Silverton Hotel in Broken Hill, NSW (source: http://www.oztralia.tv)

The new laws are causing particular financial distress for smaller businesses, including country pubs.  Merino Hotel and Heritage Cinema publican Ian Whalley told The Weekly Times he paid $2350 in licensing fees this year compared to a mere $900 last year.

As patrons battle drought, poor crops, and decreasing crop prices, and regional tourism continues to decline, publicans are struggling to keep their businesses afloat.

Country pubs blame their rowdier, bigger city cousins such as nightclubs and adult entertainment venues for the rise in alcohol-related attacks that brought about the new laws.

However, the Victorian Consumer Affairs Department found that 11 out of the 22 most violent alcohol venues were in regional areas.

In small towns, bush pubs are seen as an integral part of the social fabric, and an invaluable way of fostering community.

“Rural people are well aware of rural population decline … as rural areas confront their futures, the role of the bush pub as community buildings will be of increasing importance,” Mr Whalley told The Weekly Times.

Mr Whalley has called on the Victorian Government to consider classifying pubs in rural towns as ‘community buildings’ in order to lower licensing fees for regional areas.

The Victorian Consumer Affairs Minister, Tony Robinson conceded that changes to the new laws may be needed to overcome new licencees’ concerns.

“We always knew when we introduced this new licensing system that there’d be some further refinements we could make,” Mr. Robinson told ABC News.

Do you think the new laws will decrease alcohol-related violence?  Or will they just spell the end of the local pub?  Let us know in the comments, or tweet us your thoughts @LiveTheDreamMag

Celebrate Australia Day (source: http://www.australiaday.org.au)

But if you are looking for something a little different to do on Australia Day this year, why not head to its regional heartland? Here are three events in regional Australia that will also be raising money for local causes and charities so you can help others while having fun under the sun on Australia Day.

The Great Pomonal Ride In

Bushfires are a common and disruptive occurrence in the lives of regional Australians.  Devastated by fires in the summer of 05/06, the town of Pomonal in Victoria will raise money for a new Country Fire Authority tanker with a ride-on mower parade on Australia Day.

In an attempt to establish the World Record for the most ride-on mowers cutting grass at the same time, Australians are invited to turn up at the front of the town’s General Store at 4pm on January 26 with their mowers – or a wheelbarrow, if that’s more your speed – before heading down the road to party on at Barney’s Bar and Bistro.

For more information you can contact John Malligan on 03 53566 351 or by email at John.Malligan@justice.vic.gov.au

Rotary Cricket Challenge Cup

What could be more Australian than a cricket match on Australia Day?

In spite of the apparent strain on India-Australia relations of late, one of the highlights of Townsville’s Australia Day celebrations will be a Twenty20 cricket match between ‘Australians’ and ‘Indians’.

Former Australian cricket player Jimmy Maher will lead a side against a team from the local Indian community at 11am at Riverway Stadium. Boasting a number of other local sports stars, funds raised on the day will be donated to The Salvation Army.

For more information, contact Greg Hamblin on 0419 874 165 or by email at gmhamblin@iprimus.com.au

5th Annual Havaianas Thong Challenge

Havaianas Thong Challenge '09 (http://www.havaianasthongchallenge.com.au/)

Thongs (That’s ‘flip flops’ to the rest of the world) are more than a national icon –in the sweltering summertime, they may as well be issued as mandatory footwear.

So it’s no wonder that a mass flotilla of giant thongs will be found on beaches in five states around the country on Australia Day, including south-eastern Queensland’s Mooloolaba. Aussies can join in the fun to set a new World Record for the “the longest line of inflatable airbeds”.  (The record is currently 908, set last year in Bondi, NSW.)

In its fifth consecutive year, the event costs $25 if you register online at the website before the day.  This covers the cost of your airbed, and a $10 donation toward the local surf live saving club.

For more details on Australia Day events in your area, see http://www.australiaday.org.au/events/

What are your plans for Australia Day? Let us know in the comments, or tweet us @LiveTheDreamMag

Delving further, however, the saying ostensibly relegates women in agriculture to a supportive role, supplementary to that of the principle operator of the farm. Margaret Alston, author of Women on the Land: The Hidden Heart of Rural Australia argues that women have systematically been omitted when it comes to the history of agriculture in Australia and “are often seen as secondary in their relationships” on the farm.

The role of women in agriculture and farming has been perpetuated, among other factors, by the farming archetype. Like any archetype, it is grounded in truth and furthered by popular discourse.

Traditionally, men have passed the ownership and operating duties of the farm down to the son. Furthermore, the media, particularly in rural areas, presents the farmer as the ‘man on the land’, not to mention the effect of popular advertising campaigns such as the Australian beef industry’s catch-cry, “feed the man meat”.

Whichever way you look at it, events such as World Rural Women’s Day and the Rural Women’s Award and groups including the National Rural Women’s Coalition and Australian Women in Agriculture are doing their part in building the profile of women in rural areas and celebrating the diversity of their views and roles.

Daughter of Campbell’s Forest Farmers in Bendigo, Toni, spoke to the Weekly Times Now about the duties of women on the farm.

