M erry C hrist
times
mas &
Happy New Year
SUMMER 2016/17
NEWS
Childcare centre wins award
COOKING
Time to harvest the veggie garden
LIFESTYLE
6
wild swimming holes
6
top tips to beat the heat
GARDENING
Living the resort life At home with the Bennett family
Ha wk esb ury Rive r
H
NEW RELEASES AT BLIGHTON
SALES CENTRE
on
Stre
ht
Ro
1,500m²+
esb
ury
ig Bl
k Haw ad
t e Stre
et
bury
St re Ha ll
nga
rr y
es awk H
t tree ck S
Editor: Kathryn Vukovljak Journalist: Kate Meikle Photographers: Belinda Walkom and Perry Duffin Graphic design: Janet Ewen Proof reader: Glenda Anderson Proudly published for Johnson Property Group by Macquarie Publishing Pty Ltd on 6262 9100. 2 More Times • Summer 2016
St aria er M Esth
San
e Driv ista aV
tles
Boo
e
Lan
ista aV
r St
D
rive
A
Bon
Pitts
moo
Existing Residential
e
Stre bles
550m² to 35,690m2
Sta
rhe
et
tora
Vine
Stre
Moo
et
ton
Bos
Stre
eet l Str
nS
Oak
tree
t
sS
et
tree
t
LAND SIZE FROM
Pas
rive ell D ad Fern
t
ue
en Av
Lan
tree
t
School
Existing Residential
Existing School
rry S Qua
Expansion
ham
king
Buc
ve
ll Dri
ade
Fern
u Bath
tree rst S
700 – 1,000m² (sold out)
Casurin
Bon
ve a meli
tles
Boo
ue
ven se A
et
rm Ve
lace
yP
ue
n Ave
hou
Farm
ont
Holl
ABOUT VERMONT
ars
Ced
Stre
illia
Cam
Gro
Existing Residential
The
a Drive
dsto
et
Bona Vista Park
550 – 650m² (sold out)
t
tree
nS
nsto
Joh
Please email your feedback to marketing director Kristy Lee at kristy@johnsonpropertygroup.com.au
EDITORIAL TEAM
et
Stre
Existing Residential
Stre
ston
n Joh
Johnson Property Group is committed to the Vermont Community and investing in its success and growth in the future. We’d love to hear from you about what you would like to see happen or change at Vermont that we can potentially help play a part in.
Johnson Property Group is one of the largest private developers of residential land in New South Wales. Combining a passion for creating vibrant and sustainable communities with a vision for the future.
lls We
Existing Residential
HAVE YOUR SAY
At Vermont, we believe more is more. Which is why we’ve gone the extra mile to include everything you could possibly want at an affordable price. We have bigger blocks, wider streets, affordable house and land packages, more access to services and more lifestyle choices. Beside the Hawkesbury River and situated near the Hills District, Rouse Hill and Norwest Business Park, Vermont encompasses five serene settings – Blighton, Riverland, Central, Bona Vista and Fernville – each of which offers a diverse aspect and wide frontage blocks. These fully serviced blocks range from 550m2 to 35,690m2. Our community is ideal for growing families who want to spend more time together outdoors in a natural, safe and healthy environment. Expect more space, more community, more friendships and more living.
tre
Existing Residential
e Plac Gle
4,000m² – 11,630m²
*STCA
et
ll S
Ha
t Ro Pun
SUBMIT YOUR PLANS!
er
rive
Orc et
CHANGES AT STREET LEVEL
It’s an exciting time, finalising the plans for your dream home at Vermont, and we look forward to hearing from you and sharing in your excitement. It is a requirement that plans are submitted for approval to ensure the Vermont community maintains the planning and building standards that we have become famous for. For those who have their home-build plans ready, please submit them to us. For those who have their home-build plans ready, please submit them to drp@johnsonpropertygroup.com.au
iv b ury R
ry D
Clea
ad
Street trees and/or footpaths are being installed across the various precincts by contractor Landscape Solutions. Works throughout Fernville, Bona Vista and Riverland should be complete by Christmas, although this may extend into January as certain tree species may be subject to extended lead times.
kes
2,000 – 35,690m²
Way hard
With civil works, construction and landscaping complete, we have been able to release our 10 most prestigious blocks at Blighton. We are pleased to see sales here of up to $1,728,888. It’s an exciting time to buy! Read more about these blocks on Page 4.
aw
et
Stre
Pitt Town Village
And the living is easy… SUMMER is truly in the air and with it comes the promise of holidays and time to relax with the family and recharge for the challenges of the New Year. And if the growth of values in Vermont in 2016 is any guide, residents can happily expect further solid gains in 2017. Around the streets, we’re pleased to confirm that further footpath laying and street-tree planting is well underway (to take advantage of growth in the warmer months) and we thank Vermont residents for their patience. Elsewhere, we have received complaints about the maintenance of Bona Vista Park. And we share your frustration with these issues. However, park maintenance
is now managed by the council and we urge you to contact them directly with any complaints or issues. In closing, I want to sincerely wish all our wonderful residents a safe and enjoyable summer holiday and all the very best for the exciting year ahead. Keith Johnson, Managing Director, Johnson Property Group
COVER STORY
The house wraps around the big blue pool, with a waterfall from the roof.
