Two of Australia’s most loved and popular country music stars, Adam Harvey and Troy Cassar-Daley are combining forces for a not to be missed show in Taree this month.
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Troy Cassar-Daley headlines the 4th Blue Water Country Music Festival in Port Stephens, June 5 – 8, bringing country to the coast. The Festival will be held over the June long weekend in picturesque Port Stephens, one of Australia’s great holiday destinations – just one hour north of Newcastle and two hours north of Sydney on the NSW Coast.

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November is the month of the horse race that stops a nation, and this November we also saw the production that stopped a valley.

I was thrilled to see Taree Arts Council’s production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats, and I am pleased to say that I do not know too many people who missed it. I experienced great pride that I knew some of these talented performers, who seemed to be enjoying every moment of their performance in their beautiful outfits, bringing those magical felines to life.

It was absolutely amazing, and I was entertained and fascinated throughout the whole evening. Congratulations to Gayle Cameron, who does a wonderful job with everything she puts her hand to, and to all the wonderful performers and crew.

Melbourne Cup Day was celebrated in its usual fashion, with hats, new outfits and fascinators (I even purchased my first ever feathered headpiece). Tellers Restaurant at Wingham held a luncheon, where we dined on a wonderful smorgasbord of fresh seafood, spatchcock, great salads and lovely home made breads. There were prizes for the best dressed couple and the best hat, with that prize going deservedly to Avril, the chef. The sparkling flowed well into the afternoon, and a great day was had by all.

The NAB Manning Valley Business awards were held this month, with great support from local businesses. This was the first time the awards have been held, and the committee was pleased with the result. Around 150 people attended the awards presentation at the Winning Post Function Centre. Guests were entertained by local musician Kate Delaney and magician Jay Scott Berry, and it was a great chance to network with local business people.

Chief judge Paul McIntyre said the standard of entries were outstanding, which gave his panel some difficult decisions. There were 20 trophies awarded and the winners were:

BUSINESS OF YEAR – Prosharp Taree; RETAIL Large – Terry White Chemists; Medium – Old Bar Cellars; Small – Harrington Butchery – winner – Visio Corp Belinda; Centrepoint Butchery – Outstanding Achievement.

RESTAURANT and CATERING – Bent On Food Wingham – Winner; The Waterbird Restaurant Manning Point – Outstanding Achievement; Martines Old Bar – Outstanding Achievement.

SERVICES – Large – Newcastle Permanent Building Society Taree – Winner; Medium – Prosharp Taree; Small – Steve Wills Mechanical Repairs Wingham; Midcoast Documents Services Taree – Outstanding Achievement.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES – Medium – Nash and Roohan Wingham; Small – Valley Vets Wingham; Wingham Eyecare – Outstanding Achievement.

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD – The Waterbird Restaurant Manning Point; MidCoast Document Services Taree – Outstanding Achievement; Valley Industries Taree – Outstanding Achievement.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE – Curves Taree; Neumanns Service Station Wingham.

Taree TAFE held a very successful inaugural deadly day festival on Thursday 30th November. One of three festivals held at North Coast TAFE campuses during that week, the day was designed to give young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders more education and employment opportunities, and to promote a healthy lifestyle. One of the highlights was a performance by Melbourne dance company, The Indigenous Hip Hop Project, who were so good, they even had Mayor Paul Hogan and Federal Member Rob Oakeshott doing some moves on the stage. Troy Cassar-Daley played a few tunes, while TAFE students from Taree and Tuncurry worked together to prepare and cook bush tucker under the guidance of TAFE teachers, Eleisha Jones and Ken Oldfield

The day was well attended and students took part in many activities, including traditional dance, health and culture activities and information booths.

Melissa Webber married Ben Welsh at Taree Anglican Church last month and held a lovely reception at the Winning Post Function Centre. Mel looked pretty in pink with a beautiful gown from local bridal shop, Isabella Bridal. Flowers were beautiful pale pink roses from Manning Florist and a wonderful cup cake wedding tower was made by C and S Cake Designs. Congratulations to Mel and Ben for a happy and healthy future.

A ‘Good Beginnings’ cocktail party was held at Bent on Food on Tuesday 25th November to update guests on what has been happening with this wonderful charity in our area. Good Beginnings is a charity that helps children get off to a good start in life through a range of innovative programs designed to strengthen their families and communities. Funds have been raised by the sale of ‘Cooking and Looking in the Manning Valley’, a wonderful book compiled and beautifully illustrated by Rosemary Sinclair. The function was attended by 32 people, who heard from Rosemary, and Good Beginnings co-ordinator Sue Russell, along with Family co-ordinator Grant Patterson and Early Childhood worker Dianne mead all about the wonderful services they are providing in the Manning Valley. Congratulations to all involved for the wonderful work they are doing for families in our region.

Audiences were thrilled with a performance by the wonderful Kantabile choir at the Manning Valley Regional Art Gallery on Friday 21st November. Pam Archer and Don Secombe did an amazing duet, and several pop classics were enjoyed by all who attended. Vivaldi’s Gloria was a highlight and the ambience of the gallery made it an excellent venue. Congratulations Cate and Kantabile for another great performance.

That’s me for this month. Wishing Focus readers a safe and happy festive season, sharing great food and wine with families and friends.

Cheers, Donna