Remember to book your accommodation early as demand is high when events and festivals are on.

Major events this year include…

Photo courtesy of Cassie at Loop the Loop Photography

The magical summer weather has started up here on the mid north coast of New South Wales. Some of our favourite things to do in the Bellingen Valley area are:

• Relaxing by the banks of the Bellingen river
• Picnicking in the shade of the trees and swimming in the ice-cold water of the Never-Never river on the Promised Land Road at Glenifer
• Enjoying the cool sea breeze whilst sitting by the river or walking on the boardwalk at Urunga
• Fishing at the River Pool at Mylestom
• Heading up the mountain to Dorrigo, the most popular spots up here are Crystal Showers walk and Dangar Falls.
• Relaxing on your private balcony at Lily Pily enjoying the sunset and the sounds of summer

For any last minute shopping head down to Bellingen Markets on Saturday 17th December this will be the last market of the year.

Carols by Candlelight will be on from 5-7pm on Saturday 17th December at Morgo Street Reserve in Urunga a must if you have kids, you should also visit nearby Rosedale Drive in Bellingen Quays to view the decorated Christmas streets.

Celebrate New Years Eve at one of the many restaurants in Bellingen and enjoy some live music at some of our local venues.

Enjoy your summer in this beautiful part of the world!

The October long weekend saw Bellingen fill up with people attending the Bellingen Global Carnival some great pictures of artists from that weekend can be found on the Global Carnival facebook page.

Activities on the mid north coast for October 2011 include:-

• Saturday 15th October, Bellingen Community Markets – Church Street Bellingen

• Sunday 16th October, Coffs City Uptown Markets, 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM – Palms Centre Coffs Harbour

• Sunday 16th October, Coffs Harbour Jetty Markets, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM – Jetty Shopping Village Coffs Harbour

• Sunday 16th October, Harbourside Markets, 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM – Jetty Foreshores Coffs Harbour

• Saturday 21st & Sunday 23rd October, the 10th Annual Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival, Dorrigo

Enjoy the mild spring days with adventures out to Gleniffer and Dorrigo or talk a walk along our magic beaches at Hungry Head and Wenonah Headland.

There are many more local food & produce markets on each week within the region and plenty of wonderful places to eat where you can enjoy local produce, breathtaking views and local entertainment our hosts can help you plan your days here.

Featuring:

• LUCKY OCEANS With DAVE BREWER
• DJANGO 101
• CROOKED FIDDLE BAND
• EWAN MacKENZIE ALLSTARS
• FLAP!
• EDDIE BRONSON
• JOHN BRABEN &
• THE BRISBANE KNIGHTHAWKS
• PARIS DREAMING
• CAROL RALPH & RAY ALDRIDGE
• DOUG de VRIES
• UNITY HALL JAZZ BAND
• VIRUS
• SAM LEMANN
• BULANYI BROS
• GADJO GUITARS
• DATE/MADDOX BAND
• AND MORE….

For more information and tickets see

Date: Sat July 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30.

Venue: Kalang Hall 8pm

Contact Details:  Bookings 6655 2739

Tickets $25 at the door. Saturday July 2. 9. 16, 23, 30 

Golf Club Variety Show

Date: Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 July at 8pm

Venue: Bellingen Golf Club

Contact Details:  Book a table Golf Club 6655 1312

Some of Bellingen’s best young talent will be on stage in the Variety Show. Multi-talented Blake Cutler and Liam Mallinson, two Year 8 Bellingen High School students showcase their musical ability on several different instruments. Both are also in the Bellingen Youth Orchestra.

Jazz Festival Volunteers briefing & welcome

Date: Friday 15th July 7.00pm

Venue: Bellingen Memorial Hall

Contact Details:  Andrew Lee, Volunteer Coordinator, Bellingen Jazz Festival. 6655-9345 or info@bellingenjazzfestival.com.au

Once again we will need lots of happy volunteers to ensure the event is a success and enjoyed by all – performers, volunteers and public. There is a combined welcome party and festival briefing for the Jazz Festival volunteers – a light supper, refreshments and live music will be provided.

Please let us know if you able to attend for catering purposes.

