Tell us about your family …

Denise and I were married in 1974 and have three sons (Gareth, Rhys and Liam). Rhys and his partner, Melissa, live and work locally, and Liam lives and works on the Gold Coast. Sadly, Gareth died in a car crash in 1999, aged 19.

You’ve just returned from a fabulous trip overseas. Share the highlights with us …

On a trip such as the one we’ve just returned from, there are so many great memories that it’s difficult to nominate highlights. There were some places that exceeded expectations, and others that you just knew were going to be magic.

Poland and China were countries that delivered a huge WOW factor. Everyone knows of Warsaw and Krakow in Poland, but Torun and Wrocklow were very special. The Czech Republic and Slovenia are also very special. The scenery is spectacular, and the medieval cities are a dream to explore. Regensburg in Germany, Cesky Krumlov in The Czech Republic, Siena in Italy and Verdun in France are all cities worth going out of your way to visit and of course, Italy is the world’s largest walk in art gallery.

The battlefields of Belgium and Northern France hold a special place in the hearts of Aussies – a must see.

London, Hong Kong, Paris, Singapore and Rome all have many sights to keep you busy for several days.

In Asia, China is a must see destination, and the islands of Lombok and Gili Trawangan are pretty much off the tourist radar as far as Australians are concerned. The scuba diving on Gili was some of the best I have ever done.

I would say that climbing the Great Wall at Juyongguan was something I will always be proud of. It was a solid 2½ hour climb, but the sense of accomplishment when we reached the top was fantastic.

As for food highlights, the regional dishes of Italy are unsurpassed, the plats du jour in France are never less than sensational, and the food in China is superb. Like Italy and France, Chinese food varies from region to region, and it is all delicious.

It is interesting to see the difference between food in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong (Cantonese cooking), and Singapore is one of the world’s great food destinations – especially for Nyonya food and Straits Chinese dishes. The chilli crab is a signature Singapore dish and is to die for.

Did you encounter any difficulties on your trip?

Everything with the trip was great; nothing terrible happened to us at all. The only downer was when we were told our storage facility had been broken into (we were in Italy at the time) and some things had been stolen or broken. However, after a few phone calls, we knew that all our important stuff was intact, and we breathed easier.

Humorous moments?

The look on Denise’s face when she realised the cable car ride she had just bought tickets for in Slovenia didn’t ‘just go to the first pylon’, but all the way to the top of the mountain (1,500 metres).

When we reached the top, we had to cross a platform to the station. Unfortunately, you could see the full 1,500 metre vertical drop through the grating in the platform. We both have a fear of heights, so it was a case of close your eyes and sprint across.

Having got off, I then had to work out how much beer to drink to calm me enough to recross the platform and still be sober enough to drive when we got back to the bottom. Again, it was close your eyes and go. It was a good thing the views were spectacular, so we could ignore the great hole in the ground below us.

Do you travel often?

Not as often as I’d like. We try to get away each year around February – and normally head to Thailand. I find Phuket a great holiday destination, as you can do as little or as much as you want. The beaches are fantastic, the diving is superb, the food is delicious and the vibe is laid back and comfortable.

We have also been to Vanuatu and Rarotonga in the past, which we found relaxing, but a bit quiet.

Siem Reap in Cambodia is a fascinating place to visit. The temples at Angkor are challenging, but extremely rewarding. We spent four years working and travelling overseas when we were first married, so travel is pretty much in our blood.

Who looked after your business while you were away?

I licensed the shop out to Deb Randell (who works with me) for the four months we were gone, so it was effectively her business. She did a great job – and everyone is full of praise for the way she operated.

She and Alicia (her offsider) looked at the shop with fresh eyes and instituted a few changes that have enhanced the business beautifully. I can’t thank her enough for the job she did.

Where do you source your produce for the shop?

I try to use local suppliers as much as possible. Some products have to be purchased at supermarkets, but items such as meat, chicken breasts, bread, milk, juice etc. are all sourced from local suppliers. Quality is important, and I find the local suppliers always supply top quality product. This ensures our customers always receive the freshest and best quality food.

What’s next on the agenda for you … where are you off to next?

We are planning a trip to Ruapehu in New Zealand for a week’s skiing in August. I have a brother who lives quite near, so we can catch up and ‘get on the piste’! Neither Denise nor I have ever tried skiing before, so ask me if there were any funny times after that one!

