expanded and renovated completely. Anthony Piggott, with support from his family, is now the driving force, quickly expanding in Hamilton, Merewether, Branxton, Lambton and the newest edition, Piggott’s Pharmacy Huntlee. Anthony is very active in the Local Community and the Pharmacy Community alike. He is well entrenched in providing traditional Pharmacy values, genuine care with quality service and advice. When you go to a Piggott’s Pharmacy, you will feel a warm welcome from staff who love their job. Small business is vital to local communities – that is where you know your local retailers by name, and they know you. On the personal side, Anthony is an accomplished recreational pilot, a previous State Chess Champion, a keen traveller and is known as Dad to his 6-year-old daughter, Anita. Piggott’s Pharmacy staff have always enjoyed being a part of the Piggott Family. These values are reflected in their delivering happy and caring service to their customers. The family continue to honour the traits of business drilled into them by their father. Pop into any Piggott’s Pharmacy to Celebrate their 50th Birthday in October and you could WIN a $50 voucher!
50 DAYS
In the lead up to Piggott’s Pharmacy celebrating 50 years of serving Newcastle in November, Piggott’s Pharmacy will be giving away $50 vouchers every day for 50 days in every store from 1st October.
So POP into any Piggott’s Pharmacy to Celebrate with us and you could WIN!
Caring for Newcastle since 1970… BLACKBUTT PHONE 4957 2474 18 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au
BRANXTON PHONE 4938 1156
HAMILTON PHONE 4961 3179
HUNTLEE PHONE 4067 7866
MEREWETHER PHONE 4969 1978
LAMBTON PHONE 4957 3630
Health + Wellbeing Feature The ‘gut’ is a term that refers to our digestive tract, specifically our small and large intestine which house trillions of microorganisms. The main microorganisms present in the gut are bacteria that form our unique gut ‘microbiota’. Our gut microbiota is composed of strains of bacteria that need a diverse range of foods to thrive. Everyone’s gut microbiota is shaped early in life but can vary in adulthood depending on dietary habits, exercise frequency, body mass index (BMI) and lifestyle habits. A healthy gut microbiota will help promote immunity, prevent disease development, and keep your bowels regular.
LET’S TALK ABOUT
Gut Health
W
WORDS KATE MCDERMOTT – Accredited Practicing Dietitian, Anglican Care
What is the gut, and why does its health matter? Gut health has been a trending topic as emerging research shows links between gut health and chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders and mental health.
How can I improve my gut health through nutrition? There are good and bad bacteria in our intestinal tract, which are profoundly affected by dietary and environmental factors. For our gut microbiota to thrive, we need: • A varied diet that is high in fibre. This will increase the diversity of our gut microbiota and produce beneficial metabolites which will improve our health and immunity. • Limit processed foods high in fat, refined sugar and low in fibre. This will increase the harmful bacteria and can be detrimental to our health. • A diet high in fruits and vegetables, wholegrain breads and cereals, olive oil and legumes, nuts and seeds, and a moderate amount of lean meats. This will increase the good bacteria and help produce anti-inflammatory compounds, improving inflammation in our gut and body. Five foods to eat to improve gut health • Nuts – Are high in fibre, and act as a prebiotic which provide a food source for good bacteria, thus maintaining a healthy gut microbiota. Aim for a ¼ cup of unsalted nuts a day.
• Rye bread – High in fibre, two slices of rye bread have around 5g of fibre which is more than 15% of the recommended fibre intake for your day. • Legumes – High in fibre, legumes and lentils help to keep us regular by bulking up our stools and act as a prebiotic. Add to soups, stews, salads or roast with vegetables – aim for 2 cups a week. • Yoghurt – Fermented foods, such as yoghurt, contain probiotics which are live bacteria. Probiotics will help maintain the good bacteria in your gut and promote a healthy digestive tract. Aim to have yoghurt or fermented milk drinks (i.e. kefir) every day. • Fruit and vegetables – Eating a variety of colours and types of food have been shown for bacterial diversity which in turn is better for immunity and overall health. Aim for two pieces of fruit a day and two handfuls of vegetables at meals. Gut health for mental health There’s emerging research that has found that an imbalance of gut bacteria has been linked to several mental illnesses, including anxiety and depression. This is because there is a link between our gut health and the amount of serotonin produced, the hormone that helps regulate your mood. A diet that is low in fibre and fermented foods and thus prebiotics and probiotics puts you at a higher risk of developing mental health conditions. Limit fast food, soft drink, chips, chocolates, lollies, commercial baked goods and processed meats. These are ‘treat’ foods and should be enjoyed for special occasions!
ALL imaging request forms accepted
WHY CHOOSE CLARITY? • ALL X-ray, CT and ultrasound examinations bulk-billed* (subject to Medicare eligibility) • State-of-the-art MRI scanner • Get in fast with results back to your referrer the same day • Caring and highly trained staff *Waratah only, a small fee may apply for ultrasound at Cessnock.
Call for an appointment today on 4990 2655 WARATAH Suite 2, 182 Christo Road, Waratah CESSNOCK 1 Cessnock Street, Cessnock OPEN Monday to Friday, 8.30am–5pm
www.clarityimaging.com.au
www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 19
Health + Wellbeing Feature
Local
AUGUST HUNTER BUSINESS AWARDS – MELANIE & SIMON ASHLEY
What makes it
This month, Intouch Magazine asked Simon Ashley of ATUNE Health to share his thoughts on what it means to be local.
F
For as long as I can remember, I have had a passion for seeing individuals and communities discover the truth about their health and wellbeing. This has led me all over the world where I was privileged to work in a Palestinian refugee camp, war-torn Iraq and among the less fortunate in Los Angeles. Little did I know that moving to the Hunter 20 years ago would present opportunities that came with being local. That opportunity led me to establish a home for a growing family and a home for more than 100 health professionals and 30,000 people in this region. I came to the Hunter as an osteopath in 2000 after graduating from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology with a double degree in Clinical Science and Clinical Osteopathy. My aforementioned travels and a sudden acute health issue generated a passion for providing the local
community with integrated health care. In 2006, in the front room of our house in Eleebana, I took the first step and ATUNE Health Centres was born. This region continues to provide itself as a place to innovate and collaborate. We discovered how powerful this was while constructing a $10 million integrated health centre. While the centre itself is a shining example of individuals coming together for better outcomes, the 10-year process from purchase to completion is equally reflective of what I think it means to be local. Local is not about being locally positioned but locally constructed and built. My wife Melanie and I are fortunate to raise our four children, Grace, Zachary, Esther and Joshua in a community that gets it. As a family, we are committed to finding ways to work with local people, to support our local community excel and lead, not because we have to, but because we want to. I believe that local is also about generating legacy – moving beyond what is happening right now and thinking about how that will look for our kids and their kids. Despite all that is challenging in our world right now, there are still plenty of local people who, like me, believe that the greater Newcastle and Hunter region is the perfect place to build and construct community infrastructure not just for now but also for our future. The Ashley family and the ATUNE family have come out of, rather than being planted into a community – which is what I think makes us genuinely local.
A new approach to health An integrated medical and health option for our community.
SPECIALISTS
18 professional health disciplines in one purpose built centre.
General Practitioners | Medical Acupuncture | Physiotherapy | Hydrotherapy Osteopathy | Massage Therapy | Psychology | Soft Tissue Therapy | Podiatry Functional Breathing Therapy | Naturopathy | Speech Pathology | Exercise Physiotherapy | Dietetics | Dentistry | Pathology | Nursing support Integrated Oncology Care | Integrated Maternity Care | High Performance Sports Unit including eight squash courts | Integrated Sleep Centre and Mobile Services
Corner of Ada Street and Macquarie Road Cardiff
www.atune.com.au 4954 4511 20 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au
FRONT: JOSHUA & ESTHER MIDDLE: SIMON & MELANIE BACK: GRACE & ZACHARY
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.
