Coffs Coast Issue 57 by Focus

COFFS COAST

June 2015//issue 57

ALLY WILSON

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Feature Story One Night Stand

focus COFFS COAST

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ADDRESS: 3/57 Grafton St, Coffs Harbour POSTAL: PO Box 286, Coffs Harbour PHONE: 02 6650 9343 FAX: 02 6651 3798 WEB: www.focusmag.com.au iPHONE: www.focusmag.com.au/eat TV: www.focustv.com.au

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GRAPHIC/WEB DESIGNER: Michael Marchment michael@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable

Welcome to the June issue of Coffs Coast FOCUS.

t’s officially winter! Time to pull out all those warm clothes you’ve had hiding in the top of the cupboard. It’s also a timely reminder that this year is halfway done.

It’s a great time to asses your goals for the year

joey@focusmag.com.au

and jump head first into the last half of the year.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Jeff Cowan

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

jeff@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Kyle Rathbone

Chances are you have seen a women’s

kyle@focusmag.com.au

cycling group pedalling around the Coffs Coast

COPY EDITOR Jo Atkins

or sipping coffee dressed in pink lycra. We

jo@focusmag.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHY/CONTENT: Russell Pell

catch up with the ideas man behind the group,

russellpell@gmail.com

Barry Rix, who brings women of all walks of life

Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers or Editor. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders. Information appearing in Focus is believed to be correct at the time of going to press, however no liability will be held for inaccurate information approved or supplied by advertisers or contributors. While all care is taken it is recommended that readers confirm dates, times, prices and any other material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. Coffs Coast Focus is produced and published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 621 287 8600 5. Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2015 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved.

together through cycling. We also chat with Ally Wilson - mum, volunteer, charity event organiser, mental health professional, counsellor, friend … These are just some of the words that sum up local girl Ally Wilson. Ally has a heart of gold, giving

back to the Coffs Coast community and sharing her bubbly personality in abundance. These are just a couple of wonderful locals we’ve interviewed this month. We’ve had a crazy, busy month getting together our 57th edition of FOCUS, and we hope you enjoy it. GOODBYE SAM A much loved member of the FOCUS family has decided to spread her wings and join the team at Rally Australia (who are gearing up for another successful year) and “focus” on her successful celebrant business, “Married by Sam”. From all the team here at FOCUS, a big thank you for all your love, support and friendship over the years. You will be missed! MISSING EDITOR? Yes, there’s a face missing from the photo this month. Melly’s currently on sick leave - get well

soon! EAT APP NOW ON IPHONE It’s finally here; our updated eat. iPhone application is now live. Readers can download the app for their phone by visiting the app store and searching for “eat Coffs Harbour” in Food and Drink. Explore a great selection of restaurants and cafés located in the Manning-Great Lakes, Greater Port Macquarie, New England and Coffs Coast area, so you can find a place to eat while you’re on the go! Each restaurant and café featured has mouthwatering professional images, so you can eat with your eyes in fantastic HD iPhone 6 ready quality. FINAL SAY “Laugh and the world laughs with you; snore and you sleep alone.” - Anthony Burgess.

inside this

Issue 57 - June 2015

16.

Brittni Rippon. Born and bred Coffs Harbour woman Brittni Rippon is no stranger to the camera, having enjoyed success modelling for magazines, advertising campaigns and lifestyle shoots throughout Australia … We caught up with Caroline Bleechmore – Marketing Manager, Park Beach Plaza and Brittni to talk about her new exciting role.

Brian Hackett.

32.

Escaping the noise of the world and heading beneath the surface is a passion of Brian Hackett’s. Diving since 1967, Brian’s knowledge of the ocean is vast. This is his story ...

48.

Nigel Tooth. FOCUS talks with Coffs Coast local Nigel Tooth, who has applied knowledge gained from years of experience in regional bus service management to develop an app that keeps track of any bus from within a fleet and will also aid to streamline ticket sales.

6. Rai of Sun 8. One Night Stand 12. Temple of Love 14. Lighting a Fire 38. Men’s Shed 67. Scott Bocking

usual suspects.

the

5. what’s on for June 24. eat featuring local restaurants

46. social scene with Carole Beros 61. star guide with Terri

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AROUND THE REGION //JUNE 2015

Emerald Beach Fair

Each year on the last Sunday in May we invite everyone in the district and beyond to join us in celebrating the natural beauty of the village and to showcase the cultural and creative talents of the community with the Emerald Beach Fair. When Sunday 31st May Contact Helen 0438 393 503.

Walk to Help Save Lives

The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Coffs Coast Charity Walk is on again! When Sunday 14th June, with registrations closing on 4th June. More info www.coastalcharitywalk.com.au Phone: 6627 4444

Rai Thistlethwayte

Travel Centre Cruise Expo

There is no better way to find out what is on offer than by calling in to the Travel Centre Cruise Expo.

Ebb n Flo

When Saturday 20th June, 9:30am to 3pm. Where The Cavanbah Centre, 191 Harbour Dr, Coffs Harbour. Contact Glenda Halliwell on 6652 1833.

Where The Hoey Moey Sunday Sesh. When Sunday 7th June, long weekend. Tickets Free entry from 4pm. Contact The Hoey Moey or Offbeat Operations.

Lead Singer of Thirsty Merc, Live in Concert.

When Friday 29 May 2015 - 8pm. Where Coffs Harbour Golf Club. Tickets On sale now at The Coffs Harbour Golf Club - Earl Street, Coffs Harbour. Phone (02) 6652 3244 or Online Via Moshtix at www.moshtix.com.au Ticket Cost: $30 at the club, $30 + BF online.

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COMING TO THE COFFS COAST

RAI THISTLETHWAYTE IS ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S MOST WELL-KNOWN AND RESPECTED SINGER/SONGWRITERS. AS LEAD SINGER OF ICONIC AUSTRALIAN BAND THIRSTY MERC, RAI HAS WRITTEN AND PERFORMED MASSIVE RADIO HITS, INCLUDING SOMEDAY, SOMEDAY, IN THE SUMMERTIME AND 20 GOOD REASONS. HE IS RETURNING TO THE COFFS COAST FOR A ONE-OFF SOLO SHOW NEXT WEEK.

ow old were you when you Joni Mitchell, Judee Sill, Marty Robbins, Bobby first started playing music Darin, Cream, Redd Kross, Jason Faulkner, Bjork, and singing, and how did it Sonny Stitt, Freddie Hubbard, Oscar Peterson, happen? Keith Jarrett, Alan Holdsworth, Rachmaninov, Eva Rai: I was learning from my Cassidy, oh gosh, the list just goes on and on. Ray mum; I was only 4 years Charles. Guys with groove. and 10 months, and then my dad. Even Out of all the shows you've before that, there was music in the played, which has been your house. favourite and why? What was your first ffs Rai: These questions Co e th I love t go instrument, and where did are getting harder! Ha ’s It t. as Co and n su g you get it from? ha! I have had so many in az am such a to se om Rai: It was the piano. They amazing shows and met fr s ur lo co su ch a were just in the house. I so many amazing people sky, and it’s got el to started getting my hands on along the way. great laid back fe usic m g in ay pl ve it. I lo them from a young age, and What's your favourite there too!” always enjoyed the sound! Thirsty Merc song you've Where was the first gig you written and performed ever played? and why? Rai: It was at West Lindfield Bowling Rai: It's also hard to say, but I Club (Sydney). My dad on bass, my dad's love In The Summertime. To play that mate on drums, Mark Faigan, and yours truly on live is fun. I love playing most of the songs, Goanna! if not all. And some nights, certain other songs What's your favourite instrument to play take the cake for the performance of the night! It and why? just depends on a myriad of factors. Rai: Piano. It's just inside me. It brings me to tears Can we expect a new album from Thirsty Merc and affirms everything in my life. in the near future? Who are your musical influences? Rai: We are working on one as we speak. We Rai: I have many. Debussy, Iron Maiden, Steve have done some pre-production and early demos, Coleman, Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Deep and the songs are pretty awesome, we must say. Purple, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Jurassic Five, It'll be out in the second half of '15, so look out for

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it! Tell us about your Newest Project, "Sun Rai", and what you're currently doing. Rai: Sun Rai is my solo project. It's got more of a Soul/Jazz/Pop sound, and the songs are centred around my groove, keyboard playing. Will we hear any new songs at your Coffs Show? Rai: I hope to play one or two, at least. Who knows what will happen? But, I have been known to pull a few new tracks out. Do you enjoy visiting the Coffs Coast and performing here? Rai: I really do. I love the Coffs Coast. It's got such amazing sun and colours from sea to sky, and it's got such a great laid back feel to it. I love playing music there too! Thanks Rai! We look forward to seeing you!

the plug! Rai Thistlethwayte will perform Live at Coffs Harbour Golf Club on Friday 29 May, with special guests Gina Balenzano and Benny Francis. Tickets are available at the club (Earl Street, Coffs Harbour). Phone: (02) 6652 3244 or online via Moshtix at www.moshtix.com.au

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Night Stand ON E N IG H T STA N D PR E S E N TS A M U LT I T U DE OF TA L E N T, U N DE R ON E RO OF, ON ON E STAG E , ON ON E N IG H T...

endy Matthews, Russell Morris, Daryl Braithwaite and Mental as Anything are all stars of the Australian music industry - you can’t afford to miss this show, which will become a magical musical memory. The Mental’s Greedy Smith reminisces about some of his favourite musical memories and tells us how much he’s looking forward to the show at C.ex Coffs. Greedy, One Night Stand sounds like it’ll be a phenomenal show! What are your thoughts heading into this special performance? It’s pretty exciting! It’s such an amazing collection of songs and performers … lots of songs people will know, from the radio, from the past. We’ve worked with all of these groups before … I think it’s the first time this whole bill has been put together, though. I think what’s exciting is there won’t be too many songs that people won’t know. I recall the first time I saw Mental as Anything in concert back in the ‘80s, when you did a show with the Rockmelons. Why do you think you’re still going strong as a band after all this time? Our songs still get played on the radio. All over the country, people still seem to know them. I think a lot of it comes down to the fact that we came up through the period when the music was identified with the band much more - music was a very central part of people’s lives pre-video shops, pre-internet, pre much advertising on the radio or in films using pop music; this all came later. People knew who were in bands back then and knew what their songs were, because they’d seen them on Countdown or Sounds; there was a lot of identification of the music to the artist. 8 coffs coast focus.

laps, and we were very fortunate and a whole lot And that’s harder these days, because there’s of things lined up. These blokes wanted to start so much music made … and I think if you were up an independent record company - this was a able to imprint yourself in people’s minds back in new thing in Australia, and we were their first those days, when things were simpler - you tend band. We put out The Nips are Getting Bigger, to stay there! it was played on the radio and became popular, For us, it’s been a wonderful opportunity - and so it just went on from there … We went from speaking for myself, I love performing. And it’s playing to the art school crowd to playing across only now that we’re getting the songs right the country and abroad. it’s taken that long! We’re playing to another It was not our plan - we were just very generation who mightn’t have seen us live in the fortunate. We’ve had some tough ‘80s, and their first connection with us is times too, along the way, but via our recordings … so we thought, to come through the other “What do our recordings sound side still with a liver like?” So, we had a listen, and We put out The Nips are G etting intact (laughs) … I just thought, “Oh, so THAT’S ayed on Bigger, it was pl feel so privileged to what we did that day in came the radio and be ent be able to perform the studio!” That’s led st w popular, so it ju songs we’ve written us to referencing a lot of We on from there … ourselves. We do a what we’ve done, and to g in went from play d ow few cover versions that’s brought us back to cr the art school e th ss ro too, but it’s just such a the material much more. ac to playing .” ad ro ab d an great feeling! And because we do play y countr What else are you our material over and over, working on these days, what’s important to us is getting it besides preparing for One right. That’s part of our satisfaction as Night Stand? performers. Martin Plaza is working on a solo album, The other part of is if you write a song and which is almost ready … We’ve got some people a) recognise it and b) clap when you play new Mental stuff in our set, which we’ve yet to it - nothing gets better than that! record. We’re constantly writing, travelling and And the story goes, of course, that the playing … and we are looking at the future and Mentals never started with any serious doing more with our songs. intention of being a band - that you were a You mentioned earlier how people associate group of art students who were looking for songs with artists, but many people free drinks, in exchange for a few gigs! associate songs with memories too … No, it was never meant to be a career - not certainly I associate the Mentals with the era the way young people today see music as a of Walkmans and acid wash jeans! What are career. We were at art school - and art school’s some songs other artists have sung that you not really a career anyway - it was more kind of attach memories to? prolonging adolescence and getting away from (Laughs). I associate Do you Know the Way to responsibility! It was more that it fell into our

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San José by Dionne Warwick with my first bowl of Sultana Bran! Food is often a trap for me! I remember meals and music. That was a period of life when things really opened up for me, so that sicks in my mind … I also remember hearing The Real Thing by Russell Morris after school at St Leonards Bowling Alley in Sydney; I heard it on the radio. I’ll be standing watching Russell doing The Real Thing in this show coming up, and I’ll be thinking about the St Leonards Bowling Alley and the slot car track next to it! You’ll be performing many of your well known hits at One Night Stand, but what’s your favourite song to perform? At the moment Live it Up is my favourite, but it’s a tricky one to sing. What’s funny is I listen to the audience as I’m singing, and they sing it better than me! I really like doing the backing vocals on Beserk Warriors, our biking song … I like doing the voices at the end! That’s good! And finally, how are plans coming together for One Night Stand? Will the performers have a chance to sing together, as well as individually? We are working out a few songs we can do together, but I don’t know exactly what yet - I think there will be some surprises, even for us! It’ll be so good! I’m really looking forward to it. Thanks Greedy. Interview by Jo Atkins.

the plug! See One Night Stand at C.ex Coffs on June 7th at 7:30pm. Tickets: Early Bird Special (until June 1st): $59.50. General Tickets (from 1st June): $65. 18+ event. Contact C.ex Coffs on 6652 3888.

A L LY W I L S O N M U M , VO LU N T E E R , C H A R I T Y E V E N T O R G A N I S E R , M E N TA L H E A LT H P R O F E S S I O N A L , C O U N S E L L O R , F R I E N D… T H E S E A R E J U ST S O M E O F T H E WO R D S T H AT S U M U P B E A U T I F U L L O C A L G I R L A L LY W I L S O N . A L LY H A S A H E A R T O F G O L D, G I V I N G B A C K T O T H E C O F F S C OA S T C O M M U N I T Y A N D S H A R I N G H E R B U B B LY P E R S O N A L I T Y I N A B U N DA N C E .

here are you originally from? I have been living in Coffs Harbour for nearly 12 years; surely that makes me a local now? Ha ha. Prior to this, we moved from Sydney. Tell us about your family ... Well, my mother is Serbian and my dad is Scottish. My maternal grandparents moved here from Serbia (former Yugoslavia) as displaced persons in the late 1940s. My grandfather and great grandfather were contracted to work on the Snowy Mountain Scheme. My grandfather served in the Royal Australian Air Force in Italy during the Second World War. When my great grandfather migrated here, he worked as a labourer and then retrained as a psychiatric nurse. He was to utilise his skills for three decades, working as nurse in charge at Callum Park, Sydney. As you can see, my mum's side of the family had a really hard life; lots of trauma occurred during and after the war. But the strange thing about it all is that they always had a positive outlook on life. Maybe it was their battling spirit which encouraged us and gave us a certain motivation. My sister, Emma, definitely has

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e I used to go to se g in rs nu e her at th d an y da y home ever ush her help feed her, br side . r hair and sit by he g to in at in I found it fasc l that al r he syringe feed .” od fo mushy

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inherited the drive. She volunteered in an extremely remote Aboriginal Community early this year. Emma found this experience quite life changing, seeing 30+ people living in one house, a packet of Tim Tams costs $10… Emma has a real passion to make a change in the lives of Indigenous youth and will shortly be volunteering at a youth service. Then there is my youngest sister, Jasmin; she has a real passion and affinity for animals and animal rights. She is also a great artist and will likely live in a hippie commune in Nimbin one day ha ha. My son, Dante, is a soft natured soul and has just as much of a caring attitude towards animals. He is right into football at the moment, training for a great team, the Sawtell Panthers. My dad is his main support - never misses a game. My dad grew up in Balmain, and of course barracks for the Tigers. His mother was one of ten brothers and sisters, whose family came out to Australia in the 1920s to start a new life from Greenock, Scotland. My great grandfather was in the Royal British Navy. Now Mum ... well,

what can I say about her. She just doesn’t stop. Always busy trying to help people, if it’s not at work, you’ll see her walking, talking and sitting with the homeless on the streets. My mum won the Premier's Award for the homeless project in Coffs Harbour some years back. If she had the money she would open up a boarding house in Coffs Harbour for the homeless; she has always dreamed about that. She has had her fair share of problems over the years. She has even battled a brain tumour, but even after that, went back to work within a few weeks. She has overcome a lot in her life, and I think that is why she is so good with the disadvantaged and people with problems. She is a bit quirky, but we love her and her unique "Diana moments" ha ha. My partner, James, has also become a strong part of our family. He is a country boy at heart, born in Katherine in the Northern Territory. He has a very kind, caring and mischievous personality, which I believe has been passed down from his famous country singing father, Scott Dawson. His mother, Samantha, is an "old nurse" with the bubbliest and most infectious

personality I have ever met. His sister, Nicola, is a very talented young woman whom I believe will be a famous actress one day. Last but not least, his brother, Ben, living in Darwin, is a crack up - a great man whom like his family, has a heart of gold. Tell us about your studies. What have you studied and why did you choose to study these particular courses/degrees? My nursing and mental health background… Well, I think it all started when I was little. My great grandmother had suffered from severe Alzheimer’s Disease towards the end of her life. Poor thing - she was bed-ridden, unable to speak. On a good day she would open her eyes for a brief moment. The other grandchildren loved her, but I think they were a little frightened. I used to go to see her at the nursing home every day and help feed her, brush her hair and sit by her side. I found it fascinating to syringe feed her all that mushy food. The nurses always gave out two plates of food, one for my greatgrandmother and one for me. Although she looked like she had been in a food fight after I fed her, I think deep down it was our way of connecting - well, at least at that age I thought so! My grandmother used to say, “You are going to be a nurse one day, you know”… I would

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lives and their loved ones. It is so prevalent. For instance, one in three Australians will experience depression or anxiety at some point in their lives. These people are also more likely to have co-morbid substance abuse issues and physical health issues. Research suggests that in another 15 years depression will be the leading burden of disease; this is actually predicted to exceed heart disease! I really believe that there is a way forward, even when the world looks bleak. People need to be educated and know that there are treatments out there that will make their lives better. The saddest thing is seeing people who are in so much solitude that they cannot see a way forward. I have worked with a lot of troubled people, and the main problem is lack of education and access to support from family and health services. There are many barriers to accessing health care that exist with many at-risk populations. Like my sister, I have a strong passion for improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It is a sad statistic that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are twice as likely to commit suicide that non-Indigenous Australians. We need to work on targeted strategies that aim to close the gap. We need to work on building more culturally appropriate r I believe that fo and sensitive services a modality like that improve mental mood ‘meditation for health outcomes, d ie appl disorders’ to be e whilst preserving the th by and recognised ence improve mental health id unique culture. Other ev , medical field literacy, encourage as w minority groups include ch ar based rese help-seeking behaviours but are certainly not .” needed and reduce the impact of limited to, Lesbian, gay, disability from mental illness bisexual, trans, intersex in the Coffs Harbour area and and other sexuality, sex and surrounds. gender diverse (LGBTI) people, What is your current profession? culturally and linguistically diverse, and the Good question - jack of all trades, master homeless. of none! I am currently working in a few I believe that the burden of mental illness different roles. I am working as a Mental Health and disability can be positively impacted at Professional conducting triage and assessment a community level. I also believe that as one for mental health and private counselling. person you can make a difference. Sometimes I am also working as an accredited Private all it takes is one person to reach out. It may be Counsellor, Holistic Counsellor and Credentialed as simple as sharing your story, your battle, or Mental Health Nurse. Further to this, I also do merely listening. some work as a Pharmacy Clinic Nurse for a You are very heavily involved in the pharmaceutical company. A few times a year, community, helping make Coffs Harbour I help deliver mental health tutorials at a local a better place for everyone. What are university here for our inspiring Bachelor of some of the fundraising events you have Nursing students. I am also the director of ran or participated in, and what were the Mindfulness Counselling and Psychological outcomes? Services Pty Ltd (www.mindfulnesscounselling. There are many more people in Coffs Harbour com.au). I think that’s about it - for the moment, making it a better place who deserve a mention anyway! here! These people are our silent soldiers. They Tell us what drives you and what your work day in and day out and dedicate their passions are. entire lives to helping others at a local level. My biggest passion is, of course, mental They are the ladies and men you see at our health awareness, equity and access to hospital, volunteering at local organisations, treatment. I hate seeing people suffer, especially aged care facilities, emergency services, refugee internally. Mental illness is a hidden disease, services, soup kitchens, churches, youth, men and there is such a stigma surrounding it. Many and women's refuges, and many other amazing people are embarrassed to even admit that they organisations. I take this time to thank you. You have a problem, and that it is impacting on their are the fabric of our lives here in Coffs Harbour.

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say, “No, I am not. I want to get fake nails, and nurses can’t wear them”. Oh, how I was wrong in both respects ha ha! In 2008 I completed a Bachelor of Nursing degree. At that time I loved intensive care nursing and mental health nursing, but I always had a particular interest in those who suffered with mental illness. I guess I was driven by the reality of it, the fact that marginalisation and stigmatisation was still occurring in the 21st Century. I was also taken aback by the universal application of the bio-medical model dominance in health care, a lack of mental health integration in generalist health settings, and the lack of community awareness and services for those with mental illness. I have also completed a Master of Clinical Science (Mental Health Nursing). I had a particular interest in evidenced based approaches to holistic and complementary therapies. I believe that for a modality like "meditation for mood disorders" to be applied and recognised by the medical field, evidence based research was needed. I have also completed a Master of Nursing (Advanced Practice) and recently completed a certificate in Meditation Training and Holistic Human Development, certificate in Holistic Counselling and a certificate in Meditation Teaching. I am going to be completing more training soon in order to be a Mental Health First Aid Trainer to government and non-government organisations and the community in Coffs Harbour, which is exciting! My ambition is to

Personally, I have supported a few charity events here. I ran the Smith Family Winter Appeal last year, my partner and I ran the Mental Health & Homelessness Walk to raise awareness for mental health issues and comorbid homelessness and raise funds for the soup kitchen, I regularly set up donation points for non-perishables, clothing and blankets for donation to numerous non-profit organisations, I have raised funds for Autism awareness runs and participated, have raised funds for Ryder Cheshire Foundation during the Colour Run, I am a frequent dryer (Dry July) supporter, Oxfam supporter, provide ongoing support for the Fred Hollows Foundation and we are in the process of organising our first overseas volunteer work. How do you keep yourself organised and motivated? Well, I don’t really think that I am that organised … I guess you could call it organised chaos ha ha. Most days I find that I am always fighting against time. I live a fairly simple life outside of work. I love the outdoors and believe that a balanced life is important. Clean food, exercise, yoga, meditation, and a deep spiritual belief. My beautiful family and friends and my partner's amazing family make my life complete. I have never met someone with a heart as big as yours. What message are your trying to send to people? We all makes mistakes; our past does not define us. Just do your best. If you give freely, you’ll always receive blessings. Tell us what fundraising events and charities you are supporting in the near future. I have a few events coming up, but there is one I am particularly excited about. My partner and I are heading to Pokhara, Nepal, to volunteer at an orphanage this year. We aim to go for 2-4 weeks with an organisation called Global Vision International. We will be living with a local family. The programme is approximately $1,600 - $3,000, which doesn't include flights or any other expenses. How do you plan on raising funds to volunteer in Nepal? We have been lucky enough to have the very generous Samantha Mountstephen from The Sugar Kitchen donating one of her amazing boutique cakes to our cause. Ssshh … there have been some whispers that she will be making a very cool gravity defying M&M cake! We will be selling raffle tickets, which will be drawn the end of August 2015. People can enter to win the cake and support us by donating online to http://www.gofundme.com/ allyandjimmynepal - just remember to add your contact details, and you have to be able to pick up the cake from Coffs Harbour too. What do you love about living on the Coffs Coast? The way the ocean meets the mountains. It’s really amazing. Living in Sydney never gave me the opportunity to live in such a beautiful environment. I love Coffs because it is a scholastic town with lots of opportunities. It is a great place to raise children. We are truly blessed. Thanks Ally. coffs coast focus.

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PHOTO - NIC KACHEL

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PHOTO - MELISSA OLEN

ECCENTRIC, ELECTRIC ARTIST JP WILLIS CHATS TO FOCUS ABOUT DISCOVERING THE COFFS COAST AND HIS UPCOMING EXHIBITION, TEMPLE OF LOVE, THAT OPENS SOON AT 1ST AVENUE GALLERY, SAWTELL. ell us about your background growing up and how you came to know the Coffs Coast as home … I grew up in the UK. As a child I lived in many different villages, mostly in North Wales. My father was a hippy, and we moved around a lot. We went to lots of festivals, including Stonehenge, Glastonbury and Windsor. In my mid teens I spent time in Amsterdam and Paris, then came back to the UK to study art in Coventry before moving to London. There I spent a few years working, living in squats and skating. Friends and I used to drive to South Wales from London to surf on the weekends, which kind of led to Coffs Harbour. My brother was in WA working in the mines and pestering me to come over. After almost begrudgingly (I had other plans to adventure in Central America) making my way over, I landed in WA. After some interesting times over west, I travelled east. I had surfing buddies in Coffs, which seemed ideal to visit after a quick stay in Sydney. That was in the mid ‘90s. After having lived in places that were so cold that the dishes would freeze in the sink if we left them over night, I fell in love with the climate - that, and the consistent surf, the warm water and clean beaches. With a Bachelor in Fine Arts and Masters in Printmaking, how do you merge these two together? Printmaking is a sub specialty of fine arts.

