If you are on the move, Doug Kirk Removals are here to help. They are the leaders in local and interstate removal operations.

A family owned and operated business run by Marion Brown and Doug Kirk, the Mt Vincent-based operation have built an unparalleled reputation based on reliability, simplicity, honesty and care in everything they do.

Whether you are moving to a new home, you need to put goods in storage, or you simply want to transport a single item safely, Doug Kirk Removals can get it done with ease.

Established in 2000 the team at Doug Kirk Removals has moved thousands of items and people's treasured belongings locally and interstate.

Specialising in furniture removal, pre-packing and servicing a range of clients both residential and commercial, as well as having extensive experience with auction houses over many years, they specialise in the handling of antiques and collectables.

Pot plant transportation is also no problem for their staff, who will happily cater to special requests.

With an extensive client database, most of their work is from repeat customers, or recommendation by previous customers, Real Estate Agents and Storage Facilities to name a few.

They do a lot of work for The Anglican diocese, pre-packing and relocating many Ministers around the country. A vast amount of work comes from the various retirement villages and vineyards, as well as solicitors and conveyancer recommendations.

At Doug Kirk Removals, the security and care of their client's items is their top priority. Because of this, they offer a comprehensive pre-packing service where they will ensure that your individual items are wrapped and stowed with the utmost care. Doug Kirk Removals staff supply all the necessary packing tape as well as free boxes for all pre-pack moves. They can also loan boxes for moves if required.

Since operation began in 2000, Doug Kirk Removals has grown from one vehicle to a fleet of eight trucks in various sizes, with some trucks having 60 cubic metre capacities, which is equivalent to a standard 4 bedroom house, as well as false floor systems for improved packing. They also have smaller trucks to cater for smaller moves or single items.

To ensure each and every job is done to the highest standard, each truck in the fleet is equipped with furniture removalist blankets, trollies, ropes and other necessary lifting equipment to complete each job safely, without any breakages or damages. For added peace of mind they have full insurance coverage for every aspect of every move, and will happily provide you with a copy of their Certificates of Coverage if requested.

Doug Kirk Removals make it a focus of their service to understand each client's situation and requirements and are able to accommodate and support them in a respectful manner, as they understand that moving is often a very stressful time.

Doug Kirk Removals offer competitive hourly prices or they can come to your premises and supply you with an on the spot, no obligation, free written quote.

Servicing all areas nationally, excluding Western Australia and Tasmania, they are fully insured and can also arrange storage for you or advise you on your cubic metres as well as the size of the storage bay required, regardless of your move destination.

If you're after a quality, recommended removalist company contact the friendly team at Doug Kirk Removals.

National College of Dance leads the way when it comes to vocational dance training in the Hunter.

Celebrating 50 years in 2024, NCD has inspired countless generations of Novocastrian dancers.

Many have gone on to illustrious professional careers with prestigious national and international dance companies.

Pivotal to this success has been the dedicated and expert training from NCD staff reinforced by consistent live performance opportunities.

"Students looking for a career in dance need to hone their skills and build their resumes through participation in live performance," says Vicki Morgan, who co-owns and operates NCD with her husband Brett OAM.

"We impress upon all our students the importance of artistic collaboration and live performance."

The College has a number of exciting professional productions in the pipeline for the year ahead.

"We will be collaborating with the Newcastle Wind Orchestra and Indigenous composer Jacob Cummings to create a new mesmerising work 'Mistborn'," Vicki said.

"We continue to develop another project, 'Vincent', about Vincent Van Gogh, as part of our 50-year anniversary."

NCD dancers have just finished performing as part of the show 'Superstars' at Civic Theatre, a musical tribute to the genius of legends Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, which ran over four performances.

"It was a star-studded event produced by the Stoddart Entertainment Group and The Very Popular Theatre Company featuring luminaries like Marina Prior, Silvie Paladino, Chloé Zuel, and Joshua Robson," Vicki said.

"They contacted us and requested choreography and dancers for two pieces - Masquerade and Feel The Love Tonight - which we eagerly provided.

"It was an incredible experience to perform at Civic Theatre in front of a packed live audience with a 32-piece orchestra and 90-voice choir."

The show exemplifies the performance opportunities NCD's provides students, who regularly collaborate with prestigious companies such as Porsche, Ronald McDonald House, and the Sydney Chocolate Ball.

NCD also lends its artistic prowess to the renowned local CONDA awards.

Vicki is excited about the golden anniversary and believes it is something to be proud of.

"Not many businesses last 50 years let alone a dance school, so it's very exciting," she said. "We've unveiled a new College logo to mark the occasion and revered company founder Miss Marie Walton Mahon will be attending celebrations throughout the year."

NCD offers casual classes for three-year-olds all the way through to adults as well as offering nationally recognised full-time training programs.

A new initiative proving very popular is a partnership with the University of the Third Age (UTA).

"We're now doing three classes a week for over 50s and if you are member of UTA you get to dance free," Vicki said.

"It's proving very popular and has been really amazing watching people get their bodies moving, enjoying music, sharing their amazing stories and seeing them become healthier and happier."

Give yourself the love of dance by joining a class today. To find out more visit, www.nationalcollegeofdance.com.

Your apprenticeship journey is the start of a promising career in the industry, which can often lead to other roles including contractor, foreman, supervisor, project manager, estimating manager and business owner.

With the current trade skills shortage, there has never been a better time to become an apprentice or trainee, in your chosen trade of interest.

As industry demand rises in the Newcastle and Hunter areas, Newcastle Master Builders Apprentices (MBA) are doing all they can to supply the next generation with as much information to encourage young people to consider a career in the building and construction industry.

Newcastle Master Builders Apprentices is a not-for-profit company that has been supplying the industry with apprentices and trainees for almost 25 years.

They offer all construction trades including carpentry, concreting, plumbing, roof plumbing, electrical, landscaping, plastering, painting and decorating, wall and floor tiling, bricklaying, as well as business traineeships.

"We make hiring an apprentice or a trainee easy for businesses in our local regions by completing all paperwork and administrative duties," a spokesperson said.

"Our rate is fully inclusive of recruitment costs, wages, superannuation, workers' compensation, TAFE fees and days, annual leave, sick leave and rostered days off.

"We also assist with managing the employees and conduct regular onsite visits to ensure they are progressing through their training and are enjoying themselves onsite.

"Our apprentices and trainees are indentured to MBA for the period of their training, providing them with job security and support.

"We provide a dynamic and integrated program for persons wanting a head start (and qualified training) in the region's building industry.

"Apprentice/trainees learn practical skills, combined with an accredited education program in their chosen trade."

Newcastle Master Builders Apprentices can answer all your building trade, apprenticeship and traineeship questions.

For more information about trade and apprenticeships, please contact our friendly staff on (02) 4979 0170 or visit mbagtp.com.au.