We would like to do another major trip in the future, maybe to the States and on to Europe to catch some places we missed this time around. We will just have to see what happens, I guess.

Thanks Barry. 

How is your New England Martial Arts Centre (NEMAC) going?

Excellent! We now have over 200 students training 5 days a week and 6 government accredited coaches instructing. I must say, I couldn’t do it without the help of my wife, Christine, and my son, Taylor.

Last year we competed in 3 state and a national competition, with the students performing very well. Although we are not a competition club, it’s good to see that our students can win against clubs that only train for comps. Tournaments are one way of testing a martial arts ability, but the main goal for myself and my instructors at NEMAC is to teach good offensive and defensive fighting skills (both armed and unarmed), but also and more importantly is to teach students how to have pride and respect in themselves, their families, their community and country.

The bonus for me in travelling the world is to constantly see and then relate back to the students that we live in the BEST country in the world, and that we should be grateful we are here and to work hard in keeping it that way. Some of my students may not be the best fighters in the world, but guaranteed they are some of the nicest, most well mannered and behaved children in the district.

This brings me to an important message that I would like to get across to people: martial arts is a life long pursuit in self improvement, constantly training yourself to be mentally and physically stronger. It is not about getting into a cage and belting another human senseless, but about learning how to defend themselves both mentally and physically against an unprovoked attack. Being a good citizen is an important attribute that a real martial artist should have.

Tell us about your history in martial arts.

I started training in 1978 in Judo and have never looked back. The reason I started was to learn how to fight like my idols, Bruce Lee and Muhammad Ali.  During the ’80s, I practiced Zen Chi Ryu, Kempo, Fencing, Boxing, Karate, and Taekwondo. I enjoyed Taekwondo and opened clubs in Armidale, Uralla and Tamworth. In 1990 I opened the New England Martial Arts Centre. At the time, I was studying Go Ju Ryu Karate and Kung Fu intensively with many renowned instructors. It was at this stage that my father-in-law, Jackie Shing, and other Chinese family members encouraged me to concentrate fully on doing Hung Kuen Kung Fu. I will never forget one day when Jackie said to me that if I fully focus on training hard, after 20 years I would reap the rewards of my hard work. He was right … Kung Fu translates simply to work hard, and that is my club motto: ‘practice is the key to success’. Now after 30 years of hard training, I am a Grandmaster, I have black belts in 10 different styles and I’m a level 3 (Australia’s highest level) government accredited martial arts coach.

How long did it take you to master the art of arrow catching?

I started catching arrows in 2000 as a demonstration at my annual martial arts night, and then soon was in Madrid, Spain doing it live on TV to millions of people. From this appearance, I was asked by Guinness World Records to do many other shows around the world – and in fact, have been one of their leading acts for the past 10 years and have done Guinness shows in most countries.

I have appeared in other major shows such as MythBusters, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Stan Lee’s Superhumans, Time Warp and more importantly to me, have had many major international TV shows come to Armidale to film me performing my skills – and in doing so have exposed our city to the world. Nationally, I have been on many Australian shows lately, such as the TODAY show and have also featured in many international and national magazines and books.

What’s your most recent entry into the book of Guinness World Records?

In December alone, I appeared on the TODAY TV show again and broke the record for ‘the most chopsticks thrown in 1 minute’, I also set the record for ‘the most tennis balls caught in 1 hour’ at the Bowling Club and attempted to break my chopstick throwing record in Beijing,China.

Exactly how many world records have you broken?

29 world records, with three pending.

Always aiming so high, what do you feel has been your greatest achievement?

Being the Armidale Citizen of the year in ’09 was a great achievement. I am a fifth generation Armidalian, and when I grew up all I used to hear about is what a great man my father Sam was, and what big shoes I would have to fill if I was to be as good a man as him. Well, I’m trying and hope that in some small way that I have contributed not only to the Kelly family name, but the Armidale and world community as well. As far as my world record achievements go, I feel blessed that I have the opportunity to travel the globe and see some of the most fantastic sights and meet the most unusual people. But in saying that, I do not think people really understand the amount of hard training and stress that goes into an overseas appearance.

