University of Newcastle releases its mid year offers

The University of Newcastle has released a record 1106 offers for mid-year enrolment.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Services), Dr Sue Gould, said the University of Newcastle was releasing the second largest number of offers in NSW.

According to Dr Gold, data from the Australian Graduate Survey shows that 82 per cent of the University's bachelor degree graduates under 25 find jobs within four months of finishing their degree. This is above the national average.

"Students are increasingly turning to the University of Newcastle's mid-year enrolments to start their studies. Mid-year entry means they do not have to wait until next year to commence studying and kick start their career."

The most popular degree programs are the Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Arts.

University wide:

• Total number of offers: 1106
• Total number of commonwealth supported offers: 1043
• Total number of domestic full fee paying offers: 63

By individual campus:

Callaghan campus

• Number of offers: 836
• Number of commonwealth supported offers: 784
• Number of domestic full fee paying offers: 52

Ourimbah campus

• Number of offers: 236
• Number of commonwealth supported offers: 227
• Number of domestic full fee paying offers: 9

Port Macquarie campus

• Number of offers: 34
• Number of commonwealth supported offers: 32
• Number of domestic full fee paying offers: 2

North Coast Architecture - a note

In Diary of a travelling trainer - day two: Grafton, Sydney talking about my drive around South Grafton I noted there was a very distinct feel to North Coast architecture. Since then, I have kept an eye out for any material that might tell me something about the history and style of the buildings, but so far without luck. For that reason, I thought that I might put down a few rough notes for my own benefit.

Looking just at Grafton, you find the older buildings in both Grafton and South Grafton towards the river, essentially the old port areas. Because this was a timber area, wood construction was important. So we have two story pubs of wood construction with verandahs; there is a distinct style feel here including decorative use of wood that can also be found in the Macleay Valley to the south.

To analyse this, I really need to get photos to allow me to compare and contrast features.

The older houses in Grafton are not necessarily large but often very attractive. There seems little of the town house style architecture found in Armidale, although in both places iron lace work was commonly used as a decoration.

Outside the towns, the remains of the now diminished dairy industry with its milk sheds can still be found. As a child driving down from the Tablelands I always noticed the shift to the dairy style. Smaller houses, low, wood, with the milking areas nearby.

In part because of the connection between architecture, climate and economic activity, there appear to be shifting styles across New England. I always took this for granted. However, with change styles seem to be blurring, hence the need to document now.

Hugh Frewen's "Imogene - an odyssey"

Hugh Frewen's Imogene an odyssey (Australasian Publishing Company) was published in 1944. In her forward to the book, Dame Mary Gilmore wrote that it was a record of impressions and reflections in verse during journeys across four continents and over many countries. It is also part of the story of a man.

I have written about the book and the history of the Frewens in Saturday Morning Musings - Hugh Frewen: a New England story.

Catch a rainbow....trout!

Back in November 2006 in Secrets of New England - along the Fossickers Way Day Two I mentioned Nundle's Arc-En-Ciel Trout Farm. The Farm is now offering visitors the unique opportunity of catching their own Rainbow Trout and cooking it fresh on the barbecue.

Situated 20km outside the historic village of Nundle, in the beautiful mountains of Hanging Rock, Arc-en-Ciel has been providing Rainbow Trout to restaurants and gourmet food outlets around Sydney, the Hunter and New England North West NSW for the past 25 years.

On a guided tour, which costs $7 for adults and $5 for children, visitors can learn some trout breeding secrets and see how an aquaculture farm operates. They can then spend some time fishing at the dam. All fishing gear is supplied. There are barbecues available for those who want to make a meal out of their catch on the spot.

A limit of four fish per rod is applied. While a catch is not guaranteed, your chance of catching at least one trout is pretty solid, according to Arc-en-Ciel’s owner, Russell Sydenham. The fishing costs are $8 per rod and any trout caught is then charged at a rate of $15 per kilogram (they clean and gut and pack them for you, too).

Mr Sydenham said trout fishing is very popular among families with children, grey nomads and older teenagers. A family pass, which includes the tour and fishing for two adults and two children, costs $49. The farm is also open to bus tour groups, who usually take the guided tour, then relax with refreshments. A smoked trout and scrambled egg breakfast can be arranged for groups of 12 to 50.

There’s a coffee shop on site, where you can enjoy some delicious cake along with a hot or cold drink.

