Innholdsfortegnelse for December - January 2018-19 i Blue Mountains Life

BLUE MOUNTAINS FAMILY FUN DAY To celebrate Children’s Week, Blue Mountains City Council partnered with two community organisations to provide a Family Fun Day. Council, in partnership with the Mountains Outreach Community Service (MOCS) and the Aboriginal Cultural Resource Centre (ACRC), hosted the event at Noble Park, Bullaburra. Activities included a jumping castle, face painting, feature creatures and a FREE sausage sizzle. Other local services supported the day including Blue Mountains Family Day Care which had a stall, with information for families about the service, and a play space. DESTINATION AMBASSADOR Local taxi drivers are being trained to be tourism advocates, in an innovative pilot program. Eleven taxi drivers, from Katoomba Taxis, attended Destination Ambassador training. It is the first time the program, a Blue Mountains City Council and TAFE…

REGIONAL ART WARAKURNA: our minds and eyes exhibition will be touring from the National Museum of Australia and be on show at the Hawkesbury Regional Gallery. The exhibition is a collection of contemporary paintings and sculptures that document a new art movement that is emerging from the Western Desert community of Warakurna. These paintings combine familiar Western Desert symbols and dots with a new, more figurative style and recreate scenes of everyday life and to tell historical and contemporary stories. The exhibition starts on January 26 (official launch on February 8). ARTLAB FUN! The Hawkesbury Regional Gallery has put together ARTLAB a fun and interactive space for kids of all ages to have fun, engage their creative brain and explore the world of kinetic, moving artwork know as MARBELLOUS marble…

Norman J. Penhall Funerals: There are many advantages to preplanning one’s funeral. It’s a simple procedure that doesn’t take much time but ensures peace of mind, and relieves the individual’s loved ones of a decision-making process at a stressful time. Norman J. Penhall Funerals is one of the Central West’s longest establish business in this field and they allow the individual to make specific choices for his or her own funeral service based on personal preferences. “It’s all about providing a service to meet the needs of clients,” says Norman. He has been involved in the funeral business since 1962. “We care for families not because it is our business but because it is what our business is all about,” he says. “These day clients are very specific about what…

Tucked away in the valley of the Hawkesbury, is this exquisite country homestead named “Nygoora” which exudes European history, old world charm and class. Set on approximately 10 acres this stunning country homestead has been meticulously cared for with quality features, manicured grounds and established low maintenance gardens. Situated only moments away from walking and riding trails, not to mention the boutique lifestyle of Kurrajong village where there are local schools, transport and shops including trendy cafes and restaurants. Although the home is similar to an old English manor, the functionality and practicality are equivalent to a luxury modern home. The property was sold by Harcourts Kurrajong/Windsor for $1.65 million. With so much character and fine details including 10ft ceilings, ornate cornices, chandeliers and antique stain glass doors which were…

With the warmer weather upon us, it is incredibly important to check a few things before you find your old sunscreens & start to apply them on yourself or your families skin this holiday season. • Check the expiry of your SPF on the tube – if it is expired YOU MUST throw it out – you will have no protection on your skin if you use it. • Has your SPF been stored in a cool dry place? We often find many guests at the Medi Spas have their SPF stored in their car, handbag or in a beach or pool bag which is left in the sun. The heat in a car or a bag left at the beach can get extremely hot and this will destroy the…

It’s a catchphrase that’s been described as perhaps the first “I do” for newlyweds, and it’s especially relevant as we head into wedding season. Because as much as you may think no two people have ever been more in love than you are - hey, look at the size of that engagement ring! - the truth is that it could be less than smooth sailing ahead if you’re not on the same page when it comes to financial matters. “Couples have a very hard time talking about money,” says Joan Atwood, a professor of marriage and family therapy. “I would say it’s the last taboo.” Ready to break it? Read on. They need to take some time after the wedding to sit down and start getting organised as a couple.…

Scala leather goods has over 50 years experience in leather goods. Their range is designed in Australia by respected and experienced craftsmen. The Tuscany collection of leather goods are inspired by the colours and the lifestyles of the Tuscany region in Northern Italy. The Tuscany leather is a mellow, full grain leather renowned as long wearing, with a luxurious and soft hand feel. The unique printing process ensures that no two items are the same. The Collection is considered a price of art and an accessory that is treasured for many years. The Tuscany Collection by Scala is available at Blackheath Family Shoes 4 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath 4787 8263 Open 7 days…

