Vermont More Times - Winter 2016

AT HOMEDream house

for a busy mum

WHAT’S ONA winter list of

everything local

NEWSVermont is a $1M suburb

EATINGThe ease of

slow cooking

PUZZLESCrossword

and a sudoku

Fireside blissKeep your home warm over winter

timesWINTER 2016

2 More Times • Winter 2016

PUNT ROAD FACILITIES UPGRADE We are delighted that plans are being finalised for an upgrade to the entry to the Hawkesbury River at the end of Punt Road. Plans include an off-street, dedicated car park with landscaped grounds for the family to enjoy. Read more on page 4.

VERMONT IS NOW A $1M SUBURB! Sales of land at Vermont have experienced phenomenal growth and demand as indicated by the recent sale which made over $1,000,000. Read more on page 5.

SUBMIT YOUR PLANS! It’s an exciting time, finalising the plans for your dream home at Vermont, and we look forward to hearing from you and sharing in your excitement. It is a requirement that plans are submitted for approval to ensure the Vermont community maintains the planning and building standards that we have become famous for. For those who have their home-build plans ready, please submit them to us.

HAVE YOUR SAY Johnson Property Group is committed to the Vermont community and investing in its success and growth in the future. We’d love to hear from you about what you would like to see happen or change at Vermont that we can potentially help play a part in.

Please email your feedback to marketing director Kristy Lee at [email protected]

ABOUT VERMONTAt Vermont, we believe more is more. Which is why we’ve gone the extra mile to include everything you could possibly want at an affordable price. We have bigger blocks, wider streets, more access to services and more lifestyle choices.

Beside the Hawkesbury River and situated near the Hills District, Rouse Hill and Norwest Business Park, Vermont encompasses four serene precincts – Riverland, Central, Bona Vista and Fernville – each of which offers a diverse aspect and wide frontage blocks. These fully serviced blocks range from 550m2 to over three hectares.

Our community is ideal for growing families who want to spend more time together outdoors in a natural, safe and healthy environment. Expect more space, more community, more friendships and more living.

Our latest land release at Riverland offers you a unique opportunity to build your ideal home a stone’s throw from the Hawkesbury River. Our 2000m2+ blocks of land accommodate big dreams – whether that means room for a big family, somewhere to park the boat when you’re not enjoying the water, or creating a private sanctuary for your family to explore, anything is possible.

As a master-planned community and part of Vermont, Riverland offers picturesque views in a tranquil surrounding, within walking distance to the Hawkesbury River.

EDITORIAL TEAMEditor: Kathryn VukovljakJournalist: Kate Meikle Graphic design: Janet EwenProof reader: Glenda Anderson

Proudly published for Johnson Property Group by Macquarie Publishing Pty Ltd on 6262 9100.

Johnson Property Group is one of the largest private developers of residential land in New South Wales.Combining a passion for creating vibrant and sustainable communities with a vision for the future.

AS winter draws in and the cooler weather finds us indoors, it’s a special time to take a break from garden duties and relax with the family in front of the fire.

In this edition of “More Times” we look at heating options and the joys of winter cooking.

I continue to be optimistic and pleased with the growth of Vermont as a master-planned community and never more so than with the recent, record-breaking $1 million sale of a block of land at Riverland.

Pleasingly, the market remains strong and we are already in negotiations with prospective buyers for many of the newly released blocks in Riverland’s Stage Four.

JPG proudly sits at the forefront of the industry and, as a measure of our leadership, I was invited to address the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Regional Cities Summit in May with a keynote speech on land subdivision and building communities.

Stay warm until our next edition in spring,

Keith Johnson,

Managing Director, Johnson Property Group

Records tumble with the temperature

More Times • Winter 2016 3

AT HOME

Dream home for a busy mumSpace for the kids to play and the opportunity to build her

dream home convinced Jeana Cannone, owner of Jeana’s Country Spa in PItt Town, to buy at Vermont.

“Vermont is a beautiful community and we are lucky to have such lovely neighbours,” she says.

The busy mum lives at Vermont with her husband Luke, three-year-old son Raphael and 10-month-old daughter, Valencia.

“I love working and playing at Vermont, and my business is an extension of my home – my team of therapists feel like part of the family,” she says.

Jeana’s family are also locals, and having grown up at Pitt Town, she says she loves that Vermont offers the closeness to her family, a space for their kids to play and the opportunity for her and Luke to build their dream family home, remaining close to the business.

She says she enjoyed the 10-month building process, working with Beechwood Homes to create a four bedroom, single-storey home featuring a large open-plan living space and private backyard for the kids.

“I love our quality of lifestyle at Vermont,” says Jeana.

“The fully serviced blocks, with NBN and gas already taken care of, was a drawcard for us. I also liked that the blocks aren’t so close together as other estates,” she says.

Jeana says she recommends that others embarking on their build remember to enjoy the process.

“It can feel slow at the time as you are excited to move in, but the build really does go by so fast!” she says.

