New England Focus i146

Hattie Oates

July 2019. issue 146

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With its powerful Mercedes-Benz 3.0L V6 engine pumping out a whopping 190kW, the X 350 d is one of the most powerful utes in its class. And with 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive, multi-link coil suspension, 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes, and more - it’s more than capable of tackling even theits toughest terrain. And turning 3.0L moreV6 than a fewpumping heads while at it. With powerful Mercedes-Benz engine out ayou’re whopping

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The powerful new X-Class V6. Let them eat dust. The powerful new X-Class V6. Let them eat dust. 190kW, the X 350 d is one of the most powerful utes in its class. And with Visit Mercedes-Benz Coffs Coast and test drive today. 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive, multi-link coil suspension, 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes, and more - it’s more than capable of tackling even www.mbcoffscoast.com.au the toughest terrain. And turning more than a few heads while you’re at it. Visit Mercedes-Benz Coffs Coast and test drive today. www.mbcoffscoast.com.au

Mercedes-Benz Coffs Coast, Lot 4 Tolhurst Place, Coffs Harbour, 6648focus. 3517, DL 3461. 2 New (02) England

Mercedes-Benz Coffs Coast, Lot 4 Tolhurst Place, Coffs Harbour, (02) 6648 3517, DL 3461.

focus_ team.

team From the

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Welcome to the July edition of New England FOCUS.

ow! How can it be July already? It certainly has crept up on us, and it seems the cold weather has too. As much as you know it’s coming each year, it’s still a shock to the system when it hits! Cue Guyra and surrounds; they woke to a winter wonderland last month with a stunning snowfall, and our photographer, James Brooks, took a drive to capture the splendour. One of his pics is above, and you can see more of the white stuff on page 19. According to the average of around five snowfalls a year, hopefully we are bound to see another one or two. Be sure to check out our New England FOCUS Facebook page to view more, and give us a like while you’re there! ON THE COVER You may have noticed our exciting illustrated cover this month, with the engaging artworks from the amazing Sandy Flett. Sandy is a local artist who illustrates books and has her own YouTube channel which teaches kids to draw, amongst many other things! She wears many hats! Sandy made the tree change to Armidale with her family, and we wanted to find out what makes her tick - so read on to find out

contacts. ADDRESS 3/164 Beardy Street, Armidale NSW 2350 PHONE (02) 6771 5551 WEB www.focusmag.com.au FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ne.focus IG focus.mag E info@focusmag.com.au

about this creative woman.

project.

INSIDE THIS EDITION It’s a jam packed edition we have for you ... Let’s kick it off with our Education and Training feature - heaps of stories and interesting businesses, where you can read and learn how to upskill, or figure out where to send your kids to improve their learning outcomes.

Have you just finished your dream home? We’d love to showcase it; get in touch with us today!

Also in this edition we meet Hattie Oates, a young singer songwriter who is making waves in the industry. We learned about some gorgeous miniature animals this month too - and how cute they are? What animals, you ask? You’ll just have to read inside this edition to find out. Have you seen the giant goldfish or the Rainbow Lorikeets in Armidale? Meet CRISP, the artist behind the artworks. This street art is changing our town and bringing some much needed colour to the New England, for our locals and visitors to enjoy.

There’s also an abundance of other stories, ideas and pretty pictures to look at in this edition ... so get comfy and let us show you what the New England has to offer. NEXT MONTH Next month, as we do each August, we are pleased to be able to present to you our annual Men in Business feature. This feature is an opportunity for champions in business in our local area to tell their stories and share their success. As always, we encourage you to support these businesses. If you would like to be part of this special feature, give us a call on 6771 5551. FINAL SAY “Love challenges, be intrigued by mistakes, enjoy effort and keep on learning.” - Carol Dweck.

EDITION CO-ORDINATOR ADVERTISING SALES

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kyle Rathbone

Amber McFarlane

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Michael Marchment

SALES MANAGER Louise Beaumont louise@focusmag.com.au

MANAGING EDITOR Jay Beaumont ART DIRECTOR Dylan Gaul dylan@focusmag.com.au

SENIOR EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR Jo Robinson

Ascent provides quality support to children with disability and their families. You can receive assistance with personal activities and support to develop life skills or to participate inclusively in your community. Ascent can provide: Comprehensive choice of supports. Individual support available daily, in the evening or on weekends. At Ascent, we believe that family involvement is essential for the wellbeing and happiness of the children we support and is at heart of what we do.  

Building? Renovating? Just wanting some inspo? Green Homes have just completed an energy efficient home, and we were lucky enough to get the grand tour with Toby and Alice, the owners of Green Homes Armidale. This feature is sure to inspire you to get out there and start that next property

amber@focusmag.com.au

Ascent Care for Children

kyle@focusmag.com.au

michael@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Phiranno Chuon phi@focusmag.com.au

COPY EDITING Rite ‘n’ Rong Media Services rnrmedia@bigpond.com

PHOTOGRAPHER/EDITORIAL James Brooks james@focusmag.com.au

jo@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jeff Cowan jeff@focusmag.com.au

Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders. Information appearing in Focus is believed to be correct at the time of going to press, however no liability will be held for inaccurate information approved or supplied by advertisers or contributors. While all care is taken it is recommended that readers confirm material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. Articles marked as 'Interview or Contributor' are non-sponsored content. Greater Port Macquarie Focus is published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 621 287 8600 5. Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2018 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved. FOCUS is printed by Fairfax Media Print & Logistics North Richmond. Our paper is FFC and PEFC certified and meets with ISO14001 accreditation. FOCUS delivery bags can be REDcycled at your local Coles Supermarkets and the paper through normal recycling methods.

Want to learn more?

02 6776 8977 ascentgroup.org.au

New England focus. 3

contents Issue 146 - July 2019

focusinterviews

12

Killure Miniature Belted Galloway Stud.

feature a special

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

EDUCAIION TRAINING

Lindsay and Sally Mulligan both juggle fulltime careers off the land, as well as their Mini Beltie Stud operation. They breed and raise some of the cutest animals you’ve probably ever seen ...

F O C U S

14

F E A T U R E

28

CRISP Street Art.

Meet the artist behind the colourful Rainbow Lorikeets brightening the wall in Cinders Lane and the brilliant Goldfish on the wall of the Goldfish Bowl ...

24

Usual Suspects

Gabriel Leroy.

the

Gabriel Leroy is an Armidale local whose own personal experience with mental illness has led him to help others in a positive and inspiring way. Gabe will be running the famous Sun Herald City2Surf event in Sydney on August 11, raising funds for Beyond Blue along the way …

20. ICING ON THE CAKE WITH SUSIE DUNN 22. TOURISM WITH KATRINA GEORGE 23. WHAT’S ON JULY

43

44. STAR GUIDE WITH TERRI 46. BUSINESS MINDS WITH INGRID ROTHE 47. MINDING YOUR BUSINESS WITH ANTHONY FOX

Flinders Quartet.

Musica Viva Armidale in association with the New England Conservatorium of Music will be presenting Flinders Quartet in Armidale at the Town Hall on Thursday 25 July at 7pm. This will be a concert not to be missed.

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No matter where you are in the world, read FOCUS for free online every month @ www.focusmag.com.au

focusinterview.

Hat t i e Oates A star in the making, if we’ve ever heard one, HATTIE OATES IS YET ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THE PHENOMENAL YOUNG MUSICAL TALENT IN THE NEW ENGLAND! Hattie was heading off to Sydney for a week to record two new songs when we spoke with her at FOCUS, although she’s already well known around Tamworth and Armidale for playing gigs at local venues and weddings …

i Hattie. What's your background in the New England area? I moved to Tamworth in 2008 and have lived there ever since. I am a part of a beautiful family of four, including Mum, Dad and my brother, who have supported me with my music from the very beginning. Being able to attend school in Armidale has definitely helped me gain an audience throughout the New England. With Armidale being a very musically driven town, it has been amazing to be surrounded by numerous like-minded musicians from all different schools, as well as all the opportunities the town has to offer. At the moment I am in Year 10 at school; however, I have chosen to accelerate music in order to complete the Music 1 course by the end of next year. How old were you when you first began to play music ... and who were some of the people you learned from/with? I have loved music ever since I remember. Whilst my family aren’t particularly musical themselves, they have always shared an appreciation for music that flowed into me as a kid. I started learning music after watching my older brother play the guitar in primary school. My go to learning tool at the time was YouTube, which is where I found my passion for playing both guitar and singing. It wasn’t until singing lessons were offered on the extra-curricular form in Year 5 (10 years old) that I really started gaining skills and striving to become a performer. My first sing-

ing teacher was a lady by the name of Sally My ultimate dream is to Anne Whitten, who obviously make my music into a encouraged me to get career and do what I love before you perform involved in that year’s for the rest of my life. The and if so, how do you Country Music Festival. dream I have always overcome this? The experience of imagined is standing on There is never a the 2014 Festival was stage to a stadium full of of time when I don’t get what really kickstarted die-hard fans and hearing them nervous about any my performance from scream the words to your own performance. To be then on. song back at you ... honest, I’d be worried Where/when was if I didn’t. Sometimes your first public the butterflies come in performance ... do a small flutter; other you remember what it felt like playing to times there’s a whole zoo, but these feelings an audience for the first time? are what drive me to do my best. Usually after My debut public performance was in the the first set, I have settled in and I feel more Tamworth Centrepoint Mall on the JB HIFI comfortable, but it’s always that initial few stage, just in front of the food court! I will songs where you can feel your heart beat in never forget how undeniably nervous I was your throat. that morning. I remember getting up onstage You write your own music too. Describe with my tiny little guitar and having to sit your songwriting process. down because I’d lost my strap that morning, I wouldn’t classify myself as a prolific writer, with all the busy people swiftly walking past but usually when a song idea comes to me, I with no sign of engagement in their body can finish the foundations of it in one sitting. language. Many musicians begin their writing process in My song choice that day was Riptide by various ways. Personally, I prefer starting with Vance Joy, and just as I started singing, an a funky rhythm or chordal structure and then elderly lady took a seat and watched me connect a theme to what I feel the sound from the crowd, right through until the song provokes. I like to drop random recordings of was over and then walked over to me and ideas or lyrics in my phone for inspiration, for congratulated me on my performance; that when I’m feeling in the mood to write. tiny little gesture meant so much to me in You'll be in Sydney recording shortly that moment. before this interview goes to print. What Nowadays, you have plenty of gigs under have you been working on? your belt. You've played at weddings, in At the moment I am in Sydney recording pubs and clubs. Do you still get nervous

two songs for the next four days with my producer in Coogee. These two songs are quite different to my previous music. Even though I’m still staying true to my sound, I felt it was time to take the production side to a different place and experiment with various sounds. Both songs share similarities but, on a whole, have quite different feels to each other. I am super excited for people to hear them, even though at the moment they aren’t finished yet - I just really can’t wait. If the sky was the limit - what do you dream of achieving one day? My ultimate dream is to obviously make my music into a career and do what I love for the rest of my life. The dream I have always imagined is standing on stage to a stadium full of die-hard fans and hearing them scream the words to your own song back at you; I think that would be absolutely amazing! Where can we follow your journey/purchase or listen to your music? To follow my journey, my Facebook page is where it’s at! I also have an Instagram page, and I’m slowly starting a YouTube channel. My current music can be purchased/downloaded on all streaming sites available, including Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, Soundcloud and more. Thanks Hattie. Interview: Jo Robinson. Photos: Roze Brazel. New England focus. 5

focusinterview. Ship's bell.

ENDEAVOU OUNG R • Y •

Kieren

McGrath

The Young Endeavour under sail.

Kieren McGrath experienced an unforgettable journey recently, spending 11 days aboard the Young Endeavour. Kieren was awarded this wonderful opportunity through the Rural Fire Service, and the skills he learned will stand him in good stead both now and in the future …

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i Kieren. Please tell us a little about yourself … My name is Kieren McGrath, and I’m a 22-year-old volunteer fire fighter with the Kentucky Rural Fire Service brigade. I joined the RFS because both my mother and father were members, and I remember as a kid wanting to go out on the truck with Dad! I’ve been with the service for seven years now. How did the opportunity to spend eleven days at sea aboard the Young Endeavour come about? I spent eleven days at sea after my application was successful in winning a scholarship through the Rural Fire Service. I applied for the scholarship in 2018, after being nominated by my Regional Office. I was unsuccessful the first year I applied, but my application ranked runner-up for that year. Deciding not to give up, I gave it another go this year. I was one of two winners of the 2019 NSW Rural Fire Service Young Leader Scholarship and got the opportunity to join the voyage as part of the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme. Coinciding with NSW Youth Week, along with 27 other youth crew from around Australia, we departed Sydney on April 15 aboard the Young Endeavour, a scheme that is run in partnership with the Royal Australian Navy. We also had ten Navy crew on board, including our Chef and the Captain, who were our mentors for the voyage. What opportunities were you given on board the Young Endeavour … and what skills did you learn? My 11-day voyage provided an opportunity to participate in all the challenges of sailing a tall ship, learning skills such

6 New England focus.

Kieren with Ship's Captain - presentation.

as how to navigate, keep watch, set and furl sails, climb a Living on board with such confined spaces soon made 30-metre mast, take the helm and cook in the galley - and you appreciate what little space you had. Mobile phones I can’t forget Happy Hour! This is when you get to scrub and social media were not permitted on the voyage, so this the deck and the ship from top to bottom, all daily tasks - a alone was most unusual for a group of 16 - 23 year olds. different twist on Happy Hour for a 22 year old. We spent our free time getting to know each other, and The Youth Crew was split into playing deck games, board games and three groups, and I was appointed cards. Watch Leader of my group. I enjoy The day we docked in Newcastle, the mentoring cadets and younger ship was open to visitors, and during members of the Rural Fire Service, part of the day we welcomed aboard Living on board with such so I was happy to be leading one a disability group and their families to confined spaces soon made of the Youth Group Crews. show them over the ship and take them you appreciate what little We were rostered on to different sailing around the harbour. It was a space you had. Mobile shifts during the day and night, rewarding experience to interact with phones and social media learning all the tasks required to the group and see their excitement. were not permitted on the sail the ship. During the last 24 Why would you encourage others voyage, so this alone was hours of the ship’s voyage, the to experience a voyage on the most unusual for a group running of the ship was handed Young Endeavour? of 16 - 23 year olds. over to the Youth Crew. During Although I was excited to board that night we ended up with sleep the ship at Garden Island in Sydney shifts of only four hours, as all Harbour, I wasn’t sure what to expect, Youth Crew were required on deck but after pulling into Newcastle Harbour for our usual night watches, and twice during the night the day before ANZAC Day - I didn’t want to leave. it was all hands on deck, to tack the ship to keep us on I can say now it was one of the most amazing course. experiences of my life. I learned so much, made some What locations did the Young Endeavour visit? lifelong friends, and can now sail on any tall sailing ship in The ship sailed to Jervis Bay, Broken Bay, Port Stephens Australia or New Zealand. and Newcastle, where we often had pods of dolphins Thank you to the Rural Fire Service, all the Youth Crew joining us on our voyage. We anchored in the bays and set and Navy Staff who made it all the more worthwhile. ashore in smaller boats for some group bonding tasks and It is not a pleasure cruise and can be a lot of hard work, recreation time. but if you have the chance to go, I would recommend the What were some of the experiences you enjoyed experience to anyone. most while on board? Thanks Kieren.

Family

the O N

T A S

B O A R D I N G

Co-educational boarding at The Armidale School is proving to have all sorts of benefits - and not just for the students. Ahead of the Boarding Schools Expo in Tamworth this month, we speak with Tamworth siblings Will and Emma Benham and their mother Pip about why TAS is a logical education destination for the whole family.

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mma, Will, what do you love about boarding? Will: The opportunities that boarding has given me and spending time with my mates and just the access

to everything - great sports, extra-curricular activities and cadets, which I would have difficulty fitting in if I wasn’t living at school, with the support of everyone. Emma: The friendships you make are really unique, because you are living and learning with people all the time. How did you feel about starting at boarding school? E: I was a bit apprehensive about homesickness but as soon as I got here, having Will here and knowing a few other girls from Tamworth, I had the best time settling in and made some really good friends immediately. I

actually was never homesick, but I knew that if I ever would be, I had Will to lean on, which is really nice. What life skills can boarding teach you? W: It’s taught me a lot about myself. We all go through ups and downs in life but being able to deal with those when you are away from home gives you a lot more perspective on it, seeing as in the boarding house you have people from overseas and from all across the country. So, you learn from others and find ways to push through it, and you just gain a lot of ways to help make you a better person, I believe. E: I’ve become a more independent person and able to rely on myself a lot more. As a kid you practically rely on your parents for everything, so it’s good to learn those skills by going to boarding school, where you also have people there the whole way to help you

develop them. Emma, what’s it like boarding at the same school as your brother? E: It’s actually really good, because being on different parts of the school and in different year groups we’re able to be there for each other if needed, but we’re not living out of each other’s pockets. Pip, what are the benefits for your family of co-educational boarding? Will and Emma are actually very close siblings and they look out for each other, but at the same time they can follow their own individual pursuits and interests and also have

the same opportunities, which isn’t usually the case when your children are at different schools. It’s nice as a family when they can’t be at home that at least they can be away together and support each other. TAS has allowed us to be part of a one family, one community school. We can do swimming carnivals together, sports and activities together, be part of the one P&F, attend one speech day, and also very importantly, it allows us to take part in the school’s sibling discount scheme, so that all makes it very attractive for us as a family.

TAS Boarding The one for all

Tamworth Boarding Schools Expo

26–27 July 2019

With one hundred and twenty five years of excellence in boarding - our boarders experience academic, co-curricular and pastoral programs designed specifically to give our students the edge. Visit us at the Boarding Schools Expo to learn more about the TAS boarding experience. Mrs Jo Neilson – Enrolments Registrar M 0425 222 317

T 02 6776 5823

E enrol@as.edu.au

www.as.edu.au

New England focus. 7

Supplied by Kian West

Virtual REALITY wint e r wonderland experience AT

A R M I D A L E

C E N T R A L

The experts in virtual reality technology, Fun Filled Events, are bringing their Winter Wonderland experience to Armidale Central from July 15th - 19th. Each day from 10am to 2pm you will be able to practice their program for free. Looking for something cool, new, creative, interesting and fun to do in the school holidays? Armidale Central is worth the visit. Virtual Reality delivers a fun, interesting, learning experience in a safe environment for anyone. Not sure what it is all about? Watch the screens at the stall to see what everyone else is experiencing first. Armidale Central is located at 225 Beardy Street in Armidale.

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focusinterview.

Anna Henderson has been exhibiting with Gallery 126 for many years, FROM THE VERY BEGINNING WHEN WE OPENED THE GALLERY IN 2002, initially with her ceramic work and then progressing to her paintings.

