How long have you lived in this region?

Nearly 26 years; all my life.

The premature birth of your daughter necessitated  your transfer from Armidale Hospital to John Hunter in Newcastle. How did you find that experience?

There really are no words for it! It was the most terrifying night of my life, except for the night I gave birth! I was in utter shock; I didn’t have any idea this was going to happen, that anything was even wrong, and I honestly thought I was going to lose my daughter.

How early did your baby Jasmine come?

Fourteen weeks.

We hear John Hunter’s neonatal ward is fantastic?

It is. We call the neonatal intensive care unit NICU for short! The nurses and the doctors are worth their weight in gold! They do a fantastic job around the clock tirelessly to save these tiny babies. NICU is a whole different world – really daunting. You see some real miracles like my daughter, but you also see tragedies all around you! It’s extremely hard being a NICU mum; you never forget it!

How did you feel when you saw your baby daughter for the first time?

Overwhelmed. It was love at first sight, but it broke my heart too at the same time! She only weighed 840 g and was 27 cm long. I was faced with the proposition that my daughter could either live or die. I couldn’t hold her; I had to touch her through a humidicrib and wasn’t even able to comfort her when she cried. I felt so helpless, and there was a real sense of grief around the whole situation.

Tell us about your move to Ronald McDonald House?

Yeah, I got transferred from the hospital to Ronald McDonald house 9 days after Jasmine was born. They are fantastic down there; it was my home away from home until Jasmine was well enough to get transferred back to Armidale hospital! It was really good to meet others either in the same or similar circumstances who understood my pain.

We all walk each other’s journeys every day. The staff and volunteers are the most gorgeous people and are always available for a chat.

The fact that Ronald McDonald house is on the hospital grounds and that I could walk back and forth whenever I pleased was priceless. They even have different organisations come in once or twice a week to cook dinner for the house.

When were you transferred back to Armidale Hospital, and how does it feel to be home?

We were flown back to Armidale Hospital exactly 8 weeks to the day that I was flown to John Hunter! I just can’t believe I’m back in Armidale. I’ve never been so glad to see the walls of the Armidale Hospital as I was that day! It’s one step closer to being finally able to take my daughter home!

Where is Jasmine at medically today?

She is 8 and a half weeks old at the moment and only 35 weeks gestation; she is doing really well! She is 1.99 kg but is gaining weight all the time, taking to breastfeeding quickly and no longer in a humidicrib; plus, she has oxygen nasal cannulas, as she just needs that little bit extra to help her breathe on her own.

We’re still at Armidale Hospital for an unknown amount of time, as she needs to get bigger, be breastfeeding, instead of tube fed and hopefully weaned off her oxygen!

We have to go back to John Hunter Hospital every 3 to 4 months for two or three years to see the growth and development specialists, as she was so premature. We will be able to stay at Ronald McDonald house when we go down there though.

How has this special experience changed you?

Nothing can describe what I have been through since the 31st of January! I love motherhood and my little girl means the world to me, but it was the most traumatising thing I’ve ever been through at the same time. The only thing I could do really was love her and express milk for her to be fed through a tube. I absolutely hated seeing her having cannulas put in her arm and getting jabbed with needles all the time.

She had tubes coming out of her everywhere, and she was hooked up to all these monitors just so she could survive. The worst part of all, however, was that she was in a humidicrib 24/7, and I couldn’t pick her up whenever I felt like it and some days not even touch her. I just had to watch her lying there with plastic between us! I was very lucky to have a mother who had experienced very similar circumstances with me as a baby, so could completely understand what I was going through; it has brought us a lot closer! It’s brought my whole family closer together.

I’ll always cherish the fact that Jasmine’s alive and that she’s healthy. I savour every moment of it and will never take that for granted! Being a NICU mum has definitely changed my perspective on life and everything in it; I’ll always be grateful for what I do have in my life, regardless of how small, because some people don’t receive the gifts I’ve got!

I could not have coped through this experience had it not been for my family and friends who would come visit and call constantly! The other residents of NICU and Ronald McDonald house have been essential in maintaining my sanity! I’m just in awe of the medical profession that they have the capability to save these little people. I mean, I witnessed such things as babies under a kilo having heart surgery and 23 week old babies surviving! Having been through it, I know I can get through anything!

The midwives and nurses in the maternity at Armidale are just angels as well. Even though she is still monitored, it’s a lot more relaxed, and I feel really comfortable here.The philosophy is more about getting to know my baby while she gets ready to come home. I’ve really been able to bond with and have some quality time with my daughter for the first time since she was born.

Thanks Jess.

This story was published in issue 60 of New England Focus

How old is Milly and what are her disabilities?

Milly is 9 years old and in Year 4 at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Armidale. In 2007, while in preschool, she was diagnosed with Auditory Processing Disorder and moderate to severe intellectual delay. This basically means she finds everyday tasks such as communicating with others, reading and writing difficult. We have found no known cause for her disability and no effective treatment.

When did Milly first become interested in horse riding?