Health + Wellbeing Feature
STRESS
Sometimes there can be discrepancies in your occlusion (the way your teeth come together) that can act as a trigger for grinding - in combination with your stresses. This will often manifest as symptoms in the muscles of the jaw, symptoms in a tooth (that is involved in the discrepancy) or symptoms in your temporomandibular joint (TMJ – the jaw joint that hinges off the base of the skull near your ear). It is possible to determine the nature of these discrepancies and selectively grind the teeth to eliminate them and create a more harmonious bite. Frequently, this is sufficient. In some instances, patients suffer from more debilitating symptoms. These symptoms can be focused on the TMJ joint, the muscles involved in moving the jaw and chewing or sometimes symptoms in teeth. For patients with more acute symptoms, I will often discuss the use of a night-guard. This is simply a mouthguard (made from the same elastic material mouthguards are made from) that has been adjusted so that the teeth meet evenly on the mouthguard. This provides an even, cushioned surface for clenching – offering protection to both the joints and the teeth. These kinds of night guards can be worn in times of more severe bruxism (stress) and provide a circuit breaker until the episodes subside. One of the more unfortunate aspects of bruxism, when it is focused on a tooth, is that its presentation can be very similar to that of a tooth that is about to develop an abscess. X-rays, a careful history of presentation and symptoms as well as an assessment of the tooth can help to determine the diagnosis. There have been instances where, due to a degree of uncertainty, we have delayed the commencement of the initiation of a root canal therapy. Thankfully – the great majority of patients have an innate feeling about the source
And Dental Disease WORDS ALEX HUSZTI - BelleDental
I
Alex has had a career focused on low-biologic cost reconstructive cosmetic dental care – common sense teeth for life.
2020: what a year it has been! I feel reasonably confident in saying that everyone has been confronted in one way or another with change or new experiences as a consequence of Covid-19. Change – especially change that is foisted upon us – can be demanding to deal with. Almost inevitably, many of us experience stress as part of our coping mechanism. So what are the dental consequences of stress? For many, bruxism or clenching of teeth is one of the more immediate responses. All of us have a propensity for nocturnal grinding of teeth (bruxism). It is readily evident as wear facets on teeth. If you wake up with a sensation of tightness in your jaw muscles, and that your teeth feel as though they’ve been clenched – you’re probably grinding your teeth.
of the pain – in combination with a careful history, the right decisions can be made. So, is bruxism avoidable? Yes and no. No, because we’re all programmed to some degree to grind our teeth, especially in the face of stresses. Yes, because there are ways of managing stress. The understanding and management of stress can aid in moderating or significantly reducing bruxism. This year, I have been implementing meditation into my weekly routines. Meditations focused on acceptance, compassion and gratitude appear to me to reduce stress levels by switching from a “victim or blame” mentality to a “coping or problem solving” mentality (what some may call abundance). This kind of mentality shift is progressive, yet can feel quite profound. I suspect that meditation has other benefits as well. If you’re interested in this topic, I’ve found the book “Changing the Habit of Being Yourself” by Dr Joe Dispenza, an inspirational read.
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www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 21
Health + Wellbeing Feature
Spring into a New You – Inside and Out!
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WORDS DR KATHRYN HOLMES – The Mayah Clinic
Skin Wellness T RE AT M E N TS WE OFFER : Broadband Light Beauty Skin Laser Cosmetic Injectables Cosmetic Tattooing Cold Laser Skin Health (Acne, Pigmentation, Rosacea, Sun Damage) Emcyte Pure PRP Trusculpt iD Body Shaping
Is Spring your favourite time of year? Weather warming up, flowers appearing, more people out and about. Of course this year we have the added COVID issues – so get out and about but with social distancing, and the hope of all borders opening soon! One of the other things that happens in Spring is that more of our skin sees the light of day! There is always an upswing in people coming in with spots or bumps on their skin that they have only just noticed. Then there is dry, flakey winter skin to repair, and perhaps some extra weight accumulated over Winter time to sort out!
So - what’s the plan? Glowing healthy skin starts from the inside, so what better time to recharge and refresh your diet. Out with the extra “lockdown” alcohol and heavy winter warmer food, and in with the natural, light and fresh cuisine. How to improve dull skin? Try a diet rich in carotenoids – that is red, yellow and orange colours in fruit and veg. For example, tomatoes, red capsicum, carrots and leafy greens (think spring salads!). Berries rich in antioxidants and walnuts – rich in essential fatty acids to hydrate and brighten make easy snacks. For an added internal boost, skin-specific probiotics and collagen are a great addition (like Imbibe – an Australian research supported range). Ok. Inside sorted. What about the outside? First lets deal with the things that can kill you, or at least affect your health - skin cancers. Now that you are paying attention to your skin check it for any new spots, irritated spots, or spots that have changed. Get someone else to check your back. If its time, go get a full-body skin cancer check.
Prevent further skin cancer risk as you head into more outside time by using hats, long sleeves, sunscreen, antioxidant serums and avoiding the times of the day with a high UV index. Then treat that sun damage you are now paying attention to. Brown spots, red patches, broken vessels can all be from UV damage. Broadband Light used with a multipass method, for example, is an excellent way to clear your skin and provide the long term benefits of collagen-boosting and reducing skin cancer rates. Take a proactive approach to your skincare routine too. Hopefully, over Winter, you might have visited your skin therapist to boost the ingredients you needed in the dry, cold, windy months. Now, your skin will be experiencing quite a different environment. Check in with a professional to make sure what you are using is the best thing for your skin going into Summer. Perhaps for your body, an exfoliating loofah or mitt would be a good idea. So then, what about that extra winter weight? Nothing is better for your health than a healthy diet and regular exercise. But if you feel you need some help, there are effective fat reduction devices available that are non-surgical and really work. For example, the Trusculpt iD at the Mayah Clinic is a radio-frequency (basically electrical) way of heating the fat and destroying fat cells. In this way, you can permanently remove those fat cells. (Interestingly, adults don’t actually make any new fat cells – they just fill up the ones they have made in their childhood.) Studies have shown that in one 15 minute session, you can achieve a 27% reduction in fat in that area. The reduction is seen gradually over three months. An excellent way to ease into Summer! Dr Holmes is the Founder and director of the Mayah Clinic at Lakelands. Skin Health and Wellness is the goal for every client with personalised management plans. Treatments include brow, lash and facial care, Microneedling, Cosmetic tattooing, Broadband Light, Erbium, Halo and Cold Lasers, Thermismooth and Trusculpt iD body sculpting.
How to Overcome Self-Imposed Barriers to Exercise WORDS GJENAE ROSEKELLY – Planet Fitness Lambton
“I wish I could drop my body off at the gym and pick it up when it’s ready.” If you can relate to this quote, then you’re not alone!
V I S IT U S
5/149 Ambleside Circuit, Lakelands
PH 02 4954 5044 www.themayahclinic.com.au
22 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au
If working out was easy, it wouldn’t have “work” in the name, right? There is a reason why even frequent gym-goers cringe at the thought of doing burpees - because it requires something that sounds simple but can be challenging to manifest: motivation. Lacking motivation is the most frequent reason for not kickstarting your exercise, but it’s more complicated than just not wanting to get out of bed. You can lose motivation because you don’t think you have enough time, perhaps you have had a bad experience at gyms in the past, and keep
procrastinating getting started. Certified Personal Trainer at Planet Fitness, Lachlan Stewart, states, “A major cause of lack of motivation comes from being too tired after work or having too many commitments in our day to day life. If you set time aside to come to the gym, most people find that they become less tired and have the energy for the whole day.” Thinking you don’t have enough time to exercise doesn’t mean you have bad time management; it just reveals you haven’t made exercise a priority. F
Health + Wellbeing Feature We all know that going to the gym is good for you, but why do we procrastinate on getting started? Going to the gym can feel daunting, and that is why walking into a positive, supporting atmosphere is just the first step. A family-run gym like Planet Fitness has a ‘Judgement Free Philosophy,’ making it a non-intimidating space, where everyone who walks in feels welcomed and comfortable. Statistics tell us that 56% of people in Australia are trying to lose weight at the moment. This is a staggering, but communal number. That is why feeling a part of a fitness community makes it easier to want to walk through the gym doors, as you are around likeminded people who are all just trying their best to lead a healthy and happy life. Being stuck at home due to Covid-19 also didn’t help. “There’s definitely a rise in the number of people coming in telling me their goal is to lose the post COVID weight they have gained from being in isolation/working from home. Once they take the first step to coming in and talking to someone about their goals and committing to improving their health and fitness, they generally become more determined and more likely to stick to their training programs. With this consistency, I have seen first-hand how it can change their confidence levels and improve their mental health,” says Lachlan. Another way to overcome the barrier of exercise is working out with a friend, partner or family member. Didn’t you hear- motivation loves company! When someone else is there, you are being held accountable, and you have to turn up for them and yourself. Ask each other- Why are we doing this? Knowing each other’s goals can help you to feel inspired and be supportive. It also becomes a social event; if you haven’t gossiped on the gym exercise bikes, then you don’t know what you’re missing! To help overcome the fear of not knowing where to start, Planet Fitness offers a free Orientation Session with a Personal Trainer for every new member, to help discuss their targets, their fears, and answer questions like, “What the heck does that machine do?!” The last piece of motivation we can give is a pep talk: One hour is just over 4% of your day. No one ever thinks “Dang, I wish I didn’t spend that time exercising.” Once you find the joy in exercising and achieving your goals, you’ll sleep, work, eat and live better. And who knows – maybe you’ll learn to love burpees! ■
Getting Back to Life After Surgery WORDS TOM RUSSELL – NextGen Physio
How do I know when I’m ready to return to sport after my ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Reconstruction? Unfortunately, Australia has the highest reported rate of ACL injuries in the world, and this rate has risen by 70% in the last 15 years in those under the age of 25. The reasons for this are complex! But if you have torn your ACL, had surgery and gone through the rigours of rehab, how do you know if you are ready to return to sport? There is most certainly not a black and white answer to this question, but here are three basic rules of thumb we recommend:
1. Clearance from your surgeon It is essential to have a final check before returning to full-contact sport to ensure the graft has held, and structurally the knee is intact. This generally occurs at around 9-12 months post-surgery. 2. Good quality hopping mechanics Being able to propel and land with good mechanics are vital for return to sport. Yes, it is important to achieve the hopping markers in the mentioned tests, but the quality of how you perform these tests is equally as important. Your physiotherapist can assess this and make sure you are on track. We commence hopping drills around 2–6 months post-surgery, depending on the patient. Examples of these can be found in a blog post on our website! 3. Adequate strength numbers We use comparisons to your other side and also strength markers that are appropriate for the level and type of sport you play. You can’t go wrong getting strong, and this is most certainly the case with ACL rehab. Having a weak system after your surgery is not going to help anyone and could predispose you to re-injuring your knee, or another structure such as the Achilles, groin or hamstring. A few (of many!) tests we use include the single leg press and the use of electromyography (EMG) to ensure your inner quad muscle is active and strong enough. Your health and cardiovascular fitness, confidence in your knee as well as your overall movement mechanics (i.e. how your body moves as a functional unit) are also vital factors that your physio will help you address when getting back into your chosen sport. If you have had ACL surgery or have any questions about this article, come and see us! We have specialised in working with weekend warriors up to professional athletes. Check out our blog at www.nextgenphysio.com. au/blog for more tips and advice. Born and raised in Tamworth, multiple knee injuries as a sport-loving country kid led Tom down the path of Physiotherapy. Soon after graduating, Tom started NextGen Physio and along with his amazing team of therapists, loves the excitement and challenge of helping athletes, weekend warriors and everyone inbetween be pain and injury-free!
