Australia Day celebrated in true Aussie style

Serving the Hunter for over 20 years with a readership of over 4,000 weekly! Thursday 29th January, 2015 s going on! The only way to find out what YOUR WEEK LY GU ID E Missed an issue? www.huntervalleyprinting.com.au/pages/entertainer.php Australia Day celebrated in true Aussie style See inside ADDING TO YEARS TV Guide Image: Australia Day Ambassador Sarah Garnett, the 2015 Upper Hunter Shire Young Citizen of the year Kirsten Smith, sponsors for the award Errol and Beryl Bates and Mayor Michael Johnsen. Fifty Shades of Grey - A Night of Passion <P]Z[LIa \P.MJZ]IZa I\ 5][_MTTJZWWS +QVMUI XX QVKT]LM[" UQV [PW_ XMZNWZUML Ja \PM ;alvma 0W\[PW\[ ;\ZI_JMZZQM[ LQXXML QV KPWKWTI\M <QKSM\ \W [MM».QN\a ;PILM[ WN /ZMa¼.QZ[\ [PW_ KWUUMVKM[ I\ XU UW^QM [\IZ\[ XU ;MKWVL [PW_ KWUUMVKM[ I\ XU UW^QM [\IZ\[! XU ¹4151<-, ;-)<; :-5)1616/ 0)4. <0- <1+3-<; )4:-),A ;74,º.7: *77316/;" www.muswellbrookworkers.com.au www muswellbrookworkers Happy New Year +WV\IK\ \PM ->-6< [\WZMZWWU NWZ ITT aw]z M^MV\ IVL XIZ\a PQZM VMML[?M PI^M _MTKWUML Ja ILLQVO TW\[ WN VM_ Q\MU[ \W W]Z M`\MV[Q^M PQZM ZIVOM ITT TWKI\ML QV W]Z X]ZXW[M J]QT\ IVL VM_ _IZMPW][M NIKQTQ\a JI[ML I\ *TIVLNWZL 8TMI[M KWV\IK\ ][ \W IZZIVOM I ^QM_QVO WN W]Z ZIVOM WZ ^Q[Q\ Barbecues, entertainment, awards, citizenship oaths and pool parties marked Australia Day in the Upper Hunter and surrounding shires. Outstanding citizens were recognised with Australia Day District Awards at ceremonies held in Aberdeen, Merriwa, Murrurundi, Scone, Muswellbrook and Singleton. Each year, the Upper Hunter Shire Council selects two particularly outstanding citizens to receive the Overall Shire Awards. The Upper Hunter Shire Overall Citizen of the Year was awarded to Frank Heap from Aberdeen and the Upper Hunter Shire Overall Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Kirsten Smith from Scone. Continued page 7 WIN! a double pass to Majestic Cinemas. See page 2 for details \PMM^MV\[\WZMZWWU KWU I] Amelia Wilkinson 0400 099 761 / info@theeventstoreroom.com.au / theeventstoreroom.com.au facebook.com/theeventstoreroom Join Kerry for his unique take on the world of sport and those jokes that never end! Saturday afternoons from 12pm until 4pm the man they call Skull, Kerry O Keefe broadcasts across the Upper Hunter on 2NM. www.facebook.com/entertainerpublication

what s on Now available for hire Phone 6545 1700 0457 204 819 9 Guernsey Street Scone Royal Hotel-Motel Scone $10 lunch menu / $12 dinner specials (N/A public holidays) Mondays: Seafood basket Tuesdays: Fish & chips with salad Wednesdays: Perfect pasta Thursdays: Succulent schnitzel Every Friday night @ 6.30pm 5 meat tray raffles to be won plus joker draw with $450 up for grabs on 30 January 2015 *TAB *Function room *Family courtyard Lunch: 12pm 2pm; Dinner: 6pm 8.30pm Bistro open 7 days Kelly Street Scone Phone 6545 1722 Program information Thursday 29th Jan to Wednesday 4th Feb February 2015 Arts: Events and Festivals By Zack Phillips There are many events taking place over the Hunter Valley this month, with a large variety of workshops, galleries and performances. With so many exquisite events to choose from this month, we ve narrowed down a select few so you can have a taste of what is available this month. On 6th February the Circle of Drums is holding an eight-week course on African drumming in Gloucester. Throughout the course, you will be taught traditional African drumming rhythms as well as playing lots of fun and enjoyable beats. Drums are supplied. For all enquiries contact the Circle of Drums on circleofdrums@yahoo.com.au or phone 0414 585 796. On 10th February the Upper Hunter Museum of Rural Life presents the Road to Nhil, as a part of the museums Golden Oldies for Golden Oldies program. The movie is screened at 11:30am at the Aberdeen Sport and Recreation Club and costs a total of $10 for a three- course luncheon and the movie. To book your place, contact Jan on 6543 7150. On 28th February from 9am through to 1pm the Barrington Community Market will be taking place at the Barrington Community Hall. This is an old-fashioned community market in true country-village style including a barbeque breakfast and amazingly tasty fresh scones. For the full list of events, or to find more information about the events