Issue 60 - New England by Focus

Feature Story Jess Chandler

NEW ENGLAND

I N S I D E 60

May 2012 // Issue 60

RIDING FOR THE DISABLED Meet Milly and Ariane Mazzei â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a very special mother and daughter team who share a love for horse riding.

STEPHANIE BRANTZ Australian sports presenter, Stephanie Brantz, will be the guest speaker at the 2012 Business Awards .

inside this issue.

R E S TAU R A N T

2 new england focus.

editor's note.

editor.

from the

suedee.

Welcome to the May edition of New England FOCUS. elcome to our very special 2012 Armidale Business Awards edition. New England FOCUS is very proud to be a major media sponsor. The gala evening will be held at The TAS Hoskins Centre on June 1. See our huge nominations feature, staring on page 21.

This year’s awards evening promises to be bigger and better than ever, with quality judging, more categories than last year and a very special guest speaker. Make sure you dress up on the big night, as FOCUS TV will be there filming. And who knows, they may even approach YOU on the red carpet. Interviews inside this edition Can you imagine being not far past half way through your pregnancy and going into labour? We talk to Uralla lady, Jess Chandler, about being air lifted to John Hunter Hospital for an emergency birth. We also interview Stephanie Brantz about her upcomig visit to Armidale, and PLC students share their excitement while

contacts. Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information. ADDRESS: 5/164 Beardy Street, Armidale PHONE: 02 6771 5551 FAX: 02 6772 5551 WEB: www.focusmag.com.au FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/focus.ne TV: www.focustv.com.au

preparing to climb Mt Meru in Tanzania. Happy Mother’s Day to you all I love you, Mum! A famous Jewish proverb comes to mind: “God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers.” If you would like to acknowledge your special mum by giving her a nice gift, be sure to take notice of the special Mother’s Day adverts scattered throughout this edition. And please remember: it is important for our community that you shop locally. Editor’s photo A big thank you to Sanjeev Rakwal for his great photo this month. If you would like to see your favourite photo of the New England published in FOCUS, please email your photo to editor@focusmag. com.au

version of the app with the same stunning images, contacts and maps for a great selection of local restaurants. And if you still can’t decide where to eat, then just use the random feature and let the app decide for you. To download the new app, see page 10. Welcome Lynda! The FOCUS team is over the moon to have Lynda Lynch join our team. Lynda has extensive experience in the print media industry and comes to us filled with enthusiasm and great ideas. See why Lynda is perfect for FOCUS on page 15. Final comment “It’s never crowded along the extra mile.” – Dr Wayne Dyer.

eat. now in the Android app store We’ve had over 1,000 downloads of our iPhone eat app so far and now due to demand, we’ve released an Android

Sue Dee. sue@focusmag.com.au

EDITOR: Sue Dee

GRAPHIC/WEB DESIGNER: Michael Marchment

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ADVERTISING MANAGER: Tracy Le Messurier

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SUB EDITORS: Jo Atkins / Reg Brookhouse

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FOCUS IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THESE GREAT COMMUNITY EVENTS AND PROGRAMS.

Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers or Editor. 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 dates, times, prices and any other material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. New England Focus is produced and published by Creative House Publications Pty Ltd ABN: 62128786005. Material in New England Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications Pty Ltd 2008 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved.

new england focus 3

inside this

Manager, Grind And Squeeze

Issue 60 - May 2012

When did you begin working at the café at UNE? I have worked at the café on campus for a number of years before becoming manager late last year. How has the café changed? The café was previously leased by a private company and was named Deli Marche, however, Services UNE are now running the business and we have just changed the name to Grind+Squeeze. We have changed more than the name though. We are focusing on bringing in a wider range of fresh food such as salads and hot meals.

Our staff are great too. We 20 have around d we employees, an ves all pride oursel ly on being friend and efficient.

Red Ribbon

11.

Happy Mother’s Day to our readers. Lucy Donaldson and Tanya Webb are mothers of young children who have teamed up to be stay at home business women.

He prepares fresh meals such as salads, curries, stir fries and pastas on a daily basis and these have been flying off the shelves.

Where do you source your produce from? We like to support local suppliers as far as possible, such as the Armidale Wholesale Fruit Market, Jackson’s Quality Meats and Moxon’s Bakery.

Why is Grind and Squeeze a popular meal destination? We have over 20 friendly and efficient staff who have everything freshly prepared and ready to go for students and staff of the University so they can quickly pick up their meals and get on with catching up with friends, working and studying.

Tell us about your Chef. Nick Dupe is a wonderful Chef and we were lucky enough to persuade him to move just up the hill from Services UNE’s Booloominbah Collection kitchen.

Do you welcome people from town? Of course; we’re always happy to serve anyone who’s after a delicious bite to eat while on campus.

19.

Charlie Allen Principal Charlie Allen drops us a line about the exciting things to come at O’Connor Catholic College.

43.

BackTrack BackTrack has established a gilt edged reputation for turning around the lives of at risk youth in Armidale and has been nominated for this year’s Chamber Business Awards in the community service category.

usual suspects.

the

16. what’s on for May 45. star guide with Terri 46. eat featuring local restaurants

No matter where you are in the world,, read Focus for free online every month th @

www.focusmag.com.au follow us on www.facebook.com/ne.focus w www.twitter.com/focusmag www.focusmag.com.au/eat

4 new england focus.

focusinterview.

Our Peak When Head of School at PLC Armidale received a phone call from Old Girl Chloe Chick to ask if the PLC girls would sponsor 8 Tanzanian students to climb Mt Meru in Africa, her response was immediate. “Yes, our girls will sponsor the Tanzanian girls, but they will climb the mountain together.”

nd so began a unique change. leadership challenge and Tell us about the Peaks Foundation ... partnership between PLC PLC Old Girl, Chloe Chick, is a director of Armidale and the School of The Peaks Foundation. Chloe has recently St Jude in Arusha, Tanzania. established the Peaks Foundation – a Under the guidance of the Peaks Foundation, registered US non-profit and UK Charity. the girls will climb to the summit of Mt Meru, They have plans to expand to Australia. They Tanzania’s second highest mountain, as a organise mountain based challenges for combined team of young women. women who seek adventure, a sense The girls from the School of of personal achievement and St Jude have grown up at an opportunity to make a the base of this mountain, positive difference in the of y ph The philoso r, ila m yet poverty meant that si world. Peaks Foundation is s ol ho both sc e as al id rm A climbing its jagged supports and empowers C PL d an ship peak seemed a dream. women and girls in a school of leader ing is constantly seek Together, the young communities where the opportunities to gage women will unite as a challenges take place, en d challenge an ership ad team to reach the summit through initiatives such le in ts en stud of their potential. We as education, maternal opportunities. talked to the two leaders of healthcare and communitythe project, Catherine Pegg and led conservation. Why did Anna Caldwell, both teachers at you decide to climb with the PLC Armidale, to find out more. School of St Jude? What is the purpose of the project? Chloe Chick approached our Head of The expedition is designed to maximise School, Debra Kelliher, with the idea to involve collaboration, leadership skills, cultural PLC Armidale in the Peaks Foundation. Chloe diversity and educational opportunity. The suggested we might like to be involved in one 12-day expedition includes time with the idea in the Peaks Foundation Girl Challenge. students and staff from the School of St Jude The idea is that the program would see girls in Tanzania, working within the school in a in locations such as Australia raise money to variety of areas, followed by a 4-day hike with fund the cost for girls in regions where Peaks a team of young women from the School of St Foundation challenges are held, to undertake Jude to the summit of Mt Meru. a mountain based expedition. Chloe After the trek to the peak of Mt Meru, the suggested that students from PLC Armidale students from PLC Armidale will spend time would raise the expenses associated with interacting with and gaining an understanding sending a team of girls from the School of St of the East African community and an Jude in Tanzania to the summit of their local appreciation of the ecosystems and the need peak – Mt Meru. for environmental conservation in this area. The PLC girls could then, through digital This is an opportunity for all involved to media, follow the progress of the expedition become active participants in positive social – learning about the ecosystem, environment,

as well as the physical and mental challenge of the climbing team and the importance of team work. Debra decided to take the idea one step further. “Our girls love a challenge. I think they would enjoy climbing as well”. So here we are, each PLC girl funds her own trip, and we are raising the money for the girls from the School of St Jude, as Chloe suggested. The School of St Jude is an independent, sponsorship-supported school that provides education for Tanzanian children from the lowest socio-economic backgrounds. The school demonstrates leadership, promotes critical thinking and expects high moral values from its students, staff and the school community. The philosophy of both schools is similar, and PLC Armidale as a school of leadership is constantly seeking opportunities to challenge and engage students in leadership opportunities. It is an exciting partnership. What training are you doing to prepare your team? There are psychological and physical challenges ahead of us on the trip, so we need to develop fitness in both areas. From the psychological angle, we are working on skills to mentally push ourselves to make the summit – there are roughly 17 false summits so when you think you are nearly there, you get to that peak and realise there is a long way to go further! We are learning to be prepared for the disappointment if we don't make the summit for whatever reason and to be strong enough that once we have made the top and had the adrenalin rush and sense of achievement, that we have to get all the way back down again! Physically, we are doing weekly circuit training, local walks that involve steep climbs, such as

ots Mount Duval and Salisbury Waters and lots of other challenging endeavours. Training together is strengthening our teamwork, and we are building skills to support each other. How are you raising funds for the project? We have a lot of initiatives underway – the largest of which is our Global Community Challenge Ball. That is on 16 June at the Servies. Tickets are on sale on at the end of April at the Servies. We are looking toward the Armidale Community to support this event, and we have a very exciting night planned. We have a series of cake stalls, sausage sizzles and guessing competitions which are contributing to our target – we still have a long way to go. Anyone interested in donating or finding out more about what we are doing can visit www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au Thank you Anna and Catherine. Thanks to Simon Scott for the photograph.

new england focus 5

focusinterview.

Early arrival

Chandler and her early arrival. Uralla girl Jess Chandler never imagined celebrating Mother's Day this year, as her first baby was not due until May 2012. However, her daughter Jasmine arrived much earlier than expected! Jess shares her amazing journey ...

ow long have you lived in this region? Nearly 26 years; all my life. The premature birth of your daughter necessitated your transfer from Armidale Hospital to John Hunter in Newcastle. How did you find that experience? There really are no words for it! It was the most terrifying night of my life, except for the night I gave birth! I was in utter shock; I didn't have any idea this was going to happen, that anything was even wrong, and I honestly thought I was going to lose my daughter. How early did your baby Jasmine come? Fourteen weeks. We hear John Hunter's neonatal ward is fantastic? It is. We call the neonatal intensive care unit NICU for short! The nurses and the doctors are worth their weight in gold! They do a fantastic job around the clock tirelessly to save these tiny babies. NICU is a whole different world â&#x20AC;&#x201C; really daunting. You see some real miracles like my daughter, but you also see tragedies all around you! It's extremely hard being a NICU mum; you never forget it! How did you feel when you saw your baby daughter for the first time? Overwhelmed. It was love at first sight, but it broke my heart too at the same time! She only weighed 840 g and was 27 cm long. I was faced with the proposition that my daughter could either live or die. I couldn't hold her; I had to touch her through a humidicrib and wasn't even able to comfort her when she cried. I felt so helpless, and there was a real sense of grief around the whole situation. Tell us about your move to Ronald McDonald House? Yeah, I got transferred from the hospital to 6 new england focus.

Ronald McDonald house 9 days after Jasmine was born. They are fantastic down there; it was my home away from home until Jasmine was essed I mean, I witn well enough to get transferred bies ba as gs in th such back to Armidale hospital! g in av h lo under a ki y and It was really good to meet er rg su heart babies others either in the same or 23 week old ing av H g! in hopefully weaned similar circumstances who iv surv it, gh u been thro n get off her oxygen! understood my pain. I know I ca ything! We have to go We all walk each other's through an back to John Hunter journeys every day. The staff Hospital every 3 to 4 and volunteers are the most months for two or three gorgeous people and are always years to see the growth available for a chat. and development specialists, as The fact that Ronald McDonald house is on she was so premature. We will be able to stay the hospital grounds and that I could walk back at Ronald McDonald house when we go down and forth whenever I pleased was priceless. They there though. even have different organisations come in once How has this special experience changed or twice a week to cook dinner for the house. you? When were you transferred back to Nothing can describe what I have been Armidale Hospital, and how does it feel to through since the 31st of January! I love be home? motherhood and my little girl means the world We were flown back to Armidale Hospital to me, but it was the most traumatising thing exactly 8 weeks to the day that I was flown I've ever been through at the same time. The to John Hunter! I just can't believe I'm back in only thing I could do really was love her and Armidale. I've never been so glad to see the express milk for her to be fed through a tube. I walls of the Armidale Hospital as I was that day! absolutely hated seeing her having cannulas put It's one step closer to being finally able to take in her arm and getting jabbed with needles all my daughter home! the time. Where is Jasmine at medically today? She had tubes coming out of her everywhere, She is 8 and a half weeks old at the moment and she was hooked up to all these monitors and only 35 weeks gestation; she is doing really just so she could survive. The worst part of all, well! She is 1.99 kg but is gaining weight all however, was that she was in a humidicrib 24/7, the time, taking to breastfeeding quickly and and I couldn't pick her up whenever I felt like no longer in a humidicrib; plus, she has oxygen it and some days not even touch her. I just had nasal cannulas, as she just needs that little bit to watch her lying there with plastic between extra to help her breathe on her own. us! I was very lucky to have a mother who had We're still at Armidale Hospital for an experienced very similar circumstances with unknown amount of time, as she needs to get bigger, be breastfeeding, instead of tube fed and me as a baby, so could completely understand

what I was going through; it has brought us a lot closer! It's brought my whole family closer together. I'll always cherish the fact that Jasmine's alive and that she's healthy. I savour every moment of it and will never take that for granted! Being a NICU mum has definitely changed my perspective on life and everything in it; I'll always be grateful for what I do have in my life, regardless of how small, because some people don't receive the gifts I've got! I could not have coped through this experience had it not been for my family and friends who would come visit and call constantly! The other residents of NICU and Ronald McDonald house have been essential in maintaining my sanity! I'm just in awe of the medical profession that they have the capability to save these little people. I mean, I witnessed such things as babies under a kilo having heart surgery and 23 week old babies surviving! Having been through it, I know I can get through anything! The midwives and nurses in the maternity at Armidale are just angels as well. Even though she is still monitored, it's a lot more relaxed, and I feel really comfortable here.The philosophy is more about getting to know my baby while she gets ready to come home. I've really been able to bond with and have some quality time with my daughter for the first time since she was born. Thanks Jess.

focusinterview.

Riding for the Disabled

Milly and Ariane Mazzei are a very special mother and daughter team who share a love for horse riding. Read why FOCUS would like to award ‘Local Mother Of The Year’ to this fabulous mum.

ow old is Milly and what are her disabilities? Milly is 9 years old and in Year 4 at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Armidale. In 2007, while in preschool, she was diagnosed with Auditory Processing Disorder and moderate to severe intellectual delay. This basically means she finds everyday tasks such as communicating with others, reading and writing difficult. We have found no known cause for her disability and no effective treatment. When did Milly first become interested in horse riding? Milly first became interested in riding in 2010 after a friend sent us a flyer for the Riding for the Disabled (RDA), thinking we may be interested. After Milly’s first visit, she fell in love with horses and riding. She has attended the RDA every third Sunday of the month ever since. In 2011, we went a step further and bought Beau, an 18 year old pony. Milly adores Beau, and he adores her back! The connection she has with him is beautiful. Describe the special relationship you and Milly share with horses? I was fortunate to learn to ride at a very young age growing up in Central Western NSW. However, my family moved to Sydney when I was in primary school, and my riding stopped. It wasn’t until we moved to Armidale in 2008 and became involved with the RDA that my love for horses re-emerged. Before we became involved with the RDA, Milly’s and my time together was largely spent visiting doctors, doing treatment therapies and following

a strict diet, all of which put a strain on our relationship. Now riding provides an enjoyment we share together. For the first year after getting Beau, I would take Milly out on long trail rides, with After Milly’s firstwith ve visit, she fell in log. She me running beside her! es and ridin rs ho by volunteers, including our This kept me fit; however, e RDA has attended th ay of nd Su qualified coaches and riding late last year I was able to every third e. nc si er ev th on m assistants. purchase my own horse, the Is the Riding For Disabled and now we are able to Association only operational in ride alongside each other. our region? Describe a typical visit for Milly No, the RDA (NSW) is a volunteer at Riding for the Disabled. organisation whose primary objective is to provide RDA New England meet at 10am every third most people with a disability the opportunity to ride Sunday of the month at the Kennedy St Equestrian and enjoy all the activities connected with horse Centre. The coaches go through every process riding, with approximately 40 centres all over NSW. relating to looking after a horse and learning to To quote an Athens Paralympian: “Alone I stagger – ride. Once the horse is saddled up, Milly is taught together we glide”. how to ride through co-ordination and balance. How many local members do you have, and For Milly, directions as simple as turning left and how can our readers become involved? right, halting and collecting the ‘yellow’ flag are RDA New England is a relatively young centre, all techniques that help her concentrate, learn and with currently 3 full-time riders and ten volunteers. improve her motor skills. We always welcome new riders and of course, more Fondest memories of Milly on a horse? volunteers to assist our riders. We would also love We have many memories of Milly on the horses, any donations, either monetary, food or equipment but two of the fondest that come to mind are the for our horses. It is very easy to donate a few hours first day she mounted ‘Dusty’, the RDA horse, and a month to a fantastic organisation, where you are the happiness and sense of achievement on her surrounded by passionate people who assist the face was lovely. The second is every weekend when development of others. she gets on her pony Beau, gives him a hug and For more information on RDA (NSW), visit their rides around the paddock singing with joy. website at www.rdansw.org.au or email us at Are you a volunteer? newengland@rdansw.org.au Yes, this year I have been elected Secretary Thanks Ariane. of RDA New England. The whole centre is run

new england focus 7

classic

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focusupdate.

Video

3:25

OF THE

MONTH

LOCAL

READ

Local Author. Bronwyn Parry. Title. Dead Heat. Ranger Jo Lockwood works on the edge of the NSW outback. She’s often alone, and she likes it that way – until she discovers the body of a man, brutally murdered, in a vandalised campground. Jo has seen the man’s face, and now she’s the next target. Detective Senior Sergent Nick Matherson is determined to protect her, but trapped in the rugged outback, he and Jo will have to act quickly if they are going to survive. ABOUT: Hadley has 30 ties that he’s been saving for when he’s a professional. By that, Hadley imagines that he’ll be living the life of ‘a professional’ in a tailored shirt, bespoke suit and beautiful tie. Although Hadley has been successful it’s never been an occasion for this. So now he’s going to make use of every tie he has, at Armidale mall ... This is part of a series called The Occasion Project by Natalija Brunovs. natalija.com.au WATCH AT: www.vimeo.com/34058374

Watch on your sma phone

Set in the outback, with brutal murders, torture, drugs, illegal weapons, undercover cops, a feisty and intelligent heroine (who is recovering from a broken heart) and an emotionally damaged detective; with a pinch of romance thrown in for good measure – Dead Heat has it all. This is page turning Australian fiction at its very best. AVAILABLE AT: Contact Judy Jamieson-Green on (02) 8248 0849 or judy.jamieson-green@hachette.com.au

Let us help promote your local book or music album. Info to editor@focusmag.com.au

W H AT ’S I N

season.

with Robert Gasparre from Armidale Farmers’ Market

POTATOES Potatoes Po Pota t to toes ess are ar a member of the nightshade family, Solanaceae and are a close relative of tomatoes, Solanace So c capsicums caps ca psicum and eggplants. They aree a good, reliable source of vitamin C, potassium, They dietary diet di e ary fibre and also supply niacin (vitamin B3). Despite popular belief, potatoes have virtually no fat of their own comes from the addition of oil, butter, sour cream etc). (this com Green potatoes Green G po p o may cause food poisoning. The harmful glycoalkaloids in green potatoes are not destroyed glycoa oalk lkk process. Consequently, potatoes with by tthe he cooking co pronounced greening or with signs of damage should not pron on noun be eaten. eat ateen n

Image of the month. This photo was taken one recent afternoon from the park in front of the Armidale lookout. It was taken by a former resident, who flew in to spend a few days with friends. Photo by: Dean Thompson. Camera: Apple iPhone.

