See inside · UNDERWORLD: BLOOD WARS (MA15+) 140mins Thu, Fri & Wed 1.30pm, 4.00pm & 6.30pm Sat, Sun & Tue 1.30pm, 4.00pm & 9.10pm NOCTURNAL ANIMALS (MA15+) 117mins Thu, Fri & Wed

TV GuideT O Y E A R SA D D I N G

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A FREE LIVE CONCERT featuring Troy Kemp, Carrot Bowen and The Collective, The Hunter Valley All Stars plus many local artists AND SANTA will also be making an appearance! Bring your picnic blanket / No BYO

Date: Friday 9 December 2016 Time: 5.45pm until late Venue: Muswellbrook Race ClubENTRY IS FREE as we are supporting the Upper Hunter Food & Toy Appeal – a donation would kindly be appreciated.

For more information head to www.2nm.com.au or www.981powerfm.com.au

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Thursday 1st December, 2016

Cinema is CLOSED Mondays outside of school holidays

www.muswellbrookcinema.com.au

12-15 Sydney StreetMuswellbrook

Phone: (02) 4044 0600 Live in Muswellbrook? Don’t forget the Courtesy Bus is available to get you to the cinema. Ph: 6543 2011

SESSION TIMES: THURSDAY 1 DECEMBER - WEDNESDAY 7 DECEMBER

HACKSAW RIDGE (MA15+) 139mins

Thu, Fri & Wed9.10pmSat, Sun & Tue6.30pm

FANTASTIC BEASTS & WHERE TO FIND THEM(M) 133mins

Thu, Fri & Wed 2D: 11.05am & 6.45pmSun & Tue 3D: 11.05amSat, Sun & Tue 2D: 9.10pm

KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES(M) 105mins

DAILY (except Mon)9.00am

TROLLS(G) 92mins

Thu, Fri & Wed2D: 9.00am, 11.05am & 2.05pmSat 9.00am & 2.05pmSun & Tue 9.00am, 11.05am & 2.05pm

UNDERWORLD: BLOOD WARS(MA15+) 140mins

Thu, Fri & Wed1.30pm, 4.00pm & 6.30pmSat, Sun & Tue 1.30pm, 4.00pm & 9.10pm

NOCTURNAL ANIMALS(MA15+) 117mins

Thu, Fri & Wed4.15pm & 9.10pmSat, Sun & Tue 4.15pm & 6.45pm

COMING SOONOffice Christmas Party

MoanaRouge One - A Star Wars Story

Red Dog - True BlueSing : Allied

Assassins Creed : Collateral BeautyMonster Trucks

XXX - Return Xander CageBastards

Rouge One - A Star Wars Story

Midnight screening December Wednesday 14th. Pre Book your tickets now.

It’s almost here!See story back pageImage: Country music star Troy Kemp will headline the Muswellbrook Telstra Shop Christmas Spectacular this month.

2 - Up Country Entertainer - Thursday 1st December, 2016 www.facebook.com/EntertainerPublication

Jump start a heartLeo Collins from Merriwa Petroleum and Ag is amazed at the results of a battery recycling campaign aimed at buying a defibrillator to place at the local showground. Leo’s dad almost died from a heart attack at Merriwa Racecourse many years ago, but was revived by one of these machines. He decided to ask people to donate their old batteries to raise money for the cause. The Merriwa community exceeded the expectations, dragging in over 14 pallets of old unused batteries. Well over 800 batteries were shipped off for recycling on Tuesday November 16 raising $9660, quadrupling the “wished for” amount. Not only did they receive so many unused batteries, but they also received between $700 - $800 in donations and a further one tonne of batteries delivered just a day after the first lot had been shipped.

With such a great response from the Merriwa community, the staff is now able to purchase two defibrillators and the remaining funds will be donated to the Merriwa and District Rescue Squad in the near future.

Bush music at SingletonSingleton will again host a Bush Dinner Dance at Club Singleton on Friday 2 December 2016 to celebrate International Day of People with a Disability.

The night is an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to get back to old-fashioned Australian bush music and dancing.

The Bushfire Bush Band will provide a live soundtrack for the night in what was sure to be a fantastic night of entertainment for people of all ages. The event will begin at 6.30pm.

Tickets are on sale now from the Singleton Visitor Information and Enterprise Centre at a cost of $30 for adults and $15 for children aged up to 12 years. For more information, contact (02) 6571 5888.

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The Entertainer in conjunction with Majestic Cinemas are giving away two double passes each week to two lucky readers.

