Social Life Magazine October 2012 - Edition 12

Spring FashionNJC’s Fashion on the field

New Yorkis a wonderful town

Snowboarder’s Olympic BidMichaela Davis-Meehan

Tate talks stateMichael Blaxland interview

social/life magazine: OCTOBER 2012

issue:12 $3.60 r.r.p.

october 2012

Available FREE

at ‘eat street’ locations inNewcastle & The Lake

From the publishers...The great thing about working as part of a local magazine is

the people we get to meet every day, all with interesting and sometimes quirky stories to tell. Sometimes they have a story to share, or pictures or music or art... Newcastle flourishes with all of it, and I can’t be thankful enough that we get to tell them through the pages of of our magazine.

Did you realise that it’s our 1st birthday already? Wow that year went by so fast!

Over the past 12 months we have featured local musicians daring to push their music beyond the boundaries of this great city, unbelievably talented local artists, photographers & fashion designers that we have been lucky enough to have help produce our beautiful fashion pages and we’ve presented some brilliant travel features (all reader submitted !!) that allow us nine-to-fivers to really feel like we are there with them.

We’ve developed a massive online community that stretches out to more than 150,000 people via social networks - all receiving Social Life each month. That’s quite an audience!

So we once again, we extend our invitation to you, locals all, to be a part of this Social Life... Tell your stories and share with us, the events in your life, the clubs, schools and friendships, charities, sports, holidays and music that add colour and fun to your lives - Share.

Thank you everyone who has supported us since our first edition with your emails and comments online, thanks for sharing our links and posts with your friends, and thank you so much Newcastle for letting us be a part of your Social Life over the last year and allowing us to tell your story.

- Steve James and Steve Dunkley - Publishers.

online

communicateadvertisepromote

your business to more than 135,000social/lifemagazinecan get you there - call 0447688770www.sociallifemagazine.com.au

steve dunkley - creative [email protected]

mobile: 0428 438 663

steve james - sales & marketing [email protected]

mobile: 0447 688 770

contributorsmichael blaxland

elle sheedytegan hughes

pat tobin

photographysteve dunkley

steve jamestania dunning

michael blaxland

distribution & businessgraham dunkley

website: www.sociallifemagazine.com.aufacebook: www.facebook/sociallifemagazine

advertising enquiries: [email protected]

cover:Photography: Steve James

Featured: Natasha Roberts and Aprelle Coady of Canberra

Newcastle Jockey Club’s Annual Spring Carvival Launch is a date many ladies look forward to with more than a little excitement.

It’s a chance to dress up and even compete for best dressed, best hat in the Fashion on the Field events. Social Life’s Steve James captures the colour and smiles of the 2012 Spring Carnival.

See P32

web: www.sociallifemagazine.com.au

www.facebook.com/sociallifemagazine

www.twitter.com/MagSociallife

“There is no agony like bearing an untold story

inside of you” ~ Maya Angelou

© Copyright 2012 social life magazine.

Unauthorised copying or use of any material contained herein prohibited. All contents remain the property of social/life magazine. Reproduction or use without permission prohibited.

Disclaimer: Social Life Magazine is published in Newcastle, NSW. Submissions or advertising, third-parties, contractors or contributors do not necessarily express the views of the publishers, staff and associates. No responsibility is offered or implied by social life magazine for views expressed herein.

Rocker FellersRocker FellersFEATURING HITS OF THE

60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s

WIDE APPEALFor Audiences of all ages

WIDE MUSIC STYLESRock, Pop, Reggae,

Blues & Easy Listening

GREAT ENTERTAINMENT FOR WEDDINGS & FUNCTIONS

p: 02 4955 9450 for bookings & information

70 Burwood Road, Whitebridge, 2290

bookings (02) 4944 8355email: [email protected]

social/life magazine

2 social/life

Hair Salon

8 Pemell Steet, Torontoe: [email protected]

phone for appointment

02 4959 5713“Smarter Business Breakfast” Series Oct-Feb See website for details

p: 02 4954 9947 w: hunterofficesmart.com.au e: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

For everything the smart office needs..

oct

ob

er

contentscelebtrating 150 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4morpeth public school milestone

i’m still standing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 6john and cathy tate talk to michael blaxland

new york is a wonderful town . . . . . . . . . . . page 10abc radio’s andrew dunkley’s u.s. holiday story

raptors of the hunter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 14jim thomson’s photographic wildlife adventures.

more power to his arm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 16st francis xavier’s arm on tour in australia

escape the daily grind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 19petite belle is the perfect cafe-getaway

the fashion files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 20newcastle fashion designers, jae gilkinson and melinda jenkins

personal space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 25the art of feng sui

ironmen and coolongatta gold . . . . . . . . . page 28pat tobin takes a look at some of swansea/belmont’s ironmen

adversity overcome on the slopes . . . page 30michaele davis-meehan’s olympic snowboarding bid

njc spring carnival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 32colour, style and fashion on the field

send in your social snaps from events around the area for next [email protected] - name each pic with a caption and email - easy.

All your business design, printing, & advertising needs.

Logos, Flyers and Brochures, Magazines, Catalogues... & more

Everything from Business Cards to your Business Identity... & everything else in

between., Call today.

Everyone’s Got a Story to tell...

What’s

yours?

... Holidays, Parties, Awards, Destinations, Sport, Music, Milestones, Volunteering, Surf, History, Nature, Adventure, School, Teams, Skills, Charity Events, Travel, Wine, Fairs, Markets, Discoveries, Hobbies, Landmarks, Happenings, Bands, Dancing, Business, Bushwalking .... & what about Mum’s home cooking ?!!!

Social Life wants to [email protected]

or call 02 40131240 (bh)

Enjoy fitness & good health with Newcastle’s original APMA Accredited Pilates practitioner

hpersonal instruction hfully equipped studio

hpre & post natal hgeneral fitness hresistance training hrehabilitation

hsportspeople & dancers hchronic pain management

hmen & women of all ages and fitness levels

Belmont North studio: 0404 037 622

Tania Dunning

PilatesFitnessForLife

social/life 3

Morpeth Public school has been providing quality education on its present site since 1862.

While education has changed in so many ways in one and a half centuries, the school has delivered quality teaching and forward-thinking practices to give its students the best possible outcomes.

The use of technologies such as computers and other peripheral devices has become a normal part of school life. School Principal, Peter Edmonds sees the use of technology in the classroom as an important evolution in the education of his students.

“Allowing the children to learn using these tools is easy for them. They are used to using phones, digital pads and computers in ways that adults may not. Integrating this makes learning fun and gives them early exposure to the way the world communicates and operates,” he said.

Providing a stimulating, balanced school curriculum allowing all children to achieve their best, while continually striving to improve effectiveness is paramount.

“We know that children learn in many ways... and there are countless factors that can hinder and encourage them to get the best out of their education,” Peter said.

“Technology plays such a huge part in a child’s life these days and their education can utilise this in positive ways while still maintaining interpesonal development in the classroom - We’ve been looking for ways to encompass this and bring out the best outcomes for the students.”

The school’s website states that The students are actively encouraged to work cooperatively, to respect the rights of others and to give of their best.

“It’s a very co-operative society within the school. We’re mindful of how important it is to

teach that.” said Peter.

Quality educational programs across all

curriculum areas are presented in attractive and

stimulating learning environments.

A wide range of opportunities for students

to participate in sport, debating, public

speaking, music, dance and drama ensures an

appropriate curriculum balance.

This year’s 150 year anniversary celebration

will be held at the school on Saturday, October

27th from 10am.

