When and why are you off to Africa?

We leave Armidale on the 29 September 2010 and arrive in Africa on the 30 September. Initially, there were one or two of us who were keen to go over and see the School of St Jude and climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This thought of visiting Tanzania began about 18 months ago.

Since then, over many discussions between friends, the passion to see and do has spread – as a result there are now six of us, and we refer to ourselves as ‘mums on a mission’. Our aim is to achieve something that is out of the ordinary in our lives.

We feel this will show our families and friends that we are committed to raise awareness and finances for a cause that we feel is very worthwhile.

Who is going with you?

The local mums visiting the School of St Jude and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro apart from myself, are Gemma Meehan-Gallagher, Gail Schaefer, Catherine McCann and Anthea Fagan-Chalmers, along with Julie Furlan from Darwin.

All the mothers are putting aside their family lives to challenge themselves for the good of others. The challenge includes physical training for the climb; the mums are doing weekend walks in the local area, such as Salsbury (which is a 15 km walk in and out of a gorge), a really breathtaking and amazing walk. They are also gathering to plan for fundraisers and they spend a lot of time arranging individual fundraisers and sourcing sponsors for the trivia night.

Why is this such a special fundraiser?

We are supporting the School of St Jude, as many other local communities have done. The aim is to support the school where their finances may be lacking.

Our funds could be utilised for a range of things, such as sponsoring a child who has not yet found a sponsor, to enable them to attend the school. It could be used to pay a teacher, provide education material, or go towards building.

As the school was founded by Gemma Sisia, originally from west of Guyra, we feel the funds (although going overseas) are still close to home.  The fact that we are all ordinary mums who all work either full-time or part-time shows we have managed to commit to helping others.

The passion to help others also reflects to our families and friends that no matter how busy your life can be, it is amazing what you can do and achieve – not to mention the feeling of giving and helping, which is overwhelming.

In saying this, we hope to inspire others to take such a challenge. The feeling you get from giving is great; we are so looking forward to seeing the smiles of the children at St Jude’s.

How is our local girl and school founder Gemma Sisia going?

Gemma is doing a fantastic job over there; the school is continuing to expand. The student enrolments have reached 1,300. The students are now into level 7 equivalent, and the boarding starts from level 5 equivalent.

In the past, some of our local Rotary members went to St Jude’s to help build the classroom and boarding houses. Gemma has now employed local people to do the building work to continue to build more boarding houses for the students. The ability to do this has positive effects on the community as a whole.

There are now also over 400 staff employed at the school, which also helps the whole community. Hopefully, our support will also have some impact on the St Jude’s community.

Has the local business been supportive of  this project?

So far we have had some great support from local businesses around the district. The Armidale Central Rotary club is the basis of our fundraising and will assist collating the funds to take to Tanzania. Armidale McDonald’s management have kindly donated $500 + vouchers for our night, and The Party Shop (Armidale) has agreed to donate decorations for the trivia night.

Some other businesses that have given very generous donations include Uphill & Schaefer, Amalee Hairdressers, Eyecare Plus, Lockman Doors & Glass, New England Travel, Evans Printing and Mick & Col’s Fitness Centre.

Finally, awesome support from The Armidale School, Junior School community and the staff and students of the Nursing Degree at UNE.

Tell us about the fundraising evening you are about to host?

On 18 September 2010 we are hosting a trivia /auction night at the Ex-services club. We are really excited to have the opportunity to gather members of the local community to get together for a collaborative effort to raise as many funds as we can in one night.

In saying one night, there has been enormous time and effort spent to get the locals to commit support. The response has been fantastic; and more support would be even better.

Hans Hietbrink, Guyra’s local Mayor has kindly agreed to help us run our Trivia/Auction night, which will put a great challenge to the trivia element – we are really grateful for his support.

We are also auctioning a fantastic range of things, such as a weekend at Sawtell, a security door, some help on fitness and many more  things. Having said this, we would really love some more things to auction, as this will help raise the bar on our total funds raised.

In what ways can the public contribute?

The organising committee is seeking assistance from businesses in the form of products and sponsorship, to assist with fundraising activities. Should anyone feel their business could contribute to this great cause, this would be fantastic.

They can drop donations into the Uphill & Schaefer Real Estate Office. Simply raising awareness of the needs of the school will help.

