s going on! The only way to find out what Serving the Hunter for over 20 years with a readership of over 4,000 weekly! Thursday 28th January, 2016 Missed an issue? www.huntervalleyprinting.com.au/pages/entertainer.php See inside ADDING TO YEARS TV Guide Upper Hunter Australia Day awards Member for the Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen, Upper Hunter Shire Citizen of the Year Elizabeth Birch, Australia Day Ambassador Peter Herbert and Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Wayne Bedggood. +7516/ ;776 807<7*77<0.7: 01:- Songs, speeches, citizenship oaths, parade, barbecues and splashing around at the pool, marked Australia Day in the Upper Hunter Shire. During the 2016 Australia Day ceremony in Scone, six Upper Hunter residents took the citizenship oath, becoming Australians. Ceremonies were held in Scone, Merriwa, Murrurundi, Aberdeen, Singleton and Denman where outstanding Upper Hunter citizens were recognised with Australia Day awards. Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Wayne Bedggood presented the Upper Hunter Shire Citizen of the Year award to Elizabeth Birch of Aberdeen. Amelia Wilkinson 0400 099 761 / info@theeventstoreroom.com.au / theeventstoreroom.com.au facebook.com/theeventstoreroom Continued page 2 SESSION TIMES: THURSDAY 28 JANUARY - WEDNESDAY 3 FEBRUARY Cinema is closed on Mondays outside of school holidays GOOSEBUMPS (PG) 110mins 3D: 9.35am 2D: 4.25pm THE BIG SHORT (M) 135mins 12-15 Sydney Street Muswellbrook Phone: (02) 4044 0600 11.40am & 8.45pm DADDY S HOME (PG) 112mins DIRTY GRANDPA (MA15+) 108mins 9.50am & 6.40pm 12.00pm, 2.10pm & 8.55pm SISTERS THE DANISH GIRL 2.05pm & 6.35pm 4.20pm (MA15+) 120mins (M) 126mins www.muswellbrookcinema.com.au Join Kerry for his unique take on the world of sport and those jokes that never end! Saturday afternoons from 12pm until 3pm the man they call Skull, Kerry O Keefe broadcasts across the Upper Hunter on 2NM. COMING SOON The Choice : The Finest Hours : Deadpool : Zoolander 2 : How to be Single : Ride Along 2 : Zootopia Live in Muswellbrook? Don t forget the Courtesy Bus is available to get you to the cinema. Ph: 6543 2011
what s on TAB Function Room Family Courtyard $10 Lunch Menu choose from 10 meals PLUS $12 Dinner Specials with the Royal s chef, Mark Hawkins (N/A public holidays) Don t miss the American Super Bowl LIVE on the BIG SCREEN Monday 8th February @ 10am Buckets of 4 x Budweiser on ice only $20 Every Friday night @ 6.30pm 5 meat tray raffles to be won plus joker draw with $2250 up for grabs on Friday 29 January 2016 PROGRAM INFORMATION THURS 28th JAN to WED 3rd FEB Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham-Carter and Meryl Streep in SUFFRAGETTE (M) The 8th film by QUENTIN TARANTINO THE HATEFUL EIGHT (R18+) Jennifer Lawrence in JOY (M) THE BIG SHORT (M) GOOSEBUMPS (PG) Leonardo DiCaprio in THE REVENANT (MA15+) SISTERS (MA15+) STAR WARS: EPISODE VII - THE FORCE AWAKENS (M) ZAC EFRON ROBERT DE NIRO Upper Hunter Australia Day awards Continued from front page Elizabeth has a long history of volunteer community involvement in the Aberdeen and Scone communities since moving to the area with her husband in 1986. She has donated her time and skills to groups including playgroup, preschool, schools, St Marks Women s Guild, View Club, Scone Arts & Crafts, Aberdeen Information Centre and Aberdeen Highland Games. She has held many committee positions over the years, helped raise significant money for worthy causes, and currently co-ordinates the Aberdeen Quilt Affair. Elizabeth is devoted to others with her never ending enthusiasm and knowledge and is a real inspiration. She has been and still is Aberdeen s Treasure. Upper Hunter Shire Young Citizen of the Year - Elizabeth Hagley of Merriwa [pictured left]. Elizabeth has been an excellent role model at Merriwa Central School and at St Joseph s. As Student Representative Council (SRC) President and School Captain, she has been a wonderful ambassador for the school and an inspiring house captain at sports carnivals and other school events. She participated in debating, been a leader in the peer tutor program and represented the Merriwa Central School at the Model United Nations Assembly in Muswellbrook. She also instigated