Potatoes Pota Po otaato should be removed from plastic bags and stored in n brown bro row w paper bags or in trays in a cool dark place such ass the the bottom of a cupboard. Try to place them so that air ca air can n circulate around them. Refrigeration of potatoes is recommended nott re no

Taken a great photo of our local area? Like to see it published in FOCUS for the world to see? Just email editor@focusmag.com.au

focusreview.

by Marie Wall of Bistro On Cinders

local dr p.

For a simple potato meal, make a ‘potato pizza’ by stuffing a baked potato with pizza sauce, grated stuf cheese and your other favourite pizza toppings. Place che under a grill until golden brown, serve with salad u and enjoy.

Eastview Estate Tempranillo 2009

The Tempranillo grape is a native of Spain – a dark grape widely grown in Europe to make full bodied red wines. Tempranillo is especially suited to high altitude cultivation, being tolerant of the cooler climate – making it the perfect grape variety for New England, where it produces big flavours that are a perfect foil to food. I particularly love Neapolitan sauces with this wine. But my best ever food pairing would have to be slow cooked Tuscan Hare Ragu on Pappadelle, which takes the luscious fruit flavours of the Tempranillo and elevates it to an intensity which must be experienced to be believed.

AVAILABLE: Eastview Estate. Ph: 6778 7473. COST: $27 / bottle. MORE INFO: www.eastviewestate.com

10 new england focus.

There Th Ther eree are many varieties of potato, and quite a number of these thes th ese are grown locally. One of the most interesting is the Purple Purp Pu rple le Congo. With deep purple skin and flesh, it adds colour to meals. This potato is good for an n interesting inte i mashing, steaming, boiling, microwaving and salads, but m ma shi good for roasting and can have a dry texture when not go cooked. co ook o e

WHERE

The Armidale Farmer’s Market is on the first and third Sunday of every month in Curtis Park. For more information visit www.armidalemarket.com

Looking for a great place to eat? Download our FREE apps. Now on iPhone and Android phones. Featuring a great selection of local restaurants, stunning photography, contacts and maps. focusmag.com.au/eat

focusinterview.

Happy Mother’s day to our readers. Lucy Donaldson and Tanya Webb are mothers of young children who have teamed up to be stay at home business women.

anya: how long have you lived in hustle and bustle of Sydney! I see it now as a great place Armidale? And why did you move to visit, but we are always happy to get home. here? Tanya: how did you team up in business with Lucy? We moved to Armidale almost I’ve really wanted to have my own business for a long twelve months ago for my husband, time now. When I spoke to Kate Stephen, who founded Joe’s, work; he works as an AgribusiRed Ribbon Gifts about her business, I thought this could ness manager for NAB. We moved here with our be the opportunity I was looking for. However, I two young children, Riley (3) and Sophia wanted to have someone else involved to (now 17 months). It was a big change be my business partner. I knew Lucy was for the four of us to move here in looking to have her own business and the middle of winter from Far North work from home also. d We have just adde Queensland, where the average I liked her attention to detail, and r a baby range to ousome temperature is 32 degrees. she has very similar goals and ambiwebsite and have on ts But we have settled in well and tions to me. So, it was a perfect uc great new prod we are ch hi w , met some lovely people. Everyone match! We started talking about ay their w t. has been so welcoming; there the business around July of 2011; very excited abou are a lot of activities to do in the we liked how the business was set up region, so we are rarely home! We and really believed that Kate had done really didn’t think we would live in a fantastic job building a great reputation Armidale again the day we left in 2003 and name for the business. In February 2012, after finishing university here, but we really love it we took over the business – and here we are now! here now. Lucy: tell us about Red Ribbon Gifts ... Lucy: you left Armidale for a while. When and why Red Ribbon Gifts is an online boutique that specialises did you return? in well designed and high quality gifts for men, women I returned to Armidale in January 2010, after living in and the corporate sector. We offer a total gift solution, Sydney and London for the previous 11 years. We were so you get the right gift for your recipient with the least looking to get out of Sydney and relocate to a regional amount of hassle. Our gifts are chosen according to strict area and it was by chance that my husband, Trent, took standards of quality. Although we are an online business, up the Head of Sport position at my old school, PLC. we are still a local business to the New England comWe wanted to relocate to a regional area like Armidale munity. We have just added a baby range to our website to start a family and not long after we arrived, I found and have some great new products on their way, which out that I was pregnant with my first daughter, Lily, who we are very excited about. is now 18 months old – and I am due with number two Our hampers are very popular; I guess they are a very in just 2 weeks’ time! Although we miss our friends in versatile gift, as they are filled with delicious delicacies to Sydney, we have some wonderful friends here in Armisuit all taste buds. We realise the need for flexibility and dale, and I couldn’t imagine bringing up a family in the are only too happy to suggest different gift ideas to suit

any budget. Tanya: what are the benefits to you running your business from home? I am at home for my children all day, so if I need to drop what I am doing, I can. Also, the flexibility of being able to work when the little ones are asleep. Because Red Ribbon Gifts is an online business, we can work on it at any time and really anywhere, as long as we have access to the internet. It gives me the flexibility of being able to be with my kids and also work. Lucy: what is your advice to local businesses that are yet to go online? Being online gives any business the opportunity to reach out to potential buyers from all over the world as well as their local community, therefore increasing their sales potential. Tanya: Aae you accepting new stock lines? Yes ... we are so excited about new lines from Alimrose Designs, Pretty Little Things and Arbonne skin care products, which are free from harmful ingredients. We are also looking at stocking IT WAS ME, beautiful individual, unique handmade jewellery made in Sydney. We are putting the final touches to a ‘Regional Hamper’ full of goodies, including olives, jams, wines, and more! We wanted to showcase what this wonderful region has to offer, and we are always looking to support Australian made products. Lucy: what would be your ideal Mother’s Day? Spending the day with my beautiful family. This Mother’s Day I will be the mother of two – well, I hope number 2 has appeared by then! I love to eat out, and I love presents, so a delicious lunch somewhere with my husband and 2 children and of course, my lovely Mum and Dad too, who live just out of town – with a few little pressies thrown in would see me a very happy mum! Thanks Tanya and Lucy.

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THE WOMEN BEHIND THE CHARACTERS. The ADMS 2012 production of The Hatpin takes you on a moving journey of great friendship borne out of tragedy.

i irected by George future study in voice and musical theatre. TTorbay with musical “Amber’s strength and perseverance d direction by Bruce to bring to light the injustice of her M Menzies, The Hatpin is situation I found compelling and b based on the true story intriguing,” said Caroline. of Amber Murray, a young single-mother In her first major character living in Sydney in 1892, who advertised performance with the ADMS, fans of for someone to care for her baby to save local bands The BobCatz and Al Heeney his life and became embroiled in one R&B Band would be familiar with the of Australia’s most notorious criminal vocals of Carol Elder, who establishes trials. At a time when the rights and the character of the free spirited Harriet welfare of women were largely nonPiper. existent and the right to vote still some Harriet befriends and supports Amber ten years away, The Hatpin is in the impending court case, but dramatic musical theatre this relationship also underlies that revolves almost the emotional needs of The depth of entirely around Harriet herself. “Harriet idale talent in the Armain on women. Poverty, is pretty tough on the community is aguction. vulnerability, outside, but soft on od show in this pr en but dd ro fear, anger the inside. A lot of us nt w The do ber and ultimately have to be a bit like courageous Am by Murray is playedher compassion, that at one time or Caroline King, inle for friendship and another,” said Carol. second major ro S. M D justice are just Amber’s plight was the A some of the complex shared by others, and the emotions and themes roles of three such mothers portrayed in The Hatpin, with are played by Mollie Galvin, Jodie bonds of motherhood and sisterhood Perry and Anita Brown. underlying the story. Mollie is in Year 11 at NEGS and The depth of talent in the Armidale recently performed at Opera in the community is again on show in this Paddock. Mollie said she feels “for production. The downtrodden but the sense of protection and desire to courageous Amber Murray is played give a child the best you can” that her by Caroline King, in her second major character Rebecca uses as the rationale role for the ADMS. Having completed for her actions. her HSC at PLC in 2011, Caroline is A newcomer to Armidale and with undertaking a gap year and working as a young children of her own, Jodie Perry medical receptionist to build towards her also feels for the anguish and guilt 12

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experienced by so many single mothers ers in those times unable to care for their infants. The Hatpin is the first musical role for Anita Brown, an accomplished stage actor who plays Marianne Leonard and said: “My character’s recollection of her child’s birth and the stigma of being an unmarried mother still moves me to tears.” The Hatpin also introduces ADMS newcomers, Emily Stocker and Emily Roberts, playing respectively Agatha Makin and her daughter Clara. “Agatha is truly evil – a deeply manipulative woman who views others only in terms of what she can extract for her own benefit,” said Emily, who added, “I would like all audience members to know that I am actually really quite lovely!” For Emily Roberts, who also completed her HSC last year, this is by far her most challenging role. She said: “Trying to understand the emotions and then the amazing moment of revelation in the final court scene is just one of my many favourite moments in this incredible show.” Don’t miss these amazing women in The Hatpin. This acclaimed musical drama will leave you breathless. Opens 11 May to 26 May at the Michael Hoskins Centre, TAS. Tickets at Dymocks (Ph 6771 4558) or online from www.trybooking.com/ZVX Story – Warren Bartik. Photography – Terry Cooke.

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COMMUNITY SPIRIT

Lynch. Lynda Lynch has joined the FOCUS team because she shares our passion for the New England region. She is excited to bring our readers great community stories and to help local business with their marketing.

ow long have you lived in Armidale? In December 2000, I moved to Armidale with my husband, Matt, as he gained a promotion within the NSW Police Force. It was a good change from the Sydney way of life. We love Armidale and intend to stay here for a long time. Tell us about your family? Well as previously mentioned, my husband Matt continues to work in the Police Force. We have two beautiful children, Jacob (9 years old) and Sara (7 years old). They both attend Martin’s Gully Public School. I grew up on a farm at Valla, near Nambucca Heads. My pop, who is now 94 years young, still runs cattle on the property. He still drives the tractor and occasionally saddles up on his horse to attend to his farming chores. He is truly an amazing man. Why have you decided to join the New England FOCUS team? Honestly, I have mixed emotions about starting with FOCUS. Although I am very excited to be joining their team, at the same time, I am sad to leave my good mates at Uphill and Schaefer Real estate. I got to know the FOCUS team while working at Uphill & Schaefer, because we often placed real estate adverts in the publication. While dealing with Tracy from FOCUS, I discovered that her motto is ‘we love where we live’, and that FOCUS’ sole motive is to showcase the great people who live and work throughout the New England region. I am passionate about this area too. I love to get involved in community events, and I can’t wait to start sourcing great community stories. I have worked in advertising sales for a newspaper before, but FOCUS is different, because they welcome stories from just about anyone. I used to watch people walk into the newspaper office with great community stories, and often they would be knocked back. I’ll be selling advertising for the magazine of course, but I am pleased to know that the editor, Sue, has also employed me to keep my ears and eyes open for

interesting interviews. I’ve been at FOCUS for a week now, and already my excitement is growing. ry, What is your involvement with Rotary, and why did you win the Paul Harris Award? The stated purpose of Rotary is e to bring together business and I joined Armidal t ou ab ry ta professional leaders to provide Central Ro as I awareness for the school, not only three years ago,l the humanitarian service, encourage al of e ar aw as locally, but overseas while on our w high ethical standards in ork they did w od go travels. We are very happy that the all vocations and help build for others. Armidale community has gotten right goodwill and peace in the world. behind this cause. Since the formation I joined Armidale Central of MUMS ON A MISSION, not only have Rotary about three years ago, as I was aware of all the good work they we greatly financially assisted the school, did for others. I had a particular interest in but we have provided many needy items such as the humanitarian service side, due to my work for the blankets, medical supplies and items taken for granted, School of St Jude in Tanzania. This year, I was presented such as soccer boots. with the Paul Harris Fellow award, which is an award We hear you love horses? that is given to a person in appreciation of tangible I grew up around horses. Our kids began riding at and significant assistance given to the furtherance and the family farm at Valla. A very generous friend here in better understanding and friendly relations among Armidale has allowed us the use of two of his horses people of the world. This was in recognition for the and his property to ride. We now have four horses on fundraising activities in relation to the School of St Jude. his property, which my kids and other children benefit I felt humble at the time accepting the award, as I did from by receiving proper training and instruction from not expect any recognition for the work I was doing. Diane Bourke. What is your connection to the School of St Jude? Diane is wonderful, and she gives her time freely About six years ago, I went and saw Gemma Sisia to help us all improve our riding skills. Meeting local give a talk on the School at the New England Girls’ people like Diane is the exact reason that we love where School. I was inspired on what she had done and wanted to help in my own small way. I then had a friend we live. It has been great fun setting up our own little riding school. We are looking to get further involved in approach me asking if I would like to go to Africa to local Pony Clubs soon. I’d love to get Matt involved, so climb Mt Kilimanjaro. After a bit of time and thinking if anyone out there has a spare draft horse ... (giggle). as to what I was getting myself into, I thought I would Final word ... go – particularly as it was right next to the School of I already have plenty of clients I can’t wait to visit. I’m St Jude. So that’s when MUMS ON A MISSION was looking forward to helping them promote their business formed, with our main focus being to raise awareness in what I believe is the best publication in town. of the school and to assist in raising some well needed I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Gail funds. Six mothers then banded together and got cracking and the team at Uphill & Schaefer Real Estate for giving on the cause. In the end, we raised funds, trained hard, me 6 great years with their company. successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and raised Thanks Lynda. new england focus 15

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W H AT ’ S O N A R O U N D T H E R E G I O N / / M A Y 2 0 1 2

what’s

The Hatpin

11th TO THE

ADMS presents The Hatpin, a stunning musical inspired by a true story of friendship borne out of tragedy and the search for justice, with one of Australia’s most captivating criminal trials. Directed by George Torbay; musical direction by Bruce Menzies.

26th

When 11 - 26 May 2012. Where: TAS Hoskins Centre. Contact:: 6771 4558.

Gretel G Gretel Killeen is coming to New England to launch her brand new show Looking for Love in all the Wrong Underpants.

er first show is in Armidale comic, Gretel is keen to get back to her on May 30 followed by a roots on stage. So, this year for the very first Tamworth show on May 31. time, Gretel is going on the road throughout “I can’t wait to be on tour regional Australia to share an intimate with Looking for Love in All evening with those who love her and those the Wrong Underpants,” said Gretel, “And who are yet to encounter her uniqueness. I’m thrilled to bits to be starting the tour in Looking for Love in all the Wrong New England. I spent some formative school Underpants is a tour of 30 shows across holidays here staying with relatives regional Australia. Guests will be on their property, falling entertained throughout the off horses and dreaming evening by Gretel as they of farm boys, so it’s dine. Guests may also have wonderful to return.” the opportunity to have g in av Since le Gretel is a household books personally signed of st ho as her role e m name in Australia, by Gretel on the night. so r he ot Big Br tel re G o, ag famous to some Returning to the stage s ar ye four her for her hosting of is an exciting concept has delighted in one of the nation’s for Gretel. Since leaving freedom. most controversial TV her role as host of Big shows, famous to others Brother some four years for her massively popular ago, Gretel has delighted in books, her work as a journalist, her freedom. Writing several new humorist, film director, her travel writing books, performing in the Rocky Horror Show, in Antarctica, Namibia and Lebanon or her entertaining the troops in Afghanistan, East intrepid activities in Africa, Afghanistan, Iraq Timor, the Solomon Islands and Egypt, and and India. writing and directing her first feature film. We’ve watched her, we’ve read her and A master of chat, improv, interview and now it’s time to hear from this mother, characterization, Looking For Love in all daughter, sister, ex-wife, business woman, the Wrong Underpants is not stand-up household name and love seeker. She’s the comedy, a one-woman show, a musical nor family bread winner, she’s the family house a monologue. It’s life, in all of its hilarious cleaner, she’s the voice of the modern female unpredictability. You’ll be impressed by AND the modern male. From school captain Gretel’s mind, wit and charm but above all, and debating champ to single mum in her her rare ability to combine all this with an twenties, voice artist, author, documentary enormous loving heart. This is an evening not maker, film maker and TV icon, Gretel’s loved to be missed. Inspiring! and lost, made mistakes and experienced Join Gretel. miracles. She’s entertained troops in two Join Gretel Killeen, TV star, journalist, war zones, survived a gas leak in France, an director and comedian, at Quality Hotel earthquake in India, drug dealers in Morocco, Powerhouse, Armidale, May 30 for a the insanity of raising teenagers and the fabulous evening of dinner, intimacy and slings and arrows of Australia’s media ... and hilarity.’ now she’s ready to share that triumphant, Bookings Quality Hotel frightening, hilarious, eye-opening story with Powerhouse Armidale you, as she delights in sharing the highs and Tickets $132.50. lows of this extraordinary life. Phone 6773 7200. Having started her career as a stand-up

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Rotary Book Fair Rotary helps many organisations, and their annual book fair is aimed at raising money for worthy causes. s.

12th TO THE 19th

When Saturday 12 May - Saturdayy 19 May. Where Armidale Race Course. Contact 6772 0936.

First Saturday chats The next First Saturday chats will be between 10am and 1pm on Saturday 5 May 2012 and will be hosted by Chelsea Schaefer. When 10am to 1pm; Saturday 5 May 2012. Where Legal Minds, Beardy St Mall. Contact 1300 642 166.

Landmark New England Graze New England’s premier food and wine tasting event When Saturday 12 May 7pm - 11pm Where NEGS Multi-Purpose Centre Cost $85pp tickets from New England Mutual 0400 388 846

11-13

New England Expo Armidale’s only rural and agricultural show incorporating sheep shearing, yard dog trials, alpacas, food and wine, fashion, woolcraft, shopping and fun for kids! Contact 0400 388 846. When Friday 11 - Sunday 13 May.

Blues On The Green Support O’Connor and dance the night away to popular Blues band Maxwell St. Dress is black tie, and package includes champagne cocktails and 3-course finger food. Tickets $60pp. When Saturday, May 26 @ 6.30pm. Where Armidale Golf Club. Contact 6772 1666.