Milly first became interested in riding in 2010 after a friend sent us a flyer for the Riding for the Disabled (RDA), thinking we may be interested. After Milly’s first visit, she fell in love with horses and riding. She has attended the RDA every third Sunday of the month ever since.

In 2011, we went a step further and bought Beau, an 18 year old pony. Milly adores Beau, and he adores her back! The connection she has with him is beautiful.

Describe the special relationship you and Milly share with horses?

I was fortunate to learn to ride at a very young age growing up in Central Western NSW. However, my family moved to Sydney when I was in primary school, and my riding stopped. It wasn’t until we moved to Armidale in 2008 and became involved with the RDA that my love for horses re-emerged.

Before we became involved with the RDA, Milly’s and my time together was largely spent visiting doctors, doing treatment therapies and following a strict diet, all of which put a strain on our relationship. Now riding provides an enjoyment we share together. For the first year after getting Beau, I would take Milly out on long trail rides, with me running beside her! This kept me fit; however, late last year I was able to purchase my own horse, and now we are able to ride alongside each other.           Describe a typical visit for Milly at Riding for the Disabled.

RDA New England meet at 10am every third Sunday of the month at the Kennedy St Equestrian Centre. The coaches go through every process relating to looking after a horse and learning to ride. Once the horse is saddled up, Milly is taught how to ride through co-ordination and balance.

For Milly, directions as simple as turning left and right, halting and collecting the ‘yellow’ flag are all techniques that help her concentrate, learn and improve her motor skills.

Fondest memories of Milly on a horse?

We have many memories of Milly on the horses, but two of the fondest that come to mind are the first day she mounted ‘Dusty’, the RDA horse, and the happiness and sense of achievement on her face was lovely. The second is every weekend when she gets on her pony Beau, gives him a hug and rides around the paddock singing with joy.

Are you a volunteer? 

Yes, this year I have been elected Secretary of RDA New England. The whole centre is run by volunteers, including our qualified coaches and riding assistants.

Is the Riding For Disabled Association only operational in our region?

No, the RDA (NSW) is a volunteer organisation whose primary objective is to provide most people with a disability the opportunity to ride and enjoy all the activities connected with horse riding, with approximately 40 centres all over NSW. To quote an Athens Paralympian: “Alone I stagger – together we glide”.

How many local members do you have, and how can our readers become involved?

RDA New England is a relatively young centre, with currently 3 full-time riders and ten volunteers. We always welcome new riders and of course, more volunteers to assist our riders. We would also love any donations, either monetary, food or equipment for our horses. It is very easy to donate a few hours a month to a fantastic organisation, where you are surrounded by passionate people who assist the development of others.

For more information on RDA (NSW), visit their website at www.rdansw.org.au or email us at newengland@rdansw.org.au

Thanks Ariane.

This story was published in issue 60 of New England Focus

Directed by George Torbay with musical direction by Bruce Menzies, The Hatpin is based on the true story of Amber Murray, a young single-mother living in Sydney in 1892, who advertised for someone to care for her baby to save his life and became embroiled in one of Australia’s most notorious criminal trials. At a time when the rights and welfare of women were largely non- existent and the right to vote still some ten years away, The Hatpin is dramatic musical theatre that revolves almost entirely around women. Poverty, vulnerability, fear, anger and ultimately compassion, friendship and justice are just some of the complex emotions and themes portrayed in The Hatpin, with bonds of motherhood and sisterhood underlying the story.

The depth of talent in the Armidale community is again on show in this production. The downtrodden but courageous Amber Murray is played by Caroline King, in her second major role for the ADMS. Having completed her HSC at PLC in 2011, Caroline is undertaking a gap year and working as a medical receptionist to build towards her future study in voice and musical theatre.

“Amber’s strength and perseverance to bring to light the injustice of her situation I found compelling and intriguing,” said Caroline.

In her first major character performance with the ADMS, fans of local bands The BobCatz and Al Heeney R&B Band would be familiar with the vocals of Carol Elder, who establishes the character of the free spirited Harriet Piper.

Harriet befriends and supports Amber in the impending court case, but this relationship also underlies the emotional needs of Harriet herself. “Harriet is pretty tough on the outside, but soft on the inside. A lot of us have to be a bit like that at one time or another,” said Carol.

Amber’s plight was shared by others, and the roles of three such mothers are played by Mollie Galvin, Jodie Perry and Anita Brown.

Mollie is in Year 11 at NEGS and recently performed at Opera in the Paddock. Mollie said she feels “for the sense of protection and desire to give a child the best you can” that her character Rebecca uses as the rationale for her actions.

A newcomer to Armidale and with young children of her own, Jodie Perry also feels for the anguish and guilt experienced by so many single mothers in those times unable to care for their infants. The Hatpin is the first musical role for Anita Brown, an accomplished stage actor who plays Marianne Leonard and said: “My character’s recollection of her child’s birth and the stigma of being an unmarried mother still moves me to tears.”

The Hatpin also introduces ADMS newcomers, Emily Stocker and Emily Roberts, playing respectively Agatha Makin and her daughter Clara.

