Painting a new chapter
Well, much has changed in the past month, with Labor now holding sway in the NSW Government after the recent state election.
However, I don’t think too many people were surprised when the party snared “an almost” clean sweep through the Hunter.
Of the nine seats up for grabs, seven went the way of Labor, with Sonia Hornery (Wallsend), Jodie Harrison (Charlestown), Kate Washington (Port Stephens), Yasmin Catley (Swansea), Jenny Aitchison (Maitland), Tim Crakanthorp (Newcastle) and Clayton Barr (Cessnock) all prevailing in their electorates again.
Much-loved Independent Greg Piper stood tall in Lake Macquarie, while The Nationals’ Dave Layzell tasted success in the Upper Hunter.
A hearty congratulations go to all our local MPs, who have served our region so well in the past. And, now that they have the “power”, as opposed to being in opposition, expectations are high the Hunter will benefit more than ever.
The one blow, sadly, was losing Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin. No matter your political preference, he did a terrific job in his role and advocated many projects.
Until next month, keep smiling.
EDITOR Rod Thompson JOURNALISTS
Rebecca Riddle, Rod Thompson, Amber Sherwood PUBLISHER Nicole Shelley
DESIGN & MARKETING Melanie Coggio, Sophie Kepreotes, Amber Sherwood COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Peter Stoop
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Every new medication/treatment has to pass through a series of clinical trials, a process which can take several years, before it can be approved for wider use.
By volunteering for a trial, you have the opportunity to access cutting edge treatment not otherwise available, while also helping to improve future treatment options.
Our ethically approved clinical trials are run by a dedicated team of doctors and nurses. We provide comprehensive medical care throughout the trial at no cost to you.
Novatrials are now seeking volunteers for the following clinical trials:
• Influenza Vaccine (for ages 18-60)
• Omicron Booster Vaccine - if you have had at least 3 Pfizer and/or Moderna vaccinations (for ages 18-64)
• Osteoarthritis of Knee and/or Hip (for ages 35-70)
• Dysmenorrhea - Severe Period Pain (for ages over 18)
• CBD - Cannabidiol derived from Cannabis (for males aged 18-40)
It is only through the willingness of clinical trial volunteers that we can advance medicine and continue changing lives. For further information call us on 4089 3745 or visit novatrials.com.au
Novatrials, Level 1, OTP House, 10 Bradford Close, Kotara, NSW 2289
Strategically located in the heart of Central Maitland, the former Administration Building is currently vacant, and Council is looking for proposals from interested community and commercial groups to reactivate the site.
With more than 1,600 square metres of floor space across three floors, there is ample opportunity for several different types of potential reuse to help Council activate the east end of Central Maitland.
Built in the early 1980s, the site is ideally placed at the east end of Maitland’s High Street, close to local transport links, Maitland Regional Art Gallery, Town Hall, and the Regional Sports Complex.
To take a look inside the former Administration Building, have your say as a community member or offer up a high level proposal for the reuse of the site, scan the QR code by 30 April.
maitland.nsw.gov.au
ARTICLE ROD THOMPSON
A
As the Newcastle Weekly went to press, the party appeared on track to claim at least 46 seats, with a major swing against Dominic Perrottet and his colleagues.
And, leading the way for Premier Elect Chris Minns was a strong showing in the Hunter.
According to the NSW Electoral Commission, Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery proved the most popular, securing 27,718 first preference votes (from 42,700 counted) and registering 64.91%, from the Liberals’ Callum Pull (5,673, 13.29%).
“I’m very heartened by this result and need to give an enormous thank you to the wonderful people in the Wallsend electorate,” she said.
“Whether you voted for me or not, I promise you that I will always fight for
“I also want to thank all of my opponents who ran fair and decent campaigns and who were for the most part civil and friendly on the polling booths.
“It’s essential for democracy that multiple views can be represented and I’m pleased that the people of Wallsend electorate could have their say.”
In Charlestown, incumbent Jodie Harrison picked up 24,490 (42,691) at 57.37%, ahead of Liberal rival Jack Antcliff (10,653, 24.95%).
Port Stephens MP Kate Washington collected 24,912 (46,023) and recorded 54.13%, in front of the Liberals’ Nathan Errington (10,406, 22.61%).
In Swansea, Yasmin Catley snared 24,229 (44,762) at 54.13% to overpower Liberal opponent Megan Anderson (12,634, 28.22%).
Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison also won comfortably, obtaining 24,062 (45,805) and 52.53% to see off the Liberals’ Michael
Upsize your lifestyle with stunning new villas at Green Ridge Hunter Valley, a luxury retirement community for downsizers who want to live life to the full. These gorgeous homes are priced from $640,000 * and provide plenty of room for family stays; featuring two bathrooms, walk-in robes, double garage and alfresco outdoor dining areas opening to your own private garden sanctuary. Green Ridge Pavilion opens November 2023 with pool, cinema, gym, yoga studio, lounge, library, billiards room and bar… with personal concierge on call six days a week.
Downsizing indeed! To book your private display villa tour, call 1300 381 566 today.
In Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp easily retained his seat with 21,476 (42,998) and 49.951%, eclipsing Liberal foe Thomas Triebsees (9,628, 22.39%).
Cessnock MP Clayton Barr tasted success, too, capturing 22,808 (46,271) and 49.29% from One Nation’s Quintin King (7,241, 15.65%).
In Lake Macquarie, much-loved Independent member Greg Piper stormed to victory.
From the 43,371 votes counted, he’d acquired 24,911 (58.79%) ahead of Labor’s Steve Ryan (8,435, 19.91%).
It was a different scenario in the Upper Hunter.
In the closest of battles, The Nationals’ Dave Layzell eventually triumphed with 16,703 (45,380) and 36.81% of the vote, slightly in front of Labor’s Peree Watson (13,272, 29.25%), who conceded during the week. •
Stage
Stage
It’s been a long-time coming for many who’ve played basketball in Newcastle over the years.