If you haven’t got the energy to catch a trout yourself, the Arc-en-Ciel farm shop sells fresh and smoked trout, whole or filleted, trout caviar, as well as smoked trout pate and gravlax, a cold-cured trout. Arc-en-Ciel’s Rainbow Trout Gravlax won a bronze medal at the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show this year.

The farm is open 5 days a week from 10am to 4pm. It is closed on Saturdays and Tuesdays.

For further information, please phone 02 6769 3665 or visit www.rainbowtrout.com.au

Southern Cross University's Whale Studies

New research which investigates the migratory movements of humpback whales between Antarctica, the east coast of Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific and the west coast of Australia, has been presented to the International Whaling Commission.

The three reports were prepared by Southern Cross University’s Whale Research Centre using photo-identification catalogues of humpbacks from Hervey Bay, Ballina, New Zealand, Western Australia and Antarctica. The research involved collaboration with scientists from the South Pacific Whale Research Consortium, The Centre for Whale Research, Western Australia, the New Zealand Ministry of Fisheries, The International Fund for Animal Welfare and Greenpeace International.

You can find more details here.

The poetry of Judith Wright - entry page

Looking at search engine patterns, I cannot help but noticing the continued interest in Judith Wright's poetry.

I do intend to write some more here. But for the present, I simply note that you can find the entry page to all my posts on Judith Wright here.

Why I Remain a New England New Stater 11 - capturing local talent

Note to readers: This post is one in a series using personal examples to illustrate why I continue to support both agitation for New England self-government and self-government itself. Agitation, because its very existence forces forces the Sydney Government to consider New England interests. Self-government, because there are some things that we cannot achieve without this.

In the middle of 1987 we established a national consulting business in Armidale. We grew rapidly to a million dollars fees base with major international and national clients. Then we were forced to close in the 1990-92 recessions when our fees collapsed.

Many things contributed to the business closure, including our own business inexperience. But we were not the only business to go.

Over the mid-eighties Armidale saw a number of business starts. At their peak, the collective group employed more than 100 professionals. With rare exceptions, Petals was one, all those businesses closed, were sold and relocated, or relocated themselves.

In our case, we struggled with the conservatism of the Australian marketplace.

Government was a major revenue source in our field. Yet in every case, State Governments favoured businesses located in the respective state capitals.

There were many reasons for this, proximity being a major one. The practical effect was that we had to compete against major national and international firms for that slice of the Government market place not locked up by local capital city firms. Compete we did, but our pockets were simply not as deep when it came to loss leaders.

Would we have benefited had there been a New England Government? Yes, clearly we would, because then we would have had the local advantage.

Dorrigo-Glenreagh Railway - historical note

Photo: Rolling stock, Dorrigo Steam Railway & Museum

Construction of the railway between Glenreagh on the North Coast line and Dorrigo began in 1924. Intended to bring produce to nearby coastal ports, the line climbs 664m over a length of 69km.

The steep terrain and high rainfall made construction and maintenance of this line quite difficult. Due to the tight curves, a check rail was employed in numerous places. Two tunnels and numerous bridges were required.

From a New England perspective, the line was a first step in creating east-west rail links within New England.

In 1928 legislation was approved for a Dorrigo-Guyra line, providing a base for further western extensions. The first sod on the new line was turned on 20 October 1928 in front of a crowd of between 3,000 and 4,000 people. Deputy Premier Buttenshaw declared:

The Government had decided that no work would be authorized, no sod turned, until they were absolutely safe in saying that the work would be finished. Armidale Chronicle, 24 October 1928.

To Victor Thompson, the day was a step towards something bigger:

The job, however, was not finished, and they would not sit down but must go on with the Great Northern works. Most of them would live to see the turning of the first sod of something much bigger than was now being celebrated - the first sod of the new Northern state, which once established would have a powerful influence on not only the North, but on New South Wales and on Australia (Applause). Northern Daily Leader, 22 October 1928.

Despite these words, construction was was halted in 1932 during the Depression and never re-started. About 13km of embankments and cuttings from the Guyra end are the only evidence of the line.

Deprived of the additional traffic, the Dorrigo line was not profitable for much of its life time and when several washaways occurred in 1972, the Sydney Government decided to suspend services rather than repair the damage.

Today the line survives in the attempts of the Dorrigo Steam Railway and Museum at one end, the Glenreagh Mountain Railway at the other, to re-establish tourist services along what was one of Australia's most scenic lines.

