watagan park news – winter 2016

NEWSLocal fire brigade looks for volunteers

LIFESTYLELounging around: go cosy and stylish

FOODGet the kids in the kitchen

Learning for life

The evolving story of Avondale School

WINTER 2016

2 Watagan Park News • Autumn / Winter, 2016

WELCOME to the first edition of “Watagan Park News”. We are excited to bring this seasonally inspired publication of local news and features every quarter aimed at connecting with the Watagan Park community and providing updates on prevailing land values around the estate.

A couple of hundred land lots have been sold, many of which now have houses as more and more owners call Watagan Park home.

The latest release in Precinct 2 is sold out and we are working towards our next release.

I think it’s fantastic to see so many buyers taking the

plunge and bringing their dream of building a new home in an established community but close to amenities and infrastructure to life at Watagan Park.

We are delighted by the growth of the past few months, during which we achieved our highest sale price – $288,888 for an 800m2 block of land.

Until the next edition.

Kindest regards,Keith Johnson,

Managing Director, Johnson Property Group

Where dreams come to life

ABOUT WATAGAN PARK At Watagan Park we believe in the outdoors and the lifestyle it has to offer. With the Watagan Mountains in the west and Lake Macquarie in the east, natural reserves, big backyards, trails, picnic spots, lookouts, waterfalls, beaches to explore and mountains to climb, families have more opportunity to get outside and live a healthy, safe and peaceful lifestyle.

GETTING AROUND Watagan Park is only seven minutes’ drive to the M1 and eight minutes to Morisset train station. You can be at Central Station in under two hours or at the end of the freeway in 50 minutes. Newcastle is a 30 minute drive away.

WATAGAN PARK LIFESTYLE We’ve kept all our blocks of land large enough to accommodate the ultimate outdoor lifestyle – there’s room for veggie gardens, pools, backyard cricket or a back deck big enough to cater for the whole extended family – and they’re affordable too. With our flat blocks, tailored house and land packages and access to services, it’s easy to build that dream home you’ve always wanted for your family.

OUR COMMUNITY We live for a peaceful, safe and worry-free lifestyle, and community is an important part of that. To build a community people need to be outside, meeting neighbours and joining the conversation, which is why we have designed Watagan Park with integrating thoroughfares that connect each area of the community, and nice quiet streets for neighbourly cricket games.

Johnson Property Group is one of the largest private developers of residential land in New South Wales.

It combines a passion for creating vibrant and sustainable communities with a vision for the future.

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

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

EDITORIAL TEAMEditor: Kathryn VukovljakJournalists: Kate Meikle and Alison Buckland Graphic design: Janet EwenProof reader: Glenda Anderson

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

Watagan ParkFollow us on:

Watagan Park News • Autumn / Winter, 2016 3

An exciting journey awaits as you prepare to build and move into your dream home. But what happens next? We explore some of the money

and budget-related steps to consider…

Budgeting for a construction loanAfter your purchase settles, it’s time for your mortgage broker to arrange a construction loan. Work with them closely to set a realistic budget that covers everything needed for you to comfortably move into your new home including items such as blinds, floor coverings, turf and fences.

If you have a large deposit saved, a good strategy may be to save some of that cash for the end of the process, and use it to pay for items not covered in your building contract.

Home inclusions budget Home inclusions significantly affect your budget. Even small changes to surfaces or materials can cost thousands of dollars, so it’s important to stay true to your original goals and priorities. If you’ve fallen in love with a new idea, consider the impact this may have on affordability and whether it may compromise other aspects of your home. It may not be worth the costs in the long run.

Like most things in life, it’s a good idea to have a little extra money available when building a new home. There are nearly always unexpected things that pop up. You will be thankful in the long run if you’re able to cover these odds and ends.

Once you’ve decided on inclusions, it’s time to start speaking with builders.

Builder depositMost builders require a deposit or ‘tender acceptance fee’ of between $1000 and $3000 to draw up documents, discuss specifications and establish all the information they need to draw up the building contract.

The final building contract gives you the overall construction price. This is the most important number, so make sure it lies within your original budget.

