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From the

EDITORS... There has been way too much television viewing going on in our household. Free to air, paid, streaming, re-watching – you name it. If it's on the small screen - it's been on in our house. Sad really. But whatever gets you through because, after all, watching TV hurts no one, puts no one in danger, and if you don't like what you're viewing, you can simply turn it off. During a recent binge, I watched a program that I normally really dislike – RBT. I dislike it because it makes me realise that there is a selfish (minority) amongst us who are willing to break laws that have been put in place to prevent death and injury. But it got me thinking. No one questions the blood alcohol laws. People understand that those laws are in place to protect themselves and others. No one violently protests them. No one questions the science behind drinking and driving, and thankfully, the vast majority of people abide by those laws because they know there are consequences for themselves, loved ones and others for not abiding by them. It occurred to me that the very same people insisting on their right to choose not to be vaccinated are not also protesting the right to drink and drive. They accept that those laws are in place based on science, to protect and preserve lives, and for a multitude of other good reasons. And they abide. On the same night that I was "sucked" into watching RBT, I was also "sucked" down a social media hole and found myself on the Instagram page of a very outspoken 'influencer'. As I scrolled through the pages of diatribe about not putting poisons into her perfectly spray-tanned, hair and lash extended body, I came to the images of her showing her receiving 'anti-wrinkle injections. Botox. The same toxin that causes the deadly Botulism virus. Is it just me, or does that sound more poisonous (and unnecessary) than a vaccine designed to prevent severe illness and death? A good friend recently said something that has remained with me throughout these times. "If your opinion, or what you believe doesn't stand up to the most basic of scrutiny, then it's up to you to get yourself more informed. Facts should, unless you are a complete moron, have the ability to change your opinion. Opinion, no matter how loud you are, how passionate you are, how obnoxious you are about expressing it does not alter factual information." And before you ask… Nicki Minaj's cousins' friends' balls do not constitute factual information. But I do challenge everyone to be open to letting actual facts change your mind and not be ashamed to admit that you may have been misled. People will think more of you for it. Then go out and get vaccinated so we can all get back to that thing called life. Enjoy!

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

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16 Contents

ISSUE #70 | OCTOBER 2021 10

Wallsend Coming to Life (After Lockdown)

Watch this Space! Jeff McCloy

Music Scene - The Importance of The Arts

Shimmering Summer Cocktails from Small Mouth

Business as Usual at the Commercial Fishermen's Co-Op

More Fantastic Fringe Festival Days for 2022

Love Where You Live

Flexibility is Key with Perry Homes

Australia's Top Five Investment Locations Revealed

Inspired by the Block? Jetmaster Has the Answers!

Hands on Training the Key to Future Success

Redefining Liquor Licencing in a Post-COVID World

$800k on Offer for Local Charities and Not-for-Profit Groups

The Value in Support!

How to Thrive Amidst Chaos!

Volpara®TruDensity™ at Hunter Imaging Group

The Revolutionary Mollii Suit

Plan Your Getaway - It's Wine & Dine Time!

REGULARS 6

What's On?

Home & Lifestyle

Family & Community

Health & Wellbeing

Horoscopes

GET MOBILE!

CONTRIBUTORS

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

Alex Huszti Chloe O'Sullivan Di von Essen Jess Codrington Roslyn Meier Luke Nicolson

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

On the Cover

You would have to be living under a rock if you haven't heard of Jeff McCloy and his family business, the McCloy Group. His personal philosophy, generosity and passionate desire to create strong communities benefits many thousands of people and is something he can justifiably be proud of. Read more on page 12.

Liane Morris Melinda Murray Quentin von Essen Tanya Obreza Olivia Rodgers Katrina Reeves

© Copyright 2021 Two Tribes Media. Published monthly by Two Tribes Media. All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or quote excerpt granted by written request only. While every attempt has been made, Two Tribes Media cannot guarantee the legality, completeness or accuracy of the information presented and accepts no warranty or responsibility for such.

Built to inspire. Built for you.

Creating your dream home couldn’t be easier when you build with Perry Homes. We have over 150 different floor plans to choose from, including single and two storey designs, granny flat and dual occupancy…whether you have a flat or a sloping block, there’s sure to be a design to suit your lifestyle. We can even custom design your perfect home at no extra cost, giving you endless options to create a home that is just right for you. If you can dream it, we can build it.

Our display homes are currently closed due to lockdown restrictions, but we’re still open for business!

NSW Lic. No. 110970C QBCC Act Lic. No. 718748.

Call, email or zoom with us – we’re available 7 days, 10am - 5pm Noel Simmonds 0418 169 800 – noel.simmonds@perryhomes.com.au Ben Hancock 0435 956 546 – ben.hancock@perryhomes.com.au Jordan Maﬀey 0423 263 449 – Jordan.maﬀey@perryhomes.com.au perryhomes.com.au

E32891

WHAT'S On in SPRING? Is Still

Live & Cookin’

Support Local While we have had a number of affected and postponed shows, we are striving to keep the Lizotte’s food and music experience going. We hope to keep safely offering live music, food and trivia for as long as we can! You can keep up to date via our website and by subscribing to our email newsletter.

Give the Gift of Music! One of the best gifts you can give is a great night out, and the Lizotte’s Gift Voucher makes it so easy. Just nominate a value and let your gift receiver pick a show of their choice!

Lizotte’s Youtube Channel is Here! Subscribe Today! To get you all amped up for the return of live music (pardon the pun!) we are launching the Lizotte’s Youtube Channel. The channel celebrates some of the amazing memories we have made over the years at our beautiful venue; from iconic artists giving incredible performances, to our fabulous community of customers doing what they do best – supporting live music!

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

OCTOBER FRIDAY 1 OCTOBER This is Not Art (TiNA) Festival Now in its 24th year, TiNA is a platform for emerging and experimental artists from around the country to present new work, share ideas, network and express their unique selves. This years theme is 'Response', fitting for 2021. The event runs from 1–31 October. For more information visit www.thisisnotart.org SUNDAY 3 OCTOBER Wellness Camp for Small Businesses and Employees This weekly free Sunday Wellness Camp is ideal for employees to detox body and mind, through guided meditation. Reserve your spot – www.eventbrite.com.au TUESDAY 5 OCTOBER You're Kidding Me: Transition to School This workshop will provide you with the information you need to make this a positive and calm transition. Free, register through www.lakemac.com.au Online event with US Writer Jonathan Frazer Celebrating the release of his highly anticipated new novel, Crossroads. Visit www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au THURSDAY 14 OCTOBER Online Adult Workshop: Drawn Together Get painting with local artist Nick Fintan and Perth-based artist Rachelle Dusting. The zoom session is free, however you must have

MARKET GUIDE SUNDAY 3 OCTOBER Newcastle City Farmers Market at Newcastle Showground EVERY Sunday, 7am–1pm. SATURDAY 9 OCTOBER Lake Macquarie City Farmers Market at Speers Point Park, 7am–1pm. SATURDAY 23 OCTOBER Lake Macquarie City Farmers Market at Speers Point Park, 7am–1pm. Homegrown Markets at The Station, Newcastle, 9am–2pm. PLEASE NOTE – FARMERS MARKETS: Face masks must be worn at all indoor AND outdoor areas of the market. If you can't due to health reasons, you must carry proof.

your own supplies. October 14+28, to book visit www.trybooking.com/BUBZX The Resilience Project Adults, parents, professionals, teenagers; this talk is for you. Really, it’s for anyone who wants to share a laugh and pick up some wellbeing tips along the way with Hugh van Cuylenburg, at City Hall. There are 2 shows: Thurs 14 October + Wed 24 November. For tickets visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au SATURDAY 23 OCTOBER PBR Newcastle Origin 1 at Newcastle Entertainment Centre. SUNDAY 24 OCTOBER Raid My Wardrobe Pre-Loved Fashion Event at Club Charlestown, 10am-1pm. Visit www.raidmywardrobe.com.au for tickets ($5). FRIDAY 29 OCTOBER Films @ Rathmines: West Side Story Tickets $25, includes all drinks and food. www.eventbrite.com.au SUNDAY 31 OCTOBER Lake Macquarie Running Festival Pending restrictions, this event is planned to go ahead around Lake Macquarie. To register visit www.lakemacrunning.com

NOVEMBER TUESDAY 2 NOVEMBER Eireborne Celebrating the rebirth of Irish dance with a contemporary twist like you’ve never seen before at Civic Theatre. WEDNESDAY 3 NOVEMBER The Big Bike Film Night Sharing the best cycling short films from around the world with you at Event Cinemas Kotara. Tickets at www.bigbikefilmnight.nz/screenings THURSDAY 4 NOVEMBER Kitty Flanagan Live Rescheduled from September. At Civic Theatre, 4+5 November.

Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Subscribe via Our Website to Keep Up to Date. 31 Morehead Street, Lambton Doors open from 6pm FULLY LICENSED LIVE SHOWS starting from $65

BOOK ONLINE NOW

Wednesday’s

+ See who else is coming to dinner...

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

AT MCGUIGAN

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

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

WHAT’S ON SATURDAY 6 NOVEMBER The Angels: Symphony of Angels There will be an orchestra on stage. And a choir! At Civic Theatre. SUNDAY 7 NOVEMBER Hunter Events Health, Wealth & Wellbeing A jam-packed Health, Wealth & Wellbeing event, where you can get the best advice, tips and tricks from all the industry professionals. Interactive demonstrations, guest speakers, kids fun and so much more. www.huntereventshww.com.au Homegrown Market at Speers Point Park, 10am–2pm. FRIDAY 12 NOVEMBER Let's Fish Lake Mac Lake Macquarie's open fishing competition returns 12–14 Nov. www.letsfishlakemac.com.au SATURDAY 13 NOVEMBER Feast Fest Twilight Food Market at Speers Point Park, 4pm–8pm. $2 entry fee, kids free. Newcastle Lapidary Club Gem and Jewellery Fair As well as demonstrations and displays of lapidary and jewellerymaking, there will be stalls selling a variety of tools, jewellery, gemstones and lapidary material and related craft. At Newcastle Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC), Broadmeadow. SUNDAY 14 NOVEMBER Made & Found Market at Webb Park, Redhead, 10am–2pm. MONDAY 15 NOVEMBER Hannah Gadsby - Body of Work at Civic Theatre. THURSDAY 18 NOVEMBER Bohemian Symphony the Music of Queen Orchestrated A 24 Piece Symphony Orchestra Conducted by internationallyrenowned George Ellis will perform Queen’s Greatest Hits at Civic Theatre. FRIDAY 19 NOVEMBER Holy Holy at Civic Theatre. Films @ Rathmines: Rocky Horror Picture Show Tickets $25, includes all food and drinks. Book via www.eventbrite.com.au SATURDAY 20 NOVEMBER Lake Mac Open Studios Local artists and makers will open their studio doors and welcome the general public inside for a behind the scenes look. 20+21 Nov, www.lakemac.com.au Isaac Butterfield – Outlaw at Civic Theatre. Clerici – de Borah 2021 Pianist Daniel de Borah, at the Gallery’s Stuart & Sons studio grand piano with cellist Umberto Clerici play the music of Felix Mendelssohn and Frédéric Chopin at Newcastle Art Gallery. www.nag.org.au Sunset Sounds at Roche Estate. SUNDAY 21 NOVEMBER Sunday Sessions at MAC Grab a wine or beer, enjoy some local music and artmaking. Tickets $20, tickets at www.eventbrite.com.au

ON CREATIVITY THURSDAY 7 OCTOBER 2021

How can we nurture innovation and creativity to rise to the challenges of the 21st century, and allow space for creative thinking? Hear from visionary artists, authors and

Lake Mac Libraries online app

Made for mobile browsing. Get the world at your fingertips.

library.lakemac.com.au/app MONDAY 22 NOVEMBER Musica Viva: Chopin's Piano with Aura Go at City Hall, tickets via Civic Theatre. WEDNESDAY 24 NOVEMBER The Tap Pack Picking up where The Rat Pack left off, The Tap Pack conjures up a modern twist to the crooners and artists from the 50s through to the noughties. At Civic Theatre. The Resilience Project Adults, parents, professionals, teenagers; this talk is for you. Really, it’s for anyone who wants to share a laugh and pick up some wellbeing tips along the way with Hugh van Cuylenburg, at City Hall. For tickets visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au THURSDAY 25 NOVEMBER The War on 2021 From the team that brought you the Contact Tracies, Margaret & David’s iconic review of 2020, Scott Morrison’s curry addiction and more. At City Hall, tickets via Civic Theatre. Arj Barker Comes Clean Australia’s adopted son of comedy returns to premiere his brand-new hour of riotous comedy at Civic Theatre. FRIDAY 26 NOVEMBER Bill Bailey – En Route to Normal Not just a funny, heartwarming mix of stories, music and history, but a personal mission to find our way through these strange times. 26+28 November, at Civic Theatre. SATURDAY 27 NOVEMBER The Beluga Live Show at The Playhouse. Pig Sty in July The 3rd (and hopefully final!) rescheduling of this event at Dashville, Lower Belford. www.dashville.com.au SUNDAY 28 NOVEMBER Hunter Arts Network Art Bazaar Christmas Market at Lambton Park, 9am–3pm.

filmmakers on how they use creative problem solving to meet challenges in their life and work. SPEAKERS YOU CAN EXPECT: Internationally renowned author and Professor of Education Policy at UNSW Sydney, Pasi Sahlberg’s work looks at the importance of play in learning; Emmy award-winning Australian filmmaker Lynette Wallworth works on the cutting-edge of media technology; Author and poet Jessie Tu’s debut novel A Lonely Girl is a Dangerous Thing won the 2021 ABIA award for Literary Fiction Book of the Year. This FREE online event is presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas and the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture. Visit www.eventbrite.com.au to register.