Look for the handwritten word “WINNER” along with the editor’s signature on this page above HVP logo.

Present the winning Entertainer edition to the Muswellbrook office of Hunter Valley Printing, 6 Wilkins Street Muswellbrook and collect your passes.

(must be claimed within one week of publication date)

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Aberdeen Flood Warning System fundedAberdeen will soon have a more effective flood warning system. Upper Hunter Shire Council has been successful in a grant application to the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) to help fund the Aberdeen Flood Warning System. The project will be funded by $62,718 from OEH and $31,359 from Council allocated in the 2016/2017 budget. Council will also fund the ongoing operation and maintenance of the additional monitoring sites. The new Aberdeen Flood Warning System was the culmination of a decade of studies and plans by Council.

THE BATTERY DRIVE OF MERRIWA: Pictured from left to right are Leo Collins, Megan Constable and Wayne Meyer of Merriwa Petroleum & Ag Supplies Pty Ltd. Image is courtesy of Tina Taylor.

Thursday 1st December, 2016 - Up Country Entertainer - 3www.huntervalleyprinting.com.au/Pages/Entertainer.php

ARTIST GRANTS: Regional Arts Development Officer, Mark Reedman (pictured) will be available to advise on how to apply for artists grants at the free information session at the Arts Centre in Muswellbrook.

what’s on

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what’s on

Images: The Oh’s (above left) plus The Rowlin & Robbin Ranchgirls (above right) will bring a bundle of tunes to Christmas in the Park at Scone on 10 December.

Scone’s Christmas in the Park will attract a good crowd with additional activities on offer for the community to enjoy. The annual event continues to grow with carnival rides as an added attraction this year for the children. Favourites such as market stalls, ham raffles, BBQ, snacks, face painting and Santa will still be at Elizabeth Park on Saturday 10th December. The Oh’s and The Rowlin and Robbin Ranchgirls will provide entertainment including many of your favourite Christmas carols - enjoy the songs from local talent. Santa will make an appearance with the afternoon kicking off at 5.00pm.

Children will be able to have their face painted, enjoy a ride on Trackless Thomas, slide down the big slide or cool down in the water boats. Bring a beanbag or chair and settle in and watch ‘Saving Santa’ the free Christmas movie on the six metre outdoor screen. For further information phone 6545 2562.

Are you an artist looking to get grants to support your work? You can get all the important tips and tricks from an industry insider at the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre’s next workshop. Mark Reedman from Arts Upper Hunter will walk you through the where’s and how’s along with the ins and outs of artist grants. Learn where to locate and how to effectively apply for artist grants in this free information session. The session will take place between 10am and 1pm on Saturday December 3.

For more information and to reserve your place contact the Arts Centre on 02 6549 3800.

Christmas in the Park

Artist grants with Mark Reedman


out & about

A taste of the Upper Hunter

Valley just 10km west of

Jerrys Plains

RESTAURANTBreakfast: Saturday & Sunday

Lunch: DailyDinner: Friday & Saturday. Bookings essential

Phone 6576 4007 [email protected]

CELLAR DOOROpen 7 days 10am - 4pm

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1ST SATURDAY OFEVERY MONTH

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8AM TO 12PMRAIN HAIL OR SHINE

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A birthday bash that gives backArts, culture, fashion and community collided when Abicus celebrated its sweet 16th birthday with the launch of its ‘Back To The Future’ exhibition on Thursday 24 November.The birthday celebration included live music, amazing food, brews and a window installation. Most significantly, however, it included an exhibition that will raise much-needed funds and awareness for the Newcastle branch of the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, Headspace.

Abicus’s ‘Back To The Future’ exhibition featured sixteen artists, eight from each Byron Bay and Newcastle, who have been commissioned to create a one-of-a-kind artwork that is sewn into the back panel of a classic Thrills denim jacket.

Each bespoke denim jacket will be auctioned off with 100% of all monies raised to go specifically towards suicide prevention programs and creative workshops through Headspace Newcastle. The silent auction will run in-store at Abicus and online at www.abicus.com.au from Thursday 24 November until 9pm Sunday 11 December.

HEADSPACE FUNDRAISER: Abicus owners Tiffany Minell and Tim McPhee (pictured above) show their passion and support for mental health; raising awareness to support young people in the region.

Highlighting the value of educationNewcastle’s business and accounting community have come together to enhance education pathways for young people in the region at the annual Bean Counters Ball, raising more than $120,000 since it was established in 2011.The Bean Counters Ball is a joint initiative between local members of the Certified Practicing Accountants Australia (CPA) and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) to raise funds for the Hunter TAFE Foundation and Samaritans.