a positive thinking campaign at school to promote mental health. Elizabeth has also volunteered as a junior coach at Merriwa Little Athletics, assisted in the canteen, coffee hut, face painting at St Joseph s Junior Campdraft, Merriwa Relay for Life, Merriwa Campdraft, Little Sprouts and the Festival of the Fleeces to raise money for various community groups. Elizabeth is a very sincere, caring and helpful person and sets a great example to all. Continued on back page 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. C H E C K W E B S I T E O R P H O N E F O R S E S S I O N T I M E S 21 Ryan Ave, SINGLETON Ph 6571 5252 Anyone can enter individuals, families or teams! Purchase your Imagination Box entry from us for $15 and get creative with your display All monies raised from the sale of the Imagination Boxes goes back into the prizemoney pool There are only 300 Imagination Boxes for sale, and if all are sold will bring the prizemoney pool up to $4,500! Imagination Boxes go on sale on: 8th February 2016 at Singleton, Murrurundi, Scone, Aberdeen & Muswellbrook; 9th February 2016 at Dungog, Maitland & Newcastle All completed entries to be received by 2nd March 2016. Rules for the competition will be provided upon purchase of the Imagination Boxes 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) 2 - Up Country Entertainer - Thursday 28th January, 2016 www.facebook.com/entertainerpublication
what s on Date a book Muswellbrook and Denman Libraries want you to set up a blind date with a book as part of their February activity schedule. The library will also be running Zinio workshops. Zinio is an app that allows to read magazines and newspapers on your tablet or similar device. Storytime also starts up again at the library in February. To get information about these activities and plenty more on offer log on to www.uhrl.nsw.gov.au Arts Upper Hunter What s on? The everyday items we might pick up at the supermarket have been given the artistic treatment and will be on show for all to see at Murrurundi s Michael Reid Galley from the start of February. Artist Vivienne Nelson created the Nature Morte collection to explore her interest in re-arranging elements of the natural world to create negative spaces and patterns. Art lovers are also in for a treat at Dungog from February 2. The local Arts Society will be showing a collection of small paintings at small prices. It s a great chance to invest in art. The show is on display at the Dowling Street Dungog location until the end of the month. Meanwhile Canada s wildlife and flowers will on show at Gloucester Show when Jean Buettel s Heartbeats from Canada exhibition opens on February 5 at Gloucester Gallery. To find out more about these exhibitions and other local arts events log on to www.artsupperhunter.com BIG BLUE: [pictured above] - Sponsored by the Upper Hunter Shire Council - this amazing piece of sculpture by artist, Nick Adams will be displayed in a shopfront window, Kelly Street, Scone from April until end of May 2016. Big Blue coming to Scone A horse of a different colour will be on show in Scone at this year s Scone & Upper Hunter Horse Festival. Artist Nick Adams has agreed to allow his big blue horse sculpture to be displayed in a shopfront window. Mr Adams constructed the two part larger-than-life draft horse and covered it in blue hay string. Called Big Blue, the artwork is sure to turn heads when it comes to town. Mr Adams says he drew inspiration from his love of the outback, biodiversity and public art when creating Big Blue. Scone Motor Inn Conference Centre Affordable 4 star Accommodation King Suites, Spa Suites and Two-Bedroom Apartments Corporate Rates and FREE Wi-Fi Internet Conference and Meeting Facilities Licenced Bar and meals Monday to Fridays Breakfasts 7 days including Room Service Cnr New England Hwy & Mount St 02 6545 3079 www.sconemotorinn.com.au www.huntervalleyprinting.com.au/pages/entertainer.php Thursday 28th January, 2016 - Up Country Entertainer - 3