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A N NA

H E N D E R S O N.

er ceramic pieces currently in the gallery include large raku fired pots to smaller vessels and her signature small houses. Her atmospheric landscapes range from smaller works, 30 cm x 30 cm, up to larger works of a metre by a metre. Anna has developed a method of painting by applying the paint, building up with layer upon layer and then scratching and working back into the layers, resulting in a style which is well recognised and unique to her. Her work can always be viewed at Gallery 126. We asked Anna to discuss her work environment and her

process of making art. “I live thirty three kilometres on the eastern side of Guyra, on a block, surrounded by sheep and cattle properties. “When asked by Anne, at Gallery 126, if I would like to be part of the artist’s studio series for FOCUS, I hesitated; my studio is not the typical artist studio, it is a very messy shed, filled with the chaos of working with both clay and paint. It houses three rather old kilns, and a pottery wheel. “We have been talking about renovations for years now, but have never quite gotten around to it, maybe because it just works the way it is. It is a basic space, and I tidy it up once in a while. “There have been a couple of challenges. One day, a couple of summers ago, I was

fully absorbed in what I world and do what I was doing, and looked love to do, painting I paint semi abstract towards the door and and playing with clay. and abstract landscapes was confronted by “I paint semi and follow no particular a large, aggressive abstract and abstract rules. The work is brown snake on his landscapes and follow somewhat of a journey, way in. I threw a rolling no particular rules. many layers of paint, lots pin at him; luckily, he The work is somewhat of lines and textures. retreated. Since that of a journey, many day there has been a layers of paint, lots of ‘snake barrier’ across lines and textures. the doorway. Winter “My ceramic work can be a little daunting when everything is wheel thrown or hand built, all low fired, freezes, including me!” specialising in raku, sawdust and saggar “But like most other artists’ studios, it is firing. my space, and tends to be a private place “My thanks to Gallery 126 for their where I can retreat from the rest of the continuing support.” - Anna Henderson.

New England focus. 9

focusinterview.

Gold Member al Bello Winter Music festiv Gold Member is an Australian band that will be performing at Bello Winter Music Festival this year. THE TRIO IS MADE UP OF AARON, ANGUS AND JESSE, AND THEIR MUSIC COULD BE DESCRIBED AS A KIND OF ALTERNATIVE R ‘N’ B/ ELECTRONIC. We spoke with Angus about the band’s beginnings, their unique style and what we can expect from them.

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hat best describes your music? It’s a bit of a hybrid somewhere between GoldLink and Rex Orange County; it will definitely get you moving on the dance floor, get the blood pumping, and there’s a couple in there where you can really sit back and just take it all in. How did you guys find each other? Was it always a trio? No, it wasn’t. We found each other when Az was guitar tech-ing for the Sticky’s and I was opening for them, just doing some DJ stuff between the bands, and Neil (our manager) just introduced us to each other and saw some musical chemistry initially and then sort of implored us to make some tunes together! We both respected this man, so we took his advice seriously. And then, literally every day for the next two weeks, Az was over at my place and we got a collection of songs together. We were loving them, so we sent them over to Neil to see what he thought of them; he loved them as well, and then straight away he put us on the road with Sticky’s that following week! So, after getting together for two weeks and writing music, the third week we went up to Queensland and supported Sticky’s as a band! Just the two of us as a duo. It was hit the ground running, that’s for sure. It was a beautiful time. It was the best possible way to start a band, really, having someone like Neil with their ear 10 New England focus.

when do you know it’s to the ground, and how EXPECT LOTS OF DANCING, finished? different Az and I are to LOTS OF GROOVING. IT’S That’s the best part each other; Az was into JUST A LOT OF FUN. WE about having so many like Blues and Roots, JUST HAVE A LOT OF FUN members; we don’t have RnB, people like Justin TOGETHER, THE THREE OF just the three of us - we Timberlake and Michael US, AND THAT BECOMES have our management Jackson. And I was into TRANSPARENT AND team as well. They are dubstep, electronic, like CONTAGIOUS, REALLY. quite helpful when we are Flume - that kind of vibe. bouncing around ideas. So Neil put us together, When someone comes to hoping that we’d meet the table with something somewhere in the middle, they’ve written, whether it’s a chorus or a which we did. melody or a verse or a beat, whatever it might Then we had a gig in Woolongong, and we be, it’s about letting go of the ego and letting got Plural (another duo) on for support. They the song take form organically. were really good and we instantly clicked with Within the five of us we all respect each their lead man, Jesse. After a while, slowly but other’s opinions enough that the songs kind of surely, we kind of poached him and got him into just get created between us quite easily. And our band! He was awesome, we didn’t really Someone will usually just suggest it’s done, and know that we needed a third member until we we’re always pretty much in agreeance, then it’s met Jesse and started writing with him; he just just mixing and mastering from there. became the last piece of the puzzle that glued us You’ve played some pretty big venues all together. before, and you’re coming to Bello Winter How long did your EP take to make? Music Festival this year. What’s it like It kind of just happened. We only decided to coming out to more regional/rural areas to make it an EP when we were sitting on about play? six or seven songs anyway, and then we put Relaxing, fun, stress-free; there are always those four together as the ones that would beautiful people around. I find that the people work together and finished them off properly in areas like Bellingen are always so welcoming; and made them the EP. We kind of like to work they show gratitude and are happy to have us, while were on the road; we just write and see and we are so happy to be there. There’s just what happens. It probably took about four to six this beautiful exchange of energy. Whereas, months all up, just because we wanted it to be sometimes you go to the big zones and there perfect. are thousands of people you have to please, and After writing and putting together a song,

it can become way less personal - not to say it’s not great in its own right for different reasons. Coming to a place like Bello is almost like a holiday; the culture is great - it’s such a vibrant little festival. We always come away with new friends. Watching some of your video clips, Poppin caught my attention; it just looks like you guys are having so much fun! Is that what it’s like when you guys play live too? Yeah, definitely! We’re here for a good time, just maybe not a long time! Expect lots of dancing, lots of grooving. It’s just a lot of fun. We just have a lot of fun together, the three of us, and that becomes transparent and contagious, really. What’s your favourite track to play live and why? My favourite track at the moment would be Blue Choma, because it’s got such a bop. We’ve just released it, so it’s fresh, and the trumpet comes out in the brass section - and I just love playing the trumpet! I actually inherited my trumpet from my aunty who passed away, so I feel her with me when I get it out for that track, and that’s beautiful for me. Thanks Angus.

Gold Member playing at Bello Winter Music on July 11th until 14th. Tickets available from www.bellowintermusic.com

New England focus. 11

focusinterview.

KILLURE

MINIATURE BELTED GALLOWAY STUD Lindsay and Sally Mulligan both juggle full-time careers off the land, as well as their Mini Beltie Stud operation. Breeding and raising some of the most attractive cattle you’ve probably ever seen, the Mulligans explain just what it is about Miniature Belted Galloways that makes all the hard work and effort so rewarding …

H

i Lindsay and Sally. What are your backgrounds in the New England area? Lindsay: I was born in Guyra and raised on a sheep and beef cattle property west of the town. Horses and other sporting pursuits have played a large part in my life. I attended many pony camps in the district and competed successfully at shows throughout northern NSW, as well as Royal Shows in Sydney and Brisbane. I also played a lot of cricket and represented Guyra and the Northern Tablelands at both junior and senior level. I went on to play first grade cricket in Sydney with the Sydney Cricket Club and was also a member of the senior Northern NSW Emu Cricket Club team that made a three month world tour. I also made a separate tour of New Zealand. Sally: My family moved to Guyra when I was in my early teens, after my father was appointed as the Guyra Central School principal. I’m very interested in agricultural sustainability and have completed courses on regenerative and organic farming. I’ve also completed courses on stock management, including low stress management. I’m a registered nurse and have specialised in oncology and emergency nursing; I work at the Armidale Hospital. Lindsay: I’m a civil engineer and own a company specialising in the project management of highway and bridge construction. This work has seen me manage projects along the east coast of Australia in many towns and cities from Hervey Bay to Sydney. We also spent two years working in Ireland. Sally worked at the Mater Private Hospital in Dublin and then at the Waterford Hospital. I worked on the Waterford Bypass Project, that included the biggest bridge in Ireland. Working in Ireland was a great experience and also provided us with the opportunity to spend holi12 New England focus.

days and weekends in places such as Barcelona, Rome, Paris, London and Edinburgh, as well as travel extensively throughout Ireland. How did you come to own and set up the Killure Miniature Belted Galloway Stud? Lindsay: We purchased our 100 acre property in 2008. We also have long term leases over two adjoining similar size properties. There was very little in the way of improvements when we took possession of our property. Although the pasture was in good condition, the fences were poor and needed to be completely replaced. There was no house; in fact, no buildings at all. There were no yards, no roads and no power, just a small number of dams that supplied stock water. Although there was very little in the way of capital improvements, this presented the opportunity to start from scratch and develop a property in the way we wanted. The property is also ideally located, with great views and is close to Armidale. Since we started developing the farm, we have constructed roads, connected power, built a passive solar house, machinery shed, hayshed, stables, stockyards, cattle handling facilities, hothouse/greenhouse, garden sheds, developed large vegetable and flower gardens, an orchard and chookhouse. In addition, we have completely fenced the whole of the property into 15 paddocks, with new rabbit proof fencing. We have also sunk a bore and developed an extensive water reticulation system for stock and domestic use. We planted hundreds of trees, including a stunning driveway of lipstick maples, that create a glorious red avenue in the autumn. After purchasing the property, we primarily ran Angus steers for a number of years. Although this operation was relatively easy and was well suited to our off farm work, we decided to take on the more challenging prospect of starting a stud cattle enterprise.

Why did you choose Mini Belties, in particular? Sally: Belted Galloways were always a favoured option, mainly because of their striking appearance. However, after closely researching several breeds, the Belted Galloways became an even more attractive proposition because of such features as placid temperament, easy calving, excellent beef quality, adaptability to hot and cold climates, hardiness, non-selective grazers, feed conversion and mothering ability. Mini Belties are also becoming popular in the restaurant trade, where the smaller cuts are ideally suited to meal serving sizes. Buyers also pay a premium for their hides, because of the striking black and white colour contrast. What are the distinguishing characteristics of Miniature Belted Galloways? Sally: Obviously, their striking colour of black with white belts sets them apart from all other cattle. They are also small cattle and are ideal for smaller farms, as they are very attractive, easy to handle and can be used as lawnmowers on small acreage blocks. You also raise miniature horses on your property. What breeds/qualities do you focus on in particular? Sally: The miniature horses are an expensive hobby! We have tried to produce miniature versions of larger fine boned breeds such as Thoroughbreds. We look for horses with an athletic conformation that cover the ground easily and fluently and have good balance. The horses are real characters and love to play with the calves. Roughly how many head of stock do you currently run? Sally: We currently run around 50 head of Miniature Belted Galloways, five miniature horses, six alpacas and far too many Wiltipoll sheep! We also have Maremma livestock guardian dogs and chooks. What services do you offer at Killure?

Lindsay: We sell Mini Belties to other stud or commercial breeders. We also sell to hobby farmers and to people on small blocks, who use them as lawnmowers or pets. There are extremely few Miniature Belted Galloway studs in Australia, which means we have either sold to, or had enquiries from, all states. Mini Belties are highly sought after and, as a result, are often not available to purchase. What does a "typical day" on the farm look like? Sally: There is no such thing as a “typical day”. Time, or lack of, is our biggest issue. There never seems to be enough time to get all the things done we want to. This is especially so, as Lindsay’s civil engineering business takes up a lot of his time. However, we have developed the property to a point where most of our planned infrastructure is now in place. With the current drought, daily feeding of animals is a “must”. I also love gardening - both vegetables and flowers. I grow many different vegetables all year round, which is a big effort in a climate like Armidale’s, but the hothouse helps a lot. What are your plans for the rest of 2019 particularly in light of the current drought and economic circumstances? Lindsay: We will continue with our cattle stud breeding program. The drought means we are hand feeding, but one major advantage of Mini Belties is that most prospective purchasers like to get them as soon as they are weaned at around five months old, instead of the usual 18 or 24 months that most cattle are sold at. This effectively means we only have to carry breeding stock and their calves. Where can we contact you or find out more about your stud? Sally: Our website address is: www.minibelties.com.au Thanks Lindsay and Sally. Interview: Jo Robinson.

focus_travel

NEAL & VICKI KEMBERY FROM TRAVEL 195

Your local travel agent

SAVE 10% OFF & 2020 trips to North America!^

It’s been a while since I last wrote a travel column for FOCUS, and lots of things have been happening. Travel 195 has moved back to Dangar Street in the old Courtney’s Jewellers building, which we are very happy about. We are now also part of the Travellers Choice group of independent travel agencies, giving us better buying power with operators and airlines - which means better deals for our clients - and also means we are the only agency in Armidale that can sell the great value “Bucket List” holidays offered by Trip A Deal.

N Bucket list adventures at affordable prices Travel 195 - your preferred travel agent for TripADeal

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Europe River Cruising 2020 108 Danger Street, Armidale (02) 6772 2585 vicki@travel195.com.au www.travel195.com.au *Conditions apply: ^Save 10% off Insight Vacations & Luxury Gold 2020 trips to North America: offer applies to new bookings made & paid in full by 18 Dec 19 only, is subject to availability & can be withdrawn or amended at any time without notice. Standard deposit conditions apply. All discounts apply to land-only portion of trip & does not include cruise, internal flights or rail components. +Fly free: Flights are based on wholesale economy airfares in (W) Class with Singapore Airlines or an airline of Travelmarvel’s choosing. Includes taxes of up to $300 per person from SYD/MEL/ADL/BNE/PER. Fly Free is not offered for Land Only Journeys. Further conditions may apply. Booking, cancellation & credit card service fees may apply. ATAS No. A10833.

eal has a busy few months ahead, with his Walking Tour of the UK going ahead in September this year. He always says that September is the best time of the year to visit the UK, so is looking forward to sharing the beauty of the English countryside with the clients on his walk. We also have other Walking Trips planned for May and September next year, visiting the iconic rambling areas of the Yorkshire Dales, the Lake District, Snowdonia in North Wales and the Peak District in central England so if you like to walk and enjoy the countryside, pop in and talk to us about these trips. They can be tacked on to any other things you might want to do in Europe and the UK. Walking in Cornwall is another trip we are looking to organise for next year, so get those boots on and come along! I’ve been lucky enough to have holidayed in Africa and also India over the past 12 months two vastly different holiday destinations, which gave me some great experiences and memories. My last Africa trip in September last year was to Kenya and Tanzania, visiting the Masai Mara and Serengeti wilderness areas. I’ll never tire of sitting watching lions sunning themselves after a kill, or elephants cooling down beside waterholes, not to mention the thousands of wildebeest grazing on the plains. This trip I also took a sunrise balloon ride, which I had never done before, but which I highly recommend. My trip to India was something completely different and I must admit India was everything I had been told to expect - a real dichotomy of standards, beliefs, food, experiences, religions and cultures - and very hard to describe or explain to people. India really is one of the few places in the world that I would say if you want to know about it, you have to go there and experience it yourself. Pictures and words just don’t do it justice and don’t go anywhere near to

explaining what you will experience. I was fortunate enough to travel on one of the great luxury train journeys in the world - the Deccan Odyssey, and after a couple of days sightseeing in Mumbai, visited some amazing ancient areas of India, including the Ellora and Ajanta Caves, as well as the seaside area of Goa and finishing up with some tiger hunting [of the photographic sort] in Pench National Park. Afterward I did the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra. Delhi would have to be one of the most confronting cities I have visited and the Taj Mahal in Agra the most beautiful and mesmerising building I’ve ever seen - as I said, India is a country of vast contrasts. But well worth a visit, or two! As I mentioned before, we are now able to book clients those great value Bucket List holidays offered by Trip A Deal, so if you see a deal that appeals, drop in and speak to us about it. We can also offer an exclusive Trip A Deal holiday not advertised in any papers. This month’s deal was a five star trip to … India! With the drought still raging in this area, I know it’s hard for a lot of people to plan and look ahead to book a well-earned holiday, and with earlybird deals offering massive savings on airfares but having to be booked months in advance, it’s hard for many people to commit to paying for a holiday that, if things change [for better or worse] they may not be able to take. So it’s good to see that travellers can now take out Travel Insurance, which covers you for “cancel for ANY reason”. So, if you want to take advantage of one of the many great Earlybird deals which need to be booked and paid now, but aren’t for travel until sometime next year, you can go ahead and take out the “cancel for any reason” option, and if your circumstances change and you can’t go, the cost of cancelling your holiday is covered. That’s about all I have room for this time. Look forward to seeing you when you’re planning your next holiday. Happy and safe travelling. New England focus. 13

focusinterview.

AS YOU’RE WALKING OR DRIVING AROUND ARMIDALE, IT WOULD BE HARD TO MISS THE COLOURFUL RAINBOW LORIKEETS BRIGHTENING THE WALL IN CINDERS LANE, OR THE BRILLIANT GOLDFISH ON THE WALL OF THE GOLDFISH BOWL … BUT DO YOU KNOW MUCH ABOUT WHO PAINTED THESE MURALS? MEET CRISP - A STREET ARTIST WHO’S LEFT HIS MARK ALL AROUND THE WORLD.

H

i CRISP. What's your relationship with the New England region ... and what keeps drawing you back to the area? I grew up and went to school in Tamworth and Armidale, and my parents still live in Armidale today. So, I always love coming back to my old stomping ground and seeing my oldies! You travel widely ... so of all the places in the world you could have chosen to live for many years, what was it about Bogotá, Colombia, that attracted you as a home base? 14 New England focus.