In 2016 the Ball raised $22,500 which will go towards programs supporting young people currently studying through the two local charitable organisations.

More than 260 people from the region’s accounting and business community attended the black-tie event hosted by Australian comedian, Tom Ballard at the Newcastle Exhibition and Convention Centre (NEX) on Friday 28 October.

In its sixth year, the ball is an important reminder of the importance of education for young people.

Embrace the spirit of givingSingletons’ annual Mayoral Christmas Tree Appeal was launched at the Christmas on John Street event on Friday 25 November. The appeal will ensure that Santa pays a visit to every household in Singleton this year. The appeal is an opportunity for Council, local businesses and residents to come together in the spirit of the season to bring some joy to those less fortunate. Donations of unwrapped toys and non-perishable food items can be placed under the Christmas trees at Council’s Customer Service Centre, Singleton Visitor Information and Enterprise Centre and Singleton Library, until Friday 16 December 2016.

The Mayoral Christmas Tree Appeal was an easy way to embrace the spirit of goodwill and help to make Christmas a little brighter for someone in the Singleton community.

Image: Guest Emcee, Tom Ballard and 2016 Bean Counters ADA Scholarship recipient Summer Christie.


Protecting heritage on pipeline routeUpper Hunter Shire Council will be seeking an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP) for the Scone to Murrurundi water pipeline project.

The permit will be sought because the draft Review of Environmental

Factors (REF) for the project found there is potential for Aboriginal

artefacts to be present along the 40 kilometre long corridor.

Council will seek an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment with an

Archaeological Survey Report in consultation with relevant Aboriginal

parties under the Office of Environment and Heritage guidelines.

Council is continuing to negotiate with land owners along the

proposed route for the $14 million water pipeline from Scone to

Murrurundi, providing a much-needed secure water supply for

Murrurundi. The pipeline is still expected to be completed in 2020.

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Look us up!A true country experienceMuswellbrook Denman Sandy Hollow

Muswellbrook Visitor Information Centre126 Bridge Street (library), Muswellbrook Ph: 02 6549 3891 www.upperhuntercountry.com.au

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Haydon Hall

Royal Hotel - Motel, Scone

Two Rivers Vineyard

The Denman

Hollydene Estate Wines

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Would you buy a genetically-modified dog?While GMO has been used to change some foods, it can also be used to change animals for example, making less-flatulent cows. And what about genetically-modified dogs like an Arnold Schwarzenegger look-alike muscular whippet? It is now relatively easy for scientists to also alter the DNA of dogs and cats. If you own a dog (or cat) you already own a genetically modified organism. All domestic dogs are descendants of wolves. We know that humans have been selecting and cross-breeding canidae for Millennia so that their DNA expressed desired genetic traits: bark, don’t bark; big, small; long hair, short hair; will hunt, won’t hunt etc.

Countless generations of cross breeding have led to the 189 breeds of dogs currently recognised by the AKC. Scientists can modify a dog’s DNA in one generation, just as they do with genetically-modified plants at Monsanto and elsewhere.

Scientifically speaking, there is no difference between a dog modified by breeding and a dog modified by gene splicing, but now the possible DNA modifications are infinite and some of those possibilities may be unwise if not unethical to execute. It’s time to start thinking and talking about GMO pets, foods and humans. We could wind up with hundreds of new breeds, foods that will strengthen our immune systems and modified human DNA that could wipe out many inherited diseases.

Image: Dr Peta Gay Railton, Pet Medical.

Driving the Hunter!Saunders Honda Ph: 6545 9822Saunders Mazda Ph: 6545 1982 MD053886

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Allan Bridge closed for repairsAllan Bridge, located between Glenbawn and Segenhoe in the Upper Hunter, is closed due to damage to the bridge. Those travelling in the area are advised to use Broad Crossing or the Pages River Crossing, both on Glenbawn Road, while Allan Bridge is closed. The heritage bridge which is rated for maximum 4 tonnes is believed to have been damaged early Saturday 19 November 2016. Council staff investigated and closed the bridge and Allan Bridge Road. Police also attended the scene. A specialist bridge assessor inspected the bridge however further structural investigation is needed to be undertaken to determine the severity of the damage.