Danielle and Mark with Kai, three, and Summer, one. Photos by Belinda Walkom Photography
Bennetts live the resort life at Bona Vista W ith a waterfall cascading from the roof, a pool and giant timber deck, Danielle and Mark Bennett are loving their holiday-style home at Bona Vista! The closeness of family and friends, the spacious blocks and sense of community drew Danielle and Mark to build at Vermont three years ago, they say. “I had lived in Oakville so I was familiar with the area,” says Mark. “Friends of ours bought here four years ago and we then recommended that Danielle’s parents move here too.” The couple was living in Newport when they made the decision to buy at Vermont. Being a builder, Mark says that the blocks at Vermont made it easy for him to build and the closeness to the river was a big drawcard for Danielle, who enjoys jet skiing. After living on a steep block in Newport, and about to welcome their second child, the couple chose a family friendly, flat block only four blocks away from Danielle’s parents. Danielle and Mark designed their home together and Mark took four months to build their four-bedroom, open-plan family home. Mark worked seven days a week on the house, taking time out of running their business, Beach Designs, so that they were able to move in before their baby arrived. The Bennetts say they enjoyed designing and building the house themselves, creating a home that they feel is unique and tailored to their needs, both now and in the future. Light-filled with lots of glass, their house has a resort-style feel with Turkish travertine stone floors and a prominent timber deck, equipped with a generous alfresco dining space and an outdoor kitchen. “Our house wraps around our big blue pool. It’s a feature of our home and we have a waterfall from the roof!” says Danielle. “When people enter our home, they often say ‘wow!’ because it is such a unique design.” Danielle says they deliberately chose king-sized bedrooms with big built-in wardrobes so that their small children, three-year-old
Kai and one-year-old Summer, will grow into their bedrooms and enjoy their own space with access to the backyard as they get older and become more independent. Their home theatre will be a drawcard for their kids when they are older too. A triple garage was also on the couple’s must-have list. Danielle says that their visitors love the ensuite which is a large, open shower room with floor-to-ceiling tiles. “We had a party recently and at one point everyone had congregated in the ensuite to check it out!” says Danielle. Mark says that Beach Designs specialises in designing and building
custom homes. Their home in Newport won a design award and Mark is passionate about creating interesting homes. What the Bennetts love most about living in Vermont is their friendly neighbours who are sociable and happy to help out. They say that the community takes pride in the neighbourhood and that they love being by the river. “In the morning you can hear the cows and in the afternoon you can hear the sounds of race boats on the river. “Occasionally you can spot a RAAF base plane flying overhead. It’s so interesting!” says Danielle.
More Times • Summer 2016 3
WHAT’S ON
this summer
ESTATE NEWS
MARKETS
THIRD SATURDAY EVERY MONTH Windsor Riverside Markets Governor Phillip Park, Windsor Market stalls, fashion, homewares, art, craft, photography, jewellery, food, fresh produce, music, local Sydney buskers, kids’ zone and more! 9am-2pm.
EVERY SATURDAY Richmond Good Food Market Richmond Park, corner March and Windsor Streets, Richmond 8am-1pm, featuring local fresh produce, candles, beeswax, sheepskin, and food including raw treats, cakes and curry pastes.
EVERY SATURDAY UNTIL FEB 18 Bilpin Markets Bilpin Community Hall, Bells Line of Road, Bilpin 10am to 12pm, with stalls selling community based food, craft, flowers and bric-a-brac. Everyone welcome.
SECOND & FOURTH SATURDAY EVERY MONTH (EXCEPT JANUARY) Hawkesbury Harvest Farmers and Fine Food Market Castle Hill Showground, Castle Hill 8am to 12pm, with an array of gourmet foods, fruit and veggies, crunchy sourdough, fresh eggs, sauces and more.
EVERY SUNDAY Windsor Mall Craft Market George Street Mall, Windsor Take a stroll through historic Windsor and enjoy the friendly market atmosphere from 9am-3.30pm. Quality handmade homewares, arts, crafts, fashion and fresh produce. Local bands and buskers offer great entertainment. Wheelchair access. Stallholders with quality handmade goods in a unique setting.
Civil works, construction and landscaping is now complete at prestigious Blighton.