Big Sky Country Events July-August 2008

A few of the events on New England's Tablelands and Western Slopes over July and August.

JULY

July 3-5 - Frost Over Barraba
Anglican Church Grounds, Barraba. An art exhibition that showcases the high level of talent being produced in the area. Pottery, ceramics and paintings. A fete takes place at the same time. Phone 02 6782 1533.

July 3-6 - Hats off to Country Festival, Tamworth
Three fabulous days and nights in the Country Music Capital, with 50 artists,120 hours and 60 shows. Phone Tourism Tamworth 02 6767 5300.

July 5 - Tynwald Day (Isle of Man), Glen Innes
Flag lowering ceremony at the Australian Standing Stones. Phone Wendy Watts 02 6733 3274.

July 5 - Wean Picnic Races, Boggabri
One of the few true picnic race meets. Held on a bush racecourse, the atmosphere attracts visitors and race enthusiasts from near and far. The evening BBQ and late night disco are open to all. Phone Narrabri Visitor Information 02 6799 6760.

July 5 - Gypsy Willow Markets
Cameron Park, Narrabri. Phone Trish Hadley 0427 834286.

July 5-6 - Moree Kennel Club
Events for all breeds of dogs. Gunnedah Kennel Club Grounds, Showground Complex. Camping facilities available. Phone Gloria Nowland 02 6744 7866.

July 5-10 - Tamworth Camerata
The annual Camerata Youth Country Music School for elite musicians and artists under 18 years. Phone 02 6765 7588 or visit www.tamworthcamerata.com

July 6 - Inverell Hobby Markets
Campbell Park. New and used items for sale. Phone Inverell Tourism 02 6728 8161.

July 6 - Jellicoe Park Markets, Moree
Fresh fruit & vegetables, handicrafts, woodwork, homemade cakes, olive oil, soaps, furniture and clothes. Contact: Owen Lloyd 02 6752 3780.

July 11-12 - Junior Rodeo, Upper Horton Camp Draft, Upper Horton
Phone Peter Kelly 02 6782 7240.

July 12 - Quota Markets, Quirindi
Roselea Park. Phone 02 6747 1490.

July 12 - North West Regional Farm and Lifestyle Markets
Salvation Army Hall, Goonoo Goonoo Rd, Tamworth. Inquiries: Fred and Joyce Cox 02 6765 9017.

July 13 - Tamworth Monthly Markets
Tamworth Showground, Showground Rd, Tamworth. Inquiries Fred and Joyce Cox 02 6765 9017.

July 13 - Glen Innes Market Stalls
Grey Street, 8am to 12 noon. Artwork, toys, tools, bric-a-brac and handcrafts. Phone Jenny Hodder or Hazel Ogle 02 6732 3837.

July 19 - Gunnedah Country Markets
Enjoy a wonderful selection of what Gunnedah has to offer including arts & crafts, bric-a-brac, cakes & slices, clothes, vegies, plants and books. Phone 02 6742 2565.

July 20 - Sapphire City Markets
Campbell Park, Inverell. Contact: 02 6722 2067.

July 20 - Peel Street Cottage Craft Fair and Regional Produce Markets
Peel Street, Tamworth. 9am-1pm. Inquiries Fran Burbury 02 6785 1204.

July 25 - St James’ Day, Glen Innes
The Celtic region of Galicia has a “regional” or national day. Phone Wendy Watts 02 6733 3274.

July 25-27 - NSW Women’s Veterans Hockey Championships, Armidale
New England Hockey Centre, Armidale. Approximately 120 teams coming together to compete for the NSW Women's Veterans Championships. Contact Jo Dolan ph 6778 3444, mob 0417 417537 or joannadolan@bigpond.com

July 27 - Armidale Markets
A wide variety of art, craft, fresh fruit & vegetables, old wares and more. Beardy Street Mall. Phone PCYC 02 6772 1023.

July 27 - Music On A Market Sunday, Armidale
Commences 12.30pm at the Uniting Church, 114 Rusden Street, Armidale Contact: Uniting Church: 02 6771 5121.

July 27 - Hallsville Country Markets
Hallsville Uniting Church, Manilla Rd, Hallsville. 9am-1pm.

AUGUST

August 2 - Gypsy Willow Markets, Narrabri
Cameron Park. Phone Trish Hadley 0427 834 286.