The event features Museum displays, a book

release, traditional maypole performances

as well as a hot rod display, stalls and

amusements.

Special guest at the celebration is former

Principal, Joan Palmer who was instrumental in

the school’s expansion during the 70’s. n

Morpeth Public School.. Celebrates 150 years

4 social/life

n Standard Roomsn One Bed Units

n Family Accommodation

n Spa Suites

02 499711663 YAMBA STREET, HAWKS [email protected]

Enjoy activities in the pristine Myall Lakes National Park and surrounds such as bushwalking, bird watching, surfing, sailing, windsurfing and boating on the extensive waterways of the Myall Lakes and rivers ......Fishing, golf, kayaking, snorkeling dolphin watching and cycling are just a few more of the wonderful experiences awaiting you in beautiful Hawks Nest. ...Or just bring a book and enjoy the serenity, peace and quiet at the Hawks Nest Motel.

Morpeth Public School.. Celebrates 150 years

social/life 5

John Tate may have relinquished Newcastle’s lord mayoral chair after 13 years as the city’s first citizen, but retirement from public office may be short lived.

In a wide-ranging interview with Social Life Magazine shortly before businessman Jeff McCloy replaced him in the top job, Mr Tate signalled his continuing interest in representing Newcastle in State Parliament and also warned of the challenges ahead for the new council.

“In 1993, there was the change in the Local Government Act which saw the change to the general manager,” he said.

“The whole thrust of that was to put someone in a position of authority and responsibility that would run councils more like a business. And I think that’s only been partially successful because it’s not only a business, it’s a service provider and, as a service provider, you’re going to run things that will never make a profit – but what you’ve got to do is try to run them at the best efficiency level you can.”

Mr Tate said there was a clear example with the controversy of closing swimming pools or making entry free which were features of opposition and community action during the term of the last council.

“You could argue that you don’t need as many pools, but there are some places where you absolutely need a pool and I’d suggest Beresfield as one of those places.

“So, the council has to find a way to provide the service and reduce costs, and this [last] council didn’t do that because if they were serious about it they would have taken on someone like the YMCA as a trial to run one of more of the pools and see – other councils have done that, but Newcastle hasn’t.”

With the final make-up of the council still to be decided when Social Life Magazine went to press, he said the role of the council and how much it contributed to Newcastle’s economic prosperity was highly dependent on the make-up of the elected body.

“This is the first time we’ve had equal numbers of Liberal and Labor councillors, so now we’ve got a politically charged council and how that pans out is going to be very interesting.

“The thing that’s going to be interesting is that you’ve got a change in the federal seat with Sharon Grierson retiring, a Liberal candidate

[Jaimie Abbott campaigning hard] and this’ll be the best shot that they’ve ever had at the [federal] seat of Newcastle and this head butt is going to manifest itself in council.

“Labor got a bit of a kick [from the council elections], so they’re going to be trying to win back the state seat of Newcastle, the Libs – are they really going to try to hang onto it, because nothing much seems to be coming [Tim Owen’s] way – but they’ve still probably got time?

“Labor will be saying to themselves ‘if we can’t win it, we don’t want them to win it’, so if there’s a good strong independent they might

preference them.

“It’s very fertile ground for an independent – look, I’m not saying I’d have a go, but I wouldn’t rule it out because in two years’ time, I might feel that’s what I want to do.”

In the meantime, Mr Tate and wife Cathy will have a bit of catching up to do with their eight grandchildren aged between

I’m still standing

Story by Michael Blaxland

John Tate may have relinquished Newcastle’s lord mayoral chair after 13 years as the city’s first citizen, but retirement from public office may be short lived.

6 social/life

one and a half and 12.

“If you want to put a lot in, then you spend a lot of time,” Mr Tate said.

“For us, I did the job for the office and Cathy did the job as my partner as everything about council came first. And you’ve got to do that if you want to do it properly.

“We were fortunate enough that our family had grown up. It’s a matter of looking at your time of life you’re in.

“The thing that stood out in my mind – I suddenly realised our eldest grandchild was going to high school.

“Jeff may do the job entirely differently – he

may just focus on the business of council and all the social activity may not get done or the jobs might go to councillors – but I can tell you, people want the lord mayor, otherwise they’re not going to go.

“We saw it being an important part of the role and that’s why we went to as many things as we could.”

Mrs Tate said she had always seen using the title of lady mayoress to help the community whatever they need to do.

“Raising money, starting projects, supporting functions, it was good to help them with it,” she said.

“When I think of the number of functions run – money raised, different groups – it’s up to the person how much they want do to.

“The job of lord mayor is very demanding. It’s not just chambers. The community have great expectations – if you are not going to go together, you’re not going to see much of each other for a start.

“You need to show the face of Newcastle – not a hard thing to do – really.”

Mr and Mrs Tate said travel and family time were now on the agenda as the council chapter of their lives closed.

And the future could be interesting. n

social/life 7

Stepping back in time to the roaring ’20s and a wild party where the only rules were “Gin. Skin. Sin. Fun.”, some of Newcastle and Sydney’s finest actors and musicians took to the stage, accompanied by a full jazz orchestra under the musical directorship of Dave Fitzgerald.

The Wild Party, based on a 1928 narrative poem of the same name and a Broadway smash when it opened in 2000, was the Broadway debut for Toni Collette and gained Toni nominations for Collette and co-stars Mandy Patinkin and, making her Broadway return after 20 years, Eartha Kitt.

The Newcastle production, directed by Michael Blaxland, had singer and actress Angela McKeown and Sydney actor Mark Simpson in the lead roles as Queenie and Burrs, joined by 13 other actors, including well-known singers and musicians Amy

Vee, Marty Worrall and Allon Silove.

The Wild Party was a funny, tragic, disturbing and thought-

provoking look at the mores and sins of the 1920s.

The costuming by Wendy Ratcliffe (who played the part of

Kate) was the result of months of designing and sourcing period

accessories and materials from Australia and overseas.

The production was the first major outing for Ratcliffe’s

fashion design and consultation business InVintaged – “a new

venture based around redesigning classic styles to create new

vintage-inspired pieces for the modern woman”.

Ratcliffe and InVintaged will feature in next month’s Social/

Life Magazine.

the

Sex, drugs and jazz thrilled packed houses at Lizottes Newcastle late in August with the NSW premiere of The Wild Party.

8 social/life

Sunday 28th OctoberRaid 45 stalls full of hundreds of preloved itemsMorrissey ~ Sass & Bide ~ Cooper Street ~ Lisa Ho ~ Metalicus ~ One Teaspoon ~ Charlie Brown

10am-1pm | Newcastle Basketball StadiumCnr Curley Rd and Young Rd, Broadmeadow

Free Parking, $3 entry fee, coffee and refreshments available.

For more information or to book a stall visit our website:www.raidmywardrobe.com.au

Dogs’Big Night OutDog Rescue Newcastle’s Fund-raising event at Lizottes, featured Bob Corbett and the Roo Grass Band.

Bob and the band were joined on the bill by singer-songwriter, Jade Gannon and local troubadour, Kieran Wicks who provided a top night’s entertainment. Dog Whisperer, Nathan Barnes and Dog Rescue Founder, Sue Barker addressed the capacity crowd.

Event organiser Courtney Laura was pleased that the event was a great success, “Thanks go to all the entertainers, Lizottes, sponsors and dog lovers who threw their support behind the fund-raiser.” she said, “We raised about $5200 to help the continuing work of Dog Rescue Newcastle.” PHOTO: Steve Dunkley

social/life 9

Home to around one and a half million people, Manhattan is the epitome of a concrete jungle. When the Dutch founders bought the area from the native Indians, they couldn’t have imagined what they’d started.