The needs include financial funding (which is what we aim to do) and many other tangible items such as teaching materials, equipment for the boarding houses, and if anyone is interested in sponsoring a child – brilliant!

Anyone can go to the School of St Jude website to find out more at: www.schoolofstjude.co.tz

As for us – ‘mums on a mission’ – any business or individual who wishes to contribute or donate to the auction for the Trivia night at the Ex-services Club on the 18 September would be very welcome.

Cash donations are also very welcome! Tickets for the trivia night are available at Uphill & Schaefer Real Estate or the Ex-Services Club.

Thank you Lynda.

Tell us about your adoption and any challenges you faced?

A lot of people ask me about my adoption, and the most obvious difference with my family is my ‘Asian’ appearance compared to that of my ‘Anglo-Saxon’ family; it takes a moment for people to register. We could tell you a number of funny stories … even Ben got confused when we first met.

I’ve never searched for my natural parents and haven’t had much of an interest. The Philippines is still very much a part of me, even though I don’t know much about it besides it being beautiful and having very friendly people. My Godmother is Filipino, and I am very close to her and her family. So, I am lucky that I have not lost touch with my native culture.

My adoption has never been an ‘issue’, but I recall my family’s concerns when Ben and I decided to go to the Philippines for our honeymoon. But there was no need for concern. We hope to take the children there soon, so they too can see the other part of their heritage.

How did the hospitality industry bring you and Ben together?

Ben grew up in Sydney and spent two years in London, when his father was transferred there for work. He got the opportunity to explore much of Europe while living abroad. The family returned shortly before completing his final year in high school.

After school, Ben went to William Blue Hospitality College and worked in the hospitality industry for a number of years and then finally found himself excelling in the finance industry – currently he is working at Westpac Armidale as the new Local Business Banker.

I, too, grew up in Sydney and am the youngest of 5; I have 14 nieces and nephews. The age gap between the eldest and me is 15 years. After completing high school, I went into the hospitality industry and met Ben while completing my Advance Diploma in Hospitality Management in the Blue Mountains.

Shortly before Ben and I married in December 2000, I decided it was time to leave the hospitality industry and ventured in the not-for-profit sector. I eventually went back into hospitality, but in an administrative / event management capacity and have been there ever since.

What prompted you to move to Armidale?

We moved to Armidale in late April this year. Ben and I decided we wanted to give our young family a lifestyle that we believed Sydney could no longer provide.

When we first started looking, one of my brothers moved to a farm just outside of Warialda with his family, so we thought we would at least start looking up this way.

Armidale really appealed to us, because it is still quite cosmopolitan and a wide scope of education is available. On one of our previous visits to the area, we found a gorgeous block just out of town and decided that it was the perfect location to build a house and raise our young family.

What do you like most about living here?

We still have much exploring to do and have found everything about Armidale wonderful … even the cold weather! Who could imagine the natural attractions of the New England region, only a stone’s throw away?

Everyone has been very helpful, friendly and welcoming, which has made the transition so easy for us – especially the children. Ben enjoys the fact that it only takes about 10 minutes to get to work. Most of all, the peace and serenity are just marvellous!

What does fatherhood mean for Ben?

Ben strongly believes that fatherhood is enjoying the little things each day and always making time for our children! Ben loves that Armidale will give our children the space and opportunities to play and grow in a safe environment. We treasure each stage of our children’s growth and spending time as a family.

Tell us about your online business?

I started Belluca in October 2007, shortly after the birth of my darling daughter and noticed a number of fabulous products from Australia made by work at home mums who were trying to compete with international brands. So I decided to dedicate an online store with these luxurious, stylish and innovative products.

Plans for the future?

Armidale is a long term move for us and has provided opportunities that we had not thought possible. For me, the near future holds starting up an event management business, MV Events and the UNE Robb College 50th Anniversary.

For my family, we are simply enjoying making our house a home and creating our garden. Now that we are in the country, we might plant some roses!

Thank you Veronica.

What is the history of the Armidale Dance Group?

The Armidale Dance Group was formed three years ago to organise regular Saturday night dances in Armidale. Fortunately, we found good dance floors at the Uniting Church Youth Centre and the O’Connor Gymnasium, which were made available for us, so that together with venues in Guyra and Glen Innes, there is a dance every Saturday somewhere in the district.