“You see them out on tractors, feeding the sheep, carting water, in the stockyards, in shearing sheds…then they’re getting the kids to school,” she says.

It is an “all hands on the wheel” attitude when it comes to Jenny Webb from Boolite. She works with her husband at their piggery and shared her story with the Weekly Times Now about how she broke into the male-dominated truck driving industry.

“You’re there to get the crop in and save on wages…I’ll do what I want,” Mrs Webb said.

Roma Britnell, winner of the 2009 Rural Womens Award (source: http://www.ruralwomensaward.gov.au/)

Roma Britnell from Western Victoria was the 2009 winner of the Rural Women’s Award. Ms Britnell has worked on the farm and at industry level for 10 years. She began with her husband on a dairy farm and is now the president of her district dairy farmers’ council and represents the industry as the Chairman of West Victorian Dairy.

(For more about Roma Britnell, see: http://www.agribusiness-australia.com.au/dairy/200912/606/)

Women certainly are the heart of the country.

What are your thoughts on the contribution of women in rural Australia?

Comment below or follow us on twitter @LiveTheDreamMag

The Great Northern Hotel in Byron Bay (source: http://stoneandwood.com.au)

Great Northern Hotel

(02) 6685 6454
35 – 43 Jonson Street, Byron Bay, NSW 2481

One of the last ‘old-school’ pubs of its kind, Byron Bay town’s Great Northern Hotel offers a variety of entertainment acts, from live comedy to music.  Over the next three months, The Northern will feature local artists bluejuice and Dappled Cities, as well as US acts including indie folksters Calexico, rock legends Dinosaur Jr., and blues sensation Seasick Steve.

Lizotte’s Restaurant

(02) 43682017
Lot 3 Avoca Drive, Kincumber, NSW 2251

Owner Brian Lizotte was once a caterer to the stars.  At Live n Cookin’@Lizotte’s he serves up hot dinners and live acts from some of the best performers around the country.  On the menu in the coming months are Mental as Anything, Katie Noonan (of Australian band George fame), Tim Freedman (The Whitlams), Mark Seymour (Hunters and Collectors), and many more.

There is also a Live ‘n’ Local showcase every Wednesday night to promote Central Coast musicians and songwriters.

Hope Estate Winery

1800 777 444
2213 Broke Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2320

The Hope Estate is a 420-acre family-run winery in the heart of the Hunter Valley.  Some of the biggest names in music are about to perform at its 19,000 seat outdoor amphitheatre, starting with US rock star Rob Thomas and Australia’s own Vanessa Amorosi.  Cliff Richard, Whitney Houston and Julio Iglesias will also perform there, as well as Carole King and James Taylor on their Troubadour World Tour.

Cambridge Hotel Backpackers

(02) 4962 2459
789 Hunter Street, Newcastle, NSW 2302

The Cambridge Hotel has hosted legendary bands from Silverchair to the Misfits. In the next few months, its newly refurbished Red Bar will feature artists such as US punk/metal outfit Every Time I Die and popular local acts Philadelphia Grand Jury and Jonathan Boulet.

The Red Bar also showcases Newcastle DJs on Saturday nights from 10pm onwards.

Newcastle Entertainment Centre & Showground

(02) 4921 2121
Brown Road, Broadmeadow, NSW 2292

A short distance from Newcastle city, the NEC is a tour stop for many major international stars.  Taylor Swift will perform there in early February.  Other acts in the coming months include UK electronic dance act The Prodigy and former American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson.

Panthers Newcastle

(02) 4926 6200
Corner of King and Union Streets, Newcastle West, NSW 2302

In the hub of Newcastle’s CBD, Newcastle Panthers will host shows by big name international acts such as Japan’s Tokyo Shock Boys and UK group La Roux in the coming months, as well as local favourites like Short Stack, Art vs Science and Yves Klein Blue.

Panthers is also home to free live entertainment in the Front Bar every weekend, with acts such as local musician Mick Freeman and Perth cover band Hot Gossip.

Family Parks – The perfect place for you and your tribe.

When tired and exhausted kindred spirits gather at Family Parks holiday parks, they are seeking the same experiences. Leaving behind the insanity of high density city living, Family Parks visitors want to enjoy precious family time together, restful surrounds, welcoming customer service, great facilities and a whole host of fun activities. Most of all, the chance to reconnect and rejuvenate.

Family Parks are located in over 170 major getaway locations throughout Australia and New Zealand and offer a choice of pristine beachside, country enclave and outback experiences. Renowned for their family friendliness and array of excellent onsite facilities, all Family Parks provide that great sense of genuine community of eras gone by.

When you are next planning a holiday, take your tribe to a Family Parks holiday park and re-discover that endearing quality of timeless relaxation. Reward yourself, reward your family, reward your friends.

Join Family Parks Tribal Rewards and you can access discounts and special offers at over 6000 merchants offering savings on attractions, restaurants, shopping, cinemas, theme parks, auto services and *10% discount on the cost of your accommodation at over 170 Family Parks locations in both Australia and New Zealand. (* up to a maximum of $20 on sites and $40 on cabins per stay)

Want a free night on us? Simply join Family Parks Tribal Rewards Program at any Family Parks location until March 24 and you’ll get a free night valid at over 70 participating locations.