The Next Generation in Physiotherapy RECOVER | MAINTAIN | PREVENT Next-Gen Physio is a clinic located in Kotara. The name came about after owner Tom’s overarching philosophy and mission of providing a fresh hands on approach whilst utilising the very best, new generation assessment and treatment tools to assist patients achieve longer term, optimal health. This fresh approach to the physiotherapy services became the mantra and in 2014, Next-Gen Physio was born. Our aim from the outset is to treat patients holistically and the goal will always be to assist patients to recover as quickly as possible, maintain this progress and prevent future health concerns.
PH 02 4965 5712 E admin@nextgenphysio.com.au FIND US 4/76 Park Avenue, Kotara www.nextgenphysio.com.au @nextgenphysio www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 23
ON TOUR WITH THE KID
Let her Memory be a
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Revolution WORDS CHLOE O'SULLIVAN
I woke up on Saturday, September 19 to my regular routine – morning coffee, trying to find the one sports sock that always goes missing in the wash before the kid has to play, and of course, checking the news. Mostly these days it’s ensuring that America hasn’t gone to war with someone or spontaneously combusted. Honestly, after the last few months, none of those things would be a surprise. As I opened my laptop and saw the first news item, my heart stopped just for a second. I saw the photo of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and I knew before even reading the headline that she had died.
A Delicious Story To Tell the Grandkids! WORDS KIM-CHERIE DAVIDSON – Live Your List
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With a love for food and cooking, this Warners Bay resident dreamed one day of being a chef and TV cooking celebrity. Her passion started as a young girl spending most Saturdays with her Grandma in the kitchen watching her bake. However, her life took a different path as a wife, mum of four children, and a career as an HR specialist. Despite this, her desire to be in the kitchen and create delicious food didn’t diminish, last year her dream became a reality when Steph De Sousa was one of 24 contestants on MasterChef season 11.
24 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au
I felt myself start to cry, and it just kept coming. It’s always awful when someone passes who has done so much for women. You feel personally connected. The fact that this woman – so small in stature – had fought so hard, through sexism and anti-Semitism to be in a position to help shape the laws of the land was such an inspiration. She was one of only nine women in her Harvard Law School class. After working her way up through the court system, she was nominated for Justice of the Supreme Court by Bill Clinton and was sworn in on August 10, 1993. Her time in both the lower courts and the Supreme Court saw her fight for marginalized groups and create equal laws requiring equal footing for men and women. Including discrimination on the grounds of sex when you are being employed or in the workplace. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which passed in1974 (the year I was born) meant that women were allowed to get a bank account, a credit card and a loan without a male co-signer. She led the court decision that state-funded school must admit women (in 1996, which is crazy that this was even a question). She represented a man in 1968 who, on the bases of his gender, was unable to apply for tax deductions while caring for his mother and won. She later won cases that awarded two widowers benefits that would have automatically been granted to them had they been women. These precedents assisted in the inclusion of an amendment added to the Equal protection Act that would not
allow discrimination based on sex. I cried because we had lost a woman who had contributed so much to the fabric of society. And I cried because I knew what this would mean politically for the US in the current climate. Sure enough, not even an hour after her passing the political fight began. It seems so inconceivable that the US has a system which means if one woman dies, it can leave in jeopardy the rights of hundreds of millions of people. It should be a lesson to us that we need to fight early and hard for what we want. The kid found me crying and asked what was wrong. I said that everyone we knew was alright but explained to her that we had lost a very important woman and that mum was sad. Several hours later she raced towards me with Elton John’s Tiny Dancer blaring from her iPad, in itself not that unusual (she loves that song). Then out of the mouths of babes, I hear “mum check out this idiot”, and she turned the screen so I could see the leader of the free world reacting to RBG’s death. I couldn't even correct her. It’s not like she was wrong. Thousands of people gathered on the steps of the Supreme Court the night she passed. Sad and scared for what was to come. Her legacy should be generations of men and woman who step up and fill her void. A generation who does not let her legacy be a nation left defeated by her passing, but one that mobilises in her name. “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg
“MasterChef gave me the training to do what I want to do – without taking three to four years out of my life,” Steph said. To be a contestant, Steph quit her job and temporarily moved to Melbourne. “For five and a half months, I had to give up my life. It sounds like a long time, but it went in a heartbeat. It will be the incredible story I tell my grandkids.” It certainly wasn’t an easy journey, though. When the debut show advertised for applicants, Steph was pregnant with her youngest child, Noah. “I filled out the application then pressed delete; it wasn’t the right time”. She watched the first season in 2009, followed by all the subsequent seasons and saw the standard get higher and higher. In 2016, she filled out the application without telling anyone. After she had emailed it, Steph told her husband, Neville. “I didn’t dare to think I would hear back from them, as I didn’t believe I was good enough,” Steph said. Then she received the call for an audition and progressed to the final stage but didn’t make the show. This only made
her more determined. Every spare minute was dedicated to her wish. She became consumed by cooking and devouring cooking shows, books and travel – everything she did was all about cuisine. “The next year, I tried and made it to the last stage again. I cried a lot. Then decided to give it one more crack – it was third time lucky.” The experience ended up being more amazing than she imagined and created many memorable moments. “Legends Week was incredible. All these people, I had watched or bought their cookbooks, were there.” Steph cooked two dishes that won the praise of Rick Stein. Her fried whitebait with patatas bravas sent him back to the streets of Spain and her roasted bone marrow with pine nut custard and slow-roasted tomatoes, he warned could pop up on his menu. “For a food idol to say these things was mind-blowing.” Placing in the Top 12, Steph said that being a contestant had opened doors to make things happen. One such event was cooking dinner for 150 people at the Living Smart Festival in Speers Point last year. With Steph as the local celebrity cook, within six hours, the event was sold out. “At the end of the night, I walked up and down the tables; people said they enjoyed the food and wanted a photo with me to remember the night. It was like a full stop to the end of the MasterChef 2019 story.” This story may be over but keep your eye out for Steph’s sequel. She has plans for her own cooking show, which was about to start filming in India, but like many things, it was put on pause due to COVID. At the moment, she is busily working towards a TV show based locally on home cooking. “I don’t want to wait two or three years for my first show. So, I am working hard to find a way to create a local one. It is early days, and I am hoping it will come to fruition.”