I started as a sculptor, but always wanted to their work is executed exceptionally well. be a painter. Printmaking is somewhere in Think Mark Rothko for his use of colour, Tim between. I used to work a lot with texture in Page for the way he framed his war images, printmaking and built very textured plates that Peter Prendergast for the texture and light of were almost like little sculptures in themselves his landscape paintings, Kathe Kollwitz for to make the prints. the expressive strength of her line and mark What is it you love most about creating? making, early Jacob Epstein vitality in 3D. I just need to be making things; it doesn’t Explain the concept and vision behind matter if it’s art, or a toy for my kids, or your latest Mandala style work… something I need for around the house. I All my work is about light and shadow. like working with new media and The images in The Flowers of learning new processes. I like to Romance Mandalas function adapt traditional processes ironically, taking sideswipes to achieve the end I have at notions of love and in mind. I like things to salvation. The majority to gs in th e be perfect and original. of the “flowers” are lik I be perfect and I like to see things not just beautiful, but see to e lik I . al in ig through to their natural deadly, adapting the or to their things through end and move on to the masculine iconography move natural end and ect.” next project. of weapons of war oj on to the next pr When it comes to into an apparition of inspiration, what draws organic beauty. you in? Recently I’ve started Something I’ve never seen a new body of work called before that gets me looking Love Me as I Love You, which at things from a new perspective. If is related to my previous works in something new is done with an old material, Looking for Love and The Flowers of Romance, it can be very unexpected and just seems but I’ve been using light and shadow in a to “pop” with brilliance. It inspires me to different way. Instead of light falling on the work harder and think harder. Think of the work, I’m using neon tubing to make the way neon is used in Glenn Ligon’s Negro work - creating my own light. There will be Sunshine, the title of Damien Hirst’s The several single line “light sketches” in the Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of show, including box-mounted, opposing each Something Living, Andres Serrano’s Piss Christ. other M1911 Colt automatic pistols - and de More generally, artists inspire me when Havilland A10 tank busters.

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You also have a series of “Artists’ Books”; what can you tell us about these? I’ve been making artists’ books since about 1998. Every time I swear it’ll be the last, because they are such a lot of work and the editions are so limited that it has to be a labour of love with no financial motivation! I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with some brilliant and highly respected book artists, which is fun and challenging. Artists’ books have been highly collectible for a long time and are a part of many major collections; Tate Britain own some of my books, as does the Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney. Artists’ books are pieces of art that retain something of the nature of books, but take it further. They relate to the rest of my work; for example, I collaborated with Sarah Bodman in the UK to produce a printed and laser-cut book called How Do I Love Thee that combines beautiful botanical drawings of wild flowers wreaths with text from Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s poem of the same name, but it ends with a very dark twist. This book ties in with my own interest in beauty and the human condition, and with Sarah’s fascination with flora and unfortunate endings. Your exhibition at first Avenue Sawtell is set to be a spectacle. When does the exhibition open, and what is the vibe we can expect when we walk into the gallery? The exhibition The Temple of Love opens on Friday 29th May from 5:30pm, and the vibe will be electric! Thanks Willis. coffs coast focus.

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C O F F S

C O A S T

A R T I S T S

I N T H E H E A R T O F T H E A U S T R A L I A N M U S I C I N D U S T R Y.

FOLK SINGER-SONGWRITER GINA BALENZANO, INDIE/ACOUSTIC TOURING ARTIST BENNY FRANCIS AND INDIE/ALTERNATIVE DUO ACT JACK ATE THE BEANSTALK ( FEATURING BROTHERS ABE AND BEN CAMDEN ) ARE COFFS COAST BASED MUSICIANS WHO ARE MAKING A NAME FOR THEMSELVES ON A NATIONAL LEVEL. WE CAUGHT UP WITH THEM TO FIND OUT WHAT THEY’VE BEEN UP TO AND WHAT’S COMING UP IN THE FUTURE.

elcome home guys! How was your Sydney Show? Abe: Thanks, it was amazing! It was so good to be on The Basement stage, a venue that is so well respected, and to be playing our new music to the industry with so many other awesome acts on the bill! We loved it! Ben: It was sweet! We’ve always wanted to play there, and we felt right at home. We had a lot of our Sydney friends come along as well. It was great for them to be there and to share it with them. We had a ball and can’t wait to get down there again! Can we play there again tomorrow? Ha ha, it was everything I imagined it would be. The line up was awesome, and so was the crowd. There was a great sound and vibe in the room. It was such a good night. Benny: It was a brilliant gig! I think we all enjoyed it just as much. The production crew really looked after us as well. I hope we can all get down there again for next year’s festival. We’ve heard you guys have recently played some other great shows too; tell us about them. Gina: I’ve been lucky enough to play some support shows with some Sydney touring acts like Nick Kingswell, Ed Wells and Uncle Jed, as well as play a few other festivals. It’s been 14 coffs coast focus.

exciting to share the stage with these guys and well and has sold out at independent record a great experience. They’ve inspired me to play stores. We couldn’t be happier with that, and more often. we are currently finishing writing and Benny: I’ve played some recording our debut “Jack Ate The shows with British India, Beanstalk” EP. We can’t wait Kingswood and Phil to get it out there. Jamieson (Grinspoon) Benny: The band singles a We just released and just recently I recorded with my band r band EP with ou opened Ian Moss (from k Stereo Addicts have ac e Bl other project, Th ally Cold Chisel). British sold well and made re O cean . It’s done out India were a good it to Number One ld so s ha d an l wel rd co re t bunch of guys - can’t en nationally on The Triple at independ wait to catch up with J Unearthed Charts. stores .” them again soon. Ian They’re still doing well on Moss was an inspiration. iTunes and getting radio I remember watching play on Indie stations. I’m him play with Cold Chisel in about to release my next solo Melbourne when I was younger and single, which is a follow up to my hoping I could one day play a show with debut album I recorded in Byron Bay. him. Gina: My band (the Eastern Province) and I Abe: Ben and I just supported Clint Boge have just released our new single, London. It’s (from The Butterfly Effect) on his solo tour, and been added to rotation on Triple J Unearthed we also opened up for Triple J Indie Act Sea Radio and has been receiving an awesome Legs. Both were great shows, and we loved response. We’re humbled and overwhelmed sharing the bill with those guys. by the response it’s getting. I’m also working Ben: For sure, was awesome, hey! on my new solo release, which I hope to have You’ve all released music recently that has finished soon. done well independently, and we hear What part of the Coffs Coast do you all you are currently writing and recording come from, and what do you love most new albums. Give us the lowdown. about living here? Ben: We just released a band EP with our Gina: I’m a Bellingen girl. I love the beauty other project, The Black Ocean. It’s done really of it and the people and the culture. It’s the

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perfect place to grow up and to relax and write music in. Abe: Ben and I are from Coffs. We love the chilled lifestyle and the beaches and the surfing, not to mention our mates. It’s an awesome place to be. Benny: I’m from Sawtell and Boambee East, to be exact ha ha. It’s just a beautiful place, and my family are all here, so it will always be home for me. What’s happening next for you guys? Benny: Gina and I will be opening for Rai Thistlethwayte (Lead Singer Of Thirsty Merc and Sun Rai) at Coffs Harbour Golf Club on Friday 29 May. It’s going to be an awesome night. Rai is a brilliant musician and songwriter. Gina: We can’t wait! It will be a sweet show. Benny and I will also be performing at Relay For Life Coffs Harbour on the date your next issue comes out, Saturday, May 23. It’s always good to be playing for such a great cause. Abe: Our next show is at The Plantation Hotel on Wednesday, June 3; it’s going to be a massive night. Come out and hang with us! Thanks for your time, guys, and good luck with the shows and the new records! Group: Thanks guys! For more information see: www.ginabalenzano.com www.bennyfrancis.com www.jackatethebeanstalk.com

HELPING business grow The Critical Factor exists to help our clients grow, whether this be an individual, a team or an entire business. We consider “how” we achieve our success to be just as important as what we achieve. We value integrity, open communication, client satisfaction and leadership as an organisation. Specialising in working with individuals and businesses that need help; we work with you to identify issues and problems; we create pragmatic and sensible plans to drive change whilst supporting you and your team as you work for a different result. Our Philosophy We take a coaching approach to all of our work, at its core this is about facilitating change. This change can be individual, team based or at an enterprise or organisational level. We work with you to achieve simple, straightforward and pragmatic plans, processes and procedures that will help your business grow. This includes strategic planning, business planning, coaching and recruitment and selection advice. We use a fact based approach including psychometric assessments, DISC profiling and extensive research to ensure informed business decisions are made every day.

Why use The Critical Factor? Principal Tim Kitching has over 20 years’ experience in leadership positions in both the public and private sectors, including the NSW Police Force and the National Australia Bank. He has coached literally hundreds of people to success as a leader within large organisations. Tim’s philosophy is simple. Success, in any endeavour, is ultimately about Direction, Planning and People. Concentrating on these three things will always result in change and coaching is, after all, about positive change. Tim’s proven track record of success, combined with a deep knowledge about leadership, people and planning for the future, makes Tim the perfect partner to help you succeed in business.

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Born and bred Coffs Harbour woman Brittni Rippon is no stranger to the camera, having enjoyed success modelling for magazines, advertising campaigns and lifestyle shoots throughout Australia … We caught up with Caroline Bleechmore – Marketing Manager, Park Beach Plaza and Brittni to talk about her new exciting role.

THE FACE OF PARK BEACH PLAZA

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ow did you discover Brittni? We were casting for talent to feature in the Autumn Winter PLAZA Magazine and our designer sent through a short list of models; however, none of them felt right. In all honesty, we were getting desperate, as our shoot was only a week away. Then a work colleague mentioned Brittni to me while we were away at a conference. As luck would have it, she was available, interested and perfect! Our shoot required the need for our talent to have a diverse range of looks to appeal to our broad market and as they say, the camera never lies. Our photographer, stylist and creative director were just amazed at what a natural beauty and a chameleon Brittni was at our first shoot. What will Brittni’s role involve? Based on how thrilled we were working with Brittni for the PLAZA Magazine shoot and the response we have had from both our customers and retailers, we have decided to appoint Brittni as the new face of Park Beach Plaza. We love the fact that Brittni grew up in Coffs, that her family are here, and in our mind she symbolises everything Park Beach Plaza is. As the face of Park Beach Plaza, Brittni will be the face to all of our advertising and our upcoming editions of PLAZA Magazine. She will show you what to wear and how to wear it! You will start to see her beautiful self everywhere! Thanks Caroline.

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re you excited to have your modelling career? become the new face of I feel very lucky to have been given many the Park Beach Plaza? amazing opportunities throughout my modI’m so excited! It’s a huge eling career. One of my highlights would be honour to be the face of when I played the main female character in a shopping centre in the a worldwide Sony Music video clip for an town where I was born and raised. Home is Australian band called Syndicate. I had so much where the heart is, so I know Coffs Harbour fun filming; I was the face of their album cover will always be home to me; it’s such a beautiful too and got to go to the ARIAs with them in place. I feel so thankful to have been given this Sydney. It was a cool feeling walking down the incredible opportunity in my hometown! red carpet, getting photographed and mingling Tell us a little bit about yourself and where with all of the artists, celebrities and other you have modelled previously ... inspirational people that were there too. I also I’m a bundle of laughter and a really easygoappeared in a TV advertisement for Kodak that ing person. I enjoy keeping fit by going to the was shown internationally and shot in Brisgym or doing some sort of outdoors activity bane. Being chosen as the new face of the Park with my friends. I live in Broadbeach, so relaxBeach Plaza would be another highlight for me. ing at the beach, and going for coffee at one It is a huge achievement to be the face of a of the wonderful eateries in the area is always shopping centre in a place that I call home. good fun. I never thought of modelling as What advice could you give people from being a possible career for me really, the Coffs Coast who are thinking as it all began as just a bit of about modelling as a career? fun. I was on holidays with It’s an exciting industry my dad when I was 14 at to be a part of, but of Great Keppel Island and course it can be a roller I’m a firm was approached by a coaster at times too. It believer that photographer who can be very tough on s en everything happ suggested that I send your self-esteem, so I d for a reason , an e th some photographs to I think that if you are of e think it was on e a modelling agency; thinking about modI’v s on best decisi the next thing I knew I elling as a career, you ” e. ad ever m was signed and getting need to be a confident paid to model. person and also don’t Other than doing a take things to heart too few photoshoots locally, much. It is important to feel most of my work has been for confident, because I’ve learnt that magazines, advertising swimwear, on the days that I’m feeling down on surfboards and clothing, and lifestyle myself, I don’t perform as well in front of shoots. I have worked mainly in Sydney, the camera. Try not to be too strict on yourself Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Shortly after I when pursuing modelling, as I found that in graduated from high school, I moved to Sydney the past when I was trying to cut down in to pursue modelling. I learnt a lot about the measurements for modelling, I became quite industry there, worked, went to many castings, shy and distant from my friends and family. attended some amazing events and met many I’ve learnt to just be happy, positive and flaunt inspiring people. I moved back home to Coffs what you’ve got! Everyone is beautiful in their after twelve months of living in Sydney. I got a own way; it’s just a matter of whether you have bit homesick. the right look for a specific job. My advice is I’m a firm believer that everything happens don’t give up; you will always have another for a reason, and I think it was one of the best chance if you want it badly enough. decisions I’ve ever made. After 11 months What are your hopes for the future? back living at home with my mum again, I have so many plans and hopes for the the unforeseen happened; my mum passed future. I am currently in the process of working away suddenly. I am so thankful that I got to on my own swimwear label that I will be spend that year with her - that time is now so releasing later this year. I have many exciting precious to me. Mum’s death was an extremeplans for it and am hoping that it will eventuly low point in my life. I struggled coming to ally become more than just a hobby. I want to terms with it for a long time. It was then that I do some more travelling overseas soon too. I’m decided that I needed a fresh start with my life, a very motivated person, always eager to learn so that’s when I made the move to the Gold new things and develop new skills to achieve Coast. Nowadays I’m busy working in hospitalnew goals. It is so important to just be happy ity part-time, studying, going to castings and and understand that success doesn’t happen modelling. overnight. What have being some of the highlights of Thanks Brittni.

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“One of my highlights would be when I played the main female character in a worldwide Sony Music video clip for an Australian band called Syndicate.”

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E D U C AT I O N

F E AT U R E

EDUCATION

TAFE STUDENT ACHIEVERS

MAJOR AWARDS NIGHT

FEATURE

he awards recognised the efforts in 2014 of top-performing students studying either on-campus, on-the-job or online on the North Coast, across NSW and Australia. Institute Director Elizabeth McGregor said that the Awards Night was an inspiring celebration of the vocational dreams and achievements of many North Coast TAFE students across the region. “It’s a complete privilege for us in North Coast TAFE to have somehow been a part of these achievements,” said Ms McGregor. The top award for Student of the Year went to aged care student Catherine Slater, who completed her Certificate III in Aged Care at Grafton Campus last year. Ms Slater, who had dreamt of a career in aged care, said that she never

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Thirteen high achieving TAFE students from the North Coast were celebrated at the North Coast TAFE-wide Student Recognition Awards held at the Osprey Restaurant, at Coffs Harbour Education Campus on Tuesday 5 May. imagined she would be standing on a stage accepting such an award, having had to learn to walk again following corrective surgery five years ago. “Completing my course this year fulfilled a dream for me that at one point I felt was never achievable,” Ms Slater said. Ms Slater was also joint winner of the Community Services and Health Student of the Year Award, sharing the spoils with Macksville TAFE student Abbey Browning. Champion bricklaying apprentice from Coffs Harbour Campus, Tony Gava, received the Construction Student of the Year. Described as a “worthy recipient of the award”, Mr Gava accepted the award from North Coast TAFE Industry Services Director, Julie Board and award sponsor, Graham Marchant of the

Master Builders Association. Mr Gava’s teacher, Paul Venn said that Mr Gava followed his father’s footsteps into a career in bricklaying and completed his Certificate III in Bricklaying at Coffs Harbour Campus and his on-the job-training “without a glitch”. “He was also selected to represent North Coast TAFE at the prestigious national Golden Trowel Competition, which was a high achievement in itself,” added Mr Venn. Coffs Harbour Campus’ Construction Student of the Year Tony Gava (centre) with award sponsor on the right, Graham Marchant from Master Builders Association, and Construction Services Director for North Coast TAFE, Julie Board (left). Picture caption 1: Catherine Slater celebrates as North Coast TAFE Student of the Year.

E D U C AT I O N

F E AT U R E

The education centre

Why Tutoring Adds up create a lasting memory for your family. This is a class you will not want to miss. A time that you can reflect on days gone by or nearer the present and document all those times in a package for future generations to enjoy. Stage Steps Stage Steps drama class

The Education Centre has a alified great team of qu rs to to teachers and tu y er ev t help in almos l al r fo d su bject an abilities.”

will be doing the play

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hat’s the most exciting

the student to get up to

thing about tutoring?

speed or for OC, selective

It works!

and scholarship tests and of

From learning to read to

gaining a great pass in the

HSC and even getting some assistance in university studies, tuition is here to stay. It makes sense to seek help if a student is struggling. Why let them sit through miserably, not understanding some concepts, when there is help at hand? The Education Centre has a great team of

course, the HSC.

Meg & Mog at the end of the year, so if

Music, Singing, Creative Writing and Art classes can add to your enjoyment of learning. “Writing into Memory - Beyond the Family Photo Album” Just look in your photo albums, and I’ll bet there

Centre. Can I only access the Education Centre Teachers in Coffs Harbour? There is also a Centre in Woolgoolga, 2/7-9 Market Street, phone 6654 8397 and just call to see if we have tutors in your area, as we may have

years of age and would

How can we find out more?

like to audition, be at

and try out for your favourite

enhance your creative talents. Drama,

creative classes that can be found at The Education

a suitable venue in other areas.

Monday 15th June at 4pm

We have many classes to

Singing, guitar and piano/keyboard are all

you are around 9 - 12

The Cavanbah Hall on

Do you have creative classes?

Do you have music classes?

part. Acting Out A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream, in modern day language, will be a boon to students from 13 to 16 to help them to understand Shakespeare as they embark on their English

qualified teachers and tutors to help in almost

are many stories behind all of those old and new

courses up to Year 10. So if you are between 13

every subject and for all abilities.

photos. Would you like to pass these stories on

and 16 and would like to audition for a part in one

In most capital cities, tuition is the norm - not

to your children and your grandchildren? You can

of Shakespeare’s most well-known plays, be ready

the exception. Students from all walks of life are

now we have a published writer who is extremely

for audition at Cavanbah Hall on Monday 22nd

getting help, either for general studies and helping

interested in your stories and can help you to

June at 4pm.

Call Liz Stevens at Coffs Harbour on 6652 2222 today.

A SUCCESS STORY An adult student came to us during his studies to become a pilot and was failing his maths tests. He was not sure where he was having difficulty and asked The Education Centre for assistance. After some collaboration with our tutors it was determined that he see a particular tutor. This tutor worked out the exact problem that he was having and within a few weeks he attained 91% in the final maths test.

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E D U C AT I O N

F E AT U R E

EDUCATION FEATURE

Kids and the

POWEROFWORK Key Employment’s Kids and the Power of Work (KAPOW) programme is seeing great success, with many students finding full-time employment at the completion of the course.

ayla Cook-Smith is a 16 year old who is enrolled in Key Employment’s KAPOW programme. Kayla is committed to gaining a Cert II Business, which is a Year 10 equivalent qualification that will help her achieve her goal of being employed as an apprentice beautician. A component of the KAPOW programme requires a work experience placement, and Kayla has been successfully placed by her Key Employment consultant into a business which interests her at “Beauty on the Promenade”. Kayla’s employer has been so happy with her work she has given her some paid work on a casual basis and has agreed to consider Kayla for an apprenticeship in Beauty Therapy if she successfully completes the KAPOW course. Kayla’s employer, Kate, said: “Kayla is an asset to my business. She is motivated and reliable and always gives 100%. The support she gets from Key Employment is excellent, and I feel so proud I have been able to give a kid who wasn’t fit for the school system a chance to shine in my business.” Kayla is committed to completing her KAPOW programme and in regards to her work experience placement, her only comment is, “I love it”. KAPOW was created with recognition that individuals have individual ways of learning and that school is not for everyone. The course presents an alternative pathway for students, with a diagnosed disability, who are disengaged from the classroom or struggling to complete high school. Learning difficulties, anxiety, depression or ADHD, along with various other health or behavioural issues, and sometimes a combination of these factors, act as barriers

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for these teenagers. Using the KAPOW programme as a KAPOW has had such great success in our Coffs stepping-stone, they are able to surmount these hurdles Harbour and Grafton sites in 2014, we are really keen to in leaps and bounds. achieve some of these amazing results in Kempsey. We As well as a business qualification, KAPOW offers are starting our first Kempsey class for 2015 at the end a range of life skills, pre-vocational skills and personal of March. If you are a parent, teacher or service provider development for teenagers who meet and know a teenager who is experiencing the eligibility criteria. The six month barriers to completing their education, programme involves theory lessons or is not going to school, Key two days a week, along with Employment invites you to get two days a week of work in touch. Testing eligibility t offers Key Employmen the experience, which allows is a free service and is the t to ongoing suppor y the students to put first step in accessing a ke ers and plays a ag en te b jo knowledge into practice programme that has the ph ase of role in their next pleting while getting valuable potential to transform m co r fte seeking. A e, the m m ra job training in a whole young lives. og pr W the KAPO se ekers b jo e m range of trades from Schools consultant, co be h yout qualification ss ne si bu mechanics to hospitality Simon Booth said, “This a ith w ence under and horticulture. programme is helping and work experi ore have ef the belt and ther as they Kayla said, “School kids realise their true e ag nt va ad t ea a gr just wasn’t for me. I hated potential and helps set them ch for work.” ar se going and could never do the up to achieve amazing things work. At KAPOW I have so many in life.” For further information, people helping me, I’ve made some contact Simon on 6691 9999. great friends, and it looks like I will have Key Employment has operated since an apprenticeship at the end of the course. I 1991 and is based in Coffs Harbour with couldn’t be happier. KAPOW has changed my life.” offices in Grafton, Yamba, Nambucca Heads and Key Employment offers ongoing support to Kempsey. It is an accredited Disability Employment the teenagers and plays a key role in their next Service provider. We have over 1,000 clients at any one phase of job seeking. After completing the KAPOW time and specialise in working with people with disability. Key Employment is funded by The Dept of Social Services programme, the youth become job seekers with a and is a Disability Employment Service provider. business qualification and work experience under the belt Contact: Stewart Robertson (02) 6691 9999 or and therefore have a great advantage as they search for stewart@keyemployment.com.au work.

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Clark RUBBER Langlands Property

Bob Wallis Cycles

Offering a six star service, Langlands Property want the process of buying and selling to be the celebration it should be. No excuses, just results.

A lot has been happening at BWC of late. We are very excited about our store refit, which is almost completed. The store is looking great and has more room for customers to move around and inspect our bikes and accessories. It has a very relaxed and open feel. The refit included our new Precision Fit area, which is a professional and expert bike fitting service we now offer customers.

We are excited to have shaped an organisation that excels at every level, continually reinventing ourselves to find better ways to achieve our clients’ goals. We are committed to being recognised as “The Coffs Coast’s most customer-centric real estate company” and will accept nothing less. Langlands Property is known for quality marketing and effective sales strategies that recognise the importance of understanding both online and print marketing. Through the use of technology and good old fashioned customer service, we will maximise your results while continuing to offer an outstanding experience. Proud to sell a full range of properties, from modest apartments to prestige homes, with every property receiving the same high level attention as we strive to achieve the very best price. Amanda Langlands, our founder, is a Coffs Coast local who wants to share her love for the region through real estate. In the establishment of Langlands Property, Amanda and her team have the opportunity to showcase properties, look after clients’ investments and also share what Coffs Coast has to offer.

Our fully equipped and modern workshop is there to meet our customers’ servicing and bicycle repair needs. The staff are working hard to provide a great service with short turn around times. If you bike is in need of a little TLC, call in for a free quote. We now have Electra Bikes in store, which are proving very popular. We have some very cool lifestyle bikes to cruise around on, or maybe visit Artisti Café to check out a few of our bikes or get that post ride coffee. To get everyone up and cycling in our cooler months, Trek is running its “Winter Blitz” Sale. There will be some great buys, with 15% off selected 2015 mountain and carbon road bikes. Get in to the store soon while stocks last.

Clark Rubber has, for many years, supplied the Coffs Coast with quality artificial grass surfacing. Short pile artificial grass can be used as a practical and good looking floor surface for decks, verandahs, cubby houses, dog training areas, and swimming pool surrounds. Long pile artificial grass, or artificial turf, is generally used to imitate freshly cut lawn in outdoor areas such as courtyards, playgrounds, alley-ways, BBQ areas, etc. There are two main reasons for choosing an artificial turf surface. If you have an area in your yard that cannot grow grass (shaded or too moist), then an artificial grass surface will provide a great looking, long lasting solution. The other common reason for people to choose an artificial turf surface is they never have to mow again. A small area of grass or an area with difficult access can be transformed into a smart looking area with no maintenance required ever again. Clark Rubber stock a range of artificial grass surfacing, plus all accessories required for installation. Experienced staff will help you with choice and will give advice on laying the product indoors or outdoors. Remember to ask for our free comprehensive “Step by Step” guide to laying artificial grass. Clark Rubber also offer an installation service. We will give an obligation free quote, and do the whole job for you. Drop into Clark Rubber on Mastracolas Road, Coffs Harbour (next to Supercheap Autos) and check out the range of artificial grass.

coffs coast focus.

Jetty theatre Shows for june Enjoy a warm welcome, the theatre’s cozy atmosphere, take a drink from the bar to your seat, sit back and soak up a great variety of entertainment this month. The Good Lie, Cinema Screening - Thursday 18 June An inspiring story of compassion starring Reese Witherspoon as a feisty American woman who helps a group of newly arrived Sudanese refugees settle into their new life in the US. The Grigoryan Brothers, This Time - Friday 19 June This Time is the latest release by Australia’s most respected guitar duo, the Grigoryan Brothers. This, their 6th duo release, highlights the brothers’ astounding skills which are at the core of the critical acclaim they have achieved in Australia and on the international stage. Australia Day - Saturday 20 June Dennis Coard (Blue Heelers, Home & Away) headlines a stellar cast in this thoroughly modern ripper of a comedy, by acclaimed satirist Jonathan Biggins. Are there too many roos loose in the community hall this Australia Day? Wayne Rogers - Sunday 21 June Be dazzled as Wayne drags out some of the best Diva songs of all time! Enjoy all the showstoppers from Shirley Bassey, Cher, Patsy Cline, Dusty Springfield, Diana Ross, Dolly Parton and many more … Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow - Wednesday 24 Friday 26 June The roadshow is hitting town for three riotous nights. 2015 will be bigger and better than ever - be prepared for an unforgettable experience of untamed hilarity. See www.jettytheatre.com for further details and ticket bookings, visit or call the box office noon - 4pm, Tues to Fri: (02) 6652 8088. A special CINEMATINEE premiere event…

THE GOOD LIE

Reese Witherspoon charms audiences with her portrayal of Carrie, an employment agency worker who fights to reunite a family of refugees. Powerful and touchingly real.