Fielding international calls at all hours of the night, writing emails, negotiating with the TV producers, travelling for days, eating unusual foods and waiting around the TV studios for hours and sometimes days waiting to appear and then be expected to perform at your best; it’s very demanding on the mind and body. In saying that, the reward for performing in front of millions of people and breaking a record live is a great feeling.

What’s next?

Keep building NEMAC up and run more Kung Fu and Reaction Training workshops, locally and nationally. As far as TV goes, last year I broke the billion viewer mark, and I hope to do that again. I’m in the planning for a Discovery TV show from England that wants to do a feature on me – part of the filming will be here in Armidale.

www.anthonykelly.com.au/

Thanks FOCUS, and Happy Year of the Dragon.

Thanks Anthony.

How long have you lived in Armidale?

I grew up in Armidale. After I finished school, I left to take up a scholarship at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. After my degree was over, I stayed in the States for a short time and began performing in musical theatre. After many years working in Sydney, I returned to live in Armidale in 2007.

You’re well known as a conductor and music director. How and why did you become a director?

I love theatre of all kinds. I can get as excited about a play as I can about a musical. I have worked as a musical director on many shows, and I love doing that, but I love the process of creating an entire show more.

I love reading a script and seeing it play out in my mind. The theatre in my mind has no limits or restrictions. When I first think of how to stage a show, I allow any idea to grow and develop – however crazy! I try to squeeze out every ounce of honesty from a script. I try not to think about budgets, casting, if the theatre can cope with these ideas, or whether an audience will come. I just like ideas to flow. The ‘how’ comes much later.

Years ago when I was directing the musical Chess in Sydney, I told the designer and the producer that I wanted the opening number to be a life sized chess game with the entire cast dressed as exotic ancient Persian chess pieces fighting a battle to the death. I was initially told it was too difficult and that I might need some medication to calm down. On opening night, when the lights slowly came up and the human chess pieces began to battle each other, the audience exploded into cheers and applause. I live for those moments.

I work best in an environment where no idea is rubbish and where everyone is working together to make something of nothing.

How long have you been a member of the Armidale Drama and Musical Society (ADMS)?

I joined ADMS in 2007, shortly after arriving back in town. A few months later, I proposed the musical Titanic. This was a huge show with a big cast, gorgeous costumes, sensational music and a delicious set created by Pat Bradley. Titanic had the largest audience numbers ADMS has ever seen.

The following year I directed Blood Brothers - The Play, and in 2010 it was Urinetown – a ridiculously hilarious show complete with dancing policemen, torch choreography and tumbleweed! So much fun.

Tell us about the brand new musical you are directing?

This year I am directing The Hatpin, a new Australian musical. This is an incredibly sophisticated and fascinating work.

The Hatpin is the true story of a single mother, Amber Murray, who in 1892 advertised her baby son in a newspaper trading column for a family to care for him while she tried to find work in Sydney … and ended up embroiled in the Makin family murders. It’s one of the most captivating, moving and exciting criminal trials in Australia’s early history.

Set during a time when women had few rights, this is essentially the story of one young woman’s struggle to be heard against a mountain of criticism and resistance. It is also important to know that the Makin trial was pivotal in creating precedence in law and for generating awareness of early childhood issues and care.

Who wrote The Hatpin, and how accurate is the historical information portrayed in the musical?

James Millar wrote the book and lyrics, and Peter Rutherford wrote the music. They are two young Sydney based writers. I believe that they are serious new voices in Australian musical theatre, and I am incredibly excited to present their first effort as a writing team.

The musical is all based on actual events, people and places. The writers used court transcripts, police records, historical accounts and newspaper articles to form the story.

Curiously, I found while I was doing research that some of the murders took place at 109 George Street in Redfern. I lived in the same street at 183 for a period of time, and on my way home I would walk past each little terrace, including 109, every day.

This was actually one of the ideas that James Millar wanted to convey. If you could peel back the facade of any home, there would be a story to tell. It just happens that 109 George Street had a painful and horrific past.

You’ve directed many musicals. Why are you so excited about this one?

It is essential for us as a community – as Australians – to tell our own stories. Good, bad, shocking, shameful … we must tell our stories to grow and learn and discover more about who we are.

I recently had the chance to talk with Carol Herben, who is a descendant of the Makin family. I asked her what she felt, knowing that this awful chapter in Australian history was part of her family. She told me that once she began to investigate her ancestors, she found that she was from pure convict stock on both sides of the family. There were convicted criminals and murders, through to regular folk.

