FREE THE RELAUNCH USSISIHTEDITIONEISFORTHECOMMUNITY.TURNTOP6. AUGUST 2022 NEW OWNERS PETS ADAM HADDOW A bubbly Connoisseur of life WE'RE BACK TRAIN YOUR POOCH CHANGING face of the city Jess Farchione
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Whether you enjoy good food and drink, creative and performing arts, family friendly entertainment, or immersive heritage and cultural event experiences, Maitland is your destination for festivals and events in the Hunter Valley. Maitland’s calendar of events is packed with things to do for the whole family no matter the season. Maitland MulticulturalRiverlightsFestival maitlandriverlights.com.au 8 October 2022 Bitter & BoutiqueTwistedBeerFestival bitterandtwisted.com.au 5 & 6 November 2022 Morpeth Bicentenary morpeth200.com.au 19 & 20 November 2022 New Years Eve maitlandevents.com.au 31 December 2022 Maitland River Regatta maitlandevents.com.au 26 January Maitland2023Taste Festival maitlandtaste.com.au 19, 20 & 21 May 2023 Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest steamfest.com.au 22 & 23 April 2023 Maitland Aroma Coffee & Chocolate Festival maitlandaroma.com.au 12 & 13 August 2023 200 YEARS
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There is an air of excitement around the place. And, it's not just in the office at the Newcastle Weekly; it's permeating throughout the Hunter, Followingtoo.the sudden closure of the publication back in May, there didn’t appear to be much hope of a return. But, while the outpouring of support by readers and the community alike softened the blow somewhat for the shocked staff, the news also attracted the attention of astute local couple Nicole and Ryan Shelley. After a lot of research, and seeing the potential in the product, the pair purchased the Newcastle Weekly. As a result, here we are today relaunching a new-look magazine. While our focus to keep you up-to-date won’t alter on the website – whether it’s current affairs or sport, real estate or lifestyle – our loyal readership base will notice a number of changes in the print edition. Firstly, we’ll come out monthly, not weekly to start with. And, yes, a few regular sections are gone. However, don’t despair. The move will allow us to introduce something fresh, both from a design and content perspective. So, to kick things off, this Newcastle Weekly is our “special” community edition. It’s void of all advertising for the benefit of our readers who have missed us the past three months. We hope you enjoy the journey. With that in mind, there is so much to look forward to throughout the region moving forward. Already, residents are gearing up to see music icon Elton John when his Farewell Yellow Brick Road: The Final Tour arrives at McDonald Jones Stadium for the first time in 2023. The state-of-the-art stadium will be rocking on 8 and 10 January to his many classics, such as Bennie and the Jets, I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues, Rocket Man, Candle in the Wind, Sad Songs (Say So Much), I'm Still Standing, Crocodile Rock, Your Song, Don't Go Breaking My Heart and more. It’s certainly a major coup for City of Newcastle (CN) as the Hunter re-emerges from its COVID slumber. From all accounts, Elton John won’t be the last big-name act heading our way either. Council and Venues NSW have formed an alliance, which could reap plenty of spoils for the region. Both organisations are keen to work together to entice other international acts to the area. And, why not? Newcastle boasts a number of terrific venues, including the Entertainment Centre and Civic Theatre, to host any form of entertainment.So,weshould make the most of it while we can. In the meantime, the Newcastle Weekly would like to thank City of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie City and Maitland City councils for their support as we embrace a new era. Until next month, keep smiling.
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From the editor ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP Isaac Whitten T. 02 4003 advertise@newcastleweekly.com.au4448 EDITOR Rod Thompson JOURNALISTS Rebecca Riddle Rod Thompson PUBLISHER Nicole Shelley GRAPHIC DESIGNER Melanie Coggio SOCIAL MEDIA Amber Sherwood COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Peter Stoop Newcastle Weekly is published by Pepper Publishing Pty Ltd. Level 1, 116 Hunter Street Newcastle. We respectfully acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which Newcastle Weekly is created and read, the Awabakal, Worimi and Wonnarua people. We pay our respects to the elders both past, present and emerging. newcastleweekly.com.au All content (c) 2022 Pepper Publishing Pty Ltd, all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without prior written permission from the publisher. All material sent to Newcastle Weekly (whether solicited or not) will not be returned. Unless otherwise agreed beforehand, all rights including copyright in such material is assigned to Pepper Publishing upon receipt and Pepper Publishing may use or sell such material in perpetuity without further consent or payment. All prices and information are correct at the time of printing.
newcastleweekly.com.au 5 ON THE COVER Popular Newcastle breakfast radio presenter Jess Farchione with her adorable pooch Gianni at Horseshoe Beach. See cover story, page 14. News 7 MILLION DOLLAR MAKEOVER Funding boost for historical Victoria Theatre 8 RESIDENTS HIT THE STREET Anti-domestic violence rally raises awareness 9 LARGE-SCALE LAUNCHPAD Creatives primed for annual Big Picture Fest Community 10 FATHER'S DAY DRAWS NEAR Hunter Valley dads love the gift of parenthood 13 WINERY'S GRAPE EXPECTATIONS Briar Ridge Vineyard toasts national successWhat'sBusinessOn 222118 ACTIVITIES APLENTY IN AUGUST HUNTER DRAMA BACK ON STAGE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Check out what's happening in your region She Kills Monsters 'delightfully farcical' High-profile events heading to the City Seasoned renovators a 'go-to' source for flippers Lifestyle 402924 CHANGING FACE OF NEWCASTLE MORE THAN A WORKERS TOWN CHECK OUT THE COASTAL ABODE Prominent architect happy to call Newy 'home' Local foodies finding their feet in the city 10 42 Contents
The trio, along with Ms Shelley, who is also the publisher, will be joined by advertising rep Isaac Whitten, graphic designer Melanie Coggio and social media guru Amber Sherwood. “The addition of Isaac, Melanie and Amber is a big coup,” she said. “It not only allows us to freshen up the look of the Newcastle Weekly, with some new concepts, but it will enable us to lift its profile as well. “The big thing, however, is that it’s now locally-owned and operated.
“It’s novel, it’s different but I’m sure people will love “We’reit.calling it the community issue.
“For us, it’s our way to thank all our loyal readers, who have missed the magazine.
“Now, we’re unveiling the print component.
“Unlike in the past, the Newcastle Weekly will come out monthly to start with. “And, with this August edition, we made a conscious decision to publish it without ads.
Ms Shelley admitted there would be a few changes to the format moving forward.
“That wasn’t the case before. “We know the region and pride ourselves on being able to deliver what readers want.”
newcastleweekly.com.au6 NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY MEDIATHANKSGOOD
“Then there’s terrific articles on an award-winning Hunter Valley vineyard, The Big Picture Fest and the changing face of Newcastle, plus What’s On, business, property and much more. “We’re keen to breathe new life back into the Newcastle Weekly – and hope everyone joins us.”
“We’ve introduced a number of contemporary sections, too, including the main cover story. “First up is popular Hit106.9 breakfast radio announcer Jess Farchione.
“Our web presence still remains; and residents have probably seen stories popping up online and on Facebook and Instagram,” she said.
• New owners of the Newcastle Weekly, Ryan and Nicole Shelley. We would like to thank City forMaitlandMacquarieNewcastle,ofLakeCityandCitycouncilstheirsupport.
ARTICLE THOMPSONROD
As you can see, one of the Hunter’s much-loved publications is back in the stands. Following its shock closure in May, the Newcastle Weekly has returned to the local media landscape after Newcastle-based couple Nicole and Ryan Shelley purchased the magazine, website and social accounts, from its previous owner. The pair are well-known in the business community, via their award-winning marketing agency pepperit. “Like everyone else, we were surprised to hear that the operation closed its doors suddenly without much fanfare,” Ms Shelley said. “Ryan and I felt the Newcastle Weekly added so much to our community. “In fact, we made sure we always picked it up. “And, I know other people valued it highly as well; we’ve heard plenty of positive feedback about the product over the course of the past couple of months. “We definitely believe there is potential New owners breathe life back into popular Newcastle Weekly for it to grow even further. “We’re excited by what lies ahead.” But, the Shelleys are not alone on their new journey. They’re supported by a few familiar faces in editor Rod Thompson, journalist Rebecca Riddle and photographer Peter Stoop. “It was important to bring back members of the former editorial team,” she said. “They were the driving force behind the Newcastle Weekly’s success online and in “Plus,print.Rod, Bec and Peter boast years of experience in the industry and, more importantly, believe in what the publication stands for.”
Crakanthorp’s sentiments. “It’s wonderful,” she said. “Restoring the beautiful Victoria Theatre will truly cement Newcastle’s position as the cultural and creative heart of NSW. “The current refurbishment is complementary to both City of Newcastle’s recent $5m investment into completely renewing the public domain along Perkins Street and the Hunter Street Mall, as well as our careful planning approach to the revitalisation of the East End, which has protected residential amenity and injected new life into a long dormant section of the city. “Council, through the COVID-19 City Taskforce, identified the restoration of the Victoria Theatre as one of the key projects to assist our cultural, tourism and performing arts sectors to bounce back from the effects of the global pandemic. “We’re home to the highest number of arts and recreation businesses per capita in NSW, with a long and proud history of strongly supporting creativity and cultural “Independentproduction.analysis indicates that a refurbished Victoria Theatre has the potential to generate up to $50m of economic activity in Newcastle within only a few short years of operating.
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PHOTOGRAPHY STOOPPETER ARTICLE THOMPSONROD
One of Newcastle’s iconic buildings is set to undergo a multi-milliondollar makeover, courtesy of the stateNSWgovernment.Ministerfor the Arts Ben Franklin announced last month that $4m would go towards the restoration of the historic Victoria Theatre. The financial boost, from the Create NSW Creative Capital Fund, will enable further revitalisation, with the view to opening the bottom floor for use. Both Newcastle state MP Tim Crakanthorp and Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes welcomed the windfall for the Perkins Street“Thispremises.isgreatnews,” the former said. “The Victoria Theatre is NSW’s oldest surviving heritage theatre. “Restoration works have been ongoing and I’m thrilled to support Century Venues with this endeavour. “I’m even more delighted there is funding coming. “The creative and performing arts sector is a key part of our vibrant city.”
Cr Nelmes said revamping the Victoria Theatre had long been an important symbol of Newcastle’s maturity as a progressive and creative city. “So, this is a fantastic day for every Novocastrian,” she added. “We look forward to working closely with the NSW Government and Century Venues to see this magnificent piece of our cultural heritage restored to its former glory.” • Another $4m will go towards the restoration of Newcastle's historic Victoria Theatre.
An excited Cr Nelmes echoed Mr Victoria Theatre to undergo makeover
“So, this is a very welcome investment into our creative industries and visitor economy that ultimately support thousands of local jobs.”