Gretel Killeen in Armidale

Join Gretel Killeen, TV star, journalist, director and comedian for a fabulous evening of dinner, intimacy and hilarity. Tickets – $132.50pp. When 30 May. Where Quality Hotel Powerhouse Armidale. Contact 6773 7200.

focusinterview.

a natural progression St John’s Junior School was recently ranked as the top primary school in the region. We speak with Dimity Fenwicke about the school’s expansion of its Transition Program .

irst of all Dimity, what exactly is Transition? Transition is a program we offer at St John’s for students who are four years old. The program is designed to allow the natural progression of informal learning to the more structured learning environment that formal education requires. Children are provided with opportunities to use their limitless imaginations as well as developing skills required for the big step into ‘big school’. A qualified early childhood teacher will guide the children through a personalised program that provides each student with the necessary pre literacy and numeracy skills, which will give them the foundations for successful learning in Kindergarten and the primary years. This also allows the opportunity for students to develop learning patterns sooner than those who have not attended programs such as the Transition program offered at St John’s CoEducational School. So how does Transition differ from preschool or early childhood day care? The St John’s Transition classroom is located in the renovated St John’s Hostel building, designed by noted architect, Horbury Hunt, for St John’s Theological College. It is part of St John’s Coeducational Junior School, which is located on the one site within the greater campus of New England Girls’ School. For children to learn, it is a known fact that they need to feel secure and comfortable in their learning environment. We succeed in achieving this goal as

the children in Transition are able to to all areas of formal education at St John’s utilise the resources of the whole NEGS Junior School, as well as becoming a more campus, including the library, a sensory permanent part of our wonderful school. gym, spacious playgrounds, an indoor It will allow the students to participate gymnasium and many other areas within in fortnightly assemblies, providing them our grounds. with the opportunity to gain confidence The children are also given a head start in performing in public. The children will on learning as they are introduced to prealso have the opportunity to partake in numeracy and pre-literacy concepts not the school’s sporting activities, such as this only through hands-on experiences, such term’s athletics carnival. as having the opportunity of using What sort of activities do children do? interactive whiteboards, but The Transition teacher, Mrs also being in a classroom Catherine McCann, has the that is rich in text. Play students welcome each The school is a valuable part new day with songs all received an overin of our progam, to say good morning ranking of 145th we as it provides the and a day of the week ch the state, whi t 30 os m al is children with song. They share in believe the places ahead of hool in numerous learning discussions and tell next primary sc opportunities. news, and they are the region. We believe that provided with multiour program offers the sensory, pre-literacy and children formal learning numeracy experiences. advantages, without losing The students are exposed to the wonder and magic that is part ‘hands on’ learning, including science of early childhood. experiments, where they are encouraged How often has Transition been to predict the outcome of the trial, observe offered, and what are the planned change and discuss the cause and effect changes? of the experiment. Their interests are From the commencement of Term 2, St valued and form part of weekly plans, John’s is offering a five day a week to cater and therefore it is vital for the classroom for the needs of students. Current parents teacher to have a flexible approach to and the wider Armidale community will learning. have the option to participate in either They have opportunities to develop the three day program or take advantage buddies with some of the older children of enrolling their child into the five day and are able to enhance their learning program for no extra cost. through shared supported games. The expansion of the program allows The students are provided with physical the Transition students to become exposed education lessons and music lessons

with specialist teachers, and they attend swimming lessons at the Rosemarie Glover Swim School. They also have the opportunity to attend Chapel, which is held in the school’s own Chapel of St Michael and All Angels. Special guests are also organised to visit the students, such as Helen Evans, who visits fortnightly for story-telling. St John’s performed very well in the most recent NAPLAN results, didn’t it? It most certainly did. St John’s was ranked 11th in the state for reading at Year 5 level and made it into the top 100 schools for Writing (20th), Grammar (23rd) and Spelling (97th). The school received an overall ranking of 145th in the state, which we believe is almost 30 places ahead of the next primary school in the region. What do you put that down to? St John’s is a unique school, as the staff, parents and students are like a family. The school community all works together to make the learning environment a safe and enjoyable place to learn. As a result, the students are prepared to challenge themselves by taking risks, hence developing the passion to learn. The staff all work together to provide a high standard of education and are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for the students. Each year the teachers review the NAPLAN results and discuss how they can improve their own teaching in effort to provide an even more beneficial education for all students. Thank you Dimity. new england focus 17

focus on neram

With six new exhibitions opening on Friday 11 May, there’s plenty to excite and inspire everyone in the family on display at the New England Regional Art Museum. This month you’ll discover a series of enchanting original watercolour drawings from the much-loved children’s book Come By Chance, written and illustrated by Madeleine Winch and first published in 1988. A group of stuffed farmyard characters from this charming story about friendship, hospitality and care also feature in the exhibition and are sure to delight the little ones. Come by Chance (11 May - 15 July) is on loan from the Dubbo Regional Gallery’s collection. A Stroll Around Hinton’s Grand Tour (11 May - 5 August) takes visitors on a journey through Europe and the United Kingdom. See the iconic cities and monuments in paintings from the museum’s Howard Hinton Collection.

Cross-hatching and Shading (11 May to 5 August) offers a rare opportunity to burrow down to the technical side of the Chandler Coventry Collection. This exquisite exhibition looks at mark making by artists using a variety of mediums. Smalltown (11 May to 5 August) features images captured by photographer Martin Mischkulnig as he retraced the formative years of his life living with his parents in small, roadside, country motels. He travelled through smalltown Australia capturing a view of our regional areas which is often overlooked. The exhibition is accompanied by an essay by novelist Tim Winton. Stephen King: Against the Grain (11 May - 5 August) and Laurie Mossuto: Time Line (11 May - 15 July) are both

selling exhibitions. In King’s show, the towering, often roughly hewn sculptures reveal the artist’s appreciation of the beauty of the timber from which they are made. Mossuto’s exhibition is the artist’s visual journey over 50 years. Contemporary images of shapes, patterns and colours are minimalist by nature, but still manage to capture the life and figurative reality of the subjects.

more info. NERAM hours: Tues - Fri, 10am to 5pm; Sat and Sun,10am to 4pm. Phone: 6772 5255 For more info www.neram.com.au Harvest Café is open Wed to Sun from 10am to 3pm. Phone: 6771 2907.

Doug Yeomans. Celebrating 30 Years working for The Ascent Group Not many companies can boast the continuous employment of staff members for 30 years; however, The Ascent Group can. Doug Yeomans has been an integral part of The Ascent Group’s supported employment services for that length of time and still going strong. One of The Ascent Group services is Acacia Park Enterprises, an Australian Disability Enterprise, supporting people living with disability to be employed in meaningful and productive work. Over the years, Doug has played a vital role in a number of its enterprises. His first role was with Four Seasons Mowing as a team leader. Later Doug worked in the office paper and cardboard recycling section, then located at UNE and later relocated to Acacia Park. For many years Doug was the public face of recycling, as the truck driver visiting many businesses around Armidale. Everyone knew Doug in this role and especially his outgoing 18 new england focus.

di and helpful manner – a great credit to him and wonderful benefit to the organisation. Doug currently undertakes the daily mail run between The Ascent Group’s many Armidale sites and participates in various contract activities undertaken by Acacia Park Enterprises in printing, mailing, packaging and parts assembly. Not only is Doug a great asset as an employee, he is also a tremendous advocate for people living with disability. Doug plays a leading role in the workers committee and continuously represents the views of supported employees. An additional role is Doug’s ability to represent Acacia Park Enterprises and provide evidence to external quality assurance auditors. Doug is married to Leonie and has two children and two grandchildren. The Ascent Group greatly appreciates the contribution Doug Yeomans and his co-workers make to Acacia Park Enterprises.

contact info. Kerrie Sauer, Employment Services Coordinator 6774 8977. w. www.ascentgroup.org.au

focusinterview.

Allen Principal Charlie Allen drops us a line about the exciting things to come at O’Connor Catholic College.

ow long have you been Principal at O’Connor, and what do love most about your job ? I am in my fifth year at O’Connor. Before that, I was principal at Saint John’s College, Whyalla, South Australia, and before that I held a number of positions at McCarthy Catholic College in Tamworth. What I love most about my job is seeing students learning and gaining knowledge and skills in all aspects of school life. I get great joy in seeing students take on responsibility and positions of leadership within the school. I am inspired by the delight that passionate teachers show, as they teach and guide their students through life’s hurdles. However, most importantly, I look forward to seeing students pass through their school years and take their position as happy, confident, resilient members of society, with the values they have gained through their Catholic education. Give us a quick review of term 1, 2012 at O’Connor ? First term 2012 has been a very productive one at O’Connor. Staff returned to see that work had started on our Trade Training Centre. While we had been expecting this, it was wonderful to see that the work had started. O’Connor students were heavily involved with the music and hospitality at Bishop Michael Kennedy’s ordination. Term 1 provided many opportunities for students to be involved in a range of sports and opportunities to progress to the next round of competition. This has occurred in swimming, hockey, touch football and rugby league. Also in Term 1, we had a dance workshop over 3 days with Sydney choreographer, Jane Turner. Our music students have had an excursion to Sydney. This year we held our Open Day, O’Connorfest, in the warmer days of Term 1 and we held our first transition, Stage Three Enrichment Program day for current Year 6 students. Year 7 have been to Nymboida for their

annual 3-day camp. After Week 7, all families received a progress report on application and participation of students from Year 7 to Year 11. Year 12 students have just completed their half-yearly exams. On the last day of Term 1, Holy Thursday, we held an Easter paraliturgy focusing on the death and resurrection of Jesus. We also held an assembly to The project is acknowledge the founding duled to be fullyd he sc orders of O’Connor, the e en pl com eted by thwill De La Salle brothers and is Th . er of Octob time to the Ursuline sisters. The give us plenty ofe into ov m to morning finished with be ready s at the the new facilitie13. the new facilities at the our senior student leaders 20 of g in beginn beginning of 2013. organising and running a Describe the exciting concert, where students could relationship your College perform and demonstrate their is developing with a school in talents. The afternoon was devoted to Korea. the College’s cross country. In 2009, Dr Myung Sook-Auh, from the Tell us about your new Trade Training school of education at UNE, asked if we would Centre and its progress. be interested in doing video conferences with Our Trade Training Centre facilities a school in Korea. To give our students an will allow us to offer Australian Qualified opportunity to learn more about an Asian Framework courses in Commercial Cookery and culture and to explore the opportunities of Construction. These courses allow students to learning through new technologies, I agreed to commence apprenticeships and traineeships up to Certificate 3 level. The status of these courses the proposal. Dr. Auh organised for us to link is recognised around Australia. As well, students up with Gyeseong Catholic Girls High School in Seoul. This is our third year of conducting are able to ‘count’ the work and learning classes via video-conferencing. In 2011, Mr obtained in these courses as part of their HSC Joon Khil from Gyeseong spent two weeks studies. Along with these facilities, we will be in Armidale to organise a Memorandum adding a Food Technology classroom, building of Understanding between Gyeseong and new student facilities, new change rooms, replacing and landscaping the main quadrangle, O’Connor. The MOU states that we will continue to video-conference and that we providing an upgrade to the electricity supply will provide opportunities for students to visit and constructing new car parking facilities for each other. In February 2012,10 students from staff and students. The total cost of this project is $4.5 m. This includes a grant of almost $1.4m Gyeseong will be in Armidale for a week and will then spend another week sightseeing in from the Australian government. The remainder other parts of Australia. Our aim is to provide of the cost will be met by the Catholic parish of the same opportunity for our students in 2014. Armidale, the College’s building fund and the While we were organising a class this term, Catholic Schools Office of Armidale. Dr. Auh was contacted by the Prime Minister’s The project is scheduled to be fully Office to say that the Prime Minister would completed by the end of October. This will be visiting Gyeseong on 26 March and asked give us plenty of time to be ready to move into

if we would be interested in having the Prime Minister join the video-conference. Not only was this offer accepted, but other schools in Armidale who video-conference with other Korean schools were invited to join the class. What is your school’s connection with popular local band Maxwell Street? Our connection with Maxwell Street is through one of our teachers, Mr Garry Osborne, who is the drummer in the band. Maxwell Street played at our Blues on the Green at the Armidale Golf Club, and will again be providing the music for our event this year on 26 May. When is your next Open Day, and who can attend? We provide three open days or Stage Three Enrichment Days (STEP) each year for Year 6 students to gain an insight to what O’Connor has to offer for Year 7. Our next STEP Day will be held on Tuesday 22 May. This day will be open to all Year 6 students who would like to find out more about what O’Connor has to offer for Year 7. Parents/carers wanting their Year 6 son or daughter to attend should contact the school on 6772 1666, to help us prepare and cater for the day. That evening at 7pm we will have an information evening for parents wanting to find out in more detail the various programs we have for students at O’Connor. Thanks Charlie. new england focus 19

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Bellingen Music Festival. a must for Classical music lovers; June 8 - 10 Take a look at the elegant Bellingen Music Festival website at www.bellingenmusicfestival.com.au created by local designer Pingala Walsh, and find out about the program and the performers. With five major concerts, the Festival takes place over three days. Delight in the fabulous ensemble The Song Company, Musica Viva’s Rising Star, the Orava String Quartet and the thrilling Melbourne Guitar Quartet. Accord Pour Deux, a unique horn duo, brilliant soprano Shelli Hulcombe with Deirdre Rickards piano and Bellingen’s up and coming Youth Orchestra complete the major concert line-up.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped me put together my Vietnamese Photographic Exhibition at NERAM. Firstly, a special thanks goes to my wife Cindy and my children, Eva and Max. We shared many amazing adventures and motorbike rides together (yes, four on the bike at one time!) and did things as a family that will live on in our collective memories for years to come. Secondly, a big thank you must go to the Vietnamese Consul General, Mr Mai Phouc Dzung, who not only gave up his time to fly

The festival committee is especially grateful to all our sponsors, especially SI Clean Energy, Officeworks and ETC, without whom this wonderful event could not take place.

Joy Rocks celebrates 20 years at the New England Eye Centre Joy joined the New England Eye Centre in 1992. She started as a Medical Typist, working on an IBM Typewriter and dictation transcriber, to produce carbon copied doctor’s reports and letters. Office equipment has come a long way since then, but the language of Ophthalmology hasn’t changed. After 20 years in the job and an estimated 100,000 letters, Joy finds she now rarely needs to consult the Medical Dictionary to check spelling as she used to. Her job entails much more than typing and filing, as medical and office technology are increasingly integrated to produce more information which needs to be stored and accessed easily. Images of the eye and diagnostic reports are all important parts of the patient file now. “It has never really felt like work to me – maybe it’s because my working hours are flexible, and I work with people I really like.” New England Eye Centre’s Dr Mark Morgan feels fortunate

focuseditorial. Grab your friends and EXPLORE with

Oxley Explorer.

20 new england focus.

was great to have him on board. The last thank you must go to the public who took the time to visit the gallery and to people who purchased the works. I am pleased that people in the area will now have a piece of my vision of Vietnam in their homes or businesses. It has been an honour to have fulfilled my dream of living in Vietnam and to have been able to share my experiences at NERAM with everyone who helped and supported me along the way. Tim.

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Two other delightful (and free) musical events are local Classical guitar duo, Kari Weiner and Karin Braidwood and Bellingen’s renowned AkaBella. And there’s more! Participate in a singing workshop led by The Song Company’s Roland Peelman. Weekend Passes, providing entry to all five concerts, and single concert tickets are on sale via our secure online server at the website or from Roots Records, Hyde St, Bellingen, (02) 6655 2159 at $20. Hurry – places are limited.

from Sydney to officially open the show but also for his generous support when my wife and I flew back to Vietnam last October to organise printing and framing in HCMC. I also want to thank the staff at NERAM, especially Caroline Downer, Phillipa Charlie-Briggs and Christine Durham for their support and spurring me on when needed. The gallery volunteers did a wonderful job hanging the works, and the end result made me very proud indeed! Richard Torbay, MP, gave a fantastic speech at the opening and having known him for more than 20 years, it

to have worked with such an employee: “Joy’s reliability, trustworthiness and loyalty are something I really value. She is always willing to fill in and help others get the job done. Hang on – this is starting to sound like a reference, and I don’t want to lose her to another employer!” With winter approaching, why not get out and explore your own backyard on a day trip with local coach company, The Oxley Explorer. We can take your group of 12 to 52 people in comfort to explore towns around the region. Some of the places we have taken groups to recently have included: Nymboida, Nundle, Inverell, Gunnedah, Werris Creek and Wauchope. Each town has some very unique attractions and shops to browse through, and our staff can assist you in organising your day out. Our company chef can prepare delicious morning

teas and lunches to suit your group’s taste and budget. Or if you prefer, you can stop and enjoy some of the exquisite cafés and restaurants our region boasts. With our wheelchair access coaches, it means that you can take all of your friends and relatives to enjoy a day out, which they are often not able to do in your own car. Day trips are popular with groups of seniors, conference partners, or a great way to catch up with friends. Malcolm Macpherson can be contacted on 6777 2436 to get you out and about this winter – you’ll be surprised at how much is in our area!

P l at i nu m S p o n s o r

new england focus 21

22 new england focus.

Meet the speaker

Port Macquarie High School focus feature.

Stephanie Brantz A word from Australian sports presenter Stephanie Brantz, the 2012 Business Awards special guest speaker.

here did you grow up, and how do you know our Chamber’s CEO, Liz Egan? I was born in Brisbane, and met Liz when we were five years old and starting school together in Year One at St Peter’s Lutheran College in Indooroopilly. Liz and I went through 12 years of school together and remain close today – one of those treasured ‘lifelong’ friends. Why are you a self confessed ‘sports nut’? Self confessed is because I admit to loving pretty much any sport. Why sport? Well, I grew up competing with my brother at any sport going. He is two years older than me, and in cricket season I’d have to bowl while he practiced his batting; in winter I’d be goalkeeper to his striker, and so on. In the athletics season, we would set up hurdles and high jump and so on in the back yard and like most Queensland kids, we spent the whole time outside. I swam to a pretty decent level in my school days and in high school, netball took over. At uni that moved to basketball – I was a huge fan of Michael Jordan and all things NBA. In Brisbane, it was pretty much Rugby League and then daylight, but with Dutch parents and a brother who played football, I followed that too. When I moved to SBS television, there was a lot more football, and that has stayed with me ever since. I’m married to a football commentator, so it makes for less fights over the remote control. Do you remember your first major gig as a television sports presenter? My very first gig on TV was at SBS doing a program called On the Ball, where I did the news updates. The first major gig was when I was asked to host their flagship sports program, Toyota World Sport – which was a fantastic experience. Which of your sports presentations would you describe as your personal

best? I think looking back at all the different events I’ve done, I think being part of the hosting team for the 2006 FIFA World Cup is up there. It was such a huge event and Australia was part of it for the first time in more than 30 years, so there was a lot of excitement around it too. How did you start in public speaking? I started as part of my work with SBS. After hosting Toyota World Sport, I was asked to be the MC for the Australian Sports Sharing the Awards, which are broadcast stage with the and on the Network. I was terribly Prime Minister nervous, but since then, I have Geoffrey Rush atas realised that it’s a lot of fun, the same time w because you can see and intera bit of a buzz. act with your audience – which and Geoffrey Rush you can’t, of course, in television. at the same time was Since then, there have been many a bit of a buzz, though opportunities that have come up – and I think the PM thought I it provides an income stream, which means I was following her around, as the next day I have been able to choose more flexible mewas MC for the Flag Raising and Citizenship dia work. With three kids at home and one Ceremony in Canberra and was welcoming of those sitting his HSC this year, flexibility is her back to the stage there. very important to me. Can you give us some inspiring words Occasionally, such as this event, it has for our up and coming business women? added benefits – with 5 kids between us and I’d love to think I could be inspiring, but working lives, Liz and I don’t get as many my life is so ordinary. I finish making the chances to catch up as we would like, so school lunches, ship the kids off to school there are bonuses too! and head to work, where someone else does Describe some big events where you my makeup and I speak about sport, which have been MC? is actually more like a hobby! There have been events which have been When I get home, I do two loads of washbig to me, though perhaps they have reing, supervise homework, drive kids to footflected the industry I’m in at the time. ball training, pour them into bed and start Hosting the FIFA congress at the Sydney work on the computer, trying to catch up Opera House was a massive event – heaps of with the ever increasing ‘to do’ list. Doesn’t security, beautifully choreographed perforlook terribly interesting in black and white ... mances and lots of political protocol which From a female perspective though, I will was – at the time – a bit of an eye-opener. say that I think, now, more than ever before, At the beginning of this year I hosted the opportunities for women to push the the ‘Australian of the Year’ Awards outside boundaries and shatter the ceiling are ever Parliament House in Canberra. That was increasing. another incredible experience and involved Women are resourceful, persistent and all the preamble, such as the Garden Party at tenacious; we are also the ultimate multithe Governor General’s residence and so on, taskers. My mum used to say to me, and still which was fun. does: “If you need something done, ask a Sharing the stage with the Prime Minister busy woman”. So true!