“It is what it is,” she said. “I can’t change the past. It doesn’t change who I am, but it is part of me, it connects me and gosh – it’s fascinating.”

I am excited to peel back the facade of this story and tell a tale that not many people know. It is part of our history.

Final word?

I urge everyone to go and see some theatre this year – find a show, listen to the stories. You will see that we are all connected.

Thanks George.

How did you first become interested in the children of Nepal?

I first heard of Forgetmenot Children’s Home in Nepal through a family friend who was involved with the organisation. She had visited the girls’ home in Nepal with her husband and inspired me to get involved and visit myself.

When did you go to Nepal, and how did you organise this trip? 

I went to Nepal last April (2011). The Forgetmenot organisation runs 2 visitor/volunteer trips to the girls’ home in Nepal each year, and I signed up to join in with the April trip. When I first heard about the orphanage in Nepal, I immediately wanted to visit if I could. As a requirement to visit the home, each trip participant was asked to fundraise to make a donation to the organisation of $2,000. To me, this seemed impossible at first; however, I was determined to reach that goal and after holding a few small fundraising activities through my school, selling hundreds of chocolates and receiving many generous donations from the O’Connor and Armidale communities, I raised nearly $3,000 to donate to Forgetmenot.

What is the lifestyle like over there? 

Getting used to the different lifestyle that the Nepalese people live was one of the biggest culture shocks I experienced on my trip. Kathmandu, where I spent most of my time in Nepal, was unlike any other place I had ever visited. It was loud and busy all the time, and society seemed to lack any concept of road rules. Waste is a major issue in Nepal, and the streets and water systems were very dirty compared to what we are used to in Australia. The lifestyle is also more influenced by religion, women dress much more conservatively, and I was woken very early most mornings by the ‘Call To Prayer’, which would echo through the streets.

Tell us about the orphanage you worked in?

Forgetmenot Children’s Home is one of two orphanages run by Forgetmenot from Hervey Bay Queensland. Lars Olsen founded the organisation after he volunteered in Nepal for 5 months and fell in love with the many orphaned children, who were full of happiness. After much fundraising and research, the home in Nepal was opened in 2006 and is now home to 21 girls ranging in age from 6 to 17. Forgetmenot also has another children’s home in Uganda, which houses both boys and girls. In Nepal, the girls’ home is in Kathmandu across the road from the school that the girls go to. Arriving at the home and seeing the girls waiting on the balcony for us to arrive was a truly moving experience; I have never been greeted with such love by complete strangers, as I was by these beautiful girls. Not once in my time visiting them did I see any of them exchange harsh words; they shared all of their belongings happily with each other and greeted each one of us with hugs and kisses when we arrived each day. The love that they showed to each other and to all of the volunteers amazed me.

What did you gain from this experience?

It’s difficult to know where to start. I gained a huge appreciation of how lucky I am to have education, a clean and safe place to live, and most importantly, a family. One thing which I will never forget about the girls in Nepal is how incredibly happy they all were and how appreciative they were of what possessions they did have, despite the struggles many of them had faced in early childhood. I realised, through seeing their happiness, how much we take for granted everything we have – especially in Australia – and how materialistic our society can be. Many people donate to charities and generously support organisations throughout the world; however, having the chance to meet and spend two weeks with the girls who would benefit from my fundraising was a really unique experience – and one I will never forget. As well as becoming close with the girls in the orphanage, I also made some close friends within the group who travelled to Nepal from around Australia.

How can others contribute to these people? 

There are many ways in which people can contribute to Forgetmenot. You can make donations to the organisation through their website: www.forgetmenot.org.au. On this website you can also sponsor children in the orphanage in Nepal or Uganda, or even become involved in a volunteer trip yourself.

Plans for the future?

When I have completed my HSC, I would really like to return to Nepal, either as part of another visitors’ trip or for a longer time to see the girls and help out at the home. Although I was only there for a few weeks in April, I formed a strong bond with the girls and think about them often now that I am back in Australia. Once you have met people as amazing as them, it’s impossible to put them behind you.

Thanks Alexandra.