“Agatha is truly evil – a deeply manipulative woman who views others only in terms of what she can extract for her own benefit,” said Emily, who added, “I would like all audience members to know that I am actually really quite lovely!”

For Emily Roberts, who also completed her HSC last year, this is by far her most challenging role. She said: “Trying to understand the emotions and then the amazing moment of revelation in the final court scene is just one of my many favourite moments in this incredible show.”

Don’t miss these amazing women in The Hatpin. This acclaimed musical drama will leave you breathless.

Opens 11 May to 26 May at the Michael Hoskins Centre, TAS.

Tickets at Dymocks (Ph 6771 4558) or online from www.trybooking.com/ZVX

Story – Warren Bartik.            Photography – Terry Cooke.

This story was published in issue 60 of New England Focus

How long have you lived in Armidale?

In December 2000, I moved to Armidale with my husband, Matt, as he gained a promotion within the NSW Police Force. It was a good change from the Sydney way of life. We love Armidale and intend to stay here for a long time.

Tell us about your family?

Well as previously mentioned, my husband Matt continues to work in the Police Force. We have two beautiful children, Jacob (9 years old) and Sara (7 years old). They both attend Martin’s Gully Public School. I grew up on a farm at Valla, near Nambucca Heads. My pop, who is now 94 years young, still runs cattle on the property. He still drives the tractor and occasionally saddles up on his horse to attend to his farming chores. He is truly an amazing man.

Why have you decided to join the New England FOCUS team?

Honestly, I have mixed emotions about starting with FOCUS. Although I am very excited to be joining their team, at the same time, I am sad to leave my good mates at Uphill and Schaefer Real estate.

I got to know the FOCUS team while working at Uphill & Schaefer, because we often placed real estate adverts in the publication.

While dealing with Tracy from FOCUS, I discovered that her motto is ‘we love where we live’, and that FOCUS’ sole motive is to showcase the great people who live and work throughout the New England region.

I am passionate about this area too. I love to get involved in community events, and I can’t wait to start sourcing great community stories.

I have worked in advertising sales for a newspaper before, but FOCUS is different, because they welcome stories from just about anyone.

I used to watch people walk into the newspaper office with great community stories, and often they would be knocked back.

I’ll be selling advertising for the magazine of course, but I am pleased to know that the editor, Sue, has also employed me to keep my ears and eyes open for interesting interviews.

I’ve been at FOCUS for a week now, and already my excitement is growing.

What is your involvement with Rotary, and why did you win the Paul Harris Award?

The stated purpose of Rotary is to bring together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace in the world.

I joined Armidale Central Rotary about three years ago, as I was aware of all the good work they did for others. I had a particular interest in the humanitarian service side, due to my work for the School of St Jude in Tanzania. This year, I was presented with the Paul Harris Fellow award, which is an award that is given to a person in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given to the furtherance and better understanding and friendly relations among people of the world. This was in recognition for the fundraising activities in relation to the School of St Jude. I felt humble at the time accepting the award, as I did not expect any recognition for the work I was doing.

What is your connection to the School of St Jude? 

About six years ago, I went and saw Gemma Sisia give a talk on the School at the New England Girls’ School. I was inspired on what she had done and wanted to help in my own small way. I then had a friend approach me asking if I would like to go to Africa to climb Mt Kilimanjaro. After a bit of time and thinking as to what I was getting myself into, I thought I would go – particularly as it was right next to the School of St Jude. So that’s when MUMS ON A MISSION was formed, with our main focus being to raise awareness of the school and to assist in raising some well needed funds.

Six mothers then banded together and got cracking on the cause. In the end, we raised funds, trained hard, successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and raised awareness for the school, not only locally, but overseas while on our travels. We are very happy that the Armidale community has gotten right behind this cause. Since the formation of MUMS ON A MISSION, not only have we greatly financially assisted the school, but we have provided many needy items such as blankets, medical supplies and items taken for granted, such as soccer boots.

We hear you love horses?

I grew up around horses. Our kids began riding at the family farm at Valla. A very generous friend here in Armidale has allowed us the use of two of his horses and his property to ride. We now have four horses on his property, which my kids and other children benefit  from by receiving proper training and instruction from Diane Bourke.

Diane is wonderful, and she gives her time freely to help us all improve our riding skills. Meeting local people like Diane is the exact reason that we love where we live. It has been great fun setting up our own little riding school. We are looking to get further involved in local Pony Clubs soon. I’d love to get Matt involved, so if anyone out there has a spare draft horse … (giggle).

Final word …

I already have plenty of clients I can’t wait  to visit. I’m looking forward to helping them promote their business in what I believe is the best publication in town.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Gail and the team at Uphill & Schaefer Real Estate for giving me 6 great years with their company.

Thanks Lynda.

This story was published in issue 60 of New England Focus

First of all Dimity, what exactly is Transition?

Transition is a program we offer at St John’s for students who are four years old. The program is designed to allow the natural progression of informal learning to the more structured learning environment that formal education requires.