Thursday 18 June • 10:30am & 1.30pm RAZ Music presents…

GRIGORYAN BROTHERS THIS TIME Australia’s most respected guitar duo perform works from their latest release ‘This Time’.

Friday 19 June • 7:30pm

Everyone wants a piece of the party pie in this modern ripper of a comedy. Live theatre at its best.

Saturday 20 June 2pm & 8pm Wayne Rogers presents…

THE CLASSIC DIVA SHOW

Come and be dazzled as Wayne drags out some of the Best Diva songs of all time! Wayne’s show will leave you stunned and wanting more.

Sunday 21 June • 2pm

The Comedy Festival Roadshow is back for three riotous nights in Coffs! Be prepared for untamed hilarity.

Wednesday 24, Thursday 25 & Friday 26 June Proudly supported by

Box office hours Tues to Fri 12 noon – 4pm jettytheatre.com | phone 02 6652 8088 email: jetty.theatre@chcc.nsw.gov.au facebook.com/jettymemorialtheatre 337 Harbour Drive Coffs Harbour

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END OF FINANCIAL YEAR Call admintechniQs to help with your end of Financial Year timeline. Benjamin Franklin once said: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”. Take this opportunity to make your end of year stress free by using the timeline and admintechniQs to prepare for the end of year. 1 May: Prepare your End of Year Plan. 21 May: April 2015 Monthly Activity Statement - due date for lodging and paying. 21 June: May 2015 Monthly Activity Statement - due date for lodging and paying. Prior 30 June: Super Guarantee Contributions must be paid (to fund) by this date to qualify for a tax deduction in the 2014 - 15 financial year. 30 June: Stocktake completed. 14 July: Prepare and distribute Employee Payment Summaries. 21 July: June 2015 Monthly Activity Statement - due date for lodging and paying. 28 July: Prepare June Quarter Business Activity Statement, unless extension is available. 28 July: Pay June Quarter Superannuation Guarantee (unless already paid before June 30). 14 August: Lodge Employee Payment Summaries. 25 August: Lodge Taxable Payments Annual Reports. 14 September: Meet with admintechniQs to finalise the EOY file. 25 September: Send final EOY file to accountant. admintechniQs where the “Q” stands for Quality.

focusinterview. TOORMINA HIGH SCHOOL HAS ENTERED A TEAM IN THE KOKODA CHALLENGE ON THE GOLD COAST IN JULY. THIS IS A PHYSICALLY AND EMOTIONALLY CHALLENGING ENDURANCE EVENT, ONE OF THE TOUGHEST IN AUSTRALIA , AND FOUR YEAR 9 STUDENTS FROM TOORMINA HIGH SCHOOL WITH THE HELP OF THEIR TEACHER AND A PARENT HOPE TO COMPLETE IT. Are you looking for the perfect balance between independence and care? At Boambee Gardens, we look after the daily chores so that you can relax and enjoy yourself.

Receive 6 months free fees!*

Daily assistance In a Boambee Gardens serviced apartment, residents receive two nutritious chef-prepared meals and the provisions for a delicious breakfast each day. They also enjoy having their linen laundered weekly and apartment cleaned every two weeks.

Active community

TOORMI THUNDER

Residents at Boambee Gardens have access to a full calendar of exciting and vibrant activities, events and outings. The village has a range of excellent community facilities and residents can spend time together in the spacious community centre and award-winning gardens or relaxing in their private rooms.

KOKODA CHALLENGE ON THE GOLD COAST

he team, which includes Hannah Bake, Hunter Bake-Smith, Chloe Rann, Zyla Steele, Jason Bake and Sheridan Watkins

At these two checkpoints we have the opportunity to collect warm clothes, head lamps and batteries, have a meal, and stock up on snacks and water.” The goal of the Jim Stillman participants is to finish have entered in the as a team in honour Jim Stillman Cup of the spirit forged ishThe average fin s event. The Jim on the Kokoda ur ing time is 14 ho Stillman Cup is a Track in 1942 by man for the Jim Still gruelling 48 km showing couram 11 at Cup. We start cross country th age, endurance, 18 e th on Saturday ish fin to trek through the pe mateship and ho d July an 19th ay nd Su Gold Coast Hinon sacrifi ce. This m by 5a .” terland, whereby ly year organisers Ju competitors hike are expecting along fire trails, crossmore than 2,500 ing creeks and climbing competitors out on summits of 5,000 metres - all the course at once, pitting of which needs to be completed their physical and especially within 37 hours. their mental strength against the “The average finishing time is 14 elements. hours for the Jim Stillman Cup. We “We are the only team with six start at 11 am on Saturday the 18th competitors, which makes us a little bit July and hope to finish by 5am on different from the rest. Jason, Hannah’s Sunday 19th July. dad, has been allowed to do it with us, “Our team will also be supported by which is great! He has attempted the 98 km Kokoda Challenge before, so our crew at the manned checkpoints.

“

he is helping us with our training and preparation for the event.” The team, named Toormi Thunder, is committed to raising money for the Kokoda Youth Foundation as a part of this challenge. The money raised is used to make a difference to Australian teenagers through the Kokoda Challenge Youth Programme. The 14 month early intervention programme is helping young people from a variety of backgrounds to gain confidence, direction, new friends and the skills to overcome any obstacles that life throws at them. If you would like to donate to the team (no donation is too big or small) go to: https://kokodachallenge.com/donate-online and enter the team’s details (Event: Jim Stillman Cup; Team Name:

Peace of mind Serviced apartment residents can relax and enjoy their retirement in a comfortable, reassuring environment with 24 hour access to caring staff. Each apartment is fitted with a call button, directly linked to emergency services, and is housed within one secure building. *Conditions apply

Meet one of our residents! “The staff are happy and caring, and we’re all like family, living together and looking out for each other. I couldn’t be more happy.” - Ross Kingston, a resident of Boambee Gardens

Phone: 6690 2500

Toormi Thunder). If your donation is $100 or over, the team will display your business logo on their team shirts. Local companies who have already donated include Crampos Tippers and Coffs Harbour Carpet Court, along with interstate businesses.

17 Walco Drive, Sawtell | www.retireaustralia.com.au coffs coast focus.

Just a couple of the many amazing dishes from morfish cafĂ&#x2030;.

download our eat. dining guide for iPhone & Android www.focusmag.com.au/eat

24 coffs coast focus.

horizons restaurant & bar

the hoey moey

Celebrate with Us! June is Birthday Month in Horizons! If you dine in Horizons on your actual birthday, you will receive your main course free! Photo ID must be shown.

Welcome to the Beachside Bistro at the Hoey Moey with our newly renovated kitchen. We are the only hotel in Coffs Harbour with direct beach access. Come and enjoy our beachside hotel with spacious beer garden, open plan bar, bistro, drive thru bottle shop and TAB facilities.

Try our Winter Dinner Menu Warm up this Winter and get out of the cold at Horizons Restaurant and Bar at Opal Cove Resort with a creative menu. Be tempted with the Chilli and salt flash fried squid with chorizo and black bean salad OR Pork Sirloin wrapped in prosciutto and sage with maple roasted fennel, roasted kipfler potatoes, caramelised green apple and port wine jus. Remember to leave room for dessert with the decedent Deconstructed lemon and lime tart with citrus syrup and candied orange, yum!

Clinton Hunter Head Chef.

Come down and check out our new kitchen and a revamp of our offerings to you. Try our new gourmet pizzas, where you can dine in or takeaway or stick with our FAMOUS $7.50 FEEDS from Monday to Sunday. Watch this space, with more exciting things to come.

Head Chef David Ricketts.

Horizons Bar has fabulous cocktails and happy hour 5 - 6pm daily.

84 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour 6652 3833 www.hoeymoey.com.au

Opal Cove Resort, Opal Boulevard, Coffs Harbour 6651 0510 www.opalcove.com

7 days. Mon - Thurs and Sun: 12pm - 2:30pm; 5:30 - 8:30pm. Fri and Sat: 12pm - 2:30pm; 5.30 - 8:30pm.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner - 7 days a week. Bookings recommended.

plantation hotel

beachstone café

Winter has rolled in and so has our new winter menu! With the cooler nights upon us, there’s nothing better than rugging up and enjoying a wholesome hearty meal with the whole family. Treat your taste buds to a sensational winter menu that’ll keep you warm, and cosy, through those crisp days and evenings. Not only will we serve you well in the food department, we’ll also keep you snug with our fireplace that runs all through winter. Why not grab a hot chocolate and a locally homemade dessert when you’re finished satisfying the senses. We would love to see you at the Plantation Bar & Grill.

Boasting a fresh and exciting new menu featuring unique and delicious meals, from our grilled polenta served with fresh asparagus, roast mushrooms, parmesan and poached egg to our variety of Turkish toasties, which are available all day! Come down today and try our new menu, which caters for both gluten free and vegetarians.

Chef John Marshall.

88 Grafton Street, Coffs Harbour. 6652 3855 www.plantationhotel.com.au Lunch: 12pm to 2:30. Dinner: 5:30 to 8:30, 7 days a week.

We also have a new week day special for $12.50, which gets you a regular coffee, tea or hot chocolate with bacon, eggs, toast and relish. It’s too good to pass up!

Owner Aileen Chen.

2 Beach Way, North Sapphire 6653 6188 Monday 10am - 2pm (during school holidays & Christmas holiday) Tue - Thur, 9am - 4pm, Fri - Sun, 8am - 4pm. coffs coast focus.

pasfields restaurant BAr deck

CAFFEINE CENTRAl café

Don’t Miss out this Silly Season!

As the months are getting cooler, we have changed our menu. The winter menu features hearty soups, creamy pastas, Dim Sum tasting plate and spicy curry options.

It’s been a blink and you’ll miss it year ... you know what they say: it will be Christmas before we know it! Don’t miss out on securing your office party or annual get together by booking your Christmas party in now! Our huge deck is perfect for balmy summer nights outside with your friends. Delicious cuisine, a wide range of drinks, and warm, welcoming service will have you wondering why you haven’t been out sooner. Email events@pasfieldsrestaurant.com.au for more information.

Chef Kim Robson.

The specials this month include comfort foods like macaroni and cheese, liver and bacon, crumbed camembert, foot long hot dogs, and many more. You’ll have to drop by or phone to find out the daily specials and order so you don’t miss out. We also have a selection of homemade cakes, biscuits and cheesecake. All our meals are available to dine in or takeaway, and don’t forget we have the smoothest coffee in town.

Owner Steve Calder.

Come into the heart of town, sit, relax and have a coffee and a laugh with us.

675 Pacific Highway, Korora 6653 7710 www.pasfieldsrestaurant.com.au

City Square, Opposite Specsavers, Coffs Harbour 0418 665 620

Tues - Thurs from 5pm; Fri & Sat from midday. (large functions anytime).

Monday - Friday, 6:30am - 3pm.

the pier hotel

SURF ST CAFÉ Emerald Beach

We welcome you to come try Waves Bistro at The Pier Hotel. We are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Our food is sourced locally to boost Coffs Harbour’s economy, with our finer selection of meats and seafood that the Coffs Coast has to offer. To make a reservation, please call The Pier Hotel on 6652 2110. We look forward to seeing you.

Surf St Café is less than 15 minutes’ drive from Coffs on the new highway. Located at Emerald Beach with one of the best views on the coast, check the surf and watch the whales while you enjoy breakfast or lunch on the deck. Our food is fresh, local and prepared by award winning chefs. Head Chef Blake Wiittenberg

Cnr Harbour Dr and Camperdown St, Coffs Harbour hotel: 6652 2110 bistro: 6651 8222 lunch 11:30am - 2:30pm; dinner 5:30pm - 8:30pm; 7 days a week.

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Coming in June, a new winter menu and “Thursday Blackboard Night”, Mains $20, Dessert $10.

104 Fiddaman Road, Emerald Beach 6656 1888 www.surfstreet.com.au Wednesday - Sunday for breakfast & lunch Thursday - Saturday for dinner.

Head Chef Dan Williams

la hacienda 101 La Hacienda 101 is quickly gaining its reputation for a different dining experience. Walk into a relaxed yet quirky Mexican dining area, where friendly staff will welcome you into the oldest homestead in Emerald Beach to sample some of Mexico’s regional cuisine - mixed with a different yet fresh take on traditional Tex Mex alternatives. Owners David and Michael make everything fresh, from their hot sauces to even the multi coloured corn chips. La Hacienda 101 is that perfect little restaurant only 11 minutes from Coffs Harbour.

Crafty

Owners Michael and David.

• Brookvale Union Alcoholic Ginger Beer • Amongst the huge range of craft beers and ciders at Element Bar on the Coffs Jetty Strip, sits a unique autumn warmer from the 4 Pines Brewing stables ... Brookvale Union Ginger Beer. It’s spicy yet mild, dry but wet, smooth yet sharp, tight but loose and in the words of its creators, quality nonsense. The perfect drop for a cool autumn evening.

101 Fiddaman Rd. Emerald Beach 6656 1633 www.lahacienda101.com Open 7 days a week, from 6pm.

café o.p 81

Handmade Gnocchi, Caponata and Parmigiano Reggiano.

Are all eggs the same? We think not. When I was growing up, our chickens were free to roam and pick the best of pasture and anything Mother Nature offered that they desired. Happy hens make happy egg eaters. So after searching, I found this beautiful farm on Friday’s Creek Road that has luscious pastures and two free flowing creeks ... oh, and lots of lovely ladies ready to lay enough eggs to allow us to use exclusively pasture raised eggs in the café for our cakes and breakfast. The guys at Waterfall Agriculture use holistic management techniques, are extremely passionate about their animals, and this shows through in the delicious, wholesome flavour of their eggs. So why not get down to o.p 81 for some delicious eggs from happy hens.

flooded gums restaurant With the cooler months upon us, prepare your tastebuds for great, warming food, kept simple, though done extremely well. The new menu is hearty, flavourful and bold. Flooded Gums have received “1 Glass” (Wine Spectator Magazine Wine List of the Year Awards - only property in Regional NSW to be awarded “1 Glass”). A wine list featuring age release and current vintages from acclaimed producers in the greatest regions; the potential for serious food and wine matching is limitless.

Executive Chef: Darren Ryan.

Owners Matt and Bree.

81 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour 6652 9011

North Bonville Road, Bonville 6653 4002 www.bonvillegolf.com.au

7am - 2pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

Open 7 days; bookings essential.

coffs coast focus.

focusinterview.

chef profile beachstone travel centre Cruise expo

AILEEN CHEN Beachstone CafÉ north sapphire

ell us about the cuisine you specialise in. Here at Beachstone Café at North Sapphire, we specialise in modern Australian cuisine with an Asian

twist. Along with all your traditional favourites, such as eggs florentine, fluffy vanilla pancakes and BLTs, we also serve our unique specialty dishes such as our big messy breakfast, toasted brioche with house made sweetened ricotta and avocado bruschetta. What's on the winter menu at Beachstone? As the seasons change, so does our menu. With a huge variety of dishes for brekky and lunch as well as our changing daily specials, there's sure to be a meal to suit all tastes. Some of our latest additions include a house made honey granola, corn and zucchini fritters, a chorizo and baby spinach fettuccine, a sweet potato massaman curry, as well as a selection of delicious all day toasties and scrumptious salads. We also have a fantastic deal for $12.50 which gets you a regular Campos Coffee, tea or hot choccy accompanying bacon, eggs, toast and relish. You can't go wrong! Gluten free and vegetarian options available. Get together with friends for a wonderful carefree and chilled out morning! What's your favourite dish on the menu and why? Do you source your products locally? There are too many delicious meals to choose a favourite, but a few of my personal picks would include the corn and zucchini fritters because of the amazing flavour combination with the black forest smokehouse bacon and grilled haloumi. The pork and veal terrine is also a popular choice, being a great candidate for a share plate and can easily be matched with one of our carefully selected wines. We source all our products locally where possible, and we are also the only café in Coffs Harbour serving Campos Coffee! What events have you got running over the next few months? Back by popular demand, we will be 28 coffs coast focus.

holding our Brazilian BBQ again from 6pm on Friday 19th June. With tables filling up fast, be sure to make your reservation today to avoid disappointment! Once again we will be serving traditional Brazilian cuisine, including carved succulent meats, along with a variety of delicious sides. It’s gonna be a neat feast! Please note, there will be NO vegetarian options on this night. Following this will be our Christmas in July, held on Friday, July 24th from 6pm. This night will be feature all your favourite Christmas dishes, with a Beachstone twist. Both these nights will be $35 per person, with children under 12 costing $20. Reservations are a must and full deposit to be paid upon booking. Make sure to bring the kiddies down every Friday for our kids’ fun day! Starting at 10:30am, our free play group ensures an exciting morning of games and activities, with Mr Smiley and friends for the little ones, while Mum gets to relax with a coffee and yummy meal. Upcoming appearances include Ninja Turtles on 15/5/15, Peppa Pig on 22/5/15 and superheroes on 29/5/15 ... Hope to see you there! Tell us about your wedding packages and how you go about booking? Looking for an amazing venue for your special day? You are sure to find Beachstone Café the perfect setting for your memorable day! From the award winning architectural design to the excellent modern Australian cuisine, our venue will delight you and your guests. The beach and ground surrounding the café make it ideal for intimate beachfront wedding celebrations, with many picturesque spots for an unforgettable backdrop to your celebrations. We cater for up to 100 guests for a seated event and up to 130 guests for a canapé function. For more information: E: info@beachstonecafe.com.au P: (02) 6653 6188

Cruise holidays are as popular as ever and cruise lines have been responding to the surge in bookings by adding new ships, itineraries, ports and destinations. In little over ten years, the number of ships sailing from Australian ports has exploded from two to over twenty, plus many more visiting on special Australian and New Zealand itineraries. Not only have the numbers increased, so have the type of ships, including superliners, luxury yachts, expedition ships and all in between. Finding the right cruise is now a lot more involved than before but with more choice and variety, there is sure to be something to satisfy just about everybody.

Cruise Expo. This is the ninth consecutive year of the Expo, with more cruise lines providing more information and more presentations than ever.

There is no better way to find out what is on offer than by calling into the Travel Centre

Glenda and the Travel Centre team look forward to welcoming you to the CRUISE EXPO!

The Expo will be held at the Cavanbah Centre on Saturday 20 June and should be your first port of call to satisfy your curiosity. There will be a wide variety of suppliers on hand to personally answer your questions about cruising. Whether you are interested in river cruising, international departures, round the world voyages or expedition cruises, they will have you sailing in the right direction on the right ship suited to your needs and matched to your taste and budget.

precision helicopters South Solitary Island is located 18 km offshore northeast from Coffs Harbour, NSW. The island contains a lighthouse, Head Keeper’s Quarters and two Assistant Keepers’ Quarters, which were built in 1880 and are considered the oldest in the area. The lighthouse was automated in 1975, with all residents leaving, and the remote lightstation was abandoned. Access is only available by helicopter, and public admittance is restricted by National Parks and Wildlife. National Parks and Wildlife open the island to visitors for guided tours of the buildings for just two weekends each year. This July, join Precision Helicopters for your return helicopter flight along the Coffs Coast and interpretive guided tour on the island by NPWS Discovery Rangers. The Superior Lightstation Tour ($360) is one hour while the Premium Lightstation Tour ($490) is two hours and gives you extra time to discover more of the island with the Rangers. For an unequalled experience, choose the private three hour Ultimate Lightstation Tour ($950). Tours will be held on Saturday 18th, Sunday 19th July then Friday 24th (Ultimate Tour only), Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th July. Bookings through Precision Helicopters on (02) 6652 9988 or precisionhelis@bigpond.com - also visit www.precisionhelicopters.com.au or www.southsolitaryisland.com.au

Grumpy’s Ginger beer Coffs Asian Mart “It’s all about varying our cooking options” We are preparing for a new Asian grocery retail/wholesale business, aiming to open in August 2015. The essence of supplying good products in demand at a lower price is to know which products our Coffs retail/wholesale clients need. We would like to hear from our potential clients and take all their thoughts into account. We have set up a website, where you can register with us, choose your favorite products and send us your ideas. Every opinion/idea is precious, so all participants will receive 30% discount off the retail prices on all the products in our shop for a month from our opening day. Also, if you are running or setting up a retail business and need web software, let us know what kind of software you need, as we have been developing our new product management web software. For more information and browsing products, please visit our website GANGNAMMART.COM.AU AND Facebook page: facebook.com/GangnamMartCoffsHarbour.

This month we’ve been working on a new product exclusively for the Sawtell Chilli Festival. By popular demand (we’ve been asked every year) we’re producing a TRIPPLE SHOT ... so here it is! Limited release, 4 x 750 ml bottles packaged in a timber crate, numbered 1 - 100. Pre-order your lucky numbers now to ensure you don’t miss out ... drop into Grumpy’s Lounge or message us on Facebook to reserve your crate of never to be repeated Grumpy’s Ginger Beer TRIPPLE SHOT! Grumpy’s [non-alcoholic] Ginger Beer is brewed locally in three authentic flavours: • Original - a premium ginger beer brewed with real ginger taste • Blueberry - a unique combination of local fresh blueberries and a delicious ginger flavour • Double Shot - a full bodied aromatic blend of fresh ginger and chilli. “We’d love you to visit Grumpy’s Lounge and taste our award winning ginger beers, relax in our comfy surroundings or grab some ginger beer for the weekend with friends,” Steve and Viv from Grumpy’s Ginger Beer. Grumpy’s Lounge in Cinema Walk Arcade, Monday - Friday, 10am ‘til 4pm. Facebook: GrumpysGingerBeer.

coffs coast focus.

focusinterview. Image courtesy of Robert A Smith

focuseditorial.

OPAL ESSENCE PLAY . WITH . COLOUR COFFS HARBOUR BUSINESSES SUPPORT VIVID SYDNEY LIGHT INSTALLATION INSPIRED BY AUSTRALIAN OPALS.

he spotlight will shine on Coffs Harbour at this year’s Vivid Sydney festival, with two local “opalinspired” businesses supporting a spectacular light art installation called OPALessence (play.with.

RD Opal Centre owner, Elizabeth Deskoski, said, “OPALessence (play.with.colour) is an exciting initiative for Australia's opal industry. It provides a rare opportunity to showcase the gem's beauty and unique qualities to such a massive local and international audience at colour). one of the country’s most well-known outdoor Vivid Sydney is the Southern Hemisphere’s festivals.” biggest annual festival of lights, music and ideas, Three of Australia’s leading opal photographers taking place in Sydney over 18 based in Lightning Ridge, NSW, home of nights from 22 May to Australia’s black opal, contributed 8 June. Around 1.5 images for OPALessence million people ed rt o p (play.with.colour): p P roudly su are expected to e ov C macrophotography by Opal attend Vivid specialist Robert rt and local opal o es R Sydney in A. Smith; globally wellers RD Opal je their 2015. renowned opal Centre, through ck Star Proudly online store Bla expert Len Cram; nce supported by Opal , OPAL esloseur) and manager of the Opal Cove (play.with .co ond rous Australian Opal Centre Resort and features the watterns Jenni Brammall. p local opal colours and national OPALessence (play. s a’ li of Austra jewellers RD tiful u ea b e th with.colour) is the e, n o gemst Opal Centre, opal .” creative concept of Olivia and mysterious through their Deskoski, whose family has online store Black been involved in the Australian Star Opal, OPALessence opal industry for more than 45 years, (play.with.colour) features and Amara Clarke, an award-winning the wondrous colours and patterns Sydney-based lighting designer. of Australia’s national gemstone, the WIN a five night Beach Holiday at Opal beautiful and mysterious opal. This Cove Resort and other amazing prizes, dynamic light sequence will illuminate including passes to Dolphin Marine Magic, a historic sandstone building located on George The Big Banana, Coffs City Skydivers and a St in Sydney’s popular Rocks precinct. $250 Opal Gift Voucher from Black Star Opal. Opal Cove Resort Sales Manager, Tanya To find out more about OPALessence (play. Watts, said, “Not only are we excited about the with.colour) please visit www.vividopal.com obvious synergy between the subject of this light Media Enquiries to: installation and the name of our award-winning Tanya Watts, Sales Manager, Opal Cove Resort resort, we’re proud to show our support for (02) 6651 0573 Australia’s beautiful opal gemstone and also promote the Coffs Coast at Australia’s most Elizabeth Deskoski, RD Opal Centre, successful tourism event.” (02) 6652 8235

COFFS LANE BISTRO

“

30 coffs coast focus.

ell us about the new catering service ... We have started our catering business to expand our successful restaurant

business.

We have created packages for any kind of events and set our price range starting as low as $25 per person with our Coffs Lane Bistro standards. What type of

their needs and wishes. We have recently launched our new winter menu. This time we have named our menu: the MENU SPONTANE. It’s a one of kind menu, as the name suggests. Besides the winter ingredients and fresh local produce,

IT’S A ONE OF A KIND MENU, AS THE NAME SUGGESTS. BESIDES THE WINTER INGREDIENTS AND FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE, WE USE INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUES SUCH AS MOLECULAR GASTRONOMY. ”

“

functions do you

we use innovative techniques such as molecular gastronomy. Our menu has French and Japanese influences. Filled with colours and aromas, we aim to take you through a culinary journey. We have a basic choice of menu - our

cater for?

concept is menu spontane, a spontaneous

Home weddings or birthdays, garden

course of dishes created through the chef’s

or beach weddings, birthdays, business

inspiration and seasonal ingredients.

meetings, charity organisations.

How do you book?

What’s on the menu? The catering menu is always created together with the customer to understand

Bookings can be made through Facebook, Tripadvisor, email coffslanebistro@gmail.com or ph. 0421 781 231.

focus_tourism

with Dene Zahner, President of Tourism Coffs Coast.

UPDATE IT HAS BEEN A VERY WET BEGINNING TO 2015, WITH TRIPLE THE RAIN FALL WHEN COMPARING IT TO THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. THIS DID SLIGHTLY AFFECT SOME OF THE SPORTING EVENTS THAT WERE TAKING PLACE, BUT WE HOPE NOT TOO MUCH SO WE SEE THEM AGAIN NEXT YEAR.

e have all seen the of the Coffs Coast come in. news in regards to a Attractions, Resort, Restaurants, Bars and number of business in Cafes offer residents of the Coffs Coast Coffs Harbour great discounted offers and go into specials. It is during the low receivership, two being season that the tourism the Fishing Club and industry relies on you. Club Coffs. For these Your Local Tourism M OV IN G IN TRO two long standing industry / business T H E W IN T E U R IST clubs it is a community O P E R IO D A S ANT, shame to see this needs your local D E ST INAT IOR O F happen to any support to be T H E N U M B E V IS IT O R S business in Coffs able to sustain E IN T E R STAT A L LY N Harbour. this time of year. T R A D IT IO IT H T H E As we approach I do know that a SO F T E N S W AT H E R .” the end of the lot of our readers COOLER WE financial year it is already do support a timely reminder us in this way and to get your business we thank you for this. (Tourist based or otherwise) So next time you are a financial health check, which thinking of a weekend away or are provided by a number of accounting something to do on a rainy day(as and financial business in town. we have had Moving into the winter period as a plenty of these) think what can i do locally tourist destination, the number of interstate for a change. visitors traditionally softens with the cooler As we say at Tourism Coffs Coast - Tourism weather. This is where the local community is every bodies business.