listed above, visit the website on www.artsupperhunter.com/index.php/ what-s-on Image: African drumming will feature at the eight-week course in Gloucester. The Entertainer in conjunction with Majestic Cinemas are giving away two double passes each week to two lucky readers. Look for the handwritten word WINNER along with the editor s signature on this page above HVP logo. Present the winning Entertainer edition to the Muswellbrook office of Hunter Valley Printing, 6 Wilkins Street Muswellbrook and collect your passes. (must be claimed within one week of publication date) Professional, friendly service - The quiet one g b b r r b Valley 2 Vineyards Trike Tours available - book now! www.v2vtriketours.com.au 2 - The Entertainer - Thursday 29th January, 2015 www.facebook.com/entertainerpublication

creative arts Award-winning artists join forces By Rebecca Jenkins The Scone Arts & Crafts Inc has performed a massive service over the years. It s uncovered and shone the spotlight on many talented artists that would have remained in the dark if it weren t for the awards and workshops that the organisation offers. Yet another fantastic collaboration is coming up and this one is definitely not to be passed up. Two talented Upper Hunter Artists, Barry Bryan and Maude Butta will share the stage with an exhibition that will officially open next month - Friday 6th February at 6pm. Scone Arts & Crafts presents COLLECTION The work of talented local artists Barry Bryan and Maude Butta OPENING NIGHT Friday 6th February 2015 @ 6pm Entry: $10 includes canapés and drink on arrival Everyone is welcome and children admitted free of charge All paintings are for sale. Eftpos is available. The exhibition will open every Saturday and Sunday from 10am 4pm until 15th March 2015 Entry: gold coin donation For all enquiries contact Pam on 0418 441 128 or sconeartsandcrafts@gmail.com Scone Arts & Crafts Centre 63 Kingdon Street, Scone Both Barry and Maude have already established a stellar reputation with quite a few accolades already under their belts. Both are bold with their works and both are very eclectic with their subject matter, technique and methods used. The illustrious Pam Saunderson-McLeay, president of Scone Arts & Crafts Inc has nothing but praise for both of the talented artists and believes that there needs to be a bigger push to uncover the artistic talent of the Upper Hunter. There needs to be more of an awareness of the talent we have here in the Upper Hunter. says Pammie, The Centre certainly does its best to give these artists as much help as we can. The exhibition will open in true Scone Arts and Crafts Centre style on Friday 6th February with a $10 entry fee for the official opening granting attendees a drink and canapes on arrival (children are free) and full viewing access to the exhibition. All works will be for sale with eftpos facilities available. Following opening night, the exhibition will run every Saturday and Sunday from 10am - 4pm until 15th March with entry costing a gold coin only. It s very important that our local artists be supported. Especially ones as talented as the award-winning Barry Bryan and Maude Butta. The raw talent shown by both artists within their paintings is both unique and not to be missed. For further information, please call Pam on 0418 441 128. Images: Examples of Barry Bryan s artworks that will be on display at the Scone Arts & Crafts Collection. Scone Motor Inn Conference Centre Accommodation; Corporate Rates Cnr New England Hwy & Mount St 02 6545 3079 www.sconemotorinn.com.au Now also at Dubbo Manera Heights Apartments Executive and One-Bedroom Apartments Family Units and Three- Bedroom House 02 6884 3865 www.maneraheights.com.au www.huntervalleyprinting.com.au/pages/entertainer.php Thursday 29th January, 2015 - The Entertainer - 3