Last month’s announcement that Newcastle Basketball would be welcoming a new $30 million 12-court stadium in the city, at Wallarah and Blackley ovals in New Lambton, in the near future, is a slam dunk for countless players.
For NBL1 East Newcastle Falcons star Kate Kingham, the news it would house crowds of up to 2,000 allows for even bigger dreams.
“I believe we can start dreaming of Newcastle having its own NBL team. These are the first steps toward that goal,” she said.
“It’s been a goal of mine since I started my junior playing career here in under-12s.
“When we were training as juniors we used to come out and watch the ABA players on the court and you’d feel like you were a part of something big.
“We’ve got such a growing junior
program, this gives them something to look forward to.”
Whether it comes to fruition remains to be seen, but excitement is certainly building.
Having outgrown the site on Young Street that was built in 1969, the organisation is witnessing a resurgence in popularity,
making a new up-to-date venue imperative.
Newcastle Basketball has junior enrolment numbers that regularly sit in the top five in the nation. Earlier in 2023, it was forced to turn away about 120 players after it hit its capacity of 1,200 enrolments for its summer competition. •
City of Newcastle’s Delivery Program and Operational Plan, known as Delivering Newcastle 2040 is on public exhibition until Thursday 27 April 2023. Have your say on our draft document and what we plan to deliver over the next financial year.
Delivering Newcastle 2040 is one of our most important documents as it demonstrates how we will achieve the community’s visions and priorities, including clear actions that guide the delivery of our services and projects.
Have your say during public exhibition until 27 April 2023. Your feedback will inform the final document.
$376.9 million on community services
$137.3 million on infrastructure projects
a $6.9 million net operating surplus
Scan the QR code or visit the have your say page on our website at: newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay
For enquiries please call 4974 2000
They are all from our local community, each of them answering the call to serve in their own way. Their language consists of terms like resilience, respect, camaraderie, teamwork and security. We asked our serving personnel what Anzac Day means to them.
CORPORAL RENAE BEETON, PERSONNEL CAPABILITY SPECIALIST, NO. 3 SQUADRON
“To me Anzac Day means taking time to reflect on those who’ve taken the ultimate sacrifice and those currently serving in operations all over the world.”
SERGEANT TEGAN BOWDEN, MILITARY WORKING DOG HANDLER, NO. 26 SQUADRON
“Anzac Day is a day for me to remember, respect and appreciate historical serving members from the Australian Defence Force and New Zealand Defence Force, and them paying the ultimate sacrifice, as well as all the military serving animals.”
FLYING OFFICER COEN HENRY, INDIGENOUS LIAISON OFFICER, NO. 26 SQUADRON
“Anzac Day signifies to me service, solidarity and sacrifice.”
FLIGHT SERGEANT LUKE HAMILTON, PHYSICAL TRAINING INSTRUCTOR, NO. 26 SQUADRON
“Mateship and remembering the fallen.”
CORPORAL MATTHEW HOWARD, GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN, NO. 26 SQUADRON
“A time to stop, pause, reflect and commemorate all those serving members that have lost their lives – made the ultimate sacrifice.”
LEADING AIRCRAFTSWOMAN OLIVIA KEMMINS, NO. 3 SQUADRON
“For me Anzac Day is about reflecting on those who served before us and about the freedom that we have today. I particularly remember my grandfather, who served as a fighter pilot in World War Two.”
The Hunter Region Business Excellence Awards are a 'must-do' for local enterprises keen to make an impact in their respective industries. Here are the 'best of the best' in 2023.
2325 Food Hub
ACN - All Communications Network
Advanced school of beauty
Alestre Pilates
Allegra Pilates
Alto Specialist
AMS Design & Drafting Pty Ltd
Australian Hypnotherapy College (AHC)
Balanced Beans
Beam Bookkeeping Pty Ltd
Beyond Dog Training
Biological Preservation Australia
Blake’s lawn and Maintenance
Blue Balloon Coaching
CKL COUNTRY AND KIDS
Conditsis Lawyers
Conveyancing Services
Disability support project
Double Scoop Consulting
DYN I.T. Solutions
Early Links
Earth Market Maitland - Slow Food
Hunter Valley
Expressions School of Dance, Barre & Co
Extra Hands With Extra Love
Green Ink Design Studio
Hammer and Stone Property Services
Heart HR
Heart of the Hunter
Hillys Westlake Auto Repairs
Hunter Health Insurance
Hunter Interior Design
Hunter Valley Flooring Xtra
HV Tours t/a Hunter Valley Tours
Ink Financial Solutions
Jah Arts and Designs
JECS cleaning services
Jezweb
Joel Thomas Wagner
KOUTCHI
Lake Group Strata
LH AGENDA
LJ Hooker Cessnock
Loving Pets Australia
Maffey Property Services
Maitland Business Chamber
Maitland Liquor Accord
Marchini Nutrition
McCaffrey's Estate
Merchant Business Brokers
Money Links
Mummel Road - Positive Behaviour Support
Newcastle Master Builders Apprentices
Nudge On
Peace Warrior
Picture This! Custom Framing
Plantman Garden Services
Playstate
Red Insight
Roma Orchard
Saddler's Creek Wines
Sarah Fenton - MTA Mobile Travel Agents
Sincerus Mindset Coaching & Training
Skippy Down Under Tours
Style by Sisters
Sue's Clothing
Survivor's R Us Incorporated
The Hummingbird Centre
The Hunter in a Basket
The Mai-Wel Group
Transformational Institute
UAINE Candles
Village Coffee hub
Vincent St Kitchen + Bar
Vines Restaurant at Hollydene Estate Wines
Vintage Connections Tours
What Were You Wearing Australia
Wisdom Care
Wishing You Well
Hunter Valley’s own UAINE Candles is rapidly creating a stir nationwide as it spreads its wings from Morpeth.
Known for making beautiful and affordable candles that are clean burning, safer and healthier, UAINE has now established stockists in every state and territory in Australia.