THE BOURGEOIS GENTLEMAN – CHAMBER OPERA AT IT’S BEST

Date: Friday 29th July

Venue: Bellingen Memorial Hall

Contact Details:  www.bluebottleproductions.nl

Yes opera and music theatre lovers, following on from the success of their tour last year, Scott Blick and his Blue Bottle Productions cast will be returning to the Mid North Coast, including Bellingen again, with their latest opera production. This year the piece is by the German classical composer Johan Adolf Hasse entitled THE BOURGEOIS GENTLEMAN. Never before performed in Australia this production showcases a small group of young talented Australian performers including the Mid North Coast soprano Michelle der Kinderen and pianist Alice Jamison (recently returned to the region after extensive work overseas in London and New York), and the Sydney based baritone Andrew Woodley and Eora String Trio: Claire Conolly, David Rabinovici and Laura Moore. The programme with interval is 95 minutes and will include a selection of short instrumental works by the composer and his contemporaries before the interval, and the opera (55 minutes) after the interval. The opera is a delightful farce poking fun at the middle class and their attempts at social climbing. He’s a rich, old English gentleman who’s immigrated from England as a free settler and taken up breeding sheep; his mind set on climbing the social ladder; she’s his young, astute convict maid with other plans…………and there’s no stopping a woman who knows what she wants. The piece has been given an Australian setting and will be performed in colloquial English making it more accessible to audiences of all ages. Come along and experience just how entertaining opera can really be. TICKETS via NEXUS COMMUNITY GALLERY on 6655 9222 $25 Adult/ $20 Concession/ $10 Children 16 yrs and under.

The production is being auspiced by the Bellingen Community Arts Council and money raised from the refreshments and a portion of ticket sales after costs will go to the Bellingen Youth Orchestra.

Fireworks Spectacular

Date: Sunday 31st July from 4.30pm

Venue: Bellingen Showground

Contact Details:  Lions Club, Bellingen

Over $3000 worth of fireworks will light up the night sky – rug up and don’t forget chair and a blanket. Glow sticks will be on sale, as well as delicious food and drink.

Tickets in the Monster Raffle with over 20 prizes will be on sale and drawn on the night.

Bellingen Community Markets

Date: Third Saturday of the month 8am – 2pm

Venue: Bellingen Park, via Church St

Contact Details:  More info is available on www.bellingenmarkets.com.au

Phone: Neil Hamilton 6655 2151. Stall bookings taken on Monday prior

ROLL UP! ROLL UP!

Bellingen’s Community Markets are one of the largest regional markets in Australia with 250 exciting diverse stalls.

As well as the wide and diverse range of goods available, Bellingen’s Community Markets offers a selection of food stalls, live music, buskers and entertainment for the kids including pony and cart rides, jumping castle, candle making and face painting making it an ideal day out for the whole family. the Community Markets focus is on arts, crafts, produce & food all sourced from the district.

Bellingen Markets – Not just a marketplace but a great place to be!

Dorrigo Community Markets

Date: 1st Saturday of the month 8am to 1pm

Venue: Dorrigo Showgrounds

Art, craft and the freshest produce on the plateau – Dorrigo Showgrounds

Bellingen Growers Markets

Date: 2nd & 4th Saturday 8-1pm

Venue: Bellingen Showground

Contact Details:  To book a stall please call Sue Kelly 6655 1279. Also check their website for monthly market events.

www.bellingengrowersmarket.com

You’ll find an amazing range of freshly picked produce – mostly certified organic – fruit, vegetables, salad greens, nuts, flowers… all direct from local growers.

A friendly place to find a range of organic and locally grown foods, seedlings, alternative medicines, massage, as well as the Cafe of Earthly Delights. Bellingen Showgrounds from 8am – 1pm

Wed @ The Fed

Date: Every Wednesday 7-10pm

Venue: Back Deck, Federal Hotel

Contact Details:  Roger Burke

www.rbq.com.au

Phone: 02 6655 2100

Roger Burke Quartet, featuring Christie Schlenker (vocals). Music starts at 7pm

Live Music at Barrells, Sawtell

Date: Every Sunday 5 – 8pm

Venue: Barrells, First Ave, Sawtell

Contact Details:  Bookings essential call 6658 8255

Full Moon Champagne Tours

Date: Fri 15th & Sat 16th July

Venue: 4 Tyson St, Fernmount

Contact Details: Tel: 02 6655 9955

One of the most unforgettable experiences you’ll ever have in a canoe!

Under a moonlit sky, tilt your head back and be in awe at the immeasurable amount of stars above. While under heaven’s silver blanket, our experienced guide will point out the various constellations up above. You may even spot the odd satellite and shooting star.

In amongst the silence and dim lit sky, hear and see Bellingen’s native nocturnal life. These include koalas, possums, bats, various birds and jumping fish. Even the odd dolphin has been spotted passing by.

End the tour with a glass of champagne (or juice for children). A toast to another spectacular day!

Tour length – 1 hour

Adult $25, Child $20 (12 years and under)

Friday 15th July @ 8pm

Saturday 16th July @ 8.30pm

Join Christine Szalay-Kessler, a sensitive flautist and pianist, and soprano soloist Bernadette Fisher combined with Cantare Vocal Ensemble for an afternoon music recital.