WARRIMOO PUBLIC SCHOOL Warrimoo Public School has been recognised for their resilience as they continue to bolster survival plans for the ongoing bushfire season, Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant said. Mr Grant presented the school with a Resilient Australia Award during a special ceremony at Parliament House in Sydney. The 2018 Resilient Australia Awards and NSW Get Ready Community Award help highlight significant community-led disaster preparedness and response initiatives across the state. The awards also aim to inspire communities to strengthen their capabilities so they may withstand and recover from natural disasters into the future. JAMES SHEAHAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Students continue to enjoy the resurfaced tarmac completed at the beginning of the year, with the futsal courts and half court basketball being particularly popular. The new gym area…

The growth in the small to medium SUV market has been strong in recent years. The high drive position coupled with the commanding views and safety have seen buyers’ appetite for these vehicles grow to incredible levels. And nearly every car maker has at least one model in its line up. So with such a competitive market, you can expect some stiff competition. Yet despite this, the Volvo XC40 still managed to come on top at this year’s 2018 Car of the Year by caresales. The Volvo XC40 has been crowned best vehicle at its annual automotive award which provides expert evaluation, data and consumer sentiment by recognising excellence in the new-vehicle market and distinguishing just one winner from every new model released in Australia. The award is the third…

LADY LUCK FESTIVAL Saturday 19th January 2019 Celebrating its 10 year anniversary, the Lady luck Festival was created for the rockabilly and vintage enthusiasts, showcasing the customs and culture from the fabulous 1950’s. The Lady Luck Festival also helps in raising awareness and fundraising for The Black Dog Institute in honour of the festivals founder. BY DAY, think fun, fashion, food and entertainment for the whole family with free admission to bands, market day, hot rod and vintage car show, swing dancing, public dance lesson, Miss Lady Luck and Little Miss Lady Luck competition and a jumping castle for the kids. BY NIGHT, get a babysitter and frock up as the after party begins in the Baroque Room with live bands, dance performances and much more. Entry is $27.00 per…

REGENT HONEYEATER A Critically Endangered Regent Honeyeater has been spotted and photographed by Springwood local, 13-year-old McKinley Moens. This important sighting of a Regent Honeyeater, which has a very patchy distribution in NSW, was recorded as part of the Blue Mountains Fauna Project. McKinley Moens, who was a finalist in the 2018 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year, photographed the bird in her Springwood garden. McKinley said, “I have wanted to be an Ornithologist since I was 7. I could not believe my eyes when I went to clean our 11 bird baths on Friday. I had my hand on the door handle to go outside and I paused to check for birds so that I didn’t scare any away. It was then that I caught sight of the…

Before we sit down, Christine Sullivan is quick to warn she fears her story is a boring one. “I’ve been a Hawkesbury resident from birth and in August will be 63, oh crap,” laughs the well-known teacher and artist. While her story might not feature anecdotes about celebrities and exotic , assures readers want to hear about real people doing real things. If nothing else, Christine has lived her life according to the motto, ‘be true to thine own self’. From the age of about four, she knew that she was going to be an artist. “I drew as often as I could, made mud pies, designed houses and painted pictures; school was only fun when I could decorate the page with coloured pencils or make models from plasticine. My…

A functional layout flowing over two floors this family home accommodates your every need. This unique Country Manor is perfectly positioned in a peaceful family setting with sweeping treetop views across 12 picturesque acres while the home oozes timeless style and charm. Offering a stunning palette of complimented perfect fusion of natural elements such as light filled rooms, glowing timber and slate, the home seamlessly integrates the interior with the natural landscape. Presenting a functional layout flowing over two floors this family home accommodates your every need with multiple informal and formal living zones perfected with vaulted timber ceilings and floor to ceiling windows to take in the calm and tranquil setting. The undisputed hero of this home are the idyllic spaces to sit back and relax. Four generous bedrooms,…

Pearce Furniture and Bedding in Katoomba is a must-stop shop for those looking for quality furniture and bedding, home decor and the latest in Sleep Technology by A.H. Beard. If you’re in the market for a new mattress, Pearce Furniture and Bedding is the smart choice, with an impressive range of new mattresses on offer including best selling brand A.H. Beard. Not only are the prices competitive, Pearce Furniture and Bedding are well known for looking after locals with their $1 local delivery fee and outstanding customer service. Your local Blue Mountains destination for Bedroom Furniture, Mattresses, Ensembles, Lounge Suites. Ask us about our Home Styling and Interior Design services.…