“Something this good deserves an even wider audience. Locals love that we make all of our products in Morpeth," co-founder Andrew Mason said.
“But, visitors come from all over Australia and the world to explore the history of our famous river port.
“UAINE Candles’ Cellar Door is increasingly a draw card – a ‘must-do’ when visiting the Hunter Valley.”
Guests to Morpeth soon realise that UAINE offers a unique, local alternative to mass produced candles.
And, re-ordering is easy, too.
If a local stockist isn’t available in their area, customers will find everything they
need on UAINE’s online store.
“They love our high levels of service, free delivery anywhere in Australia (with no minimum order) and complimentary gift wrapping,” Mr Mason said.
UAINE has expansion plans that include lots more stockists and additional Candle Cellar Doors.
Customisable and co-branded products feature in their approach to market.
Products for customer gifting or promotion, as well as employee gifts in the corporate world are increasingly popular.
Hospitality solutions are highly soughtafter – think reed diffusers in hotel rooms or candles in common areas and restaurants.
Real estate agents love the products for gifts for new home owners and open homes.
An increasing and important part of UAINE’s awareness programs is its Candle Experience.
Following successful trials pre-COVID, it’s become increasingly popular over the past nine months among Probus, View clubs,
functions and events, and 55+ residential social organisations.
“This is a free program currently being offered throughout NSW and ACT,” Mr Mason said. “Up to an hour of fun, entertainment, audience participation, games, prizes and giveaways are on offer for audiences from 20 to 100." •
Hunter Valley Flooring Xtra supplies all your needs whether it’s retail or commercial applications.
And, on top of offering a service secondto-none, the business also focuses on blinds, shutters and zip screens.
Owner Dave Sherlock has worked in the industry for more than 25 years and knows the ins and outs of how to run a successful flooring enterprise.
“I felt there was a huge gap in the market for people who expect a little more than just being a customer looking for a trade,” he said.
“So, I decided to open a franchise that was very progressive around its values and expectations. I offer a service that you just don’t get from other flooring retailers.
“When you are in my store, you’re the most important person in the world to me.
“My success over the past couple of years rings true to this as I have surpassed everyone’s expectations, even to the point of opening a second location due to demand.”
That triumph has flowed through to Hunter Valley Flooring Xtra’s employment status, too.
“When I opened in 2021, it was just myself and one trainee, while I used a contractor for installations,” Mr Sherlock said.
“Now, not even two years later, I have eight full-time staff, all on either traineeships
or apprentices, as well as 10 contractors all working full-time.
“That’s a huge feat.
“I’m proud to have built an extremely strong business in a very short period of time that services the Hunter region in a way they have never seen before." •
Hunter Region Business Excellence Awards finalist Jacalyn Price.
“From a provider of long-distance service in one country, ACN has grown to offer a full suite of residential and business services customers use and need every single day across 26 countries,” she said.
“But, more importantly, they’ve provided a vehicle for countless individuals to change their lives.
“We’re also touching hearts, via our charitable efforts.
“During the past 18-to-24 months, ACN has added another energy provider, Alinta, which allows us to offer an even better value service for businesses and households,” Ms Price said.
“We’ve launched gas in South Australia and Western Australia, too.
“Boasting three providers for NBN, we’re able to reach more customers in different areas as well.
ACN - All Communications Network is not only passionate about looking after its clients but giving back to the community, too.
Founded in 1993, and arriving in Australia in 2004, the company’s now the world’s largest direct seller of telecommunications, energy and essential services for home and business.
ACN works with people just like you… and the result is more choices for consumers.
That’s according to local consultant and
“At ACN’s international event in Sydney last October, we raised more than $18,000 for Ronald McDonald House.”
Most entrepreneurs venture into business unsure and alone, with everything at stake and limited support.
But, ACN offers a personalised website to sell essential services and share the opportunity with friends and family.
Add a training and support system from an industry leader with more than 27 years of experience – and you have an enviable path to success.
“With merchant services, we can help businesses save on eftpos credit card fees they pay the banks, which makes a big difference for them.
“And, it doesn’t stop there.
“Just recently, we added home and contents insurance with Honey Insurance.
“No other company can deliver the range of services we provide for businesses and residents, offering a personalised service with honesty, integrity, credibility and professionalism.”
The winners of the Hunter Region Business Excellence Awards will be announced at a Gala Dinner on Friday 19 May. •
The Disability Support Project (DSP) provides an honest and reliable service in the Hunter that optimises your path to success.
Since the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is ever-changing, the DSP consistently adapts to government modifications and forever updates its model of best practice on how to assist others.
And, key to that objective are three major principles: trust, loyalty and integrity.
“The Disability Support Project is unique in essence as we only provide Coordination of Support, meaning that each participant has complete attention and focus on making sure they get the most out of their NDIS plan,” director Jake Bourke said.
“We believe our services should be tailored to suit the individual’s needs, focusing on problem solving, building connections and ongoing support.
“The philosophy of the Disability Support Project is to deliver appropriate recommendations to services that meet
the needs of the client and remain truly independent from the services that are referred to.
“This allows us to always remain participant-focused and takes us out of the monopolisation of the NDIS landscape.
“By doing this, it permits us to be one of the only truly independent NDIS Coordination of Support providers.”
It’s an area Mr Bourke is passionate about.
The Novocastrian boasts an educational background in mental health, as well as eight years working in the NDIS.
In this time, he’s supported various people at different stages in their life.
But, something he always found was that participants were not always getting the most appropriate support that met their needs.
He was able to attribute this to the current monopoly standards in the NDIS where they were not receiving recommendations made in their best interests.
It led him to developing his own NDIS provider that offers an impartial
Apartnership between VERTO and the Hunter’s retail industry has equipped young people with new skills and exciting opportunities to start their careers.
As part of the Australian Government’s Transition to Work (TtW) program, VERTO’s Wallsend team worked with the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) to facilitate a Certificate II Retail program for VERTO clients aged 15-to-24.