I’m also on about my 4th career, so while cliched, the other words that spring to mind are “if at first you don’t succeed, then try and try again”! There’s always a way to make your hopes, dreams and aspirations a reality. Where to from here? As I write, I am about to jump on a plane bound for Gallipoli. ABC broadcasts the Dawn Service from Anzac Cove on 25 April, and I’m thrilled to bits that they have asked me to be part of that. I will return to my ‘day job’ then, which at present is hosting the Shute Shield Rugby Coverage, before heading to London to host the Paralympic Coverage at the end of August. Our women’s sport will then kick off in October, which will bring me full circle to about this time next year. In between times – I’ll be washing, cooking and packing school lunches ... just the usual, I guess! Thanks Stephanie.

the plug! Stephanie Brantz will host the 2012 Armidale Business Awards. Tickets are $80 www.trybooking.comBJLI

new england focus 23

focusfeature.

Meet the nominees

New England Mutual would like “toourtake this opportunity to thank members for their unwavering support, without them we would not have experienced the growth and success we have accomplished.

”

New England Mutual

Professional Services

The Team m

From our beginnings, New England Mutual

incubating local projects or leading fundraising drives

average annual balance of supporters accounts and

Southern New England Land Care, Aboriginal Cultur-

has been community and member focused. The

to assist locals who may be having a hard time.

makes a bonus payment on the members behalf to

al Centre and Keeping Place, National Rugby Camps,

Our staff are encouraged to participate in the com-

their nominated community group. The best part is, it

Sustainable Living Expo, Armidale Bach Festival are

munity, to join local organisations and are allocated

doesn’t cost members a cent. Last year, New England

just a handful of the hundreds of community groups

community service hours through the workplace,

Mutual donated $117,000 to community groups

we support each year. New England Mutual is excited to be nominated for this year’s Business Awards.

emphasis we place on community values and close involvements in smaller towns has been rewarded with loyalty and commitment through a steady growth in membership. We have developed from a

which enables them to make a more personal contri-

registered in the program across our network. The

small member base as a credit union on the campus

bution on a regular basis to assist groups such as St

bonus payments received through the Community

The nomination came from a valued member who

of The University of New England and have grown to

Vincent De Paul Society, Red Cross Blood Donation

Partnership Account are over and above any sponsor-

was so touched by the service they received, they felt

become the largest inland credit union in Australia.

Centre, Meals on Wheels and several local commu-

ship or donation payments already allocated.

they couldn’t pass the opportunity up to nominate

With 29 branches, 3 agencies and almost 70,000

nity initiatives.

New England Mutual’s Sponsorship and Donation

their local credit union.

members across regional NSW, it is our focus on pro-

Our focus towards embracing local community

program assists local community groups with the

Praising NEM’s work in the community, our member

viding trusted community banking that sets us apart.

groups extends into our product range. We now

view to keep them alive and well. We focus on sup-

wrote: “I would like to nominate for the award cat-

Our philosophy of community engagement, not only

offer a revolutionary and unique way of banking for

porting a wide range of community groups, such

egory of Community Organisation the New England

through the breadth of financial services we make

our members, that allows them to support a local

as Education, Arts, Business, Environmental and

Mutual for its outstanding service to the region over

available, but through our contributions to local

community organisation, simply by banking with

Indigenous/Cultural activities or events.

many years” then went on to say, “clearly this institu-

organisations and support for community initiatives

NEM. Over 50 local businesses have registered in

We proudly support locals with initiatives that assist

tion has met the challenges of the rapidly chang-

and causes, is lived every day. New England Mutual is

the Community Partnership Account program so

our town to evolve. Community initiatives such as

ing financial climate, without sacrificing any of its

more often than not the first port of call to assist in

far. Each year, New England Mutual calculates the

the BackTrack Youth Program, Harmony Group,

traditional community values.”

Thank you! New England Mutual would like to thank our members for our nomination in the 2012 Armidale Business Awards. 132 067 www.communitymutual.com.au

at the heart of our community New England Mutual is a trading name of Community Mutual Ltd. ABN 21 087 650 360 : AFSL 241167

24 new england focus.

Meet the nominees

JC Spares

Trade Enterprises

The Team

PLC Armidale Jenny Robinson

Enterprising Woman, Education/Training

What is the history of your business?

Jenny Robinson is Director of Development and Mar-

JC Spares has been servicing the New England area with a range

keting at PLC Armidale. She is described by colleagues as

of automotive, industrial and agricultural spare parts and acces-

“intelligent and creative and stimulating to work with; we

sories for over 27 years.

never know what the next idea might be. We see her as a

How do you contribute to the local community?

woman who lives the PLC values of integrity, loyalty and

We support a number of local charities and not for profit organi-

courage. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge in

sations, whether it be with a donation, raffle or auction item, or

both marketing and the education sector.”

sponsorship; we’re always looking to help.

“

We have a very experienced team with a great range of products..

”

What makes JC Spares different to other stores? We have a very experienced team, with a great range of products and a large network of suppliers. This means that we can offer the highest quality parts at very competitive prices and if

enthusiasm for success and passion for PLC “makeHerevery day exciting and fun. She encourages us to celebrate every success, no matter how small. ” Jenny is solutions-focused and always asks why things

The Team at Fat Goose Crossing

New Business Cafés/Restaurants

Tell us your history? After owning more than twenty successful cafés through to top end restaurants, the opportunity arose to make a tree change with my youngest son, Zeb. Now we are the proud owner of the Fat Goose Crossing here in the Armidale Plaza. Why is Fat Goose Crossing special? Because of my history in this industry, I have created an atmosphere that makes our customers comfortable and relaxed, with fantastic food and service.

At Fat Goose Crossing, we love to see our “customers living in the moment, and this is how we treat each day’s menu. ”

can’t be done. She is naturally friendly and immediately makes parents and students feel comfortable and at ease.

we don’t have them in stock, we get them for you quicker than

Jenny can think outside the square; she is always trying to

other businesses.

improve the service offered to PLC families. Her qualities are

What is in store for JC Spares in the next 12 months?

Fat Goose Crossing

Port Macquarie High School focus feature.

vision, determination and persistence; she doesn’t give up.

We will be adding a number of new product lines along with

Both staff and students at PLC believe the nomination as

many other things, so keep an eye out for these.

Enterprising Woman of the Year award is well deserved.

How do you contribute to the local community? All our produce is sourced locally. I have a young team, who bring their own special enthusiasm to the business. I want to pass on to my team the knowledge and training, so they can fulfil their own opportunities in this industry.

new england focus

focusfeature.

Meet the nominees

TAFE Armidale TAFE Armidale campus offers courses in a wide range of industry areas, from trades and primary industries, business administration, visual arts, screen studies and graphic design to allied health and community services, tourism and hospitality, English as a second language and literacy and numeracy, among others. We offer flexible study options to suit a variety of work and life situations. Our courses emphasise a ‘hands-on’ approach, often combining study with work placements, which allow you to benefit from practical on-the-job training. Students who complete a TAFE NSW course leave not only with a nationally recognised qualification, but also with the significant advantage of experience in their chosen field. We have experts in just about every industry. Our customised training means that you don’t

Education and Training Tourism

have to waste time, energy and money using more than one training provider. Student support services When you choose TAFE Armidale, you won’t be alone in your journey. Whether you need careers advice, counselling, learning assistance or access to study resources, there’s a range of support services designed to make your TAFE experience enjoyable and productive. Facilities TAFE Armidale Campus has modern facilities and buildings, including the 2010/11 multimillion dollar new M Block, incorporating new facilities for the delivery of hospitality (bar, dining room, commercial kitchen and alfresco dining), massage/fitness (massage clinic and gymnasium) and film/television (computer applications room and dubbing room); excellent educational resources (libraries and educational

delivery technologies) and up-to-date computer systems and software. We also have simulated work environments (such as model offices, nursing areas, massage clinic and our operational child care facility), modern trades workshops (carpentry/building, automotive and engineering) and a specialised off-site Rural Skills Centre (delivering agriculture, horticulture, horse industry practice, rural operations and sheep and wool courses). Customised training TAFE Armidale can develop training and education packages specifically for your business – exactly what you need taught and delivered in a way that suits both the needs of you and your employees. Let TAFE Armidale package and deliver a program to suit your business.

TAFE New England makes your business more competitive • We deliver you job ready employees. • We provide apprentices and trainees with practical skills and knowledge to meet industry needs. • We provide counselling, learning support and assistance to help apprentices and trainees complete their training qualification. • TAFE provides services for employers. In summary • TAFE Armidale gives you the skills you need for the career you want. • TAFE Armidale belongs and contributes to the community. • TAFE Armidale makes your business more competitive. • TAFE Armidale delivers social and economic value.

Congratulations to all nominees in the Armidale Business Awards. TAFE Armidale is proud to be nominated for delivery in the Training and Education category.

imagine... Your career possibilities with A TAFE New England Course!

&Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ ŽƵƌ ĐĂŵƉƵƐ ŽŶ ĞĂƌĚǇ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ͕ ƌŵŝĚĂůĞ Žƌ ĐĂůů ŽƵƌ ƵƐƚŽŵĞƌ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞ ĞŶƚƌĞ ŽŶ ϭϴϬϬ ϰϰϴ ϭϳϲ Žƌ ǀŝƐŝƚ ŶĞǁĞŶŐůĂŶĚ͘ƚĂĨĞŶƐǁ͘ĞĚƵ͘ĂƵ Follow us on Twitter @NEI_TAFE

26 new england focus.

Find us on Facebook TAFE NSW, New England Institute

Meet the nominees

Port Macquarie High School focus feature.

“

We’ve seen a W 4 40 40% % increase in vi visitors isi s to in the last year ye arr and a 78% incre increase since 2008 2008.

”

Hutchinson & Harlow

Property Services

Neram

Community Organisation, Creative Industries Education & Training, Enterprising Woman, Tourism

Meg and Peter Georkas

Caroline Downer

What is the history of your business? Hutchinson and Harlow Real Estate is one of the most respected agencies in the region. H&H was established by Peter Hutchinson and John Harlow in 1982. Peter and Meg Georkas have been sole owners of the business since 2008. We have a dedicated team, including Michael Clark, Denise Fordham, Peter Hutchinson, Kath Lawrence and Dawn Norman. We are a sales specialist agency, only dealing with the sale of properties. This allows us to do what we do best – sell houses.

What is the history of your business? New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) was established in 1983 to house the historic Howard Hinton and Chandler Coventry collections and to provide artistic and educational programs for the benefit of the people of the New England and beyond. NERAM is now enjoyed by more than 37,000 visitors annually and contributes significantly to the economic, social and cultural fabric of Armidale and the New England region.

How has your business evolved of late? We are moving into new marketing territory with social media. We have an active Facebook page, and we use this tool to post current industry news and up to the minute information about our latest listings. Find us on Facebook today. How do you contribute to the local community? We are huge supporters of local sporting groups and community events, and we are members of the Locals 4 Locals group. Just about every week there is a team running around with our name on their shirts or an event happening that we have given financial support to. Best thing about your business? Is being able to live in Armidale and contribute to our community by working in an industry that we love.

How has your business evolved of late? Attendance is up. We’ve seen a 40% increase in visitors in the last year and a 78% increase since 2008. New initiatives, such as the Great Artplay Day for families and the Remembering with Art program for people living with dementia, have proved popular. We’re digitising the collections and in May will be unveiling a new website. How do you contribute to the local community? The focus of NERAM’s public programs is on participation and life-long learning for everyone in the community, from pre-schoolers to pensioners. NERAM encourages community involvement in many aspects of operational and artistic programs and also collaborates with other local arts and cultural organisations. Best thing about your business? NERAM is a vital cultural gathering place for the entire region, where people of all ages, backgrounds and traditions feel welcome and can participate and have fun, and entry is free.

Quadrant Australia

Tourism

The Quadrant Team

Quadrant Australia is not your ‘normal’ or ‘traditional’ travel company. For over 30 years, Quadrant Australia has specialised in providing unique and custom-designed tours for clients worldwide. These include technical and educational agricultural, natural history, gardens, art, music and history, both into Australia and to a host of destinations around the globe. The Quadrant team draws on its breadth of experience, world-wide contacts and industry knowledge to develop tour programs tailor-made for groups, conducting all the research necessary to develop a comprehensive itinerary and package to meet a group’s needs. By combining the enjoyment of travel with education, Quadrant’s tours provide a complete package. Quadrant has been working in the local community for many years, as the quiet achiever. In almost every month of the year Quadrant Australia brings an overseas tour group through Armidale to access expertise at UNE and its associated research facilities, whilst at the same time showcasing all the natural beauty of the New England region. So for those looking for a group tour that is not “off the shelf”, talk to the team and see what they have planned for the next twelve months.

new england focus 27

Travel 195 & Adventure 195 Enterprising Woman and New Business

ravel 195 & Adventure 195 – a fresh new alternative for you when organising your next holiday.

At Travel 195 and Adventure 195, we offer our clients quality customer service, reliable product and destination knowledge and advice from over 20 years’ experience in the retail and travel industries. We promise to take the time to find the products or services which best suits your needs, whether it be hiking, touring, camping, walking, or sitting in 5 star luxury with a Pina Colada in hand! Travel is a passion of ours, and as such, we enjoy making your travel dreams come true. We are happy to share our experience with you on all aspects of travelling and on the best gear for your travels and adventures. So why 195? By most agreed counts, there are 195 countries in the world, and at Travel 195, we can provide you with a complete travel service to visit any or all of them. You could say there are also 195 reasons to travel and 195 adventures waiting for you to experience! Neal and Scott think there are 195 adventures, 1 lifetime. Vicki says: 1 planet, 9 ways to explore it, 5 senses to excite! You can put whatever meaning you like to it! Travel 195 can help you plan your trip down to the finest detail, and then Adventure 195 can kit you out in the best travel gear for your holiday or adventure gear for that great outdoor experience. We can book air, coach tours, rail, cruises, car hire, accommodation, sightseeing options and can design a holiday to suit the needs of each individual client. We have access to the best airfares worldwide, tour companies, cruises, thousands of hotels and resorts and much more. We also have an extensive range of travel and 28 new england focus.

adventure gear, including clothing, luggage – from technical backpacks to wheelie bags, footwear and travel accessories. Vicki is a born and bred Armidalian, having spent the first 18 years of her life living with her family here before heading out into the world. Her father was Mayor of Armidale for 7 years, and both he and Vicki’s mother worked tirelessly for the community. She has been working as an International Travel Consultant in the travel industry since 1991. She managed Armidale Flight Centre for 5 years before working as a Tour Organiser and Guide and also taught Tourism and Travel at TAFE for 8 years. She is an active member and Past President of the Rotary Club of Armidale. Vicki has travelled extensively throughout Asia, Europe, North America, the Pacific, Africa and Australia. Neal has been working in the retail industry for over 30 years in London, Brisbane, Armidale and Newcastle. He has owned a catering Equipment Hire firm, a printing firm, an Outdoor Education business and owns the Adventure 195 store in Newcastle, as well as the store in Armidale. This gives us access to a wide range of stock which we can get from our Newcastle store to you here in the New England. Neal has a passion for climbing, motorbikes and travelling and enjoys being able to combine all three whenever he can. He has travelled extensively through Europe, Africa, Asia and North and South America. He is looking forward to being able to once again offer quality travel and adventure goods, clothing and accessories to the people of New England and surrounds.

Meet the nominees

Bupa Care Services

Health, Beauty and Wellbeing

Australia Post

Lifestyle is important for Armidale’s population at every age, and at Bupa Care Services Armidale, the individualised needs of residents are paramount in providing quality care.

comprehensive schedule of events for everyone to regularly enjoy.

Australia Post has proudly supported the Armidale community since 1880.

By discovering each resident’s past, their likes, hobbies and favourite memories, staff give residents the freedom to live the life they want.

As a key provider of aged care in the New England region, Bupa Armidale has proudly achieved a professional service of care to those that require it within the community.

A team of passionate people provide care for residents centred around the person and their individual needs.

To provide customers with greater access, convenience and choice, the Armidale Post Office has continued to extend its range of products and services.

Residents do not just have access to nursing care, but a physiotherapist, dietician, speech pathologist, podiatrist, optometrist, dentist, palliative care and a pharmacy service. With a strong emphasis on providing the highest standards of quality care and comfort for residents, Bupa Armidale respects all residents as an individual. Lifestyle programs are tailored to meet the needs of residents, delivering a varied and

Bupa Armidale has been a part of the local community for a long time, and boasts long-serving staff who have cared at the home for more than 20 years. The care home regularly enjoys participating in local events, such as the Autumn Festival and Seniors Week activities, while at the home they indulge in a variety of activities, including indoor bowls, art and crafts and gardening. For Bupa Armidale’s residents, it really is a place to call home.

Banking Services Australia Post provides banking services on behalf of more than 70 financial institutions via our Bank@Post service where you can deposit or withdraw funds and make balance enquiries. You can also pay your bills, organise your mail, or even pick up home office supplies while you’re in-store. Pictured above Postal Manager: Jackie Payne. Retail Staff: Tony Lawrence, Lorraine Gray, Niel Haynes, Amanda Stevens, Jim Cameron, Kerrie Fittler, Matt Garbellini.

Port Macquarie High School focus feature.

Professional Services

Identity Services You can also complete a wide range of identity services in-store, including: • Passport applications • Births, Deaths and Marriages applications • Working with children licences • High Risk Work licences • Maritime Securities Identification Cards Travel Services We can make it easier for you to get away by helping you organise your passport application and instant passport photos and also arrange your foreign currency. Post Office Boxes Armidale Post Office provides 24 hour access, so you can collect your mail at your convenience. You can also choose to arrange for a courier to collect your mail for you. We can help you further streamline your mail collection process with the Mail2Day alerting service. It advises you by SMS or email when you have mail to collect from your post office box.

AGED CARE

B U PA A R M I DA L E

At Bupa Armidale, we are committed to providing quality care in a warm and comforting environment. We actively support and promote resident independence and provide every opportunity for residents to express their individuality. With a combination of low care living, respite care and ageing in place, we ensure you get the level of care you need while living the life you want. There is never a dull moment at Bupa Armidale. Our lifestyle program is tailored to suit the interests and needs of our residents and our recreational and leisure activities focus on fostering relationships between staff and other residents. Our lifestyle program is enjoyable and mentally stimulating so residents get the most out of every activity.

Bupa Armidale 112 Brown Street, Armidale, NSW 2350 Ph: (02) 6772 6363 Fax: (02) 6772 7286 Email: armidale@bupacare.com.au

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Meet the nominees

“

Newcastle Permanent Building Society joined the Armidale community in June 2008, when it opened its branch in Dangar Street, bringing award winning banking and significant financial support to the local community.

”

Newcastle Permanent Newcastle Permanent is Australia’s largest Building Society, with over $7.5 billion in assets, and provides its members with a full range of financial services including home loans, financial planning, savings accounts credit cards, insurance and much more. Banking with Newcastle Permanent means you are part of a mutual organisation, where there are no shareholders to pay, instead the profits are reinvested in the business to deliver higher quality, multi-award winning banking products, competitive interest rates, lower fees and substantial financial support for the local communities it operates in. It seems this mutual business model of providing “fair go banking” is working for the local building society who continues to win national awards, including being named Home Lender of the Year for the second time in three years, ahead of all of the major banks, at the Financial Review Smart Investor Blue Ribbon Awards.

Professional Services In addition, Australia’s premier financial research organisation CANSTAR, recently rated 20 of Newcastle Permanent’s home loans with a 5-star rating, meaning they have been acknowledged as among the best in the country. This means, Newcastle Permanent has received more 5-star ratings for their home loans than any other financial institution in Australia.

This award recognises the passion Newcastle Perma-

In Armidale, they sponsor Northern NSW Junior Foot-

nent staff has for delivering exceptional customer

ball making junior football registration fees cheaper,

service, a rare value that is proudly entrenched in the

support Council’s Get Active campaign and bring

local Armidale team lead by branch manager Judi

families together with Newcastle Permanent’s Cinema

Hansen.