Online art workshops from MAC Sure to keep the kids entertained. Suitable for all ages, with new activities dropping weekly.

yapang

mac.lakemac.com.au/online-activities

Lake Mac STEAM Day Bees, honey and pollination We invite you to participate in the online activities. 20 OCTOBER

library.lakemac.com.au/STEAM

Let’s Fish Lake Mac This COVID Safe, catch-andrelease fishing competition is coming up in November!

12-14 NOVEMBER

letsfishlakemac.com.au

Discover more of what’s online in Lake Mac at

lakemac.com.au/whatson Be safe. Keep space this summer.

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 7

W H AT ' S O N

Highlights UNTIL 17 OCT

WHAT'S ON IN

Lake Mac � LAKE MACQUARIE

If you’re looking for an outdoor COVID Safe activity, Let’s Fish Lake Mac returns to Lake Macquarie this 12–14 November. This contact-free fishing competition is a catch and release event with registrations taking place online and entry packs being distributed via post. Participants will fish for the lakes most popular species. Catch your fish, take a photo, then release it and try and catch a bigger one. Let’s Fish Lake Mac’s pre-registrations have now opened. Join the subscriber list to get the latest updates on the outdoor event. www.letsfishlakemac.com.au Lake Mac is celebrating STEAM Week online (science, technology, engineering, ARTS, and maths). Join us for a range of online activities to ‘bee’ held on Wednesday 20 October such as understanding the role of bees and plants with native bee specialist Francisco Garcia Bulle Bueno, My Sciodyssey: Journeys to a Life of Science presents Bee Buzziness and more. Bookings are essential for these COVID Safe events. To find out more please visit library.lakemac.com.au/whatson/festivals-exhibitions

Blackmores VIRTUAL SYDNEY RUNNING FESTIVAL

A CONVE RSATI ON WI TH ACC LAI M E D US WRI TE R

JONATHAN FRANZEN > 5 OCTOBER, ONLINE EVENT Newcastle Writers Festival is excited to be co-hosting Jonathan Franzen’s first Australian event celebrating the release of his highly anticipated new novel Crossroads, on October 5. This online conversation will be held from 7.30pm, led by ABC Radio’s Sarah Kanowski. If you can't tune in on October 5, you will be able to watch the interview on demand until October 12. Franzen’s new novel Crossroads is the first in an ambitious new trilogy, A Key to All Mythologies. It’s a family saga spanning three generations and tracing the inner life of our culture through to the present day. This special event is presented in partnership with The Wheeler Centre in Melbourne and Byron Writers Festival and funds raised from Hunter ticket sales will support Newcastle Writers Festival. Tickets are $15, or $10 concession (plus $4 booking fee). Visit www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au

> UNTIL SUNDAY 17 OCTOBER You still have 17 days to put your training into practice and take on your favourite event distance in the Blackmores Virtual Sydney Running Festival! The Running Festival is FREE to enter, but you can also pay to upgrade to their premium option – where you'll unlock race day goodies. Blackmores have partnered with Race Roster and the ASICS Runkeeper™ app to record your run, so all you will need to do is register, download the app and record a run before 17 October! Find more information and register at www.sydneyrunningfestival.com.au. Make sure you observe any local Government restrictions and COVID-safety requirements while participating in this event.

Spring Art Bazaar

O N N OW !

FIND A CREAT I VE!

Hunter Arts Network has unfortunately had to cancel their Spring Art Bazaar, but are now bringing it to you online via Find a Creative! You can support makers and creators by shopping from small businesses in Australia, plus find high quality original products made locally in the Hunter. Head to www.hunterartsnetwork.org/find-a-creative

For more information about online events and resources Lake Macquarie City Council have available please visit lakemac.com.au/Events FANCY NANCY CERAMICS

FOR THE DIARY: The next Hunter Art Bazaar is planned for November 28 – at Lambton Park, 9am–3pm.

Spring into Seafood! For all your Australian, sustainably caught, fresh local seafood needs, you wouldn't go anywhere else, other than the Fishermen’s Co-Op! WICKHAM 97 Hannell Street, Ph 4965 4229 OPEN Mon–Fri 8.30am to 5pm, Sat 8.30am to 3pm, Sun 10am to 2pm SWANSEA 69 Lakeside Drive, Ph 4971 4762 OPEN Tues–Fri 8.30am to 4pm + Sat 8.30am to 1pm

www.fishcoop.com.au 8 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

WHAT'S On Highlights

SUNDAY SESSIONS AT MAC

Getting Your Body Moving During (and After) Lockdown!

> SUNDAY 21 NOVEMBER

Want to change it up during Lockdown? If you are in need of something new during lockdown (which will hopefully be ending this month!), here are a few local business ideas for you! Planet Fitness – PF has created a free Virtual Class Schedule with classes such as Pilates, Body Balance, Pump at Home, Yoga and Boxing! Catch all the action on their Facebook page – @PlanetFitnessLambton. Latin Fitness at Home – Join Dance On Newy for weekly Friday Cuban and Salsa dance lessons. Classes start from $10, for more information visit www.danceonnewy.com KX Pilates Newcastle – Join in on one of their Instagram Live workouts, for free! You'll find all the videos via their Instagram page @kxpilatesnewcastle Tula Yoga and Wellness – Emma's online classes are just $5 for drop in sessions, or $15 per week (where you can access videos at any time). Visit www.tulayogaandwellness.com Redhead Wellness Sanctuary – For just $24.99 per month (yes month!) you can access online classes on demand, including yoga, fitness, pilates/core, meditation and strength. Visit www.redheadwellness.com/sanctuary-at-home One for the Females – If you are in need of a mental health boost, or see yourself struggling coming out of lockdown, check out The Self Care Sisterhood. Offering a range of classes and an amazingly supportive atmosphere, this membership is definitely a worthy investment! Visit www.theselfcaresisterhood.com

HU NT E R EV EN TS HE A LT H , WEA LTH & W EL L B E I NG > SUNDAY 7 NOVEMBER Hunter Events is excited to present the inaugural Health, Wealth & Wellbeing Event! This will be a jam-packed event all about you and your wellbeing, where you can get all the best advice,

Calling All

Why not try your hand at sculpting whilst enjoying a wine or beer and local violinist Angamus Music. Tickets are $20, and cover one wine, beer or soft drink, with cheese, and all art materials. The event runs from 1pm to 3pm. This is a great chance to use your Dine & Discover vouchers if you haven't yet. More information at mac.lakemac.com.au

BIKE ENTHUSIASTS! > WEDNESDAY 3 NOVEMBER This year’s Big Bike Film Night has everything a cyclecentric audience could want – action, drama, humour, and plenty of inspiration! See one man’s mission to ride EVERY street across New Zealand; an unusual Victorian pastime taking place in modern London; an Ausssie female rider who goes back in time to carry the stories of the past into the future; a rider who has a burden of blindness and its vulnerabilities to contend with while undertaking a gruelling self-supported fat bike race across the frozen tussocks of Finland; a humble BMX Club with big dreams of becoming the number one Club in the UK; a film that celebrates the growing, sustainable type of tourism where everyone is a winner, and more! The film night will be taking place at Event Cinemas Kotara. Visit www.bigbikefilmnight.nz to book your tickets.

tips and tricks from all the industry professionals. A family friendly event, you'll be able to interact with demonstrations, meet lots of exhibitors, hear from guest speakers, let the kids have fun and so much more! If you are a Health, Wealth or Wellbeing professional, stall and sponsor spots are still available. Enquire today! Save the date and stay tuned for more information – 10am–4pm Sunday, 7 November 2021, at Newcastle Showground Exhibition Centre. For more information visit www.huntereventshww.com.au

THE WAR ON 2021 > THURSDAY 25 NOVEMBER Join Australia’s satirical all-stars Charles Firth (The Chaser), Mark Humphries (ABC TV’s 7.30), Freudian Nip’s Jenna Owen and Victoria Zerbst (SBS The Feed) and James Schloeffel (The Shovel) as they dissect the scandals, corruption, incompetence and empathy training courses of the past 12 months. From the team that brought you the Contact Tracies, Margaret and David’s iconic review of 2020, Scott Morrison’s curry addiction, and a year’s worth of headlines from The Chaser and The Shovel, comes a show that is designed to make you laugh, but will probably also make you cry. It was a year when all Australians were first in line to receive a vaccination announcement, when the government launched more defamation cases than dedicated quarantine facilities and someone in Parliament House had a wank on a desk. What will come of 2022? See the show live at City Hall – tickets via www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

N E WC A S TLE C I T Y

Sorry!

7AM–1PM | EVERY SUNDAY at BROADMEADOW SHOWGROUND

+ Lots More

www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 9

Wallsend

COMING TO LIFE (AFTER LOCKDOWN)

THERE IS A GREAT DEAL TO LOVE ABOUT WALLSEND. Residents living in Wallsend describe their town as a wonderfully quiet suburb, family-friendly and safe. Just 20 minutes from Newcastle's CBD and beaches and its close proximity to the Hunter Expressway (not to mention the realistic and still affordable real estate prices) make Wallsend a haven for families. With all the conveniences of a flourishing community, this once mining town has become a vibrant, family-friendly suburb with a thriving central business district that includes everything local residents require without the need to travel. For many, a shopping trip involves a short walk or drive to the Wallsend Village Shopping Centre or Nelson Street, where there is a wide choice of major supermarkets, banks, fashion, convenience and retail stores, medical services, coffee shops, restaurants, bakeries, pharmacies, hairdressers and beauticians - all coming together to form a dynamic business community.

The local business community is represented by the Wallsend Town Business Association (WTBA), which works to promote Wallsend as a destination and support local business and commercial property owners as well as community groups. Wayne Rogers, President of the WTBA, wants people to know that Wallsend is "coming to life" after lockdown and that it's business as usual. "Like every other business locality in Newcastle, Wallsend businesses have had it tough, but we are a resilient lot and will get through it," said Wayne. "With the expectation that Lockdown will end mid-October, we are looking forward to the launch of the Wallsend Festival, which will now take place from 8 to 20 November," he added. "This much anticipated week-long celebration kicks off with Book Week Celebrations taking place on 8, 9, 10 and 11 November, followed by Blokes Day celebration (12 November), Fashion on the Footpath (16 November), Mural Unveiling and Progressive Dinner (19 November) and Movies in Federal Park on 20 November. "This festival is exactly what this region needs right now. A free, family-friendly day that brings people of all generations and cultures together to support local business with market stalls, community groups, sporting groups, local entertainers and more all coming together in a safe and fun-filled environment where everyone is welcome." For more information, visit www.wallsendtown.com.au

AMPING UP FOR LIVE MUSIC AT LIZOTTE'S With the state on track to open hospitality venues by the end of this month, Brian Lizotte says he is starting to feel very excited about the prospect of welcoming customers back! "This week, we've started to get the venue ready: dusting off the PA, firing up the lights, and planning some exciting new dishes to keep patron tastebuds tingling!" said Brian. While we're waiting for those doors to fling open and to get you all amped up for the return of live music, tune in to the new Lizotte's YouTube Channel (@Lizotte's Restaurant). The channel celebrates some of the fantastic memories Lizotte's have made over the years at the beautiful Lambton venue. From iconic artists giving incredible performances to a fabulous community of customers doing what they do best – supporting live music!