Values of up to $2m at Blighton Ten prestigious blocks have now been released within Blighton precinct Vermont estate, according to Keith Johnson, Managing Director of Johnson Property Group. “Blighton is well underway, with civil works, construction and landscaping complete,” says Keith. “The estate is maturing and we are pleased to see sales within the newly released Blighton precinct selling up to $1,728,888.” Keith says that Johnson Property Group is seeing many families
looking at Vermont because it represents the kind of lifestyle they aspire to. “We have seen families moving out of the Hills, Bella Vista and Box Hill at present, and they are looking for more space, room to breathe and a safe, established community,” he says. “The Vermont community offers all this and more, and with the new blocks being released with a value of up to $2m, it’s truly a premium addition to the estate.”
Moving on up It’s an exciting time at Vermont, with new homes being built throughout the estate, says Keith Johnson, managing director of Johnson Property Group. “There are many families who have bought in the early stages of Vermont within Bona Vista and Fernville, and they are now looking to move into Riverland,” he says. “We are pleased to see this, and introducing further large, spacious blocks to the estate and new precincts allows for this movement within Vermont. “Residents love the lifestyle and the community here.”
EVENTS DECEMBER 10 Kurrajong Carols in the Park Kurrajong Memorial Park, Old Bells Line of Road, Kurrajong Celebrate Christmas with family fun time and carols in the park. Food and drink stalls, craft, jumping castle, face painting, children’s activities starting at 6pm. Glow sticks and candles are also available. Carols begin at 7.45pm.
DECEMBER 23 Christmas Twilight Market Richmond Park, March Street (near grandstand) A wonderful opportunity to shop, eat and spend time with family and friends in preparation for Christmas. 4pm to 8pm. 4 More Times • Summer 2016
Footpaths and street trees Street trees and footpaths are beginning to be installed throughout all precincts at Vermont, says Keith Johnson, Managing Director of Johnson Property Group. “We thank the residents of Vermont for their patience to date while works are
going on,” says Keith. He says that the planting of street trees to the balance of Fernville and Bona Vista is underway, as well as the installation of footpaths to the balance of Fernville and Riverland. “The plan is to complete the works by
Christmas, although this may extend into January as certain tree species may be subject to extended lead times,” he says. Landscape Solutions has been appointed as principal contractor.
LOCAL NEWS
Hawkesbury mayor looks to the future
P
lanning opportunities and a strong future for the Hawkesbury region are at the forefront for recently elected Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Mary Lyons-Buckett. “My aim is to secure and develop a strong and viable future for the Hawkesbury,” she says. “One of the new Council’s first tasks will be to consider the results of the community engagement program, ‘Listening to our community Your Services – Your Say’ and review the Hawkesbury Community Strategic Plan. “The work we do over the next four years for our community determines the future path of the Hawkesbury as well as this Council’s identity and autonomy.” Recent changes to legislation provides for the Mayor to hold the position for a two-year term and the new Deputy
Mayor, Councillor Barry Calvert, will also hold the position for the same period.
WHAT’S ON
this summer
EVENTS
Councillor Lyons-Buckett says she is looking forward to fulfilling her appointed role over the next two years.
EVERY DAY UNTIL FEB 28 Mountain Explorers: Children’s self-guided trail
She says she’s keen to work collaboratively with her fellow councillors, community members and Council staff to ensure that Council is working together with the community to build a successful future for the Hawkesbury.
Visitor Centre, The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Bells Line of Road, Mount Tomah Follow the map to explore the garden, find the five trail stops and enjoy fun hands-on activities. Learn about some weird and amazing plants, then answer the quiz questions to solve the puzzle and win a prize! Suitable for children 6-13 years. Includes all activity materials in the kit.
“The Hawkesbury is unique. We don’t want to be pressured to overdevelop our beautiful region or see the Hawkesbury Local Government Area split up,” she says.
Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Mary Lyons-Buckett.
Councillor Lyons-Buckett will work alongside seven newly elected Councillors, Emma-Jane Garrow, Amanda Kotlash, Peter Reynolds, Sarah Richards,
John Ross, Danielle Wheeler and Nathan Zamprogno, as well as the four re-elected councillors Barry Calvert, Patrick Conolly, Paul Rasmussen and Tiffany Tree.
WEEKENDS IN DECEMBER Peach picking The Bilpin Fruit Bowl, Bells Line of Road, Bilpin Get your friends together and adopt a few trees and have fun picking your own fruit from your own tree. 10am-4pm. Call 4567 1152.
MARCH 11 Pink Tie Ball Hawkesbury Race Club, 1 Racecourse Road, Clarendon Fairy lights and candles will transform the outdoor betting arena into a truly unique and magical setting. The ball will raise money for the Pink Finss Charity, which supports women and their families diagnosed with breast cancer in the Hawkesbury. Tickets are $180 each (including GST) and includes a threecourse meal, beer, wine, soft drink and entertainment by the One Hit Wonders. To purchase tickets go to pinkfinss.com.au or contact the Hawkesbury Race Club on 4577 2263.