Under the Stars to name a few.

“CANSTAR analyses more than 1,500 home loans taking into consideration the interest rate, fees and features of each loan. Only the home loans in the top five-per cent receive a 5-star rating,” Newcastle Permanent CEO Terry Millett said. “This success is good news for our members who enjoy the benefit of our superior quality and value for money home loans.

career in Armidale in a frontline customer service role

“Our strong result was achieved while 48 fixed rate products from various financial institutions lost their five star rating.” More recently, Roy Morgan Research named Newcastle Permanent as Building Society of the Year in its inaugural Customer Satisfaction awards.

Judi grew up in Armidale and has more than 21 years experience in the financial industry. She began her with a bank and from there worked her way up to a Sydney-based managerial role.

Through the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation a number of New England charities and community organisations have received more than $300,000 in grants. The Charitable Foundation is endowed with $30 mil-

As a Branch Manager, Judi is responsible for the performance of the branch and the management and

lion and operates two funding rounds each year pro-

development of her staff.

viding $1.6 million to community organisations. Since

Her excellent customer service skills, friendly manner

its inception in 2004 Newcastle Permanent Charitable

and wealth of experience in the financial industry

Foundation has provided $8 million to more than 220

makes Judi a welcome asset to the team.

charitable organisations.

Newcastle Permanent’s commitment to the local

Newcastle Permanent’s Armidale Branch is located at

Armidale community extends beyond merely just

111 Dangar Street, Armidale and is open from 9am-

employing local people.

5pm Monday to Friday and 9am-12pm on Saturday.

Fair go banking Since 1903 For nearly 110 years we’ve been developing smarter ways to grow your wealth, easier ways to do your banking and more affordable ways to own your own home... and keeping the banks honest along the way.

Armidale – Call 6771 1037 or visit 111 Dangar Street newcastlepermanent.com.au/fairgo

Newcastle Permanent Building Society Limited ACN 087 651 992.

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NPB1580 156x255 AE

Meet the nominees

Port Macquarie ch cho ch ho ool focus feature. fe eatu atu at urre. rHigh e.. School e

We also provide “deliveries to customers who are too sick to come out or no longer drive. We provide a webster packing service to help patients manage their medication accurately..

”

Greg and Jane Hannon

Professional Services

Hannons Mountview Pharmacy

History of our business? Hannon’s opened it’s doors in August 1980. We wanted to create a community pharmacy so customers had easy access to a pharmacist.

We also donate to many fundraising events.

How has your business evolved of late? Our business has continued to grow over the last 31 years, to a point now where we have two full time, two part time, as well as two casual pharmacists. We are very fortunate to have access to these professionals who take the job of caring for our customers seriously.

the support of our local business’s, Armidale

We have also a team of 14 pharmacy assistants, who I am proud to say are a great team.

nurses, dentists, physios, podiatrists, diabetic

How do you contribute to the community? We are proud to support a very large number of sporting teams. We also support many areas within the fine arts. Often we are asked to give talks to many community groups.

with disability, We also provide deliveries

We try to source as much as we can to run our business at a LOCAL LEVEL. I am a strong believer in LOCALS FOR LOCALS and without would not be the rich city of opportunity that it is. Best thing about your business? We are fortunate to have the opportunity to work as an integral part of a health team liasing with doctors and their receptionists, educators, aged care facility staff on all levels, naturapaths, opticians, carers for people to customers who are too sick to come out or no longer drive. We provide a webster packing service to help patients manage their medication accurately.

“

The one thing that makes everyone proudest at Killen’s is providing the ‘invisible’ – we want our customers to not be able to tell that their car has been repaired.

”

Killens Smash Repairs Michael Killen

What is the history of your business? Killen’s Smash Repairs commenced in Armidale in 1970 as a partnership between David Reid & Paul Killen and was originally situated in Ohio street (in the building now used by Bob Greenes Autos). Paul & Gwen Killen continued with the business in 1976 and moved to the current site at 246 Mann Street; since then, the site has grown to now occupy the corner of Mann & Miller Sts. How has your business evolved of late? From an original partnership of just 2 tradesmen, the company has grown to employ a consistent staff level of 18 people. About 12 years ago, Paul & Michael Killen decided to further expand the operation & equipment levels & along with consistent staff training, this decision has made Killen’s one of Country NSW’s best equipped and capable smash repairers. The company and its valued employees have the capability of handling all facets of modern collision repairs, including plastic

Trade Enterprises

repairs, heavy structural realignment, water based paint technology using Infra Red drying and the most modern bake oven facilities, to ensure the highest quality finish. The organisation keeps pace with everchanging automotive technology with its active membership of a variety of organisations, including CRSA (collision repair specialists of Australia), AARN (Australian Accident Repair Network) & the MTA (Motor Traders Association). As well as training a minimum of 3 apprentices, Killen’s encourages & supports their qualified staff through post trade training with I-CAR & TAFE NSW. How do you contribute to the community? Killen’s Proudly support NERAM, Armidale Rugby Club, Armidale Cycling Club, Souths Soccer, etc. Best thing about your business? The one thing that makes everyone proudest at Killen’s is providing the ‘invisible’ – we want our customers to not be able to tell that their car has been repaired. For more details, visit: www.killenssmash.com.au

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Cedar Nursery Oliva Schaefer

Meet the nominees

New Business

Keystone Consulting Andrew Murray

New Business

Forsyths

Enterprising Woman, Green Business & Professional Services

Kylie Alcorn

What is the history of your nursery? My nursery started in late 2007, when I purchased from Black Mountain Nursery their native farm tree business. In 2009 I started to consider propagating exotics for the markets, and it was then that I approached Jenni to come on board as a garden designer. In 2010 I moved the wholesale nursery to its current location, where it has been steadily expanding.

Keystone Consulting is a new business. It started late in 2011 and specialises in providing advice to medium and small businesses.

How has your business evolved of late? I took up a lease at the Waterfall Garden Centre in July 2011 to give a retail outlet for my wholesale plants. I now have 3 full-time staff and 2 casuals to run both operations.

Andrew brings a wealth of business experience to his advisory role – much of what he says, he has done, and this makes a difference. Andrew is a keen business analyst who likes to see practical solutions put to work.

All the tax and financial knowledge in the world will not convince you to remain one of our clients if you don't like us, if we don't understand your needs, your goals, your plans.

How do you contribute to the local community? We contribute through giving gift vouchers and/or plants for raffles. So far this year we have supported charity events like the World's Greatest Shave and fundraisers for schools and local clubs.

Andrew has several community positions. He is currently the Deputy Chair of NERAM, the Chair of the NERAM Foundation Committee and Deputy President of The Armidale School Foundation. In December, Andrew finished a 10 year stint as Chairman of the Board of The Armidale School.

At Forsyths, we not only understand your goals, we share them. You are trying to grow a profitable business: so are we. You are planning for prosperity and a secure future: so are we.

What is the best thing about your business? For me, the best thing about my business is being apart of a great team and that every day changes in activity, from working in the retail section and talking with my clientele, to working on a construction site installing irrigation.

“The best part of my business is watching a client peel away the complexity that often clouds their judgment and to see them start to solve those few critical problems that need fixing, to achieve business success.” AM. www.keystoneconsulting.com.au

We are particularly proud of Kylie Alcorn’s nomination in the New England Enterprising Woman category of the Armidale Business Awards. Forsyths are also thankful for our nominations in the Professional Services and Green Awards categories.

The Principal of Keystone, Andrew Murray, has been in business in Armidale since 1990 when he left corporate life, moved his family from Sydney and bought the Ampol Depot. Andrew then developed Collect Food Stores in 1996 and built a chain of 25 stores across northern NSW. This business was sold in 2007.

It can be lonely at the top

HELPING BUSINESS OWNERS WITH - PROFIT IMPROVEMENT - MARKETING - COMPETITIVE STRATEGY - PLANS FOR GROWTH

Phone: 0407 067 997 Email: enquiries@keystoneconsulting.con.au

www.keystoneconsulting.com.au 32 new england focus.

As a leading edge business and financial advisory firm, the services we provide are the usual things you would expect, but we do so much more: we build relationships with you, your family and your business that will last a lifetime and beyond. The thing that sets us apart is our people. They are the reason you come to us, and they are the reason you stay.

“

”

Meet the nominees

GJ Gardner Kate & Chris Thornton

Trade Enterprises

What is the history and best thing about your business? Over the past four years, we have successfully built 70 homes throughout the New England Area and have expanded our franchised business, having the largest geographic area in NSW. Together, along with our team, the best thing about our business is the personal satisfaction of being involved from the ground up and working with our clients to meet their individual needs. We have great delight in handing over a home and seeing the joy on the faces of our clients, and feel a great sense of pride and achievement that we are all proud of. How has your business evolved as late? 2012 has begun exceptionally well, with an increase in new homes being constructed â&#x20AC;&#x201C; particularly in Armidale. This is a testament to our commitment, offering our clients a high quality product with a strong focus on customer service. How do you contribute to the local community? We believe in having a strong community focus and are proud sponsors of many sporting clubs as well as supporting numerous local charities. We have also been involved in raising funds for an orphanage in Africa; Chris had the opportunity to be involved in the building of the home in Kenya for HIV and AIDS orphans â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an ongoing project that forever changes the lives of all involved.

Ewe Beaut Products Andrew Maurat

Trade Enterprises

Dewhurst Dental Dr Robert Dewhurst & Dr Soo-Wee Ong

Port Macquarie High School chool focus feature.

Professional Services

Ewe Beaut Products was started twenty years ago as a partnership by my wife Suzanne and myself, manufacturing sheep yards. It has grown to become a multi functional steel fabrication, manufacturing and design business, employing six full-time staff and one casual. Our business has continually evolved over the past 20 years, from manufacturing to large construction projects. Our current work involves a major design and construct project in Narrabri. We manufacture truck bodies, tree planters, chemical storage units, bus shelters, park equipment, decorative fencing and handrails. We have developed a number of products to assist the disabled, walking frames, ramps and specialist aids to assist with things such as disabled art.

Dewhurst Dental began in 1982 in the family home of

Ewe Beaut Products sponsor a number of local events, including the Armidale Rodeo, Australian Wool Fashion Awards and the Armidale Antique Machinery Club. We host a large number of work experience students from local schools and the TAFE. We have supported the Iron Man Welders and usually have at least two apprentices on the staff.

which has been a great addition to the practice and which we

Running your own business gives a great deal of personal satisfaction: being able to help solve tricky design issues to assist a client and training young tradespeople of the future and giving students the opportunity to investigate possible career paths with work experience. All my staff are highly qualified tradesmen, and we pride ourselves on the quality of our work.

Dr Robert Dewhurst with his father Bruce Dewhurst, a Dental Technician. We now boast a custom designed, modern and fully equipped seven-surgery facility. We are unique in the region by offering the special services of two Dentists, two Dental Hygienists, a Therapist and a state-of-the-art Dental Laboratory. This enables us to provide a complete approach to dental care. We are proud to be able to offer a team approach to providing the highest quality care in all facets of dentistry. In late 2010, we acquired an Icat cone beam CT scanner, encourage other professionals to use for the benefit of the community. At Dewhurst Dental, we believe that dental health can impact greatly on overall general health, so our team is not only trained in the early detection and prevention of dental disease, but through our hygiene department we put a strong emphasis on ongoing maintenance care. Modern dentistry is advancing at a rapid rate and here at Dewhurst Dental, we endeavour to provide the latest techniques, materials and knowledge to our patients and to the community.

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Meet the nominees

Legal Minds Legal Minds is a boutique incorporated legal practice established in September 2009. Its client base extends locally, nationally and internationally. The diversity of the practice is unique within the community, providing a broad range of legal and conveyancing services, as well as the services of a public notary and registered migration agent. Legal Minds is the only locally owned private practice that provides a free no-obligation service to the community by way of its First Saturday chats program. This important program has allowed access to anyone in the community to obtain direct access to private legal advice, on any type of matter, at no cost, and outside usual business hours on the first Saturday of each month. Legal Minds has consistently provided

34 new england focus.

Professional Services

substantial pro bono contribution to the Armidale community within both the private/ retail and not-for-profit and arts/entertainment industries. The Legal Minds commitment to ‘thinking together’ has continued to provide a fresh and innovative approach to the delivery of legal services and support to community groups, individuals and small to medium sized businesses throughout the financial hardship experienced by the community in 2011-2012. Legal Minds has also directly contributed to promoting the Armidale lifestyle and business opportunities by way of publications, presentations and participation at the Country & Regional Living Expo in 2011 (which also resulted in recruiting a new solicitor, who relocated from Sydney to Armidale with her fiancé to affect a ‘City Change’). Talk to us. You’ll be inspired!

The Armidale Club Exclusive to the Armidale local community, The Armidale Club is a proud to be a member of Locals 4 Locals. The Club’s membership comprehensively reflects the social, economic and cultural diversity of the Armidale Community, including: local musicians, students, retirees, teachers, academics, plumbers, carpenters, electricians, engineers, lawyers, accountants, auditors, local restaurateurs and hospitality operators, butchers, journalists, farmers, real estate agents, IT professionals, members of the medical profession, local Council members, politicians, local retail proprietors, and our award winning local vignerons, just to name a few. Whether you’re 18 or 108, there is something for everyone at the Club! The Armidale Club is the host to many private and corporate functions, popular theme nights,

Pubs/Clubs

annual Winter Ball, festivals, dinners and is committed to the presentation, support and promotion of live concerts and shows by our much loved local musicians, artists and bands. A laid back retro ambience like no other venue in Armidale, The Club also maintains a friendly, safe and inclusive environment, where members and their guests can enjoy a flutter on the Club’s local raffle, catch up for an end of week drink and taste the free Friday evening nibbles from the Turntables kitchen, engage in a round of pool, meet new friends, or simply relax and chat over a Coopers lager, a cocktail or bottle of locally produced wine in front of the best open fireplace in Armidale! For information and event updates, subscribe to us on Facebook, or visit our website at www.thearmidaleclub.com

Meet the nominees

Locals 4 Locals

Community Organisation

Unlike multi-corporate and foreign owned

social and economic growth and sustainability.

companies, locally owned and operated

You can make a direct contribution by actively

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Moxons Bakery

Retail Business

How long have Moxons been trading in

How and why do you contribute to the

participating and encouraging other community

Armidale?

community?

within our community. The active role that our

members and visitors to look for the stamp, buy

Our doors have been open in Armidale

diverse range of locally owned small to medium

locally and promote our local businesses to other

for 32 years, and we have grown from

businesses commit to each year by way of

communities regionally and nationally.

one small bakery to a large specialty built

sponsorship and support of local sporting groups,

Discuss your needs and options with our local

bakery and four shop fronts.

arts festivals, community projects, schools,

businesses, talk directly to business owners that

Have you won other awards?

fundraisers and charities, employing locals or just

understand, have volunteered and have gone

Yes. We are pleased to say that pretty much

helping out another small business underpins

one step further to directly support our local

and reinforces the values we hold in our local

everything and everyone in our store has

community and lifestyle. The businesses you buy

community. Locals 4 Locals (Southern New

been recognised or awarded in some way.

from today will determine values and lifestyles

England) Incorporated recognises and promotes

To name but a few, we have won ‘Top

we will enjoy in the future. Show your support

these local businesses that are entitled to display

for our local community, by supporting your local

businesses bring and regenerate funding

the Locals 4 Locals stamp of approval.

businesses. For more information, ask any of

Community awareness, recognition and support

our endorsed businesses members, or call Greg

of our locally owned and operated businesses is an important step toward maintaining local

Bakery In NSW’, numerous ‘Best Products’

We contribute to local Netball, “Football, Soccer, Cricket and many other sporting clubs on a regular basis. We also contribute to local Schools & Service Groups. We do this as our way of thanking our consumers, After all, it’s our consumers that make our business a success..

”

awards, and we have also won a gold medal at the Great Aussie Pie Comp.

Final comment?

Jackson on (0412) 615 758 or email: greg@jqm.

Our bakers have also won awards at state

Without our consumers, we wouldn’t have

com.au. Look for the stamp!

and national levels.

such a successful business.

new england focus 35

focusfeature.

Fleet Helicopters

Meet the nominees

Tourism

Fleet Helicopters has been successfully running their helicopter charter, tourism and training business in Armidale for over 10 years, managing to pick up multiple awards along the way. Whether you’re a long time local, just visiting Armidale for half a day or here for an extended stay, Fleet has flight and aircraft options to suit every possible need and prides itself on the first class service it provides, showcasing the spectacular wild rivers gorge country right on Armidale’s doorstep. Your options include everything from a 30-minute introduction to the gorges to multi-day fully guided heli-fishing tours, and Fleet will ensure that your flight is unforgettable. If you have the need to access remote out of the way areas or simply don’t have the time to travel by road, Fleet’s helicopters and fixed wing charter service ensures safe, fast and efficient transport. In conjunction with Edwards Aviation, Fleet can have you transported in style from the furthest reaches of Australia to the remotest areas of New South Wales. For those with a more adventurous streak, the Fleet Helicopters Flight Training School utilises the unique high altitude environment and diverse landscape to turn out high quality pilots. The first step in gaining your licence is a no obligation ‘Trial Introductory Flight’. Whatever your desire, Fleet Helicopters is waiting to help you experience the exhilaration of helicopter flight and the beauty of the Armidale region.

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René on the Mews René Pauvert

Cafés/Restaurants

What is the history of your business? René on the Mews Bistro was established in March 2003, since then it has become a renown dining venue which has cultivated a loyal following of local residents & workers as well as attracting tourists visiting the region. How has your business evolved of late? Apart from being a popular Licenced Bistro & Restaurant, we are now roasting our own coffee beans, which has allowed us to develop our own unique coffee blend. Our E-me@ls, a service for the people with a busy lifestyle is still proving popular. People can go online and order a meal from the wonderful array of dishes available and then have them delivered hot and ready to eat. Picking them up from René on the Mews is also an option as you can warm them up at your convenience. How do you contribute to the local community? We always find time to support the local community by donating gift vouchers & discounts for various charities, hospitals, schools, clubs and the University of New England. Best thing about your business? Being able to offer our patrons a dining experience to remember not only with truly gourmet food created from fresh local produce at an affordable cost, but with GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE from our well trained staff.

Funk Debbie Goos

Health, Beauty & Wellbeing

What is the history of your business? I have been in the hair dressing industry for over 30 years. I opened Funk ten years ago. How has your business evolved of late? We have just recently moved into a new salon in The Armidale Plaza. It is great to be right in the middle of the ‘hub’ of boutique shopping here in Armidale. We are now exclusively stocking AVEDA products at Funk. AVEDA products focus on pure flower and plant essences, connecting beauty, environment and wellbeing. Whilst spending time in our salon you will not only receive just a haircut, guests will enjoy the AVEDA experience. Every guest receives complementary AVEDA rituals including a shoulder and hand massage. How do you contribute to the local community? Over the many years in this industry, I have had the pleasure of training many apprentice hairdressers, and it makes me very proud to see them qualify and make their own career moves in this wonderful industry. Best thing about your business? I am surrounded by wonderful staff, and we are all committed to personal service, attention to detail and excellent customer service. Seeing our valued clients leave our salon happy and feeling great about themselves is what it is all about.

Meet the nominees

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The store itself “isrelaxation designed with and winding down in mind.

”

Concepts of Armidale Lisa Haynes

Retail Business

Concepts of Armidale keeps on going from strength to strength. With the relocation and name change in June last year, the shop is now able to offer their customers a broader range of fantastic products in a fresh, new environment.

“

Customer service is more important than ever. We hope that everyone who vists the shop has an enjoyable experience and is made to feel welcome.