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www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 25
An Overview of Family Provision Claims in NSW WORDS JACK LINDGREN – Senior Associate, Jenkins Legal Services
While you might reasonably expect that if you make a valid will your estate will be distributed as specified in your will (unless there are exceptional circumstances), this is not, in fact, the case.
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The freedom to leave assets by your will is subject to one exception – that you must first fulfil what has been described as a “moral duty” to make adequate provision in your will for the maintenance, education or advancement in life of those people for whom the community would expect such provision to be made. What is a family provision claim? If someone considers adequate provision for their maintenance, education or advancement in life has not been made for them in a will (or, where someone dies without a will, under the rules of intestacy), they may bring what is
known as a “family provision claim” – an application for a share (or a larger share) of the deceased’s estate. Who can bring a family provision claim? In NSW, family provision claims are governed by the Succession Act, which provides that only the following people are eligible to make a family provision claim: • A spouse (or former spouse) of the deceased; • A de facto of the deceased at the time of their death; • A child of the deceased; • A person with whom the deceased was living in a close personal relationship at the time of their death; • A person who is a grandchild of the deceased and was dependent on the deceased at any stage of their life; • A person who is/was a member of the deceased’s household and was dependent on the deceased at any stage of their life. How do the courts determine whether proper and adequate provision has been made? Section 60 of the Succession Act identifies 15 different matters the Court will, where relevant, consider in determining a family provision claim; however, the Court may take into account any matter it considers relevant. Issues such as the claimant’s financial position, the size and nature of the deceased’s estate, and the relationship between the claimant and deceased are always considered. Each claim will be determined differently based on its own particular set of facts, however, in broad terms, the Court will compare the provision made for the claimant with the claimant’s “needs” that cannot be met from his or her own resources in order to determine whether proper and
adequate provision has been made. “Need” in this context is relative and, depending on the circumstances of the deceased and the claimant, adequate provision may mean anything from bare subsistence up to anything short of sheer luxury. For example, if a desire to improve one’s standard of living or fulfil career ambitions is hindered by lack of financial means, that may present a need for assistance. If an Estate is wealthy and was able, but failed, to provide such assistance, a Court may find the deceased failed to make “adequate provision”. This article is not legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for that. Should you require assistance with a Family Provision Claim, please don’t hesitate to contact the team at Jenkins Legal on (02) 4929 2000.
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Factory Tours · Shop · Café · Museum
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Please Note: Daily Factory Tours are temporarily suspended 1 Weakleys Drive, Thornton Ph 4966 0990 4/305 Hillsborough Road, Warners Bay Ph 4953 7373
www.mortels.com.au for online ordering and delivery 26 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au
Business and Commercial Law • Property Law Employment Law • Estate Planning and Probate Public Notary • Not-For-Profit Law
www.jenkinslegal.com.au | PH 4929 2000
Looking After Your Legacy
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WORDS ALAN SPICER - Growthwise
No one likes to talk about it, but death and taxes are the two certainties of life. Unfortunately, it’s crucial to think and talk about both if you want to look after your legacy. For a lot of people, Super becomes one of the most significant assets you own, so it’s vital to consider what you want to happen with this when you die.
What happens to my super when I die? Contrary to popular belief, Superannuation does not automatically go to your estate when you die. Instead, the Trustee (the person in charge of your super) determines what happens with your Super. For those of you with a third party Super Fund, this is a board of people who are elected to act in your best interests; however, if you have a SMSF (SelfManaged-Super-Fund), this is you (plus the other members of your Fund). The Trustee needs first to determine who your beneficiaries are. They can include – spouse, ex-spouse, children (including adult children), stepchildren, or other people financially dependent on you. If you die with no nomination, it is the Trustees job to locate the dependents and pay your Super to one or all of them. This may not be what you want. How do I ensure my wishes are followed? First step – have a valid will. Second step - ensure you have a valid binding death nomination or death benefit agreement in place for your super. This means the Trustees have to do exactly what you have indicated. There are several ways to do this: • Make a nomination to your Fund Binding. A 'binding' nomination is just that – it's binding on the Trustee, and
they must comply with your wishes. To make sure that this is binding it must be renewed every three years. A binding nomination that is greater than three years old becomes a non-binding agreement, meaning the Trustee can decide not to follow your wishes. • Consider a death benefit agreement. A Death benefit agreement is a document you sign that removes the three year limit on binding nominations and makes the agreement forever lasting. This has the same effect on the Trustee in that the Super must be paid in accordance with the agreement. How much is my super worth when I die? One mistake a lot of people make when preparing a death nomination/agreement is what makes up your super balance on death. In short, it’s your member balance plus any life insurance you have. If your super member balance was $500,000 and you have $500,000 worth of life insurance the death benefit payable would be $1m. That’s a lot of money to consider for your beneficiary. Can I nominate anyone? You can only nominate the following people to receive your super balance: • Your spouse • Your children • Anyone who is financially dependant on you when you die • Someone you were financially dependant on when you die • Your estate It’s essential you have a handle on your entire estate plan. There are a lot of tax considerations when thinking about what assets to leave to which of your beneficiaries. You need to ensure you look at your super assets, your personal assets and your business assets (i.e. your entire empire) in totality to ensure everything is exactly as you want to leave your legacy. This includes tax considerations on sale of assets and or super death benefits. Death and Superannuation is complicated. But if you prepare, it can be straightforward for your dependents when you die. Take action and review your plan regularly, and you can minimise any headaches your dependents will have when you die. You can also ensure you maximise the total benefit and ensure you really are looking after your legacy. Alan is the co-founder of Growthwise, an accounting firm in Newcastle. Alan is an SMSF Specialist who helps people prepare for a worry-free retirement. For contact details visit www.growthwise.com.au
Since 1784
Aussie Craft Show Moves to Facebook to Help Seniors Beat the Pandemic Blues Refusing to become yet another cancelled event, the annual From Picture to Page Papercraft show is moving online, running a free three-day event on Facebook to help older Australians beat loneliness and stay in touch with the crafting community during the pandemic. Creative director and host Michelle Brown invites Australians to join her and a bevvy of talented craft retailers and guest artists for a free weekend of live interactive video demonstrations on Facebook. Running from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 October, Michelle will chat with local and overseas guests as they share projects and explore new craft supplies for scrapbooking, art journaling, card making, stamping and much more. Usually, more than 2,000 dedicated crafters from across Australia head to Melbourne's Sandown Raceway each October to attend the three-day craft expo. “This year, we're running the entire expo on Facebook and making it free, to make it as easy as possible for Australians to attend,” Michelle says. “Many people are living alone and struggling to find enthusiasm during the lockdown, so we hope bringing engaging demonstrations to them in their own homes can inspire them to start crafting again.” “With most of our crafting community aged over 65, many with chronic health conditions who are forced to stay at home during the pandemic, maintaining a connection to crafting online is more important than ever." The online expo is built on the back of Michelle's successful Facebook and YouTube video series 'P2PCrafts Presents', with her team refining the approach to help technology-challenged craft retailers reach new audiences. For more information about the online craft show visit www.frompicturetopageandbeyond.com.au/ sandown or 'P2PCrafts Presents' on YouTube.
HAND FORGED WROUGHT IRON • EXCLUSIVE DESIGNS UNCOMPROMISING QUALITY Specialising in artistic restoration and new works, Danish born René Rasmussen has the blacksmith’s skill to restore and recreate the style of yesteryear in many creative and varied forms. When you walk in Rene’s blacksmith shop, you will get the feeling you walk 100 years back in history. Fire in the coal forge, and tools that are 100, even 150 years old. If the tools could talk, you'd have part of the history here. Former blacksmith and farrier for the Queen of Denmark Former blacksmith and farrier for Carlsberg breweries Traditional Danish Family Blacksmiths since 1784
619A Medowie Road, Medowie. Ph 4981 7174 | M 0402 190 835 E cosyiron@optusnet.com.au | www.cosyiron.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 27
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the development of a ‘Variety Livvi’s Place’ inclusive playspace integrated with a water play area at Foreshore Park would help rejuvenate the precinct and provide additional recreational opportunities at one of the City’s premier parkland spaces. “We have already been fortunate enough to secure $50,000 from Variety – The Children’s Charity to assist with the design of a significant inclusive playspace in the heart of Newcastle,” the Lord Mayor said. The City is working closely with Variety as part of the delivery of the Livvi’s Place inclusive playspace, which will be designed to provide easy access, a range of play types and challenges and appropriate facilities to cater for children of all ages, abilities and cultures. Consultant landscape architects are currently exploring several design options for the park and playground, with draft concept plans expected to be shared with the community for comment in November.