Arranging the construction loanAsk your mortgage broker to arrange a valuation for your planned home, based on the building contract. This helps you to determine whether you can service the loan, and ensures the builder’s price is within market range. Once valuation is approved, your lender confirms they will lend you the funds

against the signed building contract.

Get the building contract checked by your solicitor before you sign it. This ensures that you won’t be disadvantaged by small print that you may otherwise overlook such as wet weather clauses or penalty payments if construction runs over time.

Starting constructionAfter your solicitor and mortgage broker complete these steps, you can sign the building contract and take it to your mortgage broker.

Before construction starts, your builder needs to see evidence of the funds required for completion. This can take two forms:

• An authority to commence construction (letter from your bank)

• A term deposit joint account, opened with the builder, that requires both signatures to move any funds. This is the most common option, as most people don’t have large amounts of money available to fund construction. The interest that accrues within this account is your responsibility.

Once this happens, your builder is able to start!

Where will you live?For most people, there are three options available while their new home is taking shape:

• Stay with friends or family

It makes sense to do this early in the process, to maximise your savings. If you have an existing home to sell, you can use the proceeds to pay as much as possible off your land mortgage to minimise your interest payments.

• Rent close to your landThis is a good way to keep track of the construction. By living nearby, you can immerse yourself in the local lifestyle and establish connections with local facilities. If necessary, you can also start finding employment close by. However, once you’ve bought land, you start paying interest on your land mortgage, and this can be challenging if you are also paying rent.

• Build before selling your current homeIf you own your current home and your financial situation allows, it may be an option to move only once, purchase the land, fund construction as well as your existing mortgage, move into your new home, then sell your old home. This poses the biggest risk because you don’t know what your existing home may sell for, and the market may change.

Building progress paymentsDuring construction of your new home, your builder issues progress invoices in accordance with the building contract.

This is usually upon completion of five stages – the slab, frame, fit out, lockup and finishings. The first progress payment is usually around 15 per cent of the total amount.

The lender usually inspects the work before releasing funds for each stage. They do not inspect the quality of construction work – only its completion. Each time funds are released, your monthly repayments and interest increase in line with the total amount owing.

Last invoice and handoverThe last invoice is payable at the final inspection. It’s important to make sure you’re 100 per cent happy with all construction work before handing over this cheque. Once it is paid, the building contract is complete and the builder has no more obligation to you (unless you start a warranty claim).

Ask your mortgage broker to arrange a bank cheque for the outstanding amount, and bring this to the final inspection. This way, you receive the keys straight away. It’s much more exciting than paying electronically, where funds take days to clear and keys are posted.

Ongoing relationshipStay in touch with your mortgage broker. It’s a good idea to update them on your situation at least once a year, and get a free mortgage health check to assess whether funding arrangements are still optimal for your needs. A quick phone call could save you many thousands of dollars.

As financial markets and your financial circumstances change over the years, you may become eligible for better funding arrangements, such as lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms. As you establish equity and a mortgage repayment history, you may also become eligible for more competitive loans with other lenders.

Your mortgage broker can guide you on refinancing options, and through that refinancing you may open a door to your next purchase – an investment property or your next home.

TipAsk your mortgage broker to calculate whether you can afford to add a little extra to your repayments. By reducing your interest, you can pay off the loan more quickly – even a little extra can slice years off your mortgage.

You’ve bought – what’s next?Congratulations – you’ve bought your block at Watagan Park

BUYING LAND


WHAT’S ONthis winterEXHIBITIONS

MARKETS

MUMS & BUBS

Library activitiesLake Mac Libraries, various locationsThere are many sessions that are perfect for babies and toddlers (Books and Babies and Read and Rhyme Time, as well as Storytime for three to five year olds.Visit library.lakemac.com.au/kids/activities for further details

UNTIL JUNE 5“CLICK: Schools in Focus” Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery, 1A First St, BooragulCLICK will feature portraiture by selected students from Lake Munmorah High School.

JUNE 10 – JULY 31“Watching Clouds Pass the Moon”Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery, 1A First St, BooragulThe artists in Watching Clouds Pass the Moon suggest alternate methods of filling day hours, imagining a different role for the human action that satisfies non-monetary rewards.