Scarlet Ember AmandaYoung

New Business

Describe your store? Scarlet Ember is Armidale’s only candle store. We are committed to offering our customers a range of beautiful products, many hand made in Australia, and some carefully selected imported lines of candles and accessories. These are products designed to add an extra dimension of atmosphere and mood to your home. The store itself is designed with relaxation and winding down in mind. We aim to bring a sense of ‘just breathe’ and ‘slow

”

down and relax’ to our customers – not only in the store, but in their home as well, which is what many people need in their busy

Compliments on the fantastic ranges keep on coming; we aim to have a shop filled with wearable fashions and accessories for every member of the family. It is great that we have such a mix of customers: men, women and children. It makes every day different.

lives.

Throughout the year, we actively support Can Assist, local sporting groups, fundraising organisations and school events with things like fashion parades, donations of products, sponsorship of team uniforms, and all of our gift wrapping proceeds go to Can Assist. We are also proud members of Locals for Locals.

majority of ours are hand made in Australia using environmentally

If you haven’t ever been to Concepts of Armidale you should make the time to; it is a fantastic destination that is sure to impress.

Who has contributed to your success? My amazing husband can

What is unique about your business? This is the only business of its kind in Armidale – in fact, the region. We are often compared to national retailers; however, our key point of difference lies in the range of products. We differ largely in the range of products, as the sound materials to make our beautiful candles. We try to minimise the ranging of toxic cheaper paraffin waxes in preference for palm, soy and beeswax. There is even a 100% Australian beeswax range completely committed to protecting the environment, not only through its materials and crafting, but even when burning. take a lot of the credit for Scarlet Ember’s success. We have also had some great staff who have helped along the way.

The Ascent Group

Community Organisation

The Ascent Group has been providing services for people living with a disability and their families in Armidale and across the New England since 1955. It was founded by parents of children with disability and concerned community members and today is the leading community based, charitable organisation providing a wide range of disability services for people of all ages and in the areas of community aged care, social disadvantage and mental health. The Ascent Group is the community’s locally owned and operated service and an active member of the Locals 4 Locals group. Services include supported and open employment, supported accommodation in the community, respite, day programs and home and community care. Over 350 people and their families currently participate in these services. Every day people living with disability are achieving great things, whether it be gaining new skills, self-esteem and independence, getting a job, living in the community or achieving in artistic and sporting pursuits. The Ascent Group employs 120 people, making a significant contribution to the local community. The continuing vision of The Ascent Group is to be a major contributor to the wellbeing of people in our community.

new england focus 37

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Meet the nominees

Since its humble beginnings in 1938, SportUNE has developed an extensive community recreation program.

“

”

Garducci's Lyn Mowle

Retail Business

My daughter Lisa and I purchased Garducci's from the previous owners in August 2003, moving the business into Richardsons Arcade. This store was upgraded and renovated, specialising in quality European brands and widening the ranges of LIFESTYLE SHOES and fittings for problem feet and orthotics. Also introduced were new brands of accessories, including handbags and giftware. After three years trading at this site, we moved across the road to an even larger store at 230 Beardy Street, where we expanded our range even more and managed to acquire exclusivity in some of our brands for New England, including the French brand of ARCHE and the eco friendly El Naturalista and Loints. Around this time we also developed our Garducci's website, from which we sell some of our stock; we have customers purchase from us from all over Australia. Five years after being on this site, we decided to relocate back to the Richardsons building and moved into our beautiful new store the week before Christmas. We have made many lovely friendships with our customers; many have supported us since opening 9 years ago. Our staff are the backbone of our business – all fully trained to fit the correct shoe to most feet. We feel very strongly committed to supporting our local economy, and we support many causes throughout the year.

38 new england focus.

Healthy Inspirations Tammy Homewood

Health, Beauty & Wellbeing, NE Enterprising Woman

Describe your centre? The original concept for Healthy Inspirations came from the need to be able to deliver a low cost, lasting weight loss program for women through a combination of healthy diet, high-frequency face-to-face weight loss coaching and supervised exercise, all under one roof, in a comfortable women's only environment. What is unique about your business? Our centre is unique, because we are the only women’s only centre which not only offers a comprehensive weight loss program, with diet, exercise, support and motivation, but we also offer Group Fitness Classes, Personal Training and additional cardio fitness equipment like a treadmill and cross trainer. This variety allows us to offer women more flexibility in their training and on their individual journeys towards achieving their health and fitness goals. Who has contributed to your success? My wonderful husband Adam has been a great mentor; he helps me with the juggle of our beautiful children and family life. Without his support, I wouldn’t be here today. I am grateful to both my fantastic staff and our clients. They have been supportive as our business has grown, and many have been so generous with offering suggestions to help us improve our business.

SportUNE

Health & Wellbeing

SportUNE is proud to be nominated in the 2012 Armidale and District Chamber of Commerce Awards. We’d like to thank all our members and students for a terrific year and for sharing our vision of promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. Since its humble beginnings in 1938, SportUNE has developed an extensive community recreation program. We have grown to become one of the finest university sporting precincts in Australia, with over 15 hectares of playing fields, an indoor heated pool, state-of-the-art strength and conditioning gym, synthetic tennis courts, multipurpose halls and café.

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SportUNE offers an unparalleled range of sport, physical recreation and fitness programs.

”

We cater to all ages, abilities and fitness levels, including local schools and community groups, as well as play an important role in the education of UNE trainee teachers and exercise physiology students. Our external sporting camps and development programs are a regular event on the calendar and assist in developing junior sport at all levels. We are home to numerous UNE sporting clubs, and in 2012 became the Regional Training Centre for the Parramatta Eels.

Meet the nominees

Kings Pharmacy Mathew Barwick

Health/Beauty/Wellbeing ng Professional Services

Tell us 5 interesting facts about your business ... 1. Kings Pharmacy has been owned and operated continuously by the King family for 59 years –Justin for 53 years, then his children Judy (daughter) and Robert (son) for 6 years. 2. The business has a young and enthusiastic new pharmacist manager, Mathew Barwick, who has fitted into the workplace and community very well. He will become a partner in the business in the near future. 3. Kings Pharmacy has a wonderful staff of 7 pharmacy assistants. All are local women with great knowledge and 100% commitment to fulfilling every customer's individual needs. 4. The pharmacy provides support to many local charities and events. We strive to be part of our local community in as many ways as possible. 5. Kings Pharmacy liaises and works closely with local GPs, allied health professionals and services, including Apsley Riverview Aged Care, Walcha Hospital, a visiting Optometrist and Podiatrist as well as in-store health services such as audiology and blood pressure measurement.

Gym Ridz Jim Ridley

Health, Beauty & Wellbeing Health

Tell us about your business. Gym Ridz Personal Training started in October 2009, coming from my passion of helping others achieve their goals. I, myself, had lost almost 30 kg and felt I could help others do the same. Originally, Gym Ridz PT started as a mobile PT business, offering one on one and group training. Initially it was just me, but we now employ 6 others in the business who share my passion. We now conduct one on one private training in our private studio and offer women’s only bootcamps and have recently added CrossFit to our services, adding CrossFit Armidale into the business. What does being nominated for the Chamber awards mean to you? It is an honour that our clients would think of us that way. They have been the driving factor in putting us where we are. They have been the ones who have helped us raise over $20,000 for various charities; they have been the ones who have helped us provide 6 new employment positions in the last year alone. Our clients are the reason we are here and the reason we do what we do. We are currently celebrating 1 year in our studio, so for that to coincide with the nomination has been great. We hope that our clients know and understand that the nomination says more about them than the business. They are what put the life into Gym Ridz PT and CrossFit Armidale, and we are indebted to them for that.

Hoskins Centre Emma Buzo

Port Macquarie High School focus feature.

Education and Training New England Enterprising Woman

What is your position at the Hoskins Centre? Hoskins Centre Manager. What type of events can the Hoskins Centre host? Last year, we launched Armidale’s first annual public arts program, bringing together high quality youth drama and music productions, local cultural events and the best in professional touring productions from around Australia. What do you love most about your job? I love the joy that quality arts experiences bring people of all ages. Production values for our own TAS school productions are very high, and we produce them for the enjoyment of the whole community. I loved being a fly on the wall when hundreds of excited students from local primary schools saw our recent production of Joseph. They were truly inspired, excited and amazed by what they saw. I also love introducing people to the thrills of contemporary Australian theatre. Last year we were privileged to have the Sydney Theatre Company bring a production to Hoskins, and TAS shared this experience with a broad cross section of the community. My favourite moment was when a young audience member walked out of the performance wide-eyed and said, "I never knew you could do that!"

236 Armidale People Declare:

“Weight Loss & Fitness Has Never Been This Much FUN, Or This FAST!” The world’s fastest growing fitness revolution has hit Armidale! “Since dropping almost 30 kilos and keeping it off I have never experienced a workout system with faster results both fatloss and fitness wise. CrossFit is changing the way we look at fitness!” Jim Ridley, Owner Gym Ridz PT and CrossFit Armidale

One week of FREE CrossFit Classes– $61.25 Value! YES! It’s true, CrossFit is transforming the lives of Armidale people, no matter what age, size and weight loss goals! And now it’s your turn, come along and see for yourself for FREE if CrossFit can do the same for you. LIMITED availability: Plus, claim your FREE report just for checking out the website: www.crossfitarmidale.com.au (Or Call 6772 6798 Today, Hurry Spaces Fill Fast! Offer valid trough to 30/5/2012) 4/225 Mann Street Armidale

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focusfeature.

Faulkner Street The Team

Meet the nominees

Professional Services

Petersons Winery & Guesthouse

Accommodation

Faulkner St. Medical Practice is the longest continuous

Tell us about Petersons Homestead and winery?

working medical practice in town and has been at the

The historic homestead, built in 1911, has been restored

forefront of innovation throughout its 50 year history.

in keeping with the period while still offering all the luxury

Seven doctors and two nurses supported by seven

and comfort of a world-class retreat and is available for a

administrative staff have been providing excellent and timely

variety of functions. We pride ourselves on being able to

medical services to the Armidale community.

host small corporate groups with a private room, allow-

“

”

conference. Finishing your day with a private wine tasting or a guided tour of our 40 acre vineyard is an effective way to improve communication and build team spirit. year?

continuity of patient care, should the patient’s preferred

Staff and management at Petersons were delighted to host

doctor be unavailable.

a popular winery concert called A Day On The Green.

Male/female/child health, sport and work injury travel vaccinations, health assessments, chronic disease management and a 24 hour on call system are only a few

“

This brought over 6,000 visitors to Armidale, and we are pleased to announce that the promoters are looking at doing a second concert in the near future.

of the reasons why this remains one of the most popular practices in town.

Do you cater for weddings?

We welcome Dr Nick Martin, our new British trained

Yes, our wedding packages offer you the exclusive use of

practitioner, to the team.

Palmerston Estate homestead and English gardens.

40 new england focus.

Retail Business

How has your business evolved of late? As a locally owned and operated, independent camping and outdoor store, our business is built on the knowledge, experience and service we can offer. We source products from over 170 suppliers and can follow up with special orders if we don’t keep it in stock.

Tell us about your massive music event hosted this

Sharing of electronic files between doctors facilitates

management, skin checks, pre employment medicals,

Joc Coventary

What is the history of your business? Armidale Outdoors is this region’s oldest and best known outdoor store, established in 1974 By Kevin Chappell and still going strong after 38 years. Joc Coventry is the third owner, purchasing the store in September 2002. (Big sale and 10 year celebrations in the spring.)

ing you to maximise time together with a full or half day

A diversity of character and special interests assures the public will find doctors who suit their needs.

Armidale Outdoors

”

We are a point of information for both locals and travellers, and we encourage everyone to get out and experience this great region. How do you contribute to the local community? Over the last two years we have supported Steve Widders in his ‘Blind Courage Trek’ to Kokoda, ‘Mums on a Mission’ for St Jude’s school in Tanzania and currently Sarah McFarlane Eagle’s ‘Walking Feat’ 1,400 km Japanese Pilgrimage. Best thing about your business? We encourage people to get out and experience their world, with fantastic gear, sound advice and great deals from the team at Armidale Outdoors.

Meet the nominees

Port Macquarie High School focus feature.

Currently we are “working on some other ideas for introduction into the shop, so stay tuned!

”

Situ Crepes Hussein Megahed

Cafés/Restaurants

Situ Crepes opened in Centro on 5 August 2010, so we’ve been open almost 2 years now. What a busy few years we have had! After our settling in period, we’ve made some changes at the shop and branched out into the catering side of things, which has proved to be very successful for us. To capture the multicultural food market in Armidale, we also introduced a range of speciality grocery items not previously available in Armidale, which again has proved to be another success for us. Currently we are working on some other ideas for introduction into the shop, so stay tuned! There is a lot of good, fresh produce available locally, so whenever possible we like to support our local growers and

Pinknits Priscilla Chalmers

New Business

What is the history of your business? pinknits – handmade just for fun opened in June 2011 and is a space I have created in order to feed my obsession with knitting and beautiful handmade items. How has your business evolved of late? Over the past ten months, it has grown and evolved into an inviting meeting place where people gather to sit and knit, share a cup of coffee and a chat, browse our shelves full of delicately handcrafted products or pick up a ball or two of wool to craft something for themselves. How do you contribute to the local community? We run both knitting and crocheting classes for people of any age wanting to learn – or re-learn – these beloved home crafts.

suppliers. Our speciality grocery range has to be sourced for other areas (Sydney, Brisbane). We actively support our local sporting teams by being a proud sponsor of the Robb College Rugby Team. Local international student groups are also supported at their various functions held throughout the year. Lastly, we are very fortunate that we have a great group of staff, who make dining in our shop an experience not to be missed.

“

We encourage sharing and collaboration and a sense of community through our weekly Knitting Circle sessions.

”

Best thing about your business? My customers! It has been a thrill meeting new people and introducing them to something that I love so much and seeing their excitement as they learn a new craft and are able to say: “I made it myself”.

Carson’s Car Care Dennis, Terry and Ivan

Trade Enterprises

Carson’s Car Care is family owned and has been in operation for 35 years. Dennis has been in the trade for 40 years. His son Terry joined the team in 2003 as an apprentice, and Ivan Tremayne came on board in 2008. Dennis’ wife Margaret looks after customers and the office. Terry and Dennis are both LPG qualified, and Ivan had 30 years’ experience at Holden dealership before joining the Carson’s Car Care team. Carson’s Car Care not only specialise in LPG conversions and servicing, the team is able to carry out all general servicing, including logbook servicing, tuning, EFI work, brake repairs and wheel alignments, as well as the manufacture and supply of brake and clutch hoses and auto/machinery cables. The team has a very up to date workshop and have now developed their own website; they also pride themselves with their professional and prompt customer service and satisfaction. Dennis, Terry and I are all involved in sport, which is probably where we put back most into the community. Dennis is currently part of the Australian coaching team for the Olympic archery squad. He has also represented Australia in this sport on numerous occasions. He is currently President of Armidale Archers, and I am Secretary as well as Recorder for Archery NSW. Terry is Vice President of Armidale Rams and Secretary of the Touch Association, and both Terry and Dennis have been awarded Australia Day Sports Awards in past years. Dennis was also Armidale Sportsman of the Year in 2009. I am also a life member of Armidale Netball Association.

new england focus 41

focusfeature.

Meet the nominees

Thank you to the most important part of our business â&#x20AC;&#x201C; our clients.

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Freeman House

Community Origination

APJ Law The Team

Professional Services

What is the history of Freeman House, and how many lives have you helped? Freeman House is a Special Work of the St Vincent de Paul Society, which has been in operation since 1979 through the work of the volunteers of SVDP.

The firm APJ Law is proud to have been nominated as a

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incorporated with Tilbury and Co and undertook further

It services clients across NSW and has evolved to deliver three specialist homelessness and drug and alcohol rehabilitation services, with both residential and community-based components.

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Since its inception, the service has helped improve thousands of lives. What are the huge changes that are about to occur? Freeman House has received a grant of $8 million from Round One of the Australian Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Regional Development Australia Fund. Construction of the new state-ofthe-art facility will commence in June 2012. The new facility will provide designated purpose-built residential rehabilitation, crisis homelessness services, facilities for people who are rough-sleepers, an environment for professional learning and development and maximise opportunities to strengthen partnerships with TAFE New England Institute, the University of New England and other key services in the region.

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42 new england focus.

participant in the Armidale Business Award. The firm has been part of the New England for over a Century. Full-time offices in Armidale were established in 1994, headed up by Peter Pardy. In December 2000, the firm amalgamation with Weaver Gentle & Harrison in 2005.

The firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Partners are Peter Pardy, Mac Jenkins, Fox, Peter Schultz. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anthony â&#x20AC;? Employed Solicitors are Sharon Bowles, Anne Pardy, Glen Kee, Juliet Kaberry together with a number of skilled support staff. The Partners and Employed Solicitors have many and varied backgrounds, many years of experience in the law and wide ranging skills. Our clients will always be referred to the person within the firm who has the best range of skills for their particular matter. The aim of APJ Law is to provide a top quality legal service to its clients while maintaining the personal touch. We aim to help the client to achieve their goals and protect their interests while achieving the best outcome.

Harvey World Travel Paul & Leigh McLennan and the team

â&#x20AC;?

Tourism

Paul & Leigh McLennan opened Harvey World Travel Armidale in 2003 and next year will celebrate 10 years in business. Over the years weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve all worked hard and despite recent tough economic times and many natural disasters affecting our industry, our business has continued to grow. We are the leading agent in Armidale for several companies, including Scenic Tours and several cruising companies, gaining us access to exclusive deals. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been nominated for Harvey World Travel Office of the Year three times and received many awards from our suppliers. We have employed many locals and taken on numerous trainees and always try to support other local businesses by buying locally where possible. Over the years weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve contributed to many charities, including the recent Workmate Poker Run. A favourite is Camp Quality, or any charity to help fight cancer. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve also supported fundraisers for Armidale High School, PLC & Sandon Public School. We are proud to be nominated for the Armidale Business Awards, as this is recognition that our commitment to giving excellent service and great deals is appreciated by the most important part of our business â&#x20AC;&#x201C; our clients!

Port Macquarie High School focus feature.

