Patrice is a well known local resident, author and land manager. Home is the picturesque ‘’Elmswood Farm” at Gundy, which Newell runs as a biodynamic farming enterprise.  In 2015 Newell earned a doctorate at the University of Newcastle in Environmental Science: A strategic assessment of the potential for a new pyrolysis industry in the Hunter valley.  Patrice is a regular speaker and advocate for climate change within the agricultural sector, and an accomplished write. Her published books include ‘The Olive Grove’, ‘The River’, ‘Ten Thousand Acres’, ‘Tree To Table’’ and ‘Who’s Minding The Farm’.