Around The
CHAMBERS
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The ten council chambers that make up the greater Hunter region continue to be busy with numerous projects to help make our communities better places to live, work and invest in – especially in light of the impacts that the global pandemic has had on our local lifestyle. Combined with local government authorities, everyone is working to make our region a better place – and for that, as residents, we are incredibly grateful. For those who are frequent visitors to the intouch website platform, you'll know that we have continued to be a hub of information about local council projects – there’s something new to be found at www.intouchmagazine.com.au each and every day. Here's a snapshot of what's been going on in your local area.
Help Shape Honeysuckle The Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) has launched a community engagement program to seek community ideas on key outcomes for the final development of the remaining land at Honeysuckle. HCCDC Acting Chief Executive Valentina Misevska said the engagement was an important part of the final stages of planning. “Honeysuckle’s transformation has been a long-term project for us, and it’s important that as we approach the end of the project, we continue to focus on what the city needs and what the community wants. 28 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au
“Our engagement is about seeking input from our community on how they want to see the final development in the precinct emerge, with a special focus on environmental, social and economic outcomes. “There are just over three hectares of land remaining, and we want to ensure we are creating great places where people want to spend time, and showcase Newcastle as a smart, liveable and sustainable global city. “We want to ensure that the future transformation contributes to the great place we live in.” The community engagement program will run until 18 October and will include a digital Ideas Wall, online survey and focus group discussion. A map of the remaining areas in the Honeysuckle precinct is available online at www.mara.mysocialpinpoint.com.au/honeysuckle-ideas Inclusive Playspace at Newcastle Foreshore City of Newcastle will seek support from the State Government administered Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund to assist with the development of a multimillion-dollar inclusive playspace and water play area at Foreshore Park, with Councillors providing an inprinciple endorsement of the playspace and waterplay as its nominated project for the Fund, which provides $1 million annually in grants for community projects around the Port of Newcastle. The City has been successful with previous applications, securing more than $1 million over several funding rounds, which contributed to over $4 million in projects that have provided significant community benefit for residents and visitors.
Community Signals Strong Support for Newcastle’s NightTime Economy More than 70 per cent of community submissions received as part of a recent public exhibition have indicated strong support for a controlled trial to extend trading hours for select restaurants and small bars in Newcastle. As a result, Councillors have voted to endorse the extension of the trial from six months to 12 months. The community was given the opportunity during September to comment on the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s proposed amendment to the Newcastle Local Environment Plan to facilitate the easing of restrictions. A total of 142 submissions were received, with 72% in support of the trial. Twenty-four small bars and restaurants have opted into the trial as part of efforts to grow the night-time economy and support the hospitality industry’s recovery from the impact of COVID-19 related restrictions. “This strong feedback demonstrates there is an appetite for more diverse offerings in Newcastle when the sun goes down. Our City’s night-time economy has enormous potential to grow,” said Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes. “Our community values the benefits of a thriving nightlife, and that is a more vibrant city with increased access to businesses, jobs, services and entertainment. “Research has also shown that encouraging a range of experiences with a wider cohort of visitors makes for a safer city at night. The intention of this trial is to revitalise the City’s economy and support a local industry that employs 13,280 people and generates more than $1.5 billion each year in economic activity.” Native Plant Giveaways in Lake Macquarie More than 3000 free native plants will be provided to Lake Mac residents this month as part of Council’s annual Native Plant Giveaway. The event is usually held in conjunction with the Living Smart Festival in September, but the festival’s cancellation due to COVID-19 has prompted a series of smaller pop-up events held throughout the City from 6-24 October. The events – open only to people who register online beforehand – will be held at Lake Mac Libraries branches, Lake Mac Landcare’s headquarters at Teralba and from the Rover mobile library van at multiple locations. Landcare coordinator Jason Harvey said a range of native plant species would be available, including Banksia, Westringia and Callistemon. ►
LANDCARE COORDINATOR JASON HARVEY WITH SEEDLINGS DESTINED FOR THE NATIVE PLANT GIVEAWAY
“Residents who register online are eligible for two free native plants per household,� he said. “We’ll have a selection of eight species at each event, with a mix of trees, shrubs, ground cover, grasses and other seedlings to choose from. This is a fantastic way to add colour and life to your garden, as well as create habitat and food sources for native wildlife.� Due to COVID-19 health restrictions, residents must register for a specific giveaway session time. To register for one of the Native Plant Giveaway sessions, visit www.livingsmartfestival.com or contact Council’s Customer Service Team on 4921 0333.
A Sustainable Future for Lake Mac Lake Macquarie City Council has joined the Cities Power Partnership, a local government climate network that will see Council make five pledges relating to renewable energy, transport and sustainability. The Cities Power Partnership is Australia’s largest network of cities and towns tackling climate change. Lake Mac will work alongside 129 councils from across the country, representing almost 11 million Australians. The five pledges will be informed through community consultation, with residents able to participate in a survey and share their opinion on which climate actions are most important for Lake Macquarie. Council’s Sustainability Engagement Coordinator Chris Harle said it was important that the community provide input on the five pledges. “We will choose pledges that reflect what is most important to the community while aligning with the Council’s sustainability framework.� Lake Macquarie Mayor Cr Kay Fraser said the partnership was an exciting opportunity to collaborate with other Councils and to take meaningful action on climate change. “Environmental sustainability is very important to our community, and we know as a City we face a range of challenges in the development of a sustainable and resilient future,� Cr Fraser said. “We’re committed to identifying solutions that achieve positive and lasting change to our environment and our lives.� The survey will be open until Monday 2 November with pledges being announced in late November. Visit shape.lakemac.com.au to have your say and complete a survey to inform the pledges.
Lower Hunter Encouraged to Maintain New Water-Saving Behaviour Level 1 water restrictions were removed on October 1st, with the Lower Hunter community encouraged to maintain the excellent water-saving behaviours that have become the new normal. The decision was a result of a combination of factors, including the community’s ongoing water savings and a significant reduction in leakage across Hunter Water’s network. “Since water restrictions were introduced almost a year ago, Lower Hunter residents have used on average 15 per cent less water than we expected, which is equivalent to saving the water use of 52,000 households,â€? said Hunter Water Managing Director Darren Cleary. “On top of that, Hunter Water’s significant investment in leakage reduction across its network has led to a further 13 per cent fall last financial year, bringing the total reduction to 34 per cent in three years. “This is an outstanding effort by the Lower Hunter community. These results, combined with decent winter rainfall and a promising weather outlook for wetter than average conditions in spring, are behind the decision to remove Level 1 water restrictions. “While this is welcome news, we can’t lose sight of the lessons from the severe drought and return to past water use habits. It’s important that we all continue to save now for summer and not become complacent with our water use. The severe drought demonstrated how quickly our water storages could fall during the warmer months as they have large surface areas and are prone to evaporation,â€? said Mr Cleary. For more information visit, www.hunterwater.com.au/ smartchoices â–
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SPRING TWEAKS For a Happier Space WORDS LARA O'DONNELL – Tailored HQ
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The warmer weather is here! We can feel the change in the season. We get a Spring in our step, and as daylight saving is about to start again, we begin planning more social gatherings. With 2020 being what it has been, we will find ourselves at home more to do this. With less travel too, we all find ourselves very much aware of the state of our homes. So a Spring refresh is in order!
We have been swamped the last couple of months with full renovations for clients, however your refresh doesn’t need to be so extensive (and with the building industry all quite busy right now, you’d be hard-pressed to get trades pre-Christmas now anyway). 1.ARTWORKS You can bring an entirely new focus to a space with new artwork. It is a subjective piece in the home, so find something that means something to you, or that you know you won’t get sick of too quickly. If you have existing art, consider reframing. This can pull different colours from the art itself to make it appear new to you too! We have catalogues of some wonderful art brands to peruse, or you can visit exhibitions to find a unique piece like the Curve Gallery or Lake Macquarie art gallery. 2.NEW DÉCOR PIECES Add some quirk! Put unique pieces together. Get playful. Mix the pieces you have purchased travelling with a photo frame and a floral arrangement. Go by the rule of 3 or 5 to group items together, and step them down in height.
3. REARRANGE THE FURNITURE You may have had your lounge room in the same layout for years. Can you move the pieces around? Have a look to see if there’s a way to arrange the existing elements in a new way. Measure the space and pieces and make a scale diagram for you to play with before moving the larger pieces. 4. PAINT THE WALLS It’s incredible what a fresh coat of paint can do to space. Not only does it clean the surfaces (and make you clean other things in the process too!), but it also can bring more light in, or make a space moodier, or just make you feel happier. The world of colour is impressive once you start looking into it. A good point of call is the Dulux colour forecasts if you are just starting out. In addition, a colour consultant (like us) will ensure the right shade is used for your space.