Ultimately the British took control and after the war of Independence, the Americans made it their own. In fact if you visit the NY Stock Exchange on Wall Street and turn around you’ll see a statue of George Washington in front of what was America’s first house of Government. Oh and yes the Occupy Wall Street people were there waving their flags but their numbers were certainly dwindling.

Unless you’ve been to NYC, you probably aren’t aware that it has two major skylines; Midtown, where you’ll find the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings and downtown where the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre once stood.

The 9/11 site is now being rebuilt and the new “Freedom Tower” has just become Manhattan’s tallest building with tenants expected to take up office space in 2013. We were gob-smacked by the scale of the disaster. You just can’t imagine how big an area was destroyed that day and when you see it, you just stand there, mouth agape in total shock. A visit to St Paul’s, where emergency workers went

for respite during the rescue phase is a heart wrenching and humbling experience.

There is so much to see and do in New York; one doesn’t really know where to start. One thing we did find was a local tour group who tailor walking tours to suit individual needs. We looked over the options and were very satisfied with the

one to one service and saw a great deal in a short time, taking advantage of local knowledge.

We visited Central Park, which is a must for anyone visiting NYC. To think that every blade of grass and every lake were man-made is truly awesome. The designers were catering for a time when people might need a refuge from the

Part 3 of Andrew & Judy Dunkley’s USA holiday takes us to the most

famous city on Earth...

Brooklyn Bridge

Times Square

New Yourk by Night

10 social/life

city sprawl, even though no such thing existed in the late 1800’s. They were certainly forward thinkers.

One thing we tackled with some trepidation was the subway, but the truth is you can’t believe anything you see in the movies. It’s a highly efficient way of getting around, incredibly inexpensive and

just great fun. You might take half an hour to cross town in a cab, but five minutes in a train will take you a very long way indeed.

We certainly saw all the major attractions, well almost all of them; Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State, Statue of Liberty, Central Station, Central Park and so on, but there was so much else we

didn’t know about and again, local knowledge increased the value of our experience.

Take for example the Cafe’ Wah; that’s where Bob Dylan did his first gig. Another club in Soho was the site of a riot which began the gay rights movement in the sixties and of course the building that was the backdrop to the TV

sitcom “Friends”. It’s located in Greenwich Village and while there’s no Central Perk cafe, there’s a restaurant there called The Little Owl which we thoroughly enjoyed.

We took in a Broadway Show too. Mamma Mia, the musical was so much better than the movie and we got lucky and saw a taping of The Late Show

Empire State Building

social/life 11

with David Letterman.

As a radio broadcaster, I was very keen to see Radio City Music Hall and of course you simply can’t avoid Times Square. No really...it’s impossible to miss. It forms a central hub and at any given hour it’s chock full of people, buskers, TV crews, shops and more people.

We spent a great deal of time walking, which is quite a challenge in itself. You’re constantly bumping into people, there are just so many on the street. Every second car is a yellow cab and you really can’t avoid the constant car horns and construction noise. Navigation is fairly easy though, with numbered streets

and avenues. Although, when you’re on W52nd and you need to get to 10th street, best to take the subway.

We tried a different place to eat at every opportunity and found a fun cafe for breakfast where the waiters and waitresses sing. Another place which was a bit more up market freaked me out

when they served me salad for breakfast! No kidding.

Judy and I spend a fast and furious three days in Manhattan but we could have stayed two weeks and not seen everything. We wanted to go because, whether you like to admit it or not, NYC is the centre of the universe for many reasons. It’s on TV more than

As a radio broadcaster, I was very keen to see Radio City Music Hall

and of course you simply can’t avoid Times

Square...

No really, it’s impossible to miss.

New York Stock ExchangeSubway

12 social/life

any other city and has a huge influence on the finances of the world. It was a must see for us and we’re very glad we went.

Oh yes, one more thing, If you ever go, make sure you get a hotel room above the second floor to avoid street noise, preferably at the back of the building... And make sure they’re not building

across the road. In our case they were well into a multi-floor construction job, but to add to the cacophony the unions were protesting the use of scab labour.

They even had a giant inflatable rat on the street every morning and blew whistles to make their feelings known.

That said, it didn’t detract

from our visit, in fact it enhanced our experience and gave us a real insight into the way New Yorkers tick.

Manhattan also made me appreciate just how well off we are in this country. I couldn’t live in a place like that, way too cramped but definitely worth the visit. It certainly topped off our look at the east coast of

the United States in style.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Originally from Maitland, Andrew

Dunkley is the Regional Manager of

ABC Radio, Western Plains.

Pictured:

FAR LEFT: New York Subway

MIDDLE: NY Stock Exchange

ABOVE: Central Park

You just can’t imagine how big an area was destroyed that day and when you see it, you just stand there, mouth agape in total shock.

Central Park

p : 0 2 4 9 2 9 3 0 3 3 n a : S h o p 5 , T h e R o y a l 5 K i n g S t r e e t , N e w c a s t l e n e : m i c k @ b a r p e t i t e . c o m . a u

SLM

0712

3

Enjoy OurSunday Roast

$20Free glass of Wine

or Tap Beer.

...a small bar, you could say petite, working

with local producers and boutique wineries &

breweries to provide good, honest produce

you can enjoy with friends in a homely &

intimate setting... You’re Welcome...

social/life 13

The Hunter Valley has many birds of Prey and of course they are not confined to this area, but can be found world wide, however we do have them both in the country side as well as right in the City of Maitland.

Story and Images by Jim Thomson F.R.P.S., F.A.P.S Wildlife Photography

Raptors of the Hunter Valley

Birds of prey recently found in our area are the Osprey, Kestrel, Black-Shouldered Kite, Brahminy Kite, Whistling Kite, Wedge Tailed Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Hobby Falcon, Brown Falcon, White Goshawk, Peregrine Falcon.

Birds of prey have captured peoples imagination throughout history, but they have been hunted as they found domestic animals easy prey and competed with human hunters for game.

Their habitats have been destroyed as forests have been cut down and reduced, marshes drained, and wild grasslands ploughed to make way for the relentless spread of agriculture and urbanization.

Wide use of pesticides has put many of them on the endangered list. With the rise of the conservation movement and growing awareness of the fragility of wildlife, raptors have

become increasingly valued and protected.

From that list, the Black Shouldered Kite is of most interest to me at the moment, at this time of year they are nesting, chicks will be on the wing already (Oct), the parent birds are usually seen hovering and hunting for prey.

Photographing them is a simple affair but getting good lighting the most difficult part of the situation.

Kestrels are one of our most attractive birds and can be seen hovering like the Kite.

Like all raptors, their vision is very keen, and they are often seen sitting on wires or trees just watching the ground for prey before swooping down to snatch a meal. At the moment they are pairing and will be nesting very soon.

All the raptors listed with this article have interesting tales attached to them because

it takes days to photograph them by setting up hides and camouflage, as well as organising the equipment and finding the bird out in the wild.

One of my favourites is the Osprey, an amazing bird found world-wide, but I found one nesting low down on oyster racks, and found out later that they had been using the same nest for a number of years.

Their nesting spot was some distance from shore, after watching for a few days, I selected the perfect day to make my approach.

The morning was perfect, cloudless sky with calm conditions and I made my approach in my Kayak, making sure I had the light behind me.

After selecting my position and tying up the kayak on other racks, I could see that the chick was well developed.

I did have a tripod but soon found it no use due to buffeting

on the Kayak, so I settled for a 100-400 stabilizer lens which would let me hand hold the Camera, a fast shutter speed was helpful to freeze the action... Now for the wait, and the unknown fact that the bird may not accept me in the position I was in.