food & wine Sell-out success at The DAG For a number of years now, the DAG Sheep Station in Nundle has coincided with the Tamworth Country Music Festival and brought some spectacular performers and artists to the area. Known as one of the best musicalperformance spaces in Australia, the DAG Sheep Station has not only housed spectacular acts, but has introduced bright, new stars in training to the music scene through its many Songwriter s Retreats events. The reputation of the Station is strong and high and continues to grow each year. January 2015 was no exception. This year crowds exceeded expectations with ten out of ten performances on offer sold out! This is 10% higher than last year and the highest turnout that DAG has seen in six years. No doubt they are doing everything right. Especially when looking at who performed at this year s Country at The DAG 2015 Tamworth Country Music Festival and note their willingness to return next year to perform all over again. This year award-winning artists such as Graham Rogers, Tom Maxwell, Luke O Shea and Aleyce Simmonds performed to eager crowds, with Luke certainly being the busiest of the lot! Luke and the famous Buddy Knox presented the Buddy Knox Scholarship to 17 year old Taylor Williams. The scholarship being an APRA grant presented to talented Indigenous Artists from New England, NSW. Luke also performed his Golden Guitar nominated album Truckstop Flowers with fellow nominee Aleyce Simmonds to the majority of the sell-out crowds. This year, the DAG Sheep Station s Country at The DAG outdid itself with thrilled participants, both from the audiences and performing. Next year, as stated previously, it s expected to be even bigger and better! Despite the organisers being over the moon with this year s results, they expect to build upon this success and make next year s January event even bigger and better than 2015. For more information on the DAG Sheep Station, head to the website at www.thedag.com.au Images: [Top] L to R 17 year old Taylor Williams was awarded the Buddy Knox Scholarship from the 2015 DAG s Songwriter s Retreat. Pictured are Buddy Knox, Taylor Williams, Luke O Shea (2015 Golden Guitar Awards multi-recipient) and proprietor of The DAG, John Krsulja. [Left] Luke O Shea and Aleyce Simmonds performing their Golden Guitar nominated song Truckstop Flowers to a full house. CELLAR DOOR Open 7 days 10am - 4pm A taste of the Upper Hunter Valley just 10km west of Jerrys Plains RESTAURANT Breakfast: Saturday & Sunday Lunch: Daily Dinner: Friday & Saturday. Bookings essential Phone 6576 4007 info@vinesathollydene.com 4 - The Entertainer - Thursday 29th January, 2015 www.facebook.com/entertainerpublication

food & wine Whether it s a leisurely brunch, coffee on the run or a relaxed lunch with friends, our Courtyard Cafe will satisfy your every wish and mood. Check the menu on our website ART GALLERY GALLERY SHOP COURTYARD CAFE 66 Mayne Street Murrurundi NSW 2338 Phone: 6546 6969 Open Thursday to Sunday 11.00am - 5.00pm www.haydonhall.com.au OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER 7 DAYS BREAKFAST SUNDAYS FROM 8AM For bookings please call 6547 2207 1-5 Ogilvie Street Denman denmanhotel.com.au ACCOMMODATION Haydon Hall Paddock to Pantry Royal Hotel - Motel, Scone Hunter Belle Cheese Two Rivers Vineyard Hollydene Estate Wines The Denman Muswellbrook - Denman - Sandy Hollow A great place to experience a host of fabulous events, festivities and the culture of the Upper Hunter Let us help you make the most of your visit to our beautiful shire www.muswellbrook.nsw.gov.au Muswellbrook Visitor Information Centre 87 Hill Street, Muswellbrook NSW 2333 Phone: 02 6541 4050 www.muswellbrook.org.au www.huntervalleyprinting.com.au/pages/entertainer.php Denman Visitor Information Centre 7 Ogilvie Street, Denman NSW 2328 Phone: 02 6547 2799 www.visitdenman.com.au Thursday 29th January, 2015 - The Entertainer - 5

leisure & lifestyle ANZACS to be remembered by our youth By Rebecca Jenkins One of the major historical events of our nation is the day our troops stormed Gallipoli with tragic results. Those brave souls are now remembered, as well as all who have fought and sacrificed for our country s freedom on ANZAC Day. As the years have rolled by, new battles fought; ANZAC Day s meaning and spirit has changed and morphed with each new generation. One renowned artist has derived a way for our troops to be remembered the way they should be - as bold, courageous human beings that despite the fear they must have felt within the midst of conflict, still powered on and fought with a bravery only a soldier could understand. Bringing more than 25 years of experience of high-quality work in both digital and offset printing 90 kelly street scone 6545 2888 6 wilkins street