“

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BRIAN HACKETT E S CA P I NG T H E NO I S E O F T H E WO R L D A N D H E A D I N G B E N E AT H T H E S U R FA C E I S A PA S S I O N O F B R I A N H A C K E T T ’ S . D I V I N G S I N C E 1 9 6 7, B R I A N ’ S K N O W L E D G E O F T H E O C E A N I S VA S T. T H I S I S H I S S T O RY. . .

hat is your connection with the Coffs Coast? Growing up a Bankstown boy, there came a time for me to spread my wings, and after many years of hard travel throughout South, Central and North America, I returned home. By a strange twist of fate, a travel buddy from Hamburg who had helped nurse me back to health after being seriously unwell in Mexico, called by the family home in Lakemba, only weeks after my return. My family was generous and hospitable to Klaus, who had been so kind to their son. He stayed for six weeks and his parting gift was three tickets to a show, one for me and the other tickets to two girls from Coffs Harbour whom he had met while travelling in New Zealand - one of whom, Cecelia, was later to become my wife. Returning to Coffs had always been her desire, once she had completed her studies. As for me, I was trading the colder waters waters of Sydney for the semi tropical waters of the Coffs Coast and its abundance of marine life. What attracted you to the sport initially? The absolute sense of separation from the above water world and all its noise, to the quiet, vibrant world with its myriad life forms, just below the surface, where the only sound is the gentle inhalation/exhalation of one’s 32 coffs coast focus.

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the adage of “use it or lose it” applies to breathing. developing one’s dive reflex as well as one’s The sense of freedom to explore a section general dive fitness. The more one dives, the of headland, offshore reef system or the more proficient one becomes. With such a breathtaking island chains within the Solitary varying underwater terrain, no two dives are Island Marine Park, is something that also ever the same. Something new seems to await comes at little cost. each time. The simplicity of the basic equipment How long do divers usually needed, mask, snorkel, fins, gloves, stay under for? 3 mm wetsuit and weight belt While novice divers are basically all one needs Teaming up will be content with to get started. While e or with m , rs ve short bursts of twenty technology has seen the di d ce n experie o to ly to forty seconds, refinement of these on e ar o wh depending on fitness items, the fact remains willing to sharde tips their skills an g and water clarity, that it need not be a in a mentorin assist in more experienced rich person’s sport. capacity, will chnique freedivers can easily How long have you te developing tter be er pull dives of ninety being involved in the iv and del ” e. m ti om seconds to two minutes. sport? tt bo Upon entering the water, Starting in 1967, diving one’s initial dive is always the cooler waters of the South shorter. However, after half an Coast off Windang Island with old hour or so, the depth and bottom time school jumpers, during school holidays, increases, as the diver’s aquatic biorhythm to extend one’s dive time to an hour at best kicks in. - to the present, some 48 years later, with the What is the longest you have held your warmth of a good wettie and a pair of carbon breath? fibre fins. The sense of anticipation and The longest breath hold in static apnea was excitement for what one might encounter has over four minutes without busting a poofer never diminished in all this time. valve. In my younger days, lying at the bottom Do you still dive regularly? of the Olympic pool for two minutes, then I dive as often as the weather and my work swimming the length of the pool for a total and family commitments allow, sometimes breath hold of three minutes with a buddy three times a week or more, finding that

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overseeing, was one of many forms of training we did. But you know the old saying, “The older I get, the better I was”! Can the amount of time a diver holds their breath be increased with training? While I’ve known divers who clamber back into the boat, remove snorkel then insert cigarette, and still manage to dive well, it definitely helps to not smoke. Any aerobic exercise such as swimming, running or even walking will improve a diver’s breath hold and more importantly, improve recovery times. Being relaxed while diving within one’s own limits are most important. Supervised training can take the form of a Freediving Course, run by organisations such as Apnea Australia. However, teaming up with more experienced divers, who are only too willing to share their skills and tips in a mentoring capacity, will assist in developing technique and deliver better bottom time. Although the premise for the sport seems fairly simple, it can be a very dangerous one if not carried out correctly. What are some of the dangers, and how can they be avoided? The principal danger in freediving is Shallow Water Blackout - SWB, whereby the diver overstays his bottom time and passes out near or on the surface. Diving with a buddy, following the one up, one down policy, ensures that the diver underwater is always supervised. Not only does this make sense,

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but it also shares the fun. Recently, a friend surfaced after a twenty five metre dive, only to have his eyes roll back and pass out while recovering on the surface. Fortunately his dive buddy was alert to his condition and saved him. Needless to say, they are bestest of friends. When spearfishing, one should always tow a red float with divers flag. This displays the diver’s presence to passing boat traffic and thereby reduces the chance of boat strike, that sadly has badly injured divers in the past. Other dangers include diving in current, minimised by having two divers in the water and a Boatie who drifts with the divers, overseeing at all times. The men in grey suits, or taxmen, can also be a concern while spearfishing. Again, diving with a buddy offers real, if not psychological assurance. While sharks seem more interested in one’s fish, the chance of an accidental bite, though remote, nevertheless can happen. A local diver, Chris Hogan, was badly bitten on the forearm while holding a fish on a dive on Sykes Reef in the Bunker Group off Gladstone a few years ago. These days many freedivers wear Shark Shields, particularly with the growing numbers of Great Whites that visit our our waters. These are worn around the lower leg, like a leg rope and emit an electric current that act as a deterrent against predatory sharks such as Tigers, GWS, Whalers and Bull Sharks. Why is the local area so well suited to free diving and spearfishing? The Solitary Islands Marine Park is well positioned to receive the warm East Australian Current as it travels south, bringing with it many tropical species and providing nutrients for an amazing array of corals and invertebrates. Also, the cooler temperate waters pushing up from the south ensure a healthy mix of kelp beds and sea grasses that nourish many species of fish. The big drawcard is the opportunity to dive very clear water often over 35 metres offshore, and up to 20 metres off the headlands. There are many zones within the Marine Park, with Sanctuary Zones providing a haven from

fishing pressure and are wonderful places to take a novice like our daughter Alexandra, who recently dived North Solitary Island and was amazed at the abundance of fish life and the turquoise blue water. What types of fish are hunted and during which seasons? Between December and June the prime trophy fish remain Spanish Mackerel, Wahoo, Tuna, and Kingfish. Other prized catches include Mangrove Jacks, Pearl Perch and Snapper. With the water cooling down to 18 degrees, winter sees most freedivers searching the ledges and cracks for lobsters, of which we have four species, as well as the mighty Mulloway, that often frequent the The men in headlands. grey suits, n These prized or taxmen , cace rn n co a seafood delicacies are also be ing. h is rf ea sp while priced beyond the ith w g Again , divin s real , reach of the average er ff aspect of the sport; a buddy o logical family budget, but o ch sy however, nothing beats if not p readily available to any rance .” visiting that quiet bay or su as diver with a NSW Fishing headland lee when the seas License, willing to put in are calm and jumping in. I’m the effort. constantly amazed at the variety As a diver, where are some of and abundance of fish life that inhabit very your favourite places to dive? shallow water. Our ever changing weather generally Are there any local clubs where people dictates dive locations, with most headlands can connect with mentors? and inshore hotspots meriting a visit at least Here in Coffs the local club is the Coffs one or twice per season. However, Look At Me Harbour Bluewater Freedivers Club. Affiliated Now Headland remains close to heart, due to with the Aust Underwater Federation, its the diversity of the terrain and the likelihood members bring knowledge, passion and of returning home with a feed. respect for the underwater world. Members Often, when it’s too wild to dive offshore, are only too happy to mentor newcomers, I check the Outer Harbour rock walls, as well and foster a code of conduct that guarantees the lees of places like Muttonbird Is. selective and sustainable spearfishing. Friends How can learners find out more info made through diving often remain lifelong, about the sport? and I’ve been mentored by some of the best, The best way for a novice to grow in the including the late Wally Gibbons. sport is to join a club; these cater to most Can you tell us a bit about the Australian coastal areas. As far as kit is concerned here in Bluewater Freediving Classic? Coffs, visit Fishing Tackle Aust, Jetty Dive and Each March, the CHBF. Club hosts this Mulloway Divers, whose personnel are divers prestigious competition that has attracted and are only too happy to assist. There is an abundance of YouTube material covering every the best spear fishers from Australia, NZ and

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beyond. Teams from Italy, France, Spain, US, Japan and Brazil have fished our region during this comp and have left with positive feedback on the welcoming and friendly nature of the locals, as well as the amazing quality of our fish life. Being a breath hold only comp, the better divers fish to depths of 30 metres, while others are content to dive the shallower inshore reefs. These past three years have seen the NZ national champion, Dwayne Herbert, take out Open Champion in this event, and he demonstrates great skill each time. The formation of the Solitary Islands Marine Park was put in place with many local divers assisting in the consultation process. By and large there is great respect for abiding by the Zoning plan, which seeks a fair balance between conservation and sustainable use. These days it’s not about taking one’s limit, rather limiting one’s take. The notion of filling the chest freezer every time one goes out is old school. A sense of environmental responsibility seems to be replacing the earlier view of limitless supply of marine resources. Thanks Brian. coffs coast focus.

HEALTH Spoilt Rotten Beauty @ Opal Cove Resort

NURTURE THROUGH

nature

WELCOME TO A WORLD OF BEAUTY, HEALTH AND HEALING – ENTER THE TRANQUIL GARDENS OF OPAL COVE RESORT AND DISCOVER A NEW LEVEL OF WELLNESS, AN ESSENTIAL ESCAPE FROM A STRESS-FILLED, BUSY LIFE.

t Spoilt Rotten Beauty Opal Cove, Let our skilled therapists take you on a sensory we are proud to use all-Australian journey of wildflower healing, working inside natural and organic products and out to create life-balance, total wellfrom holistic skincare being and a youthful vitality. company Heritage Healers, Spoilt Rotten Beauty Opal based right here on the Cove also offer hot stone Coffs Coast - keeping it massage, IPL treatments, local, and giving you Our anti-ageing body sculpting, the best value for your treatments and body wraps, beauty s work money, especially with natural therapie an d treatments and the best e our fabulous locals VIP to restore balanc ind, Spray Tans on the coast! m Discount Card! harmony to your With over 20 years’ SKIN.” body, soul and Our anti-ageing experience in professional treatments and natural beauty, owner Marion, therapies work to restore and her team of qualified balance and harmony to and friendly therapists are your mind, body, soul and SKIN. always happy to share their advice A synergy of ancient healing wisdoms and experience with you, and look and the latest modern skin treatment forward to welcoming you soon - call us on technologies, each beauty ritual is 6651 0532. designed and customised to the unique Pssst … be sure to mention this feature needs of your skin and lifestyle. when you call, and receive a FREE VIP

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This holistic approach to beauty merges high performance skin care with personal natural remedies of Australian wildflowers, the purest aromatherapy oils and energising crystals. 34 coffs coast focus.

Discount Card, giving you fabulous savings on all your beauty needs every time you visit!

The girls from Living Doll

STYLE COUNCIL LIVING DOLL AS THE BITTER COLD OF WINTER SETS IN, WE THINKS IT’S THE PERFECT TIME TO HEAT THINGS UP WITH A NEW LOOK. THIS SEASON IS ALL ABOUT TEXTURE AND SHINE, FROM GLOSSY, RICH CHOCOLATE TONES TO BEAUTIFUL “NATURAL BLONDES”, THERE IS A COLOUR CHANGE OUT THERE, RIGHT FOR EVERYONE.

nd as the days are getting much colder now, it’s time to start thinking about ways to protect our hair from the damage that the winter elements can cause. Here are five tips that will help you maintain healthy, beautiful hair this season.

Methode Vitalisante from LaBiosthetique. 3. It’s also a great idea to treat your hair once a week with a deep conditioning treatment. This will help to replenish the moisture, which tends to get depleted from things such as the dry indoor heat, cold outdoor air and excessive heat styling.

4. Regular trims are a great 1. Let’s start with the basics. way to keep your hair A good diet and lifestyle in good health during is the foundation the winter months . for great hair, so if G o a step darker as well - every six to s de In winter, blon you know you’ve t ha eight weeks, just ew m should dial a so ok s been slipping in this lo at get a light nip of the th darker tone department, it’s time is d an l ra tu ends to help reduce more na to pay attention to ir. ” the chances of dry, gentler on the ha your inner health. To splitting ends. grow your best hair, 5. Go a step darker. In “it’s what is in the inside winter, blondes should dial that counts first.” It’s the a somewhat darker tone that balance of overall health and looks more natural and is gentler on nutrition that makes up the foundation the hair. Experimenting with darker multi for healthy hair. So less STRESS. We all tones in any colour hair can create interest can try. and excitement, sure to brighten up any 2. Soothe your scalp. Cold weather and hot miserable winter’s day. showers can wreak havoc on your poor, fragile scalp. Using specialised shampoos and Keep warm and rug up and give those locks some much needed love! We know the lotions will help your scalp as well as your awaiting warmer months; we are sure to hair when its feeling sensitive and specialist

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moisturising products can help treat any dryness and flakes, like our favourite

want to go lighten and brighten again. Xo Dolls.

Dr Alan Burrow Optometrist

Robina’s Hair boutique Apart from great cuts and colours, did you know we provide EYELASH and EYE BROW TINTING - fabulous for eyebrow definition and best of all, no more raccoon eyes - yay! With the onset of winter, it’s time to freshen up your style. Have you thought about what some CURLS could do for you? If you feel your hair is tired, limp, or bodiless, how about some lift and texture. It’s called, yes, those dreaded old fashioned words: a permanent wave! It’s amazing what some lift and bounce can do for you, with just a soft textured curl, permanently (until it grows out, naturally), so easy to look after - just wash ‘n’ wear! Unfortunately, some of us were “behind the door” when curls were given out, but that doesn’t have to be; come on in and we will show you how easy it is to manage, with so little effort. There’s another little secret I would like to share with you, and that is a product called” WAKE UP”. It’s a sensational SPRAY WAX, with a soft texture. This moveable soft wax spray is like no other product I have ever used for bitsy, piecey, scrunchy movement. With hairspray, you get a very dry feel; with WAKE UP, by JUUCE, it’s soft and natural - instant body! Come and see us for a demo, absolutely free!

Dip Optom F.B.O.A. (HD) D.C.L.P. D.ORTH. F.B.C.O. MSC.(Med.) G.C.O.T. M.OPTOM. G.C.B.A

Park Beach Dental Surgery A commonly asked question here at Park Beach Dental is “What is the best age to start bringing your child in to get their teeth checked?” We believe that around the age of 18 months, when the first back teeth (molars) start to erupt, is a great time to bring little ones in to be gently introduced to the dentist, the staff, and the equipment that is used. We strive to make this a fun visit, with a ride up and down in the chair, maybe a little peek into their mouths by the dentist with a mirror (only if they are ready and allow it!) and lots of smiles and encouragement; of course, there is a small treat at the end as a positive reward. This encourages good feelings about the dentist, so that in the event that a little accident occurs, as often happens with small people exploring a big exciting world, they are just returning to visit some familiar people to be fixed up, and will feel comfortable about any treatment needed, and so will Mummy and Daddy! Also, with regular checkups from an early age, any small problems can be dealt with before they become even bigger problems.

As optometrists our primary role is providing patients with the clearest, most comfortable and efficient vision possible. While this is frequently achieved by prescribing quality lenses from a broad range of designs tailored to individual visual needs, an integral part of the solution is the spectacle frame. This not only needs to have a shape which provides for efficient functioning of the lens, but must also be comfortable and cosmetically appealing. While some designs can look impressive to the casual observer, they may have serious optical limitations as well as being poorly designed from a fitting and comfort perspective. We have prescribed Stepper Eyewear for many years, as it has an impressive heritage based on a clear understanding of facial features and optical requirements. For over 40 years Stepper Eyewear has been producing innovative and technically superior frames, building an enviable reputation for quality and comfort. The range covers all designs, from conservative, classic, feminine and masculine to the ultra-modern. With the Stepper Eyewear range there’s a frame to suit a broad cross-section of the population. To view the Stepper range visit alanburrow.com.au, click on frames and then on Stepper.

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What better time for us men to get our hearing checked and get help if we need it, than during Men’s Health Week

Troy Cassar-Daley

New single by Troy Cassar-Daley celebrates the gift of hearing

roy Cassar-Daley, is urging men in Coffs Harbour to be aware of their hearing health and if necessary, get it checked, this Men’s Health Week (15-21 June 2015).

As Ambassador of Australian Hearing Coffs Harbour, Cassar-Daley said, “What better time for us men to get our hearing checked and get help if we need it, than during Men’s Health Week.” “In my line of work, my hearing is not only vital, but I also need to preserve it from loud volumes as best I can.” But, as Cassar-Daley explains, workplace hearing loss amongst men is not a new concept.

“I’ve seen the work that organisations like Australian Hearing do to help people who have a hearing loss, so there is lots of help out there. I recently wrote a song inspired by those with hearing loss whose lives have been transformed by getting help to hear. Called I Can Hear You Now, I hope this song, together with Men’s Health Week, will encourage men to take action this June,” Cassar-Daley continued. Australian Hearing Coffs Harbour Manager, Karina Morrison, said simple things, such as turning up the TV or having difficulty following conversations in noisy places, are often the early signs of hearing loss.

“We know that men have a higher incidence of hearing loss than women, particularly older men, mainly due to noise exposure in the workplace and during war service.”

“Going to noisy environments, such as a live footy game, is especially difficult for someone with a hearing loss, as it is hard for them to drown out the background noise and focus on what their friends are saying.”

However, research shows that men put off getting help when they need it most, with many men not realising that their hearing has deteriorated, or they put off doing anything about it. In fact, men access health services 30 to 40 per cent less than women.

“We have helped thousands of men continue to enjoy their lives and the activities they love, through early detection of hearing difficulties and by giving the right hearing options for their lifestyles.”

Hearing loss is an issue that will touch almost every Australian at some point in their life, with one in six Australians suffering hearing loss today, and this figure is set to rise to one in four by 2050. “If you think you have a hearing loss, come into Australian Hearing Coffs Harbour for your free hearing check and find out how our expert clinicians can help you,” continued Morrison. Australian Hearing is Australia’s leading hearing specialist, researcher and largest provider of government funded hearing services. Australian Hearing provides subsidised hearing care for eligible people, including pensioners and most veterans. The new single, I Can Hear You Now, by Troy CassarDaley celebrates the gift of hearing. The song and video is available on www.hearing.com.au/troysong. Proceeds from the sale of the song will be directed by Australian Hearing to support young hearing impaired people with their education.

Contact Australian Hearing Coffs Harbour on 6652 0700 for a FREE hearing check and discuss your needs. Or visit the Australian Hearing Centre at 2 Lyster Street, Coffs Harbour.

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hearing.com.au

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Gets better results. MID NORTH COAST PHYSIO HAS PRACTICES LOCATED ACROSS THE COFFS COAST REGION, INCLUDING WOOLGOOLGA, URUNGA AND TOORMINA. OWNER, LEADING LOCAL PHYSIOTHERAPIST AND BUSINESS IDENTITY, AARON HARDAKER, ANSWERS SOME KEY QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW HEALTHCARE SERVICES HAVE CHANGED IN THE COFFS REGION AND HOW YOU CAN BENEFIT FROM THESE CHANGES. What is the main reason people visit Mid however, there is much more to it than that. North Coast Physio? It’s vital to find someone who cares about you Every week our team see a large range of and your problem, who takes the time to listen clients, from very young to very old, with a and includes you in the goal setting process. huge variety of different issues. The common The reason we offer a Free Assessment misconception is that people come to see us opportunity to all prospective clients is so purely because of a particular injury, but what people can decide for themselves if we are the drives people to actually come and seek help right fit for them, if we can help them and if is that they’re unable to do the things they they feel comfortable with our team - all totally want to do. It may be a low back risk free. problem for the weekend Why are you the only health hacker that’s restricting provider in the region their golf swing, a to offer a money back shoulder problem for Too often health guarantee? professionals a loving grandmother We have a money gh don’ t spend enou hy that’s stopping her back guarantee for our w time listening to being able to pick up services because I believe help – ed ne s nt ie cl r thei the grandkids, or a people shouldn’t have to about we want to kn ow the significant knee injury pay if they’re not totally ju st the person , not that’s keeping the satisfied with the service injury.” keen runner away from they receive. I truly believe training for the upcoming we offer fantastic services, half marathon. Whatever and I’m happy to stand by that; the problem, it is important to if our clients aren’t happy, then I’m understand our clients’ motivation for not happy. Our guarantee means that if wanting to fix the issue sooner and tailor a client isn’t happy with a consultation they treatment to suit their goals. Too often will get their money back for that session and health professionals don’t spend enough time receive their next one for free, so we can fix the listening to why their clients need help - this is problem. This gives our clients peace of mind, never the case at Mid North Coast Physio - we so they can completely focus on getting back want to know about the person, not just the to health sooner. injury. If you’re in pain or want to take What should people look for when advantage of the FREE assessment choosing a health professional? opportunity, call Mid North Coast Physio’s The obvious answer should be someone central booking number on 1300 27 37 47. who is qualified, registered and experienced; now.

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COSMETIC & HOLISTIC DENTISTRY CENTRE JOHN RAY ONCE SAID, “BEAUTY IS POWER; A SMILE IS ITS SWORD”. EVERYONE CAN POINT OUT SOMEONE WITH A GREAT SMILE, SOMEONE WITH CROOKED TEETH, STAINING, A LONG FACE OR AN OVER BITE.

ave there been any recent mouth and is not biocompatible or should significant advances to help not belong there is offered to be removed. people achieve better DentoHow important is holistic dentistry? facial aesthetics? You know how we say that a healthy YES, there are many. However, there smile is a sign of a healthy person. That’s are two such advances that I’m especially exactly right. Crowded teeth, worn out teeth, passionate about. With FastbracesTM we chronic gum disease and tempro-mandiular can achieve amazing results equivalent to joint disorders are signs of overall health 18+ months of treatment in just problems. Apart from problems six months. Fastbraces is an caused by lack of proper affordable, comfortable and flossing and brushing and l mostly quick treatment those related to faulty or ca gi lo ho Psyc s ha that makes braces old fillings, most of our ch ar se re le op pe at th more convenient and dental problems’ causes en ov pr to-faaccessible than ever are outside the oral with a good D ennd to cial aesthetic te bly before. This is all area. Crowded teeth in have a measuraself done in an even more the upper jaw, is almost gher sense of hi biologically compatible exclusively related to worth .” way. mouth breathing whether Also, we are now able to habitual or due to chronic remodel facial bone and change nasal obstruction. Worn out and facial profiles with treatments that are cracked sound teeth, as well as the now being called Dentistry- and Brace-lift. development of dental abscess related With these tools, substantial changes and to virgin teeth, are almost always related to corrections of facial appearance, lip support, teeth clenching and grinding. and profile can be achieved, in addition to Problems that on their own are signs of comprehensively improving sleep apnea and a more vicious problem such as obstructive TMJ disorders. sleep disorders, chronic pain due to physical The appearance of a person’s face, teeth imbalance (caused by previous accident or and smile form a major part of the first a body adaptation to a longstanding wrong impression they want to leave people with. habit) or psychological problems such as “A bright, beautiful smile can open doors depression that definitely requires attention. and hearts,” (Dr. Bill Dorfman). Science Dentists are dealing with the previously reveals that there is a biological truth to what mentioned dental problems on a daily basis. we instinctively describe beautiful. However, apart from treating the problem Psychological research has proven that with crowns, bands or night guards, only very people with a good Dento-facial aesthetic few actually address or talk about the cause tend to have a measurably higher sense of of such problems. self worth. Crooked teeth are often a sign What does holistic dentistry add to the of Breathing Disorders and Sleep Apnea. dental profession? Decayed teeth and inflamed gums harbor a Holistic dentistry is promoting proper huge amount of harmful bacteria and their investigation and diagnosis of the roots toxins. Our goal as a team is to help everyone of dental problems, as well as educating get the unique smile that they imagine. the patients so that they would avoid such What is holistic dentistry? problems in the future. Also, it can make Holistic dentistry is performing evidence sure that every dental treatment performed, based dental treatment with respect to the if it doesn’t positively add, at least has no patient’s biochemical and physical health. This negative impact on the patient’s general means that only materials and procedures health. All in all, it ensures that the gold that are biocompatible with your body are standard of care is being provided to used and any material that exists in your everyone.

