The Loft and Its Demise

Published in Wordhurl 'Anti-slam', October 2013.

A lot of people have been very upset about its closure for several years now and understandably so. This venue is said to have “immense popularity amongst people 12-25…of ALL backgrounds (in Newcastle)” and has won several awards over the past few years, whether that be for Local Government or for its Aboriginal Youth Programme. There are a number of ex-patrons (myself included) who can speak highly of what it does, and from what I can gather it has made very decent efforts to reach those ostracised from main-stream society.

Though results like that are good for any service, they are always trumped by the same thing: money. In its official statement, Newcastle City Council says “the city is…(approaching) its challenges (responsibly)…and the (new) budget has…a focus on reducing costs and streamlining services.” Amongst those measures taken will be the closure of the Loft. Given that the council owes more than $64 million, it makes sense for it to cut costs wherever possible.

Mr Saddington of Broadmeadow gave readers a sharp slap in the face when he pointed this out back in June.  “Out of 29,000 people aged 12-25 in Newcastle LGA,” he wrote, “the Loft has about sixty regular members.” With a loss of “$609,000 over 2012/13”, this translates to the “council subsidising each member about $11,000 per annum.” If the council were to (continue to fund the Loft as is), he said, (it would) cost $7.7 million over the next ten years.

Unfortunately, the die have already been cast; the ominous and final sounding bell of resolution is ringing out loud and clear, so to speak. The council made its call months ago and in the time since the Loft has been winding down. As it stands now, what staff do remain are merely there to ensure the closure is managed appropriately. The other day, I stopped by the office and was lucky enough to chat with Dale- one of the Loft’s stalwarts- as he was packing up the old music room. “Finish (up) here at the end of the week,” he said, “and I am already thinking about next year.” 

So what are we to do now? 

Simple, my friends- follow Dale’s lead and look ahead! Though never easy, everything around us eventually grinds to a halt and the Loft is no different. Whilst it has done so much for so many, it’s lifespan has very nearly run its course. If there’s one thing we can still do though, it’s this: remember the good times of the past and optimistically look forwards to those unseen in the future.

REVIEW: A Trilogy, of Sorts...

Published at:  www.culturehunter.org, October 2013.

Who: Myall Coast Entertainers Inc.

What: A trilogy of one act plays.

Where: Hawks Nest Community Centre

When: Friday 18^th October 18^th, at 7pm; Saturday the19^th at 2 and 7pm; Wednesday  the 23^rd, at 7pm and Friday October 25th at 7pm.

Cost: Free

OCTOBER the 19^th saw the opening night of the Myall Coast entertainers 2013 show at the Hawks Nest Community Hall.

This night featured three short, one-act plays written in the first few decades of the 1900s; ‘Overtone’, ‘Yesterday’ and ‘Fourteen’. All were entertaining and showcased some quality acting skills. “We did (these shorter plays),“ said Elizabeth, one of the three directors, “to give everyone a chance at doing something different.”

Whilst not the fanciest of settings, the night still had a cosy, country-town feel to it. Though the strains of Mozart as you entered seemed out of place, this was soon forgotten in the break once you heard the sweet soul of Eva Cassidy singing of how there “ain’t no sunshine when he’s gone.” And even though the prompter down the front got more air-time than you would expect, such slip-ups were quickly forgiven once they were so good humouredly dealt with.

In the first play, ‘Overtone’, we met two women (Margaret and Harriet) discussing business over a cup of tea. Both were completely unaware of their alter-ego (Maggie and Hetty) behind them shouting instructions and voicing their true thoughts. Hetty, played by a local store owner, was acted out with great enthusiasm and much theatrical flair. It was hilarious too to observe how whilst the real lady was doing her utmost to treat the other with decorum, her alter-ego was in fact demanding of her to do just the opposite!  

In ‘Yesterday’ we met two people who had left the main room of a lively party. “Can’t stand this music,” said Sir Richard Farrington, “it’s so loud!” to his companion Lady Anne Travers. As the pair spoke it soon became apparent that they were once lovers many years ago. Anne, to her credit, quickly figured this out; poor Richard, on the other hand seemed very slow on the uptake and a bit gawky, attempting to swing his pocket watch only to find it to be caught around his jacket button!

The final play, ‘Fourteen’, saw the heroine Mrs Pringle doing her best to adjust to the ever-changing number of guests in the face of a blizzard. This was made notable by some great characterisations. Mrs Pringle, for example, had a commanding note to her voice which sounded very similar to the regal way the Queen might talk. The butler boasted a deep, English flavoured baritone which made me think, “now this fellow really seems quite cool, calm and collected!” And Mrs Pringle’s daughter, Elaine, was heart-breaking on two fronts: she possessed a girlish charm similar to that which made Audrey Hepburn so endearing, and her voice instantly brought back memories of Rachael Weisz with her elegant lilt in The Mummy.