EVERY SECOND SATURDAYLake Macquarie City Farmers MarketSpeers Point Park, Park Rd, 2284 Speers Point, NSW, from 8am to 1pmSupport local farmers at the markets held on the second and fourth Saturday of the month. Visit newcastlecityfarmersmarket.com.au

EVERY MONTHHealing Haven MarketsDudley Public School, Cnr of Ocean & Boundary Streets, DudleyThis monthly, community holistic wellbeing market features fresh produce, alternative therapists, nourishing foods, gifts, chemical-free products, organic produce, sustainable goods, workshops, speakers, fun for kids and the whole family. Visit healinghavenmarkets.com

EVERY SATURDAYThe Entrance Arts & Crafts MarketWaterfront Plaza off Coral Street, The EntranceTake a stroll through The Entrance Arts & Crafts Market every Saturday from 9am till 4pm.

Navigating the first-home-owner grant

Interested in building a first home at Watagan Park? Check out the First Home Owner Grant (New Homes) scheme, which is a great incentive.

The NSW Government awards a $10,000 grant to any home-building contract that is made on or after January 1, 2016.

For home building contracts made between October 1, 2012 and December 31, 2015, the grant amount was $15,000.

To be eligible for the grant: • The contract date must be on or after January 1, 2016• The home is brand new • You are over 18

• You or your partner have never held a relevant interest in any residential property in Australia prior to July 1, 2000

• The value of the property must not exceed $750,000• You have not received a first home owners’ grant in any State

or Territory, unless subsequently repaid• You need to live in the home for a continuous period of at

least six months• At least one applicant is a permanent resident or Australian

citizen

For more information on applying for the First Home Owners’ Grant, visit the Office of State Revenue at osr.nsw.gov.au/grants/fhog

Kirsty finds the perfect block to build her family’s dream home

After spending time looking around for the perfect home for their young family, the Newcombe family say they have finally found it in their block of land at

Watagan Park.

Originally from western Sydney, Kirsty Smith and her partner Nathan Newcombe wanted their two girls, Briella, three, and Mia-Rose, two, to grow up in a tight-knit community.

“We put a lot of research into where we wanted to build our first home,” Kirsty says.

“We love the family-orientated feel of Watagan Park and the great local schools for our girls.”

The family is currently renting nearby as they wait for their dream four-bedroom, one-storey home to be built, and hope to move in next year.

“We’re very excited to get into our first home and to start to make family memories with our girls,” Kirsty says.

“It feels good to get away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney and get a different perspective on life.”

As well as all the local amenities for the little ones, there’s plenty for Kirsty and Nathan to look forward to as well.

“Nathan is looking forward to exploring the bushland on his bike and I’m a bit of a shopper so I’m looking forward to finding the best local spots.”

As first-time homebuyers, Kirsty says she found working with the Johnson Property Group straightforward and easy.

“They regularly update you on everything going on with your block and the whole process has been really easy,” she says.

“They have helped us through every stage of the process and have been really caring towards us and great with the girls, too!”

First-time homeowner Kirsty Smith... “We’re very excited to get into our first home and to start to make family memories with our girls.”Sisters Briella, left, and Mia-Rose.


LOCAL NEWSWHAT’S ONthis winterFESTIVAL & EVENTS

JULY 2Diamonds in the Dirt Awaba Mountain Bike Park in CooranbongThis women’s only event will be a two to three hour event for women who ride and race a mountain bike.rockytrailentertainment.com/events/Diamonds-overview.html

UNTIL JUNE 30Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival Various locations around CessnockHunter Valley Wine and Food Festival is the perfect antidote to cure those winter blues. Wine and dine with leading Hunter Valley winemakers and chefs, take part in an array of fun and interactive classes to fine tune your culinary skills, or if you’re after a more relaxing experience, simply curl up beside an open fire with a glass of premium Hunter Valley wine and a cheese plate.winecountry.com.au/events/wine-and-food-festival