EXHIBITIONS DECEMBER 17-FEBRUARY 26 Mountain Treasures: Trees & Water Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Bells Line of Road, Mount Tomah Principal Elizabeth Sheridan and the team at Pitt Town Early Learning Centre... “We’re lucky to have a wonderful group of ladies who are passionate about their roles as educators and carers.”
Pitt Town childcare centre wins award
P
itt Town Early Learning Centre, located in the new Vermont estate, has won the award for the Most Outstanding Childcare Centre in the Hawkesbury.
Principal Elizabeth Sheridan was awarded the accolade at the Hawkesbury Business Awards, which acknowledge outstanding local businesses and their people who go above and beyond, say the judges.
the community. “Pitt Town Early Learning Centre is a stunning purpose-built facility caring for children from six weeks to 12 years old,” she says. “This state-of-the-art, two-storey facility offers spacious areas for children to become, belong and be confident and happy learners.”
Elizabeth and director Tori Robinson praise the efforts of their committed, professional and dedicated staff for this prestigious award.
The centre has been operating for 19 months, and is Elizabeth Sheridan’s second centre, her first being Oakville Preschool Learning Centre, which was also a finalist in the awards.
“We are lucky enough to have a wonderful group of ladies who are passionate about their roles as educators and carers, for the children of Pitt Town ELC,” they say.
“The feedback from our families has been overwhelming,” says Tori.
Elizabeth says she prides herself on providing the highest of quality services with her priorities being the children and
“It is their ongoing support that has allowed us to become such a strong, successful centre. Thank you to our families for your ongoing support.”
This exhibition by Katoomba-based photographer Peter Hill features photographs shot exclusively in the Blue Mountains. Several years in the making, the images reflect the moods of the mountains as represented by the physical relationships of the trees and water with this precious and wild landscape.
DECEMBER 15-FEBRUARY 26 “The Lady and the Unicorn” Penrith Regional Gallery and The Lewers Bequest, 86 River Road, Emu Plains The Lady and the Unicorn showcases a series of images which highlight Arthur Boyd’s command of the technically complex and demanding process of intaglio printmaking.
DECEMBER 9-FEBRUARY 12 “All dressed up” Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, Deerubbin Centre, Level 1, 300 George Street, Windsor The politics, culture, drama and play of clothing, costume and disguise. More Times • Summer 2016 5
Here are Rachel and Andy’s recommendations for six wild swimming holes that are perfect for a day trip from Vermont! 6 More Times • Summer 2016
1
3
2
4
1. The Duck Holes
2. Kariong Brook Falls
McCarrs Creek, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park The Duck Holes are a series of child-friendly swimming holes located near a road but surrounded by bush, so there is a taste of nature as well as being easily accessible. One of the pools is deeper, has a couple of rope swings and is surrounded by sandy beaches. The others are shallower and good for younger children. There are even some very small ones which would be perfect for giving babies their first taste of wild swimming!
Brisbane Water National Park, Kariong This small romantic waterhole beneath Kariong Brook waterfall has surrounding rock ledges which make great picnic spots. The swimming hole is nestled in a lush rainforest environment. As part of the Great North Walk, this is a well-marked area. Enclosed by the waterfall’s cliff face and rainforest, temperatures remain cool year round – unbelievably refreshing!
SWIMMING SPOTS
5
Swimming into the wild
D
iscovery, adventure and getting out in nature - there’s nothing like diving into a natural, secluded swimming hole, say Rachel and Andy Lewis, who have a passion for pools and run the website Wild Swimming Australia. “Hiking into the bush and discovering a beautiful pristine waterfall with no-one around for miles is thrilling,” says Andy. “And literally immersing yourself completely in nature can be transformational,” Rachel adds. “There’s nothing like plunging into freezing cold water to bring you into the present moment.” Andy, a food and lifestyle photographer, and surf coach Rachel grew up in South Devon, UK where they say swimming in rivers on Dartmoor was an integral part of summertime. “I was particularly lucky to have the beautiful River Erme on my front doorstep and I continued to swim and take pictures of the landscape as I grew up,” says Andy.
6
If you love swimming in the Hawkesbury river right on our doorstep, try these secluded swimming spots, perfect for a day trip from Vermont...
swimming, snorkelling and surfing, and they say it’s been a huge part of their relationship and something they love to do together and with their daughter Milly. “We are outdoors people and love the wilds and peace of the countryside, but Andy’s photography career necessitates being in a city, and what city combines the outdoor lifestyle with the benefits of an urban setting better than Sydney?” says Rachel. The couple say that although wild swimming has become a passion, they also love the beach. “The ocean is our first love, but lots of the beaches are very crowded here in Sydney,” says Rachel. “There’s nothing better than a wild swim at a secluded, unspoilt beach, of which Australia has so many amazing examples, and we also document these in our online guide. “The bush swimming holes are incredible. It’s a totally different feeling at each spot; the landscape, the wildlife, we love it all.”