The universal law of attraction is a strange and wonderful thing, and the little village of Kentucky is a great example of this. Twenty years ago, it was a cluster of cottages and houses on small acreages, a village store and a primary school with a dwindling number of students. Many of the vacant timber cottages were falling into ruin, variously occupied by itinerant people smoking suspicious substances, bats and brown snakes. 

A community erstwhile founded on war heroes and apple blossom had become quiet and peaceful, with an ageing population.

Returning home one uni holiday, I was appalled to find one of our beautiful landmarks, the little railway station, completely demolished. Having never bothered to involve myself with anything to do with the preservation of local landmarks – that, of course, being the responsibility of the ‘older generation – I furiously interrogated my parents. “What the … ? Why didn’t you do something?”  Unfortunately, they  said, it had just slipped past – people just hadn’t realised it was to be demolished, until suddenly it wasn’t there.

This was certainly a wake-up call for a community so devoted to preserving its treasures – an ominous sign of what would follow if residents let down their guard even for a moment.

Apart from this unfortunate incident of historical destruction being slipped past the normally vigilant Kentucky residents, other crucial local services were vigorously defended. The general store, community hall and public school were maintained, thankfully, as once lost these utilities never seem to be regained. Several enterprising Principals meant that Kentucky School started to gain ground by attracting children from surrounding areas on the back of the solid, disciplined but progressive education provided, and the steady increase in school enrolments kept things  ticking along until the next progressive shift in the wind.

Meanwhile, many families quietly and successfully continued to run other businesses, such as Fine Wool Merino studs (for which the area is well known), farm tree nurseries, timber processing plants and the few remaining commercial orchards. So Kentucky was hanging in there, but not really going forward – like so many other places of similar demographics.

Kentucky’s real shot in the arm came with the whole ‘tree-change’ movement, where the area had the advantage in the location bun-fight in that it offered real bang for one’s real estate buck – acres of fertile granite soils to run horses, cattle, sheep, alpacas of course, and all the assorted barnyard motley crew that comes with living the rural dream. OK, so it’s a bit further out of town than other similar areas, but with the extra kilometres also came cheaper real estate, and an affordable place to live suddenly become a sought after little honey pot. This is where I believe the law of attraction really came into play; like everywhere, real estate prices jumped, and so did the fortunes of Kentucky.

So what if the reality of taking over an old weatherboard cottage and acreage is running out of water, fixing busted pumps, dealing with chicken-nicking foxes and various other travails that have been left out of the real estate blurb. Practicality, common sense and willingness to ask someone who actually knows what they’re doing goes a long way in these parts. Locals chuckle to themselves that “townies who think they know it all and aren’t smart enough to ask for help won‘t last long”, and it has to be said that that is pretty true.

Attempting the rural life without a good dose of practical country skill should not be taken on unless armed with a healthy measure of humility, coupled with the ability to listen … a good supply of alcohol is also highly recommended, both for oneself and the tradesmen or neighbours needed to help fix the various glitches that come with owning your own patch of dirt. A word to the wise … for goodness’ sake, make friends with neighbours. Chances are, they know more about your property than you ever will – like how your front verandah may get flooded after a particularly heavy downpour, or how that lush paddock  you think will fatten 20 weaners is actually a bumper crop of weeds which needed spraying 3 weeks ago.

Luckily for all concerned,  Kentucky has so far attracted a veritable cornucopia of the most fascinating characters, who have managed the rural transition with skill and enthusiasm. Interestingly, it seems to have a strong pull for creative, artistic people, and these newcomers have brought a wealth of new skills, hobbies, interests and businesses to our formerly rather sleepy community – and Kentucky has embraced them with open arms.

Unusual and interesting roadside gardens appeal to visitors, bikers and vintage car enthusiasts, who regularly tootle around the quiet lanes to catch glimpses of sculptures, flowers, stone meditation retreats and renovated churches, as well as the usual comforting rural scenes of hay baling and kids on ponies. They are luckily not put off by the odd spill around a particularly bad bend that has long since lost its slow down sign. There’s always an obliging local to pick them up, dust them off and send them on their way.

Some visitors include former residents and people who have worked here or visited Kentucky in its orcharding heyday, when buses of sight see-ers would flock out for a tour of the orchards when the  apple blossom was at its peak. They invariably remark that it is wonderful to see a resurgence in both visitors and things to do – especially such civilised pass-times as sipping coffee, tasting wine, touring rose gardens and visiting family friendly alpaca farms.

