No dags found here

With not much going on in our lives (evidently) Scottish-extracted husband-to-be, Dog and I like to pride ourselves on the way we treat visitors to our home.

Anyone who dares to cross our humble threshold is greeted with a saliva bath from Dog, a hearty handshake from husband-to-be and a quick kiss and a cuddle from me.

Always eager to show off the land of our birth, we have been known to stockpile freezers full of New Zealand leg of lamb, cases of Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc and pottles of Tip Top Hokey Pokey Ice Cream for just such occasions.
For entertainment purposes we usually find an impromptu family Haka - resplendent in All Black jerseys - followed by a quick screening of Once were warriors and some music from famed New Zealand singers Crowded House, Jenny Morris, Keith Urban and Russell Crowe, usually works a treat.

But while we reckon we command a fairly impressive place on the list of the 'Most Hospitable Houses Inhabited by Kiwis Occupying the northern tip of East Street in Five Dock, Sydney' - it would appear even we have nothing on that mob from Armidale.

Invited up to the New England capital as a judge in last week's Australian Wool Fashion Awards, I confess to arriving more than a little nervous at the task in hand. I landed intimated by the fact as a New Zealander - and a reporter whose previous expertise lies in the field of criminal court reporting - I was set to stand in judgement of some of Australia's most innovative and creative emerging designers. Of more concern was the fact I was going to have to do so in the heart of the Australian wool industry where even pre-schoolers would be more familiar with the complexities of wool blends than I.

I needn't have worried.
While the one-woman whirlwind that is organiser-cum-promoter-cum-publicist-cum-sponsorship manager-cum-judge appointer Liz Foster runs a fairly tight ship, she does so with incredible sensitivity, heart and compassion.
A natural caregiver as well as a business woman, Foster places great emphasis on ensuring everyone invited to 'her place' is made to feel, well . . .at home.

Owing to the shear logistics of organising the awards - but partly I suspect to act as comfort for those away from home - Foster also gets her family in on the act. Over the two days I was there I saw at various times her husband, mother, father and other family members acting as chauffeur, confidante, chef, dresser, stylist and general lackey.
Volunteers from various local organisations are also an integral part of Foster's team, providing a hearty country home-cooked meal each day for all those involved with the awards across the judging, parade and rehearsal stages.
The eating habits of the models in the show, most of whom are local schoolgirls, are also closely scrutinised by Foster and her close knit team with advice on everything from nutrition to study frequently dished out. So concerned was she about one particular girl, Foster did a secret deal with said model's father that unless she put on weight, she would be dropped from the show.

For my mind's eye, Armidale's approach - led by its chief chorister Liz Foster - was an absolute breath of fresh - particularly in an industry too often accused of lacking in warmth.
As you will see in my wrap up in our next edition, the standard of hospitality post, prior and during the awards was matched only by the amazing standard of entries.
Maybe when it comes to all things sheep, you Australians can teach us Kiwis a thing or two after all.