GOURMET CHRISTMAS GIFTS BY

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10 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

BREWERY

WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU BACK TO OUR

CELLAR DOOR MID-LATE OCTOBER! THE HUNTER’S LARGEST BEER GARDEN! WITH PLENTY OF SPACE TO ENJOY YOUR BEER, WINE & SPIRITS TASTING

22 BEERS ON TAP 2213 BROKE RD, POKOLBIN NSW BOOKINGS REQUIRED FOR WINE TASTING

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SATURDAY 5

FEBRUARY february 2022 www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 11

WATCH THIS SPACE!

Jeff McCloy 12 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

HERITAGE PARC, MAITLAND

WORDS LIANE MORRIS

YOU WOULD HAVE TO BE LIVING UNDER A ROCK IF YOU HAVEN’T HEARD OF JEFF MCCLOY AND HIS FAMILY BUSINESS, THE MCCLOY GROUP. AND WHILST CONTROVERSY HAS FOLLOWED HIM THROUGHOUT HIS CAREER, HIS PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY, GENEROSITY AND PASSIONATE DESIRE TO CREATE STRONG COMMUNITIES BENEFITS MANY THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE AND IS SOMETHING HE CAN JUSTIFIABLY BE PROUD OF. Life for Jeff McCloy began in a very humble way in a tiny cottage in Belmont. He still remembers using newspaper in the outside lavatory and the horse leading the bread van for bread deliveries. There was always food on the table, though, and young Jeff grew up wanting to be a dentist, which he laughs about now. His grandfather and father were both builders who rode the waves of boom and bust as they tried to provide for their families. When Jeff was still in primary school, his father experienced a significant downturn in his fortunes, and Jeff believes that this experience helped shape his life. “When your dad goes broke, and you’re just a little kid, it shapes who you become. You never want to go through that if you can help it. And you certainly don’t want your family to go through it,” says Jeff. There’s a sense that the elder McCloy, Jeff’s father Don, was keen to have Jeff join the family business right from the start, but the young man needed to go off and be his own person. His first year at the University of Newcastle was spent playing rugby and snooker. He did not apply himself to

his studies in Civil Engineering until after he’d had “the talk” with his parents, after which he returned to university, put his head down and finished his degree successfully. There followed a series of jobs in Sydney, which he loved, including stints at Lend Lease and the Public Works Department and working on the MLC Centre. During this time, he developed his craft and his business acumen. His father, however, still had ideas for Jeff to join him, and in the late ’70s, Jeff promised to give it a go for 12 months. This move proved to be highly successful and certainly went way beyond 12 months. They won the tender to build the John Hunter Hospital, and to this day, it is still one of the things that Jeff is most proud of. “Business-wise, the John Hunter Hospital construction was an amazing achievement,” said Jeff. “We came in one year ahead of schedule, and I’m still proud of it.” The younger McCloy set about ensuring that the family business would never go broke. For a short while, the business moved into the Sydney market but sustained losses. This led to a return to the Hunter region and a pivot away from construction to property development and diversification. The Jewells Tavern and shopping centre was their first commercial development, followed quickly by the Belmont North subdivision. The future of the McCloy Group was set. Today, the business has three main areas of focus. There are over 25 residential communities under the McCloy name, six employment centres and four retirement living complexes. Jeff’s core philosophy of living life well, being connected to community and giving back to society is at the heart of each of these areas of focus. The residential communities are branded Masterplanned for Living and reflect Jeff’s passion for creating communities that people love to live in, with uncompromising quality and environments that feature public art, landscaped parklands, playgrounds and open spaces.

The employment centres are branded Designed for Productivity and are all about maximising functionality and location, for efficiency in output so that people can work well in spaces that complement their lives and provide balance. The retirement living complexes are branded Created for Lifestyle and are part of a new joint venture titled Principle Living to develop state-of-the-art retirement living facilities that offer the best lifestyle offerings for the later stages of life. The need to enrich other people’s lives is at the heart of the business and is what drives Jeff. “It’s exciting to be partly responsible for enriching other people’s lives through the development of the communities that we build,” said Jeff. “I get a great sense of satisfaction and pride knowing that I’ve left something better than it was before. We use public art in our communities to create a sense of belonging. As people drive through the entry of their community, which always feature an identifying sculptural art form, they get a real sense of coming home. The higher quality and standards of our communities raise the tempo of behaviour and has a calming effect on those that live there.” In fact, art is a particular passion for Jeff and every community he builds benefits from this passion. He has no artistic talent himself and isn’t sure where his appreciation for it has come from.

ART ADDS A LOT OF VALUE TO OUR COMMUNITIES. IT’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY. I’M IN AWE OF ARTISTS AND WHAT THEY DO AND ENJOY FOSTERING ART IN OUR COMMUNITY BY PURCHASING IT AND SHARING IT. Whether it’s the public art, the landscaped parklands or the nature reserves that attract the buyers, the rate of sales for McCloy Group residential communities is very high, with people sometimes even camping out to purchase when land is released. Families return to McCloy Group estates too. Children who’ve grown up there are returning once they’re ready to purchase their own home in a generational connection to place. Resale value is also high. Communities are built along sustainable environmental principles and are mostly owner-occupied, with homeowners expressing confidence in the projects and the capital growth they provide. A home in Maitland’s Heritage Parc was recently resold for a record $1.2million, proving the investment potential of a McCloy Group residential community development. Commercial developments have included well-known icons like The Lucky Hotel in Newcastle and the Mattara Hotel in Charlestown. Employment Centres include The Dairy Farmer’s Corner, the award-winning City Exchange as well as the Telstra Civic Building and the recent acquisition of the old Hydro Aluminum smelter at Kurri Kurri. (Continued next page) ► www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 13

ORIGINAL MCCLOY FAMILY HOME AT BELMONT

MCCLOY GROUP TEAM

(Continued) The industry has recognised the McCloy Group excellence, with many awards being won over the years. This year the McCloy Group has communities listed as finalists in the 2021 Urban Taskforce Awards and also has entries in the 2021 UDIA (Urban Development Institute of Australia) Development Excellence Awards. Personally, Jeff has been recognised by his peers and his community through several awards over the years and is known as an outspoken advocate for bringing development and prosperity to the City of Newcastle. He has been the Hunter Business Person of the Year, awarded the University of Newcastle Alumni Award for Leadership, he’s been Chair of the University of Newcastle Foundation and awarded the City of Newcastle Medal. The McCloy philosophy of enriching the lives of others is not only at the heart of the business but is also what has driven the development of the McCloy Family Foundation, which recently donated $1million to the Mark Hughes Foundation. It’s a natural extension of the work that Jeff has done over the years, supporting a vast number of causes and charities because he believes profoundly that it is essential to give back to the community that supports his business and his family. He’s contributed to medical research, education, welfare groups and sporting teams and clubs. “Philanthropy is in my DNA,” said Jeff. “I’d like the Foundation to continue long after I’m gone. It’s a wonderful thing for the family to work on together, for everyone to be part of the decision-making process. We get so many requests, setting up the Foundation was a way to formalise the process and enable direct action for the causes that we believe in.” The McCloy Family Foundation has been established to create better outcomes for the region, reflecting the family’s 14 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

innovative approach to communities and creating places and opportunities for all to live better lives. The Foundation aims to give around $1 million a year to a number of different causes, charities and people spanning a number of fields, including health. When asked what he’s most proud of from a business point of view, Jeff talks about the John Hunter Hospital and the superyacht Seafaris that was burnt out in 2013. “Seafaris was a 41m superyacht that we had built. It was an incredible boat. It won the award for the Best Super Yacht in the World in 2007. It was heartbreaking when it was destroyed by fire, but you can’t get too wrapped up in the material things. At least no one was hurt,” said Jeff philosophically. The other business achievement that Jeff is keen to highlight is the team around him at the McCloy Group. With a low turnover of staff, high goals and high standards, he is clearly proud of his team, almost in awe of their abilities and accomplishments. “I can’t believe there are only 22 people on the team. What they can achieve together is astounding. They have a formidable skill set, and it’s fulfilling to work with such a great team of people.” Moving forward, Jeff is considering his legacy. Now in his early 70s, he’s looking to slow down and make some changes. With children from 2 marriages, Jeff talks about family life as being “complicated”. None of his children have followed him into the business, which is probably one of the reasons the McCloy Family Foundation was set up. It’s a way for them to work together and build on their family’s legacy. “The kids are doing great, but they're all on their own journeys with some running their own businesses and I respect that."

Jeff seems comfortable with this. It’s reminiscent of his own history, with his father keen for him to follow in his footsteps and whilst Jeff did, it seems that he won’t be putting the same pressure on his own children. He respects the life decisions they make and is satisfied with the concept of selling the business rather than it staying in the family. If the time came to sell the McCloy Group he has just one proviso – the need for his team to stay together. In the meantime, the McCloy Group are still thriving, delivering new residential communities, employment centres and retirement living complexes across the region and into Queensland. The community building will go on, and lives will continue to be lived well in beautiful spaces. The Foundation will be there to support the causes that improve the lives of the many, build community and lift up those that need it. It’s hard to imagine someone who has built such a successful and profitable business going quietly into retirement. Jeff is keen to reduce his day-to-day workload but then talks about looking forward to building some shopping centres, investing his funds and doing “interesting” things. Watch this space! ■

Music Scene

WALLSEND TOWN

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ARTS

Everything You Need on One Place!

WORDS MEL MURRAY - PSM PUBLICITY As I have pointed out many times in this very column, the Arts community has been one of the industries hit first and hardest thanks to the ongoing pandemic. In a recent interview with Studio Ten, the frustration was articulated by songstress Tina Arena. Tina is very opposed to the lockdown, which is not a position I take personally (purely because I don't know what the alternative is without a lot of people becoming really sick or worse). I figure that I'm just smart enough to know there are things I don't know. That said, Tina is based in Melbourne. A city which, as of 4 October, will have spent the most days in lockdown of any city in the world. The rest of her point, I couldn't agree more. When asked by friend and entertainment reporter Angela Bishop if she thought that the arts community had been forgotten, Arena's response was forthright and passionate. "If anything goes wrong, the artistic community has always lifted their sleeves up. We've gone in there and done what we needed to do. We're very happy to play that role to help people – it's what we do." "Now we're in trouble. Is someone helping us? No. It's amazing how people just fly away and disappear. However, they're very quick to ask us to work for free, to relinquish any kind of remuneration from sales of records." "You know what? DONE. We're done, and now we're saying it. Just stop this ridiculous, preposterous behaviour. It's got to stop."

OUT OF NEWCASTLE

The Unexpected Lockdown Anthem Newcastle’s indie rock band Heddy’s Revenge were a regular part of Newcastle’s live scene in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. They have recently reformed and started writing new material. For their first release in 20 years, the band chose an old favourite, not realising how well the lyrics would describe life in a COVID lockdown. New Line is a fast-paced punk-pop song with a singalong chorus. The lyrics tell a relatable story about misreading signals in a relationship. One line in the chorus says: “We’ll never be together”. The band had just finished recording the song when the Newcastle region went into lockdown.

TINA ARENA

When the question turned to the double standard between arts and sport in the country, Arena was equally vocal. "I also hate the differentiation between sport and arts in Australia. As the artistic community, we will draw a line in the sand now and say, 'No more of your double standards," Arena said. "Sport is a great thing, but life is not just about sport; life is about art and culture. I would encourage the artistic community to come forward, and I'd encourage anybody else to start thinking straight now." Bishop then made a point of referencing things like Bluesfest, which was cancelled at the last minute when set-up was already happening on site. But that never seemed to happen to large scale sporting events. "That's a categoric disrespect, I'm sorry, that's rude, disrespectful, and shouldn't be at all allowed to play out. Never, ever silence an artist – we play an important role in the social fibre of any country. It's freedom of expression, and I'll fight for it until the day I die." When discussing the arts, we will also tend to focus on music just because the world without it seems so quiet. But there are other genres that form part of the culture of the arts and entertainment that have also suffered. Let's show them all the same respect (if not more) that we offer our sporting events.