Meanwhile, it’s full steam ahead down at the local school … another lauded Principal took over a few years ago and has injected his own brand of diversity and academic achievement to its growing list of credentials. The Kentucky School kids are real little crowd pleasers,  earning their keep with the ability to make  hundreds of dollars for a few hours busking on their regular trips to Sydney to perform at … well … the Opera House, of course.  This is in between learning to ski at Lake Jindabyne and getting ready to tend their soon to be constructed Kitchen Garden, from which they will pluck fresh produce to turn into mouthwatering dishes in their specially designed kitchen – thanks to a prestigious newly awarded Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden grant. Whew.

There is a variety of extracurricular activites too, with regular classes held at the Hall by the Kentucky Progress Association offering such pursuits as clay modelling, archery and tennis, if one is so inclined; and of course, there are our very own village markets now being held quarterly.

Where previously the only real option for social interaction for adults was a snatched conversation by the petrol pump at the general store in the afternoon, locals now have extensive lunch, morning/afternoon tea and dinner options – and we’re talking the good stuff here too. Seared Salmon for lunch from the local store, cappucinos and cake or high tea  at the rose garden and to top it off, cocktails, wine tasting and a truly superb meal at the winery. And so it goes that life out in our neck of the woods is pretty good … pretty damned good.

Photos taken by Michael Taylor.

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 high school teacher, Pauline Fuller and local artist and teacher, Fay Porter. Art School was a natural progression, and I gained a degree at Northern Rivers College in Lismore, followed by a Graduate Diploma at Sydney College of the Arts.

What materials do you prefer to work with?

A wide range of materials and techniques are used in my work. There is a certain dichotomy, where I tend to use oils en plein air and acrylics in the studio.

The outdoor oil paintings are direct impressions of the day. The studio works are multi layered pieces. In recent drawings, I have rediscovered charcoal and pencils. Lino block prints are another medium that I’m revisiting. Collage and mixed media are a mainstay.

Why have you chosen to exhibit at Gallery 126?

Gallery 126 supports local regional artists and the local arts industry. Gallery 126 fills the role of a commercial gallery in a regional centre, which not many regional galleries can maintain. It is exciting to be a part of the local art community and represented at a supportive gallery. Many local artists are landscape painters, and there is a sense of community and identity through plein air painting.

What can we expect to see at your exhibition?

This exhibition is the culmination of work from the local area, over the past few years. I have paintings, drawings, lino block prints, collage and photographs.

The Dangars Falls paintings are plein air, which are painted outdoors on site. Others are worked up in the studio, referencing drawings and photographs.

The attraction to stronger contrasts and bold shapes is a progression to simplification and hints at abstraction. The charcoal and printing tie in with the use of strong dark shapes. The pull between detail and simplification is part of the challenge, and both are represented in the exhibition.

Where do you get your inspiration from? 

The local landscape is a constant source of inspiration. I am attracted to the strong contrasts in the rock and trees, patterns of light and dark that occurs in places like Dangars Falls and Bald Rock. Working en plein air allows me to record the seasons and weather patterns. We have gone from drought to flood in the last few years. This is traced in the series of paintings in this exhibition.

Artists who inspire you?

Fred Williams is the quintessential Australian landscape painter. Fred made it cool to paint gum trees again, and landscape became a part of the Australian psyche.

Other inspirations have been the abstract expressionists like Motherwell, Kline and Still for their use of bold black shapes.

Margaret Preston is also someone I have always empathised with. The direction in my work is toward further simplification of the landscape and allegories that occur.

Exhibition dates

The opening is Friday 3 February, 5pm to 7pm. The exhibition will run from 3 February to 25 February.

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 see the ‘Marine Magic Presentation’, which was a delightful thirty minutes of interesting and entertaining information, as well as exciting routines that showcased the natural abilities of both seals and dolphins. The presentation was highly interactive, with Nicole and Bill’s family given the opportunity to get involved.

After the show, they were encouraged to pat and play ball with the dolphins, with a trainer supervising the interaction. Nicole informed us here at FOCUS that the highlight of the day was the ‘Family Dolphin Experience’, where both the grandparents and children enjoyed twenty minutes in the water with a dolphin. “It was amazing to touch and play with such a magnificent creature,” says Nicole. “We all really enjoyed playing with the dolphin. I will cherish the photos of my family giving the dolphin a great big kiss. And the smiles on our grandkids’ faces were unforgettable, as they gave the dolphin a hug and a tickle on her tongue.