Many people work tirelessly behind the scenes to make these events happen, including Ron and Maureen Smith, Bill and Judy Wicks, Len and Norma O’Connell, Hazel and Norm Charles and Graham MacKay, to mention only a few. Proceeds from the dances support various charities, including Can Assist and the Armidale Hospital.

As part of this dance community, and because we love ballroom dancing, when Lennie and Therese O’Riley (ballroom dancing teachers for many years in Armidale) reluctantly retired, we volunteered to continue their legacy.

Describe the type of dance you are currently teaching?

We teach sequence dancing, an activity based on standard ballroom and Latin dances, including Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot, Tango, Rumba and Cha Cha Cha. In this style of dancing, everyone dances the same 16 or 32 bar sequence together. As the dance steps are the same for everyone, it is easier to learn.

There are many dances to learn, so no-one gets bored. The music we use comes mainly from CDs made specifically for sequence dancing, using popular tunes.

How many students attend, and do you welcome more students?

We have 90 students across three classes.  Everyone is welcome, from 8 to 80 years old, singles, couples, families, teenagers and particularly male dancers.

You can join at any time, but it is best to start at the beginning of term. We follow the school term timetable, with breaks during school holidays. It costs $30 per person per term – that is about $1.50 per hour.

Where did you and Melanie meet?

Ah! Not on the dance floor! We crossed paths several times in the early years, firstly when Melanie was temporary bookkeeper for a business I worked for, and later when she bought fuel at the old BP service station where I was then working. However, it wasn’t until we each separated from our respective partners that we became good friends. We were married in 1993.

What is your dance history?

I became involved with ballroom dancing at age 17 when I lived at Muswellbrook. My younger brother was learning to dance. He asked me to come along, as they needed more male dancers. He also said there were lots of pretty girls. He was right!

Shortly after that, the teacher noticed how quickly I progressed and invited me to do competition ballroom for her studio in Singleton. From there I was invited to a Newcastle studio. After several years of travelling bi-weekly to Newcastle and to Sydney and Orange for competitions, it became too wearing, so I gave it up. When I met and married Melanie, I hadn’t danced for about 20 years.

What is Melanie’s dance history?

From as far back as she can remember, Melanie has always done some form of dancing. Classical Ballet (going firstly because her older brother was already learning), Square Dancing (with her entire family), Creative Dance (at school in England), Jazz Ballet (in her teenage years) and now New Vogue sequence ballroom dancing with me.

She is currently teaching Classical and Jazz Ballet at the Tutu, Tap and Turn Dance Studio, which she’s been associated with for many years.

What are the benefits of attending dance classes?

Learning New Vogue takes the dancer on an amazing journey, beginning from not knowing your left foot from your right to gliding around the floor to the rhythm of the music. There’s nothing quite like it!

Sequence dancing has much to offer the social dancer. It is a great form of exercise and fun as you master the steps. It is a challenge both mentally and physically as you try to remember dance sequences and step patterns.

In all our classes, every aspect of dancing is explained in detail – footwork, timing, rhythm, names of steps and style. In this way, a greater knowledge of specific dances is acquired, whether it be a smooth Waltz, zippy Quickstep, graceful Foxtrot, passionate Tango or seductive Rumba. Scripts of the dances taught are available for students to take home and practice.

Describe the kinship at your classes?

Because we love dancing, it affects the methods we use in teaching. We foster a relaxed atmosphere, which promotes a feeling of camaraderie as we all learn together.

We believe that if you can walk, you can dance, and it’s not how long the journey takes, but how much fun you had getting there. We are very patient teachers and encourage everyone to learn at their own pace and to their own ability. It gives us immense joy when we see our students doing their best to help others to enjoy dancing too!

Where and when are the classes?

All our classes are held at O’Connor Catholic College Gymnasium in Kirkwood St from 7pm to 9pm. Beginners classes are on Tuesday, Intermediate classes on Wednesday and Advanced are on Thursday. Private lessons are available on the weekends by arrangement.

We can also choreograph wedding dances.

Thank you Phil.

For further information, please contact Phil on 0402 971 798.

What are some of the pastoral care activities that PLC Armidale offers?