Nambucca Entertainment Centre

Emma Thamm exhibition 3 – 30 June

Entitled “Autonomy” the exhibition opens on Friday.

Everything That’s Beautiful Gallery, Church St, Bellingen

Recent Works with Landscape Until 24 June

Nexus Gallery presents works by Nigel Killalea and The Nude by Anne Atkinson in the Studio Gallery. Nexus Gallery, Old Butter Factory, Bellingen

Full Moon Champagne Tours 6pm Wed 15th (Eclipse)

8pm Thurs 16, 8.30pm Fri 17 June

One of the most unforgettable experiences you’ll ever have in a canoe!

Under a moonlit sky, tilt your head back and be in awe at the immeasurable amount of stars above. End the tour with a glass of champagne (or juice for children).

Tour length – 1 hour. Cost – Adult $25, Child $20 (12 years and under)

Bellingen Canoe Adventures Tel: 02 6655 9955 4 Tyson St, Fernmount

Bellingen Crazy Day Sat 18 June

Presenting live entertainment and genuine sales in all stores. Shop in a participating store, spend $10 or more to go in the draw to win $500 cash.

Bellingen Community Markets 8am-2pm Sat 18 June

Bellingen’s Community Markets are one of the largest regional markets in Australia with 250 exciting diverse stalls. As well as the wide and diverse range of goods available, Bellingen’s Community Markets offers a selection of food stalls, live music, buskers and entertainment for the kids including pony and cart rides, jumping castle, candle making and face painting making it an ideal day out for the whole family. the Community Markets focus is on arts, crafts, produce & food all sourced from the district. Bellingen Park, via Church St

Weekly Events

Jazz at the Federal Hotel, Bellingen 7-10pm Wed 1,8,15,22,29 June

Monthly Events

Bellingen Community Markets, Bellingen Park 8am-2pm Sat 18 June

Bellingen Growers Market, Showgrounds 8am-1pm Sat 11 & 25 June

Dorrigo Country Markets, Showgrounds 6am-2pm Sat 4 June

Just outside the town of Bellingen on the mid North Coast is Lily Pily Country House, a luxury bed and breakfast that offers a relaxing and eco-friendly experience in beautiful surroundings.

Story by Lauren Broomham

Located on an 80-acre property complete with sheep and poultry, this stunning, contemporary country house sits on a ridge overlooking the Kalang River with sweeping views of the surrounding valley. Owners Brian and Felicity Sherratt, who are originally from South Africa, had lived in many exciting destinations around the world before being drawn to the country lifestyle of Bellingen. After finding their dream property, the couple set about building a unique, modern Australian bed and breakfast that would blend in with the natural surroundings.

Encircled by large tracts of rainforest, which was restored by a Landcare group started by Brian, the nearby river and bushland is home to many native birds and animals, including platypus, turtles, birds and water dragons. The house faces north along the ridge to take in the breathtaking mountain and river views. The architect-designed windows and doors on both sides of the building allow gentle breezes to cool the house and add to the feeling of light and space. Made from Zincalume and Hebel, its eco-friendly design earned Lily Pily a Green STAR accommodation rating from AAA Tourism in 2007.

Guests can choose from three individually furnished guest suites, each with their own entrance and a private veranda. Add in the soft queen and king-size beds with doonas, and crisp, white cotton sheets and they’re the perfect places to relax. Two of the rooms have luxurious ensuites with double spa baths and private views, while the third has a large shower and special access. Your comfort is assured all year round with split-system air-conditioning and heating, and television or a DVD player is available on request.

The spacious guest lounge and dining room, is simply yet stylishly decorated with fine furniture and eclectic pieces picked up by the couple during their travels in Melbourne, London and Singapore. Browse through the extensive library or relax with the wide selection of coffee-table books and magazines on one of the comfortable sofas. The cosy log fire keeps the large space warm and welcoming in winter, while air-conditioning cools the house in summer.

Felicity loves to cook and entertain, and the meals served up at Lily Pily are scrumptious – right down to the delicious home-baked treats offered for afternoon tea. Tasty homemade goodies and champagne are served on your arrival, with a complimentary gourmet breakfast served until noon on the veranda overlooking the river. Visitors can also enjoy an intimate dining experience at night, with a three-course silver-service meal by candlelight. To top things off, there are gourmet picnic baskets available on request.

Brian and Felicity have been running their bed and breakfast for over five years now and love making their guests feel pampered and refreshed. They can arrange for relaxing beauty, body and massage treatments in the privacy of your suite or if you’re feeling creative, art lessons with leading local artists. Guests are also welcome to cook on the outdoor barbecue, go for a picnic in the gardens or just lie back and enjoy a nap on the garden day bed.