There definitely was never a dull moment. Colombia unfortunately gets a lot of bad press and negative stereotypes about it, which isn’t fair. This amazing country offers Bogota is athan mecca so much more whatfor is urban art; its streets depicted in Narcos! It and are has alaneways very rich culture saturated with in music, the arts, for Bogotá is a meccas and everyandform cuisine tourism. et urban art; its stre rated of street artc It has the Pacifi laneways are satu reet art that you can and Caribbean st with ever y form of k of. We think of. We coasts, Andes that you can thin e city; loved that Mountains, loved that side of th side ofJungle, the Amazon e er th my wife was based t, and city; my wife pampas lands and as a flight attendand there was based cloud forests that therefore we settle s. are bursting with I discovered Colombia for many year beautiful flora and when travelling South fauna. America first in 2001. I How did you first actually met my now wife back become interested in street then on a bus trip - that went from art? a long-distance friendship to something I grew up with artist parents and much more serious when I returned in 2009. developed an interest in street art while Bogotá is a mecca for urban art; its streets living in the UK for nine years. I followed the and laneways are saturated with every form rise of Banksy around Bristol and London. Once of street art that you can think of. We loved that I moved to Bogotá, I went from photographside of the city; my wife was based there as a ing the streets to creating my own murals and flight attendant, and therefore we settled there pieces on walls. for many years. What/where was the first piece of street art What was it like living in Colombia ... is it as you created ... and how do you think you've colourful as it appears?

developed as an artist since then? My first experience of street art in a traditional muralism sense was when I was a young child. I was passing by a mural being painted by Angus Nivison next to the Tamworth Town Hall with my mum and sister. We stopped to talk with him, and he let me climb up on to the scaffolding and paint some gum leaves he was painting on the wall! I think that moment sparked something inside me that re-ingnited all those years later, when I painted my first proper mural in Bogotá, Colombia. It was something small and basic and based off some artwork I had drawn as a child. Now I do very large stencil and freestyle-based works that take some planning and dedication to complete. I love the process, from sketch design to the finished article on the wall! Your art has been a huge talking point in Armidale - first with your mural on the wall outside the Goldfish Bowl, and more recently with the colourful Rainbow Lorikeets you've painted in Cinders Lane. How did you come up with designs for these pieces ... it appears you use a giant stencil to paint with? Yes, I use the stencil technique predominantly to create my murals. The process is quite complex and starts with choosing photos or doing drawings to create a design which suits the space, area or wall specifically. Then the

Bo art; sa stre We l wif atte

design needs to be modified into a stencil, which entails printing it, cutting out the designs, and finally applying them on to the wall with spray paint and tape. I also freestyle spray paint to add more depth and colour to my pieces. I try to use imagery that depicts and draws from the location or surroundings. I love painting animals of every form! Some people would confuse street art with graffiti. How would you explain the ogota isdifference? a mecca for urban its streets and laneways are Graffiti and street art come under the umbrelaturated with every form of la term of urban art. Saying that, these forms eet art can thatcoexist you and canaren’t think of. always so easy to distinloved that side of the city; my guish from each other. Many writers are now fe was based there as a flight street artists, or vice versa. Traditionally though, endantgraffiti and stems therefore settled from the graffiti writing movement thereand forhipmany years. hop culture of tags, throw ups and pieces. The art in graffiti lies in the typography

focusinterview.

t bored I think I would ge just one g in if I was only do t and thing. Both the ar ulate im st science work ergy for me and provide en as they r, he me to do the ot nt and are both so differe rts of pa nt activate differe my brain.

and different forms/ styles of the letters and words. Whereas, street art is basically art that’s been applied on the walls of streets, rather than in galleries etc. It tends to be more accepted by society, as people can understand it and appreciate it more, as it’s easier to interpret recognisable imagery. What are some other projects you've worked on that you really enjoyed? I’ve been involved in many interesting projects around the world. I really like doing “Pimp my Carroza”, which a project in Latin America where artists, engineer students and mechanics volunteer their talents to improve the carts that the very poor people use to collect recyclable

materials in the streets, so the carts are more ergonomic and aesthetic for the users! I’ve also painted several murals for “Smile South Central”, which supports improving the community and aesthetic of south central Los Angeles. I also set up a project in Bogotá, Colombia, where we fund mural projects throughout the city, especially the more impoverished neighbourhoods, adding colour and positivity to the streets. I’m all about using street art to bring opportunities and positivity to in need parts of cities and their people. You also work as a physiotherapist parttime, I believe. One of your career choices is very science based, while the other is extremely creative. How do you grapple with or balance these two completely different mindsets? Yes, I’m a physiotherapist in intensive care, trauma/orthopaedics and a medical assessment unit in a major hospital, which I really enjoy. I’ve always been very interested in science, medicine and health, so it was a natural progression for me to study something science related. I learned my art skills from my parents, who are both artists and encouraged my interest in the arts from a very young age. I think I would get bored if I was only doing just one thing. Both the art and science work stimulate me and provide energy for me to do the other, as they are both so different and activate different parts of my brain. I feel more balanced and fulfilled in life when I’m doing both. Saying that, working as an artist is

financially challenging in Australia, due to the government’s lack of funding and artist opportunities. It’s such a shame the current government doesn’t seem to value the arts, which fundamentally defines our culture on the world stage. What are some of your future plans - any new artworks in the pipeline? I’m actually currently preparing to paint a Helen Keller tribute mural in Queens, New York, where she lived and worked while she did her disability activism work. Plus, a Colombian/ Australian partnership mural as part of a special dialogue that I’ve been invited to in Bogotá, Colombia in June, to discuss strengthening the two countries’ relationship through art, tourism and culture. I also plan to paint some other personal project murals while travelling to these areas. I hope to come back to Armidale soon and paint more murals there, as I think it’s important smaller rural towns and cities have street art to inspire and provide interest to the community and the younger generation. Where can we see more examples of your work? Well, I have three murals in Armidale, one at the Goldfish Bowl bakery, then the recent large mural I did for the Colours festival on Cinders Lane of Rainbow Lorikeets, and a Ganesha inspired mural at Sama Yoga studio. There are many murals scattered around Sydney, especially in the inner west suburbs of Marrickville and Newtown. I also have murals in Bogotá, Colombia, where I lived for eight years with my wife, who is from there. Plus, others around the world in New York, LA, México City, London, Berlin, Barcelona, Paris, Winnipeg, Melbourne, and many more. I love mixing travel with street art. Thanks CRISP. Interview: Jo Robinson. www.crispstreetart.com New England focus. 15

Wingham Reserve 750 g ribeye on the bone with chips and garden salad, accompanied by “The Gables� Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon from The Longyard Hotel. 16 New England focus.

eats New England

AZKA RESTAURANT @ THE POWERHOUSE Avocado Smash 31 Marsh St, Armidale Phone 6772 7788 Open 6:30am - 10pm, seven days.

THE LONGYARD HOTEL Wingham Reserve 750 g ribeye on the bone with chips and garden salad. 10/12 Ringers Rd, Tamworth Phone 6765 3411. Open seven days.

CAFÉ PATISSERIE A selection of sweet bites. 80 Rusden Street. Phone 6787 4040. Open Wed - Sun, 8am - 4pm.

New England focus. 17

event

Impress at your next

Roast Sweet Potato

Smoked Salmon , KIMCHI +

Roast Cherry Tomatoes INGREDIENTS (SERVES 2)

Meetings | Conferences | Private Dinners

1 sweet potato 100 g smoked salmon 10 cherry tomatoes 100 g bought kimchi 2 tbsp wasabi aioli (mayonnaise and wasabi paste combined to taste) 1 tsp wasabi sesame seeds Optional: thinly sliced radish and pea sprouts as garnishÂ

Chef Lusyianna Setra

Azka Restaurant, Wine and Tapas Bar

Delicious catering, attentive service & superb function spaces at The Powerhouse Armidale will ensure your event, meeting or conference is nothing less than a success. The hotel offers a range of contemporary venue options: a private dining room for 14, boardroom for 22, spacious function room for 130 & Azka Restaurant. At The Powerhouse we understand the importance of all occasions and can tailor a package to your requirements.

Quality Hotel Powerhouse 31 Marsh Street, Armidale NSW 2350 Phone (02) 6772 7788 Open daily from 6.30am until late

METHOD

Gently heat through kimchi in a pan.

Wash whole sweet potato and slice into 1 cm thick rounds.

Smear your serving dish with wasabi aioli and place 3 slices of rolled smoked salmon, sweet potato slices, tomatoes and kimchi on top.

Place sweet potato on a lined baking tray and drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper and place in oven for 35 minutes until soft. Toss cherry tomatoes in olive oil and sea salt and place on the tray and cook for 5 minutes, until skin blisters.

Take a kitchen blowtorch and quickly sear the salmon. Garnish with radish thins, pea sprouts and a sprinkle of wasabi sesame seeds.

Please contact our friendly Events Manager on 6772 7788 or events@qhparm.com.au

QHP0228

Pre-heat oven to 160 degrees.

qualityhotelpowerhouse.com.au /PowehouseArmidale

@qualityhotelpowerhouse #QHPG

QHP0228_Azka_Feb Focus 2018 317x125_Final.indd 1

18 New England focus.

12/2/18 2:46 pm

social scene. SSI Homelands Tour @ NECOM

P H O T O S

B Y

D A V E

R O B I N S O N

Guyra in snow

New England focus. 19

focus_contributor

focusinterview.

WITH SUSIE DUNN

Icing

Met

Jo Robinson

Mall

in the

This month we meet Jo Robinson, a senior editorial contributor with FOCUS.

ON

Alice Cairns and Justine Kavanagh

CAKE

The Importance of Cake ...

W

hen I was small, I learnt it’s a good idea, much as I love icing, to eat the less exciting cake as well. After my great aunt served slices of icing, I understood the essential need for balance. Rain is the icing on earth’s cake, and the current water crisis is a prime example of interdependence. We’re learning hard lessons. When rain doesn’t fall and over-committed rivers don’t run, dams empty and bores run dry - what then? If fracking’s permitted and interferes with the finite Artesian Basin, does Plan B know what to do? And what pre-emptive action could we have taken? Water trading certainly doesn’t help. Too late to react then. [News that the “world’s rivers are awash with antibiotics” is another matter …] To enjoy life’s icing, we must factor in some solid, protective, thoughtfully balanced cake. Good to know UNE has people like riverine ecosystems expert Professor Martin Thoms working on this. Shakespeare wrote: “If music be the food of love, play on”. Bacharach/David wrote: “What the world needs now is love, sweet love”. Amid the world’s gloomy news, we have so much musical comfort here. Listening to Hester Wright’s lovely soprano at NERAM when she returned to Armidale with her talented early music group Sospiri, I wondered why we have such a musical region. Listening to Carol Elder sending down marvellous jazz with the BobCatz at the Welder’s Dog, thinking about the Armidale City Band formed in 1878, local pipe bands, our two Symphony Orchestras, rock bands, jazz bands, musical instrument makers, choirs, soloists - it goes on and on. Something special in the air. I was glad I went to Austin College for the UNE Chamber Ensembles first of two concerts of the year. Andrea Gledhill, Master of Austin, with the indefatigable Deidre Rickards, brought together UNE college students who play/sing music together in such a happy performance of their skills and passions. The big concert is at Lazenby in September. There’s a lot of talk about the colleges lately, but for goodness’ sake look for the balanced picture - to get the icing! 20 New England focus.

2019 serves up a smorgasbord of progress and challenges - technology with big pluses and minuses. The invasiveness of the digital companies is scary, and we tend to blank it out. The hacks and glitches. And how bizarre that with the proliferation of social media, we’re told of a worrying growth in loneliness. It’s the people who make us - the individuals and groups - and the Service Clubs make enormous contributions. We have all the opportunities here for everyone to meet and mingle somewhere. Invited to join the Zonta Club’s Changeover Dinner by Chair, Jennifer Miller, it underlined how much volunteers quietly contribute to the fabric of our society. Now the elections are over, we’ve seen the appointment of Ken Wyatt as the first Indigenous Affairs Minister - a tough job ahead. There’s also been renewed focus on the rightful recognition and place of the original peoples of this continent - a long overdue and unavoidable conversation for the nation. On May 26, for what has become ANTaR’s annual Armidale Bridge Walk, people met to walk together over Stephens Bridge, commemorating 2000’s famous Walk for Reconciliation over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This year a busload from the once infamous Kinchega Boys Home joined the local gathering, speeches, performances and sausage sizzle. The Aboriginal Cultural Centre & Keeping Place on May 31 marked the long-awaited completion of the building when Thelma McCarthy, Adam Marshall and Rose Lovelock together cut the ribbon - fittingly personifying Reconciliation. The great new space and facilities now allow the community’s expanded use, adding performing arts and a range of activities marking a new chapter in the region’s history of its First Nations people. Director Daisy Williams’s determined pursuit helped achieve the day. We need to shake ourselves and get a moraleboosting message out about our City in the Sky. I’m glad the ARC withdrew from the Evocities group - we should promote ourselves differently. Send effective communicators out, with young, fresh, encouraging 21st Century ideas. Aim to deliver the unexpected. Make the positive splash our region deserves. It’s called future-proofing. Susie Dunn.

How long have you lived in New England? I made the tree change to New England in October last year with my husband, Keith. We moved from Port Macquarie to Invergowrie, as New England has so many beautiful memories for us! We’ve holidayed at Armidale and Inverell several times over the years, and were married at Glen Innes. My oldest daughter also calls Armidale home. What’s the best part about working in the Mall? I work from FOCUS’ office in the Beardy Street Mall two days a week (I work remotely the other days!) On the days when I’m in town, I love the fact that I can pop out of the office on my lunchbreak, shop, grab a bite to eat and sit in the sun to people watch. It’s a prime location!

focuscontributor

What’s a typical day in the life of Jo? There’s no such thing! I’ve worked for FOCUS for over 12 years, and these days I organise interviews for both New England and Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS. This keeps me hopping! No two days are alike, because I speak to so many different people from all walks of life each day. When I’m not working, I cook, read, listen to and play music … and try to keep up with my husband … Keith is a personal trainer and never seems to sit still for longer than five seconds! Where’s your choice for a bite to eat or a great coffee? Moxon’s Bakery for a quick bite, Caffiends or Courthouse Coffee for a great toasted sanga, and Paper Tiger does a seriously good coffee.

W I T H R O S S F R O M D A I LY R I T U A L A R M I D A L E

Blend

month of the

What is Chai?

Chai is a deliciously sweet and spicy brew made with black tea, aromatic spices, and milk. Originally from India, this irresistible concoction has swept across the world to become a fierce rival of coffees and hot chocolates.

I

s chai a tea? Yes! So much so, that we actually call it a tea twice. You heard us … Chai actually just means tea in Hindi - so we are literally just saying “tea tea”. When you hear people talking about chai, they’re typically referring to masala chai, which is the spiced, milky tea you’ve come to know and love. Instead of being brewed with water like normal tea, chai is generally brewed with warm milk, and then sweetened to taste. In chai lattes, there’s a decent layer of froth and cinnamon dusting. Don’t get confused here there is no coffee in a chai latte. It’s still a tea. What is chai tea? Masala chai is generally a mix of black tea with spices, milk, and a sweetener. The most common spices include cardamom (which gives chai tea its boldest, most fragrant tone), cinnamon, ginger, and cloves for a musky flavour.

Where

Additional spices can include bay leaves, peppercorn, star anise, turmeric, vanilla, fennel - or whatever you feel like experimenting with (at your own risk, of course)! With our Daily Ritual chai, you will find 100% black Ceylon tea, cardamom, cinnamon to add sweetness and warmth, peppercorns for a bit of kick, ginger for fresh tanginess, and star anise to add a dark liquorice flavour. And who doesn’t love a touch of sweetness? Sugar or honey is typically added to a chai tea during preparation. What does chai tea do to you? Common chai tea ingredients include black tea, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, fennel, black pepper and cloves. Chai tea benefits include its anti-inflammatory effects, that can help ease arthritis, preventing and treating nausea, aiding digestion. At Daily Ritual, we have several blends of chai available …

Find out more about other quality blends at www.dailyritual.com.au

Water restrictions

Armidale Level 4 - very high

The forecast is for continued below average rainfall. Dams are at the lowest levels experienced in our region for 40 years. We must conserve water. The following restrictions apply to the use of water supplied through the water reticulation system in the Armidale Regional Council area:

Domestic and commercial Activity

Level 4 - Very high

Garden sprinklers and fixed hoses

Banned at all times

City to

Hand held hoses, drip Banned at all times irrigation Buckets/cans

Banned at all times (except recycled water e.g. laundry water)

Vehicle washing

Buckets for windscreen, windows, number plates and mirrors only

Washing down hard surfaces

Banned at all times

Filling private swimming pool

Banned at all times

Filling or topping up private swimming pool

Banned at all times

Water cartage

Domestic use only

Per household our water consumption is about 30% more than NSW and 15% more than National Average.

222

Litres per capita per day

Guyra

Current level

By implementing simple water saving measures in the home we can reduce S ve our consumption and water aim for a target of:

It’s for everyone

185

litres per person per day

For water wise tips around the home see over the page or visit www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au

www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au

Guyra residents will soon be able to participate in an award-winning community composting program, when the City to Soil program is added to their kerbside waste collection from the start of July.

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ew green-lid That material is then processed at City to Soil bins Council’s waste management facility were delivered to to produce two grades of low-cost Guyra households compost for gardens and vegetable from mid-June, in plots. preparation for the What can be put in the City to Soil service’s extension to Guyra from 1st green-lid bin? July. Green waste includes: clean, loose What is City to Soil? leaves, branches, pruning and grass Armidale Regional Council launched clippings. Pizza boxes, soiled wet City to Soil 10 years ago to work with paper, pet manure and compostable local residents to kitty litter, paper use composted and cardboard kitchen scraps takeaway and garden waste containers can also to create highbe placed in your Every household that receives a grade compost green lidded bin. kerbside collection service will and improve soil Kitchen waste have a green-lid organics fertility. includes: raw or bin, as well as a City to City to Soil, cooked food, Soil kitchen container and part of Council’s accompanying compostable tea bags, coffee Food Organics grounds, fruit bags that make it easy for Green Organics and vegetables, households to collect their (FOGO) Program, kitchen scraps and transfer it to peelings, leftovers, diverts organic paper towels, meat their green-lid bin - along with their waste from and fish, cooking green garden waste. landfill, providing oil and used substantial savings tissues. Items such in operating costs, as meat and fish and converts the can be stored in material into a valuable resource for the the freezer before bin collection day. community. Why is the service being extended Every household that receives a to Guyra? kerbside collection service will have City to Soil has operated very a green-lid organics bin, as well as effectively in Armidale for a decade, a City to Soil kitchen container and and its benefits will be expanded by accompanying compostable bags that taking the service to Guyra households make it easy for households to collect that receive a kerbside waste collection. their kitchen scraps and transfer it to The extension to Guyra is also part their green-lid bin - along with their of Council’s ongoing standardisation green garden waste. of services, so services and fees are

consistent throughout the region. Within a few weeks, residents will be able to purchase the processed compost for a small charge from the Guyra Waste Transfer Station. How can I see when the green-lid bin will be emptied? Visit the Waste & Recycling Collection page on Council’s website to check the dates of kerbside collections in Armidale and Guyra. The green-lid bins are collected fortnightly. Where can you get more compostable bags? Additional rolls of compostable bags for the kitchen containers, known as caddies, are available from the customer service counters at Council’s offices in Armidale and Guyra. Is City to Soil an important part of Council’s sustainability program? City to Soil is at the core of Council’s “greenprint” strategy for environmental sustainability. Entitled EcoARC, the strategy guides Council’s own operations and assist groups throughout the Armidale region to achieve sustainability. In areas of NSW where a separate organics bin is not provided, Council find food scraps and garden waste can account for up to half of the materials going to landfill - where they take much longer to break down and produce gases that contribute to climate change. Keeping organics out of general waste also substantially slows the rate our landfills are filled, delaying the need to construct additional facilities and keeping a lid on future costs to Council and the community. New England focus. 21

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K AT R I N A G E O R G E F R O M T H E A R M I D A L E V I S I T O R I N F O R M AT I O N C E N T R E

tourism UPDATE

Were you aware the New England and Oxley Wild Rivers National Parks, only a short drive from Armidale, are World Heritage sites? Other World Heritage Listed sites found in Australia include Kakadu National Park, Great Barrier Reef and the Blue Mountains, and yet our own World Heritage area still remains largely a secret (hopefully not for much longer).

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rom Point Lookout you can gaze out in all directions across unspoilt wilderness and the Bellingen Valley, all the way to the Pacific Ocean. It is a truly magnificent view that visitors travel to our region to experience. One of the most magical adventures (for children and adults) is to walk through the ancient Antarctic Beech forests to Weeping Rock. This is one of the very few places in the world where you can experience what the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana may have looked like. We would like to encourage all of Armidale’s budding photographers to head out there this July and post your photos on our Facebook Page of your Weeping Rock experience. Search New England High Country on Facebook and once you have “Liked” us, you will be able to post your photos directly on to our Facebook page. On your way home, drop into the Dutton Trout Hatchery, where you can hand feed trout, see leaping fish, and take a self guided tour. The Trout Hatchery is open daily from 8:30am 3:30pm and is located on Point Lookout Road. If you would like to stay in the New England National Park for a weekend, there is a variety of accommodation options, including camping, bush cabins and self-contained cottages. For more information, please contact the Visitor Information centre on (02) 6770 3888. July is a spectacular month for photographers, capturing our landscape dripping with icicles or covered in a white frosty blanket. Please post your winter wonderland photos on our Facebook page, so others can experience winter in the New England. Wondering what to do with the children these school holidays? Give mountain biking a go! SportUNE caters for all abilities, with tracks for beginners, as well as challenging tracks for the more experienced riders. The mountain tracks are located west of the hockey fields. Bikes can be hired from the Armidale Bicycle Centre and Bicycle Central on Marsh. The Visitor Information Centre has a complete guide on mountain bike tracks in the area, so please pop n and pick up a copy.