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5. FLORALS Whether real, faux or dried, having florals and/or greenery in your home will bring an element of nature inside. The faux floral arrangements nowadays are so lifelike they even go so far as to have resin in the base of the vase to look like water. Dried flowers are also very popular at the moment. We currently have gorgeous bunches from Holly Howes for sale in-store, and she guarantees they’ll last at least a year! They can be an investment, however, compare them to a real bunch and time you get from them in comparison, and it’s an easy option! When spending so much more time in our own backyards, we just want to ensure we enjoy our own spaces, thus creating a calm and happy environment to be in. Of course, we’re always happy to provide advice and guidance at www.tailoredhq.com.au
Suite 1A, Ground Floor, 41-45 Hunter Street, Newcastle. Phone 4047 2330
www.tailoredhq.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 31
Horo Scope Astrologer TANYA OBREZA on what’s in the stars this month.
STAR OF THE MONTH Libra 23 September – 22 October This year the cosmos supercharges your energies – reawakening dormant thoughts, ideas, and intuitive senses. It’s almost as if you’ve been given a second chance – a new lease on life. In a sense, you have – because through adversity, you have grown mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Problems that previously seemed insurmountable find resolution. Take advantage of this new adventurous spirit. If you’ve been feeling tethered, it’s time to break free of restrictive shackles. Once the non-essentials are stripped away, you’re better able to judge your personal strengths and vulnerabilities. Basically, you’re ready to get on with the rest of your life.
Scorpio 23 October – 21 November It’s my guess you need a rest. Take advantage of October, which offers a spot of relaxation: maybe some contemplation. Find somewhere warm – kick through the sand; curl up under the doona. Some of you, though, may find it hard to slam on the brakes. Try, or you’ll end up exhausted when work spurs into overdrive after the 21st. In the meanwhile, open up to the possibility of love – it’s closer than you think. Sagittarius 22 November – December 21 Sweep the less savoury issues of life to the side for the time being. Make the most of your vibrant mood by stirring up your social life. Type up an invitation list and call your closest friends. You may blow the budget, but memories have a wonderful way of outlasting temporary financial woes. And it’s not just you doing the giving. Generosity becomes a two-way street, as others reciprocate your love and support. Capricorn 22 December – January 19 It’s a month to slam the door on inquisitive fingers. Whether you see others’ attention as flattery, quality control, or espionage – keep your best ideas to yourself. With thinking processes clear and precise, use the latter half of October to put new plans into motion. Instinct will help you negotiate obstacles. Sure, you may spend a little extra, but you’re on a winning streak. Enjoy. Aquarius 20 January – 18 February Life can get a little out of hand sometimes, especially if you’ve allowed minor issues to take on major proportions. You need to regain personal control. A short break would let you reflect on things from a distance but getting away isn’t always easy. Others will continue to make demands. Oblige sensitively, but sensibly. You have your own life to lead, and martyrdom can be a tiring road to travel.
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Pisces 19 February – 20 March Obsessions, or one particular project, rule October’s agenda. Ideas become more intense as your spiritual and intellectual awareness deepen. Pisceans seek greater personal power through the use of knowledge, travel, or meditation. For many, this means a step up the career ladder. Others will notice your talents and welcome you into a new work arena. Interestingly, business and romantic alliances may not be too far removed.
The Last Word...
Aries March 21 – April 20 With lucky Jupiter in your work sector, you’re fuelled with more optimism this month. This prodigious planet helps to actualise what you value in life – granting many Ariens the Midas touch. If you value money and possessions, finances could improve. If your values are more spiritual, expect personal growth. Of course, there's no reason why it can't be a combination of both. Taurus 21 April – 20 May You’re good at making money, Taurus. Even more so this month. Splitting expenses will help, as does an untapped new source of income – which means you could end October feeling more financially comfortable than you have for some time. Romance, too, is nothing short of stellar, so prepare to throw your arms around the unexpected. Thanks to a carnally charged cosmos, lust at first sight, is on the cards. Gemini 21 May – 21 June Where have you been, my elusive friend? Perhaps in search of love’s rainbow. If so, you’re probably ready to click your heels and wish for home. This is where all Geminis will be happiest this month – taking comfort in the familiar. And, yes, you could be forgiven for feeling slightly cheated in the love stakes lately. But should fresh romantic prospects soar in on October’s breeze, don’t waste a minute. You deserve a glorious time. Cancer 22 June – 22 July Cancerians work hard to keep loved ones close, so it throws you when a good friend becomes unreliable. Is there someone new vying for their attention? Give them the benefit of the doubt. You can still enjoy their company, even if you don’t feel quite as attached. At work, play your cards close to your chest. Your financial and personal affairs will enjoy more chance of quiet success if they remain unadvertised for the time being. Leo 23 July – 22 August It’s a whirlwind month ahead, Leo. Stay focused; confirm dates and appointments ahead of time. Your mind is firing as you cope with droves of details. Downside: communications with others could become gridlocked. Keep your mind objective and positive. This is no time for acting half-heartedly. Inspiration's out; perspiration's in. Without patience, you'll be banging your head against a wall. Virgo 23 August – 22 September Sometimes it seems that fate gives with one hand and takes with the other. Thankfully, October signals the end of this struggle. Once again, you’re motivated and heading towards success. If you have a brilliant proposal in the back of your mind, bring it to the fore. If you’re more inclined to hit the road for a while, now’s your chance to roam. It looks like a huge financial leap could also be on the horizon. 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.
On the 15th of September 2020, The Hon. Scott Morrison, Prime Minister of Australia, visited the headquarters and operations of the Varley Group in Tomago marking it a landmark event in the companies long history. Hosted by Mr Jeff Phillips, the Chairman and CEO of the Varley Group it’s the first time Varley has ever welcomed a Prime Minister of Australia onsite since it commenced business in 1886. Varley regularly hosts visits by Defence Ministers, Industry Ministers and Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministers to display their engineering and manufacturing capabilities. During his visit, The Hon. Scott Morrison witnessed first-hand the extensive manufacturing and engineering activities undertaken by Varley.
Images thanks to
IMAGE BELOW BY KRISTEN ELLOY, MARKETING SPECIALIST, VARLEY GROUP
School Holiday
! n u F
The Spring School Holiday Hit List The best local activities to keep the kids roaming free
I
WORDS MIA KYRIKOS
It's no secret, 2020 is not the year we asked for. Whilst we might feel a little like we are stuck on a never-ending rollercoaster, there is no reason we can't make the most of these upcoming school holidays. Much like chickens, free-range kids are happier, healthier and are usually all tuckered-out at the end of the day – just in time to pour yourself that glass of wine. But, how do we promote the free-range lifestyle in this crazy pandemic era? Below we have rounded up the best local school holiday hits that will keep everyone busy while maintaining that 1.5-metre distance.
Newcastle Museum Take the kids and enter a whole new world! From 25 September, Colour will be at the Newcastle Museum. Direct from Questacon; this special exhibition explores the science of colour and perception. Better yet, there are plenty of COVIDSafe interactives for the whole family to enjoy. Book tickets today from $5 for children to $25 for a family of 4. The Museum is open from Monday to Sunday each week during NSW public and school holidays. Online bookings are essential – visit www.newcastlemuseum.com.au Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie Over at MAC at Lake Macquarie, there is plenty in store to keep creative minds active. With a range of incredible workshops and exhibitions, your little one is sure to be a Van Gogh in the making. Learn how to draw bees, use soft pastels or even sketch the human head! Head across to www.mac.lakemac.com.au to discover what is on these school holidays. ►
www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 33
THE BISCUIT MAKER BY LIZ ANELLI
THE LION KING AT CIVIC CINEMA
widescreen. Settle into seats for these special school holiday screenings. Visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au for more information and ticket details. Maitland Gaol For those youngsters that live life on the wild side, 'Snitch's Gaol Exploration' is a great way to let imaginations soar. Enjoy this kid-friendly self-guided tour of Maitland Gaol. Open seven days a week with enhanced COVID-19 safety measures; the Gaol is the perfect family-friendly outing to keep the kids entertained. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.maitlandgaol.com.au
(Continued) Newcastle Libraries Need to get out of the house, but hoping not to stray too far from home? Head to the library and celebrate the launch of The Biscuit Maker with local illustrator, Liz Anelli. Written by Sue Lawson, this charming story demonstrates how simple acts of friendship can bring a community together. If your little one is more interested in the weird and wonderful, be sure to visit and view original works, sculptures and illustrations by Paul Jennings. For those looking to stay at home, did you know that Newcastle Libraries have recently opened a new Digital Library? Featuring a 'grab and go' collection of popular adult and kids titles, interactive digital story wall, magical story box, and so much more! The library is always open and available via your fingertips on the Newcastle Libraries app. Visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au Library to find out more. Newcastle Art Gallery Unleash the inner Monet these school holidays, by signing up to get crafty from home with local exhibiting artist Bree Rooney. With workshops delivered over Zoom on Monday 28, Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 September, the kids can learn how to create their own texta prints. In Week 2, kids will have the opportunity to virtually meet local artist Michael Bell (and his pet dog Larry!) to create their own pet portrait. Get your furry friends involved for one of the sessions on Tuesday 6, Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 October. Be sure to register for these workshops prior. Newcastle Art Gallery is also open with two daily sessions Tuesdays to Sundays. To avoid disappointment, book your free Gallery session via the Art Gallery website.