Like everyone affected by lockdown, the band’s plans changed. They were unable to meet to shoot a music video, and the line “We’ll never be together” seemed to be coming true. Fortunately, the multi-talented guitarist and songwriter Steve Beautement came up with a solution – a music video that looks like a noticeboard. The video combines photos and clips from the band’s history with new footage of each band member (recorded separately due to restrictions). The pinboard aesthetic really fits with the song’s nostalgic take on a relationship gone wrong. The single New Line will be available to stream or download on the 2nd of October through all main streaming sites.

What’s Happening in Wallsend this Spring Book Week Celebrations 8–11 November Blokes Day Celebrations 12 November Fashion on the Footpath 16 November Mural Unveiling and Progressive Dinner 19 November Movies in Federal Park 20 November

We have over 200 Businesses and Services. Call into Wallsend Town and Check Us Out Today! www.wallsendtown.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 15

SHIMMERING SUMMER COCKTAILS FROM

Small Mouth

Remember when we used to go on day trips to the Hunter to pick up our favourite drop? Soon you'll be able to do just that again – and when you do – be sure to put Small Mouth at the top of your must-taste list! Small Mouth is a small family-run distillery that specialises in hand-crafted, quality spirits, including shimmering vodkas and gins. You can taste them all – including the new Beach Passion Shimmering Cocktail packs at their tasting room at Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village. Small Mouth Vodka is hand-crafted using only premium organic ingredients, boasting a full flavour with a long, smooth finish. Small Mouth offers gins, vodkas, and liqueur's, ranging from 45%, 40%, and 20%. All products have a shimmering glitter in them that are food-grade safe so that when you add any mixer with bubbles, the glitter will continuously move in your drink. A party trick that's sure to fascinate your guests! Top sellers include the Watermelon Liqueur and the Pina Colada, especially in the Summer heat. Both drinks are delicious 'on the rocks', with lemonade or with soda water. We're also confident the new Beach Passion Shimmering Cocktail will become a firm favourite on many a summerparty menu as the temperatures heat up.

BUSINESS AS USUAL AT THE

Commercial Fishermen's Co-Op

AUSTRALIANS LOVE THEIR WILD-CAUGHT SEAFOOD AND THE NSW COAST, ALL 2137 KILOMETRES OF IT, REVEALS AN EMBARRASSMENT OF SEAFOOD RICHES.

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especially if you can hear, see or smell the salty air of its former habitat. The Commercial Fishermen's Co-Operative, located on Hannell Street in Wickham, is considered the best place to get the freshest seafood in Newcastle. Straight from the sea, to the boat, to you – the only way you could get fresher seafood is if you caught it yourself (and have you ever tried to catch a prawn?).

Each Beach Passion Shimmering Cocktail pack contains 1x 200ml Shimmering Passionfruit Vodka, 1x 200ml Shimmering Pina Colada Liqueur, and 1x 200ml Shimmering Peach Liqueur in a gift box.

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Like all local businesses, service has slowed at the Commercial Fishermen's Co-Op due to Covid19 and the resulting social-distancing measures, but surprisingly it seems to have had little effect on the overall demand for fresh seafood, which is almost on par with previous years. Co-Op manager Robert Guata said that "trade has been much the same as previous years despite the impacts of the coronavirus which has affected so many other businesses in the area". "It seems people who have been unable to go to restaurants, pubs or clubs to enjoy a meal are opting to buy fresh seafood to cook and enjoy at their homes". "We certainly were not expecting such positive trade results, but it has been pretty consistent – albeit we have had to limit the number of people in the store and implement a number of safety measures for the benefit of all," he said. The Commercial Fishermen's Co-Operative supplies local fresh caught seafood daily through their retail outlets at Wickham, Swansea, and Tacoma. They also sell wholesale at their receiving depots, including Wickham, Nelson Bay, Tea Gardens, Swansea and Tacoma. Choose from their selection of fresh Atlantic salmon, barramundi, blue eye travella, tuna, snapper, flathead, kingfish, ling, ocean trout, ocean jacket and orange roughy – fillets or whole, Balmain bugs, blue swimmer crabs, squid, eastern rock lobsters, shrimp, mussels, scallops, clams and oysters. With such a wide selection, there is seemingly no end to this piscatorial paradise!

Small Mouths Shimmering Passionfruit Vodka is a delicious spring time burst of passionfruit, with beautiful scent of the passionfruit �owers! This Passionfruit Vodka is 40% alcohol but is dangerously smooth and will catch you o� guard. Delicious and Sweet, we are passionate that this is a must have!

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www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 17

HARRY JUN

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Newcastle Fringe Festival is gearing up for 2022, with applications for interested artists now open (closing 15 October). The team behind the festival feels confident that the festival will proceed in March, with vaccination levels likely to be high enough for life to return to some semblance of normal (at least in NSW!). So, in addition to the artist callout, the festival has made further changes to the way it operates. Newcastle Fringe 2021 was the most successful local fringe festival to date, with over 3,100 tickets sold despite torrential rain. There were over 100 performances across 11 venues, with nearly 25% of audiences coming from outside the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie local government areas, which means that Fringe is also a great boon for local tourism. Since the festival wrapped, there have been changes to the board, and a new strategy has been developed. Changes to the board include a new Chairperson, Brooke Twyford, a highly accomplished multi-media operations and logistics specialist with global experience across a range of world-class brands. Most importantly, Fringe 2022 will now run from 17 to 27 March 2022 and includes two full weekends of entertainment. Yes, that's two weekends to accommodate what will no doubt be a hungry audience and equally enthusiastic artists. This allows for a greater number of artists to have the opportunity to perform and for audiences to get out and experience the festival. Venues will include old favourites plus some new ones with festival hubs in Newcastle and Hamilton. The team are also locking in some venues in Lake Macquarie to broaden the reach. Running the festival over two weekends also provides an opportunity to drive visitation to the region, for the rest of NSW to travel to

Newcastle and enjoy what the city offers. Another exciting addition to the festival offering is curated content, branded Newcastle Fringe Presents. The core festival mission is still to produce an open-access festival, enabling anyone who wishes to perform the opportunity to do so. Newcastle Fringe Presents will be a small number of hand-selected performances showing in different venues to the core festival. This enables the festival to have drawcard performances and artists without affecting the primary content other than to aid in the marketing of the festival as a whole. The content for Newcastle Fringe Presents is currently being curated with the assistance of recently retired arts guru Robert Love who previously ran Riverside Theatres in Parramatta for more than 20 years. Robert is a former colleague of Newcastle Fringe Vice-Chair and Marketing board member Liane Morris. "It’s so exciting to have Robert’s help with curating the festival content. When I heard he had retired, I wondered what he would do next. I reached out and was pleasantly shocked when he agreed to use his expertise, experience and connections to help the Fringe. There is nothing he doesn't know about the performing arts, how to produce it, present it, market it and sell it,” said Liane. Artists wishing to participate in the festival should submit their expression of interest on the new fringe website www.newcastlefringe.com.au/artists Already some surprising artists have been confirmed, but the team are keeping it all under wraps for now. The team at intouch are excited to be working with Fringe 2022 as Media Partners – so we’ll be getting intouch regularly to let you know all the exciting Fringe news and artists as they come onboard. Watch this space!

Stock up for Spring!

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Love

WHERE YOU LIVE

NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA’S SEVENTH-LARGEST CITY AND ONCE KNOWN FOR ITS BHP STEELWORKS, COAL AND A LITTLE BAND CALLED SILVERCHAIR HAS, IN THE PAST TWO DECADES, REINVENTED ITSELF AS A BUSTLING MULTICULTURAL CITY AND A VIBRANT PLACE TO LIVE WITH A DIVERSE ECONOMY BASED AROUND BOTH INDUSTRY AND THE SERVICE SECTOR. However, regional cities such as Newcastle are moving away from the traditional manufacturing and agricultural industries that powered their growth over the 20th century toward more professional and service-based economies. For example, the largest employment sectors in this region are now health, education, social services and tourism. Apart from being an attractive business and investment location, the Hunter offers residents a lifestyle that is hard to

Since 1784

WORDS QUENTIN VON ESSEN

match, and it does so at a cost of living well below that of the major metropolitan areas across Australia. For those of us lucky enough to live here, there is no better place to live, or a place that offers so much diversity with its pristine beaches, cosmopolitan nightlife and of course Australia’s premier wine region right on our doorstep – not to mention an outstanding place to raise a family. But of course, with recent global developments, the secret is out, and those city slickers residing in the major capital cities have used the pandemic as a catalyst to fast forward any dreams of pursuing a life filled with more affordable housing, less traffic congestion and evenings walking along golden beaches.

Beyond a stripped-back lifestyle, buyers are seeking affordability as prices in capital cities continue to climb. Regional cities such as Newcastle and Lake Macquarie are amongst the many regional towns and cities capitalising on this trend – not to mention offering a tonic for city dwellers overcome by pandemic-induced malaise. Tree changers are also buying up big in regional areas such as the Hunter Valley which is up there as one of Australia’s top 10 affordable tree change locations. While pre-COVID living in a regional area and working for a city-based company may have seemed impossible, the lockdown phase has shown that physical proximity to a workplace is less important when buying a home and people can effectively work from home without having to battle peakhour traffic to be productive. Before COVID-19 hit, there was already a strong trend of sea and tree-change homebuyers looking for the best of all worlds – lifestyle, accessibility to employment hubs and affordable housing – especially amongst the over 40 demographic. But there is now also an increasing tendency for younger families to move away from employment hubs to an area with better lifestyle prospects. And it is not just owner-occupiers who want to move away from the cities; big, property investors are also becoming more drawn to regional markets. As a result of this net migration coupled with affordable housing prices and low interest rates, the region’s economy is looking reasonably resilient over the next few years encouraging investment and the introduction of new technologies and fuelling the demand for new residential and commercial developments as well as tourism.

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For all enquiries please contact the office 71 Branxton St, Greta NSW 2334 PH 4981 7174 | M 0402 190 835 E cosyiron@optusnet.com.au | www.cosyiron.com.au 20 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

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become synonymous in the industry for building highquality homes that provide exceptional value for money. So, what’s it like to build with Perry Homes? “Our flexibility is what makes us stand out,” says New Home Consultant Noel Simmonds. “Even though we have a large range of plans in our portfolio, we also understand that ‘one size doesn’t necessarily suit all’ that’s why we are happy to modify our plans and even offer a free custom design service for jobs that go to site, ensuring that you get a home that is perfect for you.” There’s a real sense of partnership involved, with the Perry Homes team working closely with clients to deliver their ideal homes. If you don’t already have land, the team can help you find it; if you do have a block, they’ll help you design the best house to suit. Acreages, sloping blocks, knockdownrebuilds, dual-key properties – you name it, Perry Homes can work with you to make it happen. Whether they’re starting with one of their existing home designs or even working from your own plans, it’s all about customisation. “We take more of a consultative approach,” Noel says. “Once we’ve got an idea of what you’re after, we do our best to tailor the house to what you want.” The Perry Homes team also understands the confusion that can come with building a new home. With that in mind, HAMLYN TERRACE DISPLAY HOME

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Building a new home is very exciting but can also be a big undertaking. Whether it’s your first home, upgrading to a larger home or downsizing to a smaller one, the process can at times be equally overwhelming. But with Perry Homes, their dedicated team will guide you every step of the way – from initial design through to the moment you walk through your new front door and afterwards. Established in 1993, Perry Homes was built on a foundation of trust and integrity. Ever since, Perry Homes has