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The UNE Natural History Museum is open from Monday - Friday, 9:30am - 4:30pm. Come along and explore the natural world. There is a wonderful selection currently on display, including geological specimens, botanical pieces, horns, invertebrates, aquatic animals, reptiles, fossils, a variety of skeletons and skulls, birds, mammals and more! Did we mention the recently discovered and yet-to-be-officiallynamed dinosaur? The Threlfall Walk at Gara Gorge (otherwise known as the Blue Hole) is a pleasant 5.5 km loop that provides magnificent views of the Macleay Gorges. Rock hopping, and exploring the riverbed provides for a lovely day out. The picnic areas have free gas BBQs, toilets and picnic tables available. How about a game of golf? The Armidale Golf Club has a magnificent golf course, and they have golf clubs for hire for children and adults. After a fun nine or 18 holes of golf, why not stay for lunch and enjoy the views from the lovely new timber deck overlooking the golf course! Fossicking for gold is a great activity for the whole family to enjoy. Hire the pans from the Uralla Visitor Information Centre, and try your luck at the Wooldridge Recreation and Fossicking Reserve, located 6 km from Uralla. New England Bike Tours located in Guyra provide tours to cater for all abilities. Be guided through some of the New England’s best mountain bike tracks, through some of the region’s native bushland; follow the old Cobb & Co. stage coach route, or meander around town and take in the sites. Bike hire provided, or bring your own. Phone 0415 254 614 for bookings. Pop on in to the Armidale Visitor Information Centre and pick up a copy of Out and About with Kids. We are open Monday - Saturday from 9am - 5pm and 9am - 3pm on Sundays. July has some wonderful events for all ages, including: ADMS production of Singing in the Rain; A Taste of Ireland @ The Servies; Westpac Rescue Helicopter Wean Picnic Races; and the Musical Viva Flinders Quartet. If you would like more information, please visit the Armidale Tourism website.

Winter Forest Fun Want to know a secret? NSW State Forests cover two million hectares of forest across NSW, offering a range of experiences that few others can match. There are roomy campsites, shaded picnic areas, tree-lined walking tracks and spectacular lookouts. The natural environment is centre stage, showcasing an abundance of unique Australian flora and fauna within spectacular landscapes. You can wander by a creek, hike up a mountain, chat around the campfire or simply listen to the sounds of nature. You can bring your car, caravan or campervan, you can pitch a tent anywhere you like, explore forest tracks on trail bike or mountain bike, ride a horse cross-country, 4WD and bring your dog too - yes, that’s right, dogs are welcome in NSW State forests. Best of all, visiting NSW State Forests is absolutely free, representing one of the most cost-effective winter holiday escapes you can find. With over 125 forest-based dedicated visitor areas state-wide, with a mix of visitor facilities such as picnic tables, BBQs, fireplaces, shelters, rainwater tanks, toilets and easy-access carparks, NSW State Forests are a “must-see” destination in your travels. Your local State Forest is an unmissable stop on your winter self-drive outing, whether it’s for a few hours, a picnic or an overnight stay. An extensive network of roads and trails provide easy entry to State Forests, whilst walking tracks allow visitors to experience special places and nature at its best. NSW State Forests provide beautiful forest environments for you and your family to

Live large

“switch-off” and connect with nature. A range of information is available to ensure your next trip is a memorable one, including a NEW free mobile phone app called ‘VisitForests’, providing online and downloadable maps, photos and information on forest experiences. Alternatively, you can pick up a regional Forest Map at local Visitor Information Centres in NSW or contact us online to purchase your copy. We also encourage visitors to share their experience via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram - we love to hear from you and are happy to share your ideas on special places to visit, and your holiday snaps! With great places to explore, rest, learn, play or just get away from it all, come and experience a forest playground! Visit us on the web: www.forestrycorporation.com.au/visit And share your experience: Facebook: Visit NSW Forests Twitter: @visitnswforests Instagram: #visitnswforests

Visit NSW Forests with Hello Koalas

Guula the koala, artists Wauchope TAFE Visual Art Students

Travel by train to Wauchope Old bottlebutt, Burrawan State Forest

focus_What’s On New England

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE Aspiring Student Leadership Summit

First Saturday chats

Our next First Saturday chats will be hosted by Christopher Serow (Principal, Solicitor Director, Notary Public, Migration Agent) from 10am to 1pm at the Legal Minds offices at 157 Beardy Street, The Mall, Armidale on Saturday 6th July 2019. As this is a popular program bookings are essential on (02) 6788 1100.

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Bello Winter Music Festival

Bello Winter Music is dedicated to programming an exciting and eclectic mix of new and emerging artists - local, national and international, while showcasing everything that Bellingen has to offer. When 11th July to 14th July. Where Hyde Street, Bellingen. Tickets www.bellowintermusic.com

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ADFAS Armidale July Lecture

6pm, Thursday 11th July (UNE Arts Theatre) . David ROSIER (UK Arts Society Lecturer The Ultimate Renaissance Ruler - Emperor Qianlong (1735 - 1796). David Rosier has in excess of 25 years of experience working and living in East Asia. Whilst living in Hong Kong (1991 - 2004) he assembled a collection of approximately 700 predominantly Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911), Imperial and related textiles/costume and dress accessories. Qianlong was arguably one of the greatest of all the Chinese Emperors guiding China through a period of unquestionable political, economic and cultural prosperity which rivalled previous periods of high achievement in Chinese history. https://www.trybooking.com/BAQDN

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College on the Hill Exhibition @ NERAM

A new exhibition celebrating 90 years of the Armidale Teachers’ College is now showing at the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM). College on the Hill is an exhibition exploring this iconic building that has been a significant part of Armidale’s community and culture for nearly a century. College on the Hill will be on display at NERAM from Friday 21st June until Sunday 18th August 2019. The exhibition was produced by NERAM in partnership with the University of New England and the Friends of the Old Teachers College.

Run by the Alliance of Girls’ Schools Australasia is a unique opportunity for Year 9 - 11 girls who dream of stepping into a student leadership role. When 18th - 19th July, 8:30 - 4pm each day. Where Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Armidale. Cnr Crest Rd and Duval St. To book, go to www.agsa.org.au/events - student booking code: MAD2019 More info email agsa@agsa.org.au or phone 0416 812 417.

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Irish-Australian Folk Noir at Armidale’s Studio Folk Club

Witches Leap’s originals sing to the heart of Australia’s identity and history: Folk-punk tales of black bushrangers and rum-soaked redcoats give way to convict-gospel sing-alongs and lively Irish polkas. Witches Leap and Mountain Birds perform at the Studio Folk Club, 62 Beardy St, Armidale on Saturday, July 20th, with doors open from 6pm. Tickets are $20; presales at eventbrite.com

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Markets in the Mall

Armidale Markets in the Mall will be held on Sunday 28th July, with 50 plus different stalls making a regular appearance. Stalls include a huge range of quality handmade and handcrafted items, cupcakes, candles, bath and body products, skincare and makeup, handmade clothing, bags, shoes, linen, pottery, woodwork, plants, art, homewares, toys, puppets, stamping and scrap booking plus so much more. The markets are held in Beardy Street, Armidale and are run by the Armidale PCYC.

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focusinterview.

GABRIEL LEROY IS AN ARMIDALE LOCAL WHOSE OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS HAS LED HIM TO HELP OTHERS IN A POSITIVE AND INSPIRING WAY. GABE WILL BE RUNNING THE FAMOUS SUN HERALD CITY2SURF EVENT IN SYDNEY ON AUGUST 11, RAISING FUNDS FOR BEYOND BLUE ALONG THE WAY …

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i Gabe. What originally brought you to Armidale to live? I was born in Armidale, but left in 2006 to travel the East Coast of Australia - before returning in my early 20s. So, I have lived here for around 24 years. You’re running the Sun Herald City2Surf event this year in Sydney. This is an epic event; what inspired you to take part? I have desired to do the Sun Herald City2Surf ever since I became a runner, as it is such a prestigious and unique event. However, it was the ability to complete the race, whilst also allowing me to be a Charity Superstar for an amazing organisation like Beyond Blue, that really inspired me to complete it. What is the significance of the butterfly outfit you’ll be wearing at the event? The Beyond Blue butterfly is the logo of the entire organisation and is created through the silhouettes of two faces coming together to talk about mental illness. On being accepted as a Charity Superstar for Beyond Blue, I was shocked to learn that the organisation had not utilised it as an official mascot. I then designed and built the butterfly costume, to help spread the cause to a larger audience whilst I ran and fundraised. It has since been adopted by the organisation 24 New England focus.

and will be part of their City2Surf publications for years to come, whilst also being made into its own cartoon character. What’s your own personal experience with Beyond Blue? Beyond Blue helped me personally in February of 2018, when after years of untreated depression, drug and alcohol abuse, I attempted suicide for the third time in six months. The organisation helped me by means of connecting me with councillors and psychologists to work on my mental illness, whilst directing me towards physical goals - in this case, my first Tough Mudder event in November. It was during the training for the 26 km Tough Mudder course that I became a regular at the university rock-climbing wall, Armidale parkrun and ran the inaugural Duval Dam Buster 15 km trail run, which introduced me to many new friends and experiences. What training have you been doing in the lead up to the City2Surf? A lot of my training has been hill running, to help me conquer the ever dreaded “Heartbreak Hill”, along with several parkruns and road races in the butterfly outfit, to spread awareness and fix any problems with the costume. I have participated in the Armidale Campus to City Canter, Quirindi Canter 10 km and will

The people I have spoken to while sharing the cause and the stories people

affected by illness have shared have made this a life altering experience and provided

The people I have be competing in the spoken to while sharing Tamworth Running Festival so much inspiration for when the cause and the stories 10 km road race on the the run gets tough. people affected by 4th August. illness have shared have How’s your fundraising made this a life altering going - what total are experience and provided you aiming for? so much inspiration for when the run gets tough. The fundraising has been going so amazingly I'd also like to thank everyone who's supported well and has been such a rewarding experience. me, including Matt Hourigan of Sportspower, the The original goal that I set was $1,400, which Brooks running company for supplying my shoes I hoped to achieve through having 100 people for the race, and FOCUS. sponsor me $14 each, with every donor’s name Where can we donate to your cause? being written on my wings by a local artist - so In conjunction with Beyond Blue and their they could metaphorically run with me. fundraising partner Everyday Hero, any generous Thanks to so many generous and supportive people who wish to donate or follow my progress people, however, I have already raised over leading up to the race can do so at my webpage: $1,500. This provides funds for more than 32 https://city2surf2019.everydayhero.com/au/ calls with a trained councillor for someone gabriel-the-butterfly suffering with mental illness, depression or I hope that by sharing my personal experience anxiety. with mental illness and the effects of seeking How are you feeling as the event gets help that others who may be suffering in silence closer? will be inspired to reach out and get help. I am absolutely ecstatic to not only be Together, we can break the stigma surrounding competing in the City2Surf, but helping raise mental illness and save lives. When I becomes money and awareness of the damage of mental We, illness becomes wellness. illness on behalf of Beyond Blue. The chance to Thanks Gabe. give back to such an amazing organisation that has helped so many people get their lives back on Interview: Jo Robinson. Pic top left courtesy of Keith Robinson. track has been extremely rewarding.

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focusinterview.

Kanga Natalie Deacon is a passionate advocate for postnatal care, babywearing and women’s health and fitness … but you won’t find this lovely lady working out in a gym! Nat tells us about Kangatraining …a fun, safe and supportive exercise program that allows you to work out WITH your bub!

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i Natalie. What's your background in the Tamworth region? I was born in QLD, but my parents were born and bred here, so we all moved back when I was three. Besides a brief stint away at university in Armidale and beginning my teaching career in Newcastle, I’ve essentially been here my entire life. How did you become interested in exercise for pre and postnatal mums? When I had my first son, Nate, in 2012, like most new mums I was looking for a way to get out and do some exercise. I joined a local mums and bubs boot camp, but we were always outside, and the babies were in the pram. My kids have all hated the pram. In fact - I don’t own one. So, after another session of listening to my son screaming while I attempted to exercise, I began to wonder if there were any classes or exercises where the baby was in a carrier. As Facebook tends to do, it magically showed me an ad for the new Australian postnatal exercise class: Kangatraining. I watched some videos and knew this is what I wanted. But as with most cool new tends, it was only in Melbourne. Not long after my first interaction with the page, a post was put up asking for registrations for their first group of Australian instructors. I knew this was my chance. With the help of a friend I met in mothers’ group, Nate and I flew to Melbourne and completed an intensive course in Kanga. We covered postnatal physiology, courses with midwives, physios, babywearing consultants and the Kangatraining instructor. I walked away from that weekend with an ignited passion for babywearing, postnatal care

26 New England focus.

and women’s health and fitness. So, what is Kangatraining? Kangatraining was developed in Europe by Nicole Pascher. It’s a postnatal, babywearing fitness class that focuses on the regaining of strength and restoration of muscles that are impacted during pregnancy. Every movement is designed with pelvic floor safety, posture and core strength in mind, as well as ensuring optimal safety and comfort for both mum and bub during the babywearing portion. As well as the safety of mum in her postnatal period, bub is also paramount to Kangatraining. The whole class involves your little one; from warm up and core work through to pelvic floor and stretching. Bub is with you the entire time more often than not having a lovely nap in the carrier. The babywearing aspect of the class is so unique. Kangatraining is the only program that offers this option, and therefore all instructors are trained specifically in babywearing - the philosophy, the physiology and the carriers themselves. It’s not as simple as picking up a carrier at any old store and putting bub in. Babywearing is such a magical experience, but there are many factors to consider to support bub’s hips and spine, as well as mum’s posture and comfort. It’s for this reason that Kanga endorses the use of soft structured carriers that support the “M” or “froggy” leg position and babies are only permitted to face inward to their mother, to ensure neck support as we move. Kanga instructors use a Manduca carrier, as this is an optimal carrier that meets all of the safety standards required. Kangatraining is targeted at mums from six weeks post birth through to whenever they feel

BABYWEARING IS SUCH

comfortable returning to We then run our A MAGICAL EXPERIENCE, their pre-baby workout. regular Kangatraining BUT THERE ARE MANY It’s such an important class on Wednesdays at FACTORS TO CONSIDER period of recovery, and 9:30am. All our classes TO SUPPORT BUB’S HIPS Kangatraining really aides run out of Ballet Stars AND SPINE, AS WELL AS the recovery of the pelvic Dance Studio in MUM’S POSTURE AND floor, core and posture Wirraway Street, TaCOMFORT. that are deeply impacted minda. by pregnancy. So many Why do you feel it's women feel pressured to important for both get that pre baby body mums-to-be and new back, and rush into exercise when it really isn’t mums to maintain an exercise regime? safe to. Every woman should be checked for Anyone who knows me knows that I am so abdominal separation and pelvic floor stability far from a typical exercise instructor. You won’t before returning to any form of exercise that is ever find me at a gym, as I find the experience not provided by a postnatal trainer. too intimidating. But, after having a baby, How did the Kangatraining concept origithere’s a loss of functional strength that most nate? women aren’t anticipating. Regular exercise Kangatraining started when personal trainer, really helps to rebuild this strength, whilst Nicole Pascher, gave birth to her third child, restoring some of the damage caused during Pamina, in 2008. Nicole, an experienced person- pregnancy. al trainer who specialised in pre and postnatal, But the most important reason is menknew how to structure a safe and effective tal health. Motherhood is lonely, and many program for new mums, but she also knew that women don’t discuss this feeling. But having her own daughter didn’t enjoy being in a pram somewhere to go that is safe and supportive, and watching her workout. She wanted to be somewhere your baby and older children are carried and be close to her mum. welcome to come along to, somewhere you What classes do you currently offer in can have some well-deserved “me time” while Tamworth? baby is safe and content next to you - it’s just We currently run two classes per week. priceless. Monday mornings at 9:30am we run PreWhere can we find out more info? Kanga. This is a class designed specifically for My Facebook page Kangatraining Tamworth our expecting mums. It is very similar in many is the best way to get in touch. ways to a regular Kangatraining class; however, The Kangatraining Australia Facebook page many aspects are adjusted to create a functional and website will lead you to instructors all over class that prepares women for childbirth and Australia and New Zealand. motherhood. This class is attended by a mix of Thanks Natalie. expecting mums and babywearing mums. Interview: Jo Robinson.

Markets in the mall Tattersalls Hotel

and the

ARE TEAMING UP

The Armidale Markets in the Mall has been a regular fixture on the events calendar of Armidale for over thirty years on the last Sunday of each month, bringing our community together.

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he markets provide an opportunity for the locals to gather and enjoy some delicious food, or find the perfect birthday or Christmas present from our wonderful arts and craft stallholders.

rate for every last Saturday night of the month on a staggering 19 out of the 25 rooms on offer at the hotel, to encourage visitors to stay with them and head down to the markets the next morning.

As well as a discounted rate, guests will be given a late The Tattersalls Hotel Armidale is the check out time of 12pm, to ensure they can have a relaxing premier establishment for not only Sunday morning enjoying the market its spectacular food and drinks, but atmosphere and not worry about accommodation in a central location to checking out. the Central Business District. Recently, Part of what makes the Markets in Part of what makes the Markets the hotel has undergone significant the Mall so special is because there in the Mall so special is renovations and with its grand reare people from all around New South because there are people opening, is the thriving hub of Armidale Wales who travel to Armidale and from all around New social life. sell their home-made products, from The hotel has always been passionate about working with the community to help Armidale be the stand-out destination of the New England, and the Markets in the Mall team, in conjunction with the Tattersalls family, are excited to announce a new partnership!

South Wales who travel to Armidale and sell their

home-made products, from jams and condiments to scrumptious delicacies.

With the Tattersalls Hotel being in the heart of the Mall where the markets take place, for visitors wanting to experience a taste of what the markets has to offer, it is the obvious choice of accommodation for that weekend away. The Tattersalls Hotel have decided to offer a discounted

jams and condiments to scrumptious delicacies. The Tattersalls Hotel will be offering selections of our stallholders’ products as part of Market Sunday breakfasts, so guests can enjoy a taste of the New England, along with an exquisite breakfast in the hotel.

The team from the Markets in the Mall couldn’t be happier about coming on board with the Tattersalls Hotel to help showcase and promote our great region. So, come on down on Sunday 28th July 2019 and enjoy the atmosphere at the Armidale Markets in the Mall! New England focus. 27

EDUCAIION TRAINING F O C U S

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focus_interview. Barbara McKay in her studio, 2019

Barbara

Barbara McKay graduated from the National Art School in 1960. Her oeuvre is expansive and could represent one of the most enduring and significant abstract expressionist practices in Australia. "Barbara McKay: Scared" is the artist’s first retrospective and will open at NERAM on 5th July. Barbara sat down to discuss her practice and upcoming exhibition with NERAM Director, Rachael Parsons.