Children are provided with opportunities to use their limitless imaginations as well as developing skills required for the big step into ‘big school’.

A qualified early childhood teacher will guide the children through a personalised program that provides each student with the necessary pre literacy and numeracy skills, which will give them the foundations for successful learning in Kindergarten and the primary years. This also allows the opportunity for students to develop learning patterns sooner than those who have not attended programs such as the Transition program offered at St John’s Co-Educational School.

So how does Transition differ from preschool or early childhood day care?

The St John’s Transition classroom is located in the renovated St John’s Hostel building, designed by noted architect, Horbury Hunt, for St John’s Theological College. It is part of St John’s Co-educational Junior School, which is located on the one site within the greater campus of New England Girls’ School.

For children to learn, it is a known fact that they need to feel secure and comfortable in their learning environment.  We succeed in achieving this goal as the children in Transition are able to utilise the resources of the whole NEGS campus, including the library, a sensory gym, spacious playgrounds, an indoor gymnasium and many other areas within our grounds.

The children are also given a head start on learning as they are introduced to pre-numeracy and pre-literacy concepts not only through hands-on experiences, such as having the opportunity of using interactive whiteboards, but also being in a classroom that is rich in text. Play is a valuable part of our progam, as it provides the children with numerous learning opportunities.

We believe that our program offers the children formal learning advantages, without losing the wonder and magic that is part of early childhood.

How often has Transition been offered, and what are the planned changes?

From the commencement of Term 2, St John’s is offering a five day a week to cater for the needs of students. Current parents and the wider Armidale community will have the option to participate in either the three day program or take advantage of enrolling their child into the five day program for no extra cost.

The expansion of the program allows the Transition students to become exposed to all areas of formal education at St John’s Junior School, as well as becoming a more permanent part of our wonderful school.

It will allow the students to participate in fortnightly assemblies, providing them with the opportunity to gain confidence in performing in public. The children will also have the opportunity to partake in the school’s sporting activities, such as this term’s athletics carnival.

What sort of activities do children do?

The Transition teacher, Mrs Catherine McCann, has the students welcome each new day with songs to say good morning and a day of the week song. They share in discussions and tell news, and they are provided with multi-sensory, pre-literacy and numeracy experiences.

The students are exposed to ‘hands on’ learning, including science experiments, where they are encouraged to predict the outcome of the trial, observe change and discuss the cause and effect of the experiment. Their interests are valued and form part of weekly plans, and therefore it is vital for the classroom teacher to have a flexible approach to learning.

They have opportunities to develop buddies with some of the older children and are able to enhance their learning through shared supported games.

The students are provided with physical education lessons and music lessons with specialist teachers, and they attend swimming lessons at the Rosemarie Glover Swim School.

They also have the opportunity to attend Chapel, which is held in the school’s own Chapel of St Michael and All Angels.

Special guests are also organised to visit the students, such as Helen Evans, who visits fortnightly for story-telling.

St John’s performed very well in the most recent NAPLAN results, didn’t it?

It most certainly did. St John’s was ranked 11th in the state for reading at Year 5 level and made it into the top 100 schools for Writing (20th), Grammar (23rd) and Spelling (97th). The school received an overall ranking of 145th in the state, which we believe is almost 30 places ahead of the next primary school in the region.

What do you put that down to?

St John’s is a unique school, as the staff, parents and students are like a family. The school community all works together to make the learning environment a safe and enjoyable place to learn. As a result, the students are prepared to challenge themselves by taking risks, hence developing the passion to learn.

The staff all work together to provide a high standard of education and are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for the students.

Each year the teachers review the NAPLAN results and discuss how they can improve their own teaching in effort to provide an even more beneficial education for all students.

Thank you Dimity.

This story was published in issue 60 of New England Focus

Where did you grow up, and how do you know our Chamber’s CEO, Liz Egan?

I was born in Brisbane, and met Liz when we were five years old and starting school together in Year One at St Peter’s Lutheran College in Indooroopilly. Liz and I went through 12 years of school together and remain close today – one of those treasured ‘lifelong’ friends.

Why are you a self confessed ‘sports nut’?

Self confessed is because I admit to loving pretty much any sport. Why sport? Well, I grew up competing with my brother at any sport going.

He is two years older than me, and in cricket season I’d have to bowl while he practiced his batting; in winter I’d be goalkeeper to his striker, and so on.

In the athletics season, we would set up hurdles and high jump and so on in the back yard and like most Queensland kids, we spent the whole time outside.

I swam to a pretty decent level in my school days and in high school, netball took over. At uni that moved to basketball – I was a huge fan of Michael Jordan and all things NBA.

In Brisbane, it was pretty much Rugby League and then daylight, but with Dutch parents and a brother who played football, I followed that too. When I moved to SBS television, there was a lot more football, and that has stayed with me ever since. I’m married to a football commentator, so it makes for less fights over the remote control.

Do you remember your first major gig as a television sports presenter?