And if you feel like venturing out, the historic town of Bellingen, with its beautiful heritage buildings, is just a short drive away. Eat in one of the award-winning cafes and restaurants, pick up some local produce at the nearby organic markets or visit the Old Butter Factory with its range of inspiring art, crafts and gifts. Looking for an outdoor adventure? Try bushwalking in the region’s world-heritage-listed national parks; surf, fish and swim at nearby beaches; or go canoeing and white-water rafting.

About halfway between Sydney and Brisbane and only 30 minutes from Coffs Harbour Airport, Lily Pily Country House is the ideal place for a quiet break from the everyday.

Lily Pily Country House
54 Sunny Corner Road Bellingen NSW 2454
Phone: (02) 6655 0522

Bellingen’s Lily Pily Country House has won the highly contested Hosted Accommodation category at the prestigious Mid North Coast Tourism Awards.The Awards, presented to a packed house of tourism industry colleagues last week at Forster, recognise business excellence in tourism across the Mid North Coast, from Port Stephens to Coffs Harbour.

The win acknowledges Lily Pily as a leader in the tourism industry on the Coffs Coast. The Hosted Accommodation award showcases their unsurpassed accommodation experience, brilliant guest relations, and superior management of the property. In particular, Lily Pily represents the pinnacle of environmentally sustainable operations.

Lily Pily owner operators, Felicity and Brian Sherratt said “Having recently achieved our AAAT Green Star rating – one of only a handful in the region – we are committed to ensuring our guests have an unforgettable stay – big experience, small footprint!”

“Winning this award demonstrates that environmentally sensitive and sustainable practices can deliver quality tourism products. We hope that our achievement will in its own small way add further impetus to the emerging community desire to see Bellingen grow and develop into a model of sustainability. We would like to thank Tourism Bellinger and Bellingen Shire Council for their ongoing support of the local tourism industry,” they said.

Council’s Tourism Manager, Brian Stokes, accepted the Award last Thursday on behalf of Felicity and Brian, who were hosting luxury travel media on the night. “Congratulations to Felicity and Brian at Lily Pily for a thoroughly deserved Award. This is apt recognition of their contribution to tourism and their commitment to excellence. This is a valuable step in ensuring the Bellinger is recognised as a leader in sustainable tourism. We are proud and fortunate to have Lily Pily as part of the magical Bellinger,” said Bellingen Shire Mayor, Cr Mark Troy. “Congratulations, also, to Lombok on Waterfall, who achieved Finalist status in the hotly contested Tourism Restaurants and Catering category. Well done to a sensational business in a stunning location,” he continued.

Several Bellinger businesses and events have entered the NSW Tourism Awards and we wish them every success when they are announced in November.

A Bellingen boutique accommodation business is leading the way in environmentally responsible tourism.

Lily Pily Country House is the first tourism business on Coffs Coast, and only one of three in the Mid North Coast region, to be awarded a Green STAR accommodation rating by AAA Tourism.

Green STARS is an additional endorsement to the traditional AAA Tourism STAR Rating. It provides special recognition and shows guests that a business is responsible and committed to reducing the environmental impacts of its operations.

The program is aligned with the internationally recognised GREEN GLOBE Certification.

Two thirds of Australians say that a green endorsement would influence their choice of holiday accommodation.

Of course, it also reduces operating costs for the business and improves sustainability for the environment and the tourism industries.

Lily Pily Country House now offers a 4.5 Green STAR accommodation experience.

Lily Pily is thrilled to be awarded such an important endorsement.

“Environmentally sensitive activities reflects the sentiments of many in Bellingen, and we are delighted to be its first recipient of AAAT Green Stars for Accommodation.

We encourage other accommodation providers to also embrace these tourism protocols and practices in support of the environment and Council’s Tourism Strategy, to develop sustainable tourism,” said Mr Sherratt the then owner of Lily Pily

Bellingen Shire Tourism Manager, Brian Stokes, said the Green STAR program helps visitors understand what is special about the Bellinger.

The Bellinger area has a reputation for environmental consciousness and initiative. Felicity’s and Brian’s innovative approach to managing Lily Pily Country House is to be applauded.

Their achievement of a Green STAR rating reflects their commitment to the environment and providing our valued guests with an authentic, clean green experience. The fact that this is offered in a luxury, hosted accommodation is impressive,” Brian said.

Bellingen Shire’s peak tourism organisation, Tourism Bellinger, congratulated Lily Pily on the initiative to qualify for Green STARS.

Tourism Bellinger President, Laurie Kane, said “We live in a very rare and special place – one that visitors want to experience as a clean, aware and environmentally diverse holiday destination.

Lily Pily is an example of how sustainable practices can provide real benefits not just for business, but for the environment, the community and of course our valued visitors,” Laurie said.