We have a whole range of pastoral care events and activities at PLC Armidale. Some of the activities aim to build support for students or establish and reinforce good relationships. Others are about reaching out to and being part of the College and the wider community:

Friendship Camp

Year 11 Leadership Day

Peer support

Regular pastoral care sessions, where we discuss the meaning of a concept such as ‘responsibility’

Social Service is viewed as an ongoing commitment

Students collect for Red Cross, Red Shield, participate in the World Vision 40 Hour Famine, donate blood through Red Cross, support teenage cancer and visit nursing homes
We have an Activities Week in Term 4, where we all participate in community service

Year 7 knit squares for donation to charity

Letters to our sponsor child

Weekly prayer meetings

What is meant by a whole school approach to pastoral care?

Pastoral care at PLC Armidale is closely associated with our Christian values. We are a loving, inclusive community, where no student walks alone. This means that pastoral care is the responsibility of all at PLC Armidale. This includes staff and students, as we aim for all at the College to feel confident and secure in their school environment. Pastoral care is not separate from school life, but is an integral part of every day at PLC Armidale.

The pastoral care structure includes classroom teachers, Stage Coordinators, the Pastoral Care Coordinator, Chaplain, Head of School and Deputy, Boarding House Staff, the Head of the Junior School, and Director of Student Learning and Support.

What are the objectives of pastoral care at PLC Armidale?

The objectives of pastoral care are to support students as they progress through the College – through the various stages of their development – and consciously educate them in complex issues of contemporary life such as cyber-safety, managing stress and anxiety and living a balanced, honest, purposeful life.

Pastoral care is organised to give students access to staff, such as their pastoral care teacher and their Stage Coordinators, to allow them to develop positive relationships.

How do you achieve the ojectives of pastoral care?

Pastoral care sessions are held three times a week. Students are in pastoral groups based on their year groups and meet with their two pastoral care teachers during this time. Coordinators meet frequently to work together on the pastoral care issues that arise. All staff are involved in pastoral care, and all staff work hard to ensure that they know their students.

PLC also liaise with parents and family, because we believe in working with the students and their families to solve problems.

A detailed pastoral care programme is devised for each year group and then individualised by pastoral care teachers according to the needs of their group.

How does your pastoral care programme focus on values?

A values focus ensures that core values are an integral part of the everyday school life at PLC Armidale. This focus allows us to develop the individual and educate girls about Christian values that underpin education at PLC Armidale. Each semester we choose a value to explore. This semester in pastoral care we are focusing on responsibility. We are discussing and reflecting on practical ways that girls take responsibility in their own lives, in families and communities.

What are PLC Armidale’s core values?

PLC Armidale is a Christian community where values of love, truthfulness, compassion, inclusiveness, setting and reaching goals and forgiveness permeate teaching and learning.

What are the challenges you face in your pastoral care role?

The teenage years themselves are challenging for many girls, and our aim is to support them during this time.

Pastoral care can be difficult to define and the needs of the students are constantly changing, which means that my pastoral care role is also constantly changing. We see ourselves as being responsive to their needs – and non-judgmental.

What role does good pastoral care in schools play in the wider community?

Students who feel supported at school are able to participate effectively in the wider community and contribute in a positive way. The skills learned through our pastoral care programme are skills for life and benefit students long after they have left the classroom. All schools are concerned not only with educating our youth, but with their total well being. When girls enter Year 7 at PLC Armidale, they become part of a peer support group. All students in Year 11 receive leadership training at the end of Year 10, and a number are selected to act as peer support leaders for the incoming Year 7 students. In groups of six or seven, the Year 7 students are led by two Year 11 students. Throughout the year, groups meet informally to chat, celebrate birthdays and so on.

In early Term 1, all of Year 7, their Year 11 peer support leaders and a number pastoral care leaders participate in Friendship Camp. This is an important time, when friendships are made and the focus is on activities which explore the qualities of a good friend. Year 11 students gain leadership experience and Year 7 students not only form friendships, but form a bond with a senior student whom they can be assured will help them through the first few years of Senior School.

On a day-to-day basis, pastoral care works like this: a group of around 15-25 students from the same year group are led by two pastoral care teachers. They meet formally three times a week. Pastoral care time is used for a range of activities: discussion, games, addressing values, planning and undertaking social service, problem solving and so on.