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achael Parsons: What motivates your creative process? Barbara McKay: The desire to put into paint the joy I feel for the beauty of life, and the magic of all the adventures experienced along my journey. I love to communicate this joy, and my knowledge of the language of painting gives me the best way to interact with people. RP: A deep sense and connection to place is very evident in your work. What is your favourite place, and have you painted it? BM: Australia is my "heartland", so the centre of our country has to be my favourite place. Having travelled and painted in many places, I find my visual memories keep returning to the environs of Alice Springs. All the remote parts of our country give me the peace and quiet to absorb the uniqueness of our land. The painting Red Centre is a landmark piece in this exhibition, and I feel confident that it conveys just how vast the country in which we live is. RP: Colour is obviously important to you? You use a broad spectrum of colour palettes in different works. What determines your choices? BM: It depends on how I want a piece to begin. Firstly, I establish a relationship with the surface, be it canvas or paper, then l start laying down some coloured areas. Before long an image begins to form, and I just let it grow. This is when my passion for colour takes over and the painting takes on its own life. RP: A lot of your paintings are large scale. What is it about working on this scale that you enjoy? BM: I try to work on pieces of all scales and sizes. The challenge of making a very large scale piece lies in making many drawings, collages and experimental ideas on different surfaces. Then when I confront the large canvas spread across the floor, I try to bring an informed freedom to the flow of

Barbara McKay Ettalong 1985. Acrylic on canvas. the paint as it "dances" onto the surface. Even though the actual time frame may only be an hour or so, the completed work could not exist without all the prior days and weeks of research. I then put it away for some time. Only when I reassess it with fresh eyes, can I believe it is complete. RP: You have worked as an arts educator for many years. Can you discuss your teaching career and how it connected to your arts practice? BM: Soon after I graduated from the Art School, I was offered some parttime teaching hours at Hornsby TAFE. It was very rewarding going from my studio to working with a group of keen students. I became aware that by sharing the discoveries I was making in my own work with students, we were all challenging each other. After returning from New York, I was given a job at the St. George Institute of Education. The students were training to be Primary School teachers. My job was to lecture them on modern art history and workshop practice. I also supervised a student working on a Masters degree. This then led to giving woßrkshops to primary students. Later the Institute became a campus of N.S.W. University. When I moved from Sydney to the Central Coast, I worked at the Gosford Regional Gallery, exhibiting

and giving workshops to both adults and children. With all this experience I taught formally until I moved to Uralla. Not only did teaching provide me with an income, but a deeply rewarding interaction with many students, some becoming dear friends. So teaching and painting, along with my family, have constantly enriched my life. RP: On July 5th, your first retrospective BARBARA MCKAY: Sacred, will open at NERAM. A retrospective is a moment of reflection. After 50 years of relentlessly making work, how do you feel about the exhibition and the journey you have taken to get to this point? BM: Meeting and working with you, Rachael, is so important to me. To find someone who enjoys and understands my passion for art is rare. You have given me the confidence to trust again. At times it has been difficult to deal with the emotional journey of sorting through the career and life memories, but sharing all this with you has been great fun. I now know that the experience has been worthwhile. RP: So what is next for Barbara McKay? BM: God willing, many more paintings! New England focus. 29

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EDUCAIION TRAINING F O C U S

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Sister Schools gift to regional communities A FUNDRAISING CONCERT FOR DROUGHT RELIEF As the drought deepens and its crippling effects continue to impact our regional communities, families and businesses, everyone is digging in. Presbyterian Ladies’ College (PLC), Armidale has teamed up with its sister school in the city, PLC Sydney, to support our regional community in its time of greatest need. The two independent girls’ schools are combining to perform a showcase of musical talent in a major fundraising concert entitled “PARCHED”, to be hosted at Lazenby Hall, UNE, on Friday 9th August from 7:30pm. All proceeds from the event go to the Drought Relief Appeal. PLC Armidale Principal, Mrs Nicola Taylor commented, “The concept was conceived from a conversation with PLC Sydney Principal, Dr Paul Burgis, where we wanted to provide practical financial aid to the communities of

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Northern NSW suffering from the drought. We thought about what we could jointly do and the

Make a Difference I N A C H I L D ’ S L I F E T O D AY

idea of concert was suggested. We are also partnering with a number of regional businesses and organisations including the University of New England to grow the capacity of what we can collectively give. “PARCHED” … PLC performs a concert for regional drought relief. Friday 9th August, 7:30pm, Lazenby Hall, University of New England, Armidale. Tickets: $25 Adults $15 Children / Concession $75 Family (2A:2C). TryBooking: www.trybooking.com/BDHQU Tickets on Sale from June 28.

Through no fault of their own, there are children in your community who need foster care. That is why Pathfinders’ Pathways Foster Care program is seeking caring, committed people to become foster carers across the New England North West. The latest statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show that there is a staggering need for carers right now. As of 2017, there were 47,915 Australian children living in Out of Home Care (OOHC). This number is an increase from 7.4 per 1,000 children under care in 2011 to 8.7 per 1,000 children in 2017. In fact, the number of children in OOHC has risen every year over the past five years, with last year’s numbers revealed to be rising by 18%. And this

grim trend looks to continue for some time. But by opening up your heart and home, you can make a difference to the children and young people unable to live with their birth families. In helping them stay safe, you ensure they can reach their full potential and not become just another statistic. Our Foster Care program is well established throughout the New England, so whatever your family situation, work commitments, age or cultural background, if you’re prepared to help a child or young person find their path then we are ready to help you. Full training and ongoing support is provided. Become a foster carer. Contact Pathfinders on 1800 314 199 or fostering@pathfinders.ngo

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WINTER blooming FESTIVAL

F R O M 1 0 A M U N T I L 1 0 P M , J U LY 1 3 . NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL ART MUSEUM (NERAM), ARMIDALE.

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n a chilly day in the depths of the coldest month, we bring you the inaugural Winter Blooming Festival. Taking over NERAM on Saturday 13th July, this new festival is a place and space for diversity in the New England. With an exciting program curated by activist and scholar Dr Christina Kenny and director of NERAM Rachael Parsons, the event brings together different creators from LGBTIAQ+, multicultural and Indigenous communities. There will be talks, roundtables, poetry performances, printmaking workshops, dancing groups and an open mic presented across a multifaceted day-long program. Highlights include: acclaimed spoken word poet Gabrielle Journey Jones. Jones will perform their work, and run two poetry performance workshops (one for adults on describing the visual world called “ekphrasis”; the other for upper primary and high-school students called “soapbox skills”). Artist and creator of #iammyownguardian series, Ms Saffaa will also join us to discuss her printmaking and textile practice, and run a printmaking workshop. Maria Pallotta-Chiarolli and the authors of Living and Loving In Diversity will share their stories in a roundtable panel on this exciting new book. Alongside these special guests from down south, we are honoured to have Rob Waters, Gomeroi poet, reading his work, and Dr Jane Ahlstrand performing Indonesian dance.

The event will also offer a range of local food stalls and live music, a pop-up bookstore run by Reader’s Companion and a pop-up sexual health and wellbeing clinic run by ACON. With more events and activities to be announced in the coming weeks, we are recommending people book tickets early for what promises to be a ground-breaking event exploring and celebrating the region’s diversity. Doors open 10am, Saturday, July 13. Tickets are $10 and available from: https:// www.trybooking.com/book event?eid=509098 More info and rolling updates: https://www. facebook.com events/1305853692901866/ TRAVEL BONUS: For those travelling to Armidale Winter Blooming Festival: our accommodation of choice, City Centre Motor Inn (IG @city_centre_ motor_inn), are happy to host you. Let them know you’re in town for this event, and they will deduct 10% off your stay. To book: http:// citycentremotorinn.com/ and use the booking code WINTERBLOOMING SCHOOL WORKSHOPS: We’re also running Queer Allyship workshops for UNE staff, students, and Armidale High School staff and students as part of the festival 22nd - 24th July. The workshops are run by colleagues at the Australian GLBT Multicultural Council (AGMC) based in Melbourne. Image: Ms. Saffaa working on the Candy Royalle mural in Newtown, Sydney. Image credit: Nicola Bailey.

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on the Hill

A new exhibition celebrating 90 years of the Armidale Teachers’ College is now showing at the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM).

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ollege on the Hill is an exhibition exploring this iconic building that has been a significant part of Armidale’s community and culture for nearly a century. It has been curated by Bill Oates, UNE University Archivist, who has been going through records, photos and other memorabilia to assemble a display which explores the building’s history and the people who studied and worked there. We asked him to talk about what makes the Old Teachers’ College so special and found out that some of the controversy around its founding sound very familiar to Armidale residents 90 years later … The Armidale Teachers’ College was built in 1929 - what made it so significant at the time and now? With the establishment of Sydney Teachers’ College in 1906, all NSW teachers were being trained in the city. This led to a chronic shortage of new teachers willing to return to country schools and an overcrowded Sydney campus. The Principal of Sydney Teachers’ College at the time, Alexander Mackie, suggested to the New State Commission of 1924 that a new college be built on the Hawkesbury River. The state Director of Education, S. H. Smith recommended a new institution be built in either Grafton or Armidale. The new NSW Minister for Education, D H Drummond, was a passionate supporter of decentralisation and also the Member for Armidale. He adopted the recommendation for a new college in Armidale in 1927. This was a brave experiment in decentralisation aimed at retaining rural youth in the regions, rather than losing them to the capital city. There was quite a lot of controversy about building the Teachers’ College - why was that? Alexander Mackie felt strongly that Hawkesbury was the better site: rural, but still close to Sydney. Others, also keen for 32 New England focus.

decentralisation, but from other regional centres like Orange, Bathurst or Wagga Wagga, were aggrieved that their centres were missing out. Later, with the gathering financial woes of the Great Depression, many felt that the government could not afford such a grand building at all. As student numbers plummeted and new teaching jobs became scarce, the new building rose to completion just after the financial crash of October 1929. How important was the Teachers’ College to the community of Armidale and the wider New England region? David Drummond stated that the foundation of the college was a first step in creating a University of Northern New England. This was a first move to decentralise the establishment of government agencies away from Sydney. The construction of the new building in the early 1930s helped Armidale overcome some of the tragic consequences of the Great Depression. It also proved to be an institution which produced many fine teachers over many decades, and these teachers staffed country schools across the entire State. What is your favourite student story from the days of the Armidale Teachers’ College? Students were forbidden to walk on the beautiful lawns to the front of the building. These lawns were maintained by the college gardener, Mr Dye. After a snow storm, this rule was forgotten in the flurry of the snow ball fight that ensued. The college gardener was so shocked by these events, he submitted his resignation to the principal, C B Newling, immediately. Only promises by Newling that there would be no future breaches of the lawn security saw the resignation withdrawn, and the gardens remained unmolested in the future. Why are students from the teachers’ college now considered alumni of the University of New England? From the establishment of the New England University College in 1938 (at Booloominbah)

a partnership between Under the stewardship it and the already of UNE, this material is College on the Hill will be on established teachers’ available to public and display at NERAM from Friday college began. Promising academic researchers. 21st June until Sunday students, who had been Many hundreds of local, 18th August 2019. The accepted for Infants/ national and international exhibition was produced Primary teacher training researchers use the by the New England at the teachers’ college, collection each year. Regional Art Museum in were transferred on the What will the partnership with the University of recommendation of exhibition at NERAM New England and the Friends of C B Newling to include, and why the Old Teachers' College. undertake Secondary should people come to teacher training at the see it? new university college, The exhibition features where he had been appointed Dean of many of the early photographs collected Education. by staff of the Teachers’ College, including These students studied their subject areas the Solomons glass plate collection. It is an at the university college, but studied for their opportunity to demonstrate the diversity of diplomas of teaching at the teachers’ college. the Teachers’ College archives. This is also This arrangement continued until teacher an opportunity for collaboration with the training was offered by the University of Friends of the Old Teachers’ College, who New England. After several proposals in the have provided some of their unique artefacts 1970s and early 1980s, the two institutions from many teacher education alumni, usually amalgamated in July 1989, becoming a single exhibited in the Gwenda Shannon museum institution. room, near the front entrance of the college What is the UNE Archive, and what does it building (just off the Foyer). do for the local community? What is the one thing you wish you had As far back as 1947, the New England for this exhibition that isn’t in the archive? University College collected community records I would have loved to include just one of the and housed state government documents over 1,000 wooden model aircraft built by staff for research in Armidale. By 1957, the and students of the Teachers’ College during UNE Archives was formally established as a World War II. Such was the demand for these repository to service the northern third of NSW, models by the military, to train personnel in and many families and community groups were aircraft recognition of fighters and bombers, encouraged to donate records documenting that no examples were kept in Armidale or the history and culture of the region¬ – an remained in the college. If anyone has one that area which stretches from Newcastle to the came from this era, we would be very excited Queensland border and west to Bourke. to hear from them. In addition, the archival records of UNE and College on the Hill will be on display at Armidale Teachers’ College are housed here, NERAM from Friday 21st June until Sunday as well as state government archives and a 18th August 2019. The exhibition was regional photographic collection of more produced by the New England Regional Art than 100,000 images. The UNE & Regional Museum in partnership with the University Archives is now the custodian of a large and of New England and the Friends of the Old significant collection of irreplaceable cultural Teachers' College. material held on over 4 km of shelving. Thanks Bill.

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2019 marks the Tercentenary of the death of St John Baptist De La Salle, the patron saint of Teachers. St John Baptist De La Salle holds a special place in the heart of the O'Connor community. O'Connor Catholic College was formed in 1975 as a result of the amalgamation of two Armidale schools; De La Salle College and St Ursula's College.

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aint John Baptist De La Salle lived in France in the 17th Century. There he witnessed the lack of education and its consequences for the poor of Reims. St John Baptist De La Salle created schools and trained teachers all across France to educate the poorest of the poor. In the process, he developed teaching techniques that are still with us today in the 21st century. The success of Lasallian schools was such that these schools and the Brothers that staffed them spread throughout the world. This includes Armidale, which was the first Lasallian school in Australia established in 1906 on the current site of O'Connor Catholic College. O'Connor retains the charism of the Ursuline Sisters founded by Angela Merici and the De La Salle Brothers founded by John Baptist, De La Salle. Indeed, O'Connor owes a great debt to these teaching orders in the formation and values of the current school. Visitors to O'Connor will notice much of the De La Salle

heritage that still remains. This includes statues, names of historic buildings and gates, Archives room and of course, the De La Salle Chapel. Each year students are reminded of the their rich heritage on Founder's Day, where the De La Salle Brothers and Ursuline Sisters are honoured. Due to the Tercentenary, 2019 is a special year with special celebrations. These are due to take place on Friday 5th July. The format of the day includes a special assembly, a Mass celebrated by Bishop Kennedy, a concert showcasing talented O'Connor musicians and thespians, and finally the traditional House "Capture the Flag" competition. Apart from the Bishop, special guests for this day include Brother David Hawke, the Provincial for the Asia Pacific region, Br John Pill, first Principal of O'Connor, Br Garry Coyte, last De La Salle Principal of O'Connor, Sister Mary Talty, first female Principal, Bishop Hannah and Fr Paul McCabe, old boys of De La Salle College. Everyone is looking forward to a fantastic day.

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Flett Sandy Flett is a lovely, warm-hearted and creative artist … Mum, wife, fur-mum, occupational therapist, illustrator, blogger, kids’ art teacher, YouTuber … oh, and in her spare time, she’s also writing her own book and recovering from a major health scare! Sandy would hands down win New England FOCUS’ wonder woman of the year ward …

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i Sandy. What brought you to the New England area? Actually Jo, beautiful Armidale brought my husband and kids and I and our Border Collie, Domino, to the New England! We had been looking to get out of the big smoke and heat of Brisbane and so many times found ourselves stopping over in Armidale on trips through to our hometown of Newcastle every year. The gorgeous trees, historic buildings and fantastic arty community were so attractive to us. When I found a massive children’s literature world also existed in Armidale, that totally sealed the deal for me! My husband, Nige, and I both found jobs - and that was it! We packed up our kids and Border Collie and relocated to the New England. We ended up finding a tiny acreage just outside town on the way to Gostwyck Chapel, with space for my first ever proper art studio, where I can draw to the sound of cows and sheep and look out over the gorgeous fields around us. I suspect like many people who draw and create as adults, you discovered your talent for illustration as a child. Who/what were some people and places that helped

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you develop your creativity in those early days? When I was about six, In about Fourth Grade, my my parents gave my sister primary school organised an and I the opportunity author library visit … and man, to go to a children’s art oh man - I was in seventh lesson group at the local heaven! I think it was school of the arts. It was and sewing disasters, then I fell in love with the run by an amazingly which would arise out concept of being able to talented art teacher (Pam of some of creativity create a book, and the seed Fredericks - you rocked!). fits. Colouring in was sown that I could maybe, one I remember her so well, competitions were SO day, illustrate a book. because it was in her exciting, and I developed classes that I discovered my own colouring I could draw and paint in style that was a pretty well for a little tacker. guaranteed winner - using dots of colour to As a child and then teenager - I just always make a 3D effect. had to make things. It was like eating! And, I adored books - picture books and I was very lucky to have a mum and dad comics with bright funny pictures. Personal who encouraged and delighted in my creativity. faves were Footrot Flats and The Diggingest Even before I could even read or write, I used Dog! So, in about Fourth Grade, my primary to make up stories and dictate them to my school organised an author library visit … and dad, who would then write them down for man, oh man - I was in seventh heaven! I think me in my own special story writing book. I still it was then I fell in love with the concept of have them (they are pretty funny!) and I’m being able to create a book, and the seed was so grateful for my dad for encouraging my sown that I could maybe, one day, illustrate a imagination. book. My poor mum was always making me In high school in Newcastle, art was my homemade glue on the stove, so I could do favourite and also my best subject, but I didn’t papier-mâché and putting up with my paint

do it for my HSC - because back in the 1980s, it was a “thing” that “you couldn’t make a living from art”. So, I took a “sensible” career path instead as an occupational therapist which I also love. But, as a result, like a lot of people my age, life and work got in the way of creative aspirations, and I didn’t really draw for about 20 years. But then - a period of illness about five years ago was the trigger for me to start drawing again. And, I was absolutely astounded that after a 20 year break, everything came back to me! It was like my arty brain was just on pause. I love telling people that, because so often I come across people just like me especially women - who have stopped doing their painting and drawing due to family and life and work and they think, “Oh, well; that part of my life is over”. Well, it’s just not! Your brain will still have that part, if you just let it come out. You have a YouTube channel, Kids Art

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School Sandy Flett. What are some of the things you share with children through this channel? I just LOVE creating my Kids Art School videos, because it’s a way of providing drawing lessons for kids who couldn't get to art lessons the way I could as a kid. Kids - and grown ups - can be so hard on themselves about their drawing skills. I try to make my Kids Art School Videos as funny and silly and interesting and encouraging as I can. I chuck in a message like:” Everyone makes mistakes” and, “Don't be so hard on yourself” and, “ Just pause, and try again” and even, ”Anyone can draw!” I see it as not only an art lesson, but a way of getting across life lessons too, in a funny and kid-friendly way. What I really get a kick out of are seeing the drawings kids come up with. And so often, I’ve had parents or carers tell me they have been siting down watching the video with their children, side by side, drawing together. That is so precious. So ... who's Juno Jones Word Ninja, and what's your association with this character? Juno Jones Word Ninja is the main character of my new book that I have illustrated, written by Kate Gordon. Juno is the most hilarious, strong and imaginative 10 year old girl I think I’ve ever met. Juno hates reading,