Back-

BackTrack, which has established a gilt edged reputation for turning around the lives of at risk youth in Armidale, has been nominated for this year’s Chamber Business Awards in the community service category.

he organisation’s innovative programs currently involve 54 young people in a range of activities that prepare them for work and re-engagement with the community. The mood at the BackTrack workshop on Waterfall Way is upbeat. A team of young guns has just returned from the Royal Easter Show after performing skillfully as the youngest competitors in the Young Farmers Challenge. Twelve boys travelled to the Tocal College graduation day in Paterson to receive their Certificate II in Agriculture. Another award win has been announced, this time in partnership: the prestigious NSW School’s Nanga Mai award for the successful community/school partnership with Armidale High School. In the shed, sparks are flying, as boys in protective masks bend over welding machines. Outside, another group of boys are training the Paws Up Border Collies to jump as high as they can. The AgLads teams of farm workers leave for contracting work on nearby properties. Manager Bernie Shakeshaft and his youth workers conduct regular circle work, sometimes twice a day, where boys discuss their issues. It’s a busy place already, but barely meets the demands from schools, parents and government agencies to take on kids who have lost their way in the mainstream and are creating trouble for the authorities. The BackTrack magic is largely due to Bernie’s conviction that young men require firm discipline, engagement in activities where they can succeed and that will lead to work, a stable background of unconditional and continuing support and some fun times.

volunteered to help. At first there was some BackTrack began six years ago with the Iron scepticism that a group of young rookies Man Welders Shed, a concept supported by could cut it in such a tough and demanding Armidale Dumaresq Council, which provided operation, especially in temperatures of the old shire workshop at a peppercorn rent, above 40 degrees most days. However, the local businesses New England Mutual, The fencing skills the BackTrack boys had learned Armidale Bowling Club and Hillgrove Mine on training farms came into play. Farmers who donated funding to buy equipment and were deeply impressed, especially as one boy the support of local MP Richard Torbay and managed to install 70 star pickets in one day. many other businesses in town that provided They completed $60,000 worth of fencing materials and funding for the new venture. and brought with them donations of Jobs Australia took on the management wire, star pickets and equipment of the organisation. from well wishers in Armidale The next step was the wanting to support the dog training, a skill n he w flood relief effort. The Bernie passed on to the ar ye st La ola group won a Premier’s boys. The Paws Up farmers in Mingo the and Bonshaw on Award for their work team with its Border e er wer Queensland bordir fences and firm friendships Collies stormed the struggling to repa er aft is br between BackTrack local show circuit de up and clean ds, a oo fl g in at st and the Mingoola and and then beat all va de the k boys team of BackTracisors Bonshaw communities comers in the national and their superv continue to this day. championships against lp. volunteered to he As a result of the flood Kelpies in Casterton, relief work, the BackTrack Victoria. The boys and dogs AgLads program gained fresh were guest performers to huge momentum. The boys, more than and appreciative crowds at last year’s half of them Aboriginal, had proved their Royal Easter Show in Sydney and are regular stripes and their skills. Training on three local drawcards at events locally and across the farms stepped up. They learned more about state. The upshot has been positive. Boys low stress stock handling and management, learned discipline as they learned to control building yards, carting hay, using chain their dogs, at the shows they engaged with saws, driving tractors and handling heavy the community and learned to communicate equipment. They have formed strong with farmers and onlookers interested in their relationships with their farmer mentors and skills. Success has developed confidence and a their families, stay overnight and develop a certain chutzpah about performing in public. good work ethic, largely because they enjoy Last year when farmers in Mingoola and what they are doing. In October, Tocal College Bonshaw on the Queensland border were offered a week’s intensive residential course struggling to repair fences and clean up for 12 boys to assess their existing skills and debris after the devastating floods, a team meet any gaps needed for them to acquire of BackTrack boys and their supervisors

Certificate II in Agriculture credentials. All 12 graduated last month and are now undertaking commercial contracting work with AgLads teams on farms in the local district. Coordinator Dusty Fenn supervises the operations. They are called in to help farmers with drenching, mustering, fencing, hay carting, yard building, tractor work and other farm work. Fenn explains that many farmers no longer employ full-time labour, many also are ageing and like the convenience of calling in a team to help with the heavy duty jobs on their properties. The business is growing and acts as a training ground for the BackTrack boys, as well as being financially sustainable. Feedback from farmers has been positive, particularly on the standard of work and value for money. If it all sounds euphoric – it’s not. Bernie and his team work with a broad spectrum of young people. When they join, the boys are required to follow a strict regime of behaviour and to continue with their education and training either at school or a formal training organisation. Over the last two years, four senior boys have been training as Youth Workers and are well on their way to gaining formal qualifications. They work with Bernie supervising the younger boys and conducting the circle work which is at the centre of the operation. Offering interest, success and prospects is one thing, but providing security, a family environment and continuing support is at the heart of the operation. Many of the BackTrack kids regard the workshop campus as their home and the staff and other boys as their family. Money is always tight, behaviour issues arise and the budget is strained, but the results speak for themselves.

new england focus 43

44 new england focus.

M AY 2 0 1 2

WITH TERRI

A R I E S.

L E O.

SAG I T TA R I U S.

MAR 21 - APR 20

JUL 24 - AUG 23

NOV 23 - DEC 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 fearless, there will be nothing to worry about. 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.

TAU RU S.

V I RG O.

C A P R I C O R N.

APR 21 - MAY 21

AUG 24 - SEPT 23

DEC 22 - JAN 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. Rose Quartz will aid in raising self-worth.

GEMINI. MAY 22 - JUN 22

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.

LIBRA.

AQ UA R I U S.

SEPT 24 - OCT 23

JAN 21 - FEB 19

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.

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 self-confidence and appreciation.

CANCER.

S C O R P I O.

P I S C E S.

JUN 23 - JUL 23 JU

OCT 24 - NOV 22

FEB 20 - MAR 20

Don’t get caught up in holding onto 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.

You may be feeling a little ‘up-rooted’ 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.

new england focus 45

New England

Warm yourself this winter with delicious soups from Caffiends On Marsh.

eat. Dining Guide is now available on the App Store. www.focusmag.com.au/eat 46 new england focus.

eat.

Caffiends On Marsh

The Coughing Gherkin

Open for breakfast and lunch 7 days a week

The Coughing Gherkin is a fun and funky establishment with an emphasis on fresh, flavoursome, low cost and informal food. The Specialties are tapas, Mexican and pizza, and sharing is encouraged.

Try our very popular breakfast, ‘Hauvos Ranchereros’ as in picture. Warm up at lunch time with our delicious soups and curries.

Families are welcome, and the children have not been left out, with the Tiny Gherks’ food menu available for the little ones.

We are very pleased to launch our very own website for your convenience.

The Gherkin is fully licensed with an extensive wine list, specialty beers and fresh made cocktails designed to match the eclectic food style. A place to try something a little different. Dine in or takeaway.

Visit our brand new website to view our daily menu as well as our catering menu: www.caffiendsonmarsh.com.au Proprietors Clementine Curtis and Chris Stibbard

Shop 1/110 Marsh Street, Armidale t 6771 3178 open Mon-Frid 7am-5pm Sat & Sun 8am-12pm.

Now open Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm. View the current menu online at www.coughinggherkin.com.au or follow us on Facebook for our weekly specials.

Owners Brian & Natalie Powles.

1/117 Beardy Street, East Mall, Armidale t 6771 4008 w www.coughinggherkin.com.au FIND US ON FACEBOOK

open Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm.

Potato cakes with smoked salmon, dill creme and baby spinach.

Courthouse Coffee Relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the Armidale Mall at the Courthouse Coffee Shop, with the owners Chrissy and Peter Rologas. Gourmet range of cakes and slices, mouth-watering lunches and all-day breakfasts. Look forward to seeing you all at Courthouse Coffee!

Chrissy & Peter Rologas

160 Beardy Street Mall, Armidale t 6772 0099 open Mon-Fri: 7.30am to 4pm. Sat - 7.30am to 1.30pm. Open Market Sundays 7.30am to 1pm. new england focus 47

focusfeature. The future leading chefs of tomorrow will be trained and developed under the banner of the Powerhouse.

AZKA Restaurant AT T H E P O W E R H O U S E

When walking into the newest restaurant in Armidale, you start to feel like you’re in a completely different world – the atmosphere, ambience and décor would match or rival that of any city establishment.

potato and smoked paprika or rosemary lamb kofta with natural yogurt; the nly signature Tapas dish There are certai for would have to be the enough choicesover 20 everyone, with enu, cayenne spiced fried dishes on the m s can prawns with aioli that ed and dietary ne ith ease, w r almost jump off the fo d be catere gluten d an n ria ta plate. ge ve –

ntering from the stairway entrance e. of the Quality Hotel free are availabl The extensive wine list Powerhouse foyer, varies, with enthusiasm you’re immediately for the new, the old and welcomed by one of the friendly staff the bold! The wines will raise awaiting you from behind a wall of brightly an eyebrow or two with their quality and coloured mosaic mirrors and the best stocked bar variety. in Armidale. The Tapas and wine bar has been Following Tapas, you enter the hall joining furnished with luxurious leather lounges, warm the bar and restaurant of vibrant colour and coloured cushions and tasteful rugs. decadent light fittings. The main Restaurant, The intimate candlelit areas of the bar make you Azka, features over 70 Moroccan hanging feel like you’re in your own private lounge room, lanterns filled with colour, giving the restaurant a leaving you free to converse without fear of Middle Eastern feeling. others hearing your conversation. The Tapas menu offers a range of different Mediterranean and Middle Eastern inspired dishes, including braised octopus with saffron

Talk to someone who understands your business. Suncorp Bank would like to congratulate Quality Hotel Powerhouse Armidale on the opening of their new restaurant, Azka. We are pleased to be associated with the Powerhouse Group and wish them all the success for the future.

Sean Thompson 0409 267 047

Sean.thompson@suncorp.com.au

Suncorp-Metway Ltd ABN 66 010 831 722

48 new england focus.

20612 11/01/12 A

The dining options surpass that of most in Armidale, including alfresco, inside intimate dining for two, private dining rooms from 10 – 40, warm winter fireside and in room dining if

staying in the hotel for that special occasion. The menu is unique, offering all entrees in two different sizes, small and large. There are certainly enough choices for everyone, with over 20 dishes on the menu, and dietary needs can be catered for with ease – vegetarian and gluten free are available. The kitchen brigade has been established with local, Australian and international experience; they have a focus on using only the freshest local produce available, helping to reduce our carbon footprint. Their vast experiences include cooking for many of our nation’s leaders, such as John Howard, Tony Abbot, Kevin Rudd, Governor General Quentin Bryce and Clive Palmer. The future leading chefs of tomorrow will be trained and developed under the banner of the Powerhouse.

H O T E L FA C I L I T I E S I N C L U D E • 24 hour reception • In-house restaurant and cocktail bar • Large conference room with abundant natural light • Complimentary parking • Same day dry-cleaning and laundry service • Guest laundry Conferencing in confidence makes all the difference, and the Powerhouse’s focus is on ensuring your event runs without any problems. The function space features two walls of natural light, with state of the art facilities. A strong reputation has been built based on personalised service, quality facilities and superb catering. Catering for up to 120 delegates, in the column free function room. Private boardrooms with the flexibility of breakout space and catering that will make your mouth water.

Quality Hotel Powerhouse Armidale offers 55 hotel rooms and has undergone a $4 million dollar refurbishment program, with the view to creating the New England’s leading premier property. The refurbishment program has seen every room in the hotel completely refitted to an international standard. The renovations have been completed with full attention to detail, with all new quality furniture, fittings and amenities. The refurbished rooms all feature beautiful marble ensuites with underfloor heating, perfect for the winter chilly months.

AT T H E P O W E R H O U S E

Restaurant

Port Macquarie High School focus feature.

Celebrating your wedding in the elegance of the function rooms, matched with full table service and exquisite food, will ensure your most treasured day is handled with the finest distinctive touch of style and guarantee the utmost attention to detail to ensure the success of your day. The honeymoon suite with its king size bed, massive spa and marble bathroom provides you with your perfect first night together, followed by complimentary breakfast, Australian sparkling white wine and chocolates on arrival. You can use the suite as your dressing room and as your departure point. The team at the Powerhouse are enthused and delighted to bring a truly international style hotel to Armidale, giving our New England community a first class establishment. The doors of the Powerhouse will be open to the public for an open day, allowing you to come and experience this reborn product for yourself with a walk through of the entire luxury of the hotel.

the open day. The open day will take place on Saturday 26 May 2012 from 11am – 2pm or alternatively, the Hotel Operations Manager, Mr Shane Ross, can be contacted on (02) 6772 7788 to arrange a personal inspection.

new england focus

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hat is organic? Organic refers to the way organic agricultural products, food, are grown and processed. Organic food

What is ECOCERT®? ECOCERT® is internationally recognised and the most important organisation which supplies production is based on a system of ‘Organic Certification’. Its standards are farming that maintains and replenishes very strict, and it supervises the entire soil fertility without the use of production, the creation of formulas, toxic and persistent pesticides and the manufacturing, filling and packaging fertilizers. Organic foods are minimally process etc. ECOCERT® certification is processed without artificial ingredients, only given after a thorough and long preservatives, or irradiation, to procedure, and it demands from maintain the integrity of the the company the most food. serious and respectful attitude towards the What does certified Organic farming consumers, the ve er organic mean? techniques pres tegrity in al product, and the ‘Certified Organic’ the nutrition n, ow gr od fo e environment, from of th means the item gh guaranteeing a hi an ideological od fo of has been grown e nutritional valu t the point view. ou ith according to strict ces w

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value of food sources without the use of pesticides and fertilizers. Organics is a lifestyle choice for people.

es and

use of pesticid uniform standards The requirements fertilizers. that are verified by of organic cosmetics, independent state or according to private organisations. ECOCERT® standards. Certification includes inspections A minimum of 95% vegetable of farm fields and processing facilities, and natural ingredients. detailed record keeping and periodic A minimum of 10% organic ingredients testing of soil and water to ensure that from the total of 95% natural and growers and handlers are meeting the vegetable ingredients. standards which have been set. Only 5% maximum synthetic Is organic better for you? Organics are ingredients, that are not included in the spared the application of insecticides, negative list. herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers. Look for the ECOCERT® Certification Organic farming techniques preserve label on your product the nutritional integrity of the food Some ingredients to look for in your grown, guaranteeing a high nutritional

organic products which are included in Ella Baché’s Organic range: Vitamin A/beta carotene – essential for the maintenance and healing of epithelial tissues, with the skin being the largest expanse of epithelial tissue. Beta carotene can help prevent/reduce redness and inflammation and when combined with Vitamin E, beta carotene will provide protection to UV damage. Sources of beta carotene include tomatoes, carrots and dark coloured fruit and vegetables. Vitamin B – helps convert calories into energy for cell metabolism and is a component of enzymes that maintain normal skin function. Sources of Vitamin B include wholegrains such as wheatgerm. Vitamin C – great antioxidant that balances the pH of the skin and contributes to skin protection. Vitamin C is essential for collagen production and tissue repair. Sources of Vitamin C include citrus fruits, tomatoes, berries. Vitamin E – antioxidant that helps slow the ageing of skin cells by reducing the enzyme collagenase that breaks down collagen. Sources of Vitamin E include sesame oil and olive oil. Selenium – antioxidant mineral that reduces UV damage on the skin. Sources of selenium include wheatgerm and sesame oil.

Something for everybody What services to you offer? We have 5 experienced Practitioners, all having different methods and specialities and doing everything from deep remedial and relaxation massage to Reiki and ear candling. Louisa is the latest practitioner to join us. She brings experience in hot stones massage and has been working in Byron Bay doing spa massages. Acupuncture is a growing part of the business, and we now have 2 acupuncturists. Brigitte is the only female acupuncturist in town as far as I am aware, and she is excellent. Raylea is a great massage therapist, and she also does pregnancy and baby massage. Tell us more about your clinic. We have recently added a book it now button to our website. Clients can go online and book themselves a suitable appointment at any time of the day or night. We also have EFTPOS and HICAPS, so people in most health funds can swipe their cards and just pay any gap. Clients really appreciate this facility, so after a massage they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to worry about chasing up receipts and refunds from their health fund.

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Treat Treat Mum this Mother’s day with a pampering Gift from Ella Baché. Gift vouchers are a must have.

he can relax and de-stress with one of our indulgent pampering sessions. Special Mother’s Day offers are available in store, or can be arranged over the phone.

and glow of skin. The range includes Fruit d’Eclat à la Tomate Bio $110, Fruit d’Eclat Roll-On Eye Contour Serum RRP $75 and Organic Fruit d’Eclat Facial Treatment 1 Hour $110.

Take advantage of our May promotion of a bonus full size Refreshing Earth Body Lotion, valued at $43, when you purchase any moisture protective. Conditions apply. This year has already been exciting, introducing the NEW Organic Fruit d’Eclat Radiance range and facial treatments, with Ecocert certification.

Another new edition to the Ella Baché range is the NEW Démaquillant d’Eclat Radiance Makeup Remover $49. Specifically formulated for of e ag nt va ad face, eyes and lips, it is a quick and effective ke Ta ion liquid remover for all skin types. It includes our May promotze of a bonus full sih ingredients of Tomato extract, pre and Refreshing Eart lued probiotics derived from corn, beetroot and Body Lotion, vau yo n yacon tubers and red algae. at $43, whe oisture m y an se ha rc pu Visit our website www.armidale.ellabache. protective. com.au for more details or even to book an appointment online 24/7.

The new certified organic products and facial treatments contain a delicious mix of fruit cocktail ingredients grown without fertiliser or pesticides. They also contain tomato extracts, a potent mix of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to improve overall health, evenness

52 new england focus.

Sign up for our newsletter for up to date offers. ‘Like’ our Facebook page for special daily offers: www.facebook.com/Ella.Bache.Armidale

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focusfeature.

C A T H O L I C

S C H O O L S

W E E K

education F E A T U R E Catholic schools in the Diocese of Armidale have a long history of providing quality education to rural and regional communities in the New England and the North West of New South Wales.

n Catholic schools, a great emphasis is placed on encouraging self-respect and respect for the dignity of each individual, and on endeavouring to foster in students a set of guiding principles and beliefs that will stand them in good stead, whatever trials and tribulations they may encounter in the turbulence of modern life. Here are eight reasons why choosing a Catholic education for your child is a ‘Gift for Life’. WHY CHOOSE A CATHOLIC EDUCATION? Reason 1: Vision and Values. As a Catholic school community, we focus on Jesus Christ: who He is, what He said and what He did. His person and message give us our values for living and our vision for present and future action. Reason 2: Quality teaching and quality education. Catholic schools and their staff are committed to giving their students the very best academic advantage they can. With collaborative approaches to learning and teaching, our staff strives for constant improvement in their teaching and in their students’ learning. Reason 3: Care of Students. In Catholic schools, the individuality and uniqueness of each student is paramount. Each Catholic school community is a place where they are cared for and the individual given attention to – all students are valued and

promoted. Reason 4: Being part of a Community. Catholic schools offer children and young people and their parents an opportunity to be part of a community that shares common values and expectations. A combination of supportive parents and a caring and dedicated staff creates a real sense of family and community within the school. Reason 5: School Discipline. Catholic schools encourage each student to be responsible for his/ her own behaviour, patterning that behaviour on the model provided by Jesus Christ founded on respect, courtesy and forgiveness. Reason 6: Moral Development. Catholic schools endeavour to instill in students a code of behaviour that is based on Catholic moral principles and teachings of the Gospel. Reason 7: Parental Involvement. Catholic schools acknowledge the importance of parents in the education of students. Shared wisdom and decision-making between the school and parent community are encouraged and practised. Reason 8: Focusing on the development of the person. Most importantly, our Catholic education philosophy is wholistic in nature. Catholic schools insist that all aspects of a child’s development are important – spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional and social.

There are 24 schools in the Diocese of Armidale, including 19 primary schools, two central schools and three secondary schools. These are: St Mary’s Primary, Armidale, Sacred Heart Primary, Boggabri, St Joseph’s Primary, Glen Innes, St Mary of the Angel’s Primary, Guyra. St Michael’s Primary, Manilla, St Philomena’s Central, Moree, McCarthy Catholic College, Tamworth, St Joseph’s Primary, Tamworth. St Joseph’s Primary, Tenterfield, St Joseph’s Primary, Walgett, St Joseph’s Primary, Wee Waa, St Joseph’s Primary, Warialda, O’Connor Catholic College, Armidale. St Joseph’s Primary, Barraba, St Xavier’s Primary, Gunnedah, St Mary’s College, Gunnedah, Holy Trinity Central, Inverell, St Joseph’s Primary, Mungindi, St Francis Xavier’s Primary, Narrabri, St Joseph’s Primary, Quirindi, St Edward’s Primary, Tamworth.

St Nicholas’ Primary, Tamworth, St Joseph’s Primary, Uralla, St Patrick’s Primary, Walcha. Catholic schools in the Diocese of Armidale are now accepting enrolments for 2013 and beyond. From 29 April to 5 May, the Diocese is participating in Catholic Schools Week (CSW) 2012. This is a chance to highlight the wonderful opportunities that Catholic Schools provide and to celebrate our distinctiveness and our many achievements. This year’s theme for CSW will be ‘Faith in Every Student’. This encompasses the core objectives of Catholic Schools: bringing Christ into the lives of the students and providing a diverse learning experience that supports each individual student. To learn more, please contact: The Catholic Schools Office 125 Barney Street, P.O. Box 636, Armidale 2350. Phone: (02) 6772 7388. Web: www.arm.catholic.edu.au

Celebrating Catholic Schools Week www.catholicschools.nsw.edu.au 29 April- 5 May

CATHOLIC EDUCATION... A GIFT FOR LIFE 54 new england focus.