Jeana says on reflection, she would have taken the time to add even more flair to her home.

“Take your time to pick out colours and styles for your home and have fun doing it,” she says.

Jeana’s business philosophy is to focus on beauty, both inside and outside.

“We work in a very giving industry. At the spa, we want our clients to feel special and pampered, giving them a service that touches them inside as well as making them look gorgeous on the outside!” she says.

Having started her career as a beauty therapist, Jeana worked in hair and makeup for the TV and film industry before starting her own business six years ago.

And when Jeana isn’t working, she loves to sing and can be found at the Vineyard Church, leading the congregation.

“It’s a huge part of my life,” she says.

“I find the church very real and relaxed, and I am passionate about it.”

Winter skincare Your skin and hair needs extra support during the colder months, says Jeana from Jeana’s Country Spa. Here are some hot winter tips…

Escape the dryness Dry skin promotes wrinkles, so make sure your skin doesn’t dry out as you move from heated houses to windy weather outside. I recommend using a nourishing night cream like Lift Creator Night Cream. It doesn’t feel too heavy but gives the skin what it needs without being oily or clogging.

Treat your hairYour hair can also suffer from dryness in winter, so consider giving the ends a moisturising treatment for an extra boost in addition to conditioning. MUK’s one-minute miracle treatment is perfect for busy mums!

Don’t forget the lips!My favourite beauty tip for winter lip care is to apply your eye cream to your lips before you go to bed. It will nourish and rehydrate your lips!

SPF still so important It might not be beach weather but your skin is still vulnerable to sun damage in winter. Don’t forget to add an extra SPF product to your daily beauty routine in addition to your moisturiser, even if it contains an SPF, as the moisturiser sits on the top surface of your skin and doesn’t sink into the skin’s layer as sunscreens do. Try using a BB Cream which combines an SPF and a lightweight tint as a great sun shield option.

Jeana’s Country Spa, Shop 5, Bathurst Street, Pitt Town. Visit jeanascountryspa.com.au or call 4580 9860.

Jeana’s tips for winter skin

Jeana Cannone… “I love working and playing at Vermont, and my business is an extension of my home.” Photo by Belinda Walkom Photography

Busy mum… Jeana Cannone with children Valencia, 10 months, and Raphael, 3. Photo by Belinda Walkom Photography


WHAT’S ONthis winterMARKETS

EVENTS

EVERY WEDNESDAY UNTIL DEC 28Penrith Showground MarketPenrith Showground, Station Street, PenrithThis market features 250-300 stalls selling plants, fruit and veg, clothing, lingerie, tools, craft supplies, car supplies, pets and bric-a-brac.

EVERY SATURDAY UNTIL FEB 18Bilpin MarketBilpin District Hall, Bells Line of Road, Bilpin10am to 12pm, with stalls selling community based food, craft, flowers and bric-a-brac. Everyone welcome.

SECOND & FOURTH SATURDAY EVERY MONTHHawkesbury Harvest Farmers and Fine Food MarketCastle Hill Showground, Castle Hill8am to noon, with an array of gourmet foods, fruit and veggies, crunchy sourdough, fresh eggs, sauces and more.

JUNE 25-26Upper Blue Mountains Arts Trail 2016Locations around Bullaburra to Blackheath, Blue MountainsThese free events provide the opportunity to meet artists in their studios, and see first hand the environment, tools and materials needed to make works of art. The trail has artists with expertise in ceramics, mosaics, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture and more. Visit artstrail.org.au/arts-trail to plan the weekend.

AUGUST 5-7Patchwork & Quilting ExpoPenrith Panthers Exhibition Marquee, Mulgoa Road, PenrithBe treated to a wide range of top quality exhibition stalls where you can buy the latest stock and grab a bargain. There will be workshops, free demonstrations, displays and kits. $10 entry, multi-day pass $18. Committed husbands and children under 14 free.

AUGUST 13-14Stamp, Coin & Collectables FairEast Kurrajong School of Arts Hall, 1090 East Kurrajong Road, East KurrajongThere will be a variety of philatelic and numismatic material available to purchase, including stamps and covers, Australasia and Pacific, world, thematics and accessories, as well as a range of collectables: motor vehicle paraphernalia, antique furniture, retro wares, china, glass, vintage tins and more.

Upgrade will make messing about on the river better

A planned upgrade to the entry point to the Hawkesbury River off Punt Road will make waterside living even better, says managing director of Johnson Property

Group, Keith Johnson.

He says that Vermont has recently received DA approval from Hawkesbury Council for an upgrade to the entry point to the Hawkesbury River at the end of Punt Road.

“Plans are being finalised which include an off-street, dedicated car park with a pathway to the water,” he says.

“Boats will be able to be easily launched and trailers better

accommodated for at the water’s edge.”

Mr Johnson says that drivers will be able to wait in the carpark rest area and check if the entry to the water is clear before driving onwards.

“The upgrade will feature lockable gates to close off access to Punt Road in the event of flooding,” he says.