Eight participants completed the nineweek program.
And, the initiative involved seven weeks of theory plus a fortnight of valuable work experience at various hosts including Coles, Woolworths and Best & Less.
“All of them successfully completed the qualification and gained retail-specific training at the same time,” VERTO Transition to Work regional manager Catherine Knight said.
“Since finishing the course, two participants have successfully found jobs: one in the hospitality industry and one in concreting.
“The remaining participants are now much more focused on building base skills to meet employer expectations, and the program has had a huge impact on their self-confidence and personal lives.
“We’re excited about our partnership with ARA and look forward to helping more young people in the Hunter with jobready skills.”
VERTO CEO Ron Maxwell said the ARA program was a great example of how VERTO could help connect young people with industry specific training and jobs.
“At VERTO, we’re committed to working hand-in-glove with the retail industry, and many others, to create even more
employment and training pathways for young Australians,” he explained.
“Many industries are crying out for able and enthusiastic staff, so what better time for employers to give young people a go.
“I’d encourage anyone looking for career advice or businesses looking for support or employees, to reach out to VERTO.
"At the end of the day, we’re here to help." •
“We’re excited about our partnership with ARA and look forward to helping more young people in the Hunter with job-ready skills.”
Welcome to April, the month where time seems to fly by. Between the end of daylight savings, Easter, school holidays, and Anzac Day, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy across our region.
APRIL TO 7 MAY
The Party and Maho Magic Bar, The Spiegeltent Civic Park
SATURDAY 8 APRIL
Archibald Prize 2023 Launch, MAC yapang, at the gallery until Sunday 21 May.
Streets Alive Cardiff, Veronica Place Parklets, 11am - 2pm.
SATURDAY 8 & 9 APRIL
Hunter Valley Gardens Easter Egg Hunt 9am to 4pm, until Sunday 9 April.
SUNDAY 9 APRIL
Newcastle Knights v NZ Warriors, McDonald Jones Stadium 6.15pm.
WEDNESDAY 12 APRIL
The Wharf Revue: Looking for Albanese PACC in Cessnock 8pm.
FRIDAY 14 APRIL
The Wedding Singer, A Hunter Drama production, The Playhouse, Civic Theatre, until Saturday 22 April.
SUNDAY 16 APRIL
The Newcastle Marathon and Half Marathon.
WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL
Velvet Rewired at Newcastle Civic Theatre.
SATURDAY 22 APRIL
Groovin the Moo, Maitland Showground 11am to 10.30pm.
Newcastle Jets v Central Coast Mariners, McDonald Jones Stadium 5pm.
SATURDAY 22 & 23 APRIL
Hunter Valley Beer and BBQ Festival, Hope Estate.
SATURDAY 29 APRIL
Street Paws Festival, The Station Newcastle 10am -2pm.
SATURDAY 6 MAY
Lake Mac Autumn Fair, Speers Point Park, 9am – 4pm.
SUNDAY 7 MAY
Colour Frenzy Fun Walk or Run, Foreshore Park Newcastle 9am.
SATURDAY 8 APRIL
Handmade in the Hunter 9am to 2pm every Saturday throughout April, Sobels Wines, Pokolbin.
Homegrown Markets at The Station in Newcastle 10am to 2pm.
The Glendale Farmers & Artisans Market 7am to 1.30pm every Saturday, Glendale Shopping Centre car park.
SUNDAY 9 APRIL
Made & Found Markets at Webb Park, Redhead, 10am to 2pm.
The Medowie Markets Bull 'N Bush Motel, Medowie, 8am to 12.30pm.
SATURDAY 15 APRIL
Warners Bay Markets 9am to 2pm, Warners Bay Foreshore Reserve, The Esplanade.
Port Stephens Produce Market Raymond Terrace, 9am to 1pm.
SATURDAY 22 APRIL
Handmade in the Hunter 9am to 2pm, Sobels Wines, Pokolbin.
SUNDAY 23 APRIL
Markets on the Green at Club Lambton 9am to 1pm, Club Lambton.
SCAN THE QR CODE FOR OUR EXTENSIVE WEEKLY MARKET GUIDE.
INTERVIEW & ARTICLE REBECCA RIDDLE
PHOTOGRAPHY PETER STOOP
Mitch "Revs" Resevsky has launched himself into a new project.
After what has been a very busy two years for the first-time dad, he has found a place for his creative side to call home.
On Saturday 25 March, the popular Newcastle artist opened what he prefers to call a destination space.
The six-hour grand opening event attracted a regular crowd of onlookers, record sales of merchandise and a lucky winner taking home a one-of-a-kind Mitch Revs artwork.
The new Mitch Revs Gallery at The Junction is the result of four months of hard work.
It’s a labour-of-love he is very proud of.
“We are more of a destination space because we are a service-based gallery,” he explains.
“We are now offering custom framing, custom printing, and we support more than 50 local artists.”
The change, he says, is the result of a new direction.
“I think people get confused, when they see [the word] gallery; they think it’s a viewing space with artworks on the wall, and I suppose that’s what we were.
"But, we’ve transformed, which is what happens when you have a business - you need to adapt to stay afloat.
“When we first started it was just my artworks hanging on the walls, there was no merchandise, but that only lasts for so long before you have to ask yourself ‘okay what are we going to do next?’
“That’s when we started offering services for other artists. We were doing exhibitions for artists in our own space, and then you find other independent galleries popping up and it's time to adapt again.
“It’s also a lot of work to get other artists ready to exhibit, so we’re going in a different direction again.”
Rather than exhibiting other artists, Mitch and his team will use the space to help them prepare to host their own exhibitions.
“We assist with their printing, their framing,
anything that they need to get ‘exhibitionready’, that’s what we’re focusing on now,” he explains.
Mitch has been selling his iconic Newcastle paintings for more than a decade now; with the gallery running for almost six years, formerly on Hunter Street.