How we want our PLC Armidale community to work is made explicit – with messages in assembly, chapel talks, the way we relate to each other in lessons and behavioural expectations. Pastoral care reinforces the same messages of community, care, kindness and an intelligent, flexible response to problems.

Give us some background about Fullbore Rifle Shooting.

Fullbore target shooting began in England in 1859, when county volunteer rifle companies formed to repel an anticipated French invasion.

The National Rifle Association of Great Britain began running an annual target shooting competition, which is still held every year at Bisley in Sussex. Meanwhile, all the countries of the British Empire started their own Associations, with Rifle Clubs in nearly every city and town.

Around the New England there were ranges in Armidale, Uralla, Walcha, Glen Innes, Tenterfield and even Hillgrove.

The sporting aspect soon became the main focus, and Fullbore shooters can now aspire as high as the Commonwealth Games.

The key thing for us though, is that no-one thought to write any rules about gender, so now it’s one of the few sports that’s truly equal for males and females.

Who are the girls in the team?

This year our team included Casey James (Year 12 Queensland), Christine Pointing (Year 12 Yarrowitch), Polly McDouall (Year 11 Armidale), Rowan McNaught (Year 11 Yarrowitch), Sophie McKenzie (Year 10 Werris Creek), Zara Babington and Rebecca Cushway (Year 10 Armidale), and myself. I’m in Year 12 and from Guyra.

As you can see, the team is unique in that it allows ‘vertical’ participation. We have Year 7s and 8s training for next year. Christine is our main wind coach. Her job is to adjust the shooters’ sights to compensate for wind blowing the bullet off course.

Tell us about the competitions your team shot in.

The first match was the Fiona Reynolds All Schools Match. It’s named in memory of a NEGS Old Girl who died of cancer soon after she left school. This year, 14 teams of five shooters competed.

We shot from 300, 500 and 600 metres, with each shooter firing ten counting shots for a ‘possible’ score of 50 at each range and 750 for the match. We had trained for a week in all sorts of weather at Anzac Range Malabar, but the match day was sunny with relatively predictable wind. NEGS scored 680.37 to come fourth overall and second in the Prorak Trophy, a concurrent match with TAS and Sydney High School.

The squad then moved to Hornsby Range to shoot alongside the annual AAGPS Rifle Shooting Premiership. This was the tenth time NEGS had been to GPS, so we were determined use our new rifles to take the challenge up to the boys.

The Premiership comprises three First VIII matches and one Second VIII match. We shot in all matches, with our scores being continually compared with the other schools.

In the Rawson Cup we came 6th, with ‘possibles’ from Rowan and Polly. King’s won the match; however, Rowan emerged as the top shooter. After lunch the NRA Shield was also won by King’s, but Rowan maintained her lead with another ‘possible’ to give her 119.11 ex 120.

Next morning, NEGS shot in the 2nd VIII teams and emerged clear point score winners with a score of 516.32 ex 560, including ‘possibles’ from Rowan, Christine and Polly.

The final ‘glamour’ First VIII event, The Buchanan Shield, involves a stage of Deliberate and a stage of Snap at 300 metres. NEGS performed well as a team again; however, all eyes were on Rowan as she now looked to maintain her lead against the best shots from the other schools. Her deliberate 39.3 score ex 40 helped, but the clincher came with the Snap when she scored a 38.0 ex 40 to be only three points down across the three matches.

‘Snap’ is shooting at a serving tray sized target from 300 metres. The target is shown to the shooter for five seconds, then turned away for five seconds. It’s fast and fun to shoot, but it’s easy to lose points.

We came 5th in this match, with excellent Snap scores from Polly, Clare and Zara. My personal aggregate of 190.11 and Polly’s 190.9 equated to a position on the Combined AAGPS Team with Rowan.

Rowan won the Bisley Bullet for the highest individual score among NEGS, TAS and Sydney High. It’s the first time that NEGS has won this trophy. She also won the Burl Trophy for the best Shore/NEGS score at the All Schools Match.

You mentioned new rifles; they must be special?