What’s on at Muswellbrook and Denman Libraries?It’s Summer Reading Club time again. Kids from across the Upper Hunter can sign up for the challenge at their local library and read to earn badges. There are also lots of other great challenges and events planned as part of the challenge, including heroes and villains story time, superhero mask making workshop, an animal show and reading challenge party. You can sign up online from 1 December at www.uhrl.nsw.gov.au Apart from the usual closures over the Christmas period, Muswellbrook and Denman Libraries will be open their regular hours with Muswellbrook being open 7 days a week.


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MUSWELLBROOK CINEMA MOVIE REVIEW

Trolls Rated G - 97 Mins

After the Bergens invade Troll Village, Poppy (Anna Kendrick), the happiest Troll ever born, and the overly-cautious, curmudgeonly Branch (Justin Timberlake) set off on a journey to rescue her friends. Their mission is full of adventure and mishaps, as this mismatched duo try to tolerate each other long enough to get the job done.

For screening times checkwww.muswellbrookcinema.com.au

Visions for 2027 popping upThe first of the pop-up community consultations around Upper Hunter Shire Council’s 10-year plan was held last week (24 November 2016) at Murrurundi Touch Football.Councillors and Council staff will be popping up at many community events over the next six months, asking residents about their vision for the shire’s future to create the Community Strategic Plan (CSP) 2027.

Mayor Wayne Bedggood said the first pop-up was a success and he was looking forward to the next one at Scone Touch Football on Thursday (1 December 2016).

“In Murrurundi over 60 residents, of all ages, shared their views on the shire – what they liked, what changes they wanted and what they hoped for the future,” Cr Bedggood said.

“The response from school children was exceptional and we heard their views on what they want in their area.

“Going out to where people are, rather than asking them to come see a meeting and presentation, is working well.

“The community will be provided with many ways to get involved, including online and face-to-face options and we want to speak with as many people as possible of all ages, background and interests,” Cr Bedggood said.

Council will also be at the Cassilis Community Christmas Party from 5.00pm, Saturday 3 December 2016 and meeting with Upper Hunter Youth Council members at Merriwa Central School.

You can express your views or register to hear about future events at www.upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/do-it-online/say-it/community-strategic-plan-2027-submissions

Image: Brett and Alison Norman of Murrurundi shared their views on the shire’s future at the pop-up Council consultations which are coming soon to an event near you.


It’s almost here!The Muswellbrook Telstra Shop Christmas Spectacular is just around with corner. A huge range of musical and entertainment acts are warming up for what promises to be a great night celebrating the festive season in aid of charity. Country star Troy Kemp will headline the show supported by Carrot Bowen and the Collective.

The Hunter Valley All Stars, Sue Davis, John Morris, Jordi Adam Smith, Sophie Scriven, Brady Cavanagh and Sasha Roberts will all be performing their favourite Christmas Carols along with the Upper Hunter Conservatorium of Music Children’s Choir.

The event kicks off at 5.45pm on Friday 9th December at the Muswellbrook Race Club. Come along and support local vendors and charities. There will be plenty of food available for purchase on the night or bring along a picnic for the family.

Don’t forget your picnic blanket! Santa will also be there on the night! Entry is free but a donation to the Upper Hunter Food & Toy Appeal would be kindly appreciated.

entertainment scene

SUPPORTING

HOWNOWMER JEN BUXTON & THE SLAUGHTERHOUSE FIVE

tickets on sale now!

Embracing the sharper edge of our existence, Thrashville is a one day blast for +15, with optional camping & a bunch of great punk,

metal & hard rock bands. Expect some other cool stuff too like skateboarding, graff art,

bmx, disc golf & more.

Sat 21 st JanUARY 2017Belford, Hunter Valley NSW

Fatman Don’t DanceExpect the unexpected when musical act Fatman Don’t Dance take to the stage at Muswellbrook and District Workers Club on Friday 2 December at 8.30pm. The Fatman will not be happy until everyone is dancing and partying. Apparently size does matter! Take the pressure off by catching the courtesy bus to this live and free gig.

For further information contact the club on 6543 2011.

Friday 2nd December @

8.30pm

FREE entertainment on the Main Stage

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WIN !a double pass to

Majestic Cinemas. See page 2 for details

PUMPING OUT TUNES: Carrot Bowen & The Collective will join Troy Kemp plus a swag of other artists at the 2016 Muswellbrook Telstra Shop Christmas Spectacular.

Documents

See inside · UNDERWORLD: BLOOD WARS (MA15+) 140mins Thu, Fri & Wed 1.30pm, 4.00pm & 6.30pm Sat, Sun & Tue 1.30pm, 4.00pm & 9.10pm NOCTURNAL ANIMALS (MA15+) 117mins Thu, Fri & Wed