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C O F F S H A R B O U R R E S I D E N T R O S E M A R Y H O D G S O N H A D L O N G H E L D A PA S S I O N T O O W N A W O O D E N R O C K I N G H O R S E , E V E R S I N C E S H E WA S A S M A L L C H I L D . H O W E V E R , H E R PA R E N T S C O U L D N E V E R A F F O R D O N E . . .

grew up in Bristol, England in the late 1950s, and only wealthy families had such a rocking horse - and they were handed down to the next generation. In those days a child had to be seen and not heard, and as a treat for being good, I was allowed to play on the rocking horse at my godmother’s place once a week,” said Rosemary. When she saw a very dilapidated wooden rocking horse in a charity shop some years ago, she asked if she could lay by it so she could secure the purchase. The charity shop agreed to this and Rosemary then set about a way to have it restored. However, the restorers she approached all rejected the job, saying that it was not worth doing and would also be too difficult. A friend suggested she try the Coffs Harbour Community Men’s Shed. Men’s Shed supervisor, Robert Houston, phoned member Tony Goninan, who was away on holidays: “You have a big project to do when you get back,” Robert advised him. So Tony Goninan and Col Hampshire took it on as their project, being the only two members of the shed to work on restoring the rocking horse. Tony said that Mrs Hodgson gave them “open slather” to refurbish the rocking horse their way, as they are the expertise - “surprise me” was her only condition. “We were able to do the project in between

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other jobs and we could take our time, our full commitment. otherwise we might not have taken it on.” What did the other shed members think Tony, how did you think it would go? of the project? “This was going to be hard, but we wanted “It has been here for just over nine months, to do it. The fact that we had no time frame so everyone has seen it develop back to its and we could do it our way reassured us that original state - it will be sad to see it go. we could do the job and surprise “Our motivation has been to Rosemary. We were happy to help Mrs Hodgson achieve a take it on.” childhood dream and the What condition was the advice from the other 90 year old rocking members on how to We were able to horse in? do the work provided do the project in “Very dilapidated extra enthusiasm that bs and between other jo time, - it was made from spread throughout the r we could take ou hardwood that had shed. “Why not try ight not otherwise we m deteriorated over this way?” Not that .” have taken it on time. We wanted to we always listened to keep it as original as everyone!” possible; we treated it as a Tony, you have been refurbishment.” a member of the Coffs And what type of wood Harbour Community Men’s material was it made from? Shed since it began five years “It is hard to know, which made the job ago. How does this project compare all the more challenging and delicate. It is to others? a mixture of timber that had been patched “One of the most satisfying projects, given over time. We had to sand back the timber the rocking horse is more than 90 years and repair with new timber, but keeping the old. This is the type of project that is ideal original style and parts where possible. for a men’s shed, as it connects us to our “We started from scratch and being able to community. do such a job in a Men’s Shed was ideal. We “Member Doug Simpson and I do most of had all the tools we needed for the job here in the inductions for new members to the shed. the men’s shed and we were able to be in the Seeing the change in the mental health of our right frame of mind to dedicate the time and members is what keeps us going. We have

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had new members suffering depression when they first joined. After a short period, some say that they no longer require medication for their depression. “Unfortunately, the Coffs Harbour Men’s Shed has to do commercial projects from time to time, to pay the rent for the current shed we use. This financial burden is pulling us away from the ethos of a Men’s Shed.” Men’s Shed president Alan Larkin said that Coffs Harbour City Council has allocated land in Howard Street to allow the Men’s Shed to build its own shed. “We are awaiting final council approval to licence the land for use by the men’s shed.” A sub-committee has been formed to raise funds to build our own shed. “This committee is chaired by member John Gregory, and the project figures are currently being finalised,” Alan said. “They have already had two meetings and John Gregory is a driving force - we need more volunteers like him. Cherie Treharne responded to an advertisement for a fund raising co-ordinator, and she has volunteered her time to join the sub-committee.” The Coffs Harbour Community Men’s Shed does great work addressing issues of isolation and wellbeing, especially mental health issues, for men through the activities of a Men’s Shed. You can join or help by contacting the Men’s Shed. Phone: 6652 5420.

Centre for womens reproductive care Infertility The desire to have children is one of the most persistent and deep seated of all human needs. Sometimes, due to one’s reduced background fertility, one’s age or specific conditions which make it harder, couples may need help with conceiving. We are delighted to offer a comprehensive work up for both men and women (including surrogates and donors if needed) to assist them to fulfill their family dreams! Dr Ward is an accredited member of the worldrenowned Genea fertility specialists, who have pioneered many techniques adopted worldwide in this field. We have three clinics run in Coffs Harbour annually (in March, June and September) where the ovulation cycles are timed to enable ovum or “egg” pick ups in the first week and embryo transfers in the second week. Dr Ward teams up with Dr Robert Garland for these visits. We have the best success rates with Genea in the world and are able to perform IVF and ICSI on site. In addition, Dr Ward does specialised Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) at our practice preceded by ultrasound guided cycle tracking on site. We also are delighted to provide personalised ongoing pregnancy and obstetric care after successful fertility treatment!

Living doll Now partnering LIVING DOLL now partnering with LA BIOSTHETIQUE - the exclusive holistic concept for perfect beauty. The team of Premier Stylists Lauren, Kim, Leah and Candice along with their Young Gun Stylist Kirra are heading to Sydney as part of the La Biosthetique Style Team this month, working on the Opening Show. What is La Biosthetique? French Biochemist Marcel Contier discovered the physiological connections between hair and skin and developed a sensational and innovative beauty concept in Paris in the 1950s. Scientists today develop high quality products in state of the art laboratories based on the latest findings from cosmetics and medicine without animal testing. Each product is created from carefully selected and conscientiously blended premium raw materials. Enjoy being treated at Living Doll with our NEW extensive range of LA BIOSTHETIQUE products. They are renowned for being extremely gentle on your skin - the new holistic approach to beauty. Come and enjoy or new Detox Tea or try one of our Eye Gel Pads with instant lifting effects of up to 35% reduction in wrinkle depth after only 15 minutes, our answer to “Natural Botox”. Whether you need prescriptive solutions for your hair, skin and scalp, or simply want to look and feel your very best, we have it all at Living Doll. True beauty does come from within. Xo Dolls. Top: TEAM PHOTO (Lauren Vestey - Kimberly Martin - Leah Simpson - Candice Murphy - Kirra Doyle).

bellingen healing centre Bellingen Healing Centre is an Accredited General Practice, established 23 years, with an emphasis on preventative and holistic medical care. Health is a journey with your practitioner to well-being, asking the question “why is this illness or dis-ease present in this person?” The Practitioner integrates orthodox medicine and complimentary therapies to treat the disease and prevent further illness. Our practice consultations include women’s, men’s and adolescent health, immunisations, travel medicine advice, vaccinations, skin checks, wound care, aged care, mental health plans, naturopathic consultations, nutritional advice, vitamin and mineral supplementation, chelation and intravenous vitamin therapies, herbal medicine, bio-balance and counselling. We also provide Visiting Medical Officer services to Bellinger River and District Hospital and Bellorana Aged Care Facility. Our practice of Bio-balance, which is a natural treatment system based on current science, recognises most human beings have nutrient imbalances due to genetic and environmental factors that can cause health problems. Through blood and other testing, the balances can be addressed and more optimum health outcomes achieved. It is particularly applicable to anxiety, depression and other mental disorders. It can help minimise the use of orthodox drug medicines.

coffs coast focus.

focusinterview.

DYLAN ROWLEY

P H Y S I O T H E R A P I S T

Baringa

Rehabilitation - We’ll Get You Moving -

ell me about yourself ... I was born on the Coffs Coast and grew up in Woolgoolga. I went to Woolgoolga High School and after finishing Year 12, travelled to Sydney for further study options. At the time, like most kids straight out of school, I could not wait to leave Coffs! I spent six years in Sydney, studying at Sydney University and working as a Physiotherapist once graduated, at Prince of Wales Hospital and Sydney Children’s Hospital. I returned to Coffs and spent a few years working at Coffs Harbour Health Campus in most wards. I especially enjoyed working with Tim and the team in the Rehabilitation Unit. I was lucky enough to live and work in London for two years as many young Aussies do. I was able to travel and see lots of amazing places, as well as gain valuable experience as a Physiotherapist in London hospitals and private rehabilitation centres. Growing up on the Coffs Coast, I have always loved the beach. After some time in

I was able to

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Sydney and London helping me improve travel and g in az am and a few years my knowledge and of see lots gain as l el w as , older, I couldn’t practice in this area es plac ence ri pe ex le ab wait to return to the of Physiotherapy. lu va apist in as a Physiother and Coffs Coast! I believe Orthopaedics makes ls London hospita the standard of up a large part ation private rehabilit healthcare here on the of a Rehabilitation centres.” Coffs Coast is as good Physiotherapist’s caseload, as anywhere I’ve worked. and that role has helped I have a lot of respect for me improve outcomes with my the generation of health workers orthopaedic patients. before me in this area. These days I What is the most rewarding aspect of spend my free time with friends and Physiotherapy? family, at the beach, or playing soccer There are many rewarding aspects of Physio. and coaching for the mighty Orara Valley Being part of a healthcare team and achieving Dingoes Football Club. the results that are achieved at Baringa What areas of Physiotherapy have you Rehabilitation is extremely rewarding. worked in? For me, the most rewarding part of I have worked in most areas of Physiotherapy as a whole is meeting a patient Physiotherapy. I have worked in hospitals, who is bed bound and working with them, private clinics, with sports teams, insurance, doctors, nurses and other allied health and rehabilitation. I have also been lucky professionals to allow that patient to walk out enough to work for an orthopaedic devices the door and return home. Once home, that company, Smith and Nephew. patient will then require more rehabilitation to In that role I learnt a lot about orthopaedics, achieve optimal function.

If you want to know more about the services and programmes run at Baringa Rehabilitation, contact them on 6658 0322.

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That’s why I work at Baringa; we see a lot of inpatients return home after rehab, but then get to continue to work with those people as outpatients to achieve optimal function as part of our Day Rehabilitation Programmes. What Physiotherapy does Baringa Rehab offer? Baringa Rehab offers a high standard of outpatient Physiotherapy as you’d find in any private clinic, as well as hydrotherapy. We also offer Day Rehabilitation Programmes to patients with a specialist referral. These programmes run for up to five hours per day, once or twice per week and are targeted towards patients requiring more than a standard physiotherapy appointment. We offer neurological rehabilitation, general conditioning, orthopaedic rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation and pain management, and work together as a multidisciplinary team to achieve optimal results. We have a fully equipped gymnasium and a hydrotherapy pool. No matter what your level of function, “We’ll get you moving”! Thanks Dylan.

Expert Comprehensive Care of Skin Cancers

rimary skin cancers The initial step in the treatment of skin cancer is to confirm the diagnosis. Quite often, this is a clinical decision made after examining the affected area with magnification. Sometimes, a biopsy is done, where a small selection of the cancer is sent to a Pathologist for examination under a microscope. Appropriate treatment is then planned and this may be with Carbon Dioxide Laser for superficial skin cancers, or excision with a knife for deeper cancers. Reconstruction of the treated area, to leave it looking as near normal as possible and to preserve function, is often necessary and is usually carried out at the same time as removal of the cancer. Residual or recurrent skin cancers The treatment of residual skin cancers, where initial treatment was inadequate and where there is persistence of cancer, and recurrent cancers where the cancer recurs after previous treatment, is more difficult. In a significant percentage of patients, surgery is done in a staged fashion, where excision is done to confirm adequacy of cancer removal and followed up, after 24 or 48 hours, by reconstruction with skin grafts or flaps (skin and fat) and sometimes with additional material such as cartilage from the ear

or the nose. Frozen Section Examination of cancer tissue, where the cancer removed is handed over to a Pathologist for examination while the patient is still on the operating table, is used where there is difficulty in outlining the extent of the cancer, and often in cancers involving the eyelids, to preserve as much tissue as possible for satisfactory reconstruction. The need for comprehensive care in skin cancer treatment There is a lot more to skin cancer treatment then cancer removal: Accurate diagnosis, adequate removal, appropriate reconstruction and proper and long term follow up care is needed. Preservation of function and appearance takes a while to be established due to the way tissue heal and mould and hence scar management is an important part of the treatment. There may also be instances where more treatment may be required, in the form of surgery or sometimes, with Radiotherapy or occasionally with Chemotherapy. Expert Care and Management, including reconstruction to maintain function and aesthetics is available at the Plastic Cosmetic Laser Surgery Centre. Please seek a second opinion at The Centre if you are being sent out of town for treatment.

coffs coast focus.

By Duncan Marchant, Coffs Coast Health Club

PENNY O'DOHERTY INSPIRATIONAL FITNESS INTERVIEW

LIFEBLOOD When 18 month-old Emelia Cook needed brain surgery, the generosity of anonymous blood donors saved her tiny life. Emelia’s mother, Naomi, shared what it means to receive the gift of blood.

critical blood donations are. I was raised in a household where blood donation was encouraged; however, you don’t often get to witness first-hand what an impact those donations can have.

Tell us how Emelia ended up needing a lifesaving blood transfusion. In 2013 Emelia was diagnosed with a rare form of brain tumour. She had significant blood loss during surgery and, due to her age and being quite small, this was potentially life threatening.

I still have my beautiful daughter and get to witness her grow up, healthy and happy. I don’t think I could ever express how grateful I am for the Australian Red Cross Blood Service and those who do donate blood.

Without the transfusions, Emelia would most likely not have survived. I attribute her survival to both the skill of the medical team and to the blood donors who provided those life-saving transfusions. How do you view blood donation now? I think it has made us more aware of how

What would you say to anyone thinking about giving blood? Give it a go. It takes little time, the staff are wonderful, and your donation can save lives. To save lives like Emelia’s this winter, give blood at Coffs Harbour Donor Centre at Homebase, Shop 10, Pacific Highway. Book now on 13 14 95 or at donateblood.com.au

SAVE LIVES THIS WINTER IN COFFS HARBOUR During flu season, many regular donors are unable to give blood. Help boost blood stocks this winter and give blood in Coffs Harbour.

Coffs Harbour Blood Donor Centre Homebase, Shop 10, Pacific Highway

Call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au 42 coffs coast focus.

the happily married mother of two & 40 year old Early Childhood Teacher

Thank-you for such a positive response to last month’s story about the vivacious Vicky.This month we are catching up with Penny O’Doherty and her Personal Trainer Sheree Pate, to hear her inspiring story.

hat is your diet and exercise background? I had always played sport ‘til the last few years. I guess like everyone I tried to watch what I was eating! I joined the gym last year. So where do you think you were going wrong? I now know it was the amount of food and type of food, but mostly when I was eating which caused the weight to creep up over the years. I was very often tired and felt sluggish, which then caused more comfort eating. I did feel like I was not getting involved in life. Then what motivated you to find a solution to the problem? September last year I started to suffer allergic reactions, swelling on face and arms. Over Christmas and the summer heat it was unbearable; I was needing to take oral steroids just to function. I needed to make a lifestyle change. After Christmas I got back to the gym with the support of my husband, Troy, 3 - 4 times per week. It was only a couple weeks after getting back into the gym, that the Healthy Inspirations No Butts Challenge was mentioned in cycle class. I had already started to make changes and with the support of another friend, I signed up, hoping this would be the support I needed for real change in my wellbeing. Also, to help me to get in and out of the Triumph TR7 V8 Rally Car Navigators side easier. (They are small seats!) How did you go about making that positive change? Firstly I mapped work, children and gym classes to work out when I was going to be able to commit to go, than stuck to the commitment each week. It was a huge mental change to have to get up early, to do at least two 6am classes a week plus others in afternoons - who knew there was two 6 o’clocks in a day! Having a supportive husband to go to the gym with and Group Personal Training have been the biggest changes. Having regular appointments with Healthy Inspirations coaches to talk to about food has helped me to stay on track. Also, discussions

with my children and workmates on exactly what I was doing, what I could and could not eat, which helped them to be actively supportive daily. Why did you choose Sheree as your personal trainer, and what have you been doing together to achieve your goals? I had been doing cycle class with Sheree as the teacher since the middle of last year. I thought I would hate cycle and did not want to go to start with, but my husband was going and enjoying it, so I went along to support him too - and I love it now! Sheree is always very encouraging and supportive in the class, so when she mentioned as part of the challenge she would be doing Personal Training, I decide to sign up with her. Troy (husband) has been coming with me to the small group personal training sessions with Sheree for the past three months. Sheree has been mixing it up each week for us with boxing, strength training and lots of circuits. Often the circuits have us competing against each other, which has been funny and motivating at the same time. What goals have you achieved so far? The biggest goal I have achieved is the goal to do something and the will power to keep going. I have achieved my short term goal in the challenge, which is about 1/3 of my long term goal for weight loss, but more importantly the goal of integrating a fitness and food routine into my everyday life. The face to face weekly support has worked best for me to achieve these goals. What are your goals for the future? To continue to improve my fitness and continue to lose weight with the tools and motivation I have gained from Sheree and the whole team at Coffs Coast Health Club. What is the most useful advice you could share with other readers? Make a start; just commit to one change and find that one person who will support to do that. Thanks for sharing, Penny, and if you are looking to kickstart your own inspirational fitness story, drop in to see me at Coffs Coast Health Club. You can also contact our reception team on 6658 6222 or Sheree on 0434 480 782 to get started today.

Aged care’s never come with so much freedom. Now there really is an option in aged care that doesn’t take away your precious freedoms of independence and choice. Why shouldn’t you be free to live together as a couple, to bring your pets, to have family and friends stay over, and simply be yourself? And why shouldn’t you receive the personal care and support you need on your own ageing journey in a vibrant and deeply caring community?

That’s why we’re called Freedom Aged Care. And that’s why we have opened a community in Coffs Harbour, Banora Point and many more across Australia.

Feel free to call us 1800 357 681 for more information.

coffs coast focus.

focusinterview. Jodi Lee & her Family before her death in 2010

JODI LEE FOUNDATION

What started as a way to keep fit for Paul Grant has quickly turned into a way of raising funds for early detection of bowel cancer, something that has affected many lives - including a family friend of his. Paul shares with FOCUS his story and how he went from riding for fun to riding for a cause.

aul, you’re a lover of all things cycling. How did you first get into the world of cycling? About seven years ago I was looking for a way to keep fit and decided that running was not for me; it felt like it put too much wear and tear on my joints, so I decided I would buy a road bike. Within a couple of weeks of having purchased my first bike, my brother approached me about taking part in a fundraising ride for a member of his triathlon club who had been knocked off his bike and become a paraplegic. So three months after buying my first bike, I found myself in Victoria riding a two day 360 km fundraising ride. I had a great time and was hooked on cycling from that point on. You have a huge cycling event coming up, which will see you ride from Perth to Melbourne. Tell us about this ... The event is called Coast to Coast for a Cause, and it is charity ride for the benefit of the Jodi Lee Foundation, a national bowel cancer awareness and prevention charity. Coast to Coast for a Cause will be a solo ride from Perth to Melbourne via Adelaide, covering just under 3,600 km in three weeks - that is approximately the same distance as the Tour de France, in the same amount of time. I will be riding Coast to Coast for a Cause solo with a support vehicle towing a campervan (which will give us somewhere to sleep for the three weeks) accompanying me on the trip. The support vehicle will be driven by my mum, Carol, and my dad, Bruce, who will be along to help in whatever way is required. Mum and Dad’s support is remarkable, as my Dad is wheelchair bound following his own cancer treatment. Coast to Coast for a Cause will be the biggest cycling challenge I have ever taken on, but I know the rewards will be worth it once

44 coffs coast focus.

it is completed. And the lives we can save by increasing the awareness for early detection bowel cancer tests is priceless. The Jodi Lee Foundation raises awareness for early bowel cancer detection; how did you come to be involved? My brother was a friend of Nick and Jodi Lee, and so as a family we were aware of Jodi’s diagnosis with bowel cancer, the Lee family’s struggle, and finally Jodi’s death in 2010. Following on from Jodi’s death, Nick Lee established the Jodi Lee Foundation, in loving memory of his wife, Jodi, with a view towards raising awareness of bowel cancer and the importance of early detection through home screening. The Foundation’s message about early detection is crucial, as bowel cancer is the second highest cause of cancer related deaths in Australia, yet it is 90% treatable if detected early. So anyway, I signed up to be a part of one the Foundation’s first fundraising events in January 2011, a one-week group bike ride from Melbourne to Adelaide, called the Little Black Dress Cycling Classic, which was a tremendous week of cycling, fundraising, banter, suffering and mateship, and from that point on I was hooked. Since then I have taken part in each of the Foundation’s annual Little Black Dress Cycling Classic events, riding thousands of kilometres in covering different parts of Australia. For 2015, I thought I would set myself an even bigger challenge, hence Coast to Coast for a Cause was born. You have a fun fundraising event - “The Coast to Coast for a Cause Black & White Cocktail Party” coming up on Saturday, 11th July. Tell us all about it ... The fundraising cocktail party is going to be an outstanding fundraising night filled with good food and drinks, great company and awesome entertainment. It’s a Black and White

Photo: Paul (middle) at the Top of Mt Wellington riding for the Jodi Lee Foundation.

r themed party at Opal Cove a ticket from any of Co ast to Co ast fo a be ill w e Resort, which will give the following outlets: a Caus rth to Coffs Coast residents Mbt Lawyers, NSW solo ride from Pe laide, Ade the chance to come out Mel bourne via Real Estate, Rainbow der 3,600 covering just un - that dressed to impress and Cycles and Jack ks km in three wee have a great time. Simmons Mensland, y the is approximatel ur This will be an To as well as online at e th same distance as me excellent chance for the http://tix.yt/coast-tosa e de France , in th ” ladies to show off your best coast-for-a-cause for amount of time. cocktail dresses, and for the $70 each, including food, gentlemen try not to be too far beer, wine and soft drinks. outdone by the ladies (if that is posThere will be plenty of auction sible). On the night there will be substantial items available to bid on, with all cocktail party food, drinks to quench everyone’s proceeds going to The Jodi Lee Foundation and thirst, raffles, and auction items to raise funds if you can’t make it, you can make a donation to for The Jodi Lee Foundation and great entertainthe foundation direct www.jodileefoundation. ment. All proceeds raised will be donated direct org.au/paul-grant. to the foundation. So please come along for a good time, in How can we support this event, and where good company and for a great cause. We promare tickets available from? ise you’ll have a great night! People can support the event by purchasing Thanks Paul.

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focusinterview.

Online Safety or Cyber Tips for Parents with Caroline Bleechmore, Park Beach Plaza.

CYBER

MUM

ONLINE SAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS • N O R T H

S A P P H I R E

B E A C H

W I N S

T H E •

HEARTS OF EQUINE ENTHUSIASTS

L AU R A H O O P E R A N D H E R FA M I LY L OV E T H E W I D E O P E N S PAC E S A N D B E AU T I F U L S U R RO U N D I N G S. A S A N E Q U I N E E N T H U S I A S T A N D E N T R E P R E N E U R I N H E R OW N R I G H T, S H E A N D H E R H U S BA N D RYA N I D E N T I F I E D T H E P O T E N T I A L W H E N T H E O P P O RT U N I T Y C A M E U P T O P U RC H A S E A L O C A L HORSE RIDING EQUIPMENT STORE.

e both really liked the feel of already we feel part of the community. It’s North Sapphire; it’s a really exciting to observe the construction of our inclusive community and new home, and we can’t wait to move in.” you immediately feel a part Surrounded by beautiful national parks and of it. We love the outdoor space; there are beaches, fabulous riding clubs and a great walking paths, beautiful parks, the fabulous race track, the Coffs Harbour region is a great playground, a magnificent stretch of area for equine enthusiasts. beach, as well as bush tracks to On arrival, Laura and her lose yourself on. It’s been husband Ryan immediately really well designed. We recognised the potential, also appreciate that it identifying the Pacific Laura and her isn’t very far from Coffs Highway as the ey family knew th Harbour,” said Laura. ideal location for e th wanted to live in d Originally from their saddlery retail fin ’t area but couldn l al d ke Victoria, Laura and store, a franchise of tic a house that ch hi w of her family moved well-known brand s, xe their bo s!” ou er m nu e to Coffs Harbour via Horseland. er w there Ballina, known for its Horseland is a wellstunning nature reserves established company in and waterfront location - very business for 30 years, of similar to the setting of North which Ryan has been involved Sapphire Beach. “It’s a beautiful part in for the past 15 years via a family of the world and we feel it’s a really great business. When the opportunity to buy place for our children to grow up in.” the store in Coffs Harbour came up, the Laura and her family knew they wanted Hoopers jumped at the chance. to live in the area but couldn’t find a house “Apart from saddlery, we stock a large that ticked all their boxes, of which there were range of Akubra hats, Ariat boots and numerous! This led them to consider a home Wrangler jeans. We love being a part of the and land package that would afford them equine community and already have many the luxury of designing a home to suit their repeat, supportive customers that we are individual needs. extremely thankful to,” added Ryan and “We decided to use Adenbrook to build Laura. our new home, predominantly because they To find out more about the growing were happy to build a custom design and their community at North Sapphire Beach or home customer service was second to none. Nikki and land packages, contact Robyn Goddard, and Tracey at the display home really went Project Sales Manager on: T (02) 6653 6288, above and beyond. We are currently renting M 0428 619 919, or visit the website: while our house is under construction and www.northsapphirebeach.com.au/now-selling/

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LOVE THE ONES YOU’RE WITH

he birthday party of a 13 year old has always been a momentous occasion and in today’s era, this milestone is no different. I recently had the pleasure of attending a birthday party of a close friend’s daughter and we, “The Parents”, sat back and chatted and gave the girls room to do what girls do. Interestingly, what we witnessed was a clear demonstration of what is now apparently the social norm ... a room full of girls who, once entertained, fed and settled in for the sleepover movie, all moved into double screen mode. It was quite a phenomena to witness - groups formed, dynamics commenced, messages and social media posts started, tears flowed, breakout groups walked off but more interestingly, conversation as we “The Parents” know it stopped! In fact, verbal conversation suddenly appeared to be an old fashioned concept - strangely, these girls were still communicating but non verbally and via their devices - opening up room for misinterpretation, exclusion, teasing and general misunderstanding. We “The Parents” could stand it no longer and decided to take control. Firstly, we turned off the WIFI and the mood of the group changed, but not a single guest was game to ask what had happened. Interestingly, phones, iPads and iPods still dominated, and those with credit on their devices quickly dominated the social hierarchy amongst the group. But the ultimate test came when we passed a basket around and collected all electronic devices and basically confiscated them for the night. After the initial reluctance from a few girls, all devices were collected, and what transpired can only be truly understood by witnessing it firsthand. There are really no words for the impact this simple exercise had … a happiness of chatter and laughter returned

to the room, a sense of togetherness, of fun and friendship, the joy of conversation and mutual acknowledgement was restored, and we once again had a birthday party with happy 13 year old girls in full swing. This first hand observation by “The Parents” prompted a conversation about our own habits and the habits of others. How often do you see a family or group of friends out to dinner or out for a drink and social catch up, but they are sitting at the table all engrossed in their devices and not uttering a single word to each other? Unfortunately I’m sure the answer is far too often, and I admit that I’m guilty and my family is also guilty of this the apparent new social norm. No wonder we are quickly being referred to as the “Faceless Generation”, as our heads are held low monitoring our screens as we take more interest in our online world than the real world, which includes our real friends and family who are actually with us. So I’m proposing we challenge ourselves and our online media habits. Let’s all make a point to “Love the Ones You’re With!” (with acknowledgement to Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young). If you go out for dinner or drinks, leave your phone in your handbag or turn it to mute, or better still, leave it in the car and take time to “Love the Ones You’re With!” Talk, laugh, share conversation just think - this way you may actually have something meaningful and purposeful to post online when you’ve finished socialising in person! Better still ... put a basket at the door of your home and collect all phones, iPods, iPads on the way in! Make your home a “Love the Ones You’re With” zone and see how your family reconnects! Even if it’s just on weekends! Most importantly, if your teenager is having a party - put the basket out and collect the devices - I can assure you they will all have a much more memorable time together! coffs coast focus.

s o c i a l s c e n e

with Carole Beros from Le Dāin Designs

Jessica Wilson, Karisa Lunn and Mel Crossland

Showgirl Winners: Erin Jackson, Kaitlyn Bland and Zara Saxby

Cassidy-Rae Wilson and Andrew Fraser

BWN Cocktail Event

Sultrio

Emma Rhoades and Joanne Vines

Opal Cove Girls

BWN Cocktail Event

Leanne Zietsch Birthday Party

Social/scene.

ever to disappoint was the Annual Coffs Harbour Agricultural Show. How fantastic it was! The weather looked decidedly dodgy early in the day on Saturday, but Mother Nature smiled, and out popped the sun for the day. There was so much to do and see, everything from woodchopping, horse events, mower racing, ultimate boys toys expo (where I bumped into Simon Chladil from the Coffs Harbour Racing Club - who was cooking, of course!) and so much more. Part of the excitement of the show was the 2015 Coffs Harbour Showgirl Competition. This competition is about finding a young woman to act as an ambassador for the Coffs Harbour Show at the Zone and State Finals. This competition highlights the importance of youth in rural Australia and the agricultural show movement. This year’s young ladies were so dedicated and Showgirl Competition organiser Melissa Crossland (who was one of the judges) along with Karisa Lunn and Jessica Wilson commented it was a hard task selecting a winner. The winners of the day were: Zara Saxby - winner of the junior category, age 13. Kaitlyn Bland - winner of the teenage category, age 15, and Erin Jackson - winner of the senior category, age 20. The Sponsors for this event were Major Sponsor Good Price Pharmacy, Sponsor for styling, clothes, millinery and jewells was House of Le Dãin Designs at Sawtell, TAFE - hair and makeup department, and the flower sponsors were Garden 46 coffs coast focus.

