Kerry Wilson – Gallery 126

Kerry Wilson is exhibiting at Gallery 126 during February. She explains that her inspiration comes from the strong contrasts in the local rock, trees and landscapes.       When and why did you first become interested in art? Art has always been in my life. I’m not sure when this started, but I’ve always liked making things. There were encouraging teachers along the way; this includes... [Read more]

Marine Magic – Pet Porpoise Pool

Armidale residents, Nicole Symington and Bill Bloomfield, had the time of their lives in January when they took their son Dylan and grandchildren Levi, Kodi and Chelsea to the Pet Porpoise Pool in Coffs.     The fun started as soon as the Armidale family entered the park. Thirty minutes prior to the main pool presentations, they got to enjoy a seal and dolphin kiss. Next they moved on to... [Read more]

Jacqueline Mabardi – Opera Singer

Jacqueline Mabardi is an opera singer, concert performer and oratorio recitalist who is also at home in musical theatre and operetta, having worked in all these fields. This year she will be singing for the first time at Opera in the Paddock at Mimosa, Delungra, on Saturday, March 24. Why did you decide to become an opera singer ? I sang from a very early age; I would simply call it my destiny in life.... [Read more]

Save The Brumbies

At a remote location hidden near Guyra, the New England Brumby Sanctuary was the venue for an Open Day. Photos and story Brett Dolsen.         The sanctuary was established in 0ctober 2008 to care for Brumbies removed from Guy Fawkes River National Park and to conduct a breeding and adoption program to preserve blood lines of horses under the management of STB, or Save the Brumbies.... [Read more]

Christine Hunt – New England Friendship Network Group

Some years ago, Christine Hunt found herself alone for the first time. This is the story about how she overcame her problem by starting NEW ENGLAND FRIENDSHIP NETWORK GROUP.     How long have you lived in Armidale? I was born in Armidale Hospital and have lived here all my life. Apart from the beautiful summers, Armidale has education, music, drama, scenic views and for those keen bushwalkers... [Read more]

Trevor Thatcher – Armidale School Cadet Unit’s Training Officer

LEADERSHIP training is a hallmark of The Armidale School’s Cadet Unit. We speak with the unit’s Training Officer, Trevor Thatcher, about this program that delivers lifelong skills. TAS parent, Trish O’Sullivan, also gives her perspective.   Trevor, what is your own defence training? I was a Regular Army armoured corps officer of the rank of Major, having graduated from the Australian Defence... [Read more]

Robin Hood – Lost In Tights

It’s raining Robin Hoods in Armidale this year, with the community pantomime Robin Hood; Lost in Tights opening at the end of the month at the Armidale Town Hall and Barbara Albury’s production, Rockin’ Robin and the Hoods, at the Hoskins Theatre on December 17 & 18. Armidale’s community pantomime Robin Hood; Lost in the Tights is a revised and localised production and opens for four performances... [Read more]

NEGS – Expedition To Thialand

Marissa Campbell-Service from New England Girls’ School talks about her experience helping others on a Christian service expedition to Thailand during the recent school holidays. We speak to Marissa and NEGS Chaplain Karen Eastment …     Tell us … who organized the trip? The group comprised students from NEGS, The Armidale School and PLC Armidal and involved helping disadvantaged... [Read more]

Variety, the Children’s Charity – Peter Harvey

Variety, the Children’s Charity, is a national not-for-profit organisation empowering children who are sick, disadvantaged or who have special needs. Peter Harvey explains how YOU can get involved.     What prompted you to become involved in Variety, the children’s charity? In 2001 at 13 months old, my daughter Eliza was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome – a rare condition that causes... [Read more]

Andrew and Gina Haddad – NEGS Equestrian Centre

Extensions to the NEGS Equestrian Centre are nearing completion. The Centre has been financed through the Federal Government’s Trade Training Centre Program, in partnership with Duval and Armidale High, O’Connor Catholic College and Uralla Central. We speak with Andrew and Gina Haddad about the Centre’s bright future. Gina, you’ve both been instructors at the Equestrian Centre for some time.... [Read more]

Darryl and Rachel Stace – Altitude Coffee and Roastery

Darryl and Rachel Stace are the proprietors of a popular Armidale café called Altitude Coffee and Roastery. Darryl explains how every coffee served is made from their own roasted beans.     How long have you lived in Armidale? I actually grew up just down the road in Walcha. I left there in 2000 and moved to a few different parts of Australia and even to New Zealand for a while. In 2008... [Read more]

Jonathan Paul – Year 12 Environmental Supporter

Jonathan Paul is a Year 12 student at The Armidale School with a passion for environmental sustainability.         Jonathan, how did you become interested in sustainability? My passion for sustainability first started in Year 10, when my Geography class, taught by Mr Toakley, studied Waste Management. I was absolutely amazed at the level of waste we, as humans, generate and in particular... [Read more]

Emma Ayres – Presenter of ABC’s Classic FM Breakfast

Emma Ayres, presenter of ABC’s Classic FM Breakfast, Was invited to speak with us in Armidale to help raise funds towards building a Regional Performing Arts Centre       Where were you born? I was born in Dover, near the White Cliffs of Dover, which form part of the British coastline facing the Strait of Dover and France. What instrument did you first play, and where did you study... [Read more]

Tony Bennett – Adventure Riders

The New England offers some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery in the world. It’s not until you get out onto the back roads and tracks that a whole new world is opened up. We meet Tony Bennett from Adventure Riders to find out more   When and why did you return to Armidale? I returned to Armidale in early 2008 following 14 years at Tweed Heads, prior to which I was in the Upper Hunter... [Read more]

