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… 

Peta Wilson invites you to experience her family’s beachside retreat – a luxurious, character-filled space in Woolgoolga NSW that shares 13 acres of beachfront land with the friendly local wildlife. Designed with rooms to gather as a group and corners to curl up on your own, Tranquilo Beach House is the ideal place to get away from it all and enjoy this jaw-droppingly beautiful slice of the Coffs Coast.

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.

The Winter Blooming Festival will be bringing a whole lot of sparkle and sass to Armidale when it kicks off its program of events celebrating LGBTIQA+, First Nations and multicultural arts, culture, communities, and allies on 18 August.

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.

This walk has it all, from an amazing lookout just 300 metres from the carpark, to longer walks that traverse through woodland upstream to the falls! All up there are five lookouts you can enjoy on the Wollomombi Walk, every one of them rewarding you with phenomenal views across the gorge and waterfalls.

Take a ride through history on this 121-year old Steam Train touring the New England region this August.

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.

A celebration of fashion and farming, the New England’s annual Fleece to Fashion shares the story of Australian Merino wool and its place within the global fashion industry. This coming November 2023, Fleece to Fashion will make a welcome return to the region.

Between 2022 and 2026, the Three Echoes – Western Desert Art exhibition will travel to 13 regional centres throughout Australia – and from now until 27 August 2023, you can see the collection for yourself at the New England Regional Art Museum in Armidale, NSW.

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.

Located one hour from Armidale, east along the mighty Waterfall Way, is the stunning New England National Park. Part of the ‘Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area’, this place has got to be seen to be believed.

Sandy Rogers and Alexandra Gawthorne would often invite friends to Sandy’s family farm for a weekend escape from city life. The joy born in those stolen nights gave them an idea – to create a space where others could enjoy a slice of country life, too. Gilay Estate, set to open in 2024, will feature three luxury off-grid huts nestled into the hillside overlooking the Liverpool Plains. Separated by a minimum one-kilometre distance, each hut offers guests privacy and seclusion while they switch off, soak up the scenery and cook by campfire in the light of the moon.

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.