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so when she finds out that the only way her school, Muttonbird Bay Primary School, can be prevented from closing down is by reading loads of books, she realises she has to become a WORD NINJA! Juno’s pretty cool, with her awesome Ninja moves. I think she’s going places, to be honest - even if she is so feisty that she’s slightly scary (her creator, Kate Gordon, has been heard to say this.) A series of Juno Jones books is in the pipeline through the publisher Yellow Brick Books. The first one was released in April this year, and there are at least two more to follow in the next 12 months. So, watch this space! You can buy them at your local bookshops, including the fabulous Readers Companion in the Armidale Mall and Granny Fi’s Toyshop. What are some of the other illustrating/ cartooning projects you've worked on in recent times? I’m almost always making up cartoons and gags and drawing something. Beware if you are sitting near me in a café or train station, as I may well be drawing you as a cartoon! I have also illustrated a book for Griffith University, called “Jessie and the Scaredy Cat Brain” by Dr Allison Waters, an Associate Professor at Griffith University in Brisbane. Dr waters wrote the book as part of her research and treatment for children with anxiety, which

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is something, as an OT AND and artist, I was so I’ve just been diagnosed with - heart disease! excited and honoured to be a part of. My GP, here in Armidale (whom I’ll keep a As well as illustrating, I’m also an aspiring secret, as I don’t want to embarrass her) took writer and will have my first ever short story me seriously when I told her about mouth pain published in the 2019 Share Your Story I was having. This wonderful individual sent me Anthology, Spooktacular Stories - Thrilling Tales to the equally wonderful Armidale Cardiologist for Brave Kids. It will be available in October - Dr Hadi Nojoumian, who sent me for an this year. angiogram, which found How much of your I had a blocked coronary work involves artery and a blood clot! paper and pencil, as I was ready to pop off opposed to drawing the planet! Talk about a Juno Jones Word Ninja is the on a tablet or shock! main character of my computer these days? So, two weeks ago new book that I have I love using old I had to race down to illustrated, written by fashioned pen and Newcastle to have a stent Kate Gordon. Juno is the ink and watercolour put in, and I will now be most hilarious, strong and and paper, but for alive for a very long time imaginative 10 year old girl I think illustration, I mostly use to keep illustrating and I’ve ever met ... my trusty iPad Pro and writing and working as an Apple Pencil with the OT! I’m VERY grateful to Procreate app. It’s just so the medical people here fast, easy and versatile. in Armidale; they saved You also write a blog (I'm not sure where my life. So … if you want to know more, check you'd find the time, considering all of your out my blog. other projects!) What topics do you like to What are five items we'd ALWAYS be able communicate about? to find on your drafting table/desk? I’m laughing now, Jo! Yep - I do tend to Tea, tea bags, empty tea cups with the try squeeze a lot in! I have so many ideas and tea bags in them, my iPad, my Border Collie, things I want to do, that I have trouble keeping Domino (well, not ON the desk, but UNDER up with myself sometimes! the desk)! But to answer your question, I guess my blog is about my life as an illustrator and writer Where can we contact you/access your work? and other things I think people might want to You can contact me through: know about that I’m going through. I’m always My website: www.sandyflettart.com after a gag and easily find myself a point of Instagram @sandyflettsart excellent gag-worthy material - as I’m a bit of a Twitter @Flettsandra ditz sometimes! And Facebook - SandyFlettillustration “Mistakes are my Creative Speciality” and “I Youtube Sandy Flett’s Kids Art School have CCHD - Creativity Hyperactivity Disorder” And in any good bookstore! are a few very important topics I have covered. Thanks Sandy. Currently, I’m working on a slightly more Interview: Jo Robinson. serious blog post about a serious health issue New England focus. 35

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Nations of

ORIGIN Nations of Origin has become the largest Aboriginal youth sporting event in NSW. The program has four main components: reconciliation, education, cultural identity and the program is aimed at increasing school retention, with all participants required to have 80 per cent school attendance to be eligible to participate.

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hat is Nations of Origin? Nations of Origin is a multifaceted sport, cultural, education and leadership program which culminates during NAIDOC Week annually. The program has 4 main components: reconciliation, education, cultural identity and sport. But for the players involved it is an opportunity to compete in the weeklong event while representing a very proud community. Now in the competition’s seventh year, the event continues to grow; with over 1,200 players competing last year the competition, has high hopes for even greater numbers this year. Nations is fundamentally a sporting competition, but created for an amazing purpose. The selection process differs to other major sporting events, where players are selected by who could benefit the most from the experience. With many of the young people becoming disengaged, the event is aimed at increasing school retention, with all participants required to have an 80 per cent school attendance to be eligible to participate. Cultural identity is a focal point of the event, with all teams representing their community under their traditional local Aboriginal nation name from their area, with uniforms adorned with totems of their Aboriginal nation. This provides an opportunity

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for non-Aboriginal a large amount of young people to pre planning, to All participating learn about their ensure fundraising SPORTING TEAMS local Aboriginal totals are met. All MUST CONSIST OF culture and foster communities are ABORIGINAL AND relationships and feeling the effects NON-ABORIGINAL understanding financially, and YOUNG PEOPLE, between local major sponsors WITH A RATIO cultures. All are very hard OF 70:30 in the participating to find. We are formation of the teams. sporting teams must very lucky that consist of Aboriginal costs are reduced and non-Aboriginal from members of young people, with the community a ratio of 70:30 in the formation of the donating busses and food. teams. The community can help get How will Armidale be involved? involved; it’s as simple as buying a Every year Armidale’s involvement coffee at a participating store and has grown, but this year will be a new donating in the PCYC tins on the level of involvement. Currently we counter. In its second year, Armidale’s will be taking a team of 67 people Best Barista is a good spirted competing in male and female rugby competition to help raise money for league, netball and soccer. With all the event. The barista with the most three sports being on different days money raised will be awarded the title. and in different locations, we are So, help your favourite barista and taking an amazing team of volunteers PCYC next time you are grabbing a to ensure everything runs smoothly. coffee. The cultural aspect plays a huge How can new people get involved? part in the competition, and this year As mentioned, PCYC Armidale we are excited to announce a new is fully funding the program for all jersey representing the local totem, the players. The event is one of our the echidna. The jersey this year will largest mission based activities. If any feature art from one of our players. members of the community wish to How is the event paid for? help in any way with sponsorship, food We ensure this is an event for the or travel, please get in contact with the community, therefore there is no cost club. If you need more information, to any of the players. Taking away 67 please call (02) 6772 1023. people for a competition like this takes

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Written by Angus Swales from Year 6 at Kingstown Public School and spoken by Adam Marshall in parliament, Angus’ speech really puts you in the shoes of a farmer affected by the current drought.

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ne word ... one thing ... one disaster. A disaster that is currently ruling over 90% of NSW, with all the other states affected as well. Drought is having a large impact on the Kingstown and New England area, including our family farm. I have chosen this topic, because it is something we are experiencing right now. I, first hand, have seen the impact the drought is having on farmers, one of those being my own father. He comes home late and leaves early, often working for more than twelve hours a day. Drought is close to my heart for all the wrong reasons.

expensive to purchase it as well. Our feed comes from as far away as Western Australia and Victoria. From Western Australia it is transported by ship to either Newcastle or Brisbane, where it is then delivered to us by truck. Dad sometimes meets the truck at as late as nine o’clock at night! Depending on the truck driver, it is either unloaded then or the next morning. For straw it can cost up to $600 a tonne, but that’s too expensive for us. We pay up to $430 a tonne for grain. We use about 20 tonnes of grain a week and It isn’t only the farmers that are with 40 tonnes of grain in one truck doing it tough in this drought. load, we use up a whole truck load The stock are feeling it in two weeks. A truck load of grain is too. They struggle to keep being delivered every fortnight. When a full belly. Sheep and cattle you put those expenses on top of the search around the bare, brown others, it is quite a lot.

It isn’t only the farmers that are doing it tough in this drought. grounds, eager for the juicy Unfortunately, there aren’t exactly The stock are feeling it too. They succulent patch of grass. many solutions for the drought. It’s struggle to keep a full belly. not like we can make it rain. If we Sheep and cattle search around could, there wouldn’t be such a thing the bare, brown grounds eager for as drought. There are ways people can the juicy succulent patch of grass. help while a drought is happening. The juicy succulent patch of green People can donate money to people who need it and grass that unfortunately isn’t there at the moment. That there are plenty of charities you can do this through. Some means they have to be fed morning and afternoon. They supermarkets are helping too. For the dairy farmers, pursue the utes, tractors and trucks that carry the feed. people are paying about 30 cents extra for milk. These When the feed is delivered, they protest against each small donations can help a lot. other, so that they get their fair share of food. When a green patch of grass DOES appear, they pounce on it, and To conclude, drought is a naturally occurring part of in a blink of an eye it is gone. farming in Australia, and is something we have to deal Grandad says that this current drought is far worse than the 1965 drought. Although the ‘65 drought was extreme, the current one is now heading into its third consecutive year and it is so widespread. Because of that, it is not only much more difficult to find feed, but a lot more

with. However, it is extremely hard work and takes tireless commitment. There is one thing all farmers say. The rain will come; it’s just a matter of time. We just need to hang in. Thank you. Thanks Angus; well said.

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Youth Regional Leaders Summit The world we live in is changing faster and faster; therefore, the next generations of leaders need to be agile in their thinking, adaptability and creativity just to keep up with the ever-increasing speed of change. One of the best tools to have in your leadership toolbox is the most sought after, simple question - asking, “What else?” - a tool that will be your favourite in the most complex of decision making and problem-solving situations. #YRLSUMMIT is a place to step outside your comfort zone, be challenged - challenge your own learning and growth with like-minded leaders and mentors, and where better to do this than in a regional environment, where resilience and innovation are a way of life. Armidale leads the way in regional education and leadership. It is home to world renowned innovations through the University of New England’s Incubator Hub. Armidale provides the ideal location, with its national parks, waterfalls, arts and culture and history, to challenge the thinking styles of every leader now or in the future. #YRLSUMMIT is a full day with top speakers and business leaders sharing their experiences, successes and mistakes and incorporating interactive think tank sessions throughout the day, bringing the ideas of the young leaders together with top tips from experienced leaders.

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Our keynote speakers include: • SAMANTHA GASH - Endurance Athlete, Inspirational Speaker, Author, Social Impact Entrepreneur, World Vision and Royal Flying Doctor Service Ambassador • MARK WALES - Business Strategist, Fashion Entrepreneur, Former SAS Troop Commander, Speaker • IAN MASON - Entrepreneur, Investor, Senior Leader, Economist, Author, Speaker & Speechwriter • HON. ADAM MARSHALL MP - Member of The Legislative Assembly, Member for Northern Tablelands, Minister for Agriculture and Western New South Wales So if you are a young business and community leaders (18 - 35 years) and executives, business owners, managers, community leaders who mentor young leaders, then join us for #YRLSUMMIT See you there!

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Professor

Anne

Professor of both English and Theatre Studies at the University of New England, ANNE PENDER HAS BEEN FORTUNATE TO MEET AND WORK WITH MANY RENOWNED AUSTRALIANS during the course of her extensive teaching and writing career …

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i Anne. What’s your background in Armidale? I grew up in Canberra and am a “tree-changer”. I came to Armidale in 2003, after living in the UK for a few years, where I was teaching at King’s College London. I enjoy the peace here and the access to the wilderness areas and national parks. As a Professor of both English and Theatre Studies at UNE, what does a day in your working life generally involve? My working day involves teaching drama and literature to undergraduate students who are based here in Armidale. I work with them in our Drama Studio or in our other performance spaces even if I’m giving a lecture or workshop, so that we are in a space that can accommodate the practical work we do. I also have interactions online with those students who are not located in Armidale and spend time writing to them or speaking to them online as part of our online teaching. I am lucky also to have a large group of postgraduate students in both literary and theatre studies who live in Sydney, Melbourne, Townsville, and one who lives in Singapore. So I speak to those students about their research projects frequently, as they draft their dissertations. I also do my own research and writing too. I try to write every day, starting early in the morning before my teaching and meetings begin. I play tennis at night twice a week throughout the year. What are your research interests, and why do these topics intrigue you? I am passionate about literature and theatre, particularly in Australia. I’ve always enjoyed them, and as a biographer I am interested in how creativity grows as part of a personality and as part of an artistic tradition. I did a Psychology degree at Harvard a long time ago, and my study there with feminist psychologist Carol Gilligan informed my understanding of creativity, so that’s part of it. I am also interested in the way Australian

Tamworth Regional Gallery literary and theatrical culture has grown and how Australian writers and actors contribute to our global entertainment culture. I am particularly interested in satire, comedy and humour and that’s why I wrote a full biography of Barry Humphries, which took me all around the world and kept me entertained for several years. You’ve had many works published, both academic papers and books - the most recent book being Seven Big Australians: Adventures with Comic Actors. This book explores the lives and work of Carol Raye, Barry Humphries, Noeline Brown, Max Gillies, John Clarke, Tony Sheldon and Denise Scott. Why did you choose these actors in particular for the book? Each one of these actors has made a major contribution to Australian culture and transformed entertainment in Australia on stage, television and in film. They are all comic actors who offered something innovative in comedy, whether it was in topical satire such as Carol Raye, or political humour through mimicry as is the case with Max Gillies, in musical theatre (Tony Sheldon), or in pioneering a particular kind of stand-up comedy as Denise Scott has achieved. So, my book tells the story of Australian humour since World War II through the lives of these seven extraordinary people. It offers a kind of insider’s view of the business of entertainment during a period of enormous change in Australia, presenting the perspective of each actor and my interpretation of their experiences. In the course of writing/researching Seven Big Australians, did you get to meet any of the actors you wrote about in person? I spent four years doing a large research project on 80 actors in Australia. As part of that large project, I spent many days with the seven actors who are featured in this book, interviewing them at different stages over a four-year period, and going to see them perform many times. I spoke to them in person, on the phone, on tour, at their homes, as well as before and after their shows. It was a privilege to get to know the

actors as people. They told me about their family origins and childhood, the difficulties of working as an actor and the struggles they have had to create comic material, but also about the exhilaration they experienced as performers and their love of comedy. Each of them has a distinctive approach to their work, but all of them are exceptional people who have contributed to Australian society, as well as to the profession of acting and to the theatre here and overseas. I was so fortunate to have spent many days in the company of John Clarke, who died in 2017. What types of books and theatre do you enjoy, purely for pleasure? I love reading long form journalism of the kind in the New Yorker Magazine or in essays in books. I like to read poetry, seeing new Australian plays and I love going to see musical theatre productions. Last year I was back at Harvard on a Fulbright fellowship and was fortunate to see a student production of Chicago. It was magical. A few years ago some of our students and Armidale community members staged the musical Legally Blonde. That was a memorable production too. What are your thoughts on the future of writing and theatre in Australia? Australian writing and Australian theatre are vibrant and flourishing. The creative industries are enormous in Australia now. Studying literature and theatre prepares students for so many careers and builds analytical skills and confidence in speaking and writing that are essential to any career. It’s so important for young people particularly to create work and participate in creative activity, whether it’s drama or writing or music, rather than passively receiving theatrical work. There are so many opportunities to contribute to the world after studying the arts, and developing one’s creative capacity is powerful and rewarding in itself. No-one can take that artistic development away from you, and it’s never too late to start. Creative individuals are precious and vital to our society and to the economy, and there is no better time than now to begin. Thanks Anne. Interview: Jo Robinson.

It’s an exciting year for Tamworth Regional Gallery. The local institution has recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, with the opening of The View from 1919 exhibition along with a series of events and public programmes to mark this exciting milestone. A highlight is TRANSMIT, a new programme which has seen the installation of large-scale portable and permanent digital screens, software and equipment with funding from the State Government’s Regional Cultural Fund. The programme seeks to enrich, energise and connect the community through digital platforms and will support wide access to live events that take place at state and national galleries or universities and provide education programmes into the future, for all ages and abilities. TRANSMIT is about the transmission of education, knowledge and ideas through digital technology; continuing the philosophy of access to the arts in regional Australia - the principle priority of the Gallery since it opened 100 years ago. Learning programmes and events take inspiration from the changing exhibition calendar, with gallery staff and artist educators conducting workshops and other programmes year round. TRANSMIT is proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Tamworth Regional Council. Learn more about Tamworth Regional Gallery’s updated list of public programmes at www.tamworthregionalgallery.com.au

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UNIPLAN S TA F F

D E V E L O P M E N T

Established in Armidale in 1999, Uniplan has grown from elementary beginnings into a multifaceted company. The original three-man crew of family members, Howard, Ben and William Scott, now employ over 130 staff, including 24 apprentices and two trainees, spanning across nine career pathways.

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he company works development, with a total of 24 apprentices hard to give back to the in Carpentry, Cabinet Making, Furniture Armidale community, Finishing, Wall and Ceiling Lining, which has supported Plumbing, Engineering Fabrication and Uniplan’s growth Electrotechnology and two Trainees in and supplied skilled and Accounting and Business Sales. educated employees. Our dedicated line With a core vision managers are committed of "We Innovate to to the servicing of our Grow", the family and apprenticeship program, their dedicated team by investing time for Be a role model in our are always looking for each to sufficiently field of expertise, provide new designs, methods, participate in both the for the local community, and processes, thriving practical and theoretical elevate our employees on finding exciting sides of their course. and create lasting relationships with a new products. This helps to ensure that hardworking, family It’s in our Mission … the knowledge achieved spirit of the highest ethics. “Be a role model in at the completion of our field of expertise, the course is of high provide for the local standard, setting them up community, elevate our for success in their trade. employees and create lasting relationships with a hardworking, family spirit of the highest ethics.” Entailed in our Business Mission is to elevate our employees, and we carry this through to our Apprentice and Trainee programs. Along with this we also provide specific leadership training sessions to assist our Supervisors and team-leaders. Uniplan Group is absolutely focused on giving our employees the best possible training, in order for them to conduct their jobs effectively. And not only this, we are devoted to elevating our employees within the company and in turn, advance their personal development. Apprentices and Trainees Uniplan Group invests heavily in staff

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St Joseph's

St Joseph’s Primary, Uralla are pleased to offer a before and after school care program through Sherpa Kids.

EDUCAIION TRAINING F O C U S

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hy is primary education so important? The primary education your child receives lays the foundation for their future. It provides the essential knowledge and skill sets they require to continue to become the best person they can be. The emotional, social, physical and academic development of a child has a direct effect on their overall development and on the adult they will become. As parents, the school you choose is an investment in your child’s future well-being. What does St Joseph’s offer primary aged children? At St Joseph’s we believe in developing the whole child through a supportive, safe and inclusive environment. Our small Catholic school setting allows teachers to target the individual learning needs of each child and engage them with meaningful and relevant learning experiences. Our school is very well resourced, our grounds are spacious and welcoming, and our staff are

dynamic, supportive and always ready to listen. What importance do you place on being a part of the Uralla community? We have strong partnerships with families, parish members and wider Uralla community members. We value the importance of community and belonging within our school, and it reflects in all that we do. Our parents and staff were becoming concerned that the options for primary school children to remain in Uralla were being seriously compromised by the lack of before and after school care for those families who work out of town. We decided to find a solution to this issue and have been fortunate in gaining the services of Sherpa Kids for our before and after school care program. This has provided a great support opportunity for our families and the wider Uralla community members. What are the benefits of having Before and After School Care in Uralla? The Sherpa Kids Before and After School Care Service supports parents in making that important schooling decision. With this service parents now

have more freedom to choose a school that will best provide the education suited to the needs of the children and their families. Parents have commented that, “Just because we work in Armidale, it no longer means that our children have to attend a school in Armidale”. What are the benefits of children staying in their local community? As humans, we all have an innate desire to belong and be a part of something bigger than ourselves. The Before and After School Care Service allows children to be a part of their local community. They go to school in town, they build friendships with local children, they play sports and socialise within their local community, and they have a sense of belonging. Where is the Before and After School Care located, and who can attend?