muswellbrook 6541 1358 www.huntervalleyprinting.com.au Honouring Anzacs is a not-for-profit educational project featuring lesson plans and information for schools and the general public. Upper Hunter-based Rodney Swansborough of Murrurundi, a talented artist and art teacher has developed an off-shoot to this program called ANZACS in our Classroom. With this off-shoot, students (under the guidance of their teachers) will adopt an ANZAC, learn about the battle, the oath, the spirit and the person behind the soldier. With specially-designed activities, students will be asked to perform a number of projects such as writing letters home from the perspective of their adopted ANZAC, creating a personal tribute to their ANZAC and they will also be invited to create a commemorative certificate honouring their soldier that will be especially for ANZAC Day itself. Along the way, students will be rewarded with colour certificates found online. Rodney is dedicated to the project and has had much support from the government and peers in its creation. We have received a small grant from the Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program for the initial launch and promotion of the project. says Rodney, We have also received wide support from Catholic Diocesan education offices and private schools,as well as public state schools who are currently registering online with Anzacs in our Classroom. Whilst the project has received a mass of support, it must be stated (in the words of Rodney) that the project, as a not-for-profit enterprise, depends on voluntary financial contributions from schools and organisations as well as voluntary assistance from groups and individuals to cover its costs. Thousands of dollars worth of voluntary free time have already been given to the project. Just goes to show that the ANZAC spirit still lives on with the respect and sacrifice these volunteers have already made in order to keep this spirit alive. To find out more about the project please head to www.honouringanzacs.net.au or to take part in the regular workshops held by Rodney, check out his site at www.upstairs-art.com.au THE WAYFARER MOTEL New England Highway, Muswellbrook Muswellbrook s only 24-hour check-in motel Room service available for breakfasts, home cooked dinners and packed lunches Backing onto golf course Clean, comfortable and affordable 25 air-conditioned rooms Pool and barbecue facility WIFI 6541 1744 reception@wayfarermotel.com.au DENMAN MOTOR INN 8 Crinoline Street, Denman Ph: 6547 2462 Fax: 6547 2976 email: reception@denmanmotorinn.com.au www.denmanmotorinn.com.au Fully cooked breakfast Peaceful and central location FREE Internet Austar BBQ facilities Pool MacCallum Inglis the Upper Hunters Leading Stock & Station Agency providing you with a wealth of local experience combined with the strength of Australia s foremost Bloodstock Auctioneers William Inglis. Specialising in the following areas: 198 Kelly Street Scone Tel +612 6540 1200 Fax +612 6545 2687 www.maccalluminglis.com.au 6 - The Entertainer - Thursday 29th January, 2015 www.facebook.com/entertainerpublication

lesiure & lifestyle Australia Day celebrated in true Aussie style Images: [Above] Muswellbrook Shire council new citizens, pictured with Muswellbrook mayor Cr Martin Rush. [Right] Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Michael Johnsen, the 2015 Upper Hunter Shire Citizen of the Year Frank Heap and Australia Day Ambassador Sarah Garnett. Upper Hunter Shire Council Aberdeen: Citizen of the Year, Frank Heap; Young Citizen of the Year, Kate Lloyd; Community Group of the Year, Upper Hunter Museum of Rural Life. Merriwa: Citizens of the Year, John & Elaine Sparrow; Young Citizen of the Year, Isaac Austin; Achiever of the Year, Clancy Martin; Community Group of the Year, Merriwa Red Cross; Sustainability in Business, Merriwa IGA; Environmental Achievement, Mark & Peter Campbell. Murrurundi: Citizen of the Year, Carolyn Farrow; Young Citizen of the Year, Brittnee Hyde; Sportstar of the Year, Stephanie Mostyn; Young Sportstar of the Year, Emily Bramley; Community Group of the Year, King of the Ranges; Special Award Quiet Achiever, Warren Bramley; Special Award Environmental Achievement, Pages River Warriors. Scone: Hunter McLoughlin Citizen of the Year, Muriel King; Young