“There will also be picnic tables and shelters among the landscaped areas and beside the water, with beautiful native plants to make this a special spot to start and finish your day on the river.”

It’s official: Vermont a $1m suburbSales of land at Vermont have experienced phenomenal

growth recently, indicated by a recent land sale in Riverland which made over $1m, according to Managing

Director of Johnson Property Group, Keith Johnson.

Mr Johnson told News Local in May: “Personally, I’m delighted that Pitt Town has enjoyed such growth in being recognised as one of Australia’s strongest growth suburbs.”

Many families who purchased as little as five years ago are now experiencing values of 122 per cent more than their original purchase price.

Keith says another top sale negotiated by the developer’s on-site sales agent was a 2000m2 block for $968,888 in March.

“A block of the same size within Vermont sold in January 2013 for $585,000, which is a massive 65 per cent profit,” he says.

Johnson Property Group says it offers high-quality living for its residents, including bigger blocks, wider streets, more access to services and more lifestyle choices.

“I’m literally making families millionaires just by getting the fundamentals right in developing high-quality, master-planned communities,” says Keith.

Local real estate agent Hamish Rogers agrees that prices in Vermont have been highly successful, citing many of his recent sales that have sold well into the $900,000 price bracket.

He says he has seen a number of clients selling their smaller blocks in Vermont and capitalising on their investment, enabling them to buy a larger block still on the estate.

“We’ve seen a natural progression at Vermont, people who have got in early and are now cashing in their smaller home to buy a bigger block at Riverland,” he says.


LOCAL NEWSWHAT’S ONthis winter

Rural fire brigade gets new sub-station

Anew sub-station for the Oakville Rural Fire Brigade has been opened, thanks to many years of fundraising by the brigade, says NSW Rural Fire Service Senior Assistant

Commissioner Bruce McDonald.

The sub-station, on Pitt Town Dural Road at Scheyville National Park, is “a testament to how diligently and tirelessly the Oakville Brigade volunteers have worked,” Bruce says.

“Together, over many years, these volunteers managed to fundraise over $100,000 towards the overall cost of the sub-station.”

With 70 years of service, Bruce says the 160-strong volunteer rural fire brigade at Oakville protects the community from bush, grass and house fires as well as a diverse array of incidents such motor vehicle accidents.

The Oakville Rural Fire Brigade looks after the 64km2 from Vermont and Pitt Town to Oakville, Cattai, Marayla, Mulgrave, McGraths Hill and Vineyard area.

They train every Tuesday evening and Saturday morning at the main station on Bocks Road at Oakville, and have a strong

group of junior members aged under 16, Bruce says.

Bruce says that the Oakville brigade is thrilled that they now have the space to comfortably fit their trucks and vast array of equipment used frequently when responding to emergencies.

The brigade welcomes new volunteers to join them, says Bruce.

“Those wanting to be active firefighters are given comprehensive training provided by the NSW Rural Fire Service,” he says.

“Members are also encouraged to take additional courses in 4WD and tanker driving, operating chainsaws and first aid, depending on their role within the brigade.”

Bruce says that the volunteers remain on-hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Our volunteers also actively provide community fire education and training sessions whenever possible,” he says.

Oakville Rural Fire Brigade, 218 Bocks Road, Oakville. Visit oakville.rfsa.org.au or call 8678 2986.

The new Oakville sub-station.

Oakville Rural Fire Service Captain Peter Speet.Oakville Rural Fire Service brigade.

EVENTS

EXHIBITIONS

AUGUST 20-28Daffodil FestivalBlue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount TomahWith optimum growing conditions, the Garden will be transformed by a sea of golden hues as daffodils erupt in bloom. Enjoy a picnic, take some photos or simply enjoy the mass plantings.

SEPTEMBER 9Ghost Tour The Australiana Pioneer Village, Rose Street, WilberforcePrepare to be spooked! A three-hour guided tour by a medium and an historian enthusiast. Bring a camera, walking shoes, a torch and an open mind. It includes dinner, the tour and a light supper afterwards. Bookings to theapv.org.au or call 0438 751 775.

JULY 15 – SEPTEMBER 4Wunderkammer: The Cabinet of WondersHawkesbury Regional Gallery, Deerubbin Centre, 300 George Street, WindsorImagine the gallery filled with real wild animals including a zebra, a lion, penguins, antelope, fox, fawn, fish, rabbits, a baboon and a polar bear!This exhibition brings together sculpture and various media to discuss a range of conservation issues.

UNTIL AUGUST 21I Witness – George Gittoes: A 45 Year SurveyPenrith Regional Gallery and The Lewers Bequest, 86 River Road, Emu PlainsThe exhibition presents a chronological journey of Gittoes’ career with a diverse body of work that includes paintings, drawings, printmaking, and artist diaries from the fields of war, as well as installation and film.