Rachel says she re-discovered wild swimming as a grown-up because of a friend’s mum, who is part of a group of older women who swim in a river in England every week, year round!
Rachel and Andy say they started their website, which features natural swimming spots all over Australia, about two years ago to make it easy for people to find places to swim in the outdoors.
“They are all so healthy and looked so alive and happy after swimming that I had to try it,” she says.
‘We want to give people more opportunities to fall in love with nature,” says Rachel.
Andy and Rachel connected because of a love of exploring wild places and, in particular,
For more detailed information on how to get to each swimming hole, or to buy prints of the spots featured, visit wildswimmingaustralia.com
3. Emerald Pool
4. Upper Colo Reserve
5. Lake Parramatta
6. Karloo Pools
Popran National Park, near Gosford, Central Coast The water of this pool is often a stunning crystal clear green colour, as the name suggests. The smallish pool is lined with ferns and partially shaded by eucalypts, so it’s the ideal place for a casual swim and a picnic on the flat rocks downstream. It’s a bit of a walk in so this is a peaceful, often empty spot.
Hulbert Road, Upper Colo Upper Colo Reserve is home to an awesome, child-friendly stretch of river alongside a beach made of coarse-grained sand. The sand shelves off gently so it is very safe for kids but the river is deep enough for swimming for a long stretch, making this a great allround swimming hole.
Lake Parramatta Reserve, North Parramatta Lake Parramatta is a super-safe and easy swimming hole for those with small children. There is a lifeguard-patrolled area and the setting is very natural, especially considering the easy access within a built-up area. The water is generally still and peaceful. It’s possible to swim around the bend in the lake for a longer, quieter swim.
Royal National Park, near Heathcote, Sydney Karloo Pools are a pristine surprise on the edge of Sydney in the Royal National Park. The clarity of the water, the uniform, swimmable depth, and the gentle sound of the tiny stream which spreads out over smooth rocks before emptying into the pool make this a charming spot. Karloo Pools are part way along the Karloo Track, a popular hiking route, so there may be passing foot traffic. More Times • Summer 2016 7
MUM IN THE SUBURBS
It’s heavy work to pack light I
T’S that time of year again; Christmas and the summer holidays are close at hand and for many of us that means travel, as we head off to spend time with family or just take a break interstate. For quite a few of us that means a long road trip, and that involves bundling the kids into the car amidst piles of luggage, sporting and recreational equipment, electronic gadgets, tents, sleeping bags, Christmas presents and who knows what else. I never have learnt the art of travelling light. Not surprisingly, neither have my offspring. This year my daughter is planning to bring clothes for every occasion. Also lined up to be packed are a careful but extensive selection of favourite dolls and soft toys, a big bag of art supplies and another bag of spelling, maths and puzzle books. She hates to be bored. My son is less worried about clothes, however, he does plan to bring with him all of his electronic devices – tablet, laptop, iPod, portable DVD player and a small library of DVDs and books. My husband travels light – a minimum of clothes, a pair of shoes, a couple of books (nonfiction, history preferred), laptop and camera and he’s good to go. Thankfully, this leaves me with a bit more space. I pack for every eventuality. As far as clothes are concerned, I like to cover all possibilities. Let’s face it, the weather’s
Sonya Fladun been pretty erratic of late. Then there are at least half a dozen shoe options, blow drier, hair straightener, hair curler, case of essential cosmetics, a mid-sized bag of medical supplies, my Kindle, a few magazines and, of course, the coffee maker. I don’t know about other people, but my need for a good coffee to kickstart the day doesn’t fade during the holidays. There are also all the essentials for a road trip, especially one that will take us through long stretches of road across flat and barren landscapes – GPS, maps in case the GPS doesn’t work, snacks, fruit, water, tissues and toilet paper in case there needs to be an unscheduled stop at some remote location without plumbing. Quite a bit of the day before departure is spent packing the car. It’s a bit like a threedimensional jigsaw puzzle requiring geometric calculation and some culling. Luckily the kids are skinny. And there are all the other things that need to be done before departure – scrambling to sort out Christmas presents and cards, paying bills, taking our faithful hound to the boarding kennel, getting our house sitter sorted out including instructions about which plants in the garden need that extra bit of water if they are to survive a summer heatwave. Of course, that’s all before we get out of the driveway. Only then does the “fun” really begin! Safe travelling, everyone.