After some 30 minutes I spotted one of the parents flying low down with what appeared to be a fish, the surprise was it did not come direct to the nest, but landed some distance away on another rack.

My first thoughts were, it’s not going to come in with me so close... But I was wrong, within 5 minutes it flew low down and lifted up onto the nest... Bingo.

As it turned out I managed a number of similar shots over the next few hours, no doubt they

Goose Hawk

14 social/life

are magnificent birds.

It is a known fact that many Ospreys perish by striking fish too large for them, their talons sink into the fish and they cannot lift off and drown.

We are very fortunate in the Maitland and Newcastle areas in having so many areas like Walka Water Works, Shortland Wetlands, Blackbutt Reserve and a few others where our wildlife are preserved and it is a privilege for me to be part of it.

Another of the largest raptors in Australia nested only a short distance from Maitland last year, and that was the Wedge-Tailed Eagle. It is a completely different story with the approach to this bird, as they are very

protective of their nest.

This one had a nest on the top of dead tree in a perfect situation for raptors on a very steep hill.

A hide was set up at the top of the hill and we were looking straight down into the nest, that was the easy part.

I set up in the hide and spent many weeks watching the development of the chick, and hoping to get shots of the parents coming in.

It turned out to be a very difficult situation Each day I spent hours just waiting, but no sign of the parents. It turned out, they were only a short distance away in dense trees and must have known that I was in the hide.

I tried another approach in an effort to discover just when they fed the chick, by getting into the hide before dawn but that

made no difference.

Then, by pure luck, I got the shots I wanted, a butcher bird landed on the nest.

Two shapes came flying through the trees right up to the nest and I got some shots.

This situation was repeated some time later as it turned out a wildlife photographer friend of mine spent 3 days on a nest out west with the same problem.

His bird eventually flew past dropping food without stopping.

All interesting experiences and makes me glad that I am a wildlife Photographer.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jim Thomson is a well-known wildlife photographer from Maitland and is a member of the International Salon of Photography.

Visit: www.maitlandsalon.com

Kestrel

Wedgetail Eagle

Their habitats have been destroyed as forests have

been cut down and reduced, marshes drained, and wild

grasslands ploughed to make way for the relentless

spread of agriculture and urbanisation.

Whistling Kite

social/life 15

It’s not often a holy arm visits the Hunter, but that’s what’s happening next month.

The right arm of St Francis Xavier began a tour of Australia last month and will come to the Hunter on November 23 and 24.

Most of the remains of the famous missionary saint lie in the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa in India.

His arm, though, usually resides in a silver shine in Rome.

With St Ignatius Loyola, St Francis Xavier (who is one of the patron saints of Australia) founded the Jesuit order.

After 12 years missionary work in South-East Asia and the Orient, he died at the age of 46 on an island off mainland China in 1552.

His is body was buried a number of times – on a beach on the Chinese island, in a church in the Malay state of Malacca and, finally, in a glass container encased in a silver casket in the Goan basilica in 1637 – but minus his right arm.

In 1614, the then head of the Jesuits, Claudio Acquaviva, arranged for the right forearm to be detached from the body and taken to Rome so it could be placed as an object of devotion at the main Jesuit church, the Gesu.

It has been removed from its resting place on only a few occasions.

The tour of Australia coincides with the Catholic Church’s Year of Grace in Australia.

The Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney, Monsignor Peter Comensoli, said St Francis had always held a special place in the life of Catholics in Australia.

“When we were a missionary country, he was (along with St Therese of the Child Jesus) our co-patron,” Bishop Comensoli said.

“It’s very rare for the relic of the arm of St Francis Xavier to ever leave the Gesu.

“His right arm was the arm that baptised and blessed so many thousands of people in our part of the world, not in the European part of the world but in the southern part of the world where Australia is.

“Many of the countries in which Xavier served or wished to serve are ones with which Australia has significant relations that will only grow in the coming decades – India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan and China.”

The Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle, Bill Wright, said he could understand that seeing

part of the body of a dead saint might not be everybody’s “sort of thing”.

“I can understand that type of feeling, but you might be surprised,” he said.

“These things do play on the imagination; they do illicit a funny feeling. That arm

was once attached to that big man, that tempestuous character, who crossed the known and the unknown world.

“You might get a sense of him – the scourge of truly awful Portuguese colonial administrators and traders.

“The irrational sometimes stirs our imagination, our sense of the sacred, our connection with the great bits of our human story, more than any reasonable argument.”

The relic of St Francis will arrive at the Sacred Heart Cathedral at Newcastle West about lunchtime on November 23 and remain there overnight for various services.

It will then travel to St Francis Xavier church at Abermain for the morning of November 24 and then to St Francis Xavier church at Belmont in the late afternoon.

After staying at Belmont for the night, the relic and its accompanying party will travel to the Central Coast. n

ABOVE: Outside the church at St Mary’s North Sydney, Sunday September 16.

TOP: A priest displays the casket containing St Francis Xavier’s arm.

MAIN: Statue of the Saint at St Francis Xavier College in Melbourne.

More Power to His Arm

Story by Michael Blaxland

16 social/life

SL117765

Building a better business breakfastIt is no secret.. We operate our businesses in a dynamic,

extremely competitive and constantly changing environment. We are hearing more and more about the victims crumbling in the current business environment.

The bad news is that the current climate is here to stay and in fact, it will likely get worse…

Unless we are prepared to get smart.

Many business owners and operators are so busy working in their businesses, that they don’t have time to work ON the business itself. This often leads to a feeling that the business is running the owner instead of the other way around.

Another symptom of this is that owners often feel that they are being left behind by new developments in practises and trends.

A local business team have developed a smart way to deal with this sometimes overwhelming condition. They are inviting people in business to have an input in the development of a business breakfast with a difference.

The Smart Breakfast Series will present solutions and discussion for business people, managers, owners and decision-makers to help get beyond the daily grind and see just how far a business can grow and succeed.

“This is a real opportunity to have expert input for your business,” said organiser Pat Tobin, a local business person.

“To truly add value we are developing this series in partnership with interested business people,” he said.

The idea is that business people can tell about their current business and marketing environment as well as trends and other factors that are affecting their business.

“They can share about opportunities that they would like to take advantage of and opportunities they would like to leverage... Perhaps they just don’t know where to start. That can just stop a busy business person dead,” said Pat.

The Smart Business Breakfast Series has a goal to help others succeed through a simple process ... Learn, Share, Grow.

“It’s a powerful bite-sized Smart Business Breakfast Series for people looking for fresh thinking, smart ideas, a new approach and a clear vision and direction to achieve growth in today’s complex business climate,” said Pat.

The Series will present inspirational people to deliver valuable information designed to help you conquer current challenges, provide powerful tips as well as valuable advice and crystal clear steps that you can apply right away to build smart business results.

To make a start and get involved, answer the following questions about your business.

1. What are your 5 key business challenges?

2. What are your 5 key challenges in effectively marketing your business?

3. Briefly describe your current business environment (eg; dead, very slow, quiet but picking up, good, great)

4. Briefly tell us why you think the current environment (outlined above) is the way it is.

5. Please list what topics you would be most interested in at the Smart Business Breakfast Series.

More information visit: www.hunterofficesmart.com.au

How and when did you get into the wine making industry?

Our parents owned a property by the name of ‘Meerea’ which is located 22km West of Singleton. Meerea was being run by our father as a vineyard, orchard and grazing business. Rhys from an early age wanted to be a wine maker and in the mid 1980’s convinced our father to graft the table grapes over to Chardonnay and also managed to convince him to plant more. The first wine we created was Meerea Park Chardonnay from the 1991 vintage.