The Coffs Coast is definitely allowed to "Show Off’"when it comes to having a variety of Festivals and shows throughout the year! From Antiques, Collectables, Art, Flowers or literally anything that "floats your boat!" , we have it all!

Mania. Just to mention that there are so many generous people here on the Coffs Coast and many people volunteer their services for events like this amazing Coffs Show of ours. One of the many who helps out every year is Ellen Keidge from Still Free Photography. Ellen is an on location equine and lifestyle photographer based in Coffs Harbour and can be contacted on M.0429 191 224. Staying with entertainment staged at the Coffs Harbour Showground, pencil the 6th June in your diary in anticipation of something special! The Symphony of Australia is an extraordinary musical journey through Australian culture, featuring so many much loved opera favourites. Bring along your picnic rugs, pack a hamper and relax on the Town Green at the Coffs Harbour Showground. There will also be delicious food and beverages available at the event on the day. It will consist of iconic bush poetry, soaring vocals and exhilarating orchestral compositions, with international opera stars such as Renae Martin and Jose Carbo. These talented stars, along with the Australian Institute of Music Orchestra, will be conducted by Maestro Gavin Lockley. For tickets and all the latest information, see: www.regionalconcerts.com.au I recently attended a BWN evening cocktail event at Pansabella Providores in Coffs City Centre. The venue was packed to the rafters with dolled up dames ready for some fun and fashion. I bumped straight into the “Opal Cove Girls” all

geared up to sip a cocktail or two! Whilst there were the amazingly delicious delights to enjoy, there was certainly a smorgasbord of entertainment piled up for the evening. It is a nice change to rock up to an evening soiree instead of trying to fake being awake at the early morning breakfast events ha ha! Emma from Emma Rhoades Photography was there doing a presentation, Karla Hannaford from Arbonne, along with fab fashion from Minnie’s Boutique and plenty more. But the gorgeous three women who caught my eye were Jo Pierce, Louise Scott and Eileen Moore, who are the talented songstresses who make up Sultrio. So fabulous, just had to book them for a Le Dãin Designs event instantly! Great night out! Another one to remember to attend is the Camp Quality Comics on the Run. It really is the funniest night on the Mid North Coast. This is staged at the Sawtell RSL. Get ready for a giggle with the likes of: MC Barry McLeod, Matt O’Kine, Ben Dawsow, Gary Bradbury and Gary Eck. Don’t miss out! I attended the launch night for this great charity walk just recently. The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter’s Annual Charity walk is now in its third year; registrations are open, with the option for the participants to start from Moonee Beach Reserve and finish at Lower Park Beach Reserve (14 km), or in addition, they can take on the extra 7 km loop up to Muttonbird Island and around the Marina before finishing back at Reserve. This year’s event is once again supported by the C.ex Coffs. Fundrais-

ing Manager Zeke Huish remarked, “It’s one of the most beautiful walks on the Coffs Coast”. This is a major fundraising event for the rescue helicopter, and we are encouraging participants to consider going in fancy dress for the fun of it! Major events like the Coastal Charity Walk play a big part in helping the Service to fundraise the $4M needed each year to keep the resue helicopters flying. The walk is being held on Sunday 14th June, with registrations closing on 4th June. To register, visit www.coastalcharitywalk.com.au or 6627 4444 for more details. The beautiful Beachfront Opal Cove Resort was the place to be just recently, when a couple of celebrities were in town. Tyson Mayr (from I’m a Celebrity Get Me Outta Here) and his girlfriend, the gorgeous Lisa Hyde (from The Bachelor) chose to stay at the resort. Sipping cocktails by that fabulous pool sounds good to me! The sun still shines on the fabulous Coffs Coast, even in the winter time! I also had the opportunity to attend the launch of a new organisation, HERO Org, Hastings Equal Respect and Opportunity, at Rydges Port Macquarie. With a beautiful cocktail on entry and circus themed entertainment, it was a marvellous evening! HERO will be hosting their next event on July 4th and invites everyone to come along. More information at www.ourhero.org.au Carole, Le Dãin Designs.

s o c i a l s c e n e

with Carole Beros from Le Dﾄ（n Designs

Kerrie Fraser and Kay Ryan

Showgirl Cocktail Party

Zara and Graham Saxby

Rosanne and Peter Musgrave

Taylor Shone

Showgirl Cocktail Party Winners

Sandy Robbins and John Raffery

Taylor Blay

Bridget Pilton

Erin Jackson

Ellen Robinson

Melissa Crossland

Breana Ballinger

Madeline Brooker

Westpac Life-Saver Rescue Helicopter Coastal Charity Walk

Lisa Hyde and Tyson Mayr

HERO Launch Party at Rydges Port Macquarie

coffs coast focus.

focusinterview.

FOCUS TALKS WITH COFFS COAST LOCAL NIGEL TOOTH, WHO HAS APPLIED KNOWLEDGE GAINED FROM YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN REGIONAL BUS SERVICE MANAGEMENT TO DEVELOP AN APP THAT KEEPS TRACK OF ANY BUS FROM WITHIN A FLEET AND WILL ALSO AID TO STREAMLINE TICKET SALES.

Nigel Tooth T R A N S P O R T M E

here did the idea for transportme come from? As I am also Operations Manager for our family business, Ryans Bus Service, I knew what the pain points were regarding ticketing, reporting and GPS. We were using ticket machines already; however, they were extremely limited in their functionalities. They could sell and print tickets, generate some reports - and that was basically it. We were beginning to have some issues with the machines, and both office staff and drivers were becoming increasingly frustrated with the system. We had also looked at the possibility of introducing GPS into our fleet of buses. However, with 32 vehicles in our company, the costs involved with doing this were astronomical, and the cost-benefit just didn’t work out. It was at this point that I knew there had to be a more economical way of doing things - and at the same time create a system that was flexible and adaptable. I didn’t have to re-invent the wheel. iPads were already there, they were affordable (1/6th the price of a normal ticket machine) and they gave the opportunity to adapt as Government asked 48 coffs coast focus.

more from operators in device up there to do We are currently s terms of reporting and this. We would then es in the proc e compliance. It was just need to connect th of developing is th – p a matter of developing the device to our ap consumer ep st ve si as m an app to suit. computer, download a will be gers en ss pa r fo d Can you briefly it, then generate ar forw hool describe the app? the report, and then and parents of sc l ca children in the lo How it works? enter the data into area .” So, transportme the excel spreadsheet covers three main bases: for Transport for NSW to GPS, ticketing and reporting. send to them. This process Currently, the driver will login would have to be repeated every to the app, and open their specific month, and would be a two day route - this then allows the depot to begin event. Now, the same report is generated tracking the bus in live time. The driver in literally five seconds. then is able to sell tickets - the iPad picks We now also have the GPS location of up on the bus’ location through geofences every single bus in our fleet - and can give this created in the CMS (Content Management information to the public when they call. System) in the office. This makes selling the The process of selling tickets has been ticket fast and simple. Back at the depot, improved immensely, as well as various other reports are generated at the click of a button processes such as fuelling, driver manuals from the information sourced from the cloud converted electronically and much more. as the driver enters information into the What benefits does transportme offer transportme app/drives the bus. bus companies? What problem is it solving? There are loads of benefits. It is solving a host of problems. Reporting It streamlines their operations. Time saving with our old ticketing system was clumsy for reporting is huge, therefore freeing up at best. We would have to physically go to staff to focus on other issues in the business. every bus, download the information from It is extremely affordable to put across a the ticket machines - and in the case of large fleet of buses. Normally, for a company our buses at Grafton, send the downloader of say 30 buses, to have ticket machines and

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GPS in every bus would cost around $140,000 for a year. Transportme offers ticketing, GPS, reporting and much more for close to 1/3 of the price. So, it makes it an easy choice for operators wanting to save some money and also invest in a technologically advanced system. It also allows the office staff to have a direct connection to the driver and bus as it travels on its route. We can send instant or future messages to a driver - locate where the bus is on a route - gain information in live time, such as bus stop arrival times, as the bus is on the move. What benefit does transportme offer consumers? We are currently in the process of developing the consumer app - this will be a massive step forward for passengers and parents of school children in the local area. We are expecting this to be released within two months. Basically, this will mean you will be able to download the app (available for iPhones and Android) and look for the route you want to see in real time. No other app can offer a direct link to the bus - there are apps with time approximations, but nothing that allows you to track the bus in real time. Giving the consumer a direct link to their bus will be fantastic. Eventually as we develop

focusinterview.

d We have also ha e re th om fr t contac in ts en nm er State G ov ing the Australia regard exis system – which th at es ov pr citing, and gaining transportme is traction. ”

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the app, the passenger will be able to see if that bus is a wheel chair accessible bus, have links to the operator’s Facebook/Twitter feeds, view timetables, fares, contact information and eventually aim for online ticketing. As a parent, knowing exactly where your child’s school bus is located is an invaluable tool and can be a huge time saving and stress free event. When the transportme consumer app is released, passengers and parents of Ryans Bus Service in Coffs/Woolgoolga/ Grafton, Osborns Buses in Muswellbrook, Martins Buses in Albury and all things being well, PBC Goulburn will enjoy this benefit. If your local bus company cannot offer this - ask them to jump on board with transportme! How long did the app take to develop? The app was approximately an 18 month process to develop. We sat on the idea for a little while, before making the leap to go ahead and develop it. We are still fine tuning the app all the time, and adding new features. So, it really is an ever-evolving process. Did you develop the app with a partner or by yourself? Ha ha - there is no way I have the knowledge to develop the app - out of my league. We partnered up with Appster, an Australian company who are based in

Melbourne. They were a fairly young and raw company when we teamed up with them but the passion that they showed for building the app and the vision they could see for it made the choice simple. They realised the potential for the app, not only in NSW, but both Australia wide and worldwide. Hence, they made the offer to become an equity shareholder of the company, which we agreed to and then set about to make the app. Did you fund the venture yourself? Yes - it is completely self funded. Appster’s shareholding meant we were able to save some development fees, which has definitely helped. Is the industry embracing the application? Yes, it is - we have had loads of enquiries about the system. We have already had four other operators in the state decide to make the switch to transportme - which is fantastic considering at that stage we had not advertised the product at all. Word of mouth has spread about the system, and I think operators can see the potential of tranportme, not only for themselves, but for their customers also. What are some of the successes you have had? Transportme has already won awards

from BusNSW and BIC (Bus Industry Confederation). We have also had articles published in the ABC (Australasian Bus and Coach) magazine, and Apple Australia will soon be producing a story on the system. Not to mention, of course, our local FOCUS! We have also had contact from three State Governments in Australia regarding the system - which is exciting and proves that transportme is gaining traction. Is the application patented? Yes, the app is patented both in Australia and internationally. Does the application allow operators to collate data? Data is collated from the app and is stored in the cloud safely and securely. This allows the operator to access the data in live time, and from any web enabled device, anywhere in the world. This means an operator can be sitting in New York City, and gain information on their services in Australia at the press of a button. Could the application be eventually used internationally? Most definitely. We have already had some interest from New Zealand based bus companies. Transportme is not limited to local or Australian bus companies. Because we can tweak the app to suit the situation, any form

of transport can use the app, meaning the system is truly flexible. What are you hopes for the future for transportme? To begin with, we developed the app to improve our own bus company. But we quickly realised that a lot of operators were going to see the benefit of the app. So, we aimed to have two other operators contracted to transportme by July 1, 2015. At this stage, we look like we will have a total of six operators using the system by that point - which is great. But, we don’t want to stop there. We need to build on that great start, keep improving the app, building in more features to make reporting simpler, ensure contract compliance is covered and then give the passenger the benefits that the operators are experiencing. Online ticketing and payment is the next big step for us - being able to walk into any bus in rural and regional NSW with the one smartcard and pay for your fare, or flicking your phone at the iPad would make the process of catching a bus so much easier. Initially, we wanted to solve the problems for operators and passengers in rural and regional NSW - but ultimately we would love to get transportme into other countries and help solve their own problems. Thanks Nigel. coffs coast focus.

focusinterview. YOU MAY HAVE SEEN THIS WOMEN’S CYCLING GROUP PEDALLING AROUND THE COFFS COAST OR SIPPING COFFEE DRESSED IN PINK LYCRA. FOCUS CATCHES UP WITH THE IDEAS MAN BEHIND THE GROUP, BARRY RIX, WHO BRINGS WOMEN OF ALL WALKS OF LIFE TOGETHER THROUGH CYCLING.

women in

CYCLING

One of the more pleasing things how for me to see is ence id nf co e th h muc grown, s of the ladies ha they re he w l to the leve rticipate organise and pa each s in additional ride week.”

“ ell us how you got involved in cycling. As a kid I pretty much lived on my bikes. Then as I got older, I played a lot of rugby league and squash and used cycling as cross training for these sports. I then moved on to more competitive road cycling through competing in triathlons and also began racing mountain bikes. How long have you been riding ? Since I got my first bike as a child, so for over 40 years. I hope to be riding in some form or another for another 40; it’s such a great sport. Do you race competitively? In the past I have raced BMX, road racing and triathlon, but at the moment I’m mainly involved in racing mountain bikes and adventure racing. I still love road riding as well. In September I am heading over to Switzerland to compete in a challenging five day mountain bike stage race in the Alps. Tell us about the women’s cycling group you are part of. Whilst participating in a number of group rides in the Coffs area with riders who are quite passionate about their riding, I noticed there were hardly any women involved with these groups. Deb (my wife) and I purchased Bob Wallis Cycles a couple of years ago and 50 coffs coast focus.

I thought it would be great to start a women’s group ride. My thoughts were to create a ride where the ladies could learn bike handling skills, build their confidence to ride in “bunch” groups and gain the ability to ride in varying traffic conditions. We have practised in car parks, had skill sessions on the velodrome and rides in traffic on major roads, which can be a big hurdle for some riders. It has been great to see the ladies progress from laughs and giggles in the car park at Homebase to confident and competent riders. How often do you meet, and where do you cycle? Our regular ride meets at Artisti Café on a Friday morning. We have two groups, the first leaves at 5:30am and usually has slightly fitter riders, and the second leaves at 6am for a more leisurely ride. We both finish back at Artisti around 7am for the customary gettogether and great coffee. One of the more pleasing things for me to see is how much the confidence of the ladies has grown, to the level where they organise and participate in additional rides each week. The rides are organised through the Bob

Wallis Cycles Ladies Ride Facebook Page as an open invitation for all ladies to get involved. Along with the usual road rides, we do some mountain bike rides as well as training rides for upcoming events. We ride a number of different circuits including around Coffs, Pine Creek Way and a Sawtell loop. It all depends on the group and the conditions on the day. We also do some skill sessions at the velodrome as the need arises. What keeps you motivated? I just love the enjoyment I get from cycling, the fitness and health benefits and the social side of the sport. The ladies ride is a great example; I really enjoy riding with the girls, and I have made some great friends. I am a very competitive person, so I find that if I have an event to train for it really raises my motivation levels, especially if the event involves travel. Cycling is a great way to explore new locations. What are some of the challenges women who cycle face? There are females who are very fit and strong on a bike and are comfortable riding in more serious group rides. However, for

others new to the sport, confidence in group situations or riding in traffic can be a challenge. Some women want to start but are hesitant because of little or no experience. The reason why we started our ladies ride at Bob Wallis Cycles is to address these challenges. Do you have any tips or advice for anyone looking to get into cycling? It’s a great sport, very social and has added health benefits. I think it’s very important to get expert advice to make sure you start on a bike that is suited to the type of cycling you will be doing and that the bike is the correct size for your build. These two factors alone will make your cycling experience much more enjoyable. The best place to start is at your local bike shop. At Bob Wallis Cycles we will be able to answer all of your questions, help you get started and introduce you to the various cycling groups or clubs in the area. What do you enjoy about living on the Coffs Coast ? It’s just an awesome place for anyone who enjoys an active lifestyle. In no time at all I can be mountain biking in bushland, on a scenic road ride, swimming at a great beach or ocean paddling out of the harbour. It’s the perfect place for the lifestyle I love to live. Thanks Barry.

Floatation TANK As a part of Coat of Arms tattoo studio, we now offer crystal jewellery and a floatation tank. The float tank is a capsule like bath filled with magnesium sulphate (Epson Salts) that creates density in the water so we can float effortlessly, allowing an environment where you can achieve pure sensory relaxation whilst achieving physical improvement of problematic areas in your body. 90% of our brain’s normal workload is estimated to be caused by the effects of routine environmental stimulation such as gravity, light, sound, touch; we are constantly bombarded with the external stimulation, noise and distractions that our minds busily process at a huge rate. When you are floating, your senses are released, your body is weightless, and you become a mind floating in space, enabling your body and mind to reach deep levels of relaxation that would normally take years of practice to achieve. Two hours in the tank is equivalent to a full night’s sleep in cell rejuvenation and repairing of damaged tissues. Magnesium sulphate is absorbed through the skin; it draws toxins from the body, sedates the nervous system, reduces swelling and relaxes the muscles, and there is no “prune” skin, as the salt acts as a natural skin emollient and much more. Some of the things the float tank can assist: Reducing high blood pressure, reducing symptoms of asthma, arthritis, migraines and tension headaches, fibro-myalgia insomnia, fatigue, provides stress relief and recovery from injury. Contact Bobbie, Monterey Arcade, Coffs Harbour through (Coat of Arms): 0423 146 702.

complete PEST CONTROL What is a pest and termite specialist? It takes knowledge, experience and the latest equipment to successfully protect a home from pests - and especially termite attack. The annual damage bill to homes in Australia from termites is estimated at more than $100 million, so it’s essential to have someone that will take the time to understand your house and the issues you have. Who uses your services? We have a large number of domestic clients, as well as a host of local restaurants, clubs, businesses, builders and senior villages. We still provide our customers with individual personalised service. No person is ever the same, so no property is ever the same. What makes you different to other pest control services? Besides our dedication to quality of work and value for money, seeing that we are one of the largest pest companies on the Mid North Coast, one thing I’m so proud of is Complete Pest Control is 100% local. I went to school at Toormina, my kids will go to school here, my partner is a nurse at the hospital, and all jobs stay local. We sponsor two rugby league teams, as well as a local Motocross rider and other events in our community, and there are plans for further sponsorships into 2015 and beyond.

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focusinterview — Story by Hilary Davies

AUSTRALIA DAY IN JUNE YO U ’ V E H E A R D O F C H R I ST M A S I N J U LY; W E L L , T H I S Y E A R YO U G E T TO E X P E R I E N C E AU ST R A L I A DAY I N J U N E ! D E N N I S C OA R D ( H O M E & AWAY, B LU E H E E L E R S ) H E A D S U P A TA L E N T E D C A S T, P R E S E N T I N G T H E H I L A R I O U S S H OW AU ST R A L I A DAY AT T H E J E T T Y T H E AT R E O N SAT U R DAY 20 J U N E . L I V E T H E AT R E D O E S N ’ T G E T M U C H B E T T E R T H A N T H I S.

e caught up with Dennis Coard, Kenneth Moraleda (City Homicide, Schapelle) and Sharon Davis (Neighbours, Queensland Theatre Company) to hear more about the show, their characters and all things Australia Day. “Australia Day is a very funny, fast-paced look at ‘us’ - Australia with all its many faces and opinions, its problems and solutions,” says Dennis Coard. Written and directed by renowned actor, writer, director and entertainer Jonathan Biggins, the play puts our national identity through the wringer. The results are sidesplittingly funny; nothing is sacred in this thoroughly modern ripper of a comedy. The show is set in a fictional country town, where the Australia Day committee is gearing up to put on the town’s biggest party. The committee, however, has a few issues of their own to sort out first. With everyone from the Greens to the local mayor to the CWA wanting a piece of the party pie, it’s proving hard yakka to work out what an Aussie celebration should look like. Will the day be fair dinkum after all? Or are there too many roos loose in the community hall? Sharon Davis knows what small town life is like: “I grew up in the country. The nearest town was about 15 km away, and it was

52 coffs coast focus.

small.” In the show, she plays Helen, a local different people. The day for me and my family government councillor and Greens party is a reminder of the great opportunities afforded member in a marginal National party electorate. to us by migrating here. But unfortunately some Sharon says: “Helen has to navigate her way people’s way of celebrating can sometimes be through a few barriers and battles as she works scary for a ‘minority’. I have also been to a to win over the locals and try to couple of Survival Day events, and shake things up a bit.” it’s very sobering to see the day By contrast, Dennis Coard from that point of view.” plays the leading character Of Australia Day n The bonus whe Wally, whom he describes Sharon says: “I have ly touring regional as “the voice of bigotry mixed feelings about higher is that you get a ence and xenophobia” and the day itself. I think di percentage of au says, “is a delight to having a national day ow members who kn ying play - a mixture of is important for many jo each other, all en Alf Garnett (famously reasons and any excuse mance the same perfor ” grumpy and opinionated e. for a party is always tim e at the sam British TV character) and a welcome! I also believe radio shock-jock”. we shouldn't shy away If you sense there may be from our history. January 26 some conflict coming up between is not a day of celebration for our these diverse characters, then you’re indigenous citizens, but it's our history right; but fear not, Kenneth Moraleda says and we should work to find a way to both that amid the home truths, “the audience commemorate that and celebrate the good we can look forward to a LOT of laughs. The play have, despite our bloody history.” moves at a cracking pace and will surely be a Dennis Coard observes: “The celebration great night of theatre”. Kenneth plays Chester is about Australia and its people, but also Lee, an Australian born Vietnamese school discussions and debate about how it could be a teacher, who is new to town. Kenneth says, better place for all.” “Chester has a very specific way of dealing with So with its witty, satirical observations about conflict and staying sane; it’s hard to describe, a diverse group of people having to face their but it will be evident when you see the play.” differences and work together, Australia Day A first generation Filipino Australian, Kenneth provides food for thought amid the laughter reflects on his own experiences of Australia Day that audiences in small country towns, capital itself, “Australia Day means different things to cities and everywhere in between can enjoy.

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Dennis Coard has fond memories of Coffs and says: “I have performed in Coffs Harbour before. I loved the place and the Jetty Theatre.” When asked if there is any difference in performing to city audiences or regional audiences, he says, “The bonus when touring regionally is that you get a higher percentage of audience members who know each other, all enjoying the same performance at the same time.” Kenneth Moraleda also observes: “Regional audiences are warm and more readily want to engage with the play and performers during and after the show. I suppose the sense of community feels stronger.” He also enjoys performing in historical venues like the Jetty Memorial Theatre and says, “Older theatres carry a wealth of history and it’s a very unique feeling being on a stage that has played host to decades of theatre.” So what better way to spend a winter’s night than in a cosy, historical Coffs venue, with a cast of stars, a highly entertaining show and a chance to catch up with friends and maybe even bump into a political enemy or two? But, hey - we’re all in this together, and you can even feel a sense of pride in whatever Australia Day means to you. Australia Day will be performed at 2pm and 8pm on Saturday 20 June at the Jetty Memorial Theatre. For more information and to book tickets, go to www.jettytheatre.com, call or visit the box office from 12pm - 4pm, Tues to Fri: 6652 8088.

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IN 50 YEARS OF TRADING, COFFS HARBOUR HARDWOODS HAS GONE FROM A SMALL BUSINESS OF A FEW BROTHERS THAT EXPORTED POWER POLES FROM THE PORT OF COFFS HARBOUR TO A SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED BUSINESS THAT NOW EMPLOYS OVER 90 STAFF.

And will this product last?” e are one of the largest employers So often we’ve seen people looking at and a locally owned their project and taking the option of cheap business in the Coffs imitation products or products not suited Coast area. for extreme outdoor conditions and having Our aim is to provide quality hardwood problems occur after only a few years. timber that is an added feature of any One thing that you will find with home or business. We have hardwood is that it lasts, and a wide range of products when you look after it with that suit all applications. regular oiling, it will last AT O N E TH IN G TH We have the ability even longer. And with D YO U W IL L FI N to manufacture a our solid hardwood D O O DW W IT H H A R piece of timber into S, ST floors, you won’t find LA IT IS TH AT most shapes and U YO EN H yourself having to W AND W IT H IT sizes, to not only ER FT A K O unclick it all because LO IN G, suit a modern and R EGU LA R O IL of a few minor EV EN trendy home, but also IT W IL L LA ST scratches. LO N G ER .” the older homes that We have expanded originate from a Colonial, our range over the last few Federation and Victorian era. years to be able to provide We like our customers to get handrails, stair material, architraves the right result that they intended and skirtings and other specialised from the outset of the project, so it is custom moulds and more. Customers can important to really take a good look check out our website to see the range of at what you’re trying to achieve and ask products and services we offer, including yourself: “Am I getting value for money? delivery up and down the North Coast.