UNTIL JUNE 30Lovedale Arts FestivalLovedale Road, LovedaleThe Lovedale Arts Festival showcases a diverse range of art, music and sculpture. The Arts Trail will be an annual event for the region when visitors can enjoy eateries, cellar doors, galleries, visit studios, meet the makers and buy affordable art direct from the artists.lovedalehuntervalley.com.au/lovedale-arts-festival/

JULY 10The Entrance Winter Blues & Jazz FestivalMemorial Park, The Entrance, NSW Central CoastBring your chair or blanket and enjoy a free full day of blues and jazz sounds from some of Australia’s leading musicians. The atmosphere is easy to soak up and you can grab a bit of shopping from one of the market stalls or the yummy food stalls for the hungry.visitnsw.com/events/the-entrance-winter-blues-and-jazz-festival

AUGUST 13-14Central Coast Country Music FestivalMemorial Park, The Entrance, NSW Central CoastHeld over two days with a fantastic line up of country music performers, the festival is one not to be missed. The festival will also feature the Poet’s Breakfast, busking competition, line dancing displays, stalls and amusement rides. visitnsw.com/events/central-coast-country-music-festival

Rural Fire Service: Sign up to give back

Cooranbong Rural Fire Service (RFS) has been an important part of the community since the 1960s, says volunteer senior deputy captain Jacob Chambers.

Completely run by volunteers, the RFS is involved in everything from major bushfires and car accidents to the annual Santa lolly run.

While it can sometimes be a tough time on the job, Jacob says the RFS members also have a lot of fun and enjoy working with their community.

“The thing I like best about the RFS is how friendly everyone is, we all have jobs or school outside of this but we all enjoy what we do,” he says.

“One of our biggest callouts is to car fires but we get everything from structure fires, car accidents, assisting the ambulance service and doing hazard reductions.

“We also work with the community, like going along to preschools to teach them about fire safety, doing the Christmas Santa lolly run on the trucks and blocking the roads for ANZAC day services.”

Jacob says he has been a volunteer for almost 10 years, since joining the RFS as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. He works as a full-time nurse in Newcastle, and encourages anyone who wants to give back to the community to think about signing up.

“You can choose how much time you can give, as volunteers are alerted when there is a callout, and are able to choose whether they attend or not,” he says.

“Some weeks volunteers don’t receive a single callout and at other times can be called out to three separate incidents.”

Jacob says the requirement to become a volunteer is to pass a police check, then to be a part of the callout crew you undertake a basic firefighting course.

To become a junior member the minimum age requirement is 12 and to join in the emergency callouts you must be over 16.

“Not every role requires fighting fires, there are currently around 25 active members of the Cooranbong RFS across all roles from administration to operational support and those who go out on the calls,” Jacob says.

To find out more about the RFS and volunteering call 0457 710 497 during business hours or email [email protected]

In an emergency, always call 000.

To keep fire-safe this winter• Don’t leave your stove unattended• Don’t overstock your fireplace• Don’t go to sleep with candles burning• Remember to check your smoke alarm batteries

Cooranbong Rural Fire Service, left to right, Madeline Ferguson, Jayce Hokin, Dean Darko, Leigh Chambers and senior deputy captain Jacob Chambers.

SET on the picturesque 17-hectare campus, Avon-dale School has a long and rich history in the area, dating back to 1897.

Principal Dr David Faul has been 18 years at the helm of this impressively modern, technologically-focused school for children aged from preschool to year 12.

“We started as a primary school and have been at this site for 34 years, back when there were only two or three houses on Avondale Road,” says David.

With 960 students, plus 200 children in the early learning centre, David says Avondale has a strong focus on quality education, with the school ranking in the top 200 schools in NSW, and boasting high NAPLAN scores, including promisingly high school-improvement indicators.

David attributes the success to his 125 dedicated staff and the school’s strong emphasis on family values and Christian ethos.

“It’s the old cliche ‘it takes a village to bring up a child’. We walk the talk when it comes to our val-ues, and expect that our kids are going to do their very best,” says David.

The school has a history of excellence in sports, with athletics in primary and secondary students shining in basketball, swimming and cross coun-try in particular. It has a 45-strong orchestra and 40-voice choir that toured in NZ last year, says David.

The school is big on technology, with students from year 6 each having their own iPads and years 9 to 12 students all working on laptops.