Where did the name Meerea Park originate from?

‘Meerea’ (which means ‘beautiful mountain’ in the local Aboriginal dialect) was the name of the 1826 land grant property that dad inherited. Rhys and I added the word ‘Park’ as a tribute to the lovely park like gardens our mother had planted around the homestead.

What roles do yourself and Rhys play in Meerea Park?

Rhys who studied at Roseworthy Ag College in Adelaide is the wine maker and liaises with growers, as well as running his own contract wine making business. Garth is the Managing Director and looks after the day to day running of the business.

How do you know when you have a good vintage?

We do not focus on the quantity of fruit produced, like many wineries, we focus purely on the quality of the fruit. So when we have had a good growing season which

is from September until January/February and then a warm rain free harvest, we are generally very happy!! The proof is what you end up with in the tank or barrel but we usually know the day the fruit is harvested if it is good or not.

What do you believe was the main reason your Semillon did so well at this year’s awards?

It was not a flash in the pan. It had already won two Gold medals, as well as a rating of 95 out of 100 from James Halliday. This year it had developed a little more in the bottle, obviously enough to look the best on the day!!

What food or dish would you suggest to pair with the Meerea Park Terracotta Semillon?

Seafood and Semillon is the Hunter Valley’s mantra, so it begs for some freshly shucked Oysters or any other fresh seafood you have available.

Is there a wine that you currently do not make that you would like to make?

We both love good Pinot Noir but the Hunter Valley is not generally suitable for the variety. Some fruit from Central Otago in New Zealand would be fun to play with.

What is the most difficult aspect of wine making for Meerea Park?

The most difficult is also possibly the best. Since we do not own vineyards at the moment we source from many growers and this gives us the diversity in soil types and vine age that many wine makers don’t get.

What is your favourite wine Meerea

Park has produced to date and what makes it your favourite?

Although we have been very successful with our Semillons over the years, 2003 was such a stellar red vintage in the Hunter Valley and the 2003 Alexander Munro Shiraz is an absolute stunning Shiraz that will cellar for 20 more years.

What sets your wine apart from the others in the Hunter Valley?

We seek out the oldest vineyards we can on the best soils in the Hunter Valley. When we look for a potential vineyard source we are more interested in its capabilities in the more difficult years than in the best vintages.

Most vineyards perform well when the conditions are positive but few perform with excessive vintage rain.

What’s next for Meerea Park?

There are a lot of things we would like to achieve including upgrading the winery, purchasing some old vines in Pokolbin and building a new cellar door on the Palmers Lane winery site. At the moment we are happy to be patient and move forward when the time is right.

Where can our readers purchase Meerea Park wines?

Our wines are readily available from specialist wine retailers and selected restaurants. The full range is available for tasting and sale at our Broke Road Cellar Door. We are currently developing an online store and you will soon be able to purchase our wine at meereapark.com.au n

Meet Rhys and Garth Eather the brothers behind the label Meerea Park.

The winery recently won four trophies for their Terracotta Semillon 2006 at the Hunter Valley Wine Show in August 2012. The categories were:

• Best Currently Available Dry White Wine• Best Named Vineyard Dry White Wine• Best Named Vineyard Wine• Best Dry White Wine of the Show

Interview by Vanessa Swilks Main photo: Chris Elfes: Photos CCW: Garth Eather (barrel) Simon Hughes (wine glass), Simon Hughes (Meerea Park), Chris Elfes (trophies)

Meerea Park scoops awards

18 social/life

In this day and age it is not only about the coffee anymore, it is becoming more and more about the coffee experience.

Hidden away in the Junction is an inner-city haven, Petite Belle Café.

The café fills the bottom floor of a terrace, on Glebe Road.

There is a French theme to the place, enhanced by the Australian French provincial architecture and décor of flocked wallpaper, boarded ceiling and antique ornaments.

Petite Belle owner, Pam wanted to create a place that felt like home and was kid friendly – and it is just that!

Petite Belle sets itself apart from other cafes

in Newcastle, as it is ‘gorgeously gluten free’, with everything on the menu gluten free – not that you can tell.

Everything is made on the premesis and with an ever-changing specials board; there are no two days the same.

Petite Belle offer an all day breakfast, and sweet breakfast is something they do well, from French toast with banana and salted caramel, to crepe suzette draped in Belgian chocolate, and the coffee is the rich flavoured, ‘Campos’.

There are many spots to chose to relax from in front of the fireplace, the bench looking out on the street, the private room with an early nineteenth century stove or out in the garden.

And you cannot pass up the garden on a

sunny day.

It is the perfect place to escape the daily

grind and enjoy a coffee and sweet treat, with

only the sounds of the water feature and the

quite chatter of the patrons, you feel as if you

are miles away and you could easily loose a

day with a magazine or good book.

For good coffee accompanied with the

experience Petite Belle is the perfect little

escape.

And if you are in the Hamilton area you

could always visit mother café, Ma Belle on

Tudor Street. n

ESCAPE THE DAILY GRINDStory by Tegan Hughes Photos by Steve Dunkley

social/life 19

As Coco Chanel once said, “In order to be irreplaceable, one must be different.”

In this day and age where fashion is mass-produced, it can be hard to find something different.

Jae Gilkinson and Melinda Jenkins are doing their best to stand out from the crowd.

The girls are in their final year of Fashion Design at Newcastle TAFE, and already have many achievements in their portfolio.

Both Jae and Melinda’s designs are inspired by their personal style, being practical, interesting and can be worn either day or night.

Jae loves the fashion of the 1950s.

“They have such unusual details, such as button placement,” she described.

It is easy to see this in her sophisticated, not revealing, but flattering and modern, designs.

Her nautical dress featured, is from her Spring/Summer collection, and captures the smart design of vintage.

But she cannot overlook the classics of the fashion world such as Christian Dior and Charles James, who inspire the basis of her designs.

It is not just these two elements of 50s fashion and classic designers that make Jae’s designs unique, as she also designs her fabric, drawing on her Fine Arts degree.

Recently her fabric and designs have been selected in the final process as possible uniforms for the Marriott Hotel in China.

“The collection was inspired by air

Story Tegan Hughes

Photos Steve Dunkley

Location Petite Belle 98 Glebe Rd The Junction p: 02 4962 2382

20 social/life

hostesses from the 1960s and the belief that the men should look dapper,” Jae said.

Next year Jae hopes to continue study in designing fabric at a professional level, and is toying with the idea of opening an online business selling her own garments and fabric designs.

Stay tuned for Jae’s next collection to be on show at New Gen Fashion Parade 2012, featuring the graduating Tafe students of Fashion Design.

“My favourite colour is chartreuse at the moment so the whole collection is going to be quite bold and distinctive, including some of my signature bird and floral designs,” said Jae, offering us a taste into her latest work.

Melinda is inspired by the Australian landscape.

Her latest collection reflects the moonlight and you can see this in her pieces.

The garments have moonlight on the water feel from Melinda’s use of velvets, draped jersey and embellishment with sequins, reminding me of ripples on the water.

Australian based designers such as Cameo, Mink Pink and Collette Dinnigan influence her ideas and style.

“My personal style is classic cuts mixed with a modern edge and cool prints,” Melinda described.

Melinda strives to make the customer feel glamorous when wearing her garments.

It seems the glamour has caught people’s eye and everyone is interested.

social/life 21

There is a French theme to Petite Belle, enhanced by the Australian French provincial architecture and décor of flocked wallpaper, boarded ceilings and antique ornaments.