Mackenzie, known affectionately as “Max”, was brutally murdered at her Mayfield home in March, allegedly stabbed multiple times by her ex-boyfriend. At the time, Newcastle City Police District Commander Detective Superintendent Wayne Humphrey described the distressing scene as “horrendous”.
Tragically, she is one of 27 women in Australia who have been killed by their current or former partner since January. “Enough is enough", “We need change”, “We will not be silenced”those were the sentiments shared by those in attendance. The three-hour event was the brainchild of local activist group What Were You Wearing? Once at Nobbys Beach, the names of the 27 women who have died in 2022 were read aloud. Fittingly, the NSW Government unveiled a draft bill to criminalise coercive control, a form of domestic abuse that involves patterns of behaviour, from physical, sexual, psychological or financial mistreatment.
• PHOTOGRAPHY RIDDLEREBECCA ARTICLE RIDDLEREBECCA
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Mackenzie's gone, but never forgotten Mackenzie Anderson should have been preparing to celebrate her 22nd birthday with friends last month, friends who were instead chanting her name at an anti-domestic violence rally in the city of Newcastle. Flanked by a hundred strangers, Jorja, Molly and Alice marched the two-kilometre stretch from Newcastle Museum to Nobbys Beach, in a bid to keep her name in the news.
For Lake Macquarie artist Goya Torres, it means she can include her signature style, while adding a local touch. She plans to paint a large-scale image of a young girl and her spirit animals, celebrating innocence, peace andTheconnection.animalswill be unique to the HunterCreatedregion.using aerosols, Torres will begin the three-day task with an outlined sketch projected onto an 8x8m wall on a King Street“Notlaneway.alotofgirls are painting street art, so I’m hoping young girls will see the mural and think they can do that too,” she said.
It’s been touted as a large-scale launchpad for the careers of many eager emerging artists, however Newcastle’s Big Picture Fest is so much more. When the three-day event kicks off on 30 September, it will not only showcase a plethora of talented creatives but will ultimately beautify the former steel city in a very big way. In fact, festival director Katerina Skoumbas says the numbers that feature in this year’s event are impressive. “We’re really excited about having eight new sites in town, that’s eight new artists, no repeats on the line up from 2020,” she said. “There will be a combination of local emerging artists from our expressions of interest campaign, as well as interstate, and an international artist, too. “And, we’re working on a sevenstorey landmark.”
Torres has produced murals and sculptures on art trails throughout Europe. Her work can be seen at Vinnies in Toronto. “This will be my first in Newcastle city. I want people to feel happy and positive when they see the mural,” she said.
•PHOTOGRAPHY STOOPPETER ARTICLE RIDDLEREBECCA
The festival offers artists creative freedom to paint their own design.
The result, she says, is an extension of the imagination that demands attention. “We’re changing some of the city’s blank walls to bring some life and beauty into the city,” Skoumbas said. “You don’t think and feel when you look at a concrete wall, that’s art’s job to grab your attention and make you feel something.”
“You have to work with the texture of the wall, the weather, the brand of aerosol, it’s like a sport, you put all your body into it. I really like that,” she added.
“I want to make the space look prettier but also to help people connect with it. This is how we can bring art to people. “People might feel intimidated about going into a gallery, but this way we bring the art to them.”
Newcastle-A-Foot will stage walking tours of the artworks in production throughout theStudentsweekend.from both TAFE NSW Newcastle and University of Newcastle will be participating in street art workshops in the CBD, while Up&Up Inspirations will be hosting graffiti workshops at Museum Park throughout the weekend.
The Big Picture Fest is a massive art installation that sees a selection of street artists paint murals on buildings acrossNowNewcastle.initssecond year, the annual event will include the decoration of 20 sites spanning from Museum Park to Parry Street. “It’s an outdoor exhibition,” Skoumbas said. “You get to watch the artists paint live Newcastle to get the Big Picture and in compromising positions, up on scissor lifts, with harnesses on, and dealing with the elements, all while busting their skills out.”
This year’s Big Picture Fest will include an opening night party on Friday 30 September at Playstate Curate on Union Street.
Preferring to work with pastel colours, pinks and purples, Torres also uses a lot of shading in her work to give an almost 3D effect.
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CHRIS DALE - ADAMSTOWN ROSEBUD FOOTBALL CLUB PRESIDENT Chris is dad to three boys – Hamish, 9, Joshua, 7, and Samuel (nine months). What’s the best thing about being a dad? The best thing about being a dad are the firsts and the milestones. The first words, the first steps, and the first time you kick a football with them. I also really love those morning hugs. My eldest two both follow in my footsteps and love to play football. Being there when they kicked their first goal was special. I coach the team my eldest plays in and the boys love coming with me to watch the big boys play at Adamstown.
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How will you spend Father’s Day? Adamstown has its final National Premier League seniors’ games of the season against Cooks Hill on Father’s Day. So, the boys and I will be there together. But, we will also spend time at home as a family before and after the matches.
Father's Day a special time for all Being a dad is one of life’s greatest honours. So, the Newcastle Weekly caught up with some local fathers to find out what it means to them.
PHOTOGRAPHY JGRIMAGES ARTICLE THOMPSONROD
How will you spend Father’s Day? The Newcastle Knights are supporting Lifeline at their home game that day. So, after a breakfast with my wife Sheri and the boys, we will head over to McDonald Jones Stadium. Then it will be back home for a family dinner of whatever they want to eat. Father’s Day is about us, not me. If they are happy, then I am happy.
Pat is dad to two boys – two-and-a-half-year-old Jackson and seven-month-old Sonny.
What’s the best thing about being a dad? The best thing about being a dad is all the smiling you do. I have never smiled that way before. The boys just do things that warm my heart. They constantly amaze and surprise me. We recently went on a family holiday to Fiji and it was great to be able to spend uninterrupted time together. Having time to play rather than it being interrupted by life’s daily tasks.
PAT CALABRIA - LIFELINE HUNTER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Dale is dad to Zoey, 18; Dom 17; and Dylan, 14.
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How will you spend Father’s Day? Father’s Day starts off with an early surf followed by a big breakfast, rest, then some family time, maybe another surf or a trail ride on my dirt bike. Then we’ll kick back on the lounge to watch Sunday afternoon footy with a couple of beers.
How will you spend Father’s Day? Father’s Day is bittersweet for me as I lost my dad Brian almost 18 months ago. We will have breakfast with my brother’s family and my mum. There will be a celebration of how great my dad was. Now I am a father, I have more understanding of some of the things my dad did. My boys, nephews and niece won’t have their grandfather in their lives like my brother and I did. We’ve spoken about how we both want to fill that role of being another male role model for each other’s kids. Then it will be off to work to cover and present the sports stories of the day. There will be dads playing sport and watching their kids play sport.
DALE THOMAS - VETERAN SURFER
While he continues to compete in masters’ competitions, Dale is busy keeping up with son Dom these days, travelling the world catching waves. For good measure, Dom recently won the under-18 crown at the State Junior Titles.
MITCH HUGHES - NBN NEWS SPORTS PRESENTER
Mitch is dad to two-year-old twin boys – Harrison and Harvey.
What’s the best thing about being a dad? The best thing about being a dad is guiding your children through life and seeing them succeed and enjoy the path that they have chosen.
What’s the best thing about being a dad? I love seeing them laugh and smile. Being a dad is how I imagined it would be –part of a loving and happy family. Now the boys are walking and talking, I am really enjoying watching their personalities develop. Even though they are twins, they are so different. One is very frantic and energetic, the other sits back and observes. Sometimes they are enemies but mostly they are the best of friends.
Lake Macquarie City Council CEO Morven Cameron congratulated all entrants, finalists and winners, and the city’s business community more broadly.
An innovative company making global waves with hardware integration and software development was named Lake Mac’s business of the year. Warners Bay-based SAPHI took out the top gong at the Lake Mac Business Excellence Awards, recognising growth and entrepreneurship and celebrating corporate success across the city.
• PHOTOGRAPHY COUNCILCITYMACQUARIELAKE ARTICLE THOMPSONROD
Winners from 11 categories will now vie for victory at the Hunter Business Awards.
FOR A FULL LIST OF WINNERS SCAN QR CODE WITH A MOBILE DEVICE.
Lake Mac business talent showcased child-care centres to coffee cruisers.”
“We’re home to more than 13,000 active businesses, and many have had to overcome some monumental challenges over the past two years,” she added. “We’re emerging as a true regional powerhouse, and a very real alternative to major metropolitan areas when it comes to business and commercial investment.”
Cr Fraser said SAPHI, which also took out the Excellence in Sustainability category, stood out for its innovation, commitment to circular economy practices and its rapid growth. Since it was founded just five years ago, the company has grown to take on major clients in Australia and overseas and has played a key part in Australia’s largest smart green infrastructure project in Sydney Olympic Park. “I think we were all particularly impressed with how they’ve been able to grow their business during COVID, working hard to attract very significant clients and build community support,” Cr Fraser said. It was a triple win for the company, with founding partner and director Cameron Owen also securing the Outstanding Young Business Leader Dance4Wellbeing,category.offering dance sessions for over-55s and people with disability, won the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion crown, while neighbourhood centre Swansea Community Cottage was named the city’s most outstanding community organisation for 2022. It was a case of lightning striking twice for private speech pathology company A Growing Understanding, which first won a Lake Mac Business Excellence Award in 2018. Back then, the firm had only three employees, and was recognised in the Start Up Superstar section. This time, it won the Excellence in Large Business category after growing to employ more than 40 people and opening a new clinic to meet burgeoning demand.
The company was one of 13 winners announced at the Belmont 16s. SAPHI software engineer Abigail Hall admitted it was an honour to be recognised. “It’s a real testimony to all the hard work the team has put in,” she said. “We do countless hours, countless days with different clients to bring innovation into the Lake Macquarie area, and this is wonderful recognition of that.”
Lake Macquarie City mayor Kay Fraser, who sat on the judging panel, said almost 100 companies and individual workers entered this year’s awards. “The finalists we selected really demonstrated the diversity and strength of business in Lake Macquarie,” she stated. “We had everything from air-conditioning installers to occupational therapists, and
newcastleweekly.com.au12 BUSINESS
The prestigious ceremony, which took place in Melbourne earlier this month, sets the industry benchmark for Australian wines annually.And,eight
“This is a humbling recognition of the work our family and the Briar Ridge team have been putting into experimenting with new varieties and wine styles,” she said.
and contribution to the wine industry by winemakers under the age of 35. Currently studying in the Institute of Masters of Wine Study Program (one of only 13 students in the country), he is passionate about his innovative work at Briar Ridge. “It is an absolute honour to have our Hunter Valley Albariño be recognised as the best other white in Australia by James Halliday and the Wine Companion tasting outfit,” Mr Beckett said. “The past few years have seen our team put tireless work into evolving the viticulture and winemaking behind our wines. “So, to have that quality acknowledged is a wonderful feeling. “Albariño is fast becoming to us one of the key varietals for our region and we look forward to seeing the variety’s future success aroundJudgeAustralia.”NedGoodwin MW (Master of Wine) originally reviewed the 2021 Limited Release Albariño in October last year and had this to say in praise: “Maker Alex Beckett has a good handle on this… Everything done right… Albariño’s pithy stone, frangipani, saline oyster shell to white pepper riffs are not subsumed, but accentuated. Fine textural detail, energetic trajectory and succulent length, the whirl of acidity whetting the palate for the next glass.