Were there gaffes? Plenty.  As it was the opening night though, I have a hunch the troupe will only get tighter as the showing progresses and I shan’t be the one to rain on their parade. So to the Myall Coast Entertainers, thanks again for a great night!

The Opening Of A New Facility!

Published in 'Heads-Up', Bulletin of the Brain Injury Association of NSW; September, 2013

ON JUNE the 5^th, around a hundred and twenty people gathered at Mount Hutton Accomodation House near Newcastle to witness the new beginning for six young men with a disability. 

Funded by Aging Disability and Home Care (ADHC) and thanks to a $2.2    million grant from ADHC, a new complex has been built. Fully equipped with bathrooms and bedrooms, a complex of six bedroom villas was unveiled. Featuring large dining and living areas plus bathrooms and kitchens, it is hoped that these villas will provide a real home environment and give greater choice.

Minister for Disability Andrew Constance was the government representative who addressed those who attended. He commented how aged care is “totally unsuitable” for younger clients, advocating that the system be changed. “At one point,” he said, “there were 380 people living in nursing home. That needs to be zero.”

Aaron Hickey, one of the residents, recalled his years spent living in nursing homes. He joked about once burning his thumbs as he learnt to cook. “I’m able to draw positives from my experiences (though),” he said, “and (thinking about Mount Hutton) I look forward to making choices for myself.”

Gina Masters, mother one of the other residents, spoke of how heart-wrenching it had been to see her son living in nursing homes, surrounded by elderly residents. “My husband and I could always fix things,” she sad sadly, “but here was something we were powerless about.” Now though, she can feel relief as she knows that “when my time comes, I can be sure that Arron will be okay.”

Arron himself shared similar sentiments, saying how he was “absolutely overjoyed” to be finally living at Mount Hutton. “It’s been four years in the making,” he said, “and got dragged out by the construction. I am glad to see it is now finally done (though).”

The home itself is part of the vision of Northcott Disability to improve its impact in the Hunter and Central Coast Region. Connected with the rollout of the NDIS set to happen very shortly, it is hoped that facilities like this will make services more easily available to clients and their families.

As Of This Moment...

Published in 'Newslink', Headstart ABI Service; June 2013.

At the beginning of the year, it seemed sensible to streamline my goals and aspirations. My aims now are three: 1) Employment, 2) Writing and 3) Physical activity.

After many dramas, I recently gained the opportunity to do some work experience with the Salvation Army. Here I’ll learn about the area of administration. This will allow me to make better use of my existing skills where I am organised and work well with people.

I have been putting more effort into my writing this year. Several times now I have met with a group in town who recite poems written for a set theme. As well, I have been following up on a link I was given late last year for PublishersDesk (PD), collating some of my poetry. PD skips the typically costly method of making multiple hard copies, instead submitting to prospective agents/ publishers via the internet.

In October last year I began working on a children’s book. Though the story has long been written, my artistic skills have lapsed quite a bit over the years- suffice to say that I won’t be illustrating this book! Collaboration is essential for its completion, and that is something I am working towards.

At the forefront of my thinking, physical activity has been right up there. Some months ago now I began lawn bowls, and have been practicing T’ai Chi since sometime last year- both are being of benefit. Running, of course, never stays off the radar for too long and after my off-season over summer, I have eased back into regular runs, aiming once again for the City 2 Surf.

That’s it for now, but not before one last thing:

Remember, friends, it’s your call-

“Do I move forward or not at all?”

PossABLE Ideas Expo

Published in 'Newslink', Headstart ABI Service; June 2013. 

OVER the 3^rd and 4^th of May, Newcastle Entertainment Centre was a hub of activity. The occasion was the 2013 PossABLE Ideas-expo, an important disability event. 

About a hundred stalls showcased recreation, services and aids for people with a disability. Some showed state-of-the-art prosthetics bearing joints controlled by computer chips. Others showed what life was like for the visually impaired, thanks to GuideDogs NSW. Or individuals could rumble about on the make-shift court area and try out wheelchair basketball.

MPs Tim Owens and Andrew Constance opened the event. They were joined by comedian Tim Ferguson, who spoke frankly about his battle with multiple sclerosis, likening it to trench warfare. “I just keep throwing grenades (at the disease) and keep hearing them go off,” he joked.

Designed and decorated by a local artist, the corner furthest from the main entrance  housed the Rave Lounge, Here various personalities engaged the audience and told their personal story. Athlete David Hall talked of his successes in wheelchair tennis; another remarkable individual, Libby Levey, spoke of her struggles post-stroke for the past decade. 

‘It was a really good expo,’ said Andrew from Headstart, ‘and it’s great to see there are groups that provide holiday experiences for disabled people.’

Angela, one of the organisers, sang similar praises. ‘It came together really well,’ she said, ‘and we feel we really achieved our aims.’