UNTIL AUGUST 28Where Sky Meets Earth – An Aboriginal art exhibition by Dr Shane SmithersThe Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Bells Line of Road, Mount TomahAboriginal Culture describes the place where we grow, live and dream as ‘Where Sky meets Earth.’ These works reflects a local style rather than the dot-art or cross hatching of central Australia or the top end. The images and carvings employ the patterns and symbols of NSW and more specifically of the Darug people. This is contemporary Aboriginal Art; modern, vibrant and powerful.


With the stunning Lopi fireplace in the heart of the family living room, a gorgeous fresh white kitchen and vast deck out the back, Vermont residents Jacqui and Travis

Delarue say they love their Pastoral Street home.

“Last winter we loved the fireplace!” says Jacqui.

“We’ve never had a fire before and we often fell asleep watching the TV in front of the fireplace.

“I love that it heats up the whole house.”

Jacqui and Travis, and their children five-year-old Heidi and one-year-old Fletcher, have called Pastoral Street home for the past three years.

This is the second house the family built themselves, having owned at McGraths Hill for more than two years prior to buying at Vermont.

Jacqui says they moved into her parents’ house in Richmond while deciding their next move.

“We drove around and knew the land at Vermont was for sale. We saw the block we liked, went to the Bird In Hand pub for a drink and a think, and then we decided there and then to buy!” she says.

Travis runs Del Building and Design, a local business which specialises in new builds, renovations, extensions, decks, pergolas and second storey extensions, so he undertook the build himself.

It took him a year to complete, working on the house after hours and on weekends with the help of local tradesmen, including a concreter and Riverstone kitchen maker.

Jacqui says they also engaged an architect who was able to modify the designs of a house they liked to suit the family’s needs.

Jacqui says that having experienced one home build already, she had a better understanding of what she wanted this time around. She says she knew they preferred a single-level home for the ease of family life and for keeping an eye on their young kids.

“The home was specifically designed to give us clear lines of sight to the kids whether they were in the open-plan living, kitchen and dining room, the bathroom or outdoor area,” she says.

The result is a beautiful four-bedroom family home, with modern, clean lines and ‘industrial’ touches.

Jacqui’s advice to others embarking on their own build is to carefully consider the choice of architect and builder.

“Engage a good builder, and choose the best architect that you can afford. That way you have more control and a higher quality result,” says Jacqui.

“I also recommend using an interior stylist to help finish off your look.”

Jacqui says she enjoys the lifestyle at Vermont.

“There’s so much more here at Vermont, I love it,” she says.

“We love taking the kids to the local park, water-skiiing on the river with friends and going to the Vintage Pantry for a coffee. And we’re so close to Windsor or Richmond when we want to go out for dinner.”

Jacqui says she also enjoys entertaining on the timber decking that wraps around the back of the house, surrounded by bamboo screening.

“We celebrated Fletcher’s christening there and the children love playing outside,” she says.

The opportunity to be more involved with the community through volunteering with local breast cancer charity, Pink Finss, has been rewarding for Jacqui, who also works part time as a PA in the city.

Having experienced the loss of her good friend in 2014 after a six-month battle with breast cancer, Jacqui says Pink Finss was a natural fit for her to give back to the local community and help families in need.

Jacqui says she’s now working on the charity’s upcoming annual race day at the Hawkesbury Race Club in September.

When it comes to choosing a heater, Graham Brake, managing director at home heating company Black and

Stone, recommends considering the following:

Heat Consider whether you need to heat a whole house or just a room. If it’s just a room, then measure up – most heaters will have a metre estimate based on room size. If you have a large open-plan space, then this will instantly rule out some heating choices based on output, efficiency and cost.

Type of homeWhen building a new home, pay attention to opportunities like installing passive solar heating that can reduce the need for energy consuming heating appliances. Be aware of the limitations you may have with choosing a heating source for an existing home and go with what is available to you, for example utilising a natural gas supply.

BudgetTake into account the initial cost of buying a heating appliance as well as installation and the ongoing cost to run it.

StyleThese days, fireplaces are just as much a design feature as any other item you choose for your home. From built-in gas fireplaces to sophisticated ethanol-fuelled fireplaces, there is something for everyone.

Heat your home with the glow of a flame

Jacqui’s cosy fireplace... “I love that it heats up the whole house.” Jetmaster Open Wood, from $4000 (jetmaster.com.au).

Kemlan Coupe Wall Penetration, from $6000 (kemlan.com).

The cosy fireplace at the heart of Jacqui’s family


Choosing the right heating source may well play an important part of reducing your winter bills but there are other steps you can take to reduce the need for excessive energy consumption and to reduce winter energy bills.• Wear warm clothing – there’s no simpler

way of keeping warm than by throwing on some extra clothes.

• Insulate your home – the energy consumption difference of heating a space with and without ceiling insulation for example can be as much as 30 per cent. There are a number of

options – some of which will depend on whether you own an existing home, are renovating or building a new home. Consider the possibilities for wall and even underfloor insulation as well as ceiling insulation.

• If practical, open the shades on north-facing windows during the day, as this will allow the sun’s rays to heat these parts of your home.