My very first gig on TV was at SBS doing a program called On the Ball, where I did the news updates. The first major gig was when I was asked to host their flagship sports program, Toyota World Sport – which was a fantastic experience.

Which of your sports presentations would you describe as your personal best?

I think looking back at all the different events I’ve done, I think being part of the hosting team for the 2006 FIFA World Cup is up there. It was such a huge event and Australia was part of it for the first time in more than 30 years, so there was a lot of excitement around it too.

How did you start in public speaking?

I started as part of my work with SBS. After hosting Toyota World Sport, I was asked to be the MC for the Australian Sports Awards, which are broadcast on the Network. I was terribly nervous, but since then, I have realised that it’s a lot of fun, because you can see and interact with your audience – which you can’t, of course, in television.

Since then, there have been many opportunities that have come up – and it provides an income stream, which means I have been able to choose more flexible media work. With three kids at home and one of those sitting his HSC this year, flexibility is very important to me.

Occasionally, such as this event, it has added benefits – with 5 kids between us and working lives, Liz and I don’t get as many chances to catch up as we would like, so there are bonuses too!

Describe some big events where you have been MC?

There have been events which have been big to me, though perhaps they have reflected the industry I’m in at the time.

Hosting the FIFA congress at the Sydney Opera House was a massive event – heaps of security, beautifully choreographed performances and lots of political protocol which was – at the time – a bit of an eye-opener.

At the beginning of this year I hosted the ‘Australian of the Year’ Awards outside Parliament House in Canberra. That was another incredible experience and involved all the preamble, such as the Garden Party at the Governor General’s residence and so on, which was fun.

Sharing the stage with the Prime Minister and Geoffrey Rush at the same time was a bit of a buzz, though I think the PM thought I was following her around, as the next day I was MC for the Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony in Canberra and was welcoming her back to the stage there.

Can you give us some inspiring words for our up and coming business women?

I’d love to think I could be inspiring, but my life is so ordinary. I finish making the school lunches, ship the kids off to school and head to work, where someone else does my makeup and I speak about sport, which is actually more like a hobby!

When I get home, I do two loads of washing, supervise homework, drive kids to football training, pour them into bed and start work on the computer, trying to catch up with the ever increasing ‘to do’ list. Doesn’t look terribly interesting in black and white …

From a female perspective though, I will say that I think, now, more than ever before, the opportunities for women to push the boundaries and shatter the ceiling are ever increasing.

Women are resourceful, persistent and tenacious; we are also the ultimate multi-taskers. My mum used to say to me, and still does: “If you need something done, ask a busy woman”. So true!

I’m also on about my 4th career, so while cliched, the other words that spring to mind are “if at first you don’t succeed, then try and try again”! There’s always a way to make your hopes, dreams and aspirations a reality.

Where to from here?

As I write, I am about to jump on a plane bound for Gallipoli. ABC broadcasts the Dawn Service from Anzac Cove on 25 April, and I’m thrilled to bits that they have asked me to be part of that.

I will return to my ‘day job’ then, which at present is hosting the Shute Shield Rugby Coverage, before heading to London to host the Paralympic Coverage at the end of August.

Our women’s sport will then kick off in October, which will bring me full circle to about this time next year. In between times – I’ll be washing, cooking and packing school lunches … just the usual, I guess!

Thanks Stephanie.

This story was published in issue 60 of New England Focus

What is your teaching history?

I guess teaching is in my blood. My parents were both high school science teachers. I started my 12 years as a primary school teacher in Toowoomba in 1976, then moved to Mornington Island, back to Toowoomba and finally to St Andrew’s School in Adelaide. My time in the classroom helped me to understand the incredible diversity in children and how they learn best when the material they are being presented with is appropriate for their needs.

During the mid ’80s, the personal computer arrived in the classroom. I was immediately transfixed by the educational opportunities it presented and set about using it in the classroom. I soon found that I, in partnership with my wife Barb, were sourcing and supplying educational software to schools across South Australia.

What prompted your move to Armidale?

I’d had the good fortune to spend time in Armidale during my childhood and knew what a wonderful place it was. Barb is a 5th generation Armidalian, so we knew that Armidale had a lot to offer our growing family and would be a good place to base our business.

So I said goodbye to the classroom at the end of 1988, and we moved to Armidale with our three little boys: Ben, Andrew and Chris. Laura came along the following year. We launched New Horizons nationally at the beginning of 1989.

You have another business called EdAlive?

We started EdAlive as our publishing arm in 2003. By 2000, sales of software to schools had begun to decline, but we felt that there was a substantial opportunity to supply curriculum based software to parents for their kids through schools. We adopted a club model, called it the Community Software Plan (CSP) and created our own titles to sell through it. Our first title was Aussie Maths Invaders.

It was an overnight hit! We ended up with a whole range of multi-award-winning titles that have sold 1,000,000 CDs all around the world.

You must have an exceptional team?

The intellectual property we have created is the culmination of many years of exceptional work by many dedicated, talented people. We can’t thank them enough for the contribution they have made. Some have stayed for over 20 years; others have come, made their contribution and moved on. Our products today are an amalgam of their many and varied contributions.