“When we first started using laptops, people asked

Principal with a passion to keep buildingAvondale has a strong focus on quality education, with the school ranking in the top 200 schools in NSW

All About Avondale... • Founded in 1897 on the grounds of Avondale

College.

• 15 children attended the original school.

• Today more than 960 students attend Avondale School.

• During the 1970s the growth of Avondale College necessitated school management finding a new location and in 1980 Avondale School moved to its present campus at the end of Avondale Road.

• School is situated on 17 hectares of rural bushland.

• Avondale School opened the Early Learning Centre in 2003 and Kindy Centre in 2006.

• The Multi-Purpose Centre, complete with basketball stadium, commercial kitchen, counselling and chaplaincy areas, opened in 2007.

Principal with a passion to keep buildingAvondale has a strong focus on quality education, with the school ranking in the top 200 schools in NSW

us why?” David recalls.

“Now, in our digital age it is a necessity. The com-plexity of work that our students do on their iPads and laptops – particularly in art, technology and maths – requires the speed and capacity of com-puters,” he says.

Starting his career in teaching as a maths teacher in Sydney, David headed up a private school in Strath-field for 17 years before taking up the position of principal at Avondale School and moving to the local area.

He admits that he moved out of Sydney for the same reasons that many others do, primarily the clean-air environment as well as the improved security and community safety.

“People come here because our air is clean,” he says.

“The beauty of the walking trails, the joy of having space and safety is important to people here.”

David says he still loves being part of the class-rooms and teaches maths to year 7.

His vision is for Avondale to continue to grow.

“I am passionate about improving communications and the total wellbeing of our kids,” says David.

With recent research surveying 19,000 year 10 stu-dents showing that stress and body image is a main concern in their lives, David says that he wants the school to be a safe haven.

“I am conscious that school is a ‘still point’ in kids’ lives, that it is well-ordered, organised and calm,” he says.

Avondale School, 119 Avondale Road, Cooranbong. Visit avondaleschool.nsw.edu.au or call 4977 0200.

Principal Dr David Faul… “I am passionate about improving communications and the total wellbeing of our kids.”

COVER STORY


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

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

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

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

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

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

PUZZLES

LIFESTYLE

General knowledge crossword

LIVING at Watagan Park gives families the opportunity to enjoy the many benefits of being outdoors.

With the wilderness of the Watagan Mountains right on the doorstep, healthy activities such as bushwalks, horse riding, rock climbing and bike trails are all within easy reach.

Watagans National Park features some of the country’s finest rainforest scenery. Moss-covered walls and boulders, towering canopies of red cedar and Illawarra flame trees pepper the walking track to Gap Creek Falls. You can also expect extraordinary views down toward rainforest gullies at Monkey Face and Gap Creek lookouts.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service says that by late winter, the Illawarra flame trees are in bloom: “The trees can be seen across the valley from Gap Creek lookout.

“Check out the views from the various lookouts, while the air is crisp and clean.”

The Watagan Mountains are also home to a rich cultural heritage, with more than 40 Aboriginal sites highlighting art and engraving techniques.

“Given that there are only six known Aboriginal engraving sites in the wider Sydney region, this one is particularly noteworthy for its display of more than 100 abstract motifs carved into walls throughout the park,” says the NPWS.

Adventure seekers can also explore the Watagans by 4WD, with a number of great trails at Slippery Rock Road, Green’s Break Road and a fantastic day trip can be made to Wollombi Tavern!

The Watagans have many beautiful picnic areas to create happy family memories at spots such as Muirs, Abbotts Falls and Monkey Face.

Check out all these places and more at the Nature’s Playground app – available free from the iTunes or Google Play store. It emcompasses all that Watagan Park has to offer and gives lots

of information and inspiration for getting your family outside and enjoying the local wilderness.

Nature’s Playground includes: • An in-app GPS locator• Guides to walking tracks,

lookouts, local fishing spots, kayaking locations, picnic spots, camping areas and much more

• An in-built camera to capture outdoor adventures and share instantly with friends

• A locator to find local schools, health services, shops, transport and recommended tradies.