“What a special time we had! Hearing the dolphin speak, feeding her a fish and viewing her underwater are memories that we will always treasure.”

The Pet Porpoise Pool has been operating as a rescue and rehabilitation centre for over 41 years now and is a well known and loved, award winning tourist attraction for providing hands on interaction with animals, while providing education about marine animals, conservation and sustainability.

The aim of the park is to connect people with these animals, so that there is a mutual respect and consideration of their place out in the wild. Half of the animals who go into care at the Park are rescued and rehabilitated and remain well cared for at the PPP, while others have been transported to the facility or born at the Park.

Other than Seaworld on the Gold Coast, the Pet Porpoise Pool is the only Marine Park which holds a license nationally to house Inshore Bottlenose Dolphins.

The park has 5 dolphins and 15 seals, with a variety of fish in the Reef Tank, Sea Turtles and Little Blue Penguins.

For more information, phone 6659 1900.

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. My parents were often told by professional people on panels at eisteddfods or present at concerts I performed in that I should be trained. Luckily, my mother resisted all these suggestions at too early an age. I then followed the right channels, I believe, and prepared to audition for the Qld Conservatorium; I was accepted mostly on vocal merit.

How has your career progressed ?

My career began with Opera Queensland in their Choice Voices program, singing Second Lady in The Magic Flute and also in solo concerts with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Since then, I have worked extensively in Australia and internationally. Some of the highlights have been as soloist at the Shalyapin music festival in Kazan, Russia; singing at the Sydney Opera House; Aida at the Helicon Theater, Moscow; gala concerts for the opening of the Galina Vischnewskaja Opera Centre, Moscow; televised performances for the Bolshoi Theatre and Tchaikovsky Hall, Moscow; Lisa in Pique Dame for the Ravenna Festival, Italy; televised performances of Nedda in Pagliacci in Lithuania; Rosalinde in Die Fledermaus in Germany; Pamina in The Magic Flute and Amelia in Un Ballo in Maschera in Australia.

I also sang the title role in Tosca for 4MBS-FM, Australia and in 2006 took the roles of Donna Anna in Don Giovanni for the 4MBS-FM Music Festival in Brisbane and Rosalinde in Opera Queensland’s production of Die Fledermaus, which was performed in Brisbane and then toured Queensland. More recently, I sang the role of Gertrude in Hansel and Gretel for Opera Queensland, was soprano soloist for Opera in the Markets in Melbourne, performed The Countess in The Marriage of Figaro for State Opera of South Australia and appeared with the Queensland and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestras.

In 2009, I sang Minnie in a new production of La Fanciulla del West for State Opera of South Australia (SOSA) and appeared in Opera Australia’s New Year’s Eve Gala in Sydney. The following year, I sang Minnie, as well as the title role in Tosca for Opera Australia. Last year I appeared as Lady Macbeth in Macbeth, Curly’s Wife in Of Mice and Men and Musetta in La Bohème for Opera Australia. This year I will be undertaking the title role in Aida for Opera Australia’s Sydney Winter Season and will appear as Musetta for SOSA.

What does it take to make a career in opera, and how dedicated do you have to be?

A tenacity, love and tenacity! I have worked with great and amazing teachers on a few continents, but taught myself the most out of all of them on the actual journey. I was determined I could always find the answers myself once put on the path by others. You have to be like that, or you can’t survive in this career.

What attracts you to a career as a performer, and which singers do you have as exemplars?

Number one – THE MUSIC. Singing Puccini and Verdi is always a privilege and always a highlight. Singing in the Sydney Opera House looms large on that list. Maria Callas and Joan Sutherland are my exemplars.

Your favourite operas and parts … and why? Do you think opera is attractive to young people ?

Puccini, Verdi are a big inspiration to me. La Bohème, Tosca, Minnie in La Fanciulla del West, Lady Macbeth, Violetta in Traviata. Aida. All sublime! I think the arts speak to all who are really open to the experience and who are ready for passion in their lives. Not everyone likes the same things, and that is human nature. I think Australia has lots of programs in place where they interact with a young public, such as school tours and the like. Education is essential to the continuation of all the arts.