PUZZLES Across
3 Name the legendary Greek huntress who undertook to marry only a man who could outrun her. (8) 7 Who was the Australian playwright noted for “The Summer of the Seventeenth Doll”, Ray ...? (6) 8 What is another term for one who sings? (8) 9 What is an optical illusion also called? (6) 10 Which substance is often used habitually to satisfy addiction? (8) 11 What do we call the remains of an animal or plant of a former geological age? (6) 14 Name an alternative term for a toboggan. (6) 17 What is a headlong rush of cattle in fright? (8) 18 Which lustrous concretions are sometimes found in oysters? (6) 19 Name a plant cultivated for its spikes of fragrant bell-shaped flowers. (8) 20 What is a person from whom a tribe, place, institution, etc, takes its name? (6) 21 What is a connection between persons, by blood or marriage? (8)
Down
1 Name a member of a particular criminal society. (7) 2 What are domesticated camel-like S American ruminants? (7) 3 Name a repository of arms and military stores. (7) 4 Which term describes that which is reasonable? (7) 5 To have recorded something, is to have done what? (7) 6 What is the projecting outer portion of the ear? (7) 11 Name the Australian deputy prime minister 1996-99 Tim ... (7) 12 Which embankment acts as a breakwater? (7) 13 What is a mark made by pressure? (7) 14 Who was the Australian governor-general 1982-89, Sir Ninian ...? (7) 15 Name the great circle of the earth, equidistant from the N and S Poles. (7) 16 What do we call ships’ kitchens? (7)
8 More Times • Summer 2016
General knowledge crossword
Family fun at the sports club SUNDAY WALK
A track to get hearts pumping
T
he cliff top walking track between Govetts Leap and Evans lookout offers some of the most breathtaking scenic views in all of the Blue Mountains, according to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. “You’ll be spoiled with bird watching, wild flowers, and plenty of lookouts along the way,” the Service says. If you’re after an energetic walk while taking in the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains National Park, this track will certainly get your heart pumping. “Cliff Top walking track follows the cliff edge from Govetts Leap lookout to Evans lookout. Located near Blackheath, you’ll be treated to inspiring views over the iconic Grose Valley. And with the sun shining from the east, this is the perfect track to warm up on a cool morning,” they say. Passing through dense, windswept heathland, you’ll see sheoaks, banksias and stunted mallee scrub. The Parks and Wildlife Service suggests looking back towards Govetts Leap from Barrow lookout for brilliant waterfall views.
O
verlooking the scenic Scheyville National Park, the Pitt Town and District Sports Club has 1600 members and a laidback family atmosphere, says General Manager, Ben Renneberg. Only a five-minute drive from home, the club is a great spot for a summer afternoon drink or family meal in the bistro, with kids eating free on Sundays. Ben says it’s easy to leave the car at home and use the club’s courtesy bus that runs every Thursday to Sunday evenings for door-to-door transport. The club offers numerous sports and activities and Ben says he is keen for locals to get involved with playing sports, no matter what age you are. “We are affiliated with five clubs – bowling, fishing, cricket, netball and soccer – as well as social golf,” says Ben. “We have a bowling green and large oval for cricket and soccer games.” Ben is excited about their Australia Day event which will be a family fun day. “Cricket matches, entertainment, barefoot bowls and the popular atomic drop water slide will run across the day,” says Ben.
Crossing Govetts Leap Brook, the track passes the junction with Braeside walking track on your right.
“We also have a number of exciting events scheduled for 2017, including a fine food festival, a house and gardens expo and a car show,” he says.
“Don’t forget to pack your lunch so you can enjoy a picnic at Evans lookout, before retracing your steps.”
Pitt Town Sports Club, 139 Old Pitt Town Road, Pitt Town. Visit pitttownsports. com.au or call 02 4572 3658.
Sudoku – medium
The time to harvest and barbecue
LIFESTYLE
being 95 per cent pure water contains many vitamins and antioxidants. There is also nothing like freshly made tzatziki dip – all you need is Greek yoghurt, garlic, mint, salt and cucumber.
Julie Sullivan food guru
What’s happening in the garden? I am loving my vegetable garden thanks to my experiment with trench composting during winter. The earthworms have multiplied and are doing all the hard work of aerating and fertilising. I’m harvesting beetroot, spring onions, tomatoes, yellow beans, English spinach, basil, parsley and carrots. Sugar cane mulch is keeping the weeds down and helping to retain moisture on very hot days.
What is your favourite summer ingredient? Cucumber is my favourite summer food. It is abundant, keeps you hydrated, flushes out toxins and despite
What do you like to cook for your family during summer? The outdoor BBQ becomes my summer kitchen and this summer I’m looking forward to slow roasting pork shoulder. A ‘self-saucing’ pulled pork can be created by adding sliced red capsicum and tomatoes, onion, garlic, brown sugar, smoky paprika, pepper plus a good splash of apple cider or chicken stock. The pork should be covered with foil and cooked around 160°C for two to three hours, remove foil, give everything a good stir, turn over the pork, add more liquid if needed, and cook until meat caramelises. When cooked, cover again and rest for at least 30 minutes, skim excess fat from the surface of the sauce with kitchen paper.