Heirloom produce, grown in domestic crops in regional Australia for decades, has finally been rediscovered, and is now gracing some of the finest menus around the country.

Jeremy and Jane Strode of Surry Hills restaurant ‘Bistrode’ have won fans with their heirloom tomato and goats curd salad, and the classics have also made an appearance on the seasonal menu of Matt Moran’s Aria in Sydney.

Heirlooms are unmodified fruits and vegetables.  As they are grown in their purest genetic form, they can be cultivated from season to season using the same seeds, with some varieties over 100 years old.

Heirloom carrots (Source: http://z.hubpages.com/)

Urban cities’ move away from heirlooms first started when crops began to be produced to industrial and commercial standards. To ensure that fresh produce could travel and stay on supermarket shelves, pure varieties were hybridised and cross-pollinated, and skins made thicker to enable produce to withstand refrigeration.

Fruits and vegetables were also bred to be resistant to pests and diseases. And it didn’t stop there; uniformity in size and shape was bred into these varieties to make them more attractive to consumers.

But for all the commercial convenience these modifications provided the grocery industry, the one thing that was lost was flavour. City folk have haplessly eaten on as commercial produce has become shiny, durable and tasteless, while regional Australian communities have been enjoying the tasty fruits of their labour.

Heirloom varieties are now coveted for their unique taste, which is gained from their strong genetic makeup.  An increasing number of foodies and cooks have started to grow heirlooms in their own vegetable gardens, while others prefer to source them from smaller produce purveyors.  Heirloom varieties must be eaten soon after they are harvested and can be difficult to grow as they are non-resistant to pests, diseases and harsher environmental forces.

According to Californian heirloom tomato growers Carolyn Male and Craig Lehoullier, the taste of heirlooms is unparalleled: “[It's that] warm-from-the-sun, old-time taste you remember, or may have never experienced…a juicy, delicious, sweet, old-fashioned tomato taste.”

Heirloom tomatoes (Source: http://www.shawndelljoyce.com)

Australians in regional areas are moving to the Internet to ensure heirloom produce varieties are not lost.

The Digger’s Club, which is based in rural Victoria, provides customers with 35 different types of tomato and 240 rare heirloom varieties.

Regional Tasmania’s ‘The Lost Seed’, also sells seeds and seedlings in retail outlets around Australia to bring back traditions that have been lost through commercial cropping. The online store invites customers to “Revive the old varieties, with flavours, colours, nutrients and satisfaction many have not experienced since their childhood.”

So don’t be alarmed if you find yourself sitting in a bustling restaurant before a plate of oddly coloured or strangely shaped fruit or vegetables.  You are probably just about to experience one of regional Australia’s best-kept secrets.

What do you think are some of regional Australia’s best kept secrets?

Kylie Johnston

Third-year teacher Kylie Johnston moved from the east coast to central Australia, more than 1000km from the sea, and found a land of opportunity.

The 25-year-old hasn’t looked back since she made the shift to Yuendumu, where she teaches students in Years 7 to 9.

“I feel like I’m making more of a difference—and I make $5000 more a year here,” she says.

“I have much more say in how I deliver the curriculum and more responsibility. You can reach the senior teacher wage in five years and there are more opportunities for advancement in the NT if you do a good job.”

As a remote teacher, Kylie also has access to additional benefits such as an isolation allowance, special study and business leave, free housing, up to three airfares a year, and reimbursement of freight costs.

Kylie said she’s enjoying being part of the community and developing strong relationships with her students and their families.

“It does take a lot of hard work to break the ice with the kids and the assistant teacher, but you keep trying—and now my kids hug me! They’re really responsive. … and they work hard for you. And education is important and valued by the rest of the community.”

Another benefit for Kylie has been the resourcing and support available to her.

“The resources at the school are absolutely fantastic,” she says. “I’ve walked into a classroom that has an interactive whiteboard and as soon I set foot in the Territory I got a laptop.

There’s a lot of resources available—basically as long as you can justify it.

“Once or twice a term I go to Alice Springs. I’ve found the conditions are very flexible. Also, other staff are very supportive. For example, the department has things in place where you can ring the psychologist, you can ring to get help with programming. You ring the department and they’ll email you and mentor you.”

For more information, go to www.teaching.nt.gov.au

Ruth Wilson

Ruth Wilson has lived and worked in Canada, USA, Japan, New Zealand and more recently in Canberra for the past six years with quantum-atom optics physicists at the Australian National University. After a short visit to Nelson Bay early 2008, she made a decision to undertake a lifestyle change and has settled on the water at Salamander Bay.

“The natural beauty of Port Stephens offers secluded bays for safe swimming and boating, pristine beaches, outdoor water activities such as fishing, skiing, diving, dolphin and whale watching.

In her role as Nelson Bay Town Coordinator, Ruth has discovered a strong sense of community in Port Stephens that presents a very pleasant environment for living and working in the area.

“Our research shows that visitor numbers to Port Stephens continue to increase and with that growth, business and the local economy can only become more vital”.

Port Stephens, a unique destination for working and playing.