Liane Morris - Writer, Project Manager, Story Teller

For almost 80 years, local manufacturer Windsor Blinds, Awnings and Shutters has been at the forefront of design and technology, delivering window covering solutions to Newcastle and the Hunter. Owner Craig Young has been working in the industry,…

General Manager Georgie Cairns. Image Credit: Di von Essen. The Port Stephens Koala Hospital is entering an exciting new phase in its development. Having recently been awarded a Federal Government Save Koala Fund – Health Grant of $3 million and a…

Recently taking out three silver medals in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Small Mouth Vodka is proving that its signature shimmer is ready to take on the world. Their expanding range of spirits with edible glitter is proving popular…

Robin Hastings in the Adamstown Showroom. There is nothing like the ambience of an open fire to make us feel cosy and content in our homes, and also nothing quite like a fireplace to excite potential buyers when it comes time to sell. So, upgrading…

One of the most well-known families in the Hunter Valley wine industry is the Peterson family, whose story in the valley began in the mid-60s when Ian and Shirley Peterson purchased a hobby dairy farm at Mount View. Fast forward to today, and the…

Perched on the corner of Wine Country Drive and Broke Road at Lovedale in the heart of the vineyards, is one of De Bortoli’s most successful cellar doors, home to the weekly Hunter Valley Wine Country Markets and a must-visit destination with one of…

Recently taking out three silver medals in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Small Mouth Vodka is proving that its signature shimmer is ready to take on the world. Their expanding range of spirits with edible glitter is proving popular…

If you’re visiting the Hunter Valley, chances are you're planning on enjoying some wine during your stay, and nothing is more complementary to wine than good cheese. Binnorie Dairy, conveniently located in Lovedale in the heart of wine country,…

Usherettes Fay Steggels and Vilma Hunter. Images courtesy of Out of the Square. The Victoria Theatre on Perkins Street Newcastle is the oldest theatre building that is still standing in New South Wales. Originally built on the site in 1876, it was…

At Hunter Valley Horse Riding and Adventures, you can ride the unique and beautiful Molly Morgan Range, experiencing the spectacular views of the Hunter Valley Wine Country, Lower Hunter and as far north as Barrington Tops. It’s also the perfect…

Oishii Japanese Thai Restaurant, located in the Roche Estate complex on Broke Road in Pokolbin, is the only Asian restaurant in a winery in the Hunter Valley and, quite possibly, Australia. One of the only restaurants in the area open for lunch and…

Sarah Williams. Image Credit: Lauren Ninness. Sarah Williams, aged just 22 years, is on a mission to change Australia through advocacy, awareness and education about sexual violence. A proud Awabakal woman, a born and bred Novocastrian and the 2023…

Koalas are an endangered species. According to state government research, by 2050, it will be extremely rare to see a koala in the wild. This is just 27 years away, and time is ticking. The passionate team at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, which…

Brian Duncan always knew he wanted to be a chef. A man of few words and extraordinary talent, he has enjoyed a long career in some of the best kitchens in the world, including the Dorchester Hotel (three Michelin stars) and Claridge's Hotel (one…

The Hunter Distillery, located in the heart of Hunter Valley wine country in Pokolbin, has a philosophy of using only the highest quality ingredients, coupled with traditional methods and the latest production technology, to produce an uncompromising…

Bryan Currie is not only an award-winning winemaker, he's also a viticulturist and General Manager of Hungerford Hill, which includes Sweetwater and Dalwood Estate vineyards, as well as vineyards in the Hilltops and Tumbarumba regions of NSW. This…

New restaurant Pescara, located onsite at the newly renovated Hermitage Lodge, is inspired by the town of the same name on the Adriatic coast of Italy, where seafood and local produce are the specialities. Head Chef Kelvin Foster and partner, Nicole…

Hunter Valley winemaker Aaron Mercer is a leading voice within the Australian Wine sector for sustainability in wine business. In his own words, he is “attempting to save the world, one bottle at a time.” Alison and Aaron Mercer grew up in the Hunter…

It was 38 years ago that Robert (Bob) and Maryanne McLeish established McLeish Estate when they planted Semillon and Chardonnay on their 16-hectare property on DeBeyers Road, Pokolbin, in the Hunter Valley. Their incredibly successful story continues…

Grief has a profound effect on anyone of any age, but if you are a child or young person, it can impact your life in ways that have a long-term detrimental effect. In Australia, 1 in every 20 Aussie children will experience the death of a parent…