What’s summer like at Pitt Town? Summer in Pitt Town can revolve around the river; fishing, boating, skiing, kayaking and swimming. Cricket is also a very popular summer tradition that dominates the local ovals with players and their dedicated families and fans.
Any tips for stress-free entertaining? My tips for stress-free festive entertainment are “lists” and “delegation”. If it’s not on the list it may not get done, and delegating can certainly reduce the stress.
Crunchy honey almond bars Makes 12 bars
Method
My summer recipe is for a very tasty nut bar. I did experiment by replacing the butter with coconut oil, however the result, while delicious, did not hold together.
1. P reheat oven to 170°C and line a lamington tin with baking paper. 2. P our slightly cooled melted honey mix into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly – note the mixture will now look very crumbly. 3. P ress mix evenly and firmly into the lined tin using the back of a spoon. 4. B ake approx. 20-25 minutes or until golden – it is better to slightly overcook to achieve a crunchy, roasted nut result. 5. A llow to fully cool before lifting from tin and cutting into bars on a chopping board.
Ingredients In one bowl, mix together: 1½ cups pepitas (pumpkin seeds) ½ cup rolled oats ½ cup roughly chopped almonds ½ cup self-raising flour Pinch salt Melt together: ¼ cup honey 60g butter ½ cup raw sugar
Individual bars can be wrapped in foil and frozen for a quick and healthy lunch box treat.
Local business directory Alan Ferris Mortgage Broker Ph: 0409 189 990 aferris@echoice.com.au echoice.com.au/alanferris Austbrokers AEI Chad Smith Commercial, domestic and corporate insurance Ph: 8913 1635 or 0438 143 616 chads@aei.com.au aei.com.au Automotive Tyre King Seven Hills Anthony Ziebell Tyres, wheels, servicing and pink slips Ph: 9838 8433 sales@tyrekingsevenhills.com.au tyrekingsevenhills.com.au Beach Designs Mark Bennett Decks and Pergolas info@beachdesigns.com beachdesigns.com.au Belinda Walkom Photography Belinda Walkom Professional photographer specialising in family and newborn photography Ph: 0408 307 309 info@belindawalkom.com belindawalkom.com
Bruce Walton AFSM JP (NSW) Justice of the Peace Ph: 0418 866 771 Chem-Dry Austyle Nathan and Amanda Ward Carpet, upholstery and leather cleaning Ph: 4587 8318 service@chemdryaustyle.com.au chemdryaustyle.com.au Code Studio Anthony Ziebell Web, applications, software development Ph: 1300 CODESTUDIO admin@codestudio.com.au codestudio.com.au Douglass Homes Mark Douglass Building and Construction Ph: 0412 546 675 mandrdouglass@bigpond.com douglassbuilder.com.au Exterior Matt O’Brien Landscape and pool creators Ph: 1300 735 122 info@exterior.com.au exterior.com.au
Fox n Hound Hand-stamped jewellery Kirby Will Handmade jewellery and gifts Ph: 0401 914 014 facebook.com/foxnhoundbykirby Greener Property Maintenance Phillip Kustreba Lawns and gardens, gutter cleaning and gutter guards Ph: 0410 639 096 enquiries@gpms.com.au gpms.com.au Goodlife Financial Services Colin McAlister Finance Broker Ph: 4580 7000 colinm@goodlifefs.com.au goodlifefinancialservices.com.au Grow Equity Management Rebecca Mansfield Specialist in home, business and commercial lending Ph: 0439 971 311 rebecca@growequitymanagement. com.au growequitymanagement.com.au Hoban Recruitment Renee McIntosh Recruitment and HR consulting
services Ph: 02 8834 8977 or 0425 669 831 reneem@hoban.com.au hoban.com.au
design Ph: 0416 020 787 shelley@rockitmarketing.com.au rockitmarketing.com.au
Jim’s Mowing Kellyville Gary Rogers Garden Care and Lawn Maintenance Ph: 0404 062 148 jimsmowingkellyville@hotmail.com
Sydney Pressure Cleaning Phillip Kustreba Pressure cleaning and exterior house washing Ph: 0410 639 096 enquiries@gpms.com.au sydneypressureclean.com.au
Limcora Evan Graham and Alex Nelson Plumbing and Drainage Ph: 4587 9595 info@limcora.com.au limcora.com.au Mavbuilt Homes Glenn Mavin New home construction Ph: 0497 109 916 info@mavbuilthomes.com.au mavbuilthomes.com.au Plumb-Rite Plumbing Solutions Dean Kentwell Plumbing, gas fitting and drainage Ph: 0414 288 717 dean@plumb-rite.net.au Rockit Marketing and Design Shelley Melville Marketing consultancy, social media management, website and graphic
The Art of Joinery Nestor Porley and Graham Bridges Joinery Ph: 4577 9022 Nestor: 0407 275 527 Graham: 0402 278 660 theartofjoinery@optusnet.com.au theartofjoinery.com Tranquil Waters Natural Therapies Lorna Cousins Naturopath, nutritionist, remedial massage therapist, beauty therapist Ph: 0419 634 507 lornacousins@hotmail.com Trent Croft Electrical Trent Croft Electrician Ph: 0419 223 713 tcr03292@bigpond.net.au
To advertise your local business in More Times please contact kathryn@citynews.com.au More Times • Summer 2016 9
LIFESTYLE
SOLUTIONS
Six top tips to beat the heat As summer approaches, Russell has plenty of tips for people wanting to keep their garden looking nice in the heat. 1. Use mulch to shield the soil from the summer sun, conserving moisture and keeping the root zone cool. 2. Make sure to weed as they rob the garden of moisture and nutrients. 3. Plant hardy seasonal colour such as petunias, angelonia, zinnia, echinacea or cosmos, just to name a few. 4. The general rule is to prune anything lightly after flowering and if you have natives, a little harder pruning is okay for them. 5. Raise your mowing height to encourage a denser lusher sward of grass which will compete with summer weeds.