• Close doors to rooms that are not occupied.

• Cover windows with heavy curtains to prevent heat loss.

There is a wide variety of heating appliance types available today. Each heating appliance type will have its pros and cons based on initial purchase and installation cost, running costs and availability of the chosen fuel source.

Here’s a short list:

ElectricIncludes: radiant, convection, conductive (underfloor heating), split and ducted air conditioningBenefits: can be portable, good heat outputDownside: can be expensive

GasIncludes: Radiant, convection, gas ducted heatingBenefits: more cost efficient than electricityDownside: may have to pay for installation

WoodIncludes: Open fireplaces, slow combustion heaters and stoves and pellet heatersBenefits: good heat output, ambience of naked flameDownside: messy and time-consuming

Ethanol Includes: Ethanol burning fireplacesBenefits: clean burning, no bills, stylish, portableDownside: heat output dependent on size of burners

Prepare for cost-effective heating

Heat your home with the glow of a flameHeating pros and cons

COVER STORY

Fire it upThis stylish fireplace embraces the latest interior trend for metallic and copper tones. Featuring a deep brown hammertone border with a black inner, this winter wonder will add warmth and style to the lounge room.VioFlame Elegance in Chocolate (VFC1200CH), $749, Blackandstone.com.au

Stylish featureThe Coonara Midi freestanding wood heater is a stylish and distinctive wood heater designed to heat up to 18 squares and will become a design feature in your home. The Coonara Midi also comes in a gorgeous stainless steel option.Coonara Midi, $2650. Shamic Sheetmetal, call (03) 9737 5302 or visit shamic.com

Statement pieceAt over 1300mm in length, the 1250 will create a true statement piece in your home. More than just a design feature, the 1250 is equipped with Rinnai’s high performance heat exchanger technology – perfect for heating large, open-plan living spaces. Rinnai 1250, $7640. Rinnai Australia, call (03) 9271 6529 or visit rinnai.com.au

Jetmaster Open Wood, from $4000 (jetmaster.com.au).

Kemlan Coupe Wall Penetration, from $6000 (kemlan.com).


Sudoku – mediumAcross4 From classical legend, name one of the two young lovers of

Babylon.8 What does the term alfresco imply?9 What is a passage taken out of a book, or the like?10 Which resinous substance is used for making varnish, etc?11 Name the peninsula in SW Europe comprising Spain and Portugal.12 From classical legend, name the other of the two young lovers of

Babylon.14 What is an archaic term for silver?18 Which instruments are used for grinding substances in mortars?21 Which element is the basis of nuclear reactors? 22 What might we call one who strives to associate with social

superiors? 23 Which term describes a volcano that has ceased erupting? 24 What is a learned, or erudite person?

Down1 What is a spouse, especially of a reigning monarch?2 Name a highly volatile and flammable colourless liquid.3 What, in electricity, is a current of one ampere in one second?4 What is a summary of things?5 Name one of Australia’s tennis greats, Tony ...6 What, in printing, is a hole cut in a plate, for the insertion of type?7 What is a very smooth, glossy fabric?13 Name a SE Queensland city to the west of Brisbane.15 What is an organised series of boat races? 16 Which insect is also known as a white ant? 17 What do we call one who lends money at an exorbitant rate of

interest? 18 Which flat rubber discs are used in place of balls, in ice hockey?19 Name the crime of defamation.20 What is the nickname of the Brisbane AFL team?

SHOPPING just hasn’t been the same without Betty.

Betty, or “Satan’s Little Helper” as my husband liked to call her, was one of my favourite partners in crime. Working at a major department store in the city, Betty practised old-fashioned customer service. I was one of Betty’s regulars and she always knew what I wanted, often before I did!

Whenever I’d turn up at her counter, Betty would have some special item tucked away that I just had to see – maybe a lovely new necklace that was a total steal or some gorgeous rose-gold sunnies, because rose gold is so hard to find and she knew how much I loved rose gold.

On another day, it might be a handbag that was just a bit different and appealed to my taste.

My more frugal husband said Betty was “just plain dangerous” and, indeed, whenever I needed a little shopping therapy, I would head to her counter like a moth to the flame.

Of course Betty wasn’t my only conspirator. There was a wonderful woman in the children’s department who was an unbeatable fount of wisdom when it came to baby related purchases and a whiz at settling the concerns of anxious, first-time mothers.

Of course, I had an excellent relationship with a lady in the shoe department, too.

But these exemplars of the sales assistant’s art are all now gone. Betty retired years ago and there are fewer and fewer of her ilk. Customer service just isn’t what it used to be. That’s not the fault of today’s shop assistants. Many are casuals and part-timers and there’s just too few of them spread too thinly over more and more areas of today’s department stores.

These days, I find shopping a much less satisfying and often much more frustrating experience than I once did. Venturing out to recent department store sales, I’ve found long queues of people trying to find someone to serve them, no-one who can provide any advice or information, and frequently – to my annoyance – finding items that appeared to be on sale just weren’t.