“We’re excited to be in The Junction now, there’s a real buzz about the place.”
Work is not the only thing that has been keeping the local identity busy of late.
Fourteen months ago, Mitch and his partner Emily joined the roller-coaster ride of parenthood when their twins Bodhi and Bobbi were born.
“They’re the craziest kids I’ve ever met,” Mitch says of the pair that are on the brink of toddling.
“I can handle a lot, but these guys are relentless. I don’t know how Emily does it all day long. I leave her at home, and I can almost see her looking at me like ‘don’t go’.
“They're very busy kids.
“From observing the friends that I have with kids the same age, it's like ‘how did you get your kid to do that?'
"With the twins, we hold them on our hips and they just want to spin around, and they want to wriggle around and I’m like ‘why?just chill'.”
Mitch’s mum tells him he was exactly the same.
“Yeah, apparently I was a very busy kid.”
Aside from juggling two toddlers, Mitch sourced and renovated the Union Street site in four months.
“I’d always wanted to be in The Junction, but everything seemed to get snapped up off market, which made it pretty hard,” he told the Newcastle Weekly
“I got a message one day saying ‘hey the old chemist has gone’ so I drove past, and I thought it had just happened but apparently it had been sitting empty for about three months.
“Now I understand why no one wanted to take it on. The amount of work we had to do
"This is visually how I’d always wanted the space to look and feel."
to get it to this point was incredible.
"We've done two house renos and three shop fit outs and I thought this’d be fine but from the get-go, because of the age of the building, everything that was currently there that looked okay, once you poked at it, it fell apart, starting with the floor.
“There was four layers of lino, four decades apart, as there is in every house around here, and once we did all that, we had to deal with spiderwebs, and cracks. We were told we had to rip it all up and re-lay the slab.
“That was just the start.”
Not deterred by the workload, and with the help of local trades, he has created a space he is proud to share.
“There’s been a lot of heart and soul put into it,” he reflects.
“It's taken a while but we’re happy with it, we should be here for at least another 10 years. This is visually how I’d always wanted the space to look and feel.”
His hope is the space becomes more than
a shopfront or a gallery.
“You notice with art galleries that people just look through the window.
“There's this stigma around galleries where I feel people feel like if they go in, they need to buy something.
“We're so not about that.
“It's about just coming in and feeling something. That's what I try to do. I’ve even said that to people ‘stop standing out the front, just come in and have a laugh and enjoy it'. Leave feeling inspired, there’s so much to learn from the artworks.
“With us we’ve got the music going, we’re grooving, it's about celebrating the colour and creativity.”
These are two elements Mitch's art has become synonymous with.
In fact, he describes his style as coastalinspired cartoonism.
“It’s lifestyle, it’s just what I do, I surf, and I skate, and I draw, they’re just things I’ve always done since I was a kid," he said.
“I’m just doing the stuff everyone wants to
be doing on the weekends. I just love making art, and I love the ocean.”
The former Kotara High School student makes no apologies for his pieces needing time to absorb.
“A good artwork is something you can stand in front of for a long period of time, and that’s what I do with my work.
“I try to tell a story rather than it just being a painting and them stand there and say ‘I like the colours, or the image'.
“I like people getting lost there and being able to stand there for 20 minutes.”
It’s a passion he discovered as a child.
“It comes from being inspired by Where’s Wallly as a kid,” he says.
“I'd sit there and get lost on the one page for ages. I love that. I guess it was about picking pieces from different artists that I like and merging that into my own thing.”
And, he says, creativity is in desperate need of a resurgence.
“Kids are missing something these days. Art can be transformative. We've got to channel that creativity in kids.
"I try to tell a story rather than it just being a painting."
“Is it our fault as adults? Is it because they see us sitting around on our phones?
“If a kid grows up in a home where we as adults are painting, and sewing, and being creative then I guess they’ll know no different.”
Mitch spent his childhood drawing.
“My Nan was always sitting there knitting, and Pop was an architect, so he always had a pen in his hand which is all we needed to see," he said.
"Nan would say ‘there’s the paper, there’s the pencils, away you go'. If that wasn’t in my life, I don’t know what I’d be doing.”
Offering youngsters a chance to draw and creatively express themselves is something Mitch is very passionate about.
His ‘Decked Out’ workshops, in which kids decorate a skateboard to take home, have been instilled in a national program.
“We're all guilty of being on our phones too much, but for me it’s my job to make sure that doesn’t happen, that kids can see what I do and maybe feel like being creative again," he said.
“Now we’re in a position where we’re between two schools and there are 300-plus kids who walk past here every morning and every afternoon and if even 1% of those kids see what we do and go ‘hey that’s cool’, or they remember this when they’re 18 and they go ‘remember that guy that was doing cool stuff with art and colour at The Junction’ - that’s all it really takes to spark creativity.”
His style is one that inadvertently attracts
the younger generation.
It means he doesn’t mind being notorious for producing coast-themed cartoons.
“The reason I don’t mind that is because there’s comedy, there’s lots of character, and it also emphasises that nothing has to be perfect," he said.
“It’s what I loved about cartoonism, there is no need for proportion to be to scale, I am a perfectionist in my own way and if I was to try and draw a face to scale, I'd throw at least 20 pieces of paper in the bin or rub that many holes in it that canvas.
“I remember when I started doing this cartoon stuff, I could just blow everything out of proportion. I stopped using an eraser and people turned to it more because it was so wrong that it was right. I think that’s what I love about it and what everyone else loves about it, it’s just fun.
“The way someone draws a dinosaur is definitely not the way a dinosaur looks but they know it’s a dinosaur and that’s all that matters.