AUSTRALIA’S TOP FIVE INVESTMENT LOCATIONS REVEALED {AND WE’RE IN IT!} The strong market conditions over the past year are not deterring investors who can still strategically purchase a house in a number of affordable locations around the nation, according to Qualified Property Investment Adviser (QPIA) and Buyer’s Agent Grant Foley. “Savvy investors are targeting smaller capital cities as well as major regional locations with lower buy-in prices as well as robust economic fundamentals,” says Grant. “Sydney and Melbourne are really the outliers when it comes to property price compared to the rest of the nation with house prices in those cities generally well above $1 million. However, two-thirds of our population live outside of these two capital cities, where purchase prices are more affordable and often in places where there is excellent potential for value uplift over the medium to long-term.” Mr Foley said that the recent 2021 Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA) Annual Property Investor Sentiment Survey reinforced that many investors were looking at locations outside of Sydney and Melbourne to invest in. The national annual survey, which gathered insights online from nearly 800 property investors during August, 22 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

found that more than 76 per cent of investors believe property prices in their state or territory will increase over the next year – up strongly from 41 per cent last year. Most investors continue to tip metropolitan markets as offering the best investment prospects at nearly 50 per cent (but down from 61 per cent in 2020), followed by regional markets on 25 per cent (up from 22 per cent), and coastal on 21 per cent (up strongly from 12 per cent last year), according to the survey. Mr Foley said there were a number of locations that ticked many boxes for savvy investors keen to start or grow their portfolio, with five locations offering freestanding houses under $650K. 1. Moreton Bay, Greater Brisbane – Mr Foley said the Moreton Bay region was experiencing ripple growth from Brisbane City Council suburbs as first home buyers sought more affordable housing options. “The region is also benefitting from strong interstate migration, as well as myriad major infrastructure projects including transport nodes and a new university – with gentrification of the Redcliffe peninsula also under way.” 2. Ballarat, Victoria – Mr Foley said this large regional town located just 1.5 hours’ drive from Melbourne was a sound option given its potential for commuters travelling to the Victorian capital a couple of days per week and working from home the remainder of the time. 3. Newcastle, New South Wales – Mr Foley said the charms of Newcastle may be well-known, but its house prices remained much more affordable than nearby Sydney. “Newcastle has reinvented itself from a former steel city to a lifestyle location that boasts amazing beaches, jobs in health

their aim is to remove the smoke-and-mirrors approach that comes with many home building packages, replacing it with honesty, transparency and choice. There are no nasty surprises or unexpected extra costs - you know what you’re getting, and you know it’s going to be high quality. 2021 has been a busy year for Perry Homes, with a large volume of homes being built throughout New South Wales. Noel commented, “Our team here in the Hunter region build out to Singleton, up to Forster and down to the Central Coast and whilst we try to operate in pockets for time efficiencies, our Construction team share workloads and move people about should demand require it.” Noel added, “Meeting demand is actually one of the benefits of building with Perry Homes. We are not a franchise, and being a debt-free family business means that our warranty insurances aren’t capped like many of our competitors. This means that there are no wait times on start sites for our clients, and our ordering and scheduling timelines are streamlined.” Perry Homes has a portfolio of over 50 home designs to choose from that will suit flat or sloping blocks, traditional or acreage homes - even knockdown rebuilds and dual occupancy. They also have an array of home and land packages available.

If you are thinking of building a new home, contact Perry Homes’ New Home Consultant Noel Simmonds on 0418 169 800 or email noel.simmonds@perryhomes.com.au or visit www.perryhomes.com.au and start the path to owning your dream home.

and education, as well as being within commutable distance to Sydney for those working in the Harbour City a day or two a week.” 4. Adelaide, South Australia – The Adelaide property market has historically been a sustainable one over the years, which means it generally doesn’t experience booms or busts, Mr Foley said. “The buy-in price for a house in the City of Churches remains affordable for buyers and investors alike, including potentially purchasing in its investment grade middle-ring, which is not an option in most other capital cities.” 5. Perth, Western Australia – Mr Foley said the Perth property market had been off the boil for a while before the pandemic, but that situation appeared to be rapidly changing. “There was a point in time when the Perth median house price was on par with Sydney, which most people have forgotten about, " he said. For more information about the annual survey visit www.pipa.asn.au

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INSPIRED BY THE BLOCK?

JETMASTER HAS THE ANSWERS! Jetmaster Newcastle is well known for its extensive range of premium fireplace products. Offering a start-to-finish service, they’ll provide everything from initial design to completed fireplace installation. But did you know they’re also the region’s premier supplier of period architectural hardware and accessories? Whether you’re restoring the interior of an old building to its former glory, styling a new property with a period feel,

or striking the right balance between modernity and historic charm, fittings and fixtures deserve just as much attention as major architectural elements. Functionally, some traditional hardware aspects can’t be replaced with modern alternatives. And aesthetically, the amount of difference that can be made by just the right antique copper doorknob or brass light switch is often quite surprising. For over ten years, Jetmaster has been the go-to local destination for period interior styling and home restoration projects. At the expansive Adamstown showroom, you’ll discover all the fittings your period or Federation-style home requires. We’re talking everything from traditional door, window and cabinet hardware to brass accents, pressed metal panels, unique glass and ceramic doorknobs, and more. It’s easy to see why Jetmaster has been a long-time favourite with local builders, cabinet-makers, kitchen designers and architects, as well as the home DIY crowd. Robin Hastings, owner of Jetmaster Newcastle, says there’s a real resurgence in the market for these kinds of architectural hardware products – especially during the current season of The Block, which sees some contestants maintaining features of original period homes. “When renovating – especially in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, where there are a lot of older homes – people are trying to strike that balance of updating their residences without losing the charm and historical aspect of their home,” he explains. “That’s where we come in, providing advice and an extensive range of products.” And the range certainly is extensive. Browsing the Jetmaster catalogue online or in person at the showroom, you’ll find an enormous range of meticulously crafted

reproductions of authentic originals collected from around Australia. There are period door and cabinetry fittings in materials ranging from brass and antique copper to chrome, iron and porcelain. Traditional window accessories, house name signs, period tiles, heritage-style Bakelite electrical outlets and switches, and other hardware sundries all offer the unique touch you might be looking for. Basically, it’s a complete treasure trove for anyone with a passion for authentic period styling. Jetmaster’s architectural hardware products also include a popular range of pressed tin sheeting and accessories. Patterns based on original early Australian designs are faithfully reproduced in mill-finish aluminium, which has been treated to accept either powder coating or paint. But if all this sounds a little overwhelming to you, don’t worry – the Jetmaster team is here to offer expert advice on every part of the process, from pattern selection to installation to ongoing maintenance. “Our pressed tin range has become increasingly popular the last couple of years as people find all-new ways to incorporate it into their homes – not only as a traditional ceiling panel but as a design feature such as a kitchen, laundry or bathroom splashback, a feature wall or even a bedhead,” Robin explains. “The range of pressed tin can be powder-coated to your specifications and, of course, Jetmaster can organise skilled tradespeople to carry out all your installations.”

Check out the range of inspirational products online at www.jetmasternewcastle.com.au

24 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

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HANDS ON TRAINING THE KEY TO FUTURE SUCCESS WORDS LIANE MORRIS Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College recently had cause to celebrate when two of their Alumni, Isaac Battrick and Hannah Gunton proceeded to the semi-finals of a national culinary competition for excellence in kitchen operations, with Isaac taking out the final round, declared the award winner out of hundreds of nominations. The Australian Institute of Technical Chefs shortlisted the 2020 Bishop Tyrrell graduates as part of their search for future leaders of the hospitality industry.

Hannah and Isaac had participated in the VET (Vocational Education and Training) course offerings at Bishop Tyrrell as part of their HSC, studying Hospitality and Certificate II in Kitchen Operations at the school's state-of-the-art hospitality facilities under the direction of Bishop Tyrrell's Head of TAS (Technological and Applied Studies) and VET Ms Jenny Gurr. Both have gone on to apprenticeships in the industry, with Hannah working at Coal River & Co in Cooks Hill and Isaac at The George Tavern, Greenhills. Chef George Hill from the National Awards of Excellence, along with a panel of experts, commended Isaac in their announcements for demonstrating an ongoing passion for the hospitality industry and striving to achieve. "Isaac's nomination to the top was against strong contenders in each round of the competition, and he showed substantial capability and resilience in his interviews, especially given the difficult times he and all of us in the hospitality industry have been faced with over the last 18 months," said Chef Hill. Ms Jenny Gurr had nominated both students and was very excited when Isaac took out the national award. "Well done for being the winner, you certainly are the 'Best of the Best' not only in your profession but also as a fantastic role model in our community and ambassador of the school … you're on the road to professional success and surrounded by mentors at The George Tavern Greenhills who are providing wonderful support for you," said Ms Gurr. Isaac, who is now studying a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at Hamilton TAFE, credits Ms Gurr for nurturing inspiration for hospitality.

"Ms Gurr was inspirational," said Isaac. "She made the subject so engaging; it really enhanced our learning. And she had the faith in us to nominate us for the competition. I was shocked and surprised when I won. It just goes to show that if you work hard at something, you can achieve good things." Isaac is keen to continue his career in hospitality. He loves cooking and would ideally like to travel the world, progressing his career overseas. Ultimately though, perhaps inspired by Ms Gurr, he wants to help others experience what he has by volunteering his time to teach others the skills he has developed. Isaac was attracted to the VET course at Bishop Tyrrell because he enjoyed the hands-on nature of the subject and the creativity of cooking. The College provides a range of VET courses such as Hospitality to provide a pathway for young people for practical, work-based learning that assists them in developing the knowledge and skills required for work and further study. VET courses enable students to gain industry skills and experience while studying for the HSC. Students receive accreditation and nationally recognised qualifications that can give them a head-start in their chosen careers after school. The school has excellent facilities to ensure students get the most from their studies. There are STEM and design and technology labs with flexible learning spaces that are designed for collaborative learning and to facilitate design and critical thinking. For hospitality students, there are commercial kitchens and a fully operational café enabling them to learn the business aspect of the subject and to put their skills to the test. For Hannah, and especially Isaac, this appears to have paid off handsomely! Visit www.btac.nsw.edu.au to experience Vocational and Educational Training at Bishop Tyrrell.

Dreaming

OF CROSSING INTO THE NEXT LGA WORDS CHLOE O'SULLIVAN - ON TOUR WITH THE KID In the old days (aka 2019), you would daydream during your workday about jumping on a plane and sitting in an overwater villa in the Maldives; arriving in Costa Rica to spend the day doing nothing but sitting on the beach and checking out the wildlife; ziplining in Thailand or skiing in New Zealand. Yesterday my mind wandered as I was writing and landed on my current deepest held desires. A trip to Harris Farm Markets so I could pull the rope and have a load of freshly cooked bread arrive in front of me and to be able to physically walk through the doors of my favourite vintage shop, Junkyard Gypsies in Maitland. One is impossible because it's open but outside my LGA, and the other is both outside my LGA and not able to open the doors due to the current lockdown. 26 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

There you have it; my deepest desires seem to have become much smaller. Part of the reason we started this column was the joy of being able to go away on adventures with the kid without having to spend a lot of money. The added bonus of just being together and not spend our time away, scheduled within an inch of our lives, was also a plus. Given we have all spent 24 hours a day, seven days a week locked in the house together for the last couple of months, you would think time apart would be the dream, but it's not. I have realised in our time at home that she is the only person on the planet I could stand this amount of time with. I genuinely like her. Money will be tight for lots of people, us included. The thought of flying overseas and possibly getting stranded isn't appealing. So