Why did you accept the invitation to sing at Opera in the Paddock? What do you think about performing in the country, on stage, in a paddock? Is it something you’ve experienced before?

I think most opera singers are acquainted with singing outdoors. This particular gig has actually become quite well known in the operatic community, and a lot of my colleagues have performed at Opera in the Paddock. I am, for one, delighted to take part.

Opera in the Paddock 2012 

Opera in the Paddock enters its second decade this year, with Jacqueline Mabardi as one of the new faces on stage for the concert at Mimosa, Inverell on Saturday, March 24 and Twilight Recital at the Inverell Town Hall, on March 23. Opera Australia, once again the performance partner, is sponsoring conductor Phoebe Briggs and a pianist.

A group of female singers from Inverell, Armidale and the region will provide  several choruses for the evening, including the popular Nun’s Chorus. On the Paddock stage with Jacqueline Mabardi will be tenor James Eggleston, baritone Barry Ryan, mezzo sopranos Elizabeth Lewis and Elizabeth Campbell, and soprano Peta Blyth. The program includes excerpts from Puccini’s Madama Butterfly and Verdi’s  Il Trovatore.

Opera North West Ltd receives sponsorship from Arts NSW, Destination NSW, Opera Australia, Inverell Shire Council, NAB, Regional ABC & Classic FM, Malachite Resources and the German Consul.

Thanks Jacqueline.

Contributed by Rosemary Mort.

Register now for the new term of the 2012 YWCA NSW Encore Program, an innovative and inspiring approach to recovery from breast cancer surgery. It’s a proven exercise program offered free in Armidale by YWCA NSW.

The YWCA Encore Program is a gentle exercise program for those who have had breast cancer surgery, and it meets the physical needs and supports the wellbeing of women after the trauma of surgery in a nurturing and supportive environment. It can help whether your surgery was a few months ago, or 20 years ago.

A new study published in December 2011 in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship by University of Missouri’s Sinclair School of Nursing researchers highlighted the benefits of exercise for women who have experienced breast cancer, including those who develop lymphoedema, swelling that commonly occurs after breast cancer treatment. Lymphoedema can occur any time after cancer treatment and is usually caused by the removal or radiation of lymph nodes as part of the treatment process.

The Encore Program was created to improve movement, flexibility and strength after breast cancer surgery. It helps to reduce the potential risk of lymphoedema and can assist in the management of lymphoedema.

The incidence of breast cancer in Australia, published by the Federal Government’s Cancer Australia in June 2011, showed that the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia increased from 5,291 in 1982 to 12,567 in 2007, but NSW has one of the lower incidence rates, with ACT being the highest and Northern Territory the lowest.

The YWCA Encore Program starts in Armidale Wednesday, 15 February 2012. It will run for eight (8) weeks until 4 April 2012 each Tuesday from 6pm to 8pm.

Because medical clearance is required, it’s important to register as soon as possible in order to secure a place at least two weeks prior to the class beginning, because the classes are small and intimate – so places fill up quickly.

Register by calling (02) 9285 6264 (Sydney) or 1800 305 150. Participation is free – just enrol.

The 8-week program (two hours per week) incorporates gentle floor and hydrotherapy exercises and is a perfect opportunity for relaxation and information-sharing among women with similar experiences. Studies have shown that exercise programs for most people who have experienced cancer in general can reduce anxiety and depression, improve mood, boost self-esteem and reduce symptoms of fatigue.

In NSW, YWCA Encore is funded by NSW Health.

New owners Clementine and Chris bring a combined 25  years of quality hospitality experience to the table. They are glad to continue the high standard of coffee, food and service that Caffiends On Marsh is known for. Chris is pleased to present his new menu which he better describes as classic cafe breakfasts and lunches.

Proprietors Clementine, Curtis and Chris Stibbard

Don’t be surprised to see some of Chris’s favorite mexican and french inspired foods also make an appearance.

Don’t forget to contact us for your work place coffee deliveries and catering inquiries.

Address: Shop 1/110 Marsh Street Armidale

Phone: 6771 3178

Open: 7 days, Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 8am-1.30pm, Sun 8am-1pm (1.30 Markets)

Caffiends Armidale Gallery