As a very recent newcomer to Glen Innes, I have put together this short list of things that I have found useful to know as I settle into Glen Innes life. If you have your own hacks to add to the list, please send them to info@gleninesnews.com.au
1. To find out what is happening, Glen Innes News, will connect you with local news and events. The free print version comes out every second Thursday and is distributed at over 40 pick-up points, listed at gleninnesnews.com.au. The online news site is frequently updated and also hosts a What’s On directory. Glen Innes also has its own community radio station 2CBD FM, 105.9 FM in Glen Innes. Note that many businesses and organisations do not have websites but often use Facebook.
2. Glen Innes Cottage Markets are held each Saturday in Lion’s Park at the corner of East Avenue and Ferguson Street. It is a jewel of a market, quite small but with stall holders selling quality fruit, veggies, plants, honey, eggs, handicrafts etc boosted by a caravan offering coffee and homemade cakes and slices. If the weather is foul, the stall-holders may not turn up and if it is the third Saturday of the month, then you may find them at the Men’s Shed Car Boot and Markets.
3. The Men’s Shed Car Boot Sale and Markets are held at the Showground, at the end of Torrington St, on the fourth Saturday of the month. What started as a car boot sale, continues to grow and attracts an interesting mix of stalls and live music. You will find second hand goods, fruit, vegetables, gluten free donuts, a sausage sizzle put on by the Men’s Shed guys; tea, scones, cakes and biscuits from the CWA ladies; great coffee; animals (on my last visit there were chooks, a rooster and cats). Lots of craft people selling all sorts of creations, from woodturning and card making to handmade knits and children’s clothing. And did I mention plants?
4. For a good selection of fresh fish and seafood, Drew’s Seafood’s refrigerated van visits town every Friday morning, from 9am. The van is located across the road from the Police Station which is at 126 Meade St. For any changes to the schedule, because of a public holiday or if the trawlers aren’t running because of the weather, which happened with the recent cyclone, see updates to the schedule on Facebook.
5. The Chapel Theatre at 143 Church St shows recent release and classic movies on the weekend. The Theatre also hosts concerts, open mic nights, plays and other cultural events. There is a big sign out the front telling you what is on.
6. Shopping hours: You may be surprised to see that several independent shops shut around noon on a Saturday, and some shops and businesses do not open at all on the weekend. Check beforehand to avoid disappointment
7. Don’t leave it to the last minute to get cash out of an ATM. When they run out, and they do, there is a flow on effect to the supermarkets with people only using cards, meaning the supermarkets will run out of cash too.
8. Shop local! Being able to buy goods and services close to home, will only last as long as we support our businesses. Save yourself some petrol, time and freight charges, and give our friendly local suppliers a boost. If we don’t support them, they will not exist.
9. By now you will have heard of the doctor desert that is regional Australia and Glen Innes is no exception. Put your name on the waiting lists at medical practices ASAP – there may well be 500 names ahead of yours. In the meantime consider finding a doctor in a local town, such as Tenterfield, Guyra, Inverell and Armidale, or maintain links with your previous GP by phone. You can also phone Healthdirect on 1800 022 222, a free government funded health advice service. Sometimes there is no choice but to visit the Emergency Department at Glen Innes District Hospital, at 94 Taylor St.
10. Angle parking – you can’t keep avoiding it forever, and once you get the hang of it you will find it just as easy as most other street parking spots. So just like when you learnt to drive as a teenager, practice on a quiet street until you can park right next to another car (speaking from experience!). This becomes easier because the car next to you will be a good reference point. And you will be so glad you persevered when you visit busy towns like Inverell and can now park anywhere.
11. With hairdressing and beauty treatments the message again is, plan ahead. Quite often there will be a 3 week wait with the busy salons, so book your first appointment when you start packing to move here!. Once you are on the books as a client, you can book from appointment to appointment.
12. Get to know the good people at the Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre which provides information on just about everything for visitors and locals. They will assist you with NSW TrainLink Services, tell you about clubs and organisations to join and upcoming local events and how to get involved. The best bit though is that they will introduce you to some wonderful places for sightseeing, bushwalking, fishing, swimming under waterfalls and generally communing with nature – one of the best reasons for moving to beautiful Glen Innes.
You have moved to a friendly town – enjoy it!