F E A T U R E

The Sherpa Kids Before and After School Care is located at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Wood Street, Uralla. St Joseph’s has set up this service to support the families of Uralla in educating their children. The service is open to all students in the Uralla district and gives families extra support with child minding before and after school hours. Sherpa Kids is a committed provider that services 11 locations within New England and Sydney. They are committed to providing a safe and engaging program that includes activities such as cooking, painting, crafts, sports and social interaction. How do parents apply to use the Before and After School Care Program? Parents are able to contact the business owner of this service directly by using the contact details

New England focus. 41

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EDUCAIION TRAINING F O C U S

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MUSIC FOR EV ERYONE AT

After 15 years of delivering musical services to the New England region, NECOM is now an integral part of the community and has cemented its place as a major educational organisation in New South Wales.

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egional Conservatoria exist to support all facets of the community, whether it is through the delivery of workshops for both students and teachers, studio lessons for individual musicians, ensemble experiences for choristers and instrumentalists, or by providing qualified teaching staff to go into schools to build music curriculum and instrumental programs. Beyond these important roles, NECOM plays a significant part in the health and well-being of people at both ends of the age spectrum, through the delivery of Early Childhood classes and by providing musical performances for the elderly. Added to this, the Conservatorium employs the services of a University-trained Music Therapist to work closely with those who have special needs. EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC PROGRAM The Mini Minstrels at NECOM might be mini, but they are BIG music makers! Most days through the week and on Saturdays you can find lots of happy babies and pre-schoolers heading in to their music classes at NECOM. They bounce and dance, they clap and sing, and they rock and relax to a huge number of songs and games. Mums, dads, grandparents, and carers of all kinds can be seen participating in the activities and encouraging their charges in the joyous expression of music. All the learning takes place under the radar in these classes - underneath all the fun, science tells us that a huge array of skills and brain functions are being supported and prepared for. There’s social learning, there’s

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language acquisition (especially for bilingual children), there’s numeracy and literacy, there’s emotional maturity, and there’s the more obvious preparations for a musical life ahead. Adults find support to include music in their children’s lives across the week, as well as meeting other carers and children in a happy and friendly environment. Led by trained musicians and teachers, everyone is encouraged to sing as much as they want to, leaving their inhibitions at the door (as much as any of us can!). All comers are welcome, regardless of their background in music. If you’re keen for your kids to be part of this fantastic program, get in touch with NECOM soon and start making music! MUSIC THERAPY PROGRAM Defining music therapy is often challenging, because the practice is so diverse, but NECOM and the Australian Music Therapy Association use the following definition: Music therapy is a research-based practice and profession in which music is used to actively support people as they strive to improve their health, functioning and wellbeing. Music therapy is the intentional use of music by a university-trained professional who is registered with the Australian Music Therapy Association Inc. Registered music therapists draw on an extensive body of research and are bound by a code of ethics that informs their practice. Music therapists incorporate a range of music making methods within and through a therapeutic relationship. They are employed in a variety of sectors, including health, community, aged care, disability, early childhood, and

NECOM plays a private practice. Music NECOM presents inditherapy is different vidual and group music significant part in the from music education therapy programs for and entertainment as it children and adults with focuses on health, funcdisabilities, brain injury, tioning and wellbeing. age-related diseases, Music therapists are early childhood music committed to supportprograms and early intering people of any age vention programs. It also and ability regardless of includes residential aged musical skill, culture or care work – the planned, background. implemented and evaluated individual and NECOM’s music therapist, Fumie Takahashi group music therapy programs for older calls upon her multi-instrumentalist skills to adults with dementia and other age-related shape her sessions around call-and-response diseases; and working with children on the games, rhythm exercises, cognitive training Autism Spectrum to improve communication, and other activities that stimulate brain develsocial skills, gross and fine motor skills and opment while combatting anxiety. sensory integration. The overarching goal of music therapy is to All clients are provided with: achieve the objectives that meet the needs of • An initial assessment that will include a the individual. This may include, for examreport and an individually designed music ple, improving motor function, social skills, therapy program emotions, coordination, self-expression and • Nine-week block of sessions each term (four personal growth. terms each year) Common goals in music therapy, can • Evaluation - an evaluation of whether goals include: have been met and any recommendations for • Communication skills (using vocal/verbal future input sounds and gestures) Many of our clients now access music • Social skills (making eye contact, turn-taktherapy at NECOM using their NDIS funding, ing, initiating interaction, and self-esteem) and we look forward to working with a wider • Sensory skills (through touch, listening, and range of people under this new funding levels of awareness) structure. • Physical skills (fine and gross motor control NECOM offers something for everyone in and movement) our community. • Cognitive skills (concentration and attenMore information about NECOM's tion, imitation, and sequencing) programs can be found by visiting www. • Emotional skills (expression of feelings non-verbally) necom.org.au or call 6788 2135.

health and wellbeing of people at both ends of the age spectrum.

focusinterview.

Musica Viva Armidale in association with the New England Conservatorium of Music will be presenting Flinders Quartet in Armidale at the Town Hall on Thursday 25 July at 7pm. This will be a concert not to be missed.

Flinders

Quartet

Musica Viva Armidale in association with the New England Conservatorium of Music will be presenting Flinders Quartet in Armidale at the Town Hall on Thursday 25 July at 7pm. This will be a concert not to be missed.

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linders Quartet (FQ) is instantly recognisable as one of Australia’s most loved chamber music ensembles. A quartet for the twenty-first century, FQ continues its second decade with acknowledged musical skill and maturity. The group’s dynamic and stirring performances of a full spectrum of repertoire have audiences and critics articulating their esteem, and the quartet is a highly-respected force in Australian chamber music. Inspired by Wendy Lesser’s book Music for Silenced Voices, Melbourne’s Flinders Quartet is pushing creative boundaries with its take on a 21st century Shostakovich cycle: surmising Shostakovich’s life through his string quartets. Together with well-loved director and dramaturge, Richard Piper, Flinders Quartet tell the story of Shostakovich through the lens of selected string quartet movements. It’s a story that speaks of a man loyal to his friends (sometimes to a fault) and living in constant fear. This is not their first foray into mixing the string quartet with other mediums. Flinders Quartet has developed an enviable reputation as musicians that are fearless in their pursuit of artistic excellence and new projects. This concert promises to set a new benchmark for innovative chamber music. We spoke to FQ’s cellist, Zoe Knighton about their upcoming performance in

Flinders Quartet has developed

an enviable reputation Armidale. What advice would as musicians that are Your performance is you offer to young fearless in their pursuit called Shostakovich musicians? of artistic excellence and through the lens of Constantly remind new projects. This concert the string quartet, yourself of your love for promises to set a new benchmark how will your music by listening as for innovative chamber music. perspective on him much as you can and change people’s going to concerts. As views of the musicians, we are all part composer? of such a wonderful and This project has involved an enormous constantly changing wheel of activity and amount of reading and listening and in inspiration. We all feed off each other so be particular, we have focussed our attentions part of that community in whatever way you on those people closest to Shostakovich. His can. Try and find your own voice through you friends, colleagues and his 3 wives. Playing instrument. My very dear teacher once said to these string quartets gives us an insight into me, "We don't need another Rostropovich, his personality as they are such intimate and we just need you!" (I still wish I sounded more telling works but we have discovered just how like Rostropovich though...) loyal he was as a friend and how much his What are your favourite musical styles to relationships meant to him. perform? You curated selected movements from That's a hard question because I rarely the string quartets of Shostakovich with step out of the classical world, however dramaturge Richard Piper. Could you we recently performed for the Melbourne tell us more about what this process International Jazz Festival with Linda Oh involved? and it was a total blast. Hopefully there's It involved mammoth amounts of listening more of that on the horizon! It took a lot of together, reading and lots of having concentration to keep up with the jazzers Shostakovich on the stereo during any regional but it was totally exhilarating and really fun. tour road trip. Then we sat down a number Hopefully there's more of that in the pipeline. of times and teased out some threads in the What can audiences expect to hear in music, found bits that stood well on their own their Armidale concert? and played with pairing different movements We have split the concert in two halves, so alongside each other. we have the gorgeous Schumann Quartet No.

3 (insanely romantic and full of luscious tunes) and the selection of movements from the string quartets by Shostakovich. If you already love Shostakovich, it will be a treat as we are almost telling a story with our selection and hopefully, this will highlight various aspects of the music that may go unnoticed normally. If you don't know any of Shostakovich's music, it will be the perfect introduction. You’ve performed in Armidale a few times. Are you looking forward to visiting again? Each audience has it's own character and and its own "vibe" which we feed off and some concerts we find an immediate synergy with the audience. Armidale has always been a favourite. Just like a good friend who will always listen to you with the utmost attentiveness, we have such fond memories of our concerts in Armidale. It will be a real delight to be back and to work with the students there. We always come away looking up real estate in Armidale and wondering if we can make the move!

Flinders Quartet When 7pm, 25 July 2019 Where Armidale Town Hall Tickets www.trybooking.com/ZQSN More info NECOM 6788 2135 New England focus. 43

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

July 2019

AQUARIUS.

GEMINI.

LIBRA.

JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19

MAY 22 - JUNE 22

SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23

The challenges you are facing at home stem from not being appreciated or honoured. It is time you try something new to break the dynamics and re-educate those surrounding you to be a little less selfish and more considerate of your needs. A journey is a strong possibility, resulting in further career success. Rose Quartz is wonderful for selfconfidence and appreciation.

With regards to relationships, instead of looking at what you’re not getting, concentrate on all the special qualities of this relationship. You will feel completely different. Chrysocolla will keep your heart singing.

PISCES.

CANCER.

SCORPIO.

FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20

JUNE 23 - JULY 23

OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22

You may be feeling a little uprooted lately, but don’t forget how badly you wished for change to come into the picture. The reason you may be feeling this way is because your outcome is not quite here yet. Try a little new goal setting, as this will assist in a happier outlook. Ruby or Garnet will help you feel grounded, taking away some of the dilemma.

Don’t get caught up in holding on to garbage or things that are not a priority; this takes your confidence out of the picture, leaving you wondering where to go next. Set some fresh goals and enjoy! Selenite is great for an abundance of crystal clear energy.

Life may seem a little suspended at the moment, because you need to let go of something from the immediate past that has been exhausting you and causing sadness. Don’t be afraid to try something different. Your awareness is being called to recognise your creativity, because it’s through this talent you will be drawing success near. Turquoise is great for self-validation.

ARIES.

LEO.

SAGITTARIUS.

MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21

Be patient a little longer; you’re about to step into some happier times, but your attitude is critical! If you can step into the unknown fearlessly, there will be nothing to worry about. Become the answers to your fears. Moldavite brings forward change and higher personal qualities.

This month your awareness is being called toward your usual happy way of processing life. The reason why you are so fearful at present, is because you are currently taking life far too seriously. Lighten up and bring back your laughter and watch your fears disappear. Pyrite will bring back courage.

Now is a really good time to debate your own rules and regulations for life. Your judgement prohibits you from enjoying life to its fullest, so be kinder to yourself. Plan a holiday for yourself and get out of your current circumstance to try a little new goal setting. Citrine will shatter negative thoughts and attract an abundance of positive ones.

TAURUS.

VIRGO.

CAPRICORN.

APRIL 21 - MAY 21

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23

DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20

A sense of justice will be experienced to enable you the freedom to move ahead. Avoid giving your personal power away at this time, as this is an action that causes self-disapproval. Smile at your reflection for a week - feel the difference. Rose Quartz will aid in raising self-worth.

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Relationships are likely to be on the main agenda this month. Be open with your communication, to avoid any misunderstanding and know which insecurities belong to you and which ones don’t. Kyanite helps build inner bridges, so we can literally get over things.

Adventure a little longer. If you’re feeling stuck, write some goals down and plan a course of action. Movement is important for dispersing some of your restless energy right now, so keep busy and keep having fun. Carnelian will empower and enthuse.

Important words need to be spoken to bring a happy outcome to a potential negative situation. Don’t be afraid to speak from the heart, as your intention will be felt. Enjoy some laughter, as celebration is on its way for a family member. Citrine keeps us positively focused and lifts our spirit.

thinking education law plagiarism

WITH KIRK BURTON AND SAM DOYLE

thinking

Education Law Plagiarism

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n Australia we have one of the in their course of study. If a student submits most comprehensive and accessible work that is plagiarised for the purpose of an education systems in the world. assessment task, the marker may deduct marks Accordingly, it is not surprising that our for the plagiarised work. In more serious cases, education system and policies change the student may receive a mark of zero (0) for rapidly to keep up with advances in technology, that task, depending on the school or university research and national and international demands plagiarism policy. An education institution may for flexible learning paradigms. It is important suspend students from their chosen course for to understand the complexities associated with a period of time or expel them. Plagiarism can good governance of our education sector, the also result in the offence being recorded against development and implementation of appropriate that student’s name or even result in legal policies, and enforcement and protection of proceedings being brought against them. your entitlements, whether as an academic, HOW TO ENSURE YOU DON’T PLAGIARISE teacher, local or international student, parent or In order to make sure that you don’t plagiarise administrator. when submitting works it is important to WHAT IS PLAGIARISM? reference the original author in accordance Many people think that plagiarism is simply with the relevant course referencing styles. copying someone else’s work. Plagiarism is more This ensures that the creator of the work is serious than that. It is a form of intellectual credited for what they have done. A number of theft. Plagiarism can universities and secondary take many forms, from schools are using antideliberate cheating to plagiarism software accidentally copying to detect plagiarism PLAGIARISM CAN from a source without in students submitted TAKE MANY FORMS, acknowledgement. assessment tasks. One FROM DELIBERATE Plagiarism refers to when organisation that is a CHEATING TO a person uses another provider of this software is ACCIDENTALLY person’s work as though Turnitin which is used by COPYING FROM A it were their own, without a number of institutions SOURCE WITHOUT appropriate attribution including the University ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. to the original author. of New England. Turnitin Plagiarism has been allows students to upload an issue in schools and their assessment tasks universities for many years to the software prior to however, with the development of the internet submission for grading and obtain an indication and societies dependence on it, plagiarism has of any plagiarised sections in the students work. become much more prevalent. Internet search This is a useful tool for preventing plagiarism engines enable academics to find an authors’ and ensuring that students have referenced any work with ease which can then be copied and concepts or statements which were not created pasted into their own body of work. Some by themselves. websites may also provide complete essays on If you have concerns over the policies and nearly any topic, making it simple for students procedures surrounding plagiarism in your to copy another person’s work and pass it off organisation or in the manner in which your as their own. These websites can also offer submitted work has been reviewed, we can completed papers or provide a space for assist and advise you. students to trade their completed papers among Talk to us; you’ll be inspired! one another. Kirk R Burton RAMIFICATIONS FOR PLAGIARISING Senior Paralegal The penalties that can be imposed on those Samuel L Doyle who have plagiarised can be quite severe and Senior Paralegal possibly detrimental to a student’s progression Migration Consultant New England focus. 45

Business Minds

with Ingrid Rothe of VIVID Thinking

Phill Evans Yes Training for Dogs

This month Business Minds talks to Phill Evans of Yes Training for Dogs. Phill is a former explosives detector dog handler, an Australian National Kennel Club licensed obedience judge, and the owner of the only Old English Sheepdog in the world to score a perfect 200/200 in an open obedience trial. Phill is perhaps best known for matching families to pets at the Armidale Companion Animal Shelter.

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ell us a little bit about yourself. I’ve always been a dog trainer, starting in my late teens as a social hobby. I joined the Army in 1975 with the intention of working with the Army dogs. In 1980 I was posted to the Explosives Detection Dogs Unit of the Royal Australian Engineers. It was largely an anti-terrorism role, as it was not long after the Hilton Hotel bombing and was a very highstress environment. When I retired from the Army, I worked in Sydney for five years at Fairfield City Council, conducting investigations prosecutions of dog attacks and training dogs for a private security company doing security and detection work. I started with Armidale City Council in 1998 as an ordinance inspector. An early task was to report on conditions at the old pound. This led to the construction of the new shelter in 2002 which I managed until I retired in 2018. I’m also an Australian National Kennel Council trial judge, judging the national trials for Australia in 2017, as well as Queensland and NSW state titles over the years. What led you to Armidale? We had family in Armidale and had always intended to live here once our children were ready for school. We moved here in 1990 and built our home at Invergowrie.

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Tell us about your time at the shelter. It wasn’t just a job; education was a huge part of the role. Our focus at the shelter was to help build relationships between people and their dogs. I’ve always been interested in matching dogs with an owner’s needs. There are a lot of information sources at a breed level, but this doesn’t allow for an individual animal’s unique temperament and special qualities. Perhaps what I’m most proud of is creating a facility from the ground up that is genuinely open to the public through its volunteer program, and that is staffed by people who are passionate about animals. I’ve always felt valued at Council, and always feel welcome at the shelter when I drop in. That’s lovely. What led you to start Yes Training for Dogs? Helping people with their dogs has always been what I’ve done, consciously or unconsciously. I was retired and looking for an interest, so I started Yes Training for Dogs. It’s what I do for the love of it and to sustain me in retirement. What does Yes Training for Dogs do? We offer several services, from the basic introductory level about owning a dog, right through to the highest level of training. My services include one-to-one dog training, or coaching at homes or a nominated location, where I work one-on-one teaching the dog new

behaviours. The service is available in Armidale, things, it’s doubtful that you can be successful. Inverell and Tamworth. What inspires you? I also offer group classes at different levels Yesterday, I had a client make that first real of training: practice groups for people who connection with their rescue dog. That first have graduated from beginners; classes for dog connection changes the relationship forever. sports; and dog show handling. It’s the same feeling I got when families who Positive, reward-driven adopted from the shelter training is very effective. would send emails and post However, we need to be photos of their new family adaptable to the individual member thriving in their dog and what it needs. new home. Helping people with their What do you find the In retirement I have a dogs has always been most challenging thing? new puppy myself and I what I’ve done, consciously Often the biggest have found renewed joy in or unconsciously. I was challenge is identifying the experience. retired and looking for an the root cause of a dog’s What has been a highinterest, so I started Yes behavioural problems. Their light for you? Training for Dogs. family may ring about one Something that will stay issue; however, there are with me forever is the story often underlying issues that of Millie - abandoned by need to be exposed so you her owner, she had very can resolve the problem. Solutions are often heavy cataracts, and there was a huge commusurprisingly simple once you understand the nity effort to raise funds for her surgery. It still root cause. brings tears to my eyes. In the end, she was 18 What would you advise a business just years old when she died after being in a loving starting out? home for nine years. It was just extraordinary. I’ve worked in public service most of my life, What’s next? so this is a relatively new experience for me, Throughout my career I’ve offered private and I can’t envisage any business model that training outside of work hours, so really, I’ve doesn’t include being driven by your passion for travelled full circle. It’s been a great journey. The what you do. It also must be about being good next chapter is still unfolding … at what you do. If you don’t have those two Thanks Phill.

focus_contributor

ANTHONY FOX - PRESIDENT, ARMIDALE BUSINESS CHAMBER

Minding your The committee has now held its first meeting to plan for the rest of the year. A new strategy for the Chamber is being prepared to meet present and future challenges. The committee is also considering further ways it can assist businesses - particularly new businesses.