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he fit process was developed For one rider the benefits could mean faster by specialist medical and race times, where another may achieve a pain professional bike fitting experts. free riding position. Riders will be able to The system is designed to give achieve both of these benefits from a Precision the rider a personal fitting Fit. Although cycling is low impact, your legs experience that will address their specific can perform over 10,000 revolutions in a two needs, giving a tailor-made riding position. hour ride, so even a marginal discrepancy in What processes does a fit involve? your set up can cause some level of discomfort It is a proven process that involves an or injury. interview, physical assessment, shoe set up, Many cyclists have unknowingly adapted to starting position, lower body set up, upper inefficient riding positions, which can lead to body set up, review and follow up. This way long-term physical problems. A Precision Fit is the Precision Fit Technician can learn the ideal method to avoid or correct your goals and needs as a cyclist problems in bike set up to avoid and assess your range of these injuries. motion and flexibility. Do I need to be a TH IS WAY TH E From this they can serious racer to PR EC IS IO N determine your proper benefit from a N FI T TE CH N IC IA R shoe selection and cleat U Precision Fit? YO N CA N LE A R placement to give you S D EE N No, recreational or D N G OA LS A a sound foundation, D N A T IS CL less serious cyclists can CY AS A evaluate your current ANGE R R U YO S ES gain the benefits from A SS position and make the D O F M OTI O N A N having a professional fit; correct saddle selection. FL EX IB IL IT Y.” it all depends on the goals Your Fit Technician you want to achieve. We will then make a series of also offer simpler bike fits on incremental adjustments to stationary trainers for riders who create your ideal biomechanical have the need. alignment. Your Precision Fit then takes its How often should I have a Precision Fit final form, with proper stem height and done? reach, and handlebar shape and width to Over time our bodies go through a number optimise your posture and power. You'll end of changes, some of which we have an your session with a detailed document that amount of control over and others not. Our defines your fit, and a follow-up appointment fitness levels can increase or decrease, as can to guarantee your satisfaction. our weight. There are changes in range of What are the benefits for a rider? motion and flexibility, health or the effects For cyclists and triathletes, the “fastest” or of injuries. The benefits you want to gain most “aero” position will not necessarily be from cycling or your goals may have changed the quickest riding position for them, as we completely. all have varying flexibility, strength and body All of these factors will impact on the compositions. These parameters need to be best riding position for you, so there is no matched to the rider’s goals to obtain their set period of how often you should have a ideal riding position. As a rider’s goals and Precision Fit. My best advice would be to call physical abilities are assessed, they get a tailor in and have a chat to see what benefits a made solution that will enable hours of faster, more comfortable and more enjoyable riding. Precision Fit can offer.

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coffs coast focus.

FINANCE EXPERTS FEATURE

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Finance

BEYOND NOW SOLUTIONS

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Beyond Now Solutions focuses on making small businesses are transitioning from manual processes to to medium business more efficient so they can automated processes in areas such as bookkeeping, increase profitability and value. Why is this client relationship management, stock control, important for businesses on the Coffs workflow management, goal and action planning. Coast? Ultimately, business owners will need to The Coffs Coast Region is a make the transition whilst still delivering hub of self employed business service to customers and looking varying in size and employing after staff. We make this transition a large workforce within our very easy for business owners, so Business is ss . about procesful community. The region is that they reap the full financial cces The most suar rich with many industries, and lifestyle benefits of such a e businesses avee th clever business people transition. ones that h r all and entrepreneurs. Like all Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your big tip for a process fo r ei th competitive environments, effi ciency gains? Business f o aspects â&#x20AC;? s. es any edge that a business can decisions start with consulting n si bu gain is worth assessing and if the financials - the numbers never the numbers stack up, pursuing. lie! This is a great time of year to Our team help business owners commence your transition to XERO, a grow their businesses, save time and cloud based bookkeeping solution that is stress, increase efficiency, profitability and suitable for most businesses. All of our clients cash flow and work towards a saleable business. that have transitioned to XERO have reported This is good for our community. improved efficiency, significant time saving on data This all sounds good, but can you give our processing, increased profitability and improved cash readers a real sense of what this means? flow. We offer a free discussion with any business Business is about process. The most successful owner, on a confidential basis, regarding Xero or businesses are the ones that have a process for all any matters relating to improving outcomes in your aspects of their business. We are in a time where business.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

54 coffs coast focus.

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BEYOND NOW SOLUTIONS

natalie ryan.

Beyond Now Solutions is a professional Hands down, my favourite tool is Xero. It business advisory firm specialising in business is an online accounting system that creates efficiency, growth management and financial amazing efficiencies in the areas of quoting, management of small to medium businesses in invoicing, paying suppliers, collecting money the Coffs Harbour Region. from customers and providing real time The business owner, Natalie Ryan, is a financial reporting. Chartered Accountant who has worked with We work with clients to bring together many business across the Coffs Coast over the other tools available in the cloud eco system to last 16 years. really drive efficiency and performance in the What are the key factors limiting a small business. business owners ability to move forward? Many business owners are asking their Business has many moving parts. A couple of accountants and bookkeepers about Xero. key factors are: We are huge advocates and have Lack of organisation and seen first hand amazing systems in the areas of results for our clients. quoting, invoicing and We have also seen a collection of money. There are f many businesses o er b num Lack of capital or y ke e th t u b who have Xero and s, d o meth misdirection of capital t en rr cu r u o in e are not using it to n o to non-income ment ness envirognth si u b its full potential. e n producing activities. is incorporaetito ls o With a little bit n li No or little n use of o . gy lo o of education and n ch te understanding of the d an rage up training, we have This will leve business numbers ra big outcomes fo seen big changes in profitability and cash ” ness. si u b these businesses. flow being the key How can you help drivers. businesses who want to What can business owners work on to get off to a good move to Xero? start for the 2016 financial year? We are offering all Coffs Coast Most business owners started or bought businesses and invitation to contact us, their businesses for financial and lifestyle and we are happy to discuss the merits of freedom. Unfortunately, many are not Xero compared to their current system. We realising that dream. also have a demonstration booth in our office, It’s critical to sort out systems and processes so you can see firsthand how it works. Further so that generating revenue, paying suppliers you can register your interest to attend an and increasing profitability and cash flow upcoming seminar at become easier and quicker. The business owner annie.vanbest@beyondnowsolutions.com.au. can begin to reap the lifestyle and financial We are happy to work with their accountant benefits for themselves and their family. This and bookkeeper. includes reducing stress, personal growth, We are a Silver Partner for Xero and can increasing family time and health aspects of access low cost transition arrangements for life. local businesses. What is the best approach to sort out and What sort of businesses should be organise a business? considering Xero? There are a number of methods, but the It is suitable for most businesses; however, key one in the current business environment we have seem amazing outcomes for tradeis incorporating the use of online tools and type businesses across various industries, as technology. This will leverage up big outcomes well as trade based suppliers. Specifically, for a business. improved quoting, improved payment and In our current tech world, it’s confusing, so collection of money, improved organisation of we provide insight and solutions as to how to bookwork, improved financial reporting and transition and use tools to benefit the business. What is your favourite tool that businesses importantly, improved profitability and cash flow. Contact us for a no obligation discussion could benefit from in the 2016 financial year? on 6652 2221.

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CHAU & HENNESSY Your Heading Here! Chau & Hennessy Professional Accountants has been serving accounting needs in the Coffs Harbour area and beyond since 1974. In that time we have been through major changes in the way we assist businesses to handle the complexities of accounting practices. We have extensive experience in taxation, superannuation, business planning, consulting and valuation, bookkeeping, GST advice and preparation. Should you be considering a Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF), we are FCPA Superannuation specialists and auditors. We can also provide assistance with your financial planning and financing needs. As a client of our firm you will always be looked after by a partner of the firm, but we also endeavour to ensure that there is always someone available to answer any of your queries, so that you are assured of prompt and reliable service.

At Chau & Hennessy Professional Accountants you can be assured that we value your business and look forward to helping you with all your business and financial needs. Richard Hennessy is an FCPA qualified accountant and has been involved in public practice since 1992. He is a member of CPA Australia, and is now a Superannuation Specialist and SMSF Auditor; he is also a Justice of the Peace. He holds a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting and a Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning). Richard has a strong background in general taxation advice, tax structures and planning, GST, CGT, SMSF administration and audit, advice regarding compliance matters, pension and retirement planning. He is on the board of the Coffs Harbour Chamber of Commerce and has a passion for the needs of small business.

coffs coast focus.

FINANCE EXPERTS FEATURE

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Finance f e a t u r e

TAX TIME IS LOOMING Your Heading Here! FAST Make the Most of it ... It is hard to believe how quickly this year is going. We have seen new year’s resolution the Government deliver another budget and there are a number of changes to consider that impact directly you, Happy New Year to all our family and Happy New Year to all of of may our clients, clients, family upon and friends. friends. particularly small business owners. The The festive festive season season has has gone gone quickly quickly and and II hope hope it it treated treated you you well. well. Individuals need to ensure receipts are held for all tax deductions, It is now time to refl ect on the year that has gone and focus It is now time to reflect on the year that has gone and focus on on including date logbooks vehicle claims, work your for New Year. nd that people think about your plans plansup fortothe the New Year. II fi fifor nd motor that many many people think about related travel, seminars, union fees, tools and equipment. their fi nancial situation over the holiday period and how they their financial situation over the holiday period and how they can can do differently or their situation in year Small businesses should ensure that financial information do things things differently or improve improve theirtheir situation in the the year ahead. ahead. is uphave to date, so that decisions can be made prior to We recently had several regarding overseas We have recently hadimportant several enquiries enquiries regarding overseas June 30. If you are looking for new fi nance arrangements, it is a employment employment and and people people with with overseas overseas investments investments or or fi financial nancial good idea to have your accounts fi nalised so that the bank transactions. are transactions. Tax Tax residency residency can can be be aa complex complex area, area, so so if if you you has are up to date information. in in this this situation situation it it is is important important that that you you seek seek advice advice from from aa tax tax professional. Choosing an Accountant - why use one? professional. IfWhether you are you self-employed, anor accountant is an there essential part ofroom are self Whether you are employed employed or self employed, employed, there is is always always room your team. for for improvement improvement and and even even small small changes changes can can lead lead to to bigger bigger and and better outcomes. You that seed” want to At Barry Hockey Accountants, we have a dedicated team to assist better outcomes. You need need to to “plant “plant that seed” if if you you want to grow. We have aa range of of be you. only specialise in taxation, but we that havecan extensive grow.We Wenot have range of packages packages of services services that can be taitailored your for business clients. background in finance and banking, understand what lored to to suit suit skills your needs needs for both both business and and personal personal clients. your bank manager needs in assessing At Hockey Accountants, we dedicated At Barry Barry Hockey Accountants, we have have fiaanance. dedicated team team to to assist assist you. Our fi rm is big enough to get the job done and small enough Our rm isfirm bigisenough to gettothe and small enough to you.fiOur big enough getjob thedone job done and small enough to care. to care. care. Personal Personal service service and and attention attention to to detail detail is is our our business. business.

a new era at coffs community college The The team team at at Coffs Coffs Coast Coast Community Community College College have have ununveiled some changes for 2015 with a new Management veiled some changes for 2015 with a new Management team, team, upgraded upgraded facilities, facilities, a a revamped revamped program program and and some exciting new partnerships. As an some exciting new partnerships. As an RTO, RTO, the the College College offers offers Nationally Nationally Recognised Recognised Accredited Accredited Training Training in in Aged Aged Care, Care, Children’s Services and Information Communication Children’s Services and Information Communication and and Digital Digital Media. Media. In In addition addition to to customised customised training training for for businesses, businesses, there there are a wide range of work skills and general interest are a wide range of work skills and general interest courses courses on on offer offer to to meet meet the the local local community’s community’s needs. needs. Programs Programs range range from computer, business and vocational training from computer, business and vocational training to to language, language, health health and and well-being. well-being. “Innovation “Innovation in in course course development development and and delivery is paramount to sustaining community delivery is paramount to sustaining community based based colleges. colleges. We We want want to to hear hear from from the the community community about about their their ideas ideas for for new courses and from businesses that have training new courses and from businesses that have training needs needs that that are are not not being being met,” met,” says says new new Training Training & & Quality Quality Manager Manager Gordon Amann. In the spirit of collaboration, Gordon Amann. In the spirit of collaboration, local local co-workco-working ing hub hub SIX SIX DEGREES DEGREES have have found found aa permanent permanent home home at at the the College. Another success for the College has been securing College. Another success for the College has been securing aa large large grant grant from from Department Department of of Education Education and and Communities Communities for Links to Learning Program to assist disadvantaged for Links to Learning Program to assist disadvantaged young young girls girls at at Toormina Toormina and and Orara Orara High High Schools. Schools. So So if if you you want want to to be be inspired to learn something new in 2015, visit inspired to learn something new in 2015, visit www.coffscollege.nsw.edu.au www.coffscollege.nsw.edu.au and and check check out out all all that that is is on on offer. offer.

EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS IN

we’re only a click away www.coffscollege.nsw.edu.au

P: 6652 5378 E: admin@coffscollege.nsw.edu.au

56 coffs coast focus.

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BRIDGES FINANCIAL PLANNER

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There have been some changes at Bridges Coffs Harbour recently, Brett. Can you tell me about them? Absolutely. Bronwyn Lambert has joined us recently and taken over the office administration side of things and having completed a Diploma of Financial Planning, Bronwyn is a major asset to our office. We are also really excited to promote Leonie Dawson to the role of Financial Planner. Leonie has been working alongside me for the past 12 months and diligently studying for her Masters in Financial Planning and has been justly rewarded for her efforts. So what do the next 12 months entail for

Bridges Coffs Harbour? More of the same, I hope. The last 12 months have been our busiest in the four years I have been here and with Leonie’s support, we are now able to assist more people in achieving their financial goals. And what do you think has been creating this growth in the business? I think it has been a combination of a few things, actually. Bridges has been a longstanding business in the community, having been here for over 20 years, and as a result we receive a lot of referrals from our existing clients, who appreciate what we have done for them.

We are also seeing more people move to the area to retire, which is great for Coffs Harbour, and most often it is at that stage that people will engage a financial planner. However, lately we are seeing more people seeking financial advice as a result of the record lows in interest rates, which may be affecting their retirement income. Every week we are having conversations with people invested in cash as to how they can earn more from their money as cash returns are no longer meeting their income needs. And what are the alternatives for people? To achieve higher income means to invest in more growth orientated investments, which unfortunately carry more “risk”, and this does not always sit comfortably with investors. Generally, with low interest rates people have to look to assets such as shares or property, which may mean higher returns over cash, but you are taking on more risk and volatility of your capital. We even had the Reserve Bank Governor Glenn Stevens recently come out and say that an inadvertent consequence of the Reserve’s lowering of the cash rate means that retirees are going to be forced into riskier assets to

potentially find income to support them. Another Federal Budget has passed; any thoughts from a financial planning perspective? From a financial planning perspective, whilst it was nice to see no changes to superannuation, the changes to the Age Pension were significant. And whilst some will see a small increase in their Age Pension, there are those who will lose out as the means test for both singles and couples is to be reduced significantly from 1 January 2017. Rightly or wrongly, the Government is saying to people, we want you to use your own money before you fall back on the Age Pension. That is, think of the pension as a “safety net”. This change is going to force a lot of people to readjust not only their thinking, but also their investment strategies in retirement, as many retirees will now be forced to use their capital to supplement the loss of income from the Age Pension. If you think you will be affected by these changes and would like to discuss them with a financial advisor then please call our office on 6651 2000 for a complimentary obligation-free appointment.

Financial advice makes a difference

If you’re considering your financial future, Bridges one of Australia’s largest financial planning and stockbroking firms can provide you with professional advice on: > > >

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Bridges Financial Services Pty Ltd (Bridges). ABN 60 003 474 977. ASX Participant. AFSL No 240837. Part of the IOOF group

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To arrange your complimentary, obligation-free, initial appointment with a Bridges financial planner, call Bridges Coffs Harbour office on 02 6651 2000 or email coffsharbour@bridges.com.au

coffs coast focus.

focusinterview with Samantha Wardman of CornerPost Consulting

attie, tell us a little about your background and how you came to call Coffs home? I was born in Canberra and moved to the UK as a child, growing up in the south west of England and completed my university studies in Edinburgh in Ethics, where I lived for 10 years. When I finished my Masters, I joined the Meningitis Research Foundation based in Edinburgh, in a role which included fundraising and marketing awareness activities. After this role, I joined Save the Children UK, which is one of the biggest charities in the UK, in a community marketing role, which included managing her Royal Highness Princess Anne’s events for the charity as a patron. In 2007, after marrying my partner, David, we took the opportunity to move to Australia, to Coffs Harbour specifically. We had lived in big cities for the past decade, so we were looking for somewhere more country and smaller and my brother lived in Coffs and my cousins owned a backpackers in Bellingen, so we made the decision to move - and we’ve never looked back. Once in Coffs Harbour, I took a marketing role at Birch Carrol Coyle Cinemas and enjoy working with the film distributor’s considerable budgets, compared to my slim budgets in the UK not for profit sector! I joined Joanne Vines at One Agency after a few years and assisted with their marketing needs in a part-time capacity. During this time, I was lucky to have my two children. When the full-time position came up at Toormina Gardens, I jumped at it, and here we are today! As marketing manager for Toormina Gardens, what are your key priorities in your role? My role is quite broad and diverse, covering centre management marketing as well as casual leasing, so I’m across a variety of areas in the business. There are a few key focuses that influence the day to day running, including the seasonal nature of retail and special events like Mother’s Day, Christmas and Easter, to name a few. Much of our promotional activities are based on these seasonal events; however, promoting community engagement through a range of marketing channels is also a major 58 coffs coast focus.

Toormina Gardens focus. Customer loyalty is one of the big focuses these days in marketing. How has the centre embraced it? It’s very important for not only the centre but for our retailers to have happy and loyal customers. We introduced a loyalty programme, “Freebies”, which provides visitors to the centre an opportunity to win prizes, play games and get access to exclusive retailing deals. We have over 10,000 members, BUSINESSES THAT so it’s been very INVEST IN CUSTOMER successful in engaging SERVICE AND KEEPING customers in the centre. customers. CUSTOMERS HAPPY ARE Our individual stores How has technology THE TOP PERFORMERS IN also have their own played a role in your OUR CENTRE. THE TWO GO loyalty programmes or marketing efforts? HAND IN HAND. REALLY, practices which they The impact of digital NO ONE CAN AFFORD TO promote and market marketing has certainly LOSE A CUSTOMER; IT’S A separately, but on the been challenging for HIGHLY COMPETITIVE LOCAL whole they all work many businesses, MARKET, SO THEY’LL SIMPLY pretty collaboratively including us. Social together to support each media is probably other and the centre as the biggest impact. It a whole when it comes to keeping customers certainly can be great, but nowadays, some happy. social media platforms, like Facebook, require With quite distinct target markets for the more paid advertising spend to get results, so centre, including seniors and families, how what was once an essentially free resource now do you balance your marketing activities to requires a dedicated budget and a concerted attract and appeal to both markets? plan to get noticed by the right consumers. As our activity is seasonal, based on special We’ve certainly adapted to the app space events, there is a natural demographic that and website areas, which have created good follows some of these events, like families awareness for our centre, and reviewing our and women for Mother’s Day etc. So, these social media presence is the next step. are relatively straightforward marketing On the retail side, there have been some big activities for us to engage customers in. From a impacts in terms of technology; the internet is patronage perspective, we find that during the one. Although it’s truly amazing how connected week mostly seniors frequent the centre and the world is with the World Wide Web, it on the weekend, more families visit the centre. has also provided many opportunities for So with this mix, we utilise a range of different consumers to shop online and take their dollars mediums, including: web, mobile app, print out of the area, which makes the competitive and general media to communicate with these market place massive for retailers. Many are markets. resilient and others have fallen, but I think the Our older markets enjoy more traditional key is to focus on service and value. mediums like catalogues, and the younger What have been some of the challenges markets like more online means of you have faced in this role? communicating, so it’s a balancing act to get I think one of the biggest is having a carefully it right. On the whole, we try and undertake controlled budget. My role is all about finding promotional activities aimed at face to face ways we can stretch the marketing spend to interaction, in the centre, as we find this yields get the most value and impact from it. I also the best results for us in engaging with our think the retail environment has really shifted

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over the past few years, with people getting more frugal with their discretionary spend. And as mentioned previously, the impact of online and overseas shopping has also been confronting for many traditional retailers. One other challenge I see for retailers is the discount wars. Many have been bitten by over discounting goods and then getting stuck in the discount zone, where customers will only spend if the goods are discounted. It’s encouraging now to see more businesses moving away from the stale sale mentality to focus on added-value opportunities and how they can enhance each customer’s experience. Customer service is paramount to any business, but especially retailers. What’s your take on it? Businesses that invest in customer service and keeping the customer happy are the top performers in our centre. The two go hand in hand. Really, no one can afford to lose a customer; it’s a highly competitive local market, so they’ll simply go elsewhere next time. From a centre perspective, we work with all of our retailers to provide customer feedback and from time to time we run mystery shoppers to get an outside perspective. With the mix of national and locally owned retailers, it can be hard to balance service, as they have completely different cultures, practices and approaches but ultimately it is a top down philosophy. There is no doubt by keeping the customer happy, they will keep coming back for more - and often they will bring their friends too! Meeting a customer’s expectations and ensuring their experience is positive really should be a top priority for any business. Thanks Hattie.

focusbusiness

President Sawtell Chamber of Commerce, Clive Greenway

T VISIT S AW ND

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Mel: That’s fantastic. What issues have you had to consider? Aidan: Finance, location, managing staff…

MJ Accountants is here to help our clients grow and thrive. If you need help getting started on an expansion project, give us a call today.

We worked on setting goals with realistic deadlines. That’s given us a lot of confidence. Everything feels more attainable and clearer.

Mel: It is exciting! When do you hope to open your new van? We’re aiming for November. For so long it’s been yes, no, yes, no … Now we know it’s going to happen. We’ve realised that the most important thing is to have clear goals and write them down. We’re focused! And it doesn’t hurt to have Jen cracking the whip.

clive greenway.

Mel: Where did you start with trying to turn your idea into reality? Aidan: Jen has forced me to put everything in writing, instead of having my ideas just floating around in my head. It’s made everything so much clearer. When it’s in your head, things are constantly shifting. Writing it down makes me more committed to getting it done.

Aidan: We’re planning to position the new van in a space where we already have a big customer base. That opens opportunities for our mobile van to go to new areas. It’s exciting.

SAWTELL

Mel: Tell us about your expansion idea? Aidan: For months we’ve been thinking about a stationary café that would serve coffee and food. We had talked about it on and off and had plenty of ideas in mind, but never got much further than that.

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So far Aidan and Kieko have had three coaching sessions with our accountant, Jennifer Holman. I caught up with them to find out how things are going.

Mel: Expansion sounds like a lot of work. What’s driving you to make this happen? Keiko: Our customers are really important to us. Every day we see the same customers, and we really appreciate them. In Japan customers are God, and that’s the attitude I take to our customers. At the moment we have to turn customers away - and that’s really sad. With the new van we will be able to help more customers.

About 18 months ago, they started thinking about expansion. The idea was knocking around in the back of their minds when they applied for one of MJ Accountants’ Business Excellence Scholarships. They hoped that some business coaching might give them the impetus to turn their dream into a reality.

There are so many things to consider. I come from a kitchen management background, so there are a lot of things I’d never had to take care of before. Mel: Did you find that daunting? Aidan: Jen really helped us to tick all the boxes. She made me look at the things I would keep putting off, like work cover for employees. There were a few late nights getting the plan done. We deliver coffee to MJ Accountants, so Jen was able to constantly remind me of the deadline. But, to be honest, she made it easy.

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This month Aidan and Keiko Jarvis celebrate the 4th anniversary of GeraGera Mobile Café. Together, they have built a successful business selling coffee and Japanese treats to workers on their regular weekly office run and at Harbourside Markets on the weekends.

LEARNING TO WRITE IT DOWN

focusbusiness with Melanie from MJ Accountants

GREETINGS TO ALL THE FOCUS READERS FROM THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN SAWTELL .

ell, here we are in June with the colder weather upon us - but not necessarily so in Sawtell, as we “turn up the heat”. The Chamber of Commerce and all the fabulous volunteers from the local community are very busy preparing for our biggest day of the year ... the 16th annual Sawtell Chilli Festival! The Chamber, in collaboration with local businesses, orchestrates this fun event aimed at brightening the winter and attracting thousands of locals and tourists, who come for the day-long attractions, musical entertainment, children’s activities, boutique shopping, and fine dining on July 4 this year. Attracting over 12,000 visitors to the region each year, the Sawtell Chilli Festival continues to provide a showcase for both local businesses and a stunning range of innovative chilli products from around the state and elsewhere. Visitors will be amazed at the range of products on offer, such as relishes at every heat-level on the chilli spectrum, the world’s hottest chilli, and chilli wine, to name but a few! After 16 years, the Chamber of Commerce has commissioned a new, brighter and more festive logo for the Chilli Festival, more in line with the Coff’s Coast image as an idyllic beachside setting and the town of Sawtell as “Sunny Sawtell”. Our new logo is currently appearing on the Chilli Festival television commercial, website and Facebook page, and you will start to see it on other promotional material as we head closer to the date.

A fabulous new event has been added to celebrations, with the Sawtell Chamber of Commerce proud to introduce the Benefit Raffle for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, new to the annual Sawtell Chilli Festival programme this year. Because the Westpac Rescue Helicopter is such a valuable contributor to the whole coastal community, the Chamber of Commerce and Sawtell Hotel are teaming up to add a special fundraising event to benefit this lifesaving icon. On Friday, July 3, there is an open invitation from the Sawtell Hotel to support the Westpac Rescue Helicopter by participating in an exciting raffle offering hampers of wonderful chilli products, gift items, sporting memorabilia, as well as holiday packages, a health club membership and beautiful items to enhance any home. Local businesses and stallholders alike have come on board, donating these wonderful items to the raffle in a collaborative effort to support this invaluable service. The raffle will be drummed in by the Rafiki Connection, young drummers from Burundi, who will perform a welcoming routine from their native land. The hotel will provide live music, and Ilias the Greek will be among the crowd to make sure that everyone is greeted with “Yiasatis!” (to your good health.) So this year not only mark your diary for Saturday 4th July, but Friday night, July 3rd. Two extremely fabulous events not to be missed in Sunny Sawtell. Look forward to seeing you! coffs coast focus.

focus_travel

with Kerry Moss from Quadrant Travel

KIA ORA! I am writing to invite you to join me on a journey, exploring my favourite gardens of my homeland, the South Island of New Zealand.