At Sittanos, we are passionate about food and about you. We are a family restaurant that strives for excellence in serving you and creating amazing, delicious food that you will love to come back for. Experience our in-house or al fresco dining with fully licensed bar. Our extensive menu offers a mouth watering range of starters, mains, pastas, pizzas, the freshest seafood and succulent steaks. Join us for a quick bite, intimate evening or large group celebration with friends. We don’t forget the children with a yummy kids menu and activities to keep them happy and you relaxed. Open seven days a week till late, Sittano's Bar and Restaurant is the best destination in Penrith for great service, sensational food and affordable prices you’ll be sure to come back for.…

Table and bed linens, co-ordinated throws and cushions, lamps, china and glassware, explore the amazing collection at Maison Montage and you will discover something truly individual. Choose from an extensive range of fragrances for women and men from the world’s most luxurious perfume houses. Beautiful home fragrances, candles and toiletries make gift shopping easy. For women, we have beautiful clothing and a great selection of scarves. Our jewellery collection includes Riley Burnett, Ichu, Moko and unique handmade pieces in natural stone and antique silver from Oman, plus a large range of Baltic Amber. Spoil your little ones with a gorgeous French toy, Flatoutbear or a new outfit. Maison Montage at 164 The Mall, Leura. Ph: 0247 843400. www.maisonmontage.com.au…

Having enough daily fibre in your diet has become increasingly important because fibre helps support a smoother, more functional digestive system provides stronger immunity, and promotes overall well-being. But did you know that even though you make an effort to eat healthily, you may still have trouble reaching your daily fibre requirement? Many people average only half of the recommended 25 to 30 grams of dietary fibre per day. Yet the current average daily intake of fibre is 15 grams, as the typical diet includes many foods with high calories, such as white bread, doughnuts, sodas, juices and red meat, to name a few. It is impractical, however, to think that you can get your daily fibre requirement from food alone, even though you can find it in edible plants,…

Celebrate your special day with your family and friends in style at the Hawkesbury Race Club. We offer a magnificent modern wedding reception venue, with professional service, superb catering, breathtaking mountain views and a 4 star luxury motel with 30 spacious rooms. Located within the grounds of the Race Club, the Hawkesbury Race Club Motel features views of the racecourse, stables and the Blue Mountains, situated in close proximity to all the attractions of the Hawkesbury Region, including the historic towns of Richmond, Windsor and Pitt Town. Offering award-winning four star accommodation with an outdoor pool, undercover parking and breakfast restaurant. We pride ourselves on providing our guests with quality at affordable, competitive rates with every modern facility provided. Each of our suites offer full kitchen facilities, a spacious living…

VINTAGE RADIO The i-box Century marries Amazon Alexa technology with a classic design, effortlessly bringing ‘the wireless’ up to date. Equipped with voice-activated technology and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the Century is the ultimate radio. www.iboxstyle.com UBER STYLISH Wallsauce.com  are proud to announce, its latest collection of wallpaper murals with abstract artist, Lara Skinner. This uber-stylish mural collection is available on a choice of wallpaper materials, including paste wallpaper and a peel and stick wallpaper that is great for rented accommodation. www.wallsauce.com BEAN BAGS Furniture design company Lujo has launched ‘Indoor X Out’ – a premium range of bean bags specifically designed for both indoor and outdoor use. This latest offering utilizes the limited-edition Sunbrella Blend fabrics – a woven mélange of yarns that gives a textural depth with an aesthetic…

The Smith Family is making a difference to young lives by providing programs within schools across our region giving vulnerable students experiences that help their education. Their Learning for Life program provides students with sponsorship, support and opportunities they need to keep up at school, learn life skills and build confidence. Operating in a similar way to supporting a child overseas, local sponsorship goes towards the child’s costs of education such as books, uniforms, lessons or excursions. Students are also connected through coordinators to local learning opportunities and educational programs offered by The Smith Family. Students must satisfy an eligibility selection process that has been initiated by the school or a referral. They receive ongoing, confidential and age-specific support through pairing with community resources, partner-organisation social programs and volunteers. Today,…