“I think we are taking it all a bit too serious and if we just looked at everything like it was a cartoon, we’d all probably have a bit more fun." •
SOLID GOLD PARTY NIGHT
Sat 1st April, 7:30pm
THAT’S RHYTHM
Fri 7th April, 7:30pm
PINK CADILLAC
Sat 22nd, 7:30pm
BLUEWATER COWBOYS
Sun 23rd April, 2pm SATURDAY
LOOSE CHANGE Fri 28th April, 7:30pm
KARAOKE
Sat 29th April, 7:30pm
The hugely-popular Newcastle Food Month will return for its third edition in 2023, with a couple of surprises.
Showcasing the culinary and creative talent of Newcastle’s burgeoning food scene, it’s poised to be a plentiful program with an event for every kind of foodie, from wine to beer and lots of cheese.
Mingle with local winemakers at their favourite hangouts, dine in hatted restaurants or on degustations any way you like them –French, Italian, Thai or Seafood.
There are also lots of opportunities to eat out at the city’s great casual cafes, pubs and clubs.
Plate Date is back, too. More than 40 establishments will offer a brunch, lunch or dinner, including a beverage for only $25.
The 35th edition of the much-loved Hunter Valley Steamfest will take place at Maitland Railway Station and the Steamfest Rally Ground, with a bumper program of train journeys, activities and much more.
Visitors can purchase tickets on one of the many steam or heritage diesel train journeys, wander through the Railway Street Collectors Market, be thrilled by the amusement rides, fortune telling and mystical moments in Carnival Lane, enjoy music and delicious food from the many vendors on offer.
On the Rally Ground, explore the display of antique machinery, portable and traction engines, jump on board the trackless train or be transported back in time.
On Sunday, in Maitland Park, the Show ‘n’ Shine will feature more than 500 cars of all makes and models.
The unique Equestrian in the Vines will take place at a new purposebuilt facility located within the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, near Cessnock.
Hosted by HorseSport Australia, the inaugural event features dressage, jumping, show horse and Fashions on the Field, making it a true spectacle of the sport.
Free to the general public and equine enthusiasts, spectators can visit anytime on Friday 28 (8am-5pm), Saturday 29 (8am-5pm) and Sunday 30 April (8am-4pm).
And, that’s not all. Trade stands and demonstrations will be included as well as lots of things for the entire family.
There’ll also be kids’ activities, including a jumping castle and pony rides, food trucks, fete stalls, craft beer and cider.
With so much on this month, we've picked out three highlights to satisfy everyone's tastes.
Although the weather may be a little unpredictable these days, it doesn’t mean you need to get caught leaving the kids in front of a screen for hours on end. The Hunter is bursting with inspirational activities bound to stimulate their senses, both indoors and out.
The Hunter region is renowned for its mountain biking trails. From beginners to advanced and everything in-between. Check out Glenrock, Lovedale, Holmesville and Cooranbong to name a few.
It’s free, it comes with fresh air, exercise and a mental health boost and our region is teeming with tracks to explore. Whether it's pounding the pavement with a coastal view, or crunching leaves in a national park. When was the last time you climbed Mt Sugarloaf?
Port Stephens has become synonymous with quad biking, jump on and check out the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere.
Catch the ferry to Stockton and explore Newcastle’s oldest suburb. It costs less than $2.50, departs every 20 minutes and takes just six minutes.
There are more than a dozen golf courses in the Hunter region, many with driving ranges allowing the kids to test their strength. There’s also mini golf at Broadmeadow and Charlestown, and Aqua Golf at Hunter Valley Gardens.
For a budget friendly holiday activity, check out your local library, many of which will be hosting events throughout the school break. Maybe even borrow a book to fill the twoweek void.
For the animal-lovers there's always the Cessnock Zoo, Hunter Valley Wildlife Park, Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, The Hunter Wetlands, or a little further south The Australian Reptile Park on the Central Coast.
Newcastle Museum, Museum of Art and Culture yapang, FighterWorld in Williamtown, Miss Porter’s House Museum, Fort Scratchley, and Maitland Gaol are just a few historic places in the Hunter region where kids can learn about the past by taking part in one of the many school holiday activities on offer.
If you love Harry Potter, you might not be able to go past Newcastle’s Famous Hog
Watts. The unique full-day interactive and educational experience promises fun, creativity and nutritious food with classes including Wand Making, Potion Making, Creative Writing/Drawing, Herbology, and Quill Making. These events do fill up fast, so be quick, work some magic.
Okay, so the plan is to wear them out right? Then you’ll need to try Ninja Parc, Newcastle Parkour, Revolution, Dullboys, Pulse Climbing and/or Springloaded.
There’s no shortage of art galleries in our city and its surrounds. While Newcastle Art Gallery might be under wraps while it gets a facelift, there’s always Lake Mac’s
Museum of Art and Culture, Playstate Curate, and Mitch Revs Gallery, with many hosting kids activities and author talks.
Walk, have a barbecue or picnic, and count the animals free roaming at Newcastle’s own inner-city nature reserve.
OOSH
And, if it all gets too much, OOSH is a great option, too!
What do a pharmacist, forklift driver and 1/122 Hunter Street have in common? They’ve all found a new lease on life.
Bringing a taste of authentic Vietnamese to the city, The Big Banh Mi’s arrival has already become a lunch-spot favourite among locals and East End workers.
Cousins Eddie and Ethan Nguyen say a love of food was the inspiration behind opening its doors.
Eddie, a pharmacist by trade, moved to Newcastle three-and-a-half years ago and quickly noticed a lack of Vietnamese cuisine options.
“We’re both from Sydney, where there’s a big Vietnamese community,” he said.
“We would always go to our favourite Vietnamese restaurants.
“Then, we came up here and there was a little bit of a gap in the market.
“We were like ‘let’s try and bring some of that authentic Vietnamese cuisine up to Newcastle’.”
Ethan, a forklift driver in Sydney, followed his cousin to the Hunter in 2022 right before Eddie approached him with the business concept.
“When he [Ethan] moved up, I was like ‘I have this idea’ and pitched it to him... ‘I think
we can do quite a good job’,” he explained.
The duo was overwhelmed by the response at the grand opening last month (Saturday 4 March).
