Steph Wells and Mike Portley’s Newcastle-based restaurant HUMBUG is living proof they know what they’re doing when it comes to good food, good wine and good times. 

Rebecca Campbell describes herself as a reader, a writer, a lover and a fighter. She’s also a cook, a scientist and a little bit punk. As for her drink of choice? That’s a martini, dirty, just like her sex scenes. Here, she speaks with FOUND Regional about how her career as a contemporary romance novelist began… 

As a fossicker’s granddaughter, Sharon Makim believes searching for gold is in her blood. Her jewellery designs uncover all kinds of gems  thanks to the pearls and beads she discovers on her op shopping adventures, making Sharon the love. a jewellery brand with a conscience.

Deb Cartledge, owner of Fika Home and Living (formally The New England Collective) has always loved colour. While her story started with earrings – unique designs bursting with fun known as Pinot Cat Designs – the latest chapter reveals something much bigger, brighter and bolder in a beautiful new space she’s proud to bring to the people of Armidale, NSW.

From a community convenience store to the locals’ favourite restaurant for over 30 years, Matilda’s has seen its fair share of fun. Thanks to new owners Jane Smith and Kristy Bland, the good times keep on rolling.

Emily Honess – operator of Tamworth’s newest op shop, Talking Threads – is on a mission to normalise second-hand shopping, revitalise the lost art of mending and protect the environment, one piece of vintage clothing at a time.

The Peel Inn Hotel has stood tall on Nundle’s soil for the past 160 years and was recently awarded Best Bush Pub by the Australian Hotels Association. A gold rush pub, it was built by William McIlveen in 1860 after the discovery of gold at Hanging Rock. But as the story goes, McIlveen lost the hotel in a game of cards against John Schofield in the late 1860s. Today, fourth generation publican Robert Schofield has run the hotel for the past 54 years with his wife Margaret. The couple’s two sons, Nathan and Drew, have also played their part in the pub’s evolution, ensuring it remains the hub of the community and attracts visitors from far and wide. Here, FOUND Regional talks to Robert and his son Drew on life as a landlord at Nundle’s oldest (and best) pub.

Sam Murdoch knows better than anyone that life throws curveballs. Some of hers include diagnoses of anxiety, depression and a chronic health condition. But above it all, Sam’s thirst for knowledge and drive to keep trying new things has led her to a life fuelled by design, family and that ever-calming coastal breeze.

Growing up in Armidale NSW, Bridget Van der Eyk always dreamed of being an author. Now a self-published author with a debut novel and another up her sleeve, Bridget shares a little about herself, one of her favourite books and gives some advice to aspiring writers.

Celeste Kellie is the founder of Merry Little Elderberry a small family run based in Tingha NSW – but that’s not all. she’s also a dedicated foodie, a mum, a gardner and she’s fiercely passionate about finding alternative ways to keep your family healthy.

Driven to perform from the age of five, Coffs Coast actor Billy White believes there’s always room to educate and find humour in any kind of subject matter – even niche topics like gay diabetes in his one-man show, Water for the Madman.

Sam Kauffmann is a true ray of sunshine – owner of Eve Flowers in Uralla NSW, Sam has a passion for helping you celebrate all the big moments in your life with stunning seasonal and organic florals. Offering styling and events, workshops and even a cozy Airbnb in the heart of Uralla, Eve Flowers is your one-stop shop for all things beautiful. Read her story below.

Teonie Kalinowski is the proud owner of Chandler + Co, a boutique candle business based in Uralla NSW. Selling over 50 beautiful scents of candles and soy wax melts, Chandler + Co has a huge range of candles to choose from.

The games Katherine Sherrie’s family played on road trips were a little different to your standard ‘I Spy’ or travel-sized ‘Ludo’. As a flour milling family with a passion for baked goods, the Sherries opted for ‘Name that crop!’ instead. Today, that knowledge combined with Katherine’s business acumen, baking skills and a passion for regional life ensure she’s well-equipped for her role at FPM Cereal Milling Systems.

Jemimah Hiscox is a mother of three based in Armidale NSW. Passionate about increasing health, wellbeing and quality of life through movement, she started Moved Armidale, a studio offering movement classes for people of all ages and all walks of life. Below, Jemimah tells us about Moved, why she started and what she has planned for the future.

Emma Stanley is an artist based in Tamworth NSW. Swapping her paint brush for an Apple pencil after becoming a mum, Emma continues to create beautiful pieces for others to enjoy, all while navigating the new-found busyness of day-to-day life. An artistic force who loves to share what she creates, now Emma can teach you too.

Sam Buckley heard rock and roll for the first time when he was 12 years old. The sounds swept over him, gritty and raw, pouring out of his dad’s record player – something that was previously reserved for gospel music alone. But not this day.

‘Farmer Benjamin’ says he’s had his time in the spotlight – and that, in part, is true. But consider this the well-deserved next chapter, one told openly, honestly, and in celebration of a good man doing extraordinary things just 30km west of Guyra.

Exploring the art of cartooning with renowned cartoonist Guy Downes.

Amelia Donnelly faced intense grief at a young age… but when she scoured the school library’s shelves for a book to help navigate the all-too-often taboo subject of death, she kept coming up blank. So, she wrote her own. Here she shares how The Golden Thread can help young people everywhere better equip themselves with the language and skills needed when facing grief, trauma and loss.