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'SNITCH'S GAOL EXPLORATION' AT MAITLAND GAOL
Maitland City Library Have a little author in your midst? Maitland City Library branches have a range of exciting activities available. These school holidays pizza boxes become solar ovens and airport runways, old bottles turn into Pokemon planters, and mugs get a new lease of life as tiny gardens. There are also free workshops with Sami Bayly, author of The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Ugly Animals. Visit www.maitlandlibrary.com. au for more information or drop into any branch throughout the holidays to collect an activity pack. Maitland Regional Art Gallery Keep your sanity when you see, make & do at Maitland Regional Art Gallery! Explore five new exhibitions, crack a code breaker art trail, and more. Free, self-directed art activities are available with no bookings required. For more information, visit www.mrag.org.au.
Experience Fort Scratchley Boasting one of the best panoramic views of Newcastle and with space to roam, Fort Scratchley is top of the school holiday bucket list. Open Saturdays and Sundays only during the school holidays, with a gun firing at 1pm daily (weather permitting), eagle-eyed youngsters might even be lucky enough to spot a whale heading down to the Antarctic Ocean. For more details, visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/fortscratchley/home. The Civic Theatre The iconic 'picture palace' returns with Civic Cinema, with the good old days of seeing a movie at the Civic Theatre once again possible with the installation of a new digital projection
We are back In Person and Online!
Out and About We consider ourselves pretty lucky in Newcastle to have remarkable parklands and natural areas surrounding our city suburbs. These school holidays are the perfect time to roam free and discover your local playground! Brickworks Park in Wallsend is now open and includes a new all-abilities carousel, boulder climb, nest swing and more. The Carrington Street Reserve playground has been upgraded with a new plank walk, suspension bridge, double slide, tube net and other activities. At Port Stephens, there is plenty of fun to be had outdoors. While the Port Stephens Council won't be hosting any official school holiday activities this year, you can keep the family fun alive by visiting our beaches, going on bush walks, or by heading to the BMX/skate parks. Don't forget your helmet! For families who are looking for Vacation Care, the local OOSH facilities also have a wide range of activities planned. Visit www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au â–
Your child is unique and our highly trained and experienced teachers customise playful activities to optimise brain development, confidence and creativity! Wed 30 September 10.30am Join our all Singing and Dancing Dinosaur Roar Music Party! Ages 0-5 years. Get ready for a wild ride with musical dirt bikes, long necks and spikes. Numbers strictly limited so Book Now with 50% off PromoCode: intouch Term 4 starts Monday 12th October! Charlestown | Hamilton | New Lambton | Maitland
GROWING KIDS THROUGH MUSIC SINCE 2002 34 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au
Ph 0425 227 582 or 0414 848 741
Visit www.julieloganmusic.com.au
RYAN MCNAUGHT
Immerse the Kids in
LEGO® These Holidays! WORDS MARK CURNOW – The Brickman Team
Calling all Hunter region LEGO® fans! Prepare to be awed, because Ryan ‘The Brickman’ McNaught is bringing his latest exhibition, Brickman Awesome, to Newcastle this September school holidays! Newcastle Entertainment Centre (NEC) will host Brickman Awesome, Ryan’s third exhibition made entirely from LEGO® bricks, featuring 36 models, none of which have been seen in Newcastle before, and which took a mammoth 5,000 hours to build from just under one million LEGO. One of the most ‘awesome’ models in the exhibition is the world’s first life-size LEGO® Harley-Davidson, which will be showcased alongside several record-breaking models, including an enormous 3-metre tall Orca whale and the largest ever LEGO® Caterpillar 797 dump truck. Visitors will be forgiven for thinking they have stepped inside a zoo, as they find themselves surrounded by a LEGO® kangaroo, koala, penguins and even a full-sized LEGO® Australian saltwater crocodile weighing over 60kgs and built using more than 40,000 LEGO® bricks. Ryan McNaught got his first LEGO® at 3 years old and played with it up until he was 13 or 14.
“I loved LEGO® as a kid. It’s all I used to ask for at Christmas time; we didn’t have a lot, so the catalogue was always well worn out with my flicking through the pages! I was lucky enough to be able to visit LEGOland once, and it was amazing. So between LEGO® and the Commodore 64 Computer that sums up my childhood!” Ryan got back into LEGO® when he had children of his own. His twin boys (now 12) were also the impetus for Ryan to go professional with his hobby, a move he made ten years ago. Ryan doesn’t bring work home, and the LEGO® he has at home belongs to the kids, who love building the sets more than he does! “The kids tend to build their own model, and then once they get mashed into the pile, I build something else with them,” says Ryan. When asked about the best bits of his job, Ryan says “I get to play with LEGO®; it’s my job to inspire children so
watching people’s reaction when they see the things we have built is always a huge moment. Often these things take months to build where we are locked away, so to see the fruits of the work is always great.” Ryan’s favourite LEGO® Star Wars set is The UCS Sand crawler 75059, which is enormous and has so many advanced techniques. It’s been a busy time for Ryan ‘The Brickman’ McNaught, who starred alongside Hamish Blake in LEGO® ‘MASTERS’, Channel Nine’s show that pits eight pairs of LEGO®-loving Aussies against each other in a series of building challenges. “I’m excited to be finally bringing Brickman Awesome to Newcastle. It’s an amazing city, and our previous exhibitions were incredibly well received. Novocastrians really do have such huge enthusiasm for LEGO®! “My team and I have had a great time building all these record-breaking models, so I can’t wait to share them with fans and families in Newcastle. This year’s theme is quite broad. The models in the exhibition are pretty diverse, so whether you’re an animal lover, a movie fanatic, or you have a love of travel, there really is something for everyone – young and old!” ICEBREAKER
Brickman Awesome – Newcastle Entertainment Centre, 25 Sept–18 Oct. Visit www.ticketek.com.au
Luxury with a wild view
o
ffering 5-star luxury accommodation in the heart of Canberra’s National Zoo & Aquarium, Jamala Wildlife Lodge presents guests with a truly remarkable overnight experience. Designed to provide up close and personal interactions with some of the zoo’s most revered residents, with the option to have giraffe, lions, tigers, cheetah, sun bears, meerkats or monkeys outside your window. An unforgettable experience. Please note that while the animals generally join guests as shown, no guarantees can be given as they are free to roam their entire area at all times.
WINNER - Best Deluxe Accommodation in Australia 2017 Australian Hotels Association Awards for Excellence
Canberra 02 6287 8444 | www.jamala.com.au info@jamalawildlifelodge.com.au *Conditions apply - check our website
www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 35
Register Now! 20/21 Season Commencing 17TH OCT
Junior & Senior, Male & Female, 4yrs-80+, Social or competitive! Played every Saturday – Stevenson Park, Mayfield Training at Lumsden Park, Belmont. Sponsored by Jewells Tavern
For more info Ph 0411 281 154 or email softballbelmont@gmail.com www.belmontsoftballclub.weebly.com
Art House Studios
Does your child love art? Treat your child to an amazing full day of art in our gorgeous, fully equipped studio. Plenty of space to stretch out, create and grow their artistic self. Packed full of engaging learning activities, our fun workshops will develop your child’s ability to draw and paint, whether from observation or imagination. A whole day to create gorgeous artworks with new friends.
FINITE GALLERY
7yrs+ Spring Flowers, Fairy Gardens 9yrs+ Pet Portraits, Drawing monsters For tweens and teens Intuitive painting, #InspireMe workshop For more details please visit our website. We accept the $100 Creative Kids Voucher. For details and booking details please see our website. DETAILS Level 1, 268 Turton Road, New Lambton. PH 0478 116313. Visit www.arthousestudios.com.au E priyajoy@arthousestudios.com.au
Junior Art Prize
18 Sept–11 Oct 2020
Come and vote for your favourite artwork and go into the draw for a $100 workshop gift voucher. Sponsored by FINITE GALLERY and HELENE RUMA GALLERY & ART SUPPLIES
Join us for some fun School Holiday Art workshops! Visit www.finitegallery.com to find out whats on.