GIFTS OF BEAUTY “Give the Gift of Beauty this Christmas with Macquarie Medi Spa, in Bathurst and Orange”. Spoil a loved one with a gift voucher from Macquarie Medi Spa or Shop online for the Napoleon Perdis Christmas Collection - Victory 8 Piece Brush Set and gold makeup purse. www.macquariemedispa.com MOKO JEWELLERY Choose from a gorgeous array of jewellery including handcrafted pieces featuring semi precious gem stones and sterling silver from MOKO. Available at Maison Montage www.maisonmontage.com.au FIVE WONDERS “Give the Gift of Beauty this Christmas with Macquarie Medi Spa, in Bathurst and Orange” Napoleon Perdis Five Wonders Eyeliners and Mascara Collection. macquariemedispa.com LA GRANDE FAMILLE Moulin Roty represents over 40 years of dreams and softness. Moulin Roty toys are French designed and are of the finest quality fabrics. New…

The holidays are fastly approaching. And now is the best time to pull out those holiday books and enjoy the holiday spirit as a family. Don’t know what books to read to your children? Read on to find out some classic stories that are bound to put a smile on your child’s face! How the Grinch Stole Christmas This is a classic by Dr. Seuss. The story is about the Grinch who lives up on a hillside away from Whoville. The Grinch despises Christmas and hates that the citizens of Whoville are having such a good time during the holidays. The Grinch comes up with the idea to take Christmas away from the “Whovillians.” He goes through each one of the homes and steals Christmas trees, presents, stockings and the…

There are many reasons you may want or need to think about having a discussion regarding your Memorial Service. In the past, it has been a taboo subject but thankfully this is changing. My parents never wanted to talk about dying and when the two of them passed quite suddenly, and within weeks of each other, I had no idea where to begin or really what to do. I vowed never to put either my wife, children or my step children in that same predicament. You really need to begin a discussion when you have time, rather than when you are caught up in the whirlwind of having to arrange, for example, your spouse’s memorial ceremony. It is too late then. You need to help to relieve the pressure on…

Alfresco living is always a large part of modern Australian lifestyle. Spacious houses are spread all over Australia and owning one has become a dream goal of many. After a hectic day, the home offers you the sweetest retreat to relax and have a rest. How life can be more perfect if your home came with a beautiful scenery, a delicate garden and cosy outdoor sofas. Owning such a pleasant wonderland is one of the dreams of the Aussie high-quality lifestyle. This would be the perfect place for you to enjoy a brunch with your friends at weekends, or to hold a birthday party for your children. When you finally realize your dream and get such a house, the next problem would be to make a wise choice on your…

BENZ A 250 The all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class range is set to receive a healthy boost before the end of the year with the introduction of the new A 250 4MATIC. Utilising 165kW of power and 350Nm of torque and combined with the standard 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission, the model is able to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.2 seconds. The model includes 18-inch aero alloy wheels, MBUX multimedia system with widescreen cockpit (2 x 10.25-inch digital screens), Touchscreen Central Display, standard LED headlights with Adaptive High Beam Assist, keyless start and wireless charging. LEXUS UX SUV Lexus announced it aggressive pricing to accompany the introduction of the new luxury compact UX SUV. Prices for the new UX range start at about $45,000, which ensures it is the…

GREEN BOOK A working-class Italian-American bouncer becomes the driver of an African-American classical pianist on a tour of venues through the 1960s American South. BUMBLEBEE On the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee finds refuge in a junkyard in a small Californian beach town. Charlie, on the cusp of turning 18 and trying to find her place in the world, discovers Bumblebee, battle-scarred and broken. VICE VICE explores how a bureaucratic Washington insider quietly became the most powerful man in the world as Vice-President to George W. Bush, reshaping the country and the globe in ways still felt today. THE OLD MAN & THE GUN Based on the true story of Forrest Tucker and his audacious escape from San Quentin at the age of 70 to an unprecedented string of…

BLUE MOUNTAINS MUSIC FESTIVAL The 24th annual Blue Mountains Music Festival of Folk Roots and Blues (BMMF) returns to scenic Katoomba. Australian artists already confirmed include the eclectic The Others - a trio composed of jazz supremos James Morrison and Paul Grabowsky with Spiderbaits’ Kramm. The list continues with the exuberant Melbourne folk/pop five-piece Perch Creek, the sister vocals of Vika and Linda Bull, guitar maestros The Grigoryan Bros with multi-talented Adam Page, the wonderful Marcia Howard Trio, the big band sound of The Northern Folk, SA’s the Coconut Kids and hot blues from 19-Twenty. Venue: Various sites Dates: March 15-17 Contact: www.bmff.org.au THE UMBILICAL BROTHERS SPEEDMOUSE The Umbilical Brothers are an international comedy phenomenon who have so far won a couple of BAFTAs, an Emmy, the Critics’…