Shelley Ann Morgan

The Weekender recently caught up with Shelley Morgan from Kombi Lifestyle to hear about her visit to the intriguing Gosford Glyphs. For a longer version of this story, please see here.
We amble to what is commonly called the Gosford Glyphs; along a walking track to secret treasures it feels. There is a current debate about the Glyphs - are these Egyptian hieroglyphs authentic? One group of academics consider the 4,500 year old Egyptian glyphs legitimate, and that they have evolved over time a...

A bullying incident could be the perfect opportunity to teach your child about conflict resolution. Nowadays, more and more schools are on board addressing schoolyard bullying, and establishing ways to collaborate effectively with parents and students about particular disputes.

To understand the nature of bullying, it's important to be clear about the definition. The national definition, according to Australia's Safe and Supportive School Communities Working Group is as follows:

"Bullying is ...

The name Woy Woy is derived from the Aboriginal term - Wy Wy, meaning ‘much water’ or ‘big lagoon’. It refers to a deep tidal channel adjacent to the town centre, in Brisbane Water. Once known as a sleepy fishing village and a nice place to retire (made famous by comedian and once-resident, Spike Milligan), Woy Woy has morphed into a bustling community hub with trendy bars, restaurants and cafes, while retaining the natural charm, peacefulness and tranquility of the waterfront. It's the perfe...

Umina is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘place of sleep.’ Once a popular place to retire, Umina Beach has evolved to become one of the busiest places on the Central Coast. It is now a thriving tourist destination and a place that many young families are calling home. Think Newtown meets Byron Bay, although on a smaller, less crowded scale!
* At the time of writing, activities and places mentioned in this guide are at varying stages of recovery from COVID-19. Please check government and business w...

Ettalong Beach is located on the Central Coast peninsular and is a scenic 30-minute ferry trip from Palm Beach or a 75-minute drive from North Sydney. Ettalong is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘place for drinking’. The early Europeans who first visited the area were in search of reliable food and drinking supplies, and boat crews would stop to retrieve water from a hole submerged in the sand close to shore.
During 1788, Governor Arthur Phillip and his party arrived at Ettalong Beach while explor...

Historic St Albans village, about 1 hour from Sydney or Gosford (2.5 hrs from Newcastle), is the perfect setting for the St Albans Folk Festival. From Anzac day public holiday Thursday 25th to 28th April, this 4 day, easy-going and affordable festival showcases local and interstate performers, songwriters and musicians.
St Albans village comes alive during the festival with a diverse range of traditional and modern sound, as musicians take part in impromptu street performances in a convivial ...

The Central Coast Peninsula offers some spectacular walks around Patonga, Pearl Beach, Umina Beach, Ettalong Beach and Woy Woy. There’s something for everyone, and here are a few of my favourites!
* At the time of writing, activities and places mentioned in this guide are at varying stages of recovery from COVID-19. Please check government and business websites for specific details on opening times and any restrictions before you travel.
Patonga to Pearl Beach (3 km one way)
Perhaps the most ...

On 23 June we hiked the 5 Lands Walk. Far from being just a physical activity, we were keen to understand the meaning and message of this festival which is inspired by Italy’s Cinque Terre. The festival is held along one of Australia’s most scenic coastlines. As the name implies, it connects five lands: MacMasters Beach, Copacabana, Avoca Beach, North Avoca Beach and Terrigal. This is an organised 10-kilometre walk where you can retrace the steps of Australia’s indigenous ancestors. The ethos...

Umina is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘place of sleep.’ Once a popular place to retire, Umina Beach has evolved to become one of the busiest places on the Central Coast. It is now a thriving tourist destination and a place that many young families are calling home. Think Newtown meets Byron Bay, although on a smaller, less crowded scale!

Ettalong Beach is located on the Central Coast peninsular, and is a scenic 30-minute ferry trip from Palm Beach, or a 75-minute drive from North Sydney.
Ettalong is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘place for drinking’. The early Europeans who first visited the area were in search of reliable food and drinking supplies, and boat crews would stop to retrieve water from a hole submerged in the sand close to shore.

Historic St Albans village is the perfect setting for the St Albans Folk Festival. The Settlers Arms Inn, one of Australia’s oldest pubs’ is at the heart of the festival. Held over a weekend close to Anzac day, the festival showcases local and international performers, songwriters and musicians. With its historical, cultural and storytelling significance - cheerfully promoted through modern and traditional folk performance, you’ll be diligently following the FOLKnow Festival Calendar, once yo...

The flight or fight response in certain situations can help us avoid danger. But sometimes we can become so worried about a perceived threat, and it may not actually happen. Our worries get in the way of daily living. This becomes nervous exhaustion, or as we know it today – anxiety.
Some students become anxious for a variety of reasons, and on occasions it can be students that appear calm or happy who internalise thoughts, worries or fears, who go unnoticed. Anxiety is one of the major p...

Brisbane Water National Park, Kariong, NSW

About The Spot: This small romantic waterhole beneath Kariong Brook Waterfall has surrounding rock ledges which make great picnic spots. The swimming hole is nestled in a lush rainforest environment in a secluded area, surrounded by abundant flora and fauna. A few scenic walks access the falls traversing arid eucalyptus landscapes to a cool temperate rainforest and the diverse terrain captures expansive mountain and water views. As part of the Great ...

As an Australian and NSW hairdressing champion, also an expert in colour correction, and having worked in London and Paris, Leanne offers her expertise acquired from working with the best international stylists. With a wealth of hairdressing knowledge she has educated hairdressers not only in Australia but all around the world.