22 social/life

social/life 23

In August, Melinda featured her latest twelve-piece collection in Newcastle Fashion Week, and now Miss Australia will be wearing her red carpet gown to compete in the Miss World Competition.

After she finished her diploma, Melinda plans to travel the world, “visiting different countries and cultures, gaining inspiration and buying lots of interesting fabrics,” before following her dream of creating her own label.

Her next collection, Spring/Summer 2012 – 2013 is inspired by the Australian summer and features white lace, leather, silk and sequins, mixed with a white tiger and a geometrical, floral print.

“It’s about defining the female form, while making them feel comfortable and free,” Melinda said.

These designs will be featured alongside Jae’s, at the New Gen Fashion Parade at the end of the year.

“I’m also hoping to include some lens wear in,” Melinda added.

The girls are offering a fresh perspective to fashion.

Newcastle is leading the next generation in the fashion world, with designers like Jae and Melinda, and I will be watching and waiting to get my hands on their labels.

To keep up with the latest trends, make sure you get your tickets to the New Gen Fashion Parade on Wednesday, 28 November 2012. n

sPetite Belle

Gorgously Gluten Free

49622 382

22 social/life

Modern-Vintage finds a homeMisKonduct Klothing returns fashion back to the days of classic 50’s design. Retro is all about style, classy dresses and stunning shoes... and a nice coffee with cake.

Newcastle fashion house, MisKonduct Klothing has found a new home where a sense of style is influenced by the modern-vintage designs of Bernie Dexter and other retro designers.

Emma and her partner Brook have expanded their online

store MisKonduct Klothing to a real store in Tighes

Hill where shoppers can visit and

see beautiful garments in a kind of

reversal of the classic store to online sales

story.

It was Brook’s

love of

restoring hot rod cars, and perchant for all things “50’s” that inspired the fashion-conscious Emma to start her online fashion business gaining loyal customers and establishing the

retro/vintage style in the Newcastle industry.

This led to the realisation that a physical location where customers

can see the garments first-hand would be a good move for them and the business. Emma runs the fashion, and Brook runs the in-house cafe.

“We sell beautiful dresses and shoes in the modern-vintage style so our customers can dress like ladies and feel so beautiful and stylish,” said Emma.

Visit the online store at: miskonduct.com for more information.or at Elizabeth Street Tighes Hill. n

Designer Bernie Dexter

Alicia wears classic colours

social/life 23

modern vintage

24 social/life

our customers can dress like ladies and feel so beautiful & stylish,

social/life 25

Pre-dinner drinks, a casual tapas feast or an indulgent chocolaty dessert are all on offer at Marble Bar and Chocolate Bar at Wests New Lambton.

Chocolate Bar’s centerpiece, a one-metre high fountain flowing with milk chocolate, will lure in choc-aholics from far and wide.

The menu at Chocolate Bar is pure decadence and includes Italian hot chocolate, pastries, cakes as well as strawberries and other delights dipped in chocolate.

Next door, guests will be lured in by the floor-to-ceiling opulence of Marble Bar, which features a dazzling wine glass display of 1,894 glasses.

At Marble Bar, guests are invited to relax in plush, high back velvet chairs and enjoy a glass of French wine or choose from one of 16 cocktails.

The bar’s new tapas menu is designed to be shared amongst friends and offers something to please everyone including Tomato Arancini, Moroccan Meatballs, and

Salmon Croquettes.

On Friday and Saturday nights, popular duos, trios and pianists entertain guests at Marble Bar from 9.30pm till the early hours of the morning.

Both bars are conveniently located on Level 1 at Wests, New Lambton amongst a variety of restaurants including Emerald Gardens, Chophouse Grill, Trattoria Eighty Eight Italian restaurant and fine dining establishment, Hobarts. n

visit: www.westsnewcastle.com.au/bars p: 02 4935 1200 Wests New Lambton 88 Hobart Road, New Lambton

the best bar none

ElEgancE and indulgEncE is all undEr onE roof at WEsts nEW lambton. Start your night with decadent chocolate strawberries from The Chocolate Bar, dipped into

the 1 metre high chocolate fountain flowing with cascading milk chocolate.

Then pop next door to the chic and glamorous Marble Bar, offering everything from a superb range of local and French wines, to cocktails you are yet to discover.

thE chocolatE bar & thE marblE bar Level 1, Open 7 days from 4pm to late. PLUS new extended weekend hours 11am until late!

No bookings, no reservations. Members discount applies when full members’ card is shown.

Wests New Lambton 88 Hobart Rd New Lambton(02) 4935 1200 www.westsnewcastle.com.au

SLDL081311-1

I have been wondering if there’s any truth to the philosophy of feng shui.

II dabbled in feng shui during my teenage years, when experimenting with a range of eastern philosophies. On the weekend I moved in with a friend, and my new roommate freaked out when I suggested placing my bed with my feet toward the door, to maximise the space.

She explained to me I couldn’t place my feet toward the door, as this would symbolise a corpse, and that is never a good thing.

Feng Shui is the Chinese practice of positioning objects, buildings, and furniture, based around the patterns of yin and yang and the flow of “chi” that have positive and negative effects. This practice is practised especially in the arrangement of graves.

I started thinking, is it be such bad luck to face your feet towards the door, and was I willing to take the risk? It seems everyone

has his or her own action or superstition about feng shui.

As I was researching the topic, the man at the Darby Street second-hand bookshop, who told me he had chimes hanging at his backdoor to hinder money from flowing out and my friend told me he has mirrors at the front door to reflect badness.

People in this day and age, generally don’t follow the theory of feng shui whole-heartedly, rather picking and choosing elements to suit their lives.

As a belief, this practice seems to be about a personal space of environment and creating a sense of well-being and positivity.

The arrangement of one’s bedroom is important, as it is where we spend the majority of our time, even if it is mostly asleep. So I looked into where it is best to position the bed.

There are many different views on this, it

seems the bed should be as far away from the door as possible while still being able to see the door.

And while it is advisable not to sleep with both legs pointing to the door, it may only make your sleep restless.

It seems there is no right or wrong when it comes to feng shui and it may be as simple as what feels and looks good.

Feng shui is an interesting philosophy to dabble in, and it does seem to have the advantages of making living easier.

In the end, I didn’t end up pointing my feet towards the door, and I can see the door from my bed, as my superstition still exists.

It seems my new room does have ‘good’ feng shui as I enjoy spending time in it.

The art of feng shui is simply about making the most of your environment, allowing positive energy to flow, and feeling at peace at home. n

Are you having trouble sleeping? Do you wonder why you can’t seem to save money? Pehaps a little re-arranging is in order...

Story by TEGAN HUGHES

personal space

social/life 25

Elle’s easy recipe

From The Shops:

• 180g butter, softened

• 1/3 cup (75g) caster sugar

• ½ cup (125ml) condensed Milk

• 1 ½ cups (225g) plain flour

• 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder

• 1 x 200g block of honeycomb chocolate (Crunchie or Violet Crumble work well)

In The Kitchen

n Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan forced. Line 2 oven trays with baking paper.

• Use a mallet or rolling pin to crush the block of chocolate while still in the packet to reduce mess. Crush into the size of chocolate chips.

• Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar together until creamy.

• Beat in condensed milk until fluffy and creamy.

• Sift in flour, baking powder, the crushed chocolate block and gently fold.

• Roll heaped tablespoons full of mixture into balls. Gently press between hands until approx. 1cm in thickness.

• Bake for 15 minutes until golden.