REDEFINING LIQUOR LICENSING In a Post-COVID World WORDS LUKE NICOLSON - LAWYER, JENKINS LEGAL THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY HAS BEEN ONE OF THE HARDEST HIT SECTORS BY COVID-19. WHILST THERE HAS BEEN SUPPORT FROM THE GOVERNMENT, MANY SMALL BUSINESS OPERATORS HAVE HAD TO TURN BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD TO IDENTIFY NEW WAYS TO GENERATE INCOME. The past 18 months, whilst challenging, has seen many small bars and restaurants look to redefine their business models and seek to take advantage of some of the more relaxed regulations. In NSW, the liquor licensing regulators have eased rules around the sale of takeaway alcohol to the public. This is largely due to the decreased impacts that the sale of takeaway alcohol by bars and restaurants has on the community during COVID restrictions, citing a “common sense and pragmatic approach to enforcing the liquor and gaming laws”. The Newcastle and Hunter region has been no exception to innovation within the hospitality sector, with many bars and restaurants taking advantage of new opportunities, for

example, new delivery concepts for their products. Whilst the sales generated from takeaways hasn’t replaced the lost income from stay-at-home orders, they have meant that many businesses could remain semi-operational and keep some staff employed. Questions are now being asked about where to from here? It does seem likely that the regulators will fall back to the pre-covid norms of liquor licensing and seek to reimpose heavy regulations on the distribution of alcohol off-premise. For businesses who have benefited from the sales of takeaway food and alcohol and would like to maintain this additional revenue stream in the post lockdown, covid-norm era, this comes as unfortunate news. There are, however,

options available in ensuring you have the right liquor license for your business and even altering your existing license to ensure you maintain new business exposure opportunities. Whilst there is a lot of uncertainty going into the post-lock down, covid-norm era, some of the key points will be ensuring businesses are utilising their license to their full capacity; and where they aren’t, checking to see if the current license is the best license option for that business model. In some circumstances, venues may see a benefit in amending the floorspace of their existing license, for example, by excluding the office space. This will then create an opportunity for that venue to apply for a packaged liquor license, providing for the sale of alcohol online or with takeaway meal orders. Given the likelihood that the popularity of boutique tailored takeaway meals will remain, an opportunity presents itself for small businesses to revamp their bar or restaurant offerings and take advantage of this new market segment. Whether you’re thinking about opening a new venue that requires a liquor license, looking to amend your liquor license or amend your trading hours, Jenkins Legal Services can help. We specialise in Commercial Law relating to the hospitality industry and can assist every step of the way, from lease agreements to community impact statements. If you require assistance or advice relating to liquor licensing laws, please give Jenkins Legal Services a call on 02 4929 2000 or email office@jenkinslegal.com.au. Jenkins Legal Services can also assist with all matters relating to property, estate planning, and employment law. This article is not legal advice, and the views and comments are of a general nature only. This article is not to be relied upon in substitution for detailed legal advice.

the kid and I decided road trips for the foreseeable future will be the way to go and will help the local tourist industry who have been hit so hard. Border closures and localised lockdown dependant, this is the list the kid, and I came up with together.

GREAT KEPPEL ISLAND/ EMERALD/MORETON ISLAND This one for us is totally focused on animals and people we love. The kid's bestie and his family, who we love like they are part of our family, unexpectedly moved during lockdown. I know this makes me sound like I'm 15 and have no impulse control, but the fact that the Premier of that State has said that visitors will be locked out until at least Christmas has meant that going up there is now the only thing I want to do. They are the kind of friends with who we are happy doing nothing, as their company is enough, but as an added bonus, Emerald has a massive sapphire field and the largest reproduction of Van Gogh's Sunflower Painting in the world which is worth a look. The after-Christmas timing is perfect for our trip, as Great Keppel Island is all about seeing the turtles nesting and hatching, which happens from January to March. I can't think of anything

MORETON ISLAND

more fitting at the end of two years of uncertainty than watching hundreds of baby turtles starting their lives and venturing off to the open sea. Moreton Island, Tangalooma Resort has been on the bucket list for a while. It's such a gorgeous part of the world. The perfect place to unwind, but the best part is the opportunity to feed the wild bluenose dolphins who come to the water's edge every night at sunset. That's our freedom day plans. After all, happiness is about having something to look forward to.

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$800K ON OFFER FOR LOCAL CHARITIES AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS HUNTER NOT-FOR-PROFIT AND CHARITY ORGANISATIONS SEEKING FUNDING FOR LOCAL PROJECTS HAVE UNTIL MIDNIGHT 22 OCTOBER 2021 TO APPLY FOR A GRANT FROM NEWCASTLE PERMANENT CHARITABLE FOUNDATION AS PART OF ITS LATEST FUNDING ROUND.

Residential Care

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RESIDENTIAL CARE

The Charitable Foundation has $800,000 on offer to support community-based organisations across regional NSW that require funding for a new or existing project that aims to address disadvantage or empower new opportunities for marginalised or isolated people. Charitable Foundation Executive Officer, Graham Batten, said the last year had been especially tough for charities and not-forprofit organisations. “In the context of continuous restrictions and lockdowns, local charities and not-forprofit organisations have found carrying out their everyday work more challenging and complex, and in some cases impossible. At a time when the growing impact of COVID-19 is being felt across Australia and throughout the world, this support is needed now more than ever. “While COVID-19 is a global problem, we’re looking local. We believe we can make a real difference by supporting grassroots organisations embedded in their local communities across regional NSW. That’s why we want to hear from charities and not-for-profit groups in the Hunter. Together we can help to rewrite the future, for the better,” said Mr Batten. Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has a long history of supporting regional communities. Since 2003 its grant program has invested more than $23 million in 512 projects and initiatives to help local communities’ most vulnerable people.

“To date, we have provided close to ten million dollars to a range of programs in the Hunter that address community issues across our key focus areas of health, young people and social disadvantage,” said Mr Batten. In the past, the Charitable Foundation has funded the following programs in the Hunter: • $78,000 to Centre for Hope to create a COVIDSafe Outreach program, Hope on the Streets, focused on activities and building friendships for disadvantaged youth • $60,000 to Mai-Wel Limited for the Sensational Spaces project, which creates an innovative sensory stimulation space for people with a disability • $48,400 to The Kaden Centre for their Home Exercise Oncology Platform, a web-based home exercise program for people affected by cancer and chronic health conditions. Applying for a Charitable Foundation funding grant is a straightforward process, completed via an application portal on its website. “We know there’s a lot of worthy programs looking for support, many of which are under considerable pressure right now, so we’re making it as easy as possible for organisations to apply. In addition to a range of tools to guide them through the application process, our website includes information on virtual grant-seeker workshops which we will hold in coming weeks,” said Mr Batten. Applications for grants are open now. Apply via the Charitable Foundation website until 11.59pm on 22 October 2021.

There are situations where a patient has lost some teeth. Still able to smile, still able to chew, but what about the remaining teeth that battle on? The teeth of both upper and lower jaws not only provide you with the ability to smile and chew your food – but they also provide the point of contact between upper and lower jaws – giving support to the whole masticatory system – the bones of the upper and lower jaws and the muscles. Just like the piers under a house, supporting the house, if you were to take some piers out, the remaining piers would each bear an increased load. In the same way, when you lose some teeth, the remaining teeth carry an increased load. Combine this increased load with nocturnal grinding (we all grind our teeth from time to time – especially when subject to lockdowns and uncertainty!) as well as gum disease, and your teeth can face a formidable challenge. Increased loading, in combination with gum disease, has the tendency to accelerate both the gum disease and the bone loss associated with gum disease. This bone loss then results in less of the teeth being supported in bone. Just like when you build a fence, a significant factor in how strong your fence will be is determined by how deep your posts are anchored in the ground. I get it; this is a bit of a depressing picture – but what can we do about it?

e Value TINhSUPPORT! WORDS ALEX HUSZTI - BELLEDENTAL Alex has had a career focused on low-biologic cost reconstructive cosmetic dental care – common sense teeth for life.

WE ALL NEED SOME SUPPORT FROM TIME TO TIME. Sometimes it's just a compassionate ear to listen to our (often first-world) problems. Sometimes it's a simple act like doing some shopping for us when we're caught short with time. And there are occasions where we actually need physical support, like the kind we get from a trainer on a football field – providing a supporting shoulder to a player who has sustained an injury so they may exit the playing field. This circumstance can also arise with teeth.

It's all about support – spreading the load. For many patients, the first step is the addressing of the gum disease – thorough, professional cleaning around the teeth to create optimal conditions for the patient to pursue their home care routine. Frequently, this part of treatment is an ongoing management process – cycling through professional cleaning and coaching around home care techniques – progressively improving the patient's understanding and management of their teeth and gums. It's education and it’s support. Sometimes this support is not enough – the load is too great. Teeth start becoming loose. What can we do? Depending on how loose teeth become, we can actually recruit teeth to support teeth. If we've addressed the management of gum disease correctly, often, we're still left with an overloading problem. This is common around the front teeth – especially the front lower teeth. Some years ago, this problem occurred for my Father. Instead of taking teeth out (and making the situation worse – since we're further reducing the number of teeth that support the jaws), we splinted the lower teeth together. This has the effect of each of the lower front six teeth supporting one another – they're now working as a team. It's a cost-effective treatment option, it's not visible when you smile, it allows patients to keep their own teeth, and we've had long-lasting results. But, yes, it does make home care a bit trickier. However, this can be overcome with careful design and with coaching support around home care and professional cleaning. If you feel like your teeth are getting loose – this may be the kind of support you require.

3 Techniques That SAVE Your Teeth 1

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

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Direct Resin Build-ups – All in ONE day! What if you have suffered with erosion... you have already lost much of your tooth structure – the last thing you need is your teeth being CUT AWAY EVEN MORE for crowns. Direct Resin Build-ups are a NO CUT, one day alternative that saves the remaining tooth structure and enhances the cosmetics and function of your teeth. They often require modifications to your bite to accomodate your new smile.

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

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www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 29

HOW TO THRIVE AMIDST CHAOS!

Covid-19, Afghanistan, climate change. It sometimes feels like the doom and gloom are never-ending. We face an existential crisis, with people everywhere struggling. But, are the skills we've been told to cultivate making things any easier? The straight A's, the prestigious university, and the athletic performances are not providing enough of the support we need when things seem to be crumbling all around us. Over the next ten years, we will continue to face new challenges, and will the things we have been taught to value be enough to avoid a catastrophic mental health crisis? Novocastrian Evan Sutter, a leading Australian happiness expert, and his new book Awake will equip us all with valuable skills so we can still thrive amidst the chaos and confusion. His unique approach to creating a book which is also a journal, a guide, a retreat, and a friend, is full of thought-provoking philosophies and actionable practices to

help readers forge a shift in what we think is vital for us to live a good life. What will be the skills we need in order to not only survive but flourish in an unpredictable future? Are the coding skills our tech-savvy society adore really helping us feel healthier, happier, and more fulfilled? "What good is a masters degree if you can't communicate with your wife? What good is the big house if you find yourself angry all the time? What good is enjoying your weekends if you are miserable all week?" says author, speaker, and reformed hedonist, Sutter. "COVID-19 has made people all over the world realise that maybe they will need some better tools to cope with change, loss, stress, boredom, and loneliness. Tools other than Netflix, alcohol, Tinder, and a nice car." Awake is a skilful blend of modalities like positive psychology, mindfulness, resilience, self-compassion, kindness, and emotional intelligence that provides the reader with a holistic and multi-dimensional focus, guiding us to enjoy taking steps that make our lives easier. With over 20 practices, 12 guided meditations and body scan exercises, gratitude, how am I writing meditations, stretching yourself, the curiosity challenge, sharing and communication practices, cut-out thank you cards, mindset tips, good deed challenges, mindfulness colouring and more Awake is a practical tool-kit we can all use. In addition to publishing his first book, Evan is currently working on a local project, One Cool Thing + Happy Business, based at Mayfield. This project will see businesses sign up pay what they want (they don't have to pay), get access to the Ideas Pool full of ideas to benefit their employees' wellbeing, community, environment and business. They implement one cool thing from the pool, and the best ideas from other

businesses are added to the pool to build more collaboration and community. They get a branding (sticker) so consumers can identify them easily as a business that is doing more, encouraging them to support local. Awake, published by US publishers Schiffer Publishing, is available pre-sale online right now at Booktopia and Amazon AU. You'll also find it in-store at Dymocks in mid-November.

We asked Evan for a practical tip we could all use right now to help us be happier despite everything going on around us. WATER THE FLOWERS Think of a friend or family member you feel comfortable with. Write down three positive qualities about them, with examples of what they do, to showcase these qualities. Next time you see them or talk to them, express these compliments. Good things are like Teflon and bad things like Velcro. We are good at seeing our faults, so having others recognise our goodness helps us grow. And it helps you grow too. Doing an act of kindness releases our feel-good chemicals, and we get a little helper high while satisfying our need for connection. We boost positive emotions through appreciation and gratitude, which lead us to be higher functioning people and increased self-esteem. Those are all really good things that make you feel good, long-term - and they are super simple. Water a flower this week. Water many.