How has the internet revolution changed the way you do business?

We were all still buying vinyl records back in 1995, but by 2000 the CD had taken over. By 2006, sales of CDs had peaked, with the internet gaining popularity year by year. Now in 2012, demand for CDs is weak, with the internet being the source of choice for schools and homes.

Not only has the mode of delivery changed, but the proliferation of free services on the internet has raised people’s expectation of value for money, with many resources being available for free. The internet also allows users to be dynamically connected to their data 24/7. Teachers and kids are no different. They expect continuous, integrated access to learning and the results of that learning.

How have you responded to this change?

We realised some years back that we would have to move online or downsize and fade away. Sensing that the internet would ultimately be a greater friend than foe, we made our existing software available for internet download from www.edalive.com

We then embarked on an ambitious project to convert our key educational IP to a format that could be used as the basis for an online learning system. Our team did exceptional work, and by January 2010 we had a bank of over 17,000 activities covering maths, reading, spelling and word skills for kids aged 5 – 15 in an online format.

Where does ZooWhiz fit in?

Once we had the educational content ready for online delivery, we set about creating a kid-and school-friendly management system through which to deliver it and to give parents, teachers and kids the 24/7 access they have come to expect. www.ZooWhiz.com – our most challenging and comprehensive project to date – is the end result.

It’s packed full of tools for teachers, is fun for kids and gives parents the opportunity to connect with their child’s education. It lets parents, teachers and kids choose educational content that is appropriate for each child’s educational needs.

In this world of free online offerings like Skype and Google, we felt that a freemium model (a mix of free and paid premium subscriptions) would be the best way to market our new creation. By October 2011, we were ready to start testing ZooWhiz with family and friends and in some of the schools around Armidale. The feedback was emphatically positive, and we knew that we had a real winner. Kids and teachers just love it.

Growth was immediate. We were fortunate to have Senator Conroy, Tony Windsor and Richard Torbay in attendance for its official launch at PLC Armidale on 17 Feb. Since then, ZooWhiz has continued to grow and now has over 40,000 free users in more than 30 countries. We’re currently working on the premium offering and hope to be generating revenues by June.

Will the NBN help you?

The NBN will be a real boon to us. The transference of data and remote working is critical to what we do and with the increased speed of the NBN, all this will be so much faster and cost effective. It can’t come soon enough!

What next?

www.ZooWhiz.com has incredible potential. The internet has eliminated national boundaries, and we fully anticipate that ZooWhiz will be used by millions of kids, parents and teachers around the world in the years to come!

ZooWhiz is free for all, easy to use and highly motivational, so if you’re a teacher, parent or grandparent, get started with your kids today and tell others about this great Armidale/Aussie based online learning system!

Thanks Graham.

First of all Heather, what is the Round Square organisation?

Round Square is a global organisation of around 100 schools, including TAS and NEGS, that share a philosophy summed up with the acronym IDEALS – Internationalism, Democracy, Environment, Adventure, Education and Service. The organisation’s founder, Kurt Hahn, who also started Outward Bound and the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, believed in an education regime based on personal responsibility, kindness and justice, particularly through community service and outdoor adventure.

Member schools are involved in service projects in developing countries, such as Thailand, where NEGS and TAS students have been helping build a community centre on Phi Phi Island, where the local sea gypsy community is being dispossessed of their land and livelihoods by neighbouring luxury resorts.

Tell us how TAS and NEGS got the chance to host this year’s Australasian Junior Round Square Conference …

We belong to the Australian and East Asia Region, and each year a member school hosts the regional conferences. One school hosts the senior regional conference for Years 9-11 and another hosts the junior regional conference for Years 6-8. We took responsibility for the junior conference for 2012.

What’s the theme of this year’s conference, and why was that chosen?

Overall, the theme is environmental concern, with a special emphasis on the importance of clean water – the title of the conference is ‘Out of the Blue’. As the program states, water is not only a resource, but a life source as well. We all share the responsibility to ensure a healthy, secure and sustainable water supply for our communities, environment and economy. Our quality of life depends on it. It won’t be long before a barrel of clean water is worth more than a barrel of oil. Yet, we use it extravagantly, with little thought to the economical and ecological costs of this behaviour.

Collaboratively, a team of teachers from TAS and NEGS have developed an exciting and energetic program, but it should be emphasised that digital presentations, videoing activities, leading discussion groups, conducting the opening and closing ceremonies will all be student conducted. Both schools are involved in leadership training for the Year 9-12 leaders.

We understand you have two outstanding speakers as special guests?

We are very pleased to be hosting Sharon Crean and Dr Ian Kiernan. Sharon is the energy behind the not-for-profit organisation Beyond Water, which was established to alleviate poverty through the provision of clean and safe drinking water. Her work is mostly based in Africa, where she sees clean water as merely the beginning of the process, and education, vocational training, sanitation and health as Beyond Water’s ongoing commitment to the cause.