August 2 - Eulah Creek Antique and Machinery Day
Beulah Creek Hall via Narrabri. Antique machinery, craft and heavy horse displays. Phone Bruce Nicholson 02 6794 4669.

August 2 - Bingara Orange Festival
The annual festival honours the fallen from all wars and includes ceremonial orange picking and entertainment. Phone Bingara Visitor Information 02 6724 0066.

August 3 - Jellicoe Park Markets, Moree
Fresh fruit & vegetables, handicrafts, woodwork, homemade cakes, olive oil, soaps, furniture and clothes. Contact: Owen Lloyd 02 6752 3780.

August 3 - Inverell Hobby Markets
Campbell Park. New and used items for sale. Phone Inverell Tourism 02 6728 8161.

August 5 - Hereford/Poll Hereford Show and Sale, Glen Innes
Second largest multi-vendor sale in Australia. Phone Kelly or Norette 02 6732 2500.

August 8 - Sydney International Piano Competition People's Choice Winner
Tamworth Town Hall, 8pm. This Tamworth Regional Conservatorium of Music event is the first regional concert following the August 2 announcement of award winners in Sydney at one of the world's great piano competitions.

August 8-17 - National Cutting Horse Association Futurity
Australian Equine Centre, Tamworth. To be staged at the brand new state-of-the-art Equine Centre in Tamworth, the Futurity is Australia's richest performance horse competition. This event is held over nine days, offering the largest prize purse outside of thoroughbred racing, approx $420,000 plus. Australia's best cutters and horses are showcased in 7 different competitions over the duration of the event. Phone 02 6765 9356 or www.ncha.com.au

August 9 - Quota Markets, Quirindi
Roselea Park. Phone 02 6747 1490.

August 9 - North West Regional Farm and Lifestyle Markets
Salvation Army Hall, Goonoo Goonoo Rd, Tamworth. 8am-1pm. Inquiries Fred and Joyce Cox 02 6765 9017.

August 10 - Tamworth Monthly Markets
Tamworth Showground, Showground Rd, Tamworth. Inquiries Fred and Joyce Cox 02 6765 9017.

August 10 - Glen Innes Market Stalls
Grey Street, 8am to 12 noon. Artwork, toys, tools, bric-a-brac and handcrafts. Phone Jenny Hodder or Hazel Ogle 02 6732 3837.

August 11-12 - Galloping Gully Polocrosse Carnival, Murrumbilla
Polocrosse competitions, barbecue dinners and the “Great Rooster Race“. Phone Jo Hamilton 0427 932 148 or visit www.gallopinggully.com

August 18 - Gunnedah Country Markets
Enjoy a wonderful selection of what Gunnedah has to offer including arts & crafts, bric-a-brac, cakes & slices, clothes, vegies, plants and books. Phone 02 6742 2565.

August 17 - Sapphire City Markets
Campbell Park, Inverell. Contact: 02 6722 2067.

August 17 - Peel Street Cottage Craft Fair and Regional Produce Markets
Peel Street, Tamworth. Inquiries: Fran Burbury (02) 6785 1204.

August 19-21 - Commonwealth Bank Ag-Quip Field Days, Gunnedah
Ag-quip Site, Blackjack Road, Gunnedah. Australia's premier industry field days. Australia's biggest field days, showcasing over 2,500 companies. Attracting over 100,000 visitors from across the nation and overseas. Contact: Rural Press Events 02 6762 2399.

August 20 - Ag-Quip Rodeo, Gunnedah
Spectacular entertainment for the whole family. Gunnedah Showgrounds. Gates open 5.30pm. Phone Showground Society Office 02 6742 1867.

August 24 - Hallsville Country Markets
Hallsville Uniting Church, Manilla Rd, Hallsville.

August 29-31 - Quirindi Prime Stock Exhibition
Anzac Square Quirindi. A major producer show with heifers, steers, pigs and lambs judged in various categories - then auctioned off. School students from around the region also partake. Phone Kim Lawlor 02 6746 2881 or 0428 830 091.

August 31 - Armidale Markets
A wide variety of art, craft, fresh fruit & vegetables, old wares and more. Beardy Street Mall. Phone PCYC 02 6772 1023.

August 31 - Music On A Market Sunday, Armidale
Commences 12.30pm at the Uniting Church, 114 Rusden Street, Armidale. Contact: Uniting Church: 02 6771 5121.