Download Nature’s Playground from the iTunes store or Google Play store, or go to wataganpark.com.au for more information.

Call of the mountains… right on the doorstep


Get the kids in the kitchen

LIFESTYLE

Cooking is an important life survival skill that we need to teach our kids, according to nutritionist Kate Freeman, and she says we need to start them young!

“Kids love being involved in cooking, and being given the opportunity to do adult things,” says Kate. Baking is a great place to start, like cupcakes, slices or cakes where they can help you add ingredients to a bowl and have a go at mixing.“When they’re around two, let them help with serving out the vegetables at dinner time, putting some carrot on everyone’s plate. “As they get a little older, it can be great to have meals where the food is in the middle of the table and everyone serves themselves. By having that degree of control, they may put more veggies on their plate, even if they don’t eat it all!”Kate says that older kids can chop veggies and help with the shopping, too.

Fussy eatersAvoiding the problem of fussy eaters at mealtimes is a combination of things, but it’s important to understand the volume of food that kids eat in a day, says Kate. “For example, you may not realise that if your children have been snacking too much, or drinking milk, juice or cordial, it can mean they’re simply not hungry enough for a nutritious evening meal,” she says.Kate suggests being consistent with offering healthy food, and don’t give them an alternative.“It can be easy to just bring out a custard or yoghurt when the kids are refusing dinner, believing that having them eat something is better than nothing,” Kate says. “It’s better to assume they’re not hungry. Kids very quickly learn that if they shake their head or chuck a tantrum, then mum will get them fruit or yoghurt instead!”Kate says to offer vegetables regularly, even if you end up scraping them into the bin.“Kids might go for weeks without seeing a vegetable on their plate, then mum has a motivated moment and they lose the plot over a piece of broccoli,” she says.“Make it normal to see vegetables every day, and model healthy eating for them – it takes time to form good habits.”

Just over a year ago I was travelling back from Brisbane and I thought it would be a lovely surprise to bring home a puppy. So on the way home to Cooranbong I picked up a Maltese, King

Charles Cavalier cross. A seven-week-old puppy, as cute and cuddly as could be. My three kids were over the moon with excitement. They instantly fell in love with him and we named him Mali.Little did I know that at the same time, my wife had arranged with a friend to adopt a seven-week-old Blue Russian cross kitten. Our kids also fell in love with her and we named her Willow.Our pets have been in our lives for more than a year now and Willow has just had a litter of kittens. Six to be exact. They bring lots of joy into our home.But pets come at a price! At the moment we are erecting little fences and barriers because the kittens are starting to wander. We did the same when we first got Willow and Mali. I remember spending lots of time building a fence and then having to move it to a different spot, only to move it again shortly after. Moving fences that are in the wrong spot is tiresome but very necessary to keep those we love safe, healthy and happy!Did you know that we all consciously or subconsciously build fences around our lives, our relationships and our beliefs? We do it to stay safe, healthy and happy. We set boundaries to keep people in or keep them out. Sometimes we build fences in the wrong places. Have you built any fences that need to be moved? In the Bible, a group of people called the Galatians were persuaded to change their beliefs and build ‘fences’ in wrong places. They were using these new beliefs to earn God’s favour. The apostle Paul had some strong words for them…“I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ.” Galatians 1:6-7The Bible says that Jesus has done all the work of making things right between you and God. The Good News is that God loves you and wants to bless you and your family with joy and peace!Perhaps you have fences around your beliefs that have distorted your view of God. Why not visit us at Gateway Community and get a fresh perspective?

Gateway Church is all about loving the community and connecting with Jesus. Age-specific programs for primary and high school aged young people are available, as well as adult connect groups every Saturday morning from 9.30-10.30am. The main service starts afterwards at 11am, and on the first Saturday of every month everyone is invited to lunch at the Gateway Family Feast.

The services on Saturday mornings are held in the Multi-Purpose Centre at Avondale School, 119 Avondale Road, Cooranbong. Visit gatewaycommunity.com.au or call on 4977 0200.

Mini quiches Quiche is a fantastic source of protein and can be a great way to get a little extra veggies into the day. This recipe is fun for the kids to help with, and they’ll love the results, too!