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VOLPARA®TRUDENSITY™ AT HUNTER IMAGING GROUP WORDS ROSLYN MEIER - HUNTER IMAGING With BreastScreen NSW, having made the decision to suspend all routine breast-screening services, we encourage women of the Hunter to remain breast aware! Hunter Imaging is excited to offer Volpara®TruDensity™ software to be used in conjunction with mammography for breast cancer screening. Volpara®TruDensity™ is a powerful tool that enables Radiologists to provide objective and quantitative reports as to the density of a patient's breast tissue. We believe with the inclusion and use of Volpara®TruDensity™ software that Hunter Imaging contributes to positive health outcomes for women, especially those that have dense breast tissue and/or women with a personal history of breast cancer.

WHY IS BREAST DENSITY IMPORTANT? Breast density is important for two reasons: 1. Women with higher breast density have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Those with the densest breasts have 4–6 times greater risk compared with women with the least dense breasts, making breast density itself an independent risk factor for breast cancer. 2. Higher breast density also makes it harder for radiologists to detect breast cancer. Cancers typically appear white on a mammogram, and so does normal fibroglandular tissue. If breast cancer develops in an area of dense, fibroglandular tissue, then it can be hidden or "masked," making the mammogram less accurate or sensitive.

For women, there is no change to the current mammography examination. During a 3D mammography exam, multiple, low-dose images of a woman's breast are acquired in an arc over the breast. These images are then used to produce a series of one-millimetre thick slices that can be viewed as a 3D reconstruction of the breast, with the only difference for women attending Hunter Imaging is that they will also receive within their diagnostic report a breast density score. By offering women the latest and more accurate technology in mammography, Hunter Imaging wants to help women take proactive steps in the management of their breast health. Breast density scores contribute to women defining a clearer understanding of their individual breast health along with what risks that they may, or may not, face. In Australia, Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceeded only by lung cancer, and statistics indicate that one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her lifetime. Hunter Imaging is committed to assisting women in the fight against breast cancer. In offering Volpara®TruDensity™, Hunter Imaging provides the latest in diagnostic imaging technology. If you would like to schedule a mammogram or have questions about mammographic breast health procedures, we encourage you to discuss this with your doctor. FOR MORE INFORMATION Email: hig.webenquiries@sonichealthcare.com.au Phone: 13 23 36 Visit: www.hunterimaging.com.au

Join us in supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Hunter Women's Imaging are proud supporters of Breast Cancer Research and supporting local women and men with Breast Cancer through leading diagnostic services and personalised care.

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Scan here to make your appointment at Hunter Women’s Imaging! www.hunterimaging.com.au | Ph 132 336 www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 31

THE

Revolutionary MOLLII SUIT

It’s been described as a revolutionary invention and has been used in Sweden since 2010 for people with motor impairments and disabilities to improve movement with no harmful side effects. The result being that chronic pain sufferers are finding relief, those with motor disabilities are moving more freely and athletes are fine-tuning their performance and recovery, and it’s all thanks to the Mollii Suit. The comfortable two-piece suit looks a bit like a wetsuit with a zipper down the front and has a detachable battery connected to 58 electrodes that cover the arms, legs, and torso. The suit emits a mild, low-frequency electro-stimulation, programmed explicitly to the needs of the individual and is designed to reduce the tension in the spastic muscle and to help voluntary movement. This helps relax spastic, tense and aching muscles improving mobility, balance and blood circulation and achieving pain relief The electro-stimulation suit was created by Swedish chiropractor Fredrik Lundqvist who was working to help rehabilitate brain-damaged patients. He experimented with putting electro-stimulation into clothing to help treat people with cerebral palsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, acquired brain damage and other diagnoses that lead to motor disabilities.

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The suit is designed to be worn every day or every second day for one hour at a time. The residual benefit of a 60-minute treatment can last for up to 48 hours, after which Mollii therapy can easily be repeated in the home environment. Its use throughout Europe has been increasing since 2012, and 2017 saw the launch of Mollii in Australia by Maitland-based company Métier Medical Ltd. CEO of Maitland’s Metier Medical Grant Howells said the opportunity to work with the creators of the Mollii suit had been nothing short of a privilege. “Métier Medical is proud to have brought this revolutionary neurorehabilitation device to Australia and with it the potential to change lives,” he said. Grant said he first came across the Mollii Suit during a trip to the UK in 2015, and after seeing the results, he flew to Sweden to find out more about it. After first witnessing the fantastic results the Mollii Suit could achieve, Grant knew he had to take the suit back to Australia, and Metier Medical now has the rights to the suit in Australia and New Zealand. “I’m probably biased, but the Mollii Suit is the most amazing thing I’ve come across in my whole life. I’ve never cried so much in my life seeing the results people have with the suit,” Grant said. Several case studies have been published showing positive results from using the Mollii Suit on patients needing therapy for stroke, cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and chronic pain. This includes several university and hospital-backed studies from around the world.

As well as providing examples of how the Molli Suit has changed the lives of people suffering from brainstem stroke, shaken baby syndrome and Global Functional Disability, Grant said that, more recently, Mollii has also had positive impacts on sports performance and recovery. In addition, Mollii has also been effective in reducing acute and chronic pain in fibromyalgia or other pain syndromes, providing practitioners and clients with a new, complementary tool to existing therapies. Grant believes that there is so much untapped potential when it comes to who the Mollii Suit could help. “Every day we continue to learn more about just what Mollii can do, and I believe we are only just scratching the surface of who it could benefit,” he said. Those interested in trialling the Mollii Suit free of charge can phone 1300 315 530, email info@molliiaustralia.com.au or visit www.molliiaustralia.com.au for more details.

NO. 1 SPORTSGROUND

"With the correct legislative and regulatory framework, offshore wind along the coast of Newcastle has the potential to play a significant role in sustaining our state's future energy needs, could unlock billions in new investment in renewable energy infrastructure and provide a significant boost to the local economy."

Around the Chambers

DESPITE US ALL BEING IN LOCKDOWN, 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 AND BUSINESS CHAMBERS, 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 just a few projects going on in your local area this month.

NEWCASTLE WIND FARMS OFFER UP BILLIONS OF INVESTMENT DOLLARS FOR NEWCASTLE A renewable energy industry built on large-scale offshore wind farms could unlock billions of dollars in investment and create thousands of jobs in Newcastle, offering a sustainable future for the city. Speaking at an online event last month hosted by Friends of the Earth and Climate Council exploring Australia's

opportunity in offshore wind, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Newcastle was perfectly positioned to embrace this new industry. "Features that make us one of the largest coal regions also position us perfectly to become a major national and international clean energy player," Cr Nelmes said. "This includes a highly skilled workforce, our accessibility to the National Energy Grid and the untapped potential of the Port of Newcastle to become an export hub for 'green' manufactured resources and materials such as green steel and hydrogen. "This industry offers many benefits, but its development must be done with guarantees in place that would ensure the employment of local workers and use of local materials for the benefit of our communities." Offshore wind farms have been developed globally for almost 30 years as a viable source of renewable energy. A number of sites around Australia have been identified for possible offshore wind farms, including two potential projects off the coast of Newcastle. Cr Nelmes said this industry has the potential to deliver a host of benefits for the state and our region but was mindful of the need for measures to be put in place to protect and deliver local jobs. "City of Newcastle has a long history of supporting and implementing renewable energy projects, including becoming the first local government in NSW to move to 100 per cent renewable electricity," Cr Nelmes said.

NO. 1 SPORTSGROUND SET TO CELEBRATE CENTENARY WITH A MAKEOVER It has been over ten years since the last international match was held at No. 1 Sportsground, when our Australian women's team defeated South Africa in the 2009 ICC Women's World Cup. But soon, Newcastle could host elite cricket and AFL matches again, with the redevelopment of Newcastle's No. 1 Sportsground drawing closer to completion. Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the redevelopment would solidify Newcastle's position as a world-class events city, as well as benefit local sportspeople who play at National Park's No. 1 Sportsground regularly. "No. 1 Sportsground was designed and constructed in 1921, officially opening in 1922, and in that time, the venue has hosted a variety of sporting and non-sporting events," Cr Nelmes said. "The redevelopment, which coincides with the venue's centenary, will deliver regular users of the ground improved facilities and provide our city with an economic boost through the attraction of major sporting events. "Novocastrians love their sport, and I'm really looking forward to No. 1 Sportsground hosting the Australian Deaf Games cricket fixtures in April 2022, as well as the possibility of hosting pre-season AFL fixtures and regional Big Bash League matches." Work on the new lighting is nearing completion, and turf has been laid with the iconic Newcastle venue set to reopen in 2022 after the new turf has had a chance to establish. Preliminary design work is also underway for a future upgrade of the player amenities. The makeover includes a rebuilt playing surface with increased playing field size to achieve the minimum standard required for first grade AFL and elite cricket matches, lighting upgrade to enable evening fixtures, a new sub-soil irrigation and drainage system, new player dugout benches, construction of seven new cricket wickets, new sight screens, new oval perimeter fencing and additional bleacher seating to almost double the seated capacity from 400 to 790. (Continued next page) ► www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 33

DIXON PARK SLSC

(Continued) DIXON PARK SLSC NEW ATV TO HELP SAVE LIVES THIS SUMMER SEASON Dixon Park Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) has received funding from Port Waratah Coal Services to purchase a new all-terrain vehicle that provides lifeguards quick access along the beach for when seconds matter during a rescue. The small four-wheel-drive vehicle is equipped with storage racks for rescue boards, which ensures it is ready to go at all times. The vehicle safely transports resuscitation equipment for members of the public who are in distress and is used to tow the rescue boat to and from the beach. Last year, lifeguards at Dixon Park SLSC watched over 30,161 people at Dixon Park Beach during 2,726 patrol hours. They made 291 preventative actions, attended 26 first aid incidents and performed nine surf rescues. "The summer patrol started on Saturday, and we are very pleased to have the new vehicle ready to go in an emergency. It's a critical piece of our lifesaving equipment," said Peter Brown, President of the Dixon Park Surf Life Saving Club. "The vehicle will be used by the lifeguards to patrol the beach and perform our regular duties and allows for quick and easy access across the sand when it's needed most." Port Waratah's Manager of Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, Trudie Larnach, said that supporting safety on our local beaches is an important partnership to Port Waratah. "Living in Australia, we love the water, and this new vehicle will improve the safety of everyone enjoying Dixon Park Beach." "Our Community Investment and Partnership Programme invest in community partnerships to improve the health, wellbeing and lifestyle of people living and visiting Newcastle and the Hunter Region." "We're proud to partner with Dixon Park Surf Life Saving Club to deliver this project for the community." The vehicle is replacing the Club's older model, purchased with funding from Port Waratah in 2015. Port Waratah invests $750,000 each year to help local organisations, charities and initiatives across six priority areas, including health, environment, education, community, diversity and youth sport.

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FERNLEIGH TRACK, WHITEBRIDGE

LAKE MACQUARIE SMART METERS SHOW FERNLEIGH A FAMILY FAVOURITE Pedestrian and cyclist activity on the Fernleigh Track and other shared pathways across Lake Macquarie has skyrocketed during the COVID-19 lockdown, with usage data showing a 50 per cent increase in the past two months. Smart meters installed near the Whitebridge Fernleigh Track entrance show that in the two months from 21 May to 21 July, an average of 367 pedestrians and 823 cyclists used that section of the iconic 15km former rail corridor daily on weekends. Over the following two months, from 21 July to 21 September, that jumped to 569 pedestrians and 1225 cyclists – an increase of 55 per cent and 49 per cent, respectively. Spring's spectacular first weekend lured a total of 2563 people to the Whitebridge stretch of the Fernleigh Track – the most on any day over the past four months. A smart meter installed on the Tramway Track at Glendale revealed even more significant average daily increases. There, daily weekend use by pedestrians jumped 160 per cent, with a 76 per cent increase in cyclists. "This smart technology backs up what we have heard anecdotally and seeing for ourselves," Manager Asset Management Helen Plummer said. "Demand for outdoor exercise spaces, particularly along our shared pathways, is at unprecedented levels during the COVID lockdown." Council installed the smart meters in October 2020, providing 24/7 usage counts. With more people using the Fernleigh Track, Council has received an increasing number of requests for maintenance. Crews have been busy over the past three months repairing cracks, fixing track fencing and removing rocks and dirt that fall from the verges on either side of the track. But despite record numbers using the city's shared pathways, there has been no increase in the number of complaints about antisocial behaviour or dangerous practices. Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser congratulated the community on the result. "That's a fantastic reflection on the vast majority of people who do the right thing, abide by the rules and share the track kindly with others," Cr Fraser said.