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he Chamber held its AGM on 13th June 2019. At that meeting, the following people were elected to the Management Committee: Deborah Hunter (Vice President), Catherine McFarland (Treasurer), Aileen MacDonald (Secretary), Les Davis, Monty Maguire, Bryn Griffiths and Michelle Wheatley. You may not have noticed it yet, but we are also slowly improving the website, to make it more user friendly for members and the wider community. I will have more to say about the Chamber plans and events in the coming months. WiNG Our June breakfast featured a panel of former award-winning female led businesses and by all accounts, was an engaging and interesting event. WiNG has met to make its plans for breakfast meetings for the rest of the year. Deb Hunter is the program leader, with a dedicated team supporting our efforts. Our continued thanks go to these passionate advocates for the WiNG program. Please watch the website for details of the next breakfast meeting, to be held on 13th August 2019. Spotlight on New Business Would any new businesses and start-ups please contact the Chamber (6771 1177) to provide us with your details, so that the Chamber can highlight your efforts and help you on your business journey. This month I mention that Caleb Harvey (of “Social Salad” fame) will in July 2019 open a new café venture, to be located where Café 195 and Café Midalé was located. The café will be open during the day and evenings and will be modelled on Melbourne street cafés. Up until mid-July, the Fleece to Fashion shop is open for business in the Mall, through space

provided by Renew Armidale. Armidale Region Business Awards Night Plans for the Armidale Regional Awards dinner on 16th August 2019 at the Bowling Club are well underway. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to recognise the efforts and contributions our businesses make to our community. I’d encourage you to nominate a business you would like to see recognised or indeed, if your own business has excelled in the last 12 months, you can choose to nominate yourself. There has in the past been concern about the independence and nature of the judging of entries. As with last year, no one on the Chamber’s Management Committee will be judging entries; independent judges will be appointed. We are also seeing if those judges will have time to engage with entrants about themselves or their business. There will also be an awards workshop for entrants, to assist in the application process. Please check our website for details. Dinner with the Governor of the Reserve Bank A reminder that the dinner with the Governor of the Reserve Bank has been organised for 24th September 2019 and will take place at the Armidale Bowling Club. It is open to Chamber members, members of other Chambers and the wider community. It is an exciting opportunity to meet and engage with the Governor. Contact us on 6771 1177 to book advance tickets. Armidale Airport The Council is moving ahead with plans to sell off the Business Park adjacent to the airport. A real estate agent has been appointed, following Council’s call for expressions of interest, with a launch to take place in the next couple of weeks. New England focus. 47

Motor mouth rating

Motormouth with Carl Bennett from Mercedes-Benz Coffs Coast

9.5/10

Mercedes-Benz 2019

MERCEDES-BENZ COFFS COAST IS NOW HOME TO THE ALL-NEW 2019 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE-CLASS OF LARGE LUXURY SUVS.

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he new range is not only sporting a fresh new look with advanced technology, it now comes with the option of third row seating, making it the perfect car for families big and small ... Not to mention the evolution of the MBUX voice-controlled cockpit. Three models are currently available in the range, GLE300d, GLE400d and GLE450. AMG Variants GLE53 and 63 will become available in 2020. Under the hood, the new GLE comes with a choice of three engine variants mated with a nine-speed 4matic (AWD) automatic transmission, along with active acceleration, braking and steering and Trailer Manoeuvring Assist (great for first time towers, or those who don’t tow often!). Standard Features include Head up Display, Electric and Heated Front Seats, Driver Assistance Package, Active Distance Assist (Distronic), Active Braking with Cross Traffic Function, Active Lane Change Assist, Multibeam LED Headlights, Illuminated Running Boards, Keyless Go and Handsfree Access. Also featured in the new GLE is the MBUX 48 New England focus.

multimedia system, overhangs, a compact The MBUX system is a with a 12.3” digital front fascia - certainly breeze to use with voice instrument cluster and masks the growth commands. By simply saying 12.3” touchscreen spurt in the flesh, but “Hey Mercedes …” centre display with FM/ the benefits to interior you can control the AM Radio, Smartphone temperature, radio spaciousness are far Integration, USB and station, interior lighting more obvious once you Satellite Navigation. Also colour, navigation and climb inside. built within this system even the sun-blind. First-row spaciousness is a 360 Degree Camera, is about the same, with with a crystal clear just a little extra shoulder picture, one of the best room, but the second I’ve seen. row is where the upsize pays off. Increased The MBUX system is a breeze to use with space all round, including approximately 64 voice commands. By simply saying, “Hey mm of extra leg room, makes this row feel Mercedes …” you can control the temperature, almost limousine-like. radio station, interior lighting colour, navigation Electric adjustment (on seven seat variants) and even the sun-blind. for the sliding second-row opens up generous The exterior of the new GLE has improved space for passengers, and varies boot space packaging and added practicality. Being larger between 630L and 825 L, or 2,055 L with all in every measure outside other than the roof seats stowed. Clever packaging of the folding height, the most significant upsizing has been third row means cargo capacity is the same the overall length (up a whopping 105mm) and wheelbase (80 mm) compared with moderate stretching elsewhere. The conservative and evolutionary approach to exterior design - familiar proportions, short

as the five-seater when tucked away, and a storage compartment for the cargo blind keeps it hidden when all seats are deployed. Kids in the third row get USB ports and cup holders.

PRICING GLE300 d 4MATIC 1,950 cc, 4-cylinder, 180 kW, 500 Nm direct-injection, turbocharged diesel MRLP $99,990 inc GST & LCT Excludes Onroads & Options

GLE450 4MATIC 2,999 cc, 6-cylinder, 270 kW, 500 Nm 48 V EQ Boost, Petrol MRLP $111,700 Inc GST & LCT Excludes Onroads & Options

GLE400 d 4MATIC 2,927cc, 6-cylinder, 243 kW, 700 Nm Direct-injection, turbocharged Diesel MRLP $118,500 Inc GST & LCT Excludes Onroads & Options

Options Seat Comfort Package Vision Package AMG Line AMG Spot Package Comfort Package Luxury Seat Package Night Package 3 years Unlimited km Warranty and 3 years Roadside. For more information, call the team from Mercedes Benz Coffs Coast on (02) 6648 3577.

E S T A T E Build Your Dream Home - Small Acreage Blocks Right Near The Coast SELLING NOW - 12 Blocks Currently SOLD!

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average temperatures, a unique scenic location ake your dream of building your own home a reality! with a welcoming community, excellent Wattlebird Estate is just a restaurants and cafés, and lovely quiet towns short 10 minute drive from with all the amenities. Of course, Nambucca Nambucca Heads, with 24 Heads has great medical facilities, including a lifestyle acreage blocks selling now! Starting at newly announced $73 million dollar hospital $230,000.00 and ranging in size from one (1) coming to Macksville, as well as a good choice hectare lots (2.4 acres) to of schools available the largest block being a in Nambucca Heads, huge 9.37 acres. Imagine Macksville and Bowraville. the endless country Wattlebird Estate is ideal Wattlebird Estate is ideal lifestyle opportunities with for people looking for a sea for people looking for a sea that much space … microchange/tree change and a change/tree change and a break agriculture, vineyards, break from suburban life. from suburban life. If you chooks and even stables If you are someone who are someone who loves for a couple of horses for loves the outdoors and the outdoors and are either yourself or the kids! are considering building considering building Or, if you are more of your own home, then this your own home, then a coastie, you also have is your opportunity, without this is your opportunity. pristine beaches, an island buying a second job. If you are someone who golf course, boating, loves the outdoors and are fishing and water skiing considering building your also in close proximity. own home, then this is a Wattlebird Estate is truly a great opportunity for you. piece of paradise. Wattlebird Estate is well under construction! You could be building your new home by the end of the year, with subdivision works due to be completed in October 2019. Location and Lifestyle The Nambucca Valley has Australia’s best

Get Help Choosing the Right Block for Your Needs To help get the dream of owning your very own acreage, contact the sales agent Paul Loughland on 0402 639 265 or 1800 699 560. New England focus. 49

New England

P R O P E R T Y

50 New England focus.

G U I D E

focusAbode.

A truly brilliant display of

energyefficient living Green Homes Armidale is proud to present the July FOCUS Home of the Month. Chrissy Jones had THE PLEASURE OF TAKING A WALK THROUGH THE ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME THAT HAS AN ABUNDANCE of features, including a media room, outdoor entertaining area, open plan kitchen, dining lounge and four spacious bedrooms, including master suite.

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tanding proud in a tranquil bushland setting, the home fits perfectly into both its rural landscape and the young family’s busy lifestyle. Having a modern facade, the exterior of the home is a mix of painted white Weathertex horizontal wall cladding, Colorbond roofing and guttering, black powder coated double glazed windows and Merbau stained Spotted Gum feature posts on the entrance patio and rear outdoor entertaining area. The grand residence is a modified version of one of green homes’ off the shelf designs; the Eyre. It features one level of spacious open plan living, comprising kitchen, dining

and lounge area, four bedrooms including master suite, family bathroom, laundry and double garage with auto panel lift door. All is connected underfoot by a gorgeous vinyl plank flooring. ENTRY, MEDIA ROOM, KITCHEN, DINING, LOUNGE and OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT ALFRESCO Entry to the home is through a 1,200 wide Merbau timber pivot entrance door, that has horizontal glass panels and opens into the foyer. Left from the entry foyer is the luxuriously carpeted media room, a private space to sit back, relax and watch a movie with the family

in total comfort. To the right of entry a hallway leads to the home office/study and private master suite. Opening out from the foyer is the expanse of the open plan kitchen, dining and lounge room area. A stylish kitchen is the heart of the home and boasts all the mod cons, highlights being: the Smeg appliances - a five burner gas cooktop and concealed range-hood, dishwasher, electric oven and an Oliveri granite matt black double sink. All are placed strategically along the “Alpine White” Quantum Quartz bench-tops.

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focusAbode.

A truly brilliant display of

energy eďŹƒcient living Crisp, white subway tiles act as a splashback behind the sink and food preparation areas, whilst a horizontal wall window does the job behind the cook-top, allowing for hinterland views whilst cooking. The talking point of the kitchen, and indeed the living area, is the extra large island bench. Having a 1800 x 1600 Quantum Quartz top and breakfast bar seating on two sides, as well as under-bench cabinetry all sides, the island is an ingenious design that also has an integrated powerpoint. Neatly tucked away is the walk-in pantry. The custom-built L-shaped laminate bench-top has plenty of space for food preparation and appliances, shelving nooks above and below provide a spot for the microwave, condiments,

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MASTER BEDROOM, cooking implements and EN-SUITE, FAMILY the like. THE OPEN PLAN, BEDROOMS, The open plan, KITCHEN, DINING AND LAUNDRY kitchen, dining and LOUNGE ROOMS ALL Its own private oasis, lounge rooms all COMBINE SEAMLESSLY the master suite is combine seamlessly to TO CREATE A spacious and tranquil, create a wonderful space WONDERFUL SPACE TO being found at the to relax with family and RELAX WITH FAMILY AND opposite end of the entertain friends. ENTERTAIN FRIENDS. home to the family Opening out through bedrooms. It has a walktriple stacker glass sliding in robe with plenty of doors from the living area hanging and shelving is the outdoor alfresco space, plus a full length dressing room mirror; entertaining area. This is a fantastic part of the all is concealed behind a cavity sliding door. home design and one that suits the family to Adding to the luxury of the master is the a tee. adjoining en-suite. A walk in shower has

a herringbone pattern white tiled feature wall, a matt black rain shower and a wall recess for shampoos etc. Matt black towel rails complement the black tapware that is a striking contrast to the tiles. A wall hung vanity with stone above bench hand basin and Carrara marble top complement this en-suite. The thoughtful design incorporates powerpoints within the drawer of the vanity and shaving cabinet. The family bedrooms are all very comfortable, having built-in wardrobes, all are carpeted, and each has a remote-control ceiling fan. Servicing the bedrooms is a roomy three way family bathroom comprising separate WC, an oval freestanding bath placed under an

focusAbode.

opaque glass window, wall hung double vanity with above bench twin hand stone basins, under bench storage drawers and a wide vanity mirror. A walk in shower, grey floor tiles and white floor to ceiling wall tiles all add up to a sleek, easy clean family bathroom. Last but not least is the laundry. Very well thought out, the laundry has an abundance of purpose built cabinetry both above and below the easy care Laminex bench-tops. There is a space allocated for the integrated washer and dryer, as well as a deep, square set matt black laundry tub with pull-out flick mixer. A set of awning windows are multi- purpose, acting as a splash back along the bench-top, as well as providing views to the outside, and give easy

access to ventilation. A SET OF AWNING A floor to ceiling WINDOWS ARE MULTIbroom cupboard, plus PURPOSE, ACTING AS A a wall of custom-built SPLASH BACK ALONG meet this certification. various sized shelving THE BENCH-TOP, AS The 110,000 litre cabinetry placed behind WELL AS PROVIDING rainwater tank, energy sliding doors, complete VIEWS TO THE OUTSIDE effi cient LED lighting the laundry expertly. AND GIVE EASY ACCESS and appliances, plus An Energy Efficient TO VENTILATION. water saving tapware, Green Home double gazed windows, The home owners low VOC paint, draft will benefit from the sealing throughout and insulation in the roof many environmental aspects that have been plus to all internal and external walls, all lead incorporated into the build. This home is ISO to excellent energy effi ciencies. 50001 certified in energy management and Along with these energy efficiencies, the underwent nine independent inspections to

home’s well thought out orientation leads to passive solar design. This will make the home perform better thermally all year round for years to come, saving energy and money in the long run. Incorporation of carbon neutral materials, including the Weathertex cladding, add to the sustainability of this build. Overall, this green home is a wonderful, energy efficient design, built with exacting precision by Green Homes Armidale.

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focusAbode.

F R O M the B U I L D E R Toby and Alice Smith Green Homes Armidale FOCUS is featuring 38 Montes Lane, Armidale as the Home of the Month - what are the standout features of the residence in your mind? The standout features of this home are its overall thermal performance, use of natural lighting, and attention to small details. During the construction phase, this home held its temperature between 18 - 25 degrees, with the outside temperature varying between 13 - 35 degrees; this is a great example of the role optimal orientation and design play in the performance of this green home. Tell us about your business, Green Homes … how long have you been operating? We have been building around Armidale for the past seven years and joined with Green Homes 18 months ago. This has allowed us to provide our customers with

54 New England focus.

WE AIM TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS IN ALL AREAS OF OUR BUSINESS, EVEN DOWN TO THE HANDOVER PACKS, WHERE WE AIM TO SOURCE AS MANY PRODUCTS AS POSSIBLE LOCALLY.

ISO 50001 (in energy management) accredited energy efficient and sustainable homes. Why should people build with you? We specialise in bringing our clients’ dream home, renovation and extension to life while optimising its energy efficiency and sustainability. Our mission is to reduce clients’ energy costs and overall reduction of the carbon footprint of the build. Each of our new green homes are unique to suit the client’s lifestyle, their block and dream. We assist with the whole building process, right from the beginning of the design process, through Council approvals and then right through to the end, where we hand the home over. We work with our in-house designers to

ensure each of our builds incorporate optimal natural light, thermal mass (storing of heat during winter) and solar passive design. This means orientating your home to make the most of the winter sun to warm it, while shutting out the sun and heat over the summer months. During the building process we use advanced insulation techniques and draft sealing to ensure each home gets maximum energy efficiency. We have hand-picked each of the trades and suppliers, to ensure that all of our builds are of the highest quality. How many people do you employ? We currently have one carpenter and one apprentice carpenter working with us full-

time; my wife works part-time doing all of the back end things, and we employ local subcontractors and trades on a regular basis. Do you have house plans for prospective clients to choose from? We do. We have a wide range of plans on our website: www.greenhomesaustralia.com.au - each of these plans can be tailored to the client’s individual needs by our in house designers, who specialise in designing energy efficient homes. Can you custom build to a client’s wants? Absolutely. Nearly all of our builds are custom designed, whether it be a full custom plan or an off the shelf plan that is customised to suit the client. We understand that everyone has their own vision, and we work closely with our clients to ensure they get the home they have dreamt of.

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Do you source your materials and associated trades locally? Yes, all of the trades we use are local, and our materials are sourced from local businesses. This is a core value of our business to support small local business and local trades. We aim to support local business in all areas of our business, even down to the handover packs, where we source as many products locally as possible. I have been fortunate enough to establish great working relationships with my tradesmen and suppliers and without their support and expertise, we

wouldn’t be where we are today. How has your business evolved over the years? Our business has evolved from humble beginnings of small renovations to now specialising in energy efficient and sustainable builds. Over the past few years we have been concentrating on working closely with our clients during the design process, to ensure that all of our homes maximise natural light, have optimal thermal mass and are orientated optimally to incorporate solar passive design, improving overall energy efficiencies and

reducing the impact on the environment. Our focus on quality work has continued with the additional concentration on sustainability and being environmentally responsible during all aspects of the construction process, from the design phase to demolition and clean-up. What type of construction do you specialise in? We specialise in building quality energy efficient new homes, extensions and renovations. Each of our homes are ISO 50001 certified in energy management and undergo

nine independent inspections to meet this certification. This ensures the home uses less energy, less water, creates less waste and is overall healthier to live in. How do prospective clients contact you? They can contact us on 0411 321 987, via email armidale@greenhomesaustralia.com.au follow us on Facebook or Instragram (Green Homes Australia Armidale) or website www.greenhomesaustralia.com.au We would like to thank all of our wonderful clients, trades and suppliers for their support of our small business.

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The stars are out UNE is the only Australian public university awarded the maximum 5 stars for Overall Experience 13 years in a row* * The Good Universities Guide 2007-2019

All courses available for online study to start 8 July BESPOKE COURSES Bespoke courses of 2, 3, or 4 units Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice# ACCOUNTING, FINANCE & FINANCIAL PLANNING Bachelor of Accounting Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Planning) Graduate Diploma in Accounting* Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning* Master of Commerce (Financial Planning) Master of Professional Accounting AGRICULTURE & RURAL SCIENCE Diploma in Agriculture Bachelor of Agricultural Production and Management Bachelor of Agriculture Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of Rural Science Graduate Certificate in Agriculture Master of Science in Agriculture ANIMAL SCIENCE & ZOOLOGY Bachelor of Animal Science Bachelor of Zoology (Also see Science) ARCHAEOLOGY & INDIGENOUS STUDIES Bachelor of Arts~ Bachelor of Science~ Master of Arts* ARTS

Agriculture, Economics. Bachelor of Organisational Leadership Bachelor of Training and Development Graduate Certificate in Business Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management Graduate Certificate in Management Graduate Certificate in NDIS Business Development Master of Business Administration Master of International Business Master of Strategic Organisational Development and Human Resource Management

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New England focus. 51