Current BeyondWater fundraising projects are Mwangu Ivuti Primary School, Mutomo District East Kenya; Kobujoi Hospital, Western Kenya; Busabla Nursing Home, Uganda; The School of St Jude, Tanzania; First Fruit Primary School and Village for Hope, Rwanda.

Ian Kiernan is well known for founding Clean Up Australia, which grew into Clean Up the World – a campaign that now involves more than 35 million people from 120 countries every year.

Ian has demonstrated that a simple idea has universal appeal and the health of the environment is of concern to people and communities worldwide. It also shows what can be achieved and that individuals should never be afraid to ‘dream big’. He will be interacting with students as they ‘Clean Up Armidale’ along the Creeklands.

Both these guests are so interested in the program that they are not only guest speakers, but are staying for several days to participate in the activities.

Ian Kiernan has a strong connection to Armidale, doesn’t he?

Ian Kiernan is a TAS Old Boy who values that relationship and regularly participates in TAS events.

How many students do you expect to be attending and where will they come from?

There will be 90 students plus teachers attending. The maximum number from any Round Square school is six, so this indicates the range of schools involved. The students for this conference are from Australian Round Square schools in every state and from India.

What activities will they be involved in, and how are they organised?

The program involves an exploration of water, calculating its related personal energy usage in Third World countries (with activities such as walking to fresh water, carrying, fire-making for boiling etc), making mudbricks, hand-grinding grain, riverbank replanting, Snowgum regeneration, creekland cleanup, gaining an understanding of water treatment for safe usage and bush hiking with observation activities.

Students will be organised into 12 groups called Barazzas. Every Barazza will have students of mixed ages as well as teachers, but are managed by the senior student leaders. These leaders will organise the sessions and activities, such as treeplanting and cleanup.

Socially, the students will get lots of opportunities to get to know each other, will experience a ‘Third World meal’ to better understand disadvantage in society and have fun at a bush dance social.

What do you hope they will get out of it?

Apart from the hands-on activities, the students will have presentations from Sharon Crean, Ian Kiernan and representatives from the organisation ‘Jump’.

The latter is an international organisation based in Beijing, which runs innovative, engaging and motivational programs to foster youth leadership and involvement in community development projects.

The students at this conference will be challenged to make the world a better place in even small ways: one person can make a difference!

Thanks Heather.

When did you first get behind the lens?

I learned how to process black and white film and paper in a high school photography class and was instantly drawn to the magic of watching an image appear on photographic paper in a developing tray under the glow of a red safe lamp.

After high school, I studied photography and fine art, and this brought me a step closer to becoming a professional photographer in the late 1980s and a photojournalist in 1993, when I began working for Rural Press (now Fairfax Media). I spent 19 years working at newspapers, before moving to Vietnam in 2009. Since then, I have been shooting images for various newspapers and magazines, as well as commercial photography for local, national and international clients.

What areas of photography do you enjoy the most?

I have always been drawn to photojournalism, because still images capture and preserve moments in time in ways that moving images cannot. I find the realism of photojournalism captivating, because it captures the beauty of the mundane and everyday, as well as extreme and unusual events that many people never experience. My favourite photographers are Larry Burrows, James Natchway, Philip Jones Griffiths, Horst Faas, Greg Marinovich and Eddie Adams.

Most of them were war photographers and I find their work fascinating, because they document the best and worst of humanity.

Tell us about your up and coming photography exhibition at NERAM?

My exhibition at NERAM will open from March 30 – May 6. It is a selling exhibition called Chup Anh, which translates as “to take a photograph” or “to be photographed”. The exhibition is a part of a broader collection of work that came about from my time living in Vietnam with my family and reflects how much I loved Vietnam and its people. We spent almost two years living in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and travelled around Vietnam and Cambodia.

My wife was working at an international school and while my children were at school during the day, I was able to travel around southern Vietnam on my motorbike documenting everyday life. The traffic is a good metaphor for life in Vietnam, because while it looks chaotic, disorganised and dangerous (and sometimes is), there is a pattern and order that only emerges when you become part of it. I got my motorbike licence, which gave me the ability to slip into the stream of 8 million other riders and the freedom to see life at street level.

Despite being a six-foot, slightly overweight Westerner, I was able to ‘blend in’. A Vietnamese friend, Mr Anh, joked that you could only be a ‘Saigonist’ if you’d lived in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) for 12 months and had passed your motorbike licence test.

Describe your favourite shots?

Most of my work is about people. While I can appreciate the beauty of landscape photography, it’s not really my thing. I love being around and interacting with people from all walks of life and hearing their stories. That forms the basis of my work, which ranges from portraits of a triple amputee, landmine victim who sold books at the War Remnants Museum, to being lucky enough to be the only foreign press photographer covering the New Zealand Prime Minister, John Keys’ visit to Ho Chi Minh City. Some of my favourite images from Vietnam will be in my exhibition, but to pick favourites is like picking your favourite songs – sometimes you love different images depending on the mood or the memories they bring back.

Have you won awards?