Kerry Moss JAPAN an ENCHANTING CULTURE Japan is bursting at the seams with natural beauty, enchanting culture and unique experiences. It’s the contrasts in Japan that make it so exceptional.

andering the busy streets itself to become a thriving seaside city with of Tokyo provide glimpses stylish atmosphere. A visit to the Peace of an unchartered future. Memorial Park and Museum is both sobering Surrounded by neon lights and educational. and pop culture, people watching in Tokyo Japan is a hotbed of geothermal activity, with takes on a whole new meaning. Tokyo offers over 25,000 naturally occurring mineral hot a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, springs. They form part of the daily ritual, entertainment, culture and dining to its with locals bathing in the traditional Japanese visitors. The city is also home to fascinating Onsen. history and many excellent museums and Japan has wonderful diverse cuisine. For much historic temples. Contrary to popular of the last decade, Tokyo, the capital belief, Tokyo also offers a of Japan, has held the record for number of stunning the most Michelin starred gardens and attractive restaurants within a city green spaces within A visit to Japan throughout the entire y is possible in an easy reach of the city world, beating even ate season . The delic cur centre. oc s Paris. The Japanese are m so os bl cherry Less than an hour on; in as se d passionate about their ite lim a r fo tumn, by bullet train is the food and its presentation. spring and in au with tranquil location of Japan is ablaze Each plate is presented Hakone, where visitors colour. ” as an art form with local can take a relaxing and seasonal ingredients. cruise on Lake Ashi-no Rice and fish form staple in the foothills of Mt Fuji. ingredients, and yet Australian Get up closer with a trip on the Wagyu Beef is still highly acclaimed. Hakone Ropeway and aerial cable car, Japan is rightly famed for its cuisine and with spectacular views of Mt Fuji and gracious hospitality. Owakudani, where steam can be seen A visit to Japan is possible in any season. The spurting from the volcanic activity. delicate cherry blossoms occur for a limited A few hours further down is the cultural centre season; in spring and in autumn, Japan of Japan, Kyoto. Filled with World Heritage is ablaze with colour. Winter, however, is sites, shrines and temples, teahouses and spectacular for all the right reasons. The days gardens. It is true that you can lose yourself in are clear and cool, with snow falling regularly the streets as you wander and explore the city’s across the country. Japan has a credible gardens and monuments. Catch a glimpse of a reputation on the world ski slope stage, beautiful Geisha on dusk in the Geisha quarter where travellers come from across the globe of Gion, made famous in Memoirs of a Geisha. to experience world class skiing. So, if you’re If military history piques your interest, then a looking for a winter getaway in the middle visit to Hiroshima is a must. Well known as the of our Australian summer, then Japan is both atomic bomb site, Hiroshima has reinvented fascinating and intriguing.

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When I left NZ thirty years ago, nobody opened their gardens, and over the years I have watched the situation change, noticing more and more lovely gardens opening their gates to the public. Even so, Richard, my husband, and I were amazed when we undertook a ten day tour of the island last year. The variety and standard of the gardens took us completely by surprise, as we visited gardens large and small, town and country, historic and not so old, seaside and alpine, gracious and quirky, with many of international quality. The garden owners themselves, without exception, were welcoming and passionate and included some incredibly knowledgeable plantspeople - many of whom are recognised internationally. And then of course, the gardens are all set

against the magnificent backdrop of the South Island itself, and we will be experiencing the lakes, mountains, glaciers, valleys and coastlines of one of the most beautiful islands in the world - in my unbiased opinion! And did I mention the food and wine for which New Zealand has earned such a great reputation? We have some special restaurants and meals to look forward to! Some people, on hearing of the length of this tour of a relatively small island, have expressed surprise, but believe me - it’s just the tip of the iceberg, and I have had to leave out a number of gardens I would love to have included. Nevertheless, we will not be racing and will have time to relax, with the occasional day off, and time for retail therapy! So please come - we are going to have a great time and I promise not to introduce you to too many of my relatives!

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

JUNE 2015

with Terri

AQUARIUS. January 21 - February 19

Esteem issues need to be recognised and disolved. Look at your reflection and smile; it’s that easy! The more you like yourself, the easier it will be to receive the best. It is time for you now. Calcite brings out our spontaneity and confidence.

PISCES.

February 20 - March 20 A new friend or special love is likely to touch your heart soon. Enjoy the vast differences between you. Much laughter can be expected, as you learn to look at things differently together. Amazonite is wonderful for personal truth.

ARIES.

March 21 - April 20 Celebrations are coming, so don’t give up your dream. You have needed to recognise your own strength and independence, so you can succeed. Don’t allow the frustration of feeling suspended to spoil your passion or focus. Ruby worn daily energises the aura with passion and persistence.

TA U R U S . April 21 - May 21

Justice will prevail! Any unfinished business should be taken care of A.S.A.P. Recognise your fears, and shatter them with laughter. Pay attention to your words; they can get you into or out of trouble. Rose Quartz is a powerful “loving” crystal.

GEMINI. May 22 - June 22

Relationships will be a major influence on your thoughts for some time. Avoid expectations, as they only lead you to disapointment. Instead, look at the uniquness of your partner and stay happy for knowing them. Sugilite helps to build emotional bridges, in a loving way.

CANCER. June 23 - July 23

Love yourself enough to make the best choices in life. Your time is precious; spend it wisely to avoid feeling pulled in all directions at once. Be sure to prioritise fun in your schedule. Phenacite helps us recognise our own divinity.

LEO.

July 24 - August 23 Patience is the virtue Leos are learning about. Avoid self-destructive thoughts and remain positive, as this will connect you with your outcome. Changes begin with thoughts; set some fresh goals. Aventurine is good for personal growth.

VIRGO.

August 24 - September 23 Time is approaching for you to have an uncomplicated emotional existance. There is likely to be a huge change in your thought processes, as you are changing quickly. Avoid being intolerant of people as they haven’t changed; you have. Lapis Lazuli amplifies our self-knowledge.

LIBRA.

September 24 - October 23 You are wise old souls. Listen to the wisdom of your own words, as you have all your answers. You avoid self confidence in making choice, only because change is a challenge. Feel your truth. Ruby feeds our life force.

SCORPIO.

October 24 - November 22 You are about to tumble into the “unknown”, but it will be the best thing for your growth. You will learn a lot in a very short time, and you will be loving the experience. Be adventurous and enjoy. Tourmaline strengthens inner peace.

S A G I T TA R I U S . November 23 - December 21

Play with your ability to manifest. You only need to think about what you want and fill yourself with the excitement of having it and think “thanks”, then forget about it. Clear quartz amplifies our “magical” abilities.

CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20

Set some fresh goals quickly if you haven’t recently, as you are about to have some good luck. Positve energy is likely to affect your thoughts over the next few weeks, so capitalise on this. Rhodochrosite keeps our inner child active with joy.

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FURNITURE & MANCHESTER

B E AT T I E ’ S F U R N I T U R E & M A N C H E S T E R S TA R T E D I N N A M B U C C A H E A D S I N 1 9 8 3 . E L I Z A B E T H A N D A L A N B E AT T I E P U R C H A S E D A S H O P I N T H E M A I N S T R E E T O F N A M B U C C A A N D A T R U C K L OA D O F F U R N I T U R E A N D M A N C H E S T E R .

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eattie’s Furniture & Manchester started in Nambucca Heads in 1983. Elizabeth and Alan Beattie purchased a shop in the main street of Nambucca and a truckload of furniture and manchester, then they were off and going with their daughter, Joanne. The business grew rapidly, and they soon leased another shop and storage shed in the industrial estate to keep up with demand. Five years later, they purchased land in the industrial estate and built a 1,000 m² double brick warehouse and a storage shed to continue to grow the business.

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The business has continued to grow over the years, changing with the market. They have also grown geographically as well, offering free delivery to Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour in the north and down to Kempsey in the south and west out to Dorrigo.” They are the largest stockist of La-Z-Boy recliners and lounges on the North Coast and love selling their quality products. They offer lifetime warranty on their mechanism and 10 years warranty on their frame and foam.

coffs coast focus.

FURNITURE & MANCHESTER

Beattie’s are

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Drop in and see the trouble getting out of also the largest latest in recliners and a the chair? Try one of ss Te of st ki stoc area . e lounges for superb th Beattie’s 15 different in re itu rn fu tralian comfort, whether La-Z-Boy lift chairs to Tessa is an Aus in you are average build, help you on your feet company based short or tall. Browse or to recline back for a Mel bourne .” the huge range of nanna nap. fabrics and leathers that Beattie’s are also the are available to find the right largest stockist of Tessa one for your décor. They also furniture in the area. Tessa is come rocking or fixed and have the an Australian company based in easiest reclining mechanism on the marMelbourne. The company was started ket with their patented system. Having by designer Fred Lowan in the late sixties

Beatties Furniture are the exclusive stockists of the Tessa Monaco lounge and Monash recliners.

tessafurniture.com | freecall 1800 339 528

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Drop in to Beattie’s to ask al their profession ch hi advice on w t for mattress is righ perfect e th r fe of you to eir th support from ino om D d King Koil an range.”

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FURNITURE & MANCHESTER

and was renamed Tessa in 1970 when they won the Dunhill Design Award. Come in to Beattie’s and have a seat in their classic Monaco lounge, of which each piece is lovingly hand crafted in their Melbourne factory by Australians. Available in a large range of leathers and fabrics, Tessa recliners and lounges make a statement in any home of class and elegance. Beattie’s also stock Moran lounges with distinction from Melbourne. For the finishing touches to a room, place one of their 150 rugs on the floor to tie in the colours of the lounge with the rest of the

room. Or see them about their range of curtains, either made to measure or ready made off the shelf - just the thing to help keep the winter chill out of the room. Are you sleeping well? Waking with aches and pains? Then drop in to Beattie’s to ask their professional advice on which mattress is right for you to offer the perfect support from their King Koil and Domino range. All their mattresses are Australian made and supported by Australian companies. To complement the mattress they carry a wide range of bed room suites from colonial to modern to suit

all tastes. What about the dining? They have Tasmanian Oak or delightful Chestnut dining suites with leather chairs and matching buffets. Or sleek white gloss dining suites with a modern buffet to make the room. From small three settings to big 12 seaters, they have it all. They also have a large range of outdoor furniture and umbrellas. Soak up the sun in a comfy lounge chair or enjoy a meal outside with friends sitting at a lovely dining suite.

They are proud stockists of Shelta outdoor furniture, who are known for their quality. Beattie’s Furniture & Manchester belong to two buying groups to keep their prices low. Beattie’s Furniture & Manchester put their success down to offering superior service, competitive prices and free delivery. Michael, Chris, Alan and Darren at Beattie’s Furniture all value their customers and the contribution that they make to our society. Their friendly staff always has time for customers and enjoy making new friends with them and helping them in any way possible.

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focusinterview. Local Rider Josh Button by Stephen Hillenbrand

SCOTT BOCKING FROM WOODSEY’S WHEELS IN WOOLGOOLGA SHARES WITH FOCUS HIS PASSION FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING, REVEALING THE BEST TRAILS TO EXPLORE THE COFFS COAST AND THE UNTAPPED POTENTIAL FOR THE AREA TO BECOME A MAJOR MOUNTAIN BIKING DESTINATION.

MOUNTAIN BIKER

ow long have you been involved in the sport? I started back in Whistler BC in 1995. I was working in the ski industry at the time and had a big fall which snapped both cruciate ligaments in my left knee. It was an injury that would take a lot of rehab, and my physio told me cycling would be the best way to get back onto my skis. I borrowed a bike from a Canadian mate and cycled to and from physio sessions. I soon started looking for more challenging trails, and in no time I was hooked. I continued working in the ski industry, but now it meant also taking a bike with me. As soon as the valley snow melted, I would get out there after skiing and ride the local trails. I rode some amazing trails in Canada, America, Europe and the Snowy Mountains. After 19 consecutive winters, I hung up my ski school uniform and got a job in the bike industry. Mountain biking is seen as an extreme sport by most people; do you think it deserves to be included as one? Extreme sells and marketers have always pushed this angle. In reality, it is a sport that anyone with very basic bike skills can enjoy. There is a saying that good things should be easy to do and difficult to master. This sums up mountain biking perfectly. Most trails are only as difficult as the speed you ride them at. As your skill and speed increases, so does the challenge. How long have you being based in the local area? I moved to Mullaway in 2007 and brought my job with me. I was working as the Australasian brand manager for Mongoose Bikes at the time and set up a home office. I spent a lot of time overseas at international trade shows and product launches. It was a great job and I rode in some epic locations, but eventually the travel gets too much and my

ld G ood things shou d an do be easy to lt to master. This cu ffi di ain biking sums up mount trails are perfectly. Most as the only as difficult em at . th speed you ride eed sp d an ill As your sk es the increases, so do challenge.”

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wife had a second baby on the way. I resigned from that, and today I run Woodsey’s Wheels in Woolgoolga. Why is the local area so well suited to mountain biking? The Coffs Coast offers world class mountain biking. Our climate and geography is perfectly suited, and good rainfall means that we have great dirt. There are literally thousands of kilometres of good riding between Nambucca and Grafton, and it would take a lifetime to explore it all. As a rider, where are some of your favourite local trails? Locally around Woolgoolga I love riding in the Wedding Bells State Forest. My favourites would be Thorn Creek, Timberjack and Tramway trails. I also really enjoy the trails between Safety Beach and Woopi for a quick loop. Bucca Rd has some great terrain, and Pine Creek is a must do for anyone who is new to the sport or the area. Nambucca has put itself on the MTB radar with the trail network they have built at Jacks Ridge. They have done an amazing job carving out flowing singletrack through native forest. Up and down the coastline there are also lots of trails that link up headlands and offer some amazing views. Mt Coramba has downhill trails that offer something faster and more technical for those looking for more challenging riding. These days I love any trail that I can ride with my wife and my little boys. They are only young, but they love it, and seeing them have so much fun in the Aussie bush is a true joy. How can riders find out more info about such things as accessing these areas? Coffs Harbour MTB Club has a good Facebook page and is very active. Local bike shops are always a good starting point, so hit them up for ride dates or trail info. If you are

on the north side, drop into Woodsey’s Wheels or if you are in Coffs, check out Ventoux or Rainbow Cycles. All these shops know the MTB scene. Local newsagents sell detailed topographic maps that help for anyone who wants to explore beyond the established areas. There is also a free app called Strava which is an amazing trail resource. It gives you accurate trail info for the entire planet! Our area has hundreds of rides logged in that you can easily find with the app running on any smartphone. Is the State Forest group embracing people using these areas for the sport? They are very supportive and see mountain bikers as a very positive user group. It is a selfpowered, environmentally conscious sport and fits nicely into the recreation angle the Forestry Commission are pushing. The tag line is that the forests are “there to share” and they have granted lands to Grafton, Coffs and Nambucca cycling clubs. Is it a popular sport in the local area; is it growing in popularity? Mountain bikes have been ridden on the Coffs Coast since the very early days of the sport, and the original trail network on Bucca Rd was well known. Today, the sport is mainstream and growing strongly. It is good for you, great to do with friends and family and is relatively cheap once you have your gear. The cost of bikes and accessories has come down a lot as the sport has grown, making it very affordable for most people. The Coffs Coast has produced some quality riders and at the moment we have two locals competing on the World Cup stage. Josh Button races in the Men’s Downhill and Em Parkes is about to take on the best girls on the

planet in World Cup XC events. Are there any local clubs for mountain biking or core groups? Grafton, Coffs and Nambucca Valley all have active clubs. Search online or drop into your local bike shop, and the staff will be able to head you in the right direction. What are your hopes for the future of the sport on the Coffs Coast? A chairlift to the top of Sealy Lookout with a trail network running back into Coffs would be the ultimate. Towns like Whistler BC and Rotorua NZ have created a huge tourist boom off the back of cycling. Thousands of tourists pack their bikes up and travel to these locations every year. Coffs is perfectly placed to become a riding mecca on the Australian East Coast. Cairns has done a great job of building trails and marketing their riding, but the humidity is a bit much for a lot of people. Thredbo have been investing a lot of money in the past few years to stimulate their summer trade, and one of their key target markets has been mountain bikers. Mt Buller has positioned itself as the premier riding resort and is getting good numbers into the resort during the summer months. Could we see a mountain biking event in the future held around here? The local clubs currently hold events that anyone can enter. Nambucca run regular three hour races that can be raced solo or in teams. Coffs runs the “Pleasure and Pain” each year, with distances up to 100 km, and Grafton runs a very popular 12-hour event in the Bom Bom State Forest. The beauty of mountain bike races is that most people are only racing themselves. The vibe is very friendly and family oriented. The only pressure you have is that which you put on yourself. We live in such an amazing place, and riding a mountain bike is a fantastic way to get out there and see more of it. Thanks Scott. coffs coast focus.

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COME INSIDE AND SEE ALL THE CHANGES TO TEN PIN BOWLING IN COFFS HARBOUR...

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CLUB 300 BOWLING & BAR TEN PIN BOWLING NOW OPEN TO EVERYONE

Regulars are “bowled over” by the transformation.

offs Harbour’s passionate band of ten pin league bowlers has been rewarded for their loyalty with a new facility at the same central

location. Gone is the awful staircase and dingy splitlevel layout, replaced with an open, welcome and modern centre. Only the relatively new synthetic bowling lanes and computer system survived the extensive refurbishment. League bowler Henry Sury is impressed. “I love it. I love how it feels so open now,” he said. “I’m blown away by how even though the colour is so dark, it feels so light and

The elevator and removing little even those few wn do ng pi stairs step s ne la g lin w to the bo has made a big difference.”

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warm.” Long overdue, the biggest improvement is the new lift and level access, making Club 300 Bowling and Bar accessible to everyone. An enclosed VIP bowling zone and bar, entertainment bar and commercial kitchen, complete with pizza oven, are other additions. “This definitely has a big ‘wow’ factor,” said long-term local bowler, Trevor Le-Brocq. “The elevator and removing even those few

little stairs stepping down to the bowling lanes has made a big difference,” Trevor said. “A lot of the older bowlers and those with prams or wheelchairs have dreamed of having an elevator here, so this is fantastic,” he said. Club 300 Bowling and Bar offers a number of day and night ten pin bowling leagues - for fitness, fun and competition. Serious competitors play in the Tuesday

night singles or Thursday afternoon junior singles. Daytime players compete in team games each Monday morning, and there are night team leagues on Wednesday and Thursday nights. For a fun competition full of laughter, try the Special Olympics and Go Troppo League on Monday evenings or the Frantic Friday lunchtime special league. Club 300 Bowling and Bar sits between the Grafton Street highway and Cox Lane, although access is only from Cox Lane until building work finishes in the arcade. Phone (02) 6652 5666.

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CLUB 300 BOWLING & BAR TEN PIN BOWLING NOW OPEN TO EVERYONE

Ten Pin Bowling is different for everyone

M O S T S P O R T I N G O R E N T E R TA I N M E N T V E N U E S O F F E R T H E S A M E E X P E R I E N C E F O R E V E RY O N E , B U T T E N P I N B O W L I N G I N C O F F S H A R B O U R I S D I F F E R E N T.

or young people, a game of bowls, eating makes casual dining or just drinking easier. Bowling handmade pizzas with nightclub mood is not compulsory, and Coffs Harbour has gained lighting and disco sound system and screens, another licensed casual dining venue, away from the challenging friends in arcade weather and in the heart of town. games, before playing pool in the Open seven days, the centre has entertainment bar can be a long been a favourite for rainy days whole night out, whether and sweltering hot days. Casual School groups they are under or over 18. bookings are always welcome, enjoy visiting For the daytime bowling or join the drop in Funtastic n tio for sport or vaca league games, the lighting Fridays free pool tables and d care activities an is pumped up and the jukebox. On weekends, there kids aged from n ca sound system dialled down are Sunday Family Day priced s en te toddlers to in sp for a sport everyone can games for only $30 for a to ls w bo get the .â&#x20AC;? ns pi play, especially now Club family of two adults and up e th ds ar tow 300 Bowling and Bar has a to three children. Accompanied new lift and level floor plan. children aged under four years School groups enjoy visiting for are free every day. sport or vacation care activities, and Upstairs from Cox Lane in the heart kids aged from toddlers to teens can get of Coffs Harbour, 300 Club Bowling and the bowls to spin towards the pins. Bar guests will find parking in the nearby Elbow The Club 300 Bowling and Bar redesign Street car park. Phone (02) 6652 5666.

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CLUB 300 BOWLING & BAR TEN PIN BOWLING NOW OPEN TO EVERYONE

WHEN CLUB 300 B O W L I N G A N D B A R WA S V I R T U A L LY G U T T E D F O R A L O N G - OV E R D U E R E F U R B I S H M E N T, T H E O W N E R D E C I D E D I T WA S A CHANCE TO BETTER C AT E R F O R PA R T I E S A N D G ROU PS.

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mood lighting is more the speed for teenagers, paying $21 a head. The teen package also includes meal, drink, game and shoe hire. Parents can distance themselves (still keeping an eye on the action) in the comfort of the entertainment bar. The Gold Class Lounge Bar can cater for up to 50 people in a private cocktail setting and offers four lanes of bowling and an exclusive bar. Larger group bookings of up to 200 can be accommodated on enquiry to Club 300 Bowling and Bar on email: info@club300.com. au or telephoning 6652 5666. Access to Club 300 Bowling and Bar is from Cox Lane, near Coffs Hotel and the Elbow Street car park.

architects

PTY LT D

a better life, by design

residential | commercial | multi-residential | public

New party and function venue in heart of town

seniors. A Club 300 party s as Cl d ol host can run your G e Th under 12-year-old new Gold Lounge Bar to 50 child’s party and Class Lounge can cater for up e at iv pr a bowling game, Bar, screened people in an d cocktail setting while parents and by sliding s offers four lane siblings relax with glass walls, now sits an of bowling and discounted games behind four bowling r.” ba exclusive of bowls or arcade lanes, making it the perfect games. The package location for a private and price of $19.50 for active workplace function. groups of 8 or more children Families are always looking for includes a game of bowling, shoe a fun and affordable birthday party hire, meal, drink and lolly bag, plus there’s no all-weather location, and the refurbished plate fee for your cake. Club 300 Bowling and Bar offers value and Disco bowling with a free jukebox and convenience for any age: toddlers, teens to

20 Eleventh Avenue, Sawtell NSW [p] 02 6658 5544 [w] www.g2architects.com.au [e] info@g2architects.com.au g2 architects pty ltd / NSW Reg. No. 8295 / AIA 48995 coffs coast focus.

CLUB 300 BOWLING & BAR TEN PIN BOWLING NOW OPEN TO EVERYONE

B O W L I N G

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Changes on lots of wish lists THE BIGGEST CHANGE IN THE R E F U R B I S H E D C LU B 300 B OW L I NG AND BAR IS THE NEW LIFT AND L E V E L L AY O U T. aid of a ball ramp. Joining her at Club 300 is ACCNET carer, Mark Toovey, now bringing For fun clients to Club 300 three days a ll competitions fu eople with disabilities week. “Making this wheelchair offer often have fewer sport of laughter, they cs accessible is extremely important,” mpi the Special Oly ague and exercise options, Mr Toovey said. Le and G o Troppo and ten pin bowling “It’s such a great place to come ings on Monday even ay is a sport which can be played to now,” he said. id or the Frantic Fr even from a wheelchair. While access was previously a l ia lunchtime spec Stevie Eckardt has tried most challenge, Club 300 has always league .” available sports in her wheelchair offered great services for people with - ballroom dancing, swimming, special needs. For fun competitions full wheelchair basketball and she is a of laughter, they offer the Special Olympics regular at her gym and Zumba classes. and Go Troppo League on Monday evenings or “I’ll be coming here every Friday,” Ms Eckardt said. the Frantic Friday lunchtime special league. Since she last tried ten pin bowling, she has All access, stairs and lift to Club 300 is at the Cox noticed her gym and Zumba workouts have given Lane entrance, near Elbow Street car park. her the upper body strength to roll the bowls without the Phone (02) 6652 5666.

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CLUB 300 BOWLING & BAR TEN PIN BOWLING NOW OPEN TO EVERYONE

hidden dining surprise

FA N S O F H A N D M A D E A R T I S A N P I Z Z A S H AV E A N E W L U N C H A N D E V E N I N G V E N U E I N T H E H E A RT O F C O F F S H A R B O U R .

ntil the arcade reopens, Club 300 Bowling and Bar isn’t a café you may find yourself walking past, but inside is a surprisingly varied menu. Ten pin bowling traditionalists will be relieved there are American hot dogs and milkshakes, but installing a new pizza oven and commercial kitchen has enabled an expansion of the menu. Both handmade crispy and gluten free pizzas are available, using seasonal ingredients. Current favourites are BBQ chicken and bacon and meatlovers. Also popular are hot breads: garlic, double cheese and triple cheese oven baked breads. Baristas serve Piazza D’oro coffees, iced coffees and hot chocolates with fresh cream, if desired. For birthday parties and hungry groups, there are always hot chips, party pies, sausage rolls or fresh sandwich platters.

The most exciting menu options are for function bookings and include cold platters of cheese, antipasto, fruit or dips and crackers. Hot platters include marinated sweet chilli or salt-andpepper calamari, tempura prawns, Moroccan chicken skewers and spicy Cajun meatballs. It might not be the first place you think of eating, but Club 300 Bowling and Bar could become your new secret location, as inside you can enjoy great food, from a menu to suit everyone. Eat out of the weather in air-conditioned comfort, with either a barista coffee, or drink from the fully stocked bar. Upstairs from Cox Lane in the heart of Coffs Harbour, Club 300 Bowling and Bar guests will find parking in the nearby Elbow Street car park. Phone (02) 6652 5666.

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CLUB 300 BOWLING & BAR TEN PIN BOWLING NOW OPEN TO EVERYONE

Clever design transforms a favourite venue G O O D D E S I G N I S W O R T H I T. V I S I T O R S T O C L U B 3 0 0 B O W L I N G A N D B A R’ S N E W- L O O K T E N P I N B O W L I N G C E N T R E W I L L F I N D R E M A R K A B L E C H A N G E S . W H E R E O N C E WA S A M A S S I V E , F O R B I D D I N G S TA I R C A S E , N O W F I T S A L I F T, E A S Y S TA I R S A N D N E W B AT H R O O M S . G O N E T O O I S T H E AW K WA R D S P L I T- L E V E L L AY O U T A N D S M A L L D I N I N G S PA C E S .

lever architectural design released vast amounts of As a commercial building project, everything Natural Habitat wasted space, brought in natural light and created specified had to meet Australian Standards, such as for the clear flowing activity zones. spread of flame indices in carpet and upholstery and slip ratings Architect Ann Gee of g2 Architects explained for tiles. the design brief. “Our main aim was to achieve an exciting and