Enjoy

Elle : )

SoftChocHoneycomb Cookies

Elle’s easy recipe

Recipe Elle SheedyPhoto Steve Dunkley

soci

al/li

fe m

agaz

ine

p: 0

2 40

13 1

240

ww

w.s

ocia

llife

mag

azin

e.co

m.a

u -

e: in

fo@

soci

allif

emag

azin

e.co

m.a

ufa

shio

n n

mus

ic n

spo

rt n

eve

nts n

peo

ple n

trav

el n

food

n y

ou

it’s allaboutyou,

Unique Portraiture 0413 962 913www.jacquiclancy.com.au [email protected]

Spring Fashion ParadeRed Cross Store Beaumont Street Hamilton

A fun fashion parade in the heart of Beaumont

Street, Hamilton stopped passers-by in their tracks

when the girls of the Red Cross Store showed off

some of the store’s summery stock.

The volunteer models paraded through the store

and made a colouful spectacle out of the parade for

all to see.

Hamilton’s Red Cross store is well known as a

boutique style shop and a place for all kinds of

quality, recycled garments.

p:4967 7733 e:[email protected]:Unit2/56IndustrialDrive,MayfieldEast. SLM0612-03scan to visit our website via mobile.

We Find & Producethe finest meats for you

The best Beef

The choicest Chicken

... and so much more

The loveliest Lamb

We supply more than 50 leading restaurants, pub & clubs with the best produce available.

WHERE: Find us at our store in Mayfield East, the Newcastle Farmers Markets every Sunday & The Entrance Markets on 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month.

DELIVERY: Home delivery is available throughought Newcastle & The Hunter Valley. Please call for delivery

details in your area.

With 4 generations of experience, we can bring the best meats and products to your table.

Red Cross Store, Hamilton63B Beaumont St, HamiltonPhone: 02 4961 2046

social/life 27

The surf is up, and so is the sporting spirit for Summer’s surf lifesaving events.

Ironman and women racing strats with the 2012 NIB Coolangatta Gold on Sunday October 14th followed by the 2012/2013 Kellogg’s Nutrigrain Ironman Series and a Ironwomen Series (un-named). The season ends in April with the 2013 Australian Championships at North Kirra Beach on the Gold Coast.

Australia opened the world’s first surf lifesaving club on Bondi Beach in 1906. Since then, Australia’s bronzed lifesavers in their red and yellow uniforms have come to symbolise our coastal lifestyle as well as rescuing more than half a million people from the ocean.

These daily heroics are thanks to a surf club culture and starts with ‘Nippers’ under the age of seven and ends with the fierce endurance athletes known as ‘Ironmen’ and ‘Ironwomen’.

After the creation of the Surf Life Saving movement in 1907, members needed a way to stay fit and hone their skills in between patrols. In 1915, the first NSW Titles were held. The early titles included events such as the boat race, march past, R&R and surf races.

On a 1964 Australian tour of California, the competitors discovered an event known as the ‘Taplin’ which involved a swim, ski, board legs, with running transitions. This became the ironman race. In 1966, it was first held at the Australian Championships at Coolangatta beach, and was won by Hayden Kenny.

The sport of Ironman was developed by Mr Valentine Trainor. The sport should not

be confused with Ironman triathlon. It is typically run as a single event as a part of a surf life saving carnival and also run as a sport in its own right.

Perhaps the most famous ironman was Grant Kenny, who in 1980 at the age of 16 made the event famous by winning the Australian Junior (U/18 yrs) and Australian Open Ironman (19yrs & Over) championships within the space of half an hour.

Grant became a national hero, appearing on cereal boxes and television advertisements, and was seen as the pinnacle of Aussie sportsmen. The short Ironman event became famous and the centre of attention at all surf carnivals.

The 80’s movie “The Coolangatta Gold”, about an ironman event that required competitors to complete a 42km course along Queensland’s Gold Coast. The first Coolongatta Gold was won by 19 yr old Guy Leech.

A circuit was then developed that mixed 10-minute Ironman races with the Coolangatta Gold, and a range of other professional Ironman events around Australia. In the 80’s, major sponsor, Kelloggs embraced the sport and sponsored the early ironman series that featured many ironmen icons including Guy Leech, Craig Riggington, Dean and Darren Mercer and Dwayne Thuys among others.

1989 an elite group of Ironmen took the sport one step further and created a privately run event for TV under the management of Grant Kenny and multiple Australian Malibu Board Champion, Mick Porra.

The event was named the Uncle Toby’s Super Series and became one of the highlights of the Summer calendar. Kelloggs at the time kept a KNG All States Surf League running with the Australian Surf Lifesaving Association which featured 14 specialist short course ironmen and women which was also a high rating TV event.

Today, the longer distance Uncle Toby’s events has been replaced by the similarly structured Kellogs Nutri-Grain Ironman Series and un-named Ironwomen Series.

Aspiring junior athletes were influenced greatly by the events and coverage and it often lead them to become future lifesavers.

Swansea Belmont mentor/life member, Cliff Marsh OME recalls that “Nearly every nipper at the time wanted to be an Ironman or Ironwoman.”

Nipper carnivals also had a modified version of the senior short course event. Many parents heard their kids as young as 8-9 years tell them that they were going to win a Ironman or Ironwoman event one day seeing the under state titles U/14 event as their first big step.

Swansea Belmont Ironmen & IronwomenOver the years, since Ironman racing

entered the scene the Swansea Belmont SLC at Blacksmiths south of Newcastle has produced many great Ironmen and Ironwomen who held their own against the best in the sport at the time.

Names such as Brad Fernley, Steve Nunn, Greg Kelly, Tim Allen (in the Juniors) then Guy Andrews, who through admiration were followed by Matt Rees, Drew Blatchford, Nat McGregor then Josh Blair, Chad Griffith, Adrian Tobin, Shane Blair and Greg Tobin (Coolangatta Gold), and Josh Elloy.

All were multi-disciplined in surfcraft and surf swimming and formed the basis of many great winning team combinations. Some also plyed their trade at other surf clubs.

Guy Andrews (probably rated as the club’s greatest despite moving to Qld in 1990) won the 1988 Under 18 NSW Junior Ironman then moved on to win the Aust Open Ironman in 1993 representing Tugan SLSC. He was also winner of the overall Uncle Toby’s series in ‘93/‘96/‘98 second in ‘91/‘92 and third in ‘94.

Brad Fernley was an exceptional swimmer and surf craft competitor and quite a sucessful Ironman. He had considerable rivalry with fellow club mate Greg Kelly and competed twice in the Coolongatta Gold including the first, achieving top 5 finishes on each occasion.

Greg Kelly was also one of our early Ironmen who raced against Australian Champions, Robert Chapman, Guy Leech,

Coolongata Gold Promo

Matt Rees

the Ironmen of Swansea Belmont SLSC & the Coolongatta Gold

Story by Pat Tobin

28 social/life

John Anderson (Stockton) and Greg Allum (Wanda). Greg represented Australia as an Ironman Competitor. He controversially lost to Guy Leech at a Freshwater carnival.

Matt Rees followed Guy Andrews’ footsteps benefiting a lot by training with Guy under the tutelage of Guy’s father Col. Matt was a great craft competitor competed in the Coolangatta Gold and the Uncle Toby’s series and was an Under 18 finalist in the NSW and Australian Titles.

Drew Blatchford a great board paddler (Australian Champion) won the U/18 NSW Ironman title and competed as an Ironman in the Kelloggs and Uncle Toby’s Series.

He moved on to compete for The Lakes SLSC and Redhead.