food & wine Singleton proves a popular holiday destination Domestic tourism is booming in Singleton with an increased number of locals dropping in to the Singleton Visitor Information and Enterprise Centre. It follows the launch of the Hunter Valley Come Play summer campaign in December to promote all the region has to offer. Singleton Council has reported increased visitation from local residents enquiring about events, attractions and purchasing local giftware. Lake St Clair, national parks and camping locations are the top enquiries from visitors to the area with vineyard and restaurant enquiries for establishments in Broke and Hermitage Rd also proving popular. With family-friendly activities the focus of the Come Play campaign, it s no surprise that there has been plenty of interest in the Singleton Historical Museum, Australian Army Infantry Museum and Rose Point Park. Singleton Council Acting General Manager Gary Thomson says that news about the newly revitalised town centre is also attracting visitors. Our tourism staff have received lots of positive feedback about the new CBD with many visitors requesting directions to the new space that they have heard about in the media and via verbal referrals, he says. For people who may have visited the town centre in the past, it s obviously a huge change, and its popularity is being reflected in our enquiries. The centre recorded 2,745 visitor enquiries in December leading into the festive season. The Singleton Visitor Information and Enterprise Centre answered almost 31,000 tourism enquiries about the area in 2015, many hailing from overseas. It s great to see that our region is so well known internationally and we expect this will only increase with the formation of the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Alliance last year. If you need assistance planning your next visit to the Hunter Valley, contact the staff at the Singleton Visitor Information and Enterprise Centre on 02 6571 5888 or email sviec@singleton.nsw.gov.au Image courtesy of Singleton Council Have your say on proposed Broke Road closure Singleton Shire Council is looking into the possibility of closing Broke Road once a new road under construction is completed. The new works will effectively be a realignment of Broke Road. Residents have already been informed of the plan, but the road is used by many business and recreational vehicles. The changes may add additional travel times, so council is seeking feedback on the plan. All interested persons are invited to make submissions concerning the proposal to the General Manager, Singleton Council, PO Box 314, Singleton NSW 2330 or email ssc@singleton.nsw.gov.au by 12 February 2016. 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 - Up Country Entertainer - Thursday 28th January, 2016 www.facebook.com/entertainerpublication
food & wine Paddock to Pantry Royal Hotel - Motel, Scone To Merriwa Haydon Hall Two Rivers Vineyard The Denman Hunter Belle Cheese To Singleton Hollydene Estate Wines 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 Last chance to get bypass / overpass plans right Upper Hunter Shire Council has warned that time is running out to make needed changes to Roads and Maritime Service (RMS) plans for the Scone bypass and overpass. Mayor Wayne Bedggood said Council s priorities had always been achieving unrestricted access for emergency vehicles, safely getting heavy vehicles in and out of the central business district, and reducing the number of heavy vehicles in the CBD. The bypass must have full connectivity, with left and right turning options at both the northern and southern ends of the bypass, Cr Bedggood said The rail overpass must not destroy Elizabeth Park and should have minimal impact on residents. That is why Council has long supported a modified version of the current Option B which includes changes to reduce the impacts on the park and surrounds. Council is encouraging residents to attend the next Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) drop-in information sessions in a fortnight. Council and the Scone Chamber of Commerce are hosting a briefing for Scone business owners on the bypass/overpass design and Council s revitalisation plans for the town centre at 6pm on Thursday 28 January 2016 at the Council Chambers, 135 Liverpool Street, Scone. Image: Upper Hunter Shire Council s Director of Infrastructure Services Alan Fletcher said Council has serious concerns with the latest RMS Scone bypass and overpass design. 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 Look us up! A true country experience Muswellbrook Denman Sandy Hollow Muswellbrook Visitor Information Centre 126 Bridge Street (library), Muswellbrook Ph: 02 6549 3891 www.upperhuntercountry.com.au Denman Visitor Information Centre 7 Ogilvie Street, Denman Ph: 02 6547 2799 www.visitdenman.com.au www.huntervalleyprinting.com.au/pages/entertainer.php Thursday 28th January, 2016 - Up Country Entertainer - 5