Other times, it’s the tiny, almost-impossible-to-read fine print at the bottom of the “50 per cent off” sign that explains that really, virtually nothing is actually on sale at all.

Recently, I heard the major retailers complaining about the loss of sales to the internet. These days, I don’t frequent the big shops so much; I have a few small retailers I favour and, otherwise, I shop on line so I can compare prices and avoid the stress.

The big retailers ought to have a long and hard think about returning to some former standards of personal customer service. Maybe then they would win back some of their lost business.

If it’s goodbye service; it’s goodbye to me!

Sonya Fladunmum in the suburbs

On our doorstep is the beautiful Scheyville National Park, which unites the best of the outdoors, with lots of opportunities for

birdwatching, easy walks, cycling and horse riding.

Scheyville has a rich cultural history and is on the NSW State Heritage Register, recognised for its many important historical remnants from a colonial cooperative farm to a post World War II migrant camp.

Longneck Lagoon is in the north west corner of the park and features a 4km walking track in a loop, which hugs the banks of the small permanent freshwater wetland.

“It has one very big attraction: birds,” says the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

“Over 140 species have been recorded at the park,

with at least 42 species using the wetland on a regular basis, seven of which are protected by international treaty.

“Surrounded by pleasant forest and offering a tranquil place perfect for walking with children, Longneck Lagoon walking track lets visitors engage with the area’s wildlife both safely and respectfully.”

Bring your camera and binoculars! As you walk beside the water, expect to see ducks, grebes, spoonbills and cormorants from the good vantage points on this easy two-hour walk.

Longneck Lagoon is in the northern precinct of Scheyville National Park, Cattai Road. Parking is off Cattai Road, just before the bridge over Longneck Creek. Access to the walking track is via a sty over the boundary fence.

Bring the binoculars for a wildlife walkLongneck Lagoon Reserve, Scheyville National Park.

PUZZLES

SUNDAY WALK

General knowledge crossword


LIFESTYLE

Local business directoryAlan Ferris Mortgage Broker Ph: 0409 189 [email protected] echoice.com.au/alanferris

Austbrokers AEIChad SmithCommercial, domestic and corporate insurancePh: 8913 1635 or 0438 143 [email protected]

Automotive Tyre King Seven HillsAnthony Ziebell Tyres, wheels, servicing and pink slips Ph: 9838 [email protected]

Beach Designs Mark Bennett Decks and Pergolas [email protected]

Belinda Walkom Photography Belinda Walkom Professional photographer specialising in family and newborn photographyPh: 0408 307 [email protected]

Bruce Walton AFSM JP (NSW) Justice of the Peace Ph: 0418 866 771

Chem-Dry Austyle Nathan and Amanda Ward Carpet, upholstery and leather cleaning Ph: 4587 [email protected] chemdryaustyle.com.au

Code StudioAnthony Ziebell Web, applications, software development Ph: 1300 [email protected] codestudio.com.au

Douglass HomesMark Douglass Building and Construction Ph: 0412 546 [email protected]

Exterior Matt O’BrienLandscape and pool creatorsPh: 1300 735 [email protected] exterior.com.au

To advertise your local business in Vermont Times please contact [email protected]

Fox n Hound Hand-stamped jewellery Kirby Will Handmade jewellery and gifts Ph: 0401 914 014facebook.com/foxnhoundbykirby

Greener Property Maintenance Phillip Kustreba Lawns and gardens, gutter cleaning and gutter guards Ph: 0410 639 [email protected]

Goodlife Financial Services Colin McAlister Finance BrokerPh: 4580 [email protected]

Grow Equity Management Rebecca Mansfield Specialist in home, business and commercial lendingPh: 0439 971 311rebecca@growequitymanagement.com.augrowequitymanagement.com.au

Hoban Recruitment Renee McIntoshRecruitment and HR consulting

services Ph: 02 8834 8977 or 0425 669 [email protected] hoban.com.au

Jim’s Mowing KellyvilleGary Rogers Garden Care and Lawn MaintenancePh: 0404 062 [email protected]

LimcoraEvan Graham and Alex Nelson Plumbing and Drainage Ph: 4587 9595 [email protected]

Mavbuilt Homes Glenn MavinNew home construction Ph: 0497 109 916 [email protected]

Plumb-Rite Plumbing SolutionsDean Kentwell Plumbing, gas fitting and drainage Ph: 0414 288 [email protected]

Rockit Marketing and Design Shelley MelvilleMarketing consultancy, social media management, website and graphic

design Ph: 0416 020 [email protected] rockitmarketing.com.au

Sydney Pressure Cleaning Phillip KustrebaPressure cleaning and exterior house washing Ph: 0410 639 [email protected] sydneypressureclean.com.au

The Art of Joinery Nestor Porley and Graham Bridges Joinery Ph: 4577 9022 Nestor: 0407 275 527 Graham: 0402 278 [email protected]

Tranquil Waters Natural Therapies Lorna Cousins Naturopath, nutritionist, remedial massage therapist, beauty therapist Ph: 0419 634 [email protected]

Trent Croft Electrical Trent Croft Electrician Ph: 0419 223 [email protected]

Winning the accolade of Sports Person of the Year has been “humbling” for archery star Sarah Jordan.