The modern .308 target rifle is a very specialised machine, assembled from selected components. The NEGS rifles have Scottish barrels, New Zealand actions, Indian stocks, German buttplates and Australian triggers, sights and accessories. Once assembled, the essential fine tuning was done by gunsmith Fred Lawlor. They weigh about 9 kg, but a special jacket and sling help to hold them steady.

Each is worth about $3,800. The money to buy them was raised last year by NEGS Queensland Young Old Girls, so after fourteen years of using hand-me-down rifles, we are now very competitive.

It’s a pretty special sport, then?

It is special because it’s so inclusive. We can compete against any age, male or female, as a team or individually, and it’s something one can pick up later in life. There are also opportunities to travel nationally and internationally and represent at State and Australian level in Under 25 and Open teams.

So it fits very well with the NEGS ethos of ‘we can do anything’!

Thank you Clare.

How long have you lived locally?

I have lived in the region most of my life. I was born and bred in Moonbi. I only ever left my hometown before I got married. That was in the early years, when I went to work in the shearing sheds in New Zealand. I also spent some time as an interstate truck driver before joining the Police Force.

I worked as a Police Officer in Sydney, Lithgow and Tamworth for seven years. Then I became involved in cars, just after I got married. My wife Jan and I chose to raise our family in Moonbi.

Tell us about your family …

I am married with three daughters – Tanya, Donna and Tara. Jan and I have been married for thirty-four years. Tanya and Tara are both actively involved in the business, while Donna has started controlling the customer service /follow up side of the business.

I have a beautiful granddaughter named Willow, who just recently turned one, and another grandchild due in October. They live in Sydney, so I take every opportunity to go and visit them. They just recently came home for Tanya’s birthday.

Tanya built a house in Armidale seven years ago, and Tara is currently building.

What businesses do you own?

I became the General Manager of New State Motors in 1995. I had the opportunity to purchase the business in 2001, and I changed the name from New State Motors to Graham Betts Holden on takeover in September 2001.

September 1 marks the ninth year in my own business. In 1995 I purchased new premises in Uralla to make more room for our detailing department and new car storage, which is now the Caravan & Marine Centre.

This side of the business is growing bigger and bigger each year and is now the biggest caravan centre in the North West / New England Area. We are now dealers for A’van Campers, Caravans and Motor homes, Sunland Caravans, Road Star Caravans, Compass Caravans, Regal Caravans, Kara Kar Horse Floats, Savage Boats and Suzuki Marine Motors.

In February this year we opened our motorcycle centre, just off the new and used car yard at our Armidale site.

We also own NRMA Armidale.

What has it been like over the years juggling parenting and business?

I have always had time for my girls. My youngest is now 24, so they have all grown up and have their own lives. But I am always there for them.

Exciting things to come …

We always have something new happening, or a new product hitting the market.

We have a brand new Commodore coming out in September. It’s very exciting, and we are already getting lots of inquiries about it.

We get involved in local events too. The next big event is the New England Outdoor Recreation Expo in October. Graham Betts Holden is the major sponsor. This will be expo number two, and it promises to be a huge event. We have all the big names exhibiting at the show.

How is your new motorbike shop going?

It’s going well, thanks. Our grand opening was on 19 and 20 of March. The showroom is next door to our Holden dealership in Rusden Street.

We are now able to offer a large range of motorcycle accessories, including clothing, helmets, off-road parts, custom motorcycle parts and more. We stock a good range of each type of product, as we understand the different requirements of different riders.

We sell Kawasaki, Husqvarna Motorbikes and Cam-am Quads and have a full range of apparel and riding gear. If any of your readers have dads that love to ride, than they should pop in to find a suitable gift for Father’s Day.

What does your wife Jan do for a living?

Jan runs NRMA in Armidale. She has been there for ten years. I get to see her quite often; the NRMA office is just a hop, skip and a jump away, as it is next door to the Holden dealership.

What do you do in your leisure time?

Jan and I love to take our 23’6” Roadstar Magnifique caravan over to The Horse Shoe Caravan Park in South West Rocks. We have been going there for years. We love having BBQs with other visitors to the park and hearing all their interesting caravanning stories. The information comes in handy now that we have the Caravan Centre in Uralla.

You can never know enough about a product. South West Rocks is the best place in the world to me and obviously a lot of New Englanders agree, because we always run into familiar faces.

Favourite television show?