leisure & lifestyle New counselling service available for young people in Singleton Murrurundi zoned to grow Upper Hunter Shire Council has rezoned parts of Murrurundi, making it easier for small businesses to open along Mayne Street, north of the central business district. Mayor Wayne Bedggood said it was a great result after 20 months of consultation, public meetings, reports and planning to gain the required legislative amendment. Council has listened to residents concerns about the 2013 Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and found a better fit for Murrurundi, which the NSW Government has agreed to, Cr Bedggood said. The town already has a number of businesses and small shops along that stretch of the highway, and the rezoning should encourage a diverse mix of land uses to support Murrurundi s village character and appeal. Image: Upper Hunter Shire Council staff, councillors and residents took a walking tour of Murrurundi last year, as part of the planning to rezone Mayne Street to be more business friendly. Singleton Council has partnered with Evolve Psychology Service to address a gap in mental health services for young people identified during development of the Singleton Youth Strategy. Evolve Psychology Service specialises in providing psychological therapy to people aged 11-24 years, who are presenting with mental health and/ or general counselling issues, such as: depression, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, anxiety, panic attacks, bullying, stress, grief and loss, trauma, sleep, substance use, behavioural management and adjustment problems. Moira Sylvia is the principal psychologist of Evolve Psychology Service and she is an AHPRA registered psychologist and Medicare health provider. Moira conducts both assessment and therapy sessions, and she is an effective practitioner in the application of evidence-based therapies. This service is free, however, it may mean visiting a doctor for a Mental Health Care Plan (a Medicare rebate scheme). Sessions are conducted at Singleton Youth Venue, corner of Pitt and Bathurst Streets, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and are 50 minutes long. To book an assessment session or for more information contact Moira on 0404 377 233 or email contact@evolvepsychologyservice.com Driving the Hunter! Saunders Honda Ph: 6545 9822 Saunders Mazda Ph: 6545 1982 MD053886 MVRL50864 6 - Up Country Entertainer - Thursday 28th January, 2016 www.facebook.com/entertainerpublication
leisure & lifestyle Thoroughbred snippets A stallion that visited the Upper Hunter s Darley Stud has achieved an historic double in world breeding. Two of Medaglia d Oro s progeny have been named champion juveniles in each hemisphere in one year. Medaglia d Oro hails from the US. His filly songbird was crowned America s Eclipse champion juvenile filly of 2015 recently. The stallion s other progeny Vancouver was Australia s standout 2-year-old of 2014-15, a year he also won all four starts, appearances in Sydney in the Breeders Plate, Canonbury Stakes, the Todman and Golden Slipper. Meanwhile Scone s Arrowfield stud is celebrating after it supplied two of the winners on the five race card on Saturday January 16 at King Island. Three year old filly Wall St Vixen and four year old gelding Mr America did the Upper Hunter proud on the Bass Strait Island famed for its cheese. Racing on the island first began in 1892 when the winner s cheque was paid in Wallaby skins. EXCEPTIONAL: The stallion Medaglia d Oro has achieved world history in breeding. Beef up on threats Hunter cattle producers are invited to a free field day which will look at the threats of selenium deficiency, theileria and pestivirus and the best way to deal with them. The event is happening at Wallarobba on Friday