Local News
- 18 August 2010
- New Learning Centre Replacing Dalwood
- Acting on a report from an expert advisory panel, the Government is to establish the NSW Centre for Effective Reading as a replacement for Dalwood and Plam Avenue - the two centres parents have been fighting to save. The proposed centre will provide three levels of service - universal, targeted and intensive and will significantly increase the services available to students with complex reading problems living in rural and remote NSW. While the report contained plenty to be pleased about such as the focus on the challenges for regional and remote families and the recommendations for improved professional development for teachers, there is a number of key concerns. The replacement of the successful four week residential program with a five day program is a retrograde step. I would imagine that many parents would share concern that replacing those extra three weeks with support via the internet and at the home school will water down what has been a powerful and successful residential program.
- More
- 18 August 2010
- University Rates Highly
- Graduates have given the UNE their stamp of approval. In the annual Good Universities Guide, UNE has maintained its five-star rating for overall graduate satisfaction. The five stars(maximum) in the newly published Guide for 2011 means that UNE has acheived this rating for 11 of the past 12years, an achievement matched by no other Australian University. UNE also maintained its five star rating in the guide for the two components of graduate satisfaction - 'teaching quality' and 'the acquisition of generic skills'. Individual areas of study at UNE that achieve five star ratings include built environment, creative arts, education, environmental studies, psychology and sciences.
- More
- 13 August 2010
- Broadband Roll Out Begins
- Residents of West Armidale are being urged to connect to the national broadband network (NBN) while it is still free of charge. The deadline for the free sign up is September 7 with work set to begin in various streets in the next 2weeks. The rollout will be completed in 2 stages with stage 1 being the installation of fibre optic cables either underground in pipes or overhead on powerlines. The second phase will be hooking individual properties up to the network through a small optic cable box on the side of the premises. Residents on streets where work is to be done will be notified by a letter box drop. Work will be done on a street by street basis, the network will rollout to designated streets first then we'll be able to connect individual properties from there. The plan is for all of Armidale to be connected to the network, with a second release site just announced and will be adjacent to the first West Armidale site with work to begin in the second quarter of 2011.
- More
- 13 August 2010
- Tradies Hatchery
- A $3million centre opened in Armidale on Wednesday 11 August will play a role in tackling Australia's shortage of trade skills. The technology and trade centre will provide industry accredited training in automotive, metals and engineering, horticulture and agriculture and electrotechnology to school students and the wider community. The centre has been established in the former YCW Leagues Club with funding from the Federal Government's Trade Training Centre's in Schools Program. The centre includes a multi-purpose teaching facility, construction and electrotechnology labs and a commercial kitchen, 3 automotive bays and welding and metal machining areas. Stage 2 of the centre will involve the redevelopment of the remainder of the site for community use, including a Sustainable Living Education and Community Centre.
- More
- 11 August 2010
- Historic Organ Overhaul
- Sydney's loss, Armidale's gain, as historic organ to be made like new. Work will begin later this year to overhaul the rare Willis pipe organ at Armidale's Uniting Church in Rusden St. It will cost $25,000 to complete the first stage of the project with the church organ fund contributing $10,000 and Richard Torbay has donated a further $5,500 to assist with the project. This organ is one of Armidale's jewels used for many concerts throughout the year. It is one of only five Willis organs in Australia an dhas historic and heritage significance. The organ was built in Liverpool, England in 1879 by Father Henry Willis for St Stephen's Presbyterian Church in Macquarie St and purchased by the Armidale Methodist Church in 1935.
- More
- 11 August 2010
- Mojos Nightclub
- Armidale will soon have a new night spot. Mojos Nightclub is set to reopen in the East Mall in mid September, offering three levels of service and entertainment. The nightclub will be exclusive, just like in Sydney. The cocktail bar exclusive to members, will be on the bottom floor adjacent to a Spanish Restaurant (formerly Jean Pierre's). The middle floor will house a bistro, pool tables, juke box, dance floor, play stations, lounges and LCD TV's. The nightclub will occupy the top floor with bar, 200sqm dance floor, DJ station and a band stand.
- More
- 11 August 2010
- PLC Boarding House Makeover
- Armidale's PLC and Sydney PLC have been successful in obtaining funding from the government to refurbish their boarding facilities. Planned in the refurbishment are upgrades to the foyer, common room areas and laundry. This funding will assist to create a welcoming and comfortable environment fo the girls to relax in. Work is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.
- More
- 9 August 2010
- $2 Million Redevelopment of Historic Hotel
- Armidale's historic Royal Hotel is about to undergo a major redevelopment at a cost of almost $2 million. This will be the third redevelopment of the Royal since its original 19th century construction. Work will begin this month which will see the ground floor completely renovated to include modern pub, restaurant and entertainment facilities. The upstairs accommodation area will also be upgraded significantly with the old staircase removed and a chairlift installed. Local builder Ken Brown has been awarded the contract.
- More
- 4 August 2010
- Solar Thermal Air Systems
- A multi-award winning range of solar thermal air heating and cooling systems was launched in Armidale on Friday 30 July. The systems are a solid solution to the serious wood smoke pollution issues as well as being able to significantly offset rising costs fro space heating and cooling. A special package of 40 SolaMate systems at wholesale prices have just been launched just for New England residents. Solar air heating is an innovative and simple technology. Air is heated by the sun as it passes through a tripple glazed panel, and then filtered for air quality. In summer the process reverses to bring cool air in at night. The only power required is a low wattage fan to drive the circulation, providing heating and cooling at the same cost as running a light bulb. To register interest or find out more details about th new solar thermal air systems please contact Liz Gardiner on 6778 7249 or got www.ness.wikidot.com.
- More