I have won several Country Press awards, a Save the Children Fund national competition, a Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) award and a United Nations’ Human Rights Print Media award, which raised awareness of the difficulties faced by people with disabilities.

Are you available to take photos?

I am currently working as a full-time freelance photographer, working with clients that include The Australian, The Daily Telegraph, The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald as well as rural businesses, media, schools and government agencies.

I love the variety that working as a photographer brings and people can contact me by phone on 0408 674 093 or via my website: http://timbarnsley.zenfolio.com/

What is your position, and how long have you been with Smith Sharpe & Abbott? 

I am one of three partners, and I have been with the firm since it commenced in 2002.

Who is organising the Australian Year of the Farmer, and what is its purpose?

The AYOF is an incorporated charitable body which is run by a board of directors, consultants to the board, of which Smith Sharpe & Abbott are one, and an international public relations firm, PPR international. The original idea was conceived by two of my fellow Councillors of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, Mr Geoff Bell and Mr Phil Bruem AM. Over lunch one day, the fellows suggested that it would be a great thing to recognise the amazing work done by our Australian Farmers. I was eager right from that lunch to support the idea one hundred percent. That was two and a half years ago, and since then we have all worked tirelessly to bring that idea into reality.

We recognised the need to educate people, particularly our young people, of some really significant facts and the vital role our farmers play in our future. For instance, in 2010 Australian farmers used 7.3% less land then they used in 1950, but they produced 220% more. In fact, Australian wheat and barley production grew by 300% between 1950 and 2010, all from the same or less amount of land. In 1950, one Australian farmer produced enough food for 19 people and now in 2010, one farmer produces enough food for 155 people. The world’s population is currently approximately 7 billion, and it is estimated by 2050 there will be some 9.3 billion people. Therefore, farmers around the world will need to increase their production by a massive 70% over the next 38 years, all from the same or less agricultural land.

Therefore the big question and the message to our people, particularly the young people is, how do our farmers balance feeding the world and achieving sustainable farming practices? Our future is in their hands, and their future is in our hands!

Why did Smith Sharpe & Abbott become a sponsor of the Year of the Farmer?

I came back from that lunch meeting, spoke with my partners and thankfully, they saw my passion for the project; they equally embraced it and the need to spread the word.

Exactly how will your company be involved?

Smith Sharpe & Abbott have provided over the last two and a half years, as a part of our sponsorship, all of the financial, taxation and accountancy advice and services. This includes budgets, monthly accounting and preparation of financial statements, preparation of and lodging of Business Activity Statements, and attendance at Board of Directors meeting and any other matters which our expertise is call upon.

Our extensive networks also allowed us to engage a Sydney based law firm, on the same basis as us, but to provide legal advice. That firm is Judd Commercial Lawyers. We communicate regularly with that firm when multi-disciplinary matters arise.

What percentage of your clientele live and work on the land? 

Whatever that number is, it’s not enough! We love working with our farmers; we understand their passion and commitment with the land and its produce! My partners are committed to agriculture as well, and they demonstrate this as they allow me to donate in excess of seven weeks a year on Royal Agricultural Society business. That business is to promote excellence in all forms of agriculture.

How is Glenn McGrath involved?

As many people may know, Glenn is a country boy, having been born and raised on a 1,200 acre sheep and wheat property near Narromine, NSW. He currently runs sheep and cattle on a 13,000 hectare property north west of Bourke that he acquired some 14 years ago.

When we approached Glenn to become an ambassador for the Australian Year of the Farmer, he had no hesitation in accepting the position. It is an honorary position, and we are so proud to have him working with us in getting our message across. He, in many respects, symbolises the skills, the courage and the passion that our Australian farmers have in their commitment to their industry.

I must also say that Her Excellency the Governor General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC, was equally enthusiastic and supportive when we approached her to be our Patron. Her Excellency and Glenn spoke at our official launch with great passion about our cause and the great work our farmers have done and of the massive challenges they face in the future.

Her Excellency planted a lemon tree at the site of Australia’s first farm, which is now a prominent place at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Sydney.

Can you tell us about the ONE COUNTRY Card?

Sure; this is one of our fundraising areas. It is a shopping card that when presented at various shopping outlets, the bearer will receive everyday discounts on food, beer, wine, entertainment, travel and lots more. It also doubles as an entry in the Australian Year of the Farmer Sweep. This sweep will run throughout the year, offering cardholders the chance to win a range of exciting prizes from a prize pool valued at over $250,000.

The money we raise from this card plus the sale of other merchandise items will provide us with the funds to spread the story of the amazing contribution of Australian farmers to our way of life. The card will cost $25, and funds raised will help us to spread the word.

Remember, we must educate people about the growing demand for food and fibre as the world’s population grows and our available agricultural lands remain constant or diminish due to conversion to other uses, or being rendered worthless due to unsustainable agricultural practices and also mining activity.

How can people get involved?

Visiting our website at
www.yearofthefarmer.com.au and following the prompts is the best way, or ring me at Smith Sharpe & Abbott on 6772 0033 and I can help with other contacts.

Thanks Grahame.