“It’s still surreal, and to be honest I’m in total shock,” she says.

“However it really has just been 15 minutes of fame – as soon as we got home after the awards ceremony it was back to normal and the kids were yelling, ‘Muuuum, I’m hungry’,” she smiles.

Sarah received the award at the 2016 Hawkesbury Sports Awards held at Windsor RSL.

This annual event acknowledges sporting accomplishments of community members as well as the contributions of individuals to sporting clubs through support roles.

Sarah says she discovered archery more than two years ago as a way of finding time for herself.

“I was in a pretty low point in my life and I wanted to do something for me,” she says.

“I liked that archery was very self-focused and that what you do right or wrong is only up to you – well, and the wind.

“I found it to be a kind of mediation for me and a way to focus.”

Sarah says her first title was the NSW State Clout Championships over a long distance of 165m.

“After that I entered a few local competitions and didn’t do too badly,” she says. “I also qualified for my first overseas competition, the 2016 World Indoor Championships in Ankara, Turkey in February and came 17th.”

Windsor resident Sarah has also recently competed in the 2016

World Oceania Championships in Tonga where she received a silver medal and two bronze medals.

“My mum nominated me for the award; like any mum she’s just really proud of what I’ve achieved,” Sarah says.

The judges said Sarah is an “extremely talented individual that has demonstrated a high level of ability in mastering archery in a short time frame and has achieved outstanding results on a regional, national and international level.”

“It was humbling to win, there are so many great people in Hawkesbury,” she says.

“It was wonderful that my instructor Clarence Rodrigues won Coach of the Year for his work with Destiny Martial Arts Australia,” she says.

Junior Sports Person of the Year went to Ashleigh Hill of Hawkesbury Martial Arts; Junior Encouragement Award was awarded to Frederick Peters, who participates in a range of sports, such as oztag, softball, baseball, tennis, cricket and rugby league.

All Abilities Sports Person of the Year was Sandy Freeman of Windsor Swim Club who won two gold medals in the Special Olympics in LA.

Team of the Year was the Kachan School of Tumbling and Performance National Tumbling Team; and Official of the Year went to Donna Keith of Swimwest Swimming Club in South Windsor. The Sporting Excellence Medallion was awarded to Aaron Donaldson.

Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Kim Ford, says the Hawkesbury

community should be proud it is home to sportsmen and women of this calibre.

“Sport is such an integral part of life in the Hawkesbury and I am honoured to present these awards to the extremely deserving participants,” Councillor Ford says.

Sarah Jordan shoots for the starsHawkesbury archery star named Sports Person of the Year

From left: Deputy Mayor of Hawkesbury City Council, Councillor Warwick Mackay, Sarah Jordan, Sports Person of the Year, and Vice President of Windsor RSL, David Ingram.


LIFESTYLE

SOLUTIONS

It may be winter but that doesn’t mean it has to be dreary in the garden – bring in pops of colour by planting winter flowers now. It’s the perfect time for violas, pansies, azaleas and camellias to

go in. At Wyee we have many varieties and colours available, including camellias in pink, white and red that will give around five to six months of stunning colour.

Top tips• If you have any outdoor

tropicals, they will need to be moved to a more sheltered spot to help them withstand the cooler weather.

• Reduce the amount of watering for indoor plants – when it’s not as hot, they simply don’t need it.

• It’s a good time to feed any flowering plants in the garden. Use a fertilizer that is higher in potash and lower in nitrogen.

• Keep your mulches topped up – it will help to reduce the creep of weeds which are still prolific at this time of year.

• If you want to care for your lawn and ensure it comes back to life in the spring, spray it with liquid seaweed every four weeks.

• It’s the perfect time to prepare the soil for roses and bare root fruit trees such as apricots, cherries, figs, peaches, pears, plums, nectarines and pomegranates by adding compost, checking the drainage and adding gypsum if the soil is clay-based.

• If you have existing roses, prune them in July and spray with lime sulfur to clear up any scales that may have developed.

• Improve the drainage of your soil by creating raised beds or adding drainage lines, which is a cheap and simple procedure.

• It’s also time for planting winter veg, particularly cruciferous varieties like cauliflower, cabbage, cress, broccoli, bok choy or Brussels sprouts. You could also try winter tomatoes, beetroot, carrot, spinach and silverbeet. Herbs love this time of year too, especially coriander. If you have a frost-free spot, plant potatoes now but if not, wait until August.

• In terms of pruning, it’s a good idea to cut back deciduous fruit trees. Generally the rule is to prune to shape, and remove the criss-crossing branches and the centre for cross ventilation. With natives, always prune after flowering is complete.

Russell Browngardening guru

Bring in pops of winter colour

Azaleas for winter.