Citizen of the Year, Kirsten Smith; Sportstar of the Year, Tracey Warner; Young Sportstar of the Year, Campbell Jones; Community Group of the Year, Scone & District CWA. Muswellbrook Shire Council Muswellbrook Shire Council proudly hosted 2015 Australia Day celebrations for the community with the annual Australia Day ceremony at the Muswellbrook Indoor Sports Centre. Muswellbrook s local Australia Day Awards were presented in recognition of the outstanding contributions of community members to the Shire and its people. The winners of the awards for 2015 are: Citizen of the Year Award, Barry French; Youth Citizen of the Year Award, Thomas Hogan; Cultural Contributor Award, Arti Trasi; Youth Cultural Contributor Award, Jordi Adam-Smith; Northoak Award (Agriculture), Lyn Richards; Services to Sport Award, Fiona Hordern and Ian Ingle; Sportsperson of the Year Award, Megan Doran; Junior Sportsperson of the Year Award, Atticus Sinclair; Sports Team of the Year Award, Muswellbrook Representative U17 s Netball Team. The reigning champs of the tug-o-war competition Singleton Army Camp once again took out the prestigious trophy up against Singleton SES at the Singleton Australia Day celebrations. Bringing more than 25 years of experience of high quality work in both digital and offset printing 90 kelly street scone 6545 2888 6 wilkins street muswellbrook 6541 1358 www.huntervalleyprinting.com.au www.huntervalleyprinting.com.au/pages/entertainer.php Thursday 29th January, 2015 - The Entertainer - 7

entertainment scene Furniture, Giftware, Soft Furnishings, Jewellery, Accessories, Clothing, Winners of 2015 Toyota LandCruiser Country Music Busking Championships Announced Tia and Jack from Mackay Queensland have taken home the grand prize in the 2015 LandCruiser Country Music Busking Championship in Tamworth. Tia Gostelow & Jack Gray won the country music section of the championships along with $2500 prize money at the Best of the Buskers Concert at Toyota Country Music Festival Tamworth on last Saturday evening. Thirteen-year-old Justess Jones from Weston near Kurri Kurri put in an amazing performance to take out 2nd place and $1500 in prize money. Jones has recently recorded her debut EP titled Little Girl and has performed with the likes of Bill Chambers and Kristy Lee Akers. While some of the hundreds of buskers at the Festival this year were there just for fun, busking on Tamworth s Boulevard of Dreams has played an important role in the development of some stellar musical careers. Keith Urban, Kasey Chambers and Troy Cassar-Daley have all performed on the streets of Tamworth in the early days of their careers. It s not all about country music, with a closely fought contest in the non-country section of the championships. First time entrants Justin Carter and Ashleigh Mannix, a duo called Little Georgia from Sydney and the Gold Coast taking home the prize for the non-country category and $1200. Sydneybased duo Morgan Haselden & Phoebe O Shea Mimosa took out second prize and $800. The public got a say and voted Gunnedah couple Rex Baldwin and Val Williamson the winners of the People s Choice Award. Rex and Val won $1000 in prize money. Rex and Val were on Peel Street every day of the festival entertaining an appreciative audience. Six hundred buskers lined the footpaths of Peel Street over the 10 days of the Festival with some showing up a few days early to get a jump start on the action. There was a wide variety of styles and sounds coming from buskers young and old, entertaining huge crowds in the street. The Toyota Country Music Festival Tamworth 2015 concluded last Sunday 25 January. It is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW. Image: [Above] 13-year-old Justess Jones and the cover of her debut EP - Little Girl. (EP photography credit: Jesse Anderson). Images courtesy of Brooke Tracey. Isis Motel is the best value place to stay in Scone and offers ideal accommodation for travellers, families and workers. The Isis Motel is conveniently located on the New England Highway at the southern entrance to Scone. Come and stay for a night or stay for a week! Phone: 02 6545 1100 Fax: 02 6545 1750 Email: isismotel@yahoo.com.au www.isismotelscone.com.au 8 - The Entertainer - Thursday 29th January, 2015 www.facebook.com/entertainerpublication