60 Caves Beach Road, Caves Beach PH 0419 471 660 E info@finitegallery.com
OPEN SAT & SUN THROUGHOUT SCHOOL HOLS
We’re Open
Richmond Vale Railway Museum ALL AGES A weekend of family fun awaits you on 26 and 27 September. Model trains, Thomas themed displays, sales and U-Drive, a massed display of teddy bears, vintage farm machines and more to fascinate young and old. Unlimited steam train rides are also on offer over both days. 36 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au
at Fort Scratchley The Mining Museum will be open showing artefacts from the early days of coal mining in the area. An audio-visual program will be running both days with film clips relating to mining and rail transport. The Canteen provides hot and cold drinks, food and snacks or you can bring your own picnic to enjoy in the bushland setting. Richmond Vale Railway Museum is also open October 4, 11 and 18. Gates open at 9.30am. DETAILS 262 Leggetts Drive, Kurri Kurri. PH 4018 7230 www.richmondvalerailwaymuseum.org
SATURDAY’S AND SUNDAYS!
FREE ENTRY! Visit us at 1–3 Nobbys Road, Newcastle East Fort Scratchley Historical Society Inc. Open Saturdays and Sundays throughout October, 10am to 4pm. The Fort Museum, 1880’s Laboratory, exhibi�ons, buildings and kiosk are all open to the public. Currently no Tunnel Tours.
Ph 4929 3066 | www.fortscratchley.org.au
SAVE THE DATE NEWCASTLE SUMMER DANCE INTENSIVE
2021
of 5 days nce le da incredib and training phy. gra choreo
16-20 JANUA RY 2021
On sale 1st October. Early bird offers available at Trybooking. www.trybooking.com/BLOBG
SCHOOL PROGRAMS National College of Dance are re-launching their popular INTENSIVE TRAINING SCHOOL SPORTS PROGRAM (Yrs 7-10) and CERTIFICATE 3 IN DANCE – SKILL SET PROGRAM (Yrs 9-10). These programs are for passionate dance students who wish to be trained by our professional full-time dance teachers, exploring multiple genres such as contemporary, neo-classical, jazz, musical theatre and more.
INTENSIVE TRAINING SPORTS PROGRAM (ITSP) For dance students in years 7-10 for the remainder of 2020 and for 2021.
CERTIFICATE 3 IN DANCE – SKILL SET PROGRAM 1.5 DAYS 2020/2021 For dance students in years 9-10 for the remainder of 2020 and for 2021.
More information can be found on our website. nationalcollegeofdance.com/programs | P 02 4952 9294 www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 37
OO L N! SCH AY FUT2020 ID OC HOLEPT– 11 19 S
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HECTA RE GARDE S OF NS
! A R E TA K IN G O V ER
JOIN THE FUN THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS! Come and see amazing creatures, including our new Woolly Mammoth and giant Brachiosaurus. Plus, discover all your favourites like T-Rex, Triceratops and Dragons using our discovery app! Book your tickets today to avoid disappointment by visiting hvg.com.au 2 Sessions per day. Limited tickets per session.
DA ILY ACTI VITI ES IN CLUD ED IN GA RD EN EN TRY
02 4998 4000 - Broke Rd Pokolbin - hvg.com.au Guest numbers are strictly limited and session times apply. Morning session runs from 8am – 12:30pm and afternoon session 1:30pm - 6pm. Entry to all sessions closes one hour before completion. Carousel and Tea Cup ride single use only and are user pay. Swing Chair, Ferris Wheel, Superslide and Inflatables will not be operating for this event. Program subject to change.
Toboggan Hill Park ALL WEATHER FAMILY FUN! Open every day through the school holidays from 9:30am, with plenty of action for kids big and small. Outdoor activities include the 1km toboggan ride, 19 hole mini golf, tractor train ride, giant maze and splashdown water balloon game.
Indoor activities include jumping castles, kiddy karz, merry-go-round, happy caterpillar ride, plaster model painting and NEW roller skating rink. Bring your own roller skates or hire quad skates here. There are also a number of remote controlled and arcade style amusements. There is a kiosk providing refreshments, coffee and hot food, outdoor picnic areas and a BBQ available for hire. Please call for large group bookings, parties or special events. Visit website or contact for more information. DETAILS 16 Aquatic Close, Nelson Bay. PH 4984 1022 E toboggan@tobogganhillpark.com www.tobogganhillpark.com
Hunter Region Botanic Gardens NATURE IS FUN! (5–12yr olds) Come and see what lives in our garden – explore the bush, collect specimens and enjoy craft! 30th Sept + 7th Oct, 10.30am–12.30pm. $5 per child. Limited spaces, bookings essential – payment when booking required. Garden entry is $3pp, young children must be supervised. There is lots to see and do at the Gardens anytime! You can also visit the Kookaburra Café for refreshments, open 9am–2.30pm.
Check out our website and Facebook for details of activities at the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens. www.huntergardens.org.au
LOCATED 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae PH 4987 1655 E events@huntergardens.org.au
Advertise Your School Holiday Activity Here! Advertising opportunities for the next School Holidays are open now. Phone 4998 0888 or email advertise@intouchmagazine.com.au 38 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au
Hunter Valley
Horseriding & Adventures
ALL AGES Get away from city living and go horseriding! It’s the perfect day trip – just 30 minutes up the Hunter Expressway. Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures offers trail rides for both beginners and experienced riders – even the tiny tots can ride beautiful ponies with qualified guides leading the way. We also offer full day horse riding camps for the
teens (12-16 yrs old) where they will get to groom and feed horses, learn about looking after horses, saddlery, and of course ride! Other activities on offer include tractor hay rides to feed the animals, pedal go karts, farm animals, BBQ facilities and mountain bike trails (byo bike). If you feel like staying a little longer, we offer great guest house and semi self contained villa accommodation, where kids stay free during school holidays! (Villas only). Be quick to book, as we have limited spots available. DETAILS Open 7 days, 288 Talga Road, Lovedale. Bookings are required. PH Margaret on 4930 7111 or 0417 233 008, or visit www.huntervalleyhorseriding.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 38
BOOK A SPRING STAY BETWEEN
12/10/20 - 20/12/20 TO RECEIVE UP TO 25% OFF
BOOK NOW (02) 4988 0990 beachsideholidays.com.au
*Minimum 2 night stay. Stay 2 nights to receive 10% off. Stay 3 nights to receive 15% off. Stay 4 or more nights to receive 25% off. Subject to availability. Not valid during public or school holidays. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Valid from 12/10/20 - 20/12/20. Any existing and/or current bookings between 12/10/20 - 20/12/20 are exempt – existing guests cannot cancel their booking then rebook under these Promotional rates as Cancellation Fees will apply.
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Don’t miss this limited opportunity to secure your new home upgrades package exclusive to Intouch readers. With 22 colours available for your COLORBOND® roof and 12 colour choices for your kitchen benchtop, we’ve got something for every personality! Creating your dream home couldn’t be easier when you build with Perry Homes. With over 25 years’ experience, and multiple awards, we know what it takes to create beautiful living spaces. Choose from over 50 home designs or we can custom design your perfect home. Whether it’s flat or sloping, traditional or acreage, even knock down rebuilds, we can bring your vision to life.
Visit one of our display homes today!
CHISHOLM 3 & 5 Silverwisp Road Open daily, 10am to 4pm noel.simmonds@perryhomes.com.au Phone: (02) 4021 1680
CAMERON PARK 22 Breakwell Road Open Saturday & Sunday, 10am to 4pm noel.simmonds@perryhomes.com.au Phone: (02) 4081 4824
THORNTON 20 Darlaston Avenue Open daily, 10am to 4pm ben.hancock@perryhomes.com.au Phone: (02) 4077 3833
Visit perryhomes.com.au QBCC Act Lic. No. 718748. NSW Lic. No. 110970C *Terms & conditions apply. All images, are indicative only and we strongly suggest you consult our sales professional to obtain specific details of this promotion. The promotion applies to initial deposits made during the offer period, which result in a Building Contract executed, 5% deposit paid and ready for Council/ Private Certifier lodgement within 12 weeks after initial deposit has been paid. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount and is not redeemable for cash or credit and cannot be substituted with other products. Perry Homes reserves the right to withdraw this promotion at any time. Offer ends 30th September 2020. E31789