January 29. Hunter Local Land Services district veterinarian Digby Rayward will be on hand to give an update and answer any questions producers might have. Dr Rayward says there has been a spike in theileria disease recently. To register for the field day contact Kyra on 4939 8967. MUSWELLBROOK CINEMA MOVIE REVIEW DIRTY GRANDPA Jason Kelly [Zac Efron] is one week away from marrying his boss s uber-controlling daughter, putting him on the fast track for a partnership at the law firm. However, when the straight-laced Jason is tricked into driving his foul-mouthed grandfather, Dick [Robert De Niro], to Daytona for spring break, his pending nuptials are suddenly in jeopardy. Between riotous frat parties, bar fights, and an epic night of karaoke, Dick is on a quest to live his life to the fullest and bring Jason along for the ride. Ultimately, on the wildest journey of their lives, dirty Grandpa and his uptight grandson discover they can learn from one another and form the bond they never had. For screening times check www.muswellbrookcinema.com.au 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 THE WAYFARER MOTEL New England Highway, Muswellbrook On-call late check-in until 10pm Room service available for breakfasts Undercover guest barbecue and rest area Backing onto golf course Clean, comfortable and affordable 25 air-conditioned rooms Free WIFI and pool 6541 1744 0497 107 459 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 www.huntervalleyprinting.com.au/pages/entertainer.php Thursday 28th January, 2016 - Up Country Entertainer - 7
entertainment scene www.facebook.com/entertainerpublication WIN! a double pass to Majestic Cinemas. See page 2 for details Australia Day awards BIG WINNER: Troy Cassar-Daley (performing with Paul Kelly) was the winner of five Golden Guitar Awards at Tamworth last weekend. Photo courtesy of ABC News. Troy big winner at Tamworth Indigenous artist Troy Cassar-Daley scooped the pool at the 2016 Golden Guitar Awards in Tamworth on January 23. Mr Cassar-Daley won a total of fi ve golden guitars including Best Male Artist and Album of the Year. The Queenslander now holds a total of 32 Golden Guitars, edging closer to Slim Dusty s record of 37. Lee Kernaghan also did well at the awards taking home three Golden Guitars including top selling Australian Album of the Year for Spirit of the Anzacs. Newcastle s Catherine Britt was named Female Artist of the Year while Christie Lamb took out New Talent of the Year. Upper Hunter Australia Day awards Continued from page 2 Aberdeen: Citizen of the Year - Elizabeth Birch; Sportstar of the Year - Lorena Croft; Young Sportstar of the Year - Kelsey French; Community Group of the Year - Aberdeen Care Package Cadets Scone: Citizen of the Year - Margaret Cooper; Young Citizen of the Year - Sophie Dawson; Sportstar of the Year - Kirsten Smith; Young Sportstar of the Year - Chloe Hollingsworth; Community Group of the Year - Scone Neighbourhood Resource Centre; Special Award: Excellence in Community Service in the fi eld of Medicine - Dr William John Paradice Merriwa: Citizen of the Year - Michael Nutt; Young Citizen of the Year - Elizabeth Hagley; Achiever of the Year - Barbara Wightman; Community Group of the Year - Cassilis Primary School; Environmental Achievement - Richard Wilkinson Murrurundi: Citizen of the Year - Debbie Eather; Sportstar of the Year - Talia Bruce; Young Sportstar of the Year - Lachlan Bryce; Community Group of the Year - Murrurundi Rotary. Muswellbrook Shire held its civic ceremony at Denman Indoor Sports Stadium. Muswellbrook Fire Station Commander Chris Kane was named the shire s Citizen of the Year while school student Caleb Jones took out the Young Citizen of the Year award. Ryan Langford [pictured above] was also pleased to win the Outstanding Contribution to Culture Youth Award while Jordan Wallace took out the adult version of that prize. Things got slimy in Singleton where a reptile show formed part of the community celebrations. Congratulations to Kaye Stacy and Kimberley Pearce who were named that shire s Citizen of the Year and Young Achiever. 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 - Up Country Entertainer - Thursday 28th January, 2016 www.facebook.com/entertainerpublication