The launch followed a run of sold-out stalls at the Newcastle Farmers Markets, which introduced people to The Big Banh Mi brand.
“We tested it on a couple of friends and family,” Eddie said.
“That’s how it kind of went off from there.
“Next, we went to the market, and received good feedback.
“We did that for about three months or so... we were selling out like every second week, so we’re like ‘you know, we could actually do this’.”
The Big Banh Mi serves six varieties, including Classic, BBQ and Crispy Pork, which has quickly become a crowd favourite.
A family recipe is behind the Lemongrass Chicken and Beef.
Lastly, there’s a vegetarian option, too.
For sides, spring rolls and panda waffles are on offer, and their noodle bowls will soon launch one-by-one.
“Our menu is a lot smaller. We want to focus on making a good quality product and specialise in the dishes that we do,” Eddie said.
“People love how it’s got that saltiness from the meat and gets cut through with the veggies, it balances out.
“Initially, we set ourselves to ease into it [business].
“It is our first business; we just want to iron out our processes and make sure we can deliver a good quality product.”
For morning commuters or office workers chasing an afternoon caffeine hit, the team specialises in Vietnamese iced coffee, which Eddie describes as “a rich dark coffee shot, in combination with ice and sweetened condensed milk”.
“We’re trying to cater to the younger audience,” he added.
“Office workers, young professionals… just have a nice, cool vibe, where you can chill out for lunch.”
The pair is thrilled they’ve already started to establish their “regulars”. •
“We were like ‘let’s try and bring some of that authentic Vietnamese cuisine up to Newcastle’.”
Hunter Young Professionals hosted a sold out March event with Lambourne Partners, discussing all things property and purchasing in the Hunter region. It also provided plenty of networking opportunities for attendees.
When the building was completed in 2008, the owners of 1/45 Wrightson Avenue were confident heir home was both unique and timeless.
By using only the best quality materials they had insisted on exceptional attention to detail.
Architecturally designed by Crone Partners and constructed by Allan Stivano from Crest Building, the ground-floor apartment draws its visitors in with its spectacular ocean views. Its smart features mean it offers the privacy and comfort of a suburban home as well.
Boasting 757m2 of usable space, abundant storage, and both indoor and outdoor living, this premium property offers the true definition of coastal living.
And, located between the Bathers Walk and Darby Street, everything is within a short stroll – including cafes, surf clubs, sports, bowls, restaurants, bars, schools and shops.
The single-level home sits on a corner block directly opposite Bar Beach.
"There are plenty of touches that set this property apart,” says Robinson Property agent Michael Flook.
Designed and built to capture sea breezes and sunshine, this Bar Beach apartment offers ideal living all-year round, thanks to its location, finishes and views.
Set privately away this adorable 1920s cottage offers incredible convenience. Fully renovated just two years ago, this is a brilliant entry-level opportunity for professionals, first-home buyers or downsizers to be part of this soughtafter coastal community minutes from the beach, village vibes and the CBD.
Superbly situated in a highly desirable street in Hamilton, this impressive home offers contemporary charm, comfort and convenience. Boasting sensational street appeal and stylishly renovated throughout, it’s perfect for anyone wanting a peaceful, easy-living home close to the best Hamilton has to offer.
Superbly positioned in a prized location, this stunning residence ticks all the boxes for relaxed family living and entertaining with unrivalled lifestyle appeal. Showcasing traditional details and art deco features that have been seamlessly integrated with modern additions to create a tastefully customised and beautifully presented haven of relaxed sophistication.
Superbly positioned to capture ocean breezes on Redhead Bluff and an unparalleled seaside lifestyle, this architecturally designed Hamptons style beach home stands alone as a coveted opportunity for one lucky family to own. Combining form and function to deliver contemporary two-storey open-plan living, featuring top-of-the-line inclusions and versatile living spaces.
Impeccably positioned, this premium, one of a kind property sets the benchmark for coastal living. Enriched by fresh sea breezes, commanding ocean views, local conveniences and a community vibe, it’s perfectly established for those looking for the ultimate lifestyle at a premier beachside address.
This incredible home was built by the current owner with meticulous consideration for modern lifestyle conveniences, coastal durability and flexible comforts. Drift to sleep to the ambient backdrop of crashing ocean waves through open windows or close everything up for truly soundproofed silence. Embrace an active yet luxurious beachside lifestyle with a sensational ‘lock-up-and-leave’ element within walking distance of a selection of local beaches, ANZAC Memorial Walk, cosmopolitan Darby Street and Newcastle CBD.
4902 7222 I robinsonproperty.com.au
Postcode: 2285
LGA: Lake Macquarie
Located between Glendale, Fletcher and West Wallsend, Cameron Park is becoming one of Lake Macquarie’s fastest growing suburbs.
In fact, its population has grown from 7,995 in 2016, to 9,977 in 2021, up more than 2,000 in five years, with families making up more than a quarter of this number.
Originally named Estelville, after local politician Jack Estell in 1905, the suburb was officially renamed Cameron Park in 2001, after its proximity to Cameron Park Raceway. It is named after the founder of speedway racing in Australia, Ian Cameron.
SUBURB SNAPSHOT
Cameron Park has experienced an 8.6% price growth in the past 12 months, driven largely by increasing building and construction costs.
While in the past it attracted a majority of investors, it is now a haven for first homeowners and families, both keen to establish their dream home in an affordable, growing community.
The more established the estates have become, the more desirable the pocket tends to be.
Thanks to the growth of infrastructure both internally and in surrounding areas, Cameron Park is now considered more central than ever and is now popular with workers who split their time between workfrom-home and Sydney-based employment.
Greg Hooper is head of customer lending at Newcastle Permanent. With more than 25 years' retail banking experience, he has had time to reflect on what has become the RBA’s 10th consecutive hike in 11 months, and what that means to the average Novocastrian’s back-pocket.
Do you believe there will be more interest rate rises in 2023?