"Outdoor recreation and exercise are so important for our physical and mental wellbeing, now more than ever. This new usage data shows us we're on the right track investing further to expand the city's shared pathway network and promote active transport across Lake Macquarie." Work began this month on the final stage of the Speers Point to Glendale shared path, while more than 600m of pathway has been laid along the southern section of the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track, which will link the Belmont end of the Fernleigh Track to Blacksmiths. Go to www.lakemac.com.au/For-residents/Recreation/ Walking-and-cycling for more information about the Fernleigh Track and other shared pathways in Lake Macquarie.

PORT STEPHENS Port Stephens Council is calling on the community to nominate local heroes who have supported or inspired others, shown leadership or excelled in their field as part of the 2021 Annual Awards. Held on Australia Day each year, the awards are an opportunity to recognise the people who have made an important contribution to our place. Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer says the Annual Awards are a way to say thanks to those who have supported our community over the past year. "Port Stephens is full of amazing people, and we pull together when times are tough. In the past year alone, we've dealt with the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and been impacted by a natural disaster," Mayor Palmer said. "These awards are a way that we can say thanks to those people who support us, lead us, inspire us and make us proud. Council Are seeking nominations for Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Freeman of Port Stephens, the Port Stephens Medal, Sportsperson of the Year, Cultural Endeavour and Environmental Citizen of the Year. Nominations close 11:59pm Sunday 31 October 2021. For more information and to nominate, visit portstephens.nsw.gov.au/awards. ■

Horo Scope Astrologer TANYA OBREZA on what’s in the stars this month. STAR OF THE MONTH LIBRA 23 SEPTEMBER – 22 OCTOBER You want, and deserve, only the best - which is precisely what your next year brings. Oneoff opportunities open new doors at work. The planets also boost intellectual vigour, and even if it does manifest in the form of an occasional challenge - it's no drama. You enjoy giving the old neurones a bit of a run. At home, a sense of belonging becomes important. Your birthday season offers some strong romantic contenders, but in case you're unimpressed, a little later in the year, Saturn brings a karmic relationship in the form of romance or friendship.

SCORPIO 23 OCTOBER – 21 NOVEMBER There's much to be said for expediency - so what if it puts the odd nose out of joint? You're tired of endless debates and exploring options - choose a direction and follow it. Once initial obstacles are overcome, there should be surprisingly little resistance to your plans. The next step may be a change in your work environment. You could also find fruition in something you started around three years ago. SAGITTARIUS 22 NOVEMBER – 21 DECEMBER Sagittarians are smitten with the unusual, and they delight in being unique. Therein lies the rub - for if you value your distinctive character, you should respect everyone else's. The question of responsibility versus freedom may crop up. But mistake commitment for chains, and you could find yourself permanently footloose and fancy-free. If that's what you want, fine. Otherwise, try a more conciliatory approach.

CAPRICORN 22 DECEMBER – 19 JANUARY The Sun and Mercury put pressure on career matters. So if you're occasionally overwhelmed by the enormity of your workload, don't be. Once you've stepped into the breach, fate has little choice but to move forward with you. One warning: until the 20th, curb your spending - a difficult ask, perhaps. Still, not everything in October gives cause for concern. Love and friendship look delightful, particularly after the 21st. AQUARIUS 20 JANUARY – 18 FEBRUARY October puts forward a strong argument for change. My guess is that you become more assertive, as well as more ambitious. The latter half of the month is also an ideal time for new studies, professional growth or for embarking on promising new business ventures. Whatever happens, keep faith in the spirit that drives you. If extra work hours are required, don't grumble - the gains will be well worth it. PISCES 19 FEBRUARY – 20 MARCH 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. ARIES 21 MARCH – 20 APRIL Mars looks set to spark some fiery debates in October. Little can be left to chance, with cash flow being the most contentious issue. You'll have to think on your feet as each new financial twist unfolds. Love isn't about to lay its cards on the table, either. Look out for suspicious behaviour. Someone's got a secret, which could be held against you. Get to the bottom of it, any way you can.

TAURUS 21 APRIL – 20 MAY You have a few issues in limbo, which doesn't make for a good night's sleep - especially if money's involved. There has to be a way of finalising matters, even if it means getting professional advice. But when you're this strapped for cash, options can look limited. You don't like turning to family for help, but in pooling resources with others, late October promises some financial respite. A happier way to end the month. GEMINI 21 MAY – 21 JUNE This month, Geminis develop a knack for transforming the seemingly insignificant into potential success. Every event, every job and every setback become an opportunity for growth. Not only on a material level but emotionally and spiritually as well. And in choosing to love life, no matter what crosses your path - you create an infectious aura of joy and prosperity that can't help but captivate and inspire others. CANCER 22 JUNE – 22 JULY October is a time for tying up pesky loose ends and breaking bad habits. For example, often you say "yes" - when you really mean "no". There's no getting around it: changes need to be made, with some difficult situations coming to a close altogether. But it's not a case of being punished for past lapses of judgment - the universe doesn't work that way. It's just that for every ending, there's usually a new beginning. 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 halfheartedly. Inspiration's out; perspiration is in. Without patience, you'll be banging your head against a wall. VIRGO 23 AUGUST – 22 SEPTEMBER Early October may not be your best time. If putting on an act gets you by, fine - but if your dilemma is desperate, tell it like it is. Besides, not everyone is playing fair. Call it manipulation or coercion - a certain someone knows which strings to pull. The upside? It's your birthday soon, so when Venus offers extra time for play later in the month, slip into party mode. At the same time, the Sun generously boosts finances.

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.

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M&J BECKER WINES, POKOLBIN

BISTRO MOLINES, MOUNT VIEW

TAKE A TURN TO THE TRANQUIL SIDE OF THE HUNTER VALLEY Continuing your wine country travels and situated an easy 15-minute drive from Pokolbin, the Broke Fordwich Wine Region is a separate viticultural sub-region of the Hunter Valley and accounts for approximately 11% of the vineyard area planted in the Hunter Valley. The warm climate and fertile soils produce distinctive wines such as Semillon, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Verdelho, as well as Italian varieties such as Sangiovese and Barbera. The area was first settled as early as 1824, and despite being one of the oldest wine-growing areas in Australia, it is only in the last 35 years that Broke Fordwich has started to become an important player in the Australian winemaking industry and home to approximately ten cellar doors.

GET EDGY IN THIS HOT SPOT FOR TASTING ROOMS AND FOOD

PLAN YOUR GETAWAY

It's Wine & Dine Time! WORDS QUENTIN VON ESSEN

AS WE GO TO PRINT, THE HUNTER VALLEY IS PREPARING TO OPEN ITS DOORS TO VISITORS AFTER A LENGTHY LOCKDOWN THAT WREAKED HAVOC IN AN INDUSTRY THAT WAS ALREADY REELING FROM THE EFFECTS OF BUSH FIRES, DROUGHT AND SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS. SO, WITH THE LOCKDOWN EXPECTED TO END WITHIN DAYS, TAKE THE TIME TO PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE HUNTER VALLEY, WHERE THE PLEASURES OF EATING AND DRINKING ARE CELEBRATED DAILY – IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD!

Hunter Valley Wine Country has been built on 188 years of passion and dedication to the craft of winemaking, resulting in the production of many world-class wines. However, there is more to the Hunter Valley than wine, and with the wide selection of great accommodation, dining options and activities on offer, the Hunter is the perfect short break and romantic getaway. The roots of old Semillon grapevines run deep in Hunter Valley Wine Country, with winemaking dating back to the 1830s. These days you'll find more than 150 wineries producing a wide range of world-class wines from varietals that include Chardonnay, Semillon, Pinot Grigio (or Pinot Gris), Viognier, Gewurztraminer, Fiano and Verdelho amongst the whites and Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, 36 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Tempranillo, Chambourcin, Sangiovese and Merlot among the reds. Although Broke Fordwich is officially the only recognised sub-region, colloquially, there are several other areas within the Lower Hunter that offer distinctively different 'regions' in their own way. These include the areas known as Lovedale, Mount View, Pokolbin and Wollombi.

EXPERIENCE THE GLORIOUS VIEWS OF MOUNT VIEW Nestled amongst the breathtaking surrounds of the Brokenback Range, Mount View, with its winding roads and panoramic views, offers some of the most outstanding scenery available in the Hunter Valley. The history of the area dates back to the mid-1800's, when early pioneers recognised the quality of the land offered by the area. Here visitors have their choice of a handful of impressive and highly acclaimed boutique wineries that seem to appear out of nowhere and all providing a relaxed and idyllic wine tasting experience and superbly welcoming hospitality.

VISIT HISTORIC WOLLOMBI At the southern gateway to Wine Country is the Wollombi Valley – a small, picturesque and historic village that over the years has successfully retained its fine architectural heritage bolstered by cafes, comfortable guesthouses and familyowned wineries, with the winemaker most likely also being the person who pours your wine in the tasting room.

The rural locality of Pokolbin is considered to be the ''hub'' of the Hunter Valley wine region and where you get to sample vintages from old vines and new varietals at some of the oldest and most historic vineyards in the country. Pokolbin is internationally recognised for being Australia's oldest commercial wine-producing area and where viticulture in the Hunter Valley is believed to have first started when James Busby brought planted cuttings of European wines and established what is considered the first vineyard in the area in the 1830s. However, it was not really until the 1960's that the local wine industry really took off due to the closure of local mining operations, and the arrival of European immigrants after the Second World War led to a reorientation of Australian tastes. With well over 50 cellar doors, an equal number of restaurants and cafes and a growing selection of gourmet food providers, distilleries, breweries, art galleries and quality accommodation, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to truly experiencing what the Hunter Valley is all about.

THERE IS PLENTY TO LOVE ABOUT LOVEDALE Often referred to as the ''Heart of the Hunter'', Lovedale is located just east of Pokolbin and is renowned for its awardwinning boutique wineries, family-owned and operated cellar doors, quality boutique accommodation, fine restaurants and of course for the annual Lovedale Long Lunch. As one of the oldest wine-producing regions of the Hunter Valley, the history of Lovedale dates back to the 1800s when local wheat, dairy and general produce farmers turned their hands to grape growing. Semillon, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Verdelho, Pinot Noir are the more popular varieties grown in the area, and with a vast selection of boutique accommodation to choose from and a wine and food trail consisting of 12 cellar doors and ten restaurants, Lovedale offers the perfect weekend away and the ideal opportunity to experience some of the best wine and food the Hunter has to offer. With so much to see, taste, and do – you will leave wanting to return. But that's OK – Hunter Valley Wine Country is, after all, in your own backyard.

Spring into the vineyards with the Hunter Valley’s most up to date guide!

e u s s I w e N ! w o N t u O Serving up the Best and Most Memorable Wine & Food Experiences in the Hunter Valley. Unlocking the Hunter’s Hidden Gems with the Most Complete Guide to: Cellar Doors Restaurants & Cafes Local Produce Craft Beer & Spirits Weddings & Events Wine & Food Trail Maps

Wine & Dine Hunter Valley takes food and wine tourism to new heights by exposing hands on experiences, unique wine tastings, gourmet produce and pockets of culinary excellence with local knowledge. Use it to plan your trip, or on the go while in Wine Country. Find your favourite winery or restaurant. Discover local produce, craft beer and distilleries. Book a wine tasting or make a restaurant reservation. Use the food and wine trail maps to explore the flavours and culinary delights for each of the wine producing areas of Pokolbin, Lovedale, Broke, Mount View and Wollombi. Discover the new and exciting Cheese and Olive Trail, Craft Beer Trail, Cider Trail, Distillery Trail, Sparkling Wine Trail, Dessert Wine (Sticky) Trail, Rosé Wine Trail and the Art & Wine Trail. Pick up a copy (available throughout Wine Country), scan the code to access the digital version or visit our website below!

WHERE TO FIND WINE & DINE: Visitor Information Centres, Accommodation, Cellar Doors, Restaurants & Cafés, General Stores, Service Stations and Tourist Attractions

Visit www.wineanddinehuntervalley.com.au

IN PRINT AND ONLINE

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MUSWELLBROOK

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