10 More Times • Summer 2016
Russell Brown gardening guru
6. Keep an eye out for chewing and sucking pests as well as mildew and fungal problems and then treat as necessary.
Q&A One word to describe your own garden: “Whimsical.” The question you are asked the most: “Can you identify this disease, insect or plant species?” Favourite plant: “My favourite tree would be a tupelo – it has the most perfect horizontal branching and is 100 per cent reliable for autumn colour.” Favourite flower: “The easy-to-carefor camellia – has an awesome bloom in winter when not much else is flowering.” Plant hardy seasonal colour such as petunias, says Russell Brown.
LIFESTYLE
Light the way
Made for the shade
Outdoor lights can create casual mood-lighting and gives you enough light to entertain under – setting the scene beautifully. These versatile kits look great inside or out, and come with either coloured LED globes or assorted incandescent globes. Party lighting kits, from $69, lightworksonline.com.au
Get shady and be sun smart with a stylish umbrella. This one’s waterproof with a UPF 30 rating to ensure you stay fashionable and safe all day long – cost-effective, mobile and effective sun protection. Wategos beach umbrella, $99.95, Sunnylife.com.au
Cook it up Water colours Matt Leacy says that pool trends are moving away from traditional midblues in terms of pool colour choices, towards white and black pools. “A lot of people are hesitant when you mention the prospect of a white or black pool, but more often than not they’ll be surprised when they see how good the pool actually looks,” he says. “White pools create a sand-atthe-beach type of look, and when they reflect the sky they achieve a beautiful, pristine blue water that looks unenhanced and very natural.”
This quality built-in barbecue sits flush along your bench-top for a streamlined look and is perfect for those who love to entertain or those catering to a large number of guests. Beefeater Signature Proline Barbecue six-burner with lid, $2,749, available nationally from independent hardware stores and appliance retailers
Build a backyard haven Get the most out of outdoor spaces
We should treat our outdoor spaces the same as our indoor spaces in terms of creating different spaces and functional dynamics, says Matt Leacy. “The same way that you have a kitchen area, a casual lounge area and a playroom indoors, you can create equivalent areas outdoors that serve the same purposes and help you unlock the potential of your space,” he says.
Matt Leacy landscaper
a dining table as well as a server. If you have a bigger space, you could have a full blown kitchen with a sink, fridge, wok burner and cupboard space.” If you don’t have a lot of natural shade outdoors, there are a number of options to ensure that you can safely “The outdoor kitchen, in particular, is a feature that and comfortably stay outside throughout the summer is increasingly becoming an expectation rather than a months, Matt says. want for homebuyers and homeowners alike. “For a short-term option, you can look at purchasing a “An outdoor kitchen can be as simple as some large market umbrella, which is great next to pools and cupboard space and a barbecue with a nice servery. on patios. If you wanted to do a bit more, you could look at installing a breakfast bar with some stools around it “If you want to be able to entertain larger groups, you to make it more social and to create a casual space for can look at more substantial options, which may cost breakfast, a cup of tea and reading the paper. Add to a bit more up front, but can have sustained use and that a more formal dining area with seating and lounge potentially add value to your property in the long run. space and you have the makings of the perfect outdoor “Retractable awnings, canopies, cabanas, pergolas and living and entertaining space. outdoor pavilions, for instance, all offer sun protection “It depends on the size and layout of your outdoor and privacy, but at the same time bring style, character space. If you’ve got a small courtyard, then you might and general value-add to your outdoor space.” consider an outdoor kitchen and bench top with stools Matt Leacy is the creative director of Landart for dining so you don’t have to clog up the space with Landscapes.
More Times • Summer 2016 11