Nat McGregor is one of the grittiest, dedicated and committed ironmen the Surf Club has seen. His achievements included two wins in the Across the Lake Swim and a second, winning the 1991 U/18 NSW Ironman Championship, competing as an Ironman in the Kelloggs Nutrigrain Surf league representing the Sydney Slammers under coach Tim Allen and was a finalist in the ‘95 Australian Ironman Championship won by Darren Mercer which was delayed due to the Robert Gattenby surfboat tragedy

Josh Blair certainly rates amoungst the best in the sport at club, branch, state and national levels. Josh won the ‘93 U/16 and ‘94 U/18 Australian titles, the 2000 NSW Open event, and holds the Hunter Branch record at the Branch Titles (11 times). He first contested the Gold as a raw-boned under-prepared 16-year-old in 1995 and then returned to the

scene in 2005 when he finished seventh. He also won entry into the Uncle Toby’s series at sixteen years old and went on in later years to win a couple of later series events. Josh has also reached a number of open Ironmans finals at Aussies.

Josh was awarded Newcastle Ironman of the Century from among the finest locals.

He has always raced in Swansea Belmont Green and Gold colours along with Matt Rees and Nat McGregor.

Chad Griffiths came to Belmont/Swansea from Scarborough WA as a cadet and had a huge impact on the club’s board and ironman strength. He is in the same age group as Josh won the NSW Open Ironman in 1998, Qualified through the trials and competed in the Uncle Toby’s Series in 2000 and won the Australian Board Title in 2002. He also teamed up with Adrian Tobin and Marty Rees in 1999 to win our first Open Board Relay then again with Adrian and Josh to win the title in 2001.

Adrian Tobin progressed from a significant number of state title wins in junior activities racing and progressed to achieve top 10 placings in the Open Ironman Final at the 2001/ 2000/‘99/‘98/’97 Australian Championships with a best result of 5th in ‘99, racing as an Ironman in the Kellogs Nutrigrain Surf League representing NSW and drafted in the Western Australian, Victorian and Tasmanian teams, top 10 results in the finals of the 2010, 2000, ‘98 NSW Open Ironman Titles, represented Surf Lifesaving Australia in Japan and won as an Ironman Rep with Zane Holmes, two top 10 placings at the World Championships in 2000 (Manly) and

‘98 (New Zealand) won the ‘97 NSW U/18 title and came second in the ‘97 U/18 Australian Ironman at Kurrawa where he also reached the final of the Open Event. He also was second in the U/16 Ironman at the ‘94 Aussies and second overall in the U/16 Ironman in the ‘94 Kelloggs Surf Challenge as a 14 year old.

Shane Blair and Greg Tobin, Although both noted Surf Ski paddlers each competed in the Coolangatta Gold - Shane in 2011 (8th) and Greg in 2009 (12th). Shane also competed in the Uncle Toby’s Super Series.

Ironwomen to compete well for the club included Melissa Thurlow and Alison Sievel and in later years Danielle Radford.

Junior Activites Ironmen of note (U/11-U/14 yrs) included Tim Allen (1979), Dean Kosky (1980), Nat Russell and Ben Major (1989), Brendon Rodd (1990), Adrian Tobin (1990/1992/1993), Jayce Nixon (1996), Greg Tobin (1997), Michael Booth (2002) and Daniel Booth (2004) n

Josh Blair Guy Andrwes

Dean Mercer, a competitor against many of our ironmen.

Adrian TObin

Chad GriffithShane Blairsocial/life 29

The 20-year-old is the leading Australian slope style athlete, is the only non-European to win the TTR (now World Snowboard Tour) World Rookie Fest Final and was top-ranked Australian woman on the world tour for 2009 and 2010.

In March 2010, her career, literally, crashed when she broke her back by landing heavily from a practice run off a 70-foot jump at California’s Mammoth Mountain.

She had spinal fusion in Reno, Nevada and within nine months was back on snow and won the US REV tour slope style event at Mt Snow, Vermont.

This secured her place in the Australian team and she made the finals at the Junior World Cup in Chiesa Valmalenco, Italy, almost exactly 12 months after her original injury.

Parents Stuart and Ellen Davis-Meehan, who spent four years taking Michaela from the age of nine to Perisher each season to be part of the athlete training program, said what their daughter didn’t let on when she made her comeback was that she was in constant pain.

“Michaela couldn’t really ride for more than a couple of hours and couldn’t train properly,” Ellen said.

“By August last year, she decided to have a year off, maybe never to return to riding.

“Then, at the beginning of this year, she took the advice of the US surgeon and decided to have the screws removed.

“The amount of metal in there stunned all of us – and because she is lean, every rotation caused the screws to rub on muscle, hence the pain.”

Newcastle specialist Richard Ferch, who at one time worked at Royal North Shore Hospital with the US specialist who performed the original operation, took the screws out in April.

“The difference is amazing,” Mrs Davis-Meehan said.

“She had to apply to the US coaching program that she is on and one of the questions was ‘What have you had to overcome and how do you face challenges?’.

“She asked me because she really didn’t think she had any challenges!

“I said some people might say that coming back from a broken back is overcoming something, but

just be honest and write what you think.

“Her answer: ‘I’ve never really had to overcome anything; I just get on with it.’

“They have taken her on the program.”

The year off led Michaela to begin modelling, particularly photographic modelling which is an area in which she would like to work more.

In this Australian winter she has been working three jobs in Jindabyne; instructing during the

week, coaching on the Winter Sports Club on weekends (where she first started) and working at

Lake Jindabyne Hotel at night.

While this is helping to fund her Olympic campaign Michaela now has to concentrate on being a full-time athlete to achieve her goals.

She headed to New Zealand on September 17 for a month of training with her US coach and will have a brief rest at home in Newcastle at the end of October before moving to Colorado in November.

By Michael Blaxland

on the slopesChampion Newcastle snowboarder Michaela Davis-Meehan has experienced the highs and lows of the sport.

Story by Michael Blaxland

Adversity overcome

30 social/life

The allowance for injury leave meant Michaela kept her World Cup spot and her focus will now be on the start of the Olympic qualifying period which begins in Colorado in December.

One of two female slope style athletes named on the Australian team, she has to go to every World Cup and compete against the best to qualify in a tour which will take in the US, Canada, Russia and Switzerland, travel with her US coach (and fund him) and live and train in Colorado for four months. The top 24 women will qualify for the Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014.

The Davis-Meehan family is continuing the support they have given since Michaela was a junior and several fund-raising events are being planned this month. Michaela’s Olympic campaign will be launched

with a Sydney Harbour dinner cruise on October 20 with the luxury Ambiance Charters ($140 per head) followed by the Newcastle launch at the Junction Hotel on October 26. Raffle prizes including a week for 10 next spring in a luxury Jindabyne townhouse and art by Hunter artists will also add to the fund.

Hunter businesses are starting to get behind Michaela’s campaign with sponsorships and support.

Her new website www.michaeladavismeehan.com is currently under construction and more information about Michaela and sponsorships are available there.

Michaela rides like a girl … try and keep up! n

social/life 31

www.sociallifemagazine.com.au

p: 02 40131240 m: 0447 688 770

social/lifemagazine

Contestants in the Westfield Best Millinery Competition

Winner and Runner-Up in the Westfield Best Millinery Competition

Teigan Campbell and Ailie Morris enjoying the Spring Carnival

Winners of the Best Dressed Male Competition with Wesfield’s Sam Woods.

Best Dressed Male Contestants Alice Hiscock and Darren Parmenter of the NJC and fashion commentator Vanessa Swilks.

Wandering performers on stilts just for fun. The Jockey performers take a breather.