There’s so much happening in the world right now, and so much is changing from day to day it’s really challenging to say. One thing that’s for sure is that inflation remains above the RBA’s target range, and the RBA has said that reducing inflation remains a key objective.
After their March meeting, the RBA did provide some reassuring commentary that we’re close to the top of the current rate-increase cycle, but even they don’t know for sure what will happen to influence their decisions during the remainder of 2023.
Why do banks have to follow the RBA's lead?
A range of factors go into how banks set their interest rates including funding costs, competition from other banks for customers, and the broader economic environment.
When the RBA changes the cash rate, it has impacts across the banking sector as the market adjusts. For us, this may have some influence on the rates we pay to depositors (ie through your savings account) and charge borrowers (through your loan). Generally, when the RBA cash rate is higher, across the market, lending and deposit rates will be higher; when the RBA cash rate is lower, lending and deposit rates will be lower.
What do you suggest for bank members who are struggling to make repayments?
My advice would be to contact your bank or financial institution as soon as possible so they can work with you to find a solution while you have options. The worst thing to do is nothing and hope it will be okay because if you leave it too late your options may be less attractive. •
“Contact your bank or financial institution as soon possible so they can work with you to find a solution while you have options.”
If Bugs Bunny had waited for a response to his trademark question “What’s up, Doc?”, he probably would have heard the answer “dental disease”.
Sugarloaf Animal Hospital’s chief vet Dr Katie Powell explains the importance of rabbits having regular dental checks.
While Bugs’ teeth are famed for their prominence, there’s a less well-known trait of constantly growing throughout a rabbit’s life. For a rabbit’s jaw to work properly, its teeth need to be in alignment and correctly formed. When teeth don’t wear down evenly, spurs can form that lacerate the tongue or cheek, potentially causing painful ulcers and abscesses. The rabbit may avoid using that particular tooth/side of the mouth, causing misalignment of other teeth. A serious consequence of being unable to eat due to dental pain is gut stasis, which can be life threatening.
Problems can spread beyond the teeth to anything nearby, such as the tongue and lips. As dental disease progresses, we may see blocked tear ducts, sinus infections, soft-tissue inflammation and nasal discharge - which impacts breathing, as rabbits only breathe through their nose - and even bone destruction.
Left untreated, issues can become irreversible. The signs an owner can look for include: difficulty eating, avoiding certain foods (hay), drooling/wet fur around the
mouth, facial swelling (abscesses may smell), nose/eyes discharge, weight loss, decrease in faeces, less activity/grooming.
It is important your pets have regular examinations and, for rabbits, regular dental examinations can be lifesaving. An experienced exotics vet can identify early dental issues and potentially manage or prevent serious disease progression. Often, this involves an oral examination, and if there are concerns, X-rays and dental burring under anaesthesia to start. In serious cases, extractions can be required.
At Sugarloaf Animal Hospital, we offer a dental programme specifically for rabbits, with greater discounts for those bunnies that require more frequent treatment.
For the chance to have your furry friend featured, email your pet’s pics to pets@newcastleweekly.com.au
Bailey is a one-year-old rescue cat, who loves to sleep or attack his brother Sully. He comes across as a stubborn cat to visitors, but it doesn’t take long until his loving side comes out.
Favourite activities: Laying around in very strange positions, falling off things, getting into boxes and bags.
Favourite toy: Crumpled Lindt ball wrappers and any sort of box seem to be Bailey’s favourite type of entertainment.
Favourite treat: Plants he shouldn't eat. Special talent: Being cute.
Timmy is a beautiful white and black rabbit that is a loving companion in his household. Timmy may not be delivering chocolates to households this April, but he is turning three.
Favourite activities: Timmy loves to explore his surroundings and socialise with his human companions and dog sister.
Favourite toy: His squeaky chicken.
Favourite treat: Timmy loves fresh food, if he had to choose his two favourites, it would be apple and banana.
Special talent: Timmy has no special talents that his owners are aware of, other than grooming the dog, who is also his best friend.
Meet Zorro, the charming domestic short hair cat. He is always happy to meet new people and loves to explore new places. He always wants to be in someone’s lap, and can never stop purring, especially with head bumps. Zorro is the cuddliest kitten you will ever meet and playtime with him is always fun. Alongside Zorro’s playful side, he is happy to just follow you around the house and settle into a cosy seat to snooze in.
His black and white mask is very fitting for his name, topped off with the cutest heart-shaped nose. If you are looking for a family-friendly companion, Zorro is the perfect fit.
To find out more about adopting Zorro, visit: hunteranimalrescue. com.au/adopt/zorro/
Bull (aka Little Muffin) is a big boy weighing about 80kg. Bull shares an unbreakable bond with his owner, being by their side through rough times including the short period of time they found themselves homeless living out of their little Hyundai in 2019.
Favourite activities: Bull loves to chase skinks around the backyard. He’s also a big fan of his daily walks (you can’t mention the “w word” around him without a big fuss)
Favourite toy: Bull has a few favourite toys, but his main love is a laser pointer toy that’s made for cats.
Favourite treat: Bull adores food. His favourite treat is Mutello choc chip cookies.
Special talent: Bull is talented at making people smile.
APRIL 1ST - 30TH JUNE
Margan Wines take over the Tasting Room
Try one of our wine experiences, our cellar door is suitable for groups of two to sixteen
APRIL 6TH - 9TH
Join us for an egg-stra special Easter weekend!
Seafood & Easter Egg Raffles
Don’t miss The Kids Circus Spectacular!
APRIL 25TH
ANZAC Day on The Green
Our massive 2UP Arena will kick off at 1pm – 5pm DJ Tommy B from 5pm in the main bar.
APRIL 29TH
Gin Blending Class with Earp Distilling Co. Craft two gins unique to your taste and designed for your palette.
APRIL 30TH
Family Fun Day!
Kym The Reptile Man brings his wildlife show like you've never seen before. Plus, more fun activities!