C A T H O L I C

S C H O O L S

Port Macquarie High School focus feature.

W E E K

St Mary's - School Captains for 2012

F E A T U R E

St Mary's Faith In Every Student

St Patrick's Faith in every student St Patrick’s School has had a wonderful start to the 2012 school year. School enrolments have continued to increase, and the improvements to our facilities and equipment have only enhanced student learning and achievement. Towards the end of 2011, St Patrick’s School celebrated a hundred years of Catholic Education in Walcha. This was a wonderful opportunity to witness the School and Parish Communities celebrating and working together. In March this year the school had the opening of our new building and refurbishments under the Building the Education Revolution Program. The school has been blessed with a new library and administration block and refurbishments to the hall, COLA and a classroom. Our Parents and Friends have worked tirelessly to provide our students with new iPads that are utilised throughout the school. These iPads, in conjunction with Smartboards in every classroom and the library, plus computers in each classroom, provide our students with state of the art learning. On Thursday 3 May we will be holding a Catholic Schools Week Mass followed by a School Assembly, which will be a great opportunity to showcase the great things that take place in our school every day, and to celebrate the many achievements of our students.

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School will join all 611 Catholic Schools in NSW and ACT in celebrating Catholic Schools Week from 29 April to 5 May 2012. The theme for Catholic Schools Week this year is ‘Faith in Every Student’. This theme has been chosen to signify the faith that each Catholic school community has in their students and also encompasses the faith instilled in each student through education and formation, guided by Christ.

During Catholic, St 12 Schools Week 20sting the Mary’s will be hosan Spirit inaugural Dioce ation of Catholic Educ wly Awards in our neyear old refurbished 100 School Hall.

St Mary’s, like all Catholic schools, celebrates diversity and provides for each child an education that recognises their individual abilities, gifts and interests and fosters within them the Gospel values of love, compassion and forgiveness, so they will make a valuable contribution to the world. During Catholic Schools Week 2012, St Mary’s will be hosting the inaugural Diocesan Spirit of Catholic Education Awards in our newly refurbished 100 year old School Hall. On Wednesday 2 May, the highlight of our celebrations will be Grandfriends Day, when the children welcome hundreds of visitors to our school – many of whom attended St Mary’s themselves. The children are looking forward to the opportunity to show their grandparents and adopted

grandfriends around our newly refurbished school, share their classwork and entertain our visitors with dance performances. The whole school community will join together for a celebratory morning tea followed by Mass in the Cathedral.

On Thursday, approximately 50 of our Year 5 and 6 students will travel to Tamworth for the Impact Student Leadership Conference. This is a wonderful opportunity for our senior students to reflect on and develop their leadership skills. St Mary’s invites all members of the Armidale community to join us for our annual Fete on Sunday 6 May – come along and join in the fun, enjoy some delicious food and purchase a unique Mother's Day gift. 2013 enrolments open on Monday 7 May, with our Preschool Open Morning. All parents of children due to commence kindergarten in 2013 are invited to come and visit our school and take part in an exciting morning of activities. St Mary’s – the friendly school in the heart of Armidale!

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focusinterview.

artist profile

Gallery 126.

Rowen Meet Rowen Matthews. His exhibition of new work, River Close Up, opens at Gallery 126, Jessie St, Armidale at 5pm, Friday 4 May 2012.

hat is your connection to Armidale? I love Armidale. I lived here for years during the ‘Noughties’. That’s a big part of my life. I made my home here. And when I lived here, I loved the weather, I loved being on top of a tableland with fast flying clouds over my head and most important of all, I love the friends I made here. Friends are part of you forever. It was only work that dragged me away from here a few years back. I had some of the best art jobs of my life in Armidale. I was lucky to teach art to some great kids with James White at The Armidale School. I was employed by the Department of Education for a while as their Regional Arts Consultant based in the Armidale Office, and I worked with some extraordinary local arts teachers in that role. I was lucky to be seconded to the University of New England, working with the visionary Frances Alter in the Art Education faculty. I am still employed there on contract as an Art Education teacher, excited by being able to help train future art

56 new england focus.

teachers. And I am also a student at UNE, a gestural style of painting, trusting that enjoying my research for a Creative Practice spontaneous responses have value that is PhD, so I reckon Armidale is good to me. diminished with too much second-guessing. When did your love for painting begin? I enjoy what the paint can do and wonder I’m so lucky to have painting what it can’t do. What are the limits in my life. It sustains me and of the medium? What makes always has ... since I can the paint become ugly? Then remember making marks I look at other painters I t. in pa in ve lie as a small one. My who take ugly qualities I be of going can’t get enoughing at parents once bought in surface texture and to galleries, look can’t get me a watercolour paint turn those qualities I d new work, an paint ng yi bu set, the type where hard around into something of h uc too m ays of blocks of colour were quite powerful, and that and exploring w using it. set into a metal tray, and impresses me. My imagery I went out with it and used begins with observing some it all up painting on some delightful shapes in nature. plants, covering those leaves Then, it’s over to the paint. When with paint. Meticulously. My parents one paints with a driving love of the were angry about my waste. I think I was five. painted surface, each painting becomes a Describe your painting style? set of tactical problems to be solved. These I never tire of the inventions of painters; it problems are pretty universal, and it’s a is never all said. There are always new ways wonder to see how different artists chase of using paint. I believe in paint. I can’t get solutions. enough of going to galleries, looking at new What painters inspire you? work, and I can’t get too much of buying I have just explored this year’s Archibald paint and exploring ways of using it. I use and Wynne entries. Many good painters

were not selected as finalists and these prizes aren’t really about good painting, but some exquisite displays of paint slip in anyway. There was good work at the AGNSW and at The S.H. Ervin in the Salon des Refuses. Robert Malherbe’s portrait of the performer Meow Meow is an exemplary use of paint, as are the paintings of Ben Quilty, Guy Maestri, Jenny Sages, Craig Waddell, Ross Laurie and David Fairbairn, all inspiring painters and of course, there was a lot of rubbish there as well. On the world stage, I am looking at Twombly, de Kooning (again), Kirkeby and Schnabel. Why do you enjoy exhibiting at Gallery 126? Stuart and Anne Boggs not only run a fantastic gallery, art supply shop and provide cutting-edge framing using all the latest gadgets, they are great supporters of art in Armidale, and I am lucky to count them amoung my friends. They consistently show high quality, inventive art in Gallery 126, and the good citizens of Armidale respond. Thanks Rowen.

improved detection ADVANCED NEW SCANNER TO IMPROVE DISEASE DETECTION IN ARMIDALE AND SURROUNDS Patients and doctors from Armidale and surrounds are set to benefit from improved access to vital scans and faster, more accurate diagnosis of disease following the installation of an The machine ... advanced nuclear medicine an will be used to sct ar scanner at Armidale Radiolhe r fo s nt patie ble ogy. problems, invisi

ures, cancer and

fract Armidale Radiology is now tect other hard to de offering nuclear medicine s. er rd diso services thanks to a new “The scanner combines SPECT SPECT/CT machine, which will nuclear medicine images, which be used to scan patients for heart show aspects of body function, with problems, invisible fractures, cancer and CT images, which highlight body structure, to other hard to detect disorders. give a more accurate result than using either The sophisticated SPECT/CT scanner – which technique by itself. takes two different types of scans then merges the images together – will provide doctors with more precise information about how different parts of the body function and help more accurately localise problems such as active tumours and inflammation. Armidale Radiology’s Dr Martin Young said:

“The new technology will also be particularly useful in scanning areas of the body such as the spine and limbs, where it is sometimes hard to determine from nuclear medicine imaging alone whether the problem lies in the bone, joints or adjacent soft tissues.”

new england focus 57

focusfeature.

Catholic Schools Week

CSO

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focus

on the future.

Geothermal

energy. . the future

You’ve got your vision for the future ... but did you know the first step is ready for you to take? Geothermal energy is the future ...

nergy from the ground is clean, system consists of three main components: quiet and virtually inexhaustible. the heat pump, the liquid heat exchange It has the capacity to fill the medium (ground loops) and the heat delivery world’s annual electricity needs system. These components are nearly 250,000 times over with virtually entirely maintenance free, with the ground no impact on the climate or the environment. loops lasting for generations. The unit’s fan, When you install your Geothermal unit, it will compressor and pump are housed indoors, be equivalent to taking two cars off the road only requiring periodic checks and filter or planting 750 trees! changes. Geothermal is your solution! Clean, green, The most common form of geothermal modern technology for the future within your system is the closed loop system. A series of reach! completely sealed pipe loops are installed We enjoy Armidale as a city of four seasons, only metres underground and filled with and although the air temperature fluctuates fluid, and there is no opportunity for foreign widely, the ground temperature actually objects to disrupt the function. The ground remains stable. Geothermal systems loops can be installed horizontally or capitalize on this to provide ‘free’ vertically, which is determined by energy. available space and funds. The How does it WORK? loops are then backfilled Geothermal systems with a grout solution to a With a flick of absorb heat from the increase conductivity le ho w e switch th to be ground in winter, and and then covered with le ab is e cycl e absorb excess heat soil. These loops have reversed and th em geothermal sypst from the air and deposit absolutely no impact is able to pum it in the ground during at all on landscaping cool air. summer. The significant or productivity of soil, difference between with the exception of the geothermal and standard remediation time of bare areas heating systems is that it simply from excavation. It is also possible transfers heat to and from the ground, to use nearby bodies of water as a heat rather than having to generate it. This results source. in an energy efficiency between three to five Once the geothermal heat pump is installed, times greater than even the most efficient the benefits of this environmentally clean and fossil fuel based generator. efficient system are many and varied. The Geothermal heat pumps work on the simple heated air can be transported around your principle of heat transfer. It takes heat from home through ductwork systems. Existing a higher temperature location and moves it duct work can be used with only minor to a lower temperature location. The cold modifications. At virtually no extra running refrigerant absorbs heat from the fluid in costs, hot water can be obtained by installing the ground loops and as it heats, evaporates a desuperheater onto the main unit. The heat into a gas. The hot gas then flows through from geothermal energy can also be used in a refrigerant-to-air heat exchanger and the radiators and under floor heating and cooling. air is able to be heated to around 38°C. The Are you ready to revolutionize your heating refrigerant returns to liquid form and begins this winter? Ready to upgrade …? Ready to the cycle again. With a flick of a switch, the ‘go green’…? Ready to save money ...? whole cycle is able to be reversed, and the IN VIEW OF THE FUTURE! geothermal system is able to pump cool air. Call ARMIDALE NEWLINE PLUMBING on What is the SYSTEM? The geothermal (02) 6772 5900.

new england focus 59

It’s all the foreigners’ fault. If it wasn’t for the Americans and Europeans and their truly massive government debt, things would be just peachy. Oh yes, they are peachy in certain places ... if you live near a mine, thanks to China. But what about the rest of us? Are the foreigners good or bad? The answer is: both! Hasn’t the world turned? Once upon a time we thanked our stars and stripes for America and were proud of the British Empire. Here we are today breathing a great big sigh of relief that Communist China has saved our bacon. These massive global economic forces are far beyond our control as even a small nation such as Australia, yet alone within the powers of us little itsy bitsy individuals here in Armidale. What can we do to survive under the trampling feet of such mighty economic titans? (Don’t you dare tell me that any Australian Government has any real influence over international or domestic economics!) We have such limited options in controlling our own destinies from the cyclonic winds of international economics. But the good news is that we can work to understand those terrible winds. By understanding the demographic and political trends in China, we can compute the probability of continued upside in our resources sector. By understanding the extent

60 new england focus.

Winter is on the way.

The large panel surface area gives greater radiant heat and more comfort.

The autumn leaves are changing colour, so winter is on its way. That means that it’s time to think about home heating.

to which the bad debts of the Global Financial Crisis have been unwound, we can compute the probability of an economic recovery in America. By understanding global energy/food production and its distribution, we can very quickly see threats and opportunities. So while all that airy fairy economic stuff overseas and in the control of all those nasty foreigners might seem beyond the control of us mere Armidale mortals, it is within our grasp to understand and take advantage of it. If you take the time to understand the world around us, then you have taken the time to reduce the risk in your portfolio and perhaps, just maybe, make a little bit more for that inevitable rainy day. This month we are providing a very special FREE offer. With the attached voucher below, you are entitled to one free argument for 1 hour. Places are limited, so make your booking early. Conditions apply. Call Countrywide Financial Solutions on 1800 450 446 to make an appointment.

We all want a warm home, but wouldn’t it be nice if the heater not only looked great, but was economical as well! Nobo Slimline Panel heaters are all this and more. Nobo panel heaters are a slim and stylish solution to any heating problem. With European good looks, Nobo heaters are an attractive heater that blend unobtrusively into any décor. With a modern, clean front, Nobo heaters are designed to enhance the look of your home. Nobo heaters produce a unique mix of radiant and convection heat to gently and effectively heat each room. Completely silent, Nobo heaters have no noisy fans blowing dust around and so are ideal for sufferers of asthma and hay fever. The large panel surface area gives greater radiant heat and more comfort. The convection heat provides efficient, gentle and even warmth. With the introduction late last year of a 2400 watt model to heat larger rooms, Nobo now has a full range of models and sizes to suit any heating requirement. Fully programmable

timer models ensure that each room is heating when you need it (even bathrooms!) and not, when you don’t. Nobo heaters can be wall mounted or mounted on optional castors for portability. At only 50 mm thick and with a safe, low front surface temperature, a Nobo heater can sit closely behind furniture, thereby saving valuable space. Requiring only a standard power point, Nobo panels can be easily and economically installed by the homeowner. Nobo panel heaters are available at Retravision, Harvey Norman and Richardson’s Home Hardware. Their staff have received specialised Nobo training to ensure that you will receive the right advice regarding the heating requirements for your home, making winter just that little bit easier to bear!

B O B G R E E N E ’ S A U T O R E PA I R S 2 1 S T B I R T H D AY

focusfeature.

Auto. Congratulations to Bob Greene’s Auto Repairs on their 21st Birthday. We catch up to proprietor Darryl Porter to discuss the history of the company and to find out how they have grown over the years.

E L L U S A B O U T Y O U R FA M I LY ? The three boys, Dion, Adam and Kris worked in the business on a casual basis while completing their schooling at TAS.

They started washing and ironing the workshop overalls while in junior school! They continued to work in the business while attending university and during the university vacation periods. Two of the boys completed their undergraduate degrees at UNE and the other at the University of Queensland. The younger two have also completed postgraduate study in Mining Engineering, Property and Business Management. They all enjoyed being involved in the business, however have pursued careers elsewhere – Dion and Kris are both working in the mining industry overseas and Adam resides in Brisbane. My wife Cindy worked full-time in the business for five years and still continues to do the financial aspects of the business. W H E N D I D YO U F I R S T O P E N B O B G R E E N E ’ S AU T O? Bob Greene started the business in the 1970s. In 1980 following an initial two weeks of casual employment, I was offered an automotive apprenticeship. Following completion of this, I remained with him for ten and a half years prior to purchasing the business in 1991 with my wife and her parents, Don and Brenda Flint. The business remains on the same site in Ohio Street where it commenced, however, has expanded into adjoining sheds fronting Barney and Brown Streets. Many may remember that it was formerly the site for Nyhan’s cranes and bulk warehouses. continued over

new england focus 61

focusfeature.

The employees are the backbone of the business and the ‘team’ we have today is knowledgeable in their areas of expertise.

continued from over

Auto. H OW H A S YO U R B U S I N E S S G ROW N O V E R T H E PA S T 2 1 Y E A R S ? When it started, the business comprised an apprentice and me, with the focus entirely on automotive repairs. Today we have eight full-time staff, two part-time and a casual. B O B G R E E N E ’ S A U T O R E PA I R S 2 1 S T B I R T H D AY

In 1992 we joined the newly formed REPCO Authorised Service network, an independent network of automotive repairers and have continued to grow the automotive side of the business every year since. My father in law, Don, started the garden and machinery section from scratch in the mid 1990s, and this has grown to include major brands such as John Deere, Victa and Ferris. He continued to work six days a week well into his seventies, until he passed away suddenly in 2009. We have continued to build this side of the business which was his ‘passion’ for many years.

Congratulations to Daryl and Cindy Porter of Bob Greene’s Auto Repairs on 21 years of business Penrite Oil, proudly Australian since 1926 & supporting local Aussie businesses Are you sure you’re using the right oil? Go to and click on the recommendation guide to find out

W H O A R E Y O U R S TA F F ? The employees are the backbone of the business, and the ‘team’ we have today is knowledgeable in their areas of expertise. Over the years, some who have left have re-commenced employment with us upon their return to Armidale and surrounds. Johnny was one such staff member, who has now been with us since 2006 in the automotive section. Darren and Orion both started with us in 2005. Gary, Daniel and Roger have been with us for several years, while Damien and Doug are the new comers to the team. As I mentioned, my wife Cindy ‘runs’ the business side of things behind the scenes and along with my mother in-law Brenda, works tirelessly on various aspects of the business ... however, they would probably prefer if I didn’t mention them.

John Deere would like to congratulate Bob Greene Armidale on their 21st Birthday. We are proud to have Bob Greene as an authorised John Deere dealer and wish them every success in the future. JohnDeere.com.au

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W H AT A R E S O M E M E M O R A B L E MOMENTS? Some years ago, I still remember getting a call to attend a breakdown ‘just out of town’ at midnight in the middle of winter. The ‘just out of town’ ended up being closer to Tamworth than Armidale. I couldn’t get the part required in the early hours of the morning, and as a parent couldn’t leave a young person in the middle of nowhere. I brought him back to Armidale with me, fixed the car the next day, only to find that he then didn’t have any money to pay for the job. I was assured that once he returned to Queensland, his mother would send the money. I still remember the letter I received from his mother, thanking me for having trust and that all would work out well in the end – it makes the job worthwhile. D O YO U S U P P O RT A P P R E N T I C E S W H O AT T E N D TA F E ? Over the past 21 years we have continually had at least one apprentice and have worked closely with TAFE to ensure that our workplace based training is of a high standard.

Over the years we have had several high achieving apprentices who have attended block release through the TAFE sector. Training of young people who wish to pursue careers in the automotive industry is also a high priority, and we have worked with the school sector in the training of school based apprentices and have been actively involved in work experience programs for many years. We currently have one first year apprentice, Damien, and are in the process of working through his training plan with the automotive section of Armidale TAFE campus. D O YO U S P E C I A L I S E I N A N Y A R E A S? Predominantly, we are a service business and customer service is a key priority, so I suppose you could say that we specialise in this. We endeavour to offer a one stop shop for automotive services, from general service and repair work, to air conditioning, tyres and windscreen replacement. The garden and machinery sales are supported by a fully equipped workshop. W H O H A S B E E N V E RY S U P P O RT I V E OV E R T H E Y E A R S? The REPCO Authorised Service network has become like family to us. We meet as a region every couple of months, and the support and friendships that have developed over the last couple of decades is invaluable. Loyalty to our suppliers is also a key element of the business success.

end

Tyres for people going places...

Congratulations Bob Greene Auto 21 years in business!

! ! e n o d l l e W

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St John’s Transition now five days a week Have the option to participate in either the three day program, or take advantage of enrolling your child into the five day program for no extra cost. From the commencement of Term 2, St John’s is offering a five day a week Transition program designed for our four year olds. According to the recent NAPLAN results, St John’s was ranked 11th in NSW for reading at Year 5 level, and is the highest ranking primary school in the New England North West region. For more information contact the Enrolments Office on 6774 8752

Uralla Road, Armidale NSW 2350 Australia T +61 02 6774 8700 F +61 02 6772 7057 E info@negs.nsw.edu.au www.negs.nsw.edu.au

Transition - Year 12, Anglican Day and Boarding School

learning with spirit