•PHOTOGRAPHY IMAGESELFES ARTICLE THOMPSONROD
Aboutique Hunter Valley winery will kick-start its 50th birthday celebrations earlier than expected after toasting success at the Halliday Wine Companion Awards. Briar Ridge Vineyard, located in the Cessnock LGA, won the Other White (& Blends) Wine of the Year for its 2021 Limited Release Albariño by winemaker Alex Beckett.
judges including wine critic, founder and vigneron James Halliday AM and Halliday Wine Companion Guide chief editor Tyson Stelzer tempted their palates more than 8,000 times, from 50 different wineries, in their search for the “best of the best”. Briar Ridge Vineyard’s 2021 Limited Release Albariño secured the gold medal with a score of 95 points. It was another triumph for Mr Beckett, who also recently took out the Riedel 2022 Hunter Valley Young Achiever of the Year award, which recognises exceptional talent
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Briar Ridge Vineyard owner Jaclyn Davis was excited about the future of the winery with Mr Beckett as winemaker.
“So, we are proud to be part of the forefront, championing these varieties of the future as well as preserving the heritage of our country through classic varieties and wineBriarstyles.”Ridge Vineyard is commemorating its 50th Jubilee this year in November with a members’ only Long Lunch in the Dairy Hill Vineyard, where it all began in 1972.
Grape expectations for Hunter winery after prestigious victory
“I have the creative freedom to play and experiment and build upon that tradition, respecting what has been done but also improving it as we move on.”
“With an ever-changing climate, varieties like Albariño will be an important component of the Australian wine landscape in the coming decades.
This is exceptional. Kudos!”
“The 2021 Limited Release Albariño, in particular, is really floral and super aromatic with a freshness and vibrancy that on the palate is just incredible.
“It has all the aromatics, texture, weight and flavour concentration yet always finishes very clean,” Mr Beckett said.
Considered a niche variety with less than 10 producers in Australia, Albariño is from the northern part of Spain in an area called Rais Bixas where it is one of the country’s most fashionable white wines.
“It’s the melding together of the old and the new that makes Briar Ridge so “Itinteresting.iscertainly why I enjoy doing what I do.
For those keen to experience everything the Mount View winery has to offer, including the award-winning Albariño, the cellar door is open seven days per week with music on Sundays.
INTERVIEW & ARTICLE ROD THOMPSON
“I have the pleasure of hosting a 40-person party on their Rooftop, taking over a whole floor of rooms to fill with friends and family, as well as a whiskey tasting on the Rooftop. “But, the best part: sampling the seasonal menu changes at Jana restaurant alongside executive chef Massimo Speroni. “What’s not to love?” Despite the latest “demands” on her time, Jess has no qualms about juggling the QT Connoisseur gig with her radio and Instagram“Breakfastcommitments.radiocomes with the absolute blessing of a wonderful work/life balance,” she said. “We are on air from 6am until 9am and, after planning for the show and meetings for upcoming campaigns and promotions are done, I am lucky to be out of the studio and looking for content in the real world by about 11am. “So, I have plenty of hours left in the day to commit myself to this role. “Similarly, the way I use Instagram very much fits organically into my lifestyle.
Jess Farchione a bubbly Connoisseur of life
It’s easy to see why Jess was keen to embrace the “quirky” role as well.
Jess Farchione believes she has the best job in the world and, it’s hard to argue with her. Not only is she one member of the hugely-successful Nick, Jess & Ducko breakfast team on Newcastle radio station HIT106.9, and a popular Instagrammer in her own right, the bubbly announcer’s now the QT Connoisseur for the city’s latest five-star hotel.
“I don’t stage photoshoots (except for my very handsome dog). “It’s more a snap here and there of "Breakfast radio comes with the absolute blessing of a wonderful work life balance."
Popular presenterbreakfastNewcastleradioJessFarchioneonairatHIT106.9.
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PHOTOGRAPHY STOOPPETERSHERWOOD;AMBER ARTICLE THOMPSONROD
QT Newcastle general manager Michael Stambouldis admitted they were “searching for an afficionado – of the finer things in life –
“In the QT Newcastle’s words, the QT Connoisseur is part-reviewer, part-party maven, chief tasting officer and vibe check specialist,” she said.
for all the luxurious touches and comforts the venue has to offer”. So, understandably, Jess was “over the moon” on being considered “The One”. “I have been a consumer of the QT experience for many years,” she said. “When we go visit family in Melbourne at Christmas time, or we duck down to Sydney to see a show, my husband Angus (Harper) and I have always chosen the QT because of its complete individuality and quirk. “I used to work in the five-star hotel space and it was very much about uniformity and brand standards and, if I'm honest, quite stuffy as opposed to a space and team like the QT’s that lean into character, fun and“Aneccentricity.opportunity to be a part of that family in such a cool capacity was too good to pass up.”
Jess’ career on the airwaves stemmed from an early involvement with community radio. She simply “went along to check it out and basically never left”.
“There have been so many memorable moments from interviewing some incredible celebrities. “A personal highlight for me was (singer/ songwriter) James Blunt in 2021 and asking
newcastleweekly.com.au16 Jess Farchione and Gianni have a bit of fun during their recent photo shoot.
Jess is also quick to praise her on-air cohorts Nick Gill and Nick Allen-Ducat. “Every day, I laugh - more often than not, until it hurts,” she said. “Nick and Ducko are two of my best mates who I most likely would never have crossed paths if radio didn’t cross them for us. “We are different in a million ways, but our values and our shared goal to brighten the mornings of the HIT family are fiercely in line.
“And, the journey’s been nothing short of “Isurreal.amvery grateful to do the work I do.
“To find a profession where that is literally the job description - share yourself fully and openly, make others laugh, engage and connect through shared experience and opinion… what a dream come true. “I always thought of the people on the radio as these faceless celebrities, until I realised, ‘hey, they’re just people like me who love to tell stories and make others laugh. I could do that’.
“It is an honour that the HIT family chooses to wake up with us and the best feedback we get as a show is ‘you make my mornings better’.”
whatever it is that I’m doing in the moment (usually eating, drinking or putting together a cheese board).”
“I love telling stories,” Jess told the Newcastle Weekly. “From a very young age around the dinner table, my parents encouraged us to share our highs and lows, the drama from the schoolyard, to share and question and express “So,ourselves.itisthe most natural thing in the world for me to do.
newcastleweekly.com.au 17 COVER STORY
"It is an honour the HIT family chooses to wake up with us and the best feedback we get is 'you make my mornings better'." him to sing at my then-upcoming wedding (he did say yes, but probably because I put him on the spot); to giving away lifechanging sums of money (most recently, $10,000 to an incredible single mum named Hollie who smashed our game Alphabucks); to coordinating unbelievably fun events like Newcastle’s biggest human whirlpool in the Newcastle Ocean Baths with more than 200 participants; which was a total success. “However, nothing beats those laugh-tilyou-cry moments with Nick and Ducko when it just feels like three mates piling on and enjoying each other’s company.”
The former Victorian, who was awarded Best Newcomer On-Air (Provincial) at the ACRAs following a successful stint at Shepparton’s hit96.9, is now happy to call the Hunter Valley home, too. “The love of my life was waiting for me in Newcastle,” Jess said. “I met Angus after being in Newy for six months. “And, I could not believe a man like him even existed, and that Newcastle had kept him warm and waiting for me, so I love Newy for “We’vethat.since bought an absolute dream home, welcomed the most handsome pooch in the world into our little family and are so excited for what the future holds (hopefully a couple mini Anguses)." For the record, Jess and Angus, a festival operator, eventually tied the knot at Wollombi's beautiful Redleaf in the Hunter Valley. “But, beyond my darling Gussy, Newcastle immediately just felt like home," Jess continued. “I don’t know how to articulate that feeling of finding your place in the world clearly. “However, I just felt like I belonged here. “I have found a group of friends who have filled my life with so much joy, love, and“Myexcitement.workisincredibly rewarding. “I have my favourite spots to eat and drink and play – and I just can’t see myself anywhere else.”
So, what does the future hold for the effervescent Jess? “Working with elite brands like the QT Newcastle is absolutely something I would love to continue,” she said. “I enjoy nothing more than being a bridge between experiences like this and the HIT family. “One of my favourite things in the world is being asked for a recommendation or an opinion on what someone should do for an anniversary dinner, or a girl's weekend away or even simply what my order is at Mayfield West Kebabs and Charcoal Chicken. “I want to create more content for people to explore our amazing city and to draw more of them to Newcastle and the Hunter to sample what we have to offer because, after five years of research, I can confidently say what we have to offer is EPIC.” •
ARTS Art lovers can be privy to a close-up look at some of the region’s newest talents on Friday 19 August, when winners of the 2022 Brenda Clouten Memorial Art Scholarships are announced at the Maitland Regional Art Gallery. Now in its 15th year, the annual event will see the Hunter region’s top 10 finalists vying for a scholarship that will cement their creative practices through study, travel or studio support. The free event will run from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Bookings essential. For those wanting to take their art outdoors, the Street Eats Festival is set to hit Aberglasslyn on Friday 26 August. The family-friendly event, run by Maitland City Council, includes a variety of food trucks paired with live music from 5pm to 8pm, with this month’s event staged at the Golden Whistler Park.
newcastleweekly.com.au18 WHAT'S ON Maitland Aroma Coffee ChocolateandFestival
TASTE Maitland is hosting its annual Aroma Coffee and Chocolate Festival on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 August. Talented chocolatiers and baristas will join winemakers in showcasing the best the region has to offer in a twoday festival designed to tantalise winter tastebuds.Visitorsto the Riverside Carpark can enjoy the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans, rich melted chocolate and delectable red wines, served up with a program that includes gourmet food, artisan market stalls and kids’ activities.
What’s On - AugustMUSIC
August is set to be music month in Newcastle as the city plays host to an array of events designed to suit all manner of styles. For lovers of classical music, the Australian Romantic and Classical Orchestra will present some of Mozart's most revered symphonies performed by Neal Peres Da Costa on Thursday 18 August. The oneoff concert at Newcastle’s City Hall will showcase both established and emerging local talents. From 19 to 21 August, Newcastle’s City Hall will become home to the 33rd annual Newcastle Jazz Festival, boasting a plethora of sounds including traditional, swing, mainstream, blues, contemporary, big bands and funk. Activities will run from Friday at 5pm until Sunday at 5pm, with more than 50 bands playing across five different stages.