Paul Kotala – Founder of Tooth Aid Inc

Paul Kotala is a local dentist who’s making a difference. He is the founder of Tooth Aid Inc. which is set up to provide quality dentistry to people who would otherwise have limited access in developing countries.     Where did you study dentistry? I studied at Sydney University. I also studied Science at Sydney. Where are you practicing these days? I had a practice in Mossman, Sydney.... [Read more]

Drapht

Drapht is currently on the road with his Party Party Party tour. Nicci Secombe from Focus was over the moon when she was asked to interview her favourite Hip Hop artist, performing LIVE at the Stro, Wednesday, October 12.     You were introduced to music at a young age. Tell us a bit about that. Yes, I have been brought up in a musical household. My dad was a Jazz drummer and percussionist,... [Read more]

Boulus Constructions

Brian and Terri Boulus are the proprietors of Boulus Constructions Pty Ltd . They have been in the building industry for 20 years now and have recently taken on huge building contracts in Armidale , which has led them to opening an office in Rusden Street.   How long have you lived in the New England area? Forever, but never in the same place twice … we have been living here in Armidale for... [Read more]

Living History with Jean Newall

Mrs Jean Newall is passionate about the rich history of Armidale, particularly in her role as Archivist at New England Girls’ School and has put together an exhibition at the Armidale Folk Museum for National History Week.     What do the NEGS Archives mean to you? History starts yesterday. I find the life people lived in the past came so much more vividly to life with their memorabilia... [Read more]

Dr Graham Hall – Wildlife Biologist

Dr Graham Hall is a wildlife biologist. He has chosen to relocate to Armidale because of its close proximity to the bush environments and the coastal region. How did you first discover Armidale? We first ‘discovered’ Armidale through the University of New England. My wife successfully completed a degree at UNE several years ago, and our daughter completed a Psychology degree with Honours at UNE... [Read more]

Dead Letter Circus

Alternate rock band Dead Letter Circus is heading for the Stro after touring the USA. Guitarist Rob Maric highlights the contentious issue of coal seam gas in their No Fracking Way Tour, to help raise public awareness of this global issue.Tell us a little about what you guys are doing at the moment. We’re currently travelling the United States, playing shows all the way from the West Coast to... [Read more]

Pony Tale

Virginia Wong See, Hamish Holley and their young daughter Dominique have recently relocated  from Sydney to Armidale. This interview describes how one very proud Armadillian named Robyn Swindale convinced this family that Armidale is the place to be. When and why did you first consider moving to Armidale? Hamish and I had discussed moving away from Sydney once our daughter Dominique finished high... [Read more]

Tyla Guy

When Tyla Warskitt decided to chase her dream of dance, she did not expect to be releasing a debut album only a few years later. Here’s an insight into her journey from small town Guyra girl to rising star – Tyla Guy.     Give us a brief insight into your childhood and where you were raised. I was lucky enough to have had an amazingly supportive upbringing, as I grew up in a small country... [Read more]

Armidale PLC

PLC Armidale is consistently ranked in the top 100 schools this year they earned Number 1 ranking in the New England Region. “It should come as no surprise that a Christian school values community service.”   What was the purpose of the service learning tour? The tour was an opportunity for us to volunteer our services in a developing country and also an opportunity for us to learn... [Read more]

Regurgitator

It’s time to grab your mates and head for the Stro at UNE. Regurgitator is promising a great night out on August 10, in keeping with their extensive performing and recording career. Tell us a little bit about your new soundtrack called One Day. What was the influence behind the song? Over the last couple of years I visited Japan and went to a Zen Buddhist camp and experienced a lot of that culture... [Read more]

Tobias Bennett

Tobias designs and creates a wide range of decorative, metal-based works. His specialties include the creation of  topiary frames in any size, sculpture and shape. How long have you lived in Armidale? I have lived in Armidale for just over two years; previously I had spent most of my time in the Southern Highlands, NSW. While in Armidale, my wife and I have met some wonderful friends, who have been... [Read more]

Maria Hitchcock – The Wattle Lady

Maria Hitchcock, known as ‘The Wattle Lady’, is responsible for gazettal of Australia’s National Floral Emblem (Acacia pycnantha) and National Wattle Day. Tell us about your teaching career … I taught in various primary schools for 7 years, before moving to Armidale in 1974. I then had 3 children and was a stay at home mum. During this time I completed an external BA, majoring in German,... [Read more]

Alan and Anne Docherty

Alan and Anne Docherty are retiring after having dedicated over fifty-five combined years of service to local pharmacy.         Congratulations on your retirement. What helped you make the decision? Anne: We are ready! I have been in pharmacy for over 42 years. I am 63-years-old. I have been working very long hours for a lot of years. Alan: call me Doc; everyone does. I have... [Read more]

The Local Ranger

Meet the Walcha area
National Parks and Wildilfe Service Ranger, Piers Thomas.         How long have you been a ranger for National Parks, and what do you love most about your job? I have been a ranger for National Parks for over ten years, beginning in Armidale in about 2000 doing a few temporary jobs and then starting in Walcha in 2002. The best thing about my job is the diversity... [Read more]

James White

Armidale artist James White explains what happens to the art you acquire and tells us about his new exhibition at Gallery 126 – Wish I Was There!         There has been recent media interest in a $35m bequest of contemporary art to the Art Gallery of NSW. It raises the issue of “If you buy paintings because you enjoy them, what happens to these artworks down the track?” A... [Read more]

A Marriage Made In Melbourne

Former Armidillos Kamahl Barhoush and his new bride Liz Dunn have had a whirlwind few months with relocating to Melbourne, an appearance on Channel Nine’s newest game show Million Dollar Drop and a wedding. Here’s their story. How did the two of you meet? K: We met in Armidale in 2002, when Liz lived there for 6 months. We maintained a friendship over the years until 2007, when we met up again... [Read more]