I’m really too busy to watch TV, but I’ve always loved The Paul Hogan Show. You just can’t go past good Australian humour.

Your ultimate retirement plan?

I may semi-retire one day, but I really hope to remain involved in the business for as long as possible.

As Father’s Day approaches, what are your fondest moments with your daughters?

As a family unit, we had a lot of holiday time together. We used to take regular breaks to Manly, Port Macquarie and Coolangatta. They were all good times. Our family trips to Fiji and Bali were particularly memorable.

Your tip to other fathers?

Always listen, never switch off, be available.

Thank you Graham.

Who founded the Sandon Apex Club, and why?

Sandon County Apex was founded by The Armidale Apex Club, with Robert Hanna, Bruce Whan and the late Eddie Deuo being the main driving force. Sandon County Apex had its inaugural meeting on the 21 October 1973. The club was formed as the Armidale Apex Club had too many members.

The forming of a second club enabled the members of each club to be more productive, while also enabling more members to join Apex in town, by changing the meeting night. Sandon County Apex had around 14 inaugural members. The Charter dinner was a large event and was held at Austin College, going until 5am the next morning, with approx. 90 in attendance.

When and why did you join the Sandon Apex Club?

I joined Apex because I had acquaintances who were members of the club, and I thought as a member of the community I would like to be putting something back into it.

Apex does a lot for the children in the community, i.e. the jumping castle and fairy floss at the school fetes. We have a yearly kids’ camp for local children, some of whom wouldn’t normally have the chance or the opportunity to attend. I also joined for a little time out for me, but in saying that, I believe my family has also enjoyed the social events that Apex members have organised.

How does your club raise money?

Sandon County Apex raise money by doing the jumping castles and fairy floss at school fetes and social events like Australia Day celebrations and the Greyhounds family days. We also did the jumping castles for Bunnings opening weekend – these are the events we count on to keep the club financially viable.

What current fundraisers are you working on at the moment?

Sandon County Apex are currently working on our Bowls Day, which is the major fundraiser for our Kids’ Camp to the coast.

We found that this event was a more social event than our previous golf days. With bowls we are all together as a community playing the game (some people don’t even know how to play – me in particular), but we do enjoy the laugh while doing something to benefit others, with the support of our sponsors.

What is the club’s involvement with Angel Flight?

Angel Flight was launched in April 2003. Angel Flight co-ordinates non-emergency flights for financially and medically needy people.

All flights are free and assist patients and carers travelling to or from medical facilities anywhere in Australia. Angel Flight pilots donate their time, skills and the bulk of their aircraft costs for each flight. Where Sandon Apex helps out is where, on occasion, inclement weather prevents volunteer pilots from flying patients to their much needed treatment. In these instances, to ensure the patient is looked after, Angel Flight uses donated funds to purchase commercial airline flights for patient and carer.

Tell us more about your kids’ camp?

Apex runs an annual kids’ camp to Scotts Head. We take up to 30-40 kids from our local schools – with the help of the Scotts Head Life Saving Club, who accommodate us for the weekend. We try to make it as memorable as possible for the children.

Over the last couple of camps we have taken the children to the beach for a swim, played footy, built sandcastles, went for walks, which allowed us to see a school of dolphins – all of which, surprisingly, a lot of the children haven’t experienced.

We also take the children iceskating on the Saturday night. The children and the Apex members find this quite amusing, as they learn that iceskating isn’t as easy as it may seem. The jumping castle also comes along for the trip.

How can the locals contribute?

We are currently seeking new members who, like ourselves, would get enjoyment out of putting back into the community in one way or another.

We currently have a number of beneficial sponsors, although we could always do with more.

So, if you have a company or you’re an individual who wants to somehow give back to your community by offering your time, ideas or your donations, we can be contacted by emailing: sandonapex@gmail.com or phone Mark on 0404 562 437.                                    

A memorable experience …

My first kids’ camp would be my most memorable to date, as we debated among ourselves (members of Apex) if we should go (the weather was not very desirable). After many conversations and even more phone calls, we believed the kids would be more disappointed if we didn’t go … so we soldiered on. As we headed down the dreaded Dorrigo Mountains, the rain intensified. We found ourselves, along with 30 odd children, stranded just on the other side of Bellingen, as the road had been cut of with flood waters. By then, the mountains had also been cut off due to landslides.