Slow cooking for winter warmth

In my gardenLemons, oranges and herbs are growing well. My vegetable garden is still recovering from an extended hot summer, so I am fertilising and resting beds until spring.

Seasonal produce Citrus fruits and apples are the best! A bowl of freshly stewed apples make a great snack or simple dessert. Cauliflower, onions, cabbage, silverbeet, broad beans and artichokes are great value at this time of the year.

Winter at VermontAs the temperature drops, life goes on but the days are shorter and more time is spent indoors and in front of the fire.My friends and I enjoy kayaking on the river regularly, even during winter. Some mornings the fog is so thick that we can’t see the riverbank! It can get very cold and rainy but we have our thermals, thermos and snacks to warm us up. Not to mention a hearty meal at home afterwards. It’s great to see the local soccer fields and netball courts full of kids participating in winter sports. I’ve always thought there is a great extended social network around the sporting families.

My teaching careerI have been lucky to be able to combine my passion for cooking and sewing in my career as Hawkesbury High School’s head teacher for home economics until my retirement in 2012. I love teaching skills, especially seeing the enjoyment and sense of achievement when one has been mastered. I have fond memories of my teaching days but those that give the greatest pleasure are knowing students have gone on to great careers based on the skills and knowledge taught to them. My past students have become sports nutritionists, executive chefs, fashion and costume designers, interior decorators and upholsterers.

Slow-cooked Peachy Pork (serves 4) Pork is often an overlooked meat for the slow cooker, so why not try my peachy pork recipe?

Ingredients800g-1kg diced shoulder pork (ask your butcher for a cut that is suitable for slow cooking)4 tbsp plain flour11/3 cups apple cider1 green apple, peeled and diced1 onion, diced1 tsp fresh grated ginger2 cloves or 1 tsp crushed garlic1 tsp each ground pepper and salt1 cup peach nectar2 whole cloves or ½ tsp ground cloves2 tbsp chilli sauce 1 cup peach slices 1 lemon4 sprigs fresh coriander

MethodPlace diced pork and flour into a plastic bag and shake.Add all ingredients to your slow cooker except the peach slices, lemon and coriander.Cook for 6-8 hours on the lowest setting.Add the peach slices 20 minutes before cooking finishes.Serve with creamy potato mash and steamed vegetables.Garnish with a lemon wedge and coriander sprig.Or serve with potato bake and a tossed green salad.

Discover the joy of home cooking in the cooler months

Julie Sullivanfood guru

Favourite winter warmersSlow-cooked soups, stews and casseroles are hearty and so easy to prepare. Get your ingredients ready in the morning and let your slow cooker do all the work – by dinner time you’ll have a warm and complete meal waiting for you! Steak and kidney with herb and garlic dumplings and my slow-cooked peachy pork (see recipe) are winter favourites at my house.

Julie Sullivan… “Slow-cooked soups, stews and casseroles are hearty and so easy to prepare.”


LIFESTYLE

Go boldA huge rug can help to ground your furniture and bring the overall look of your lounge room together, while being soft underfoot. This blue and grey design creates a bold statement and adds warmth and colour.Moroccan rug, $479, Daregallery.com.au

Clean lines and comfortA contemporary clean-lined sofa with solid timber detail, beautifully tailored in a soft but durable polyester and linen mix fabric, the Toni design offers smart looks and everyday usability without dominating the room.Toni three-seater sofa, $2,899, Daregallery.com.au

Lounging around

Cosy cushionsWith the interest in reviving the inspirational decorative skills of the past and hand-knitted textiles, these ultra-tactile woven and braided cushions are perfect for cosying up on the couch.Private Collection’s Cove Natural Square cushion, $79.95, and Ultima’s Kai square cushion, $59.95, available nationally from Harvey Norman, David Jones and Myer.

Go cosy and stylish with soft fabrics, warm textures and bronze accents

ThrowdownCosy woven cotton texture and contemporary style come together in the divine Big Stripes throw from Aura by Tracie Ellis, creating a touch of modern minimalism and Nordic notes in your living area.Big Stripes throw in pastel pink and marle grey, $179. For stockists visit aurahome.com.au

Flickering glowDecorative and elaborate, this brass hurricane holder features a copper inner. Place a candle inside and enjoy the fantastic shapes from the light.Alexander cut-out brass metal hurricane, $69.95, Laura Ashley, laura-ashley.com.au or 1800 033 453

Bronze luxeThe stunning Lisbeth ceiling pendant light will add a decorative touch to any interior. This opulent style features curved, gold leaves for a beautiful botanical effect.Lisbeth Gold Leaf pendant, $499, Laura Ashley, laura-ashley.com.au or 1800 033 453

Coffee timeEnjoy your café au lait in true French style with the Sorrento coffee table. Made from timber and finished in fresh white paint and lacquered timber stain, it features two drawers on smooth metal runners to keep your lounge-room clutter free. Sorrento coffee table, $299, Fantastic Furniture


Documents

Vermont More Times - Winter 2016