Ingredients (makes 12 quiches)

Filo pastry, thawed6 eggs, whisked1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped60g ham, finely chopped3 cups baby spinach or 2 cubes of frozen spinach60g cheddar cheese, gratedOlive oil spray

Method• Lightly grease muffin tray and preheat oven to 180°C.• Whisk eggs in a bowl. Add mushrooms, bacon and

spinach and mix until combined.• Cut filo pastry into 10cm by 10cm squares. Line each

hole in the muffin tray with two filo pastry sheets.• Lightly spray pastry with olive oil.• Evenly pour egg mixture into each filo cup. Top with

cheese.• Bake in oven for 10-15 minutes until egg is firm and

pastry is golden.• Serve with a green salad.

Willow and Mali.

Nutritionist Kate Freeman... “Kids love being involved in cooking and being given the opportunity to do adult things.”

James Greensillpastor in the suburbs

Moving fences

Meet the pastorJames Greensill is the senior pastor of Gateway Church, based at Avondale School. James works with school students, their families and the surrounding residents, in a supportive role within the pastoral care team, as well as running the church on weekends and other activities and events. “Loving the community and connecting with Jesus is the mission of what we do,” says James. “I love the community at Watagan, and with its growth it feels like the best is yet to come!” James and his wife Jennifer live in Cooranbong with their three children, Grace, Josiah and Asher.


LIFESTYLE

SOLUTIONS

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

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

Top tips• If you have any outdoor tropicals,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Deep roots make for solid growth at local nursery

With its roots firmly planted in the history of the area, family owned and operated Wyee Nursery wants to help your garden grow, says long-time

owner Nichole Roberts.

“One of the great things about the nursery is the quality of advice you will receive,” she says.

“Our nursery manager Russell Brown has been in the industry for more than 30 years and is university qualified.

“Our team will even visit your garden to recommend which plants or trees you should have to get the garden you want, and they will give you advice on how best to take care of it.”

Priding themselves on their expert knowledge – with five horticulturists on the staff – and an array of plants available, Nichole says the nursery can help you ensure your garden is looking its best. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, she says staff can source it for you and have it delivered.

“It’s not only a great place to stock up for your garden but also to take the family for a day out,” Nichole says.

Only a 15-minute drive from Watagan Park, she says there’s something to keep everyone entertained, from the beautiful array of plants and trees, to the relaxing café, fish pond and aviary.

Nichole and her husband Adrian Roberts have owned Wyee Nursery for more than 10 years, with Adrian’s history going back two decades, starting in the business doing deliveries of sand and soil.

“It’s a great place to take the family that doesn’t have to cost a

thing,” Nichole says.

“You can bring the kids along to see the fish or the birds, or enjoy a nice cup of coffee in our café.”

The grounds of the nursery are filled with an amazing variety of nearly every kind of plant you could think of, from beautiful flowering camellias, the rare native Ylang Ylang tree to delicious herbs just waiting to bring that extra flavour to your winter roasts.

With winter just around the corner, Nichole advises now is the time to plant your roses, with some new limited edition varieties available at the nursery.

“If you buy and plant them now you will have some beautiful roses for summer,” she says.

“Our stock is two to three years old and good quality, no matter what people buy we want them to enjoy it and to really love their gardens.”

You can also cut down on your grocery bill by planting your own vegetable garden, and due to the mild climate here, Nichole says it’s possible to grow species such as avocados, bananas and even lychees.

“We have a lot of rare fruit trees which people love to buy to grow their own,” Nichole says.

“You can also come and see us for advice on starting your veggie garden so you can enjoy a delicious winter harvest.”

Wyee Nursery is located at 103 Wyee Rd, Wyee and is open seven days a week. For more information visit wyeenursery.com.au

Russell Browngardening guru

Bring in pops of winter colour

Azaleas for winter.

Wyee Nursery owner Nichole Roberts… “ We have a lot of rare fruit trees which people love to buy to grow their own.”


LIFESTYLE

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

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

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

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

Lounging around

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

Go cosy and stylish with soft fabrics, warm textures and the glow of a flame

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

watagan park news – winter 2016

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