It was then Brad and I got out of the bus in very heavy rain and directed the bus to a point where we could turn around and head back to Bellingen. So there we were … stranded, no food and not knowing where we would sleep. Some of the children, members and helpers were starting to worry.

With the help of the Bellingen SES, we were allowed to stay at the Scout Hall. Our very good bus driver got us to the Scout Hall safe and sound. With the help of the bus driver’s wife and the children, we got the luggage out of the bus. Mind you, the bus had to park on the road and we had to carry the luggage what seemed a long way in the pouring rain, with children running this way and that. Some of our members and helpers headed back to town on the bus for supplies. We walked into a local Take Away shop and said, “We need food for 40 people.” The look on the shop owner’s face was PRICELESS!

He shut his shop and with Mel’s help, the owner of the shop and I cooked up a storm, cooking everything left in his shop. We returned to the hall with food in hand. The children by then were quite hungry; they ate and chatted about the adventure we were on. We all ate and were happy to see the end of that day. In the morning, the rain had settled some, and with the help of the SES and our amazing bus driver, we were able to push on and head down the back road to the coast. It was there that we started the normal enjoyment of the kids’ camp. Although it was a memorable adventure, I would like it noted that if it looks like raining this year, I will be busy!

Thank you Paul.

Adam White

When and Why did you join the Army?

I joined in June 2004 for officer training at the Royal Military College Duntroon. There were two main reasons I joined. The first was that being in the military was something I had always wanted to do; the second was to receive mentoring and motivation from Ron Wykneit, a teacher at school.

Where did you complete your training?

The Royal Military College Duntroon (RMC-D), Canberra. After completing the First Appointment Course at RMC-D, I graduated to Royal Australian Army Ordinance Corps, then transferred to RAA.

Tell us about your role and responsibilities?

The training I have completed has allowed me to work my way into the role of Captain – 8/12th Medium Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery (RAA), Forward Observer. My role is to coordinate all types of indirect fires and effects, ranging from artillery and mortars to naval guns and attack aircraft. Prior to this job, my role was to supervise and control the fire of a medium gun battery consisting of six 155 mm Howitzers. My responsibilities include providing accurate, timely and safe indirect fire for my supported superior and maintenance of the personnel and equipment within my team.

Describe a typical day on the job?

Generally, my day starts with physical training, then some administration until lunch, then I focus on training my team. During field training, the typical day is devoted entirely to training my team

Plans for the future?

I will deploy shortly. After returning, I will spend a further year in Darwin then hopefully move south, to be an Instructor Gunnery at the School of Artillery in Victoria.

Thank you Adam.

Jayson Archibald

Why did you decide to join the Army?

I had been in a few different roles after leaving school, and none of it was really what I could see myself making a career of.

After watching a program on the Defense Force – seeing what life was like and the great range of careers paths you can choose from, I thought, “I can do that.” So I looked into how to enrol and went from there.

Tell us more about your role now in the Army?

I wanted to gain a trade out of the Army, so once I was accepted to join, my recruiting officer assisted me with my options. I was interested mostly in building or HVM (Heavy Vehicle Mechanics).

After deciding to go with HVM, I was then sent down to Albury, where I am now based, to complete further training.

Once my training is completed, I will be responsible for inspection, repairs and maintenance of all kinds of vehicles, including 4WDs, trucks, armoured vehicles, motorbikes etc.                        >

Describe a typical day on the job?

My day starts at 5.30am. I have to prepare my room for inspection order and then press my uniform to be dressed and on parade by 7.15am.

We then start work for the day, which can vary depending on what needs to be done and what training we are focusing on.

Plans for the future?

Right now I am working on completing my training, which takes 18 months. I will then be relocated to another base; I am hoping to head to Brisbane.

I then hope to start working towards gaining some deployment time.

Thank you Jayson.

Open for lunch and wine tasting Saturday & Sunday 12 noon – 4pm

Diner Friday & Saturday nights from 6.30pm other nights available from group bookings.

Booking & enquires Ph. 6778 7473

www.eastviewestate.com

110 Beardy Street, Armidale

Phone: 6772 0007

open: Mon-Thurs, 8am to 9pm. Fri – Sat, 8am to 12pm. Sun 9am – 8pm.