CULTURE If it’s a taste of another culture you’re after then the Global Table Collective is offering a Ukrainian Feast at Adamstown Uniting Church on Saturday 27 August from 6pm to 10pm. The ticketed event is the brainchild of Newcastle’s Northern Settlement Services and promises an evening of mouth-watering dishes, delightful music and a chance to mingle with some of the city's newest arrivals.
ARTICLE RIDDLEREBECCA BAKE Petlovers are encouraged to make their cooking count during August by baking and hosting an event to support the annual RSPCA Cupcake Day. An event can take place anytime during the month, either at home, at school, or work, with all funds raised going toward ensuring the group’s shelters and veterinary hospitals remain open, keeping inspectors on the road investigating cruelty, and providing emergency veterinary care to injured animals. Purrrrrfect.
newcastleweekly.com.au 19
RUN The Lake Macquarie Running Festival will take place on Sunday 28 August. Now in its 38th year, the annual all-ages event is expected to draw record numbers to its course, all vying for top honours in either the half marathon, 10.5km Fun Run, and 4km Kids Scamper. The course follows The Esplanade at Warners Bay to Speers Point, with roads closed from 7am to 11am.
LEARN From 13 to 21 August is National Science Week, a chance for those wanting to exercise their grey matter, to participate in a number of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths sessions as part of Lake Mac STEAM week. Libraries surrounding the lake will host activities and workshops throughout the week in a bid to promote creativity, innovation and uniqueness within the community.
Lake STEAMMacweek
newcastleweekly.com.au20 ENTERTAINMENT
“It uses decades of research and is told using both First Nation and European historians, academics and linguists."
Biraban and Threlkeld: Finding the Third Space is a 53-minute documentary about a bilingual Aboriginal man and a BritishTogethermissionary.thepair became the first to record Aboriginal language and culture in print. They translated the Bible for the first time in local Awabakal language, and they challenged societal norms, becoming our nation’s first civil rights activists.
• PHOTOGRAPHY WHITTAKERTONY ARTICLE RIDDLEREBECCA
They immortalised The Star Hotel riot, shone a spotlight on the Castanet Club, and dug deep into BHP’s affinity withThisNewcastle.monththe team behind ‘Stories of our Town’ has released the ninth of a set of 12 films documenting the history of Newcastle, as told by the people who lived it.
Reverend Lancelot Threlkeld was a British missionary brought to the region by the London Missionary Society to convert people to the word of God.
Thanks to musician, historian, director and TV personality Chit Chat von Loopin Stab (aka Glenn Dormand) and Tony Whittaker of Carnivore Films, Novocastrians can learn of an unlikely duo that challenged the status quo almost 200 years ago. This is a story largely unknown, yet it is a piece of our past that was the first of its kind.
Filmmakers unlock a piece of local history
The documentary took two years to “Thisproduce.filmwas so much work,” Dormand told the Newcastle Weekly Biraban was a bilingual Aboriginal man and leader of Newcastle/Lake Macquarie First Nations peoples.
The pair developed a friendship around 1825 which lasted for the following 20 years. During this time they documented for the first time songs, poems, ceremonies and dreaming stories from the local Aboriginal people. Their recordings continue to be used to reconstruct language today. They also challenged authorities of the day by representing Aboriginal people in court, previously unacceptable as Aboriginal people could not swear an oath on the “ThrelkeldBible. also agitated the powers-atbe by asking for Aboriginal land rights and demanded protection for First Nations people under British law, “ Dormand says. “He even referred to Europeans as ‘invaders’ as early as 1828.”
Threlkeld is said to have set up the first mission for Aboriginal people in Australia, establishing a commune in Lake Macquarie in what was then referred to as Bahtahbah. “Instead of enslaving them, as was the norm at the time, he paid them wages for their work,” Dormand says. “He also provided education and allotted plots of land so they could farm and provide for themselves, as their own land had been takenBirabanaway.”and Threlkeld are said to have found the Third Space - the space between the Aboriginal and European worlds. “If these two men could find the third space 200 years ago, surely this should be a shining example of what could be achieved today.”
“It’s a spirited story about finding your real and metaphorical families, as well as “But,yourself.it’salso laugh-out-loud funny and action-packed and, of course, pays homage to D&D which has enjoyed a renaissance, largely due to the immense popularity of the Stranger Things series. “As the play toggles between reality and fantasy, elaborate battles unfold.
Layla Scott Huggins and Myfawny McMahon star in Hunter Drama's She Kills Monsters. Ready for adventure? Come on a comedic romp into a world of fantasy role-playing games, with the Newcastle premiere of She Kills Monsters. Described as “delightfully farcical” by Stage & Cinema, Hunter Drama’s latest production opens at the Civic Playhouse, from 7.30pm, on Thursday 25 August; with further shows on Friday 26 August (7.30pm) and Saturday 27 August (2pm, 7.30pm).
"It's a spirited story about finding your real and metaphorical families, as well as yourself." Tilly was queer and faced challenges with her sexuality and bullying. She used her D&D campaign as an outlet for her struggles and the pressures of being out in school, yet “in the closet” with her family.
Hunter Drama program director James Chapman said the play dealt with themes every adolescent confronted at some point: sexuality or gender, managing family dynamics and being the odd-one-out/the underdog in teen social circles.
“I read a quote that said the themes of openness, tolerance and resilience are baked into the DNA of this show and I agree.
“While highly comedic, at times it is also tragic,” he explained. “It explores topics of romantic and interpersonal relationships of relevance to young people and delves into the issue of sexuality, which is important to address, given it can be so polarising and impossibly confronting for teens who see themselves as 'other’.
From acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen, She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans, from the average town of Athens, Ohio. She’s an average young woman, who strives to be nothing but average, until the day her ordinary life is upended. A fatal car crash leaves Agnes grappling with grief over the sudden loss of her parents and geeky little sister, Tilly. The Evans siblings had little in common. While Agnes’ life was rooted in reality, mainstream pop culture and comfortable andHeart-poundinghomagetothegeekwarriorinallofus
“It’s been brilliant to be the director for the sword fighting and general fight sequences.
•PHOTOGRAPHY STOOPPETER ARTICLE THOMPSONROD
newcastleweekly.com.au 21 NEWS
“The cast has learnt new skills in the form of fight choreography and the scenes are something Newcastle audiences will not have seen. Working with this incredibly talented and tightknit group to deliver a play we all love and are proud of has been immensely rewarding.”
routine, Tilly’s was one of rich imagination and fantasy role-playing games. So, they were never particularly close. While packing-up Tilly's room, Agnes discovers a notebook containing a Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) game module, written by Tilly. Attempting to get closer to her sister, she embarks on her own adventurous quest, with the help of Dungeon Master Chuck, to play the game as her sibling designed. She stumbles into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was Tilly’s refuge. As Agnes delves deeper into her quest, the fantasy world and reality begin to collide and blend. She discovers things she had never imagined and comes to realise there was a great deal about Tilly she never knew. The journey takes her to a mysterious world of monsters and heroines, where she discovers a secret.
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AUSTRALIAN SUPERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
THOMPSONROD
Novocastrians can expect to enjoy a lot of high-profile events in the near future. That’s mainly thanks to a new partnership between City of Newcastle and Venues NSW. Here’s a taste of what we can look forward to…
COMMONSWIKIMEDIAPEDERSEN,FØRELANDJØRUNDSETTE;MORGAN ARTICLE
Elite events set to put Newcastle on world stage
newcastleweekly.com.au22 ENTERTAINMENT
McDonald Jones Stadium will stage round three of the 2022 Australian Supercross Championship on Saturday 26 November.
The Rocket Man himself, Elton John, will perform at McDonald Jones Stadium for the first time, with two shows scheduled for 8 and 10 January 2023. And, with a string of classic hits behind him, such as Bennie and the Jets, Candle in the Wind, Sad Songs (Say So Much), Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word, I'm Still Standing, Crocodile Rock, Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting and Don't Go Breaking My Heart, the Farewell Yellow Brick Road: The Final Tour concert is a must-see event.
ELTON JOHN
The exhilarating Triple Crown format is expected to showcase the pinnacle of domestic two-wheeled talent, with world-class riders and teams set to embark on the journey to becoming a national champ. Adrenalin junkies can also expect to experience top-notch hospitality and services, a purpose built, international calibre supercross circuit, as well as a thriving pit party that’s set to entertain fans of all ages.
NEW ANNUAL Newcastle’s second New Annual will come to life with the opening of the blockbuster Van Gogh Alive exhibition at Foreshore Park from 22 September. Then, the popular festival rolls into action as a cavalcade of dance, music, theatre, visual arts and Indigenous workshops adorn the CBD until 2 October. The 2022 line-up features Hunter and nationally-renowned artists delivering a mix of free, ticketed and family-friendly activations. And, the breadth of the program is emphasised by its 14 headline acts including Colossus, This Land and Radial.
BREWERYANDDISTILLERYSTYXCASSON;SIMON
“I wanted to bring like-minded distillers together to showcase their expertise and innovation in gin making to Novocastrians and visitors to the region,” she said. “We have designed the festival with an English Garden Party theme. “So, we are inviting people to come along, dress up in style, connect and learn more about gin and the broader gin“Sponsorexperience.and event partners Strange Love, from Byron Bay, will feature their premium hand-crafted tonics and mineral“We’rewater.looking forward to it. “A range of local music acts and food stalls, with menus designed to complement the gins on show, will make this event a memorable day out.” To mark the occasion, Styx has also lovingly crafted a new limited release gin to raise funds for a Newcastle-based charity. The product pays homage to the Newcastle Museum, too, with the big, red ladle hooks from the
Inaugural gin festival offers the right tonic venue’s entrance taking the starring role on the“Onlylabel.100 bottles of this special gin, Ladle Hook, is being created, with every cent of the proceeds going to Got Your Back Sista,” Ms Isbister “They’resaid.anot-for-profit organisation that offers benevolent relief and support to women and children escaping domestic violence.“GotYour Back Sista is a firm fixture within the Hunter region. “So, we wanted to acknowledge the inaugural event by also supporting the Newcastle community. “I hope to officially present the funds to the charity on the day of the festival as well.” Ladle Hook Fundraiser Gin is available to purchase at styxbrewery.com.au
newcastleweekly.com.au 23 ENTERTAINMENT PHOTOGRAPHY
Preparations are firmly in place for Newcastle to host its first dedicated gin festival next month.
Thanks to local outlet Styx Distillery and Brewery, the historical grounds of Museum Park will come alive – for two sessions (11am-3pm and 4pm-8.30pm) – on Saturday 10 September.
ARTICLE THOMPSONROD
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And, attendees can expect to be treated to the best gins on offer. The festival will highlight more than a dozen Hunter-based and out of town distilleries – including Newy Distillery, Newcastle Distilling Co, Lemon Tree Passage Distillery, Gaia Distillery, Magpie Distilling, Manly Spirits Co, Karu Distillery, Prohibition Distillery, Pants Off Distillery, Maria River Distillery, Cape Byron Distillery, Banks and Sollander, and more – as well as food producers, and a variety of entertainment.Headdistiller and Styx owner Analee Isbister has carefully curated The Gin Event.
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"I didn’t come from a big city and I think that’s what I love about Newcastleit doesn’t have that big city feel."
“The people are engaged and want to know what's going on with developments, and they’re always passionate about it.”
ARTICLE RIDDLEREBECCA
Last month Haddow’s firm was one of three to win the Premier’s Prize at the 2022 NSW Architecture Awards for their design of Newcastle East End Stage 1. They also took home the Lloyd Rees Award in the urban design category. “Now that Stage 1 is complete we’re getting messages from people saying they appreciate what we’ve done. They say what we’ve done has been respectful to Newcastle, and that’s really nice to hear.” Shaking off its former status but honouring its past is the goal for his designs, Haddow admits.
I
Haddow has been splitting his time between Sydney and Newcastle for 11 years now. The change he has witnessed in that Newcastle ripe for urban revitalisation
“I love Newcastle so much. I didn’t come from a big city and I think that’s what I love about Newcastle - it doesn’t have that big city feel," he said. “How do you explain Newcastle to somebody who’s not from Newcastle? “It's like the perfect mix of Melbourne and Sydney. It has the restaurants and bars of Melbourne and it has the lifestyle and beaches of Sydney. It really has got it all.”
“Newcastle was debilitated when BHP shut down, but it's almost like the city is coming out of its hard times and it’s better for it. “Newcastle knows who it is. There’s a strong sense of community here.
newcastleweekly.com.au24 time, he says, has been dramatic.
t’s a city that’s changing and evolving, but award-winning architect Adam Haddow says Newcastle knows who it is. Raised in country Victoria, he now divides his time between Sydney and the city he openly admits he has fallen in love with. In fact, the talented director at SJB says he is proud to be witnessing the growth of what he affectionately refers to as his other home.
ROETOMKAARS;KATIEBOARDMAN;BRETT
“In an inner city apartment someone does stuff for you. The building is looked after. The gardens are looked after, the ground level is cleaned, the lobby is cleaned and you don't have to worry about that," he said. “It's kind of nice to close your door on a Friday and come back a month later and it's all still there.
He refers to an architectural style that emerged during the 1950s and was generally characterised by its rough, unfinished surfaces, unusual shapes, heavy-looking materials, straight lines, and small windows. “The Police building, the old council building that’s been transformed into the five-star hotel - they're amazing buildings, there’s about a dozen of them in the city,” he says. “They’ll come under pressure but it's important to think of them as a fashion of the time. Some people can't see the value in them because they haven't grown to love them, they can't read them, but brutalist buildings will come back.”
“I also think the ability to walk to the gallery, and walk to Town Hall to see the Chamber Orchestra and the Victoria Theatre, that’s being revamped - the ability to be able to walk to those kinds of things is very“And,appealing.thereare amazing restaurants in Newcastle.”
Haddow says the Newcastle East End project included working with both the council and the client in a bid to retain the facade of surrounding older buildings, while looking to encourage future inner city living. Just like the buildings, the city he says is about blending younger with older.
“If you lose the grain and texture it just becomes like a big shopping centre, a Morpheus, there's no articulation, there's no history. You want the messiness of the city.”
The challenge, Haddow says, is keeping enough old buildings to acknowledge and celebrate the past and make sure it’s there for future generations. “But, also, how do you change the city enough that it serves its purpose which is being a city for people to connect with? “It's a challenge, especially in Australia where our European history is quite young. It is easier and cheaper to start again but then you lose the grain and texture of a building.
“I think the interesting thing in Newcastle is it's quite a young population demographically, but you’re now getting people who are getting to an age where their kids have moved out of home, they don't want a big house and they want to be able to leave on a Friday afternoon and go away for a month on a boat, or go on a cruise, and they don't want to worry about their“So,home.you're getting a lot of people wanting to ‘rightsize’, not downsize. "They want to change the way they live, they want a more dynamic life than living in the suburbs, because the suburbs suited them when they had kids, and dogs, and weekend sport, and now they want to come into town and have a Negroni at the bar before they go out for dinner.”
newcastleweekly.com.au 25 LIFESTYLE
“The steel city reputation has gone, it's something of Newcastle’s history but it’s still an industrious city, it's a hardworking city and that's a good thing. The capacity to do something for yourself is what still exists in Newcastle. What has changed, he told the Newcastle Weekly, is the lifestyle. “I’m always surprised by how many people are on the harbour walk. Newcastle is such a sporty, fit city. There’s a lot happening here.” So, what remains and what must go moving forward? “It's interesting, there are always risks when you have change. It's about what to hold on to and what to get rid of and where to make space for new things and where to not make space for new things. “Even the recanting of the rail line was controversial, but I think you’d be hard pressed to say now that that was a bad decision,” Haddow said. “The connection that the city has back to the harbour, that renewed connection where you can actually touch the harbour - you could never really do that. It was a challenging interface. That's a good example of taking a bold move.” Brutalist buildings may be the next controversial architectural style to go under the hammer Haddow predicts. “I think there’ll be some pressure on the city in the next couple of years around some of their old brutalist buildings. Newcastle has a bevy of them, so it’ll be interesting to see whether they’ll be able to keep hold of those because they’re not the most loved buildings of the community.”
University students, singles and corporate couples are now blending with those that are reluctant to enter retirement homes but don’t want to have to maintain a house, Haddow explains.
Judges at the 2022 NSW Architecture Awards said Haddow and his team had delivered on “connecting communities with their local environment”. “In city’s there used to be an array of little shops, and everyone owned a little shop, they lived above it and they all got to know each other because they dealt with each other every day," he explained. “And, then the modernist period came and we all moved all our shopping out to Charlestown, for example, and the inner city died because everyone wanted the simplicity of driving their car to Charlestown, getting out, doing all their shopping, and going back out into the suburbs.
Urban revitalisation does involve commitment, Haddow adds. “People hate traffic, they want to drive to a location, park right out the front, and do what they came for," he said. “But, in order to have that, you have to create those spaces where people can walk everywhere. But if you don't have enough people [moving into the city] than there will never be those services right on your doorstep. It's a reciprocal arrangement. “It's like those birds on the backs of buffalo in Africa. You can't have one without the other. To have the services in the city, you’ve got to have the people, to bring the demand for those services.”
newcastleweekly.com.au26 LIFESTYLE
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Haddow says the masterplan for Newcastle included establishing more of those “loops” to encourage more people back to the city centre. “Rather than walking down a street you want people to be able to cross over, take shortcuts, engage with people, stop at a coffee shop, and have those little moments," he“Beforesaid. mobile phones you could say to someone ‘I’ll meet you at the clock at Flinders Street Station’, and you always got there. You’ve got to provide those spaces for people to do that. “The local people will always know where to meet - they know Newcastle - but when you move from somewhere to somewhere, like from outer suburbs to the city, you’re learning a whole new language, you’re finding your new coffee shop, a new dry cleaner, so you need to provide those.”
"In old cities, like London, people wander and they get lost because they think “oh that looks interesting”, so you go left, or right. “In a smaller city like Newcastle where there was only Hunter Street, the shopping strip, where else do you go? You start connecting places, like the foreshore to the beach. “It's about making new lanes, so the new lanes become a part of that connection so you’re never walking down and back the same street. You can walk down and do loops and that’s very important.”
“What's happening now is by everyone coming back into the city we have that grain happening and what we have to do is reintroduce the grain both from a retail point of view and also from a pedestrian point of “Peopleview.will rarely walk down a street if there’s nowhere to go. “What you want to do is to enable people to wander. “You want a city where people are wandering, they're not really going anywhere, they're just going somewhere. But, you’ve got to have them thinking there’s something to see along the way, so you've got to have design networks.
Maitland Gaol is expecting to receive an influx of personnel later in the year. But, don’t worry, they’re not of the prisoner kind. The much-loved Maitland tourist spot will stage another edition of the popular Bitter and Twisted Boutique Beer Festival on 5 and 6 And,November.organisers
promise the event is returning bigger and better than ever. Sydney alternative indie rock band Middle Kids, who picked up an ARIA award for Best Rock Album, following the release of their most recent record Today We’re The Greatest, headlines Saturday’s bumper line-up in 2022. Then, award-winning four-piece roots collective The Beautiful Girls, who boast half-a-million album sales and 50 million Spotify streams, will take centre stage on Sunday’s program. The Beautiful Girls will perform at Maitland's Bitter and Twisted Boutique Beer Festival.
newcastleweekly.com.au 27 ENTERTAINMENT
Big crowd expected to pour in for festival
In addition, there are a range of food stalls and other activities across the event site, as well as add-ons that visitors can purchase to make their day even more memorable. These include Beer Trivia, Private Cell Blocks for you and your best mates, and Beer and Cheese Matching sessions, just to name a “There'sfew.something truly unique about Bitter and Twisted,” Ms Evans said. Bitter and Twisted is an 18+ only event on Saturday 5 November, with all ages permitted on Sunday 6 November. However, under-18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all Ticketstimes.for the Bitter and Twisted Boutique Beer Festival go on sale from noon on Friday 5 August, which coincides with International Beer Day • "Bitter and Twisted Boutique Beer Festival has certainly cemented its place on the annual events calendar." THOMPSONROD
ARTICLE
Joining them are Good Lekker, soul ska group Fat Picnic, as well as The Dead Maggies, Liquid Zoo, Austin Mackay Chris Cavill and Newcastle-based singersongwriter BERLYN. “After a two-year hiatus, we can’t wait to be back at Maitland Gaol this November,” Maitland City Council team leader events Tori Evans said. “Bitter and Twisted has certainly cemented its place on the annual events calendar for fans of great music and people passionate about quality craft beer. “Where else in Australia can you enjoy more than 80 craft beers and your favourite tunes in a former maximum security prison?”
10g Apple cider vinegar 260g Almond milk 90g Oil (not olive) 1 tsp Vanilla bean paste, or vanilla extract 200g Self raising flour 2 tbsp Cocoa powder 180g Raw caster sugar Pinch fine salt 6 Crushed ginger biscuits Icing 150g Vegan margarine (nuttelex) 150g Icing sugar mixture 1 tsp Vanilla bean paste, or vanilla extract 3 tbsp Cocoa powder ½ cup Biscoff spread
Method Place almond milk and apple cider vinegar into a small jug and mix well then set aside for 5 minutes until mixture has curdled. Once curdled, add the oil and vanilla then mixture until well combined. In a separate bowl mix together self raising flour, cocoa powder, raw caster sugar and salt. In 3 batches, mix the milk mixture into the dry mix, ensuring each addition is wellEvenlyincorporated.portioncake batter into the lined cupcake tin making sure they are only filled 3/4 the way up the paper. Sprinkle the cakes with crushed ginger biscuit then bake on a centre rack for 20-24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Allow the cupcake to cool completely on a cooling rack prior to icing. For the icing, whisk all ingredients together until a light fluffy icing is Generouslycreated.spread the icing over the top of the cake then sprinkle with any remaining ginger biscuits.
Makes Ingredients12
It’s been 18 months since Masterchef Australia alumni Reece Hignell opened the doors of his Hamilton bakery. Since then, Cakeboi and its creations have continued to rise in popularity. By November, the much-loved Novocastrian will launch his first recipe book Cakeboi: A Collection of Classic Bakes, promising to take readers on a journey from the basics of baking to the skilful art of sensational scones. Inspired by his nan’s traditional desserts, and adding a pinch of Cakeboi flair, Reece Hignell shares one of his favourite recipes with the Newcastle Weekly. Recipe from Reece Hignell, Cakeboi.
newcastleweekly.com.au28 RECIPES
ChocolateVegan and Ginger CupcakesBiscuit
“The food scene has definitely come to life here over the past few years.” The 22-year-old believes the boom is only just beginning as well. “I think once you see the one-way strip along Hunter Street come to life with the east end development that'll be phenomenal,” Josh said. People are migrating back into the city,
When he used to travel to Newcastle to play hockey as a kid, Joshua Marshall thought the harbour city was more of a “workers town” than a place you’d chose to visit. He and his family would head down the Pacific Highway, play sport, pack up and venture back home to Burringbar as swiftly as Therepossible.was never any desire to stop and spend time exploring the former coal and steel town. So, it’s rather ironic that little more than a decade later, the savvy young businessman has completely changed his tune, openly admitting he’s fallen for the city and its cool new vibe. Together with his partner Meckenzie Youngblutt, Josh has set up home in Newcastle East and is investing in the local economy, purchasing two cafes and a catering business. The couple are the duo behind 23Hundred Espresso on Scott Street in Newcastle East and Akuna Café in Merewether. After first laying roots here while Foodies are finding their feet in the city and it’s having an extensive events calendar that is driving the return, he adds. “You’ve got these major events that are putting it on the map, and as soon as people come here once, they’re realising that outside Melbourne and Sydney, Newcastle has some of the best hospitality venues in Australia,” Josh said. “And, everything is within walking distance, not many cities can brag about that.” • undertaking university degrees, the pair now call Newy home. “Newcastle is awesome,” Josh“Thesays.change that we’ve seen here in the past four years is phenomenal, especially within the East End, where we live and work. “There are so many new businesses cropping up. “When we first used to go to 23Hundred as customers there were probably two or three cafes along Pacific Street. “Now, you’re looking at six or seven different food places, and they’ve all got their own niche, and their own customers.
newcastleweekly.com.au 29 FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY MEDIASAGEMOONDIGITAL;NEWY
ARTICLE RIDDLEREBECCA
For exhibitions coordinator Gina McDonald, Whale Tales offers a chance to get up close and personal to a creature that eluded her for years. “I didn’t see my first whale until I was 40,” says the 60-year-old. “They were almost all gone years ago, they certainly didn’t come close to shore like they do now. We’re very lucky to see themBornagain.”outof an arts and culture COVID recovery initiative, Lighthouse Arts Newcastle offers a space for Hunter creatives to showcase their emerging and established talents. It will be home to Whale Tales until 18 September; open weekends from 10am to 4pm.
newcastleweekly.com.au30 ART PHOTOGRAPHY STOOPPETER ARTICLE RIDDLEREBECCA
“Whale Tales are the stories of migration told through various art forms,” Crofts says. “Art is used to tell stories, and this is a collection of stories about a creature well admired in these parts.”
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“Art is used to tell stories, and this is a collection of stories about a creature well admired in these parts.”
Whale Tales offers people a chance to get up close and personal to the creatures.
Karen Crofts says male whales do most of their cavorting during the month of August, which is why she says it’s the perfect time to host an exhibition showcasing the majestic creatures. She is, however, not a whale expert but an arts director. And, while she admits her knowledge of the giant mammal may be limited, her respect for its beauty is not. Which is why she has arranged for Lighthouse Arts Newcastle to host Whale Tales – an exhibition celebrating the migration of Photography,whales.paintings,
sculpture and poetry will all be used to honour the creatures of the deep in the city’s most unique coastal exhibition space. Located at Nobbys - Whibayganba, the venue offers not only a creative interpretation of whales, but also the promise of a glimpse of them in the wild as they travel along the coastline outside its doors.
Have whale of a time at Lighthouse Arts
WITH ENIGMA HAIR AND BODY NEWCASTLE DIRECTOR, KATE BROWN INVEST IN A SILK PILLOWCASE
Cotton pillowcases can snag and tear your hair while you toss and turn, which causes split ends. It draws moisture from the hair, causing it to become dehydrated and break, which causes frizz.
We reccomend: Home Republic Pure Silk Champagne Pillowcase, from $54.95, Adairs CHEAT ROOT LIFT
newcastleweekly.com.au 31 BEAUTY
Most people don't know that you should actually use dry shampoo before your hair gets oily. After washing and blow drying your hair, use dry shampoo on your roots. Continue to use dry shampoo each day before you wash your hair again - you will be surprised at how much volume and bounce your hair will have. We reccomend: Klorane Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk, $15.99, Priceline
Gusty cold winds, woollen beanies, scratchy blankets and indoor heating, not to mention the unprecedented rainfall – it’s all been wreaking havoc on our hair follicles of late. Here’s three tips for a great head of hair as you come out of hibernation.
After you wash your hair, use a good hair oil and volumising spray. Begin by blow drying your hair upside down. Once your hair is dry (and still upside down) blast your hair with cool air until it feels cool to the touch. This will set the style in place and will give you an instant root lift. We reccomend: Kevin Murphy Anti-Gravity Spray, $39.90 and Kevin Murphy, Young Again, $54.95, Enigma Hair + Body DRY SHAMPOO
THREE TIPS FOR BETTER HAIR
The silky surface of a silk pillowcase allows your strands to glide smoothly no matter how rough you sleep. It also helps to retain moisture and keep your locks hydrated.
newcastleweekly.com.au32 FASHION Yarn Dye Linen Blazer $299.95 Witchery VeraliBlackScoutMuleSandal$89.95 Myer Glaze Chunky Chain Resin$325Necklace Aje Carla Caruso Baby Studded Studs $300 Studio Melt Shona Joy Lèonie Long Sleeve Ruched Midi Dress $395 David Jones Vintage Slim High Ankle Jeans $49.99 H&M Black & Pink Hair Clip $6 Leo and Star $250SunglassesOmenLeoide ROCKER CHIC With spring around the corner, it's time to shed some of those dark heavy layers and start revealing your inner rockstar. Think classic accessories mixed with timeless textures when putting together your everyday style and your look will take you from day to night effortlessly. 22 CrossbodyVertical Bag Black $279 The Lair
newcastleweekly.com.au 33 FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHYWADEKATIE ARTICLE RIDDLEREBECCA
soft,spacetransformation,dramaticthenowboastsafemininefeel.Goldie’snew outfit is dressed to impress
Florals, sequins, linen and silk met with champagne bubbles, oohs and ahhs last month when Goldie’s opened the doors of its newer, brighter address in the heart of Wickham. After four years in Hamilton, the popular designer dress hire store has found a new home in a former industrial site on Greenway Street. At its VIP launch event, family, friends and supporters of the brand became the first to take a sneak peek at the new-look fashion hub. A floor-to-ceiling mirror, updated changerooms, soft furnishings, and flattering lighting all add to the feeling of being in a princess’ dressing room. And, with more than 600 designer dresses being displayed on gold-painted racks, the team at Goldie’s Designer Dress Hire are certain they’ll have an outfit for each and every occasion. The dresses are now being displayed by colour rather than size, allowing hirers to head directly to their preferred hue. Or, for those who prefer to shop from home, a simple click will advise if a dress is available on a preferred calendar date. Goldie’s Designer Dress Hire allows borrowers to rent designer label dresses size 4 to 16 for up to four days for between $50 and $250, including dry-cleaning costs. There’s even a 24/7 drop box for returning wornLabelsgarments.include Aje, Alice McCall, Zimmerman, Shona Joy, Mossman, SIR, Mackenzie Mode and Bec and Bridge. Local customers can book a free Try-On appointment if required. Part of Goldie’s ethos is to support the environment by putting an end to excess fashion waste, promoting a borrow rather than buy attitude.
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Thanks to a
“I encourage brides to consider winter weddings,” she says. “At the moment there are some stunning natives at full bloom. “They’re longer lasting, they’re hardy, they’re not too precious.”
KEEP IT REAL As part of her commitment to sustainability, Ash and her team promise to never use dye on their blooms or chemically treat bunches to make them last longer. “If you want to keep your cut flowers longer choose a reputable florist, change the water every one or two days and you can add some sugar and lemon juice,” she says.
“This acts as a stimulant, offering an extra feed of energy if it’s needed.”
Blooms to watch out for this month, she says, are daffodils - erlicheer and jonquils. “They are all cousins of the daffodil and they’re all beautiful, so fresh and lovely at the moment.
SUPPORT LOCAL For businesses that value sustainability and have ecofriendly practices, Ash recommends Botanica Bird, As Sweet As Jasmine, and Valenteen Florals – all Hunter-based retail businesses. For weddings and event flowers she’d add Film and Foliage and Flowers by Sophia Jean to the list.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Their goal is to only use flowers that are in season and grown locally. They promise they’ll never dye, bleach, or preserve a bloom.
“There are also lots of poppies, lots of soft, floaty flowers, and then there’s the stunning natives, the kangaroo paws, banksias, wax flowers and some wattle.”
ETHICS “All I encourage is that as a consumer you make sure you look into who you are purchasing from and whether their practices align with your values. Please consider sustainability in your decision.”
PHOTOGRAPHYWILDELUNALUCIE;OFHOUSECREATIVE;WOLLENEMCO;WINDWILD
It’s what she calls a back-to-basics approach and she’s hoping Novocastrians will embrace the thinking.
ARTICLE RIDDLEREBECCA
It’s about not messing with nature, and it’s how Newcastle-based creative Ashleigh Palmowski became known as The Naked TogetherFlorist.withher team she has been handling flowers in their rawest form for six years. They are now striving to return a love of Australian blooms to reduce this number.
IN SEASON “I’m all about presenting flowers in their natural state and, to do that, it is best to honour them in their best season,” Ash says. “Trends are not good for the environment.”
A record $95.4 million worth of fresh flowers were imported into Australia in 2021.
August is the final month of winter, and while most brides opt to exchange nuptials between March and May or September and November, Ash says native flowers are at their best now.
newcastleweekly.com.au34 GARDENING
In BloomFull
The ABC TV presenter will welcome crowds to the two-day festival that is tasked with raising awareness of environmental issues and inspiring people to live more sustainably. After its forced COVID-closure in 2020 and 2021, organisers are hoping to draw record crowds to the event, which runs from 23 to 25 September.
newcastleweekly.com.au 35 GARDENING
This year’s instalment features an array of sessions designed to encourage locals to reflect on their commitment to sustainableGeorgiadis,living.who has a particular fondness for the region, is looking forward to returning to centre stage. “I think the most striking aspect of the event was how inclusive it was across Living smarter with the gardening guru generations,” the much-loved green thumb“Theresays.were people of all ages really engaged and connected with all the activities that were going on. “There was such a positive and productive atmosphere – I was vacuumed into it and the day just vaporised so quickly.”
fter his hugely popular appearance at the 2019 event, gardening guru Costa Georgiadis is set to headline next month’s new look Living Smart Festival in Lake Macquarie.
“I think the most striking aspect of the event was how inclusive it was across generations.”
•PHOTOGRAPHY COUNCILCITYMACQUARIELAKE ARTICLE RIDDLEREBECCA
Popular AFestivaltheGeorgiadispresenterarchitectlandscapeandtelevisionCostawillhost2022LivingSmartnextmonth.
The Living Smart Festival weekend will include the popular Friday night Feast for the Senses dinner under the stars, featuring locally and sustainably sourced produce. New to this year’s line-up is a free Sunday Living Together Festival, celebrating multiculturalism in the community. Highlights are set to include workshops, demonstrations, market stalls, world music, international cooking classes, global gardens and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and language sessions. Living Smart Festival is one of the largest environmentally focused community events in Australia.
TEACH A BULLETPROOF RECALL Being able to call your dog away from a potential confrontation is crucial, especially in an off-lead area. A perfect recall can
literally save your dog’s life in a dangerous situation such as running into traffic or encountering a snake. To work towards a successful recall, ensure that every time your dog comes to you, it is for something good and make sure you praise and reward every time. Would you return to your owner if they are about to do something you don't like?
STAY POSITIVE Use positive reinforcement to reward the behaviours that you are after and don't reward the behaviours that you don't. The most common positive reinforcement is with food… but it can be with anything that your dog finds rewarding like toys or praise. Positive reinforcement is one of the most powerful tools in training and shaping good behaviour.
Have anddogexpectationswell-definedofyourbothathomeduringtraining.
FOCUS ON FUN Turn your training session into a game. Remember when you were at school? The lessons that you enjoyed and looked forward to the most were those where you had fun. When your dog is actively engaged, it strengthens the bond between you and it is easy for them to learn new skills and enhance existing ones. Also make sure that you are in a good mood when training as the way you are feeling will transfer to your dog.
TRAIN THE DOG IN FRONT OF YOU
WITH NEWCASTLE ALL BREEDS DOG TRAINING CLUB
Top tips to train your dog
newcastleweekly.com.au36 PETS
As we return to a bit of “normality” after the rigours of the pandemic, spare a thought for our four-legged companions. What do they need post COVID-19? Here’s some advice from our friends from the Newcastle All Breeds Dog Training Club.
Training sessions can last as little as two minutes. Seriously! Short bursts of training are rewarding for you both. Do multiple little sessions throughout the day rather than a long one. Your dog will learn to love training and you will quickly see their skills and behaviour improving.
Consider your dog’s age, maturity and life experiences and start from there. Dogs have strengths and weaknesses, too. Listen to the experts, learn from fellow dog owners, and apply that knowledge to your personal training. Also, don’t compare your dog and training journey to anyone else. Have well-defined and realistic expectations of your dog both at home and during training. Practice, patience, and praise will help your dog to live up to your expectations. Your dog will thank you for being consistent by living its best life and displaying confidence and calmness. A confident dog is a happy dog.
KEEP IT SHORT AND SWEET
Doug or Douglas (to some members of the family) is a five-year-old pug. Doug has mistakenly confused himself and thinks he's human. Like most pugs, he's a little piggy and loves his food.
newcastleweekly.com.au 37 PETS Pets of the month
Special talent: Boris has two: his freakish ability to jump extremely high and that he produces more gas per day than a cow.
Favourite activities: Watching birds through the window, sleeping and hiding in cardboard boxes. Favourite toy: Loves her cat tunnel. Favourite treat: Nutmeg loves her food, especially when she gets some tuna or chicken as a weekend treat.
REX THEBULLSTAFFORDSHIRETERRIER
Nutmeg is a four-year-old rescue ginger cat. She enjoys being the centre of attention. She is very playful and energetic, but also enjoys cuddling up on the couch at night.
Favourite activities: Sleeping and eating. He's a great little snorer that will often interrupt a Zoom call. Favourite toy: Any soft toy as long as it’s not of the pet variety. Favourite treat: Anything but hold the lettuce please. Special talent: Doug loves to talk, its his way of begging for food.
#newcastleweeklyDOUGTHEPUG
NUTMEG THE GINGER CAT
Boris is a one-year-old Blue Merle French Bulldog. He spends his day napping ready to create havoc with his insane running speed at the nearest dog park.
BORIS THE FRENCH BULLDOG
For the chance to have your furry friend featured, tag us in your pet’s pics on Instagram
Favourite activities: Lazing around watching his humans and barking at the door when visitors stop by. Favourite toy: A chicken-flavoured bone from the pet shop. Favourite treat: Chicken, kangaroo, tuna etc it’s all wonderful. But Boris won't eat dog food.
Special talent: Nutmeg has recently learned how to "sit" and "drop" on command, with a treat as an incentive of course. FOR ADOPTION
Hi! This is Rex! A cheeky little guy –we think is half beagle. He's got the floppiest ears and the silliest goofy smile when his teeth stick out. He loves to sniff and could easily be a scent dog. He's a medium energy dog, and loves gentle daily walks and maybe a game of fetch to keep his legs stretched. He loves people and toys, and being a goofy little man keeps you entertained. Rex is looking for a perfect family who will love his unique little ways and take the time to play, train and love him back. Rex would prefer to be the only paws in the house and likes families with bigger kids who can be his best buddy. To find out more about Rex, rspcansw.org.au/adopt/pet/522401/visit:
AVAILABLE
8A COAL STREET, ISLINGTON
When he purchased his Merewether property in 2018, Scipio builder James Ferguson had no idea the city was destined to be inundated with "once in a hundred-year rainfall". His plan to excavate within months, took almost a year to complete, yet he says it was worth the effort to remove every bucket of dirt.
It’s highlight, he says, is the view. “You can’t see any other houses, it's like living in the treetops.”
newcastleweekly.com.au38 PROPERTY
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom home will now withstand every element in style, and its Merewether address is the final piece of the quality puzzle.
After rain hampered the start of this massive rebuild, the $1.975 million home is now good to go. Featuring commercial grade glazing and polished concrete, this structurally-sound construction utilises every centimetre of its 262sq/m to perfection.
While he was adding the final touches to his Islington home last month, Charlestown chippy Tim Nall was causing quite a stir among onlookers.Byinsisting on using the highest-grade recycled timber throughout his three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home, he had unknowingly attracted a swath of interest, with passers-by keen to see what a carpenter uses in his own build. Having planed and polished a trailer load of hand-selected boards, Tim has been sure to display the high-end timber throughout the Coal Street address. A wooden staircase, timber fencing, hidden sliding gates and polished balustrades all showcase what he says was an expensive, but vital inclusion.
Yet this stunning home is just streets away from the beach, Glenrock Conservation Area, schools and amenities. It also boasts a reserve across the street.
Digging deep to build Merewether stunner
Charlestown chippy sells Islington labour of love
What does a chippy showcase when he puts the final touches on a build? Wood, of course, with no fixings to be seen anywhere. All of the features are hand-made and finished properly, and the beauty comes from the quality of the timber.
61 YULE ROAD, MEREWETHER
Lakefront home could float your boat
267A COAL POINT ROAD, COAL POINT
“It’s the most peaceful place we have ever lived,” they said.
Located on what locals refer to as The Golden Mile, this covetable Coal Point Road property is a boater’s paradise – complete with its own boatshed, jetty, and swing mooring.
“Once you’re down the driveway no one comes near you, it’s just you and your boat,” says agent David Westerman. the bush a reluctant decision for Thornton couple
Even the surrounding community will be hard to leave, says the mother-of-three who is relocating to Queensland.
At just 14 years old, this architecturally-designed home sitting on 744 sq/m is low-maintenance, allowing more time to enjoy the lifestyle it offers. For current homeowners Shelagh and George, the decision to return to Sydney to be closer to family comes with a tinge of sadness.
It boasts water features galore, including a below-ground saltwater lap pool, indoor spa and sauna.
15 WOODLANDS DRIVE, THORNTON
When they purchased the five-bedroom, two-bathroom premises just two years ago, Linda and her husband thought it would be their forever home. But, things change and sadly they must farewell their expansive home among the trees.
Its real estate agent describes this four-bedroom, three-bathroom home as "absolute waterfront".
Leaving
“You can entertain 12 months of the year as the house is protected and offers such good privacy.”
newcastleweekly.com.au 39
Just 30 minutes from Newcastle and boasting the recent addition of a train line, bus routes and access to numerous amenities, Linda says this Woodlands Estate home is more like a nature retreat than a suburban address. Sitting on an acre of land, home to a garage that can fit up to eight cars, and home to a pool less than 12 months old, it is with reluctance that this $1.6 million property will change hands.
“It’s such a friendly estate and the area is so peaceful. It won’t be easy to leave.”
newcastleweekly.com.au40 HOME
For the mother-of-two who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty, it wasn’t a question of if, but rather when, she’d try her hand at Sherenovating.hasbeen dabbling in design since the age of nine, boasting a collection of books filled with her ideas. From detailed mood boards, classic finishes, innovative products and simple “I used to dream up my ideal home and I knew exactly what it would be
Renovating in stages is also essential given the current market she warns.
The journey is now being shared by others seeking inspiration. “I’ll put up a picture of a space we’ve just finished, and I’ll have people ask me questions about the product we used, how long it took, and about the colour, and I love that,” Kristen says. “If I can help just one person, or offer inspiration, I think that's very valuable.”
Holidayinglike." at home in the Coastal Abode Mixing poolsideaddscoloursdifferentandtexturescontrasttothisgarden.
PLANNING “If there’s any advice I can give to someone thinking of renovating it is to live through every season before you start,” Kristen says. “I had big plans for this kitchen when we moved in. "But, when I saw it through all of the seasons those plans changed, and that made a huge difference to the overall look.”
The fact they met while both working at the Bunnings store in Kotara should have been a hint at what was to come for seasoned renovators Kristen and AdamFast-forwardTiananga.more than a decade and the Belmont-based couple is adding the final touches to their fourth home restoration. Having transformed properties in Belmont, Warners Bay and East Maitland, they are now sharing their journey from dark and drab to cool and coastal, with followers via their The Coastal Abode Instagram account.
Kristen, a full-time Lake Macquarie primary school teacher, and Adam, her project manager husband, are quickly becoming a go-to resource for other likeminded flippers in the Hunter. “That wasn’t the plan originally. We were just keeping a visual diary for ourselves to look back on. When you’re in the thick of it, it's very motivating to see how far you’ve come.”
furnishings, Kristen and Adam set about creating a "holiday at home feel" to each “Homerenovation.shouldbe a place of release. It should be calm and inviting. You should want to touch all the textures and relax in each zone, and it should all be functional and not everything has to match or look like a display home."
PLANTS Kristen’s homes boast numerous plants. “I love lots of greenery around, if I took out all my plants it would look very plain and sterile. I think greenery of all different shapes and sizes looks architectural. On their own they can look stunning, or in a plain vase. “Each space can have a different feeling with plants.”
PHOTOGRAPHY TIANANGAKRISTEN ARTICLE RIDDLEREBECCA
STORAGE “Storage Is a big factor when you’re renovating,” she advises. “Picture how you’ll be living in that space and think about how you can maximise the storage. Having a place to put things is very important to maximise a space. It allows you to put things away and reset each night. That allows you to start each new day feeling ready for what’s to come.”
TO SEE MORE SCAN THE QR CODE WITH A MOBILE DEVICE.
BE PATIENT Her most important word of advice is to not rush the process. “Be patient, everything does take time. Do your research and have a go. Everything we’ve achieved has been because we’ve just had a go.”
MIX IT UP “Mixing different coloured woods and textures adds contrast,” Kristen adds. “When you’ve spent quite a bit [of money] on a home and the cost of building materials keep going up, you need to plan well. You need to know what order to do things. "You can't have a tradie show up and need to switch off power and water when you’re in the middle of a task that needs those. Do one space and then move on to the Prioritisingnext.”
"need over want" and spending money on areas with the greatest return is another of her non-negotiables. “We started in the bathroom in one of our houses, just because the tiles were falling off and you could see through the floor, that makes it the most important space at the time," Kristen said. “The two places I feel the money should be spent are the kitchen and the bathroom. They cost the most, but they make the biggest difference, too.”
CUSHIONS “Cushions are like my wine,” Kristen says. “I love changing up colours, and cushions can completely change a look. “They’re the same cost as a bottle of wine and it's something that makes me happy. “I’ve got cupboards full of cushions. That's my weakness.”
“I always know exactly how a space is going to look because I've got my eight photos that I constantly refer to.”
“You don’t have to change all your furniture, you can pick up colours from your artwork, accents through your furnishings and then highlight different touches.”
newcastleweekly.com.au 41 HOME
CLASSIC FINISHES “You can never get it wrong if you stick to classic finishes,” says Kristen. Some of her favourite inclusions are stone benchtops, louvre windows, sheer curtains and“Lettingfloorboards.inlotsof natural light is essential, watching sheer curtains move in the breeze gives a tropical, coastal feel, and with two kids and a dog flooring needs to be hard wearing. “Once you have the classic finishes you can change up a space with decor; wooden chopping boards, plants, coloured tea towels.”
MOODBOARDS A visual plan helps keep renovators on track, Kristen“Whensays.I’ve helped other people with their renovations and they’ve come to me at the last minute and they’re not sure about paint colour or styling, I ask them to show me their mood board. “It records what you like and what you’re trying to achieve. And, it's something you can always go back to.
newcastleweekly.com.au42 HOME Fira Coffee Table $1,699 Freedom Clementine Buffet $499 Amart Furniture WITH INTERIOR DESIGNER LOUISE MACKAY A TUSCAN SUNSET Drifting seasons needn’t dictate the feel of a home. By combining warm hues with cosy textures and whimsical décor, we can all create the last days of an Italian summer without leaving our living rooms. Think blush pink, olive green, peach and clay, dotted with wooden accents for a harmonious, balance and joy we crave all year round. Fiddle-leafFig(FicusLyrata) Sharpe'sNursery Design Lives Here Book by CraswellPenny$59.99 BooksellersMacLean'sPHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHYKMACKAY
newcastleweekly.com.au 43 TheBig E Planter $75Jones&Co ELTONISCOMING! TURNTOP20. Roba 3 Seater Boucle Sofa Copper Custom $2,999 Early Settler Seville Green Glassware from $12.99 Adairs Marimekko Lokki Cushion Cover $55 Pappa Sven Penny ArmchairFabric$1,099 Freedom Centaur 3 Light Floor Lamp in Antique Brass $319 Beacon Lighting Limoncello Limited Edition Print from $300 Studio Madeline Meno Woven Tray $69 Villa Lane Nelson Dining Table in Antique Mindi $3,299 Empire Furniture Newcastle Indigo Love fromTerracottaVaseLarsonin$55 Moral Store inDiningMedusaChairPeach$689 LoveInteriorsTree
SKYLIGHTS “They come in an array of different sizes and prices, and can be cut to fit any space in a home that needs extra natural light. “Skylights make a remarkable difference,” she“Theysays.can also help ward off mould, so they’re particularly helpful in bathrooms.”
newcastleweekly.com.au44 HOME
PIZZA OVENS “People have the barbecue and they have the pool, a pizza oven then completes the trio“Pizzanicely.ovens bring people together and they are especially good“Theykids.can build their own pizzas and get hands-on helping with dinner.”
Werine adds that the unique feature does however come with a warning. “You do need to check your insurance policy as skylights may need to be specified as an extra item to be covered for hail damage.”
BARN DOOR “Barn doors are another popular feature,” she says. “They are easy to install, you Werine Erasmus is fast becoming a trusted source in all things renovation. The Toronto-based flipper and author of The Happy Renovator has turned almost two dozen homes from drab to delightful since she purchased her first property in 2002. Driven by a fear of being tied to mortgage repayments for the next 30 years, she has transformed houses, townhouses, villas, units and caravans, for individual clients, retirement villages and holiday parks. She now renovates for herself, making between $50,000 and $250,000 profit perHerproject.fading
topsharesRenovatorhertrends
SHOWER LEDGE “Where shower niches were once very popular, renovators are now preferring shower ledges,” says Werine. “The longer shelving offers more space and is a more modern touch in the bathroom.”
VJ PANELLING “There’s no reason why you can’t have a feature wall in a wet area now. “VJ panelling, or vertical joint panelling (also known as tongue and groove panelling) adds interest in a bathroom,” Werine“Easycraftsays. has an ultra-high moisture resistant VJ panelling for wet areas which is ideal for bathrooms. “It’s not only more affordable than tiling but it's easier to use, less time consuming and can really help soften the look of a bathroom.“And,they allow you to change the colour of your bathroom easily.”
South African accent can be heard across radio airwaves offering tips and hints to help others make their renovation projects easier, quicker and more profitable. “I’ve been able to make a profit by purchasing affordable property in the right suburb for the right price,” she says. “My aim is to add value through effective renovation in the right areas.”
In her latest flip, in Booragul, Werine spent $50,000 on renovations, which netted her more than $200,000 in profit.
PHOTOGRAPHY ERASMUSWERINEPHOTOGRAPHY;MILLENBRITTANY ARTICLE RIDDLEREBECCA
The task took 14 months to complete. “I’m not a traditional fast flipper,” she told the Newcastle Weekly “I think quick turnaround flips are just too much pressure. Instead I’ve created my own work-life balance. “First, I juggled renovating with working full-time, which was exhausting. Then I tried quitting my job to renovate full-time, which drained my savings. Then, finally I found the happy medium and my part-time work-andrenovate strategy was born.” Currently, Werine is transforming what she describes as “a messy, ugly patio into an outdoor entertainer's delight” with a budget of This$21,000.week she downed tools long enough to share what she says are the top five trending features in home renovating. can make your own, and they help separate a room without a solid wall.”
newcastleweekly.com.au 45 MY FAVOURITE THINGS PHOTOGRAPHY GNECCHI-RUSCONETANIA ARTICLE RIDDLEREBECCA
The ocean has always been my happy place, there’s nowhere that can make me feel more at peace or connected to the universe. I love sitting on the sand listening to the waves or gliding in the ocean holding my breath underwater. I love starting my day at Redhead Beach with Nick, Noa and our dog Cosmo.
Born in Milan, Tania moved to Australia with her family when she was a young child. She has since lived in Sydney, Italy, Bali and the Netherlands, before calling Newcastle home.
Founder of Newcastle-based custom-made fine jewellery label RUUSK.
MY FAMILY Our daughter Noa was born late last year and there’s not a day that goes by without me feeling so grateful for the opportunity to be her mum. Starting our own family traditions is one of the most precious things in my life.
Growing up in a creative and entrepreneurial home, she was taught to appreciate well-made, beautiful things from a very young age. Her family home was always filled with multicultural statues, artefacts and paintings, each with a unique story to tell. It was while she was studying design at university that Tania became passionate about creating intimate, timeless jewellery pieces that could hold meaning and sentiment for several generations. After years of travelling and experimenting with jewellery design, she returned to Australia and launched her fine jewellery label, RUUSK, dedicated to making each unique piece of jewellery a reflection of a person’s story. “Being able to create pieces that help celebrate, commemorate or empower is everything I could wish for. It’s such an honour to be asked to create something so special, pieces that may be passed down through generations. “Designing for life is my motto. It’s about striving to create meaningful pieces that withstand trends and time.”
It’s always such a joy and honour creating people’s wedding bands, however creating our own holds an extra special place in my heart. I love knowing that I created our most precious rings and every time I look down at my ring I’m immediately transported back to our magical day.
TRAVEL Immersing myself in different cultures and languages is so invigorating. I love travelling and there are so many places on my wish list. We can’t wait to spend some time in Italy next year with Noa so she can meet more of my family and we look forward to spending some slow weeks there, embracing the people, food, colours and music. MY HOME Last year, Nick and I bought our home in Eleebana. This was such an exciting step for us and this home already holds so many precious memories. Nick and I got married under the trees in our garden in an intimate wedding with our favourite people, and I laboured in our home with our daughter Noa. This home is a passion project for us and we can’t wait for many more years of love and laughter here.
WEDDING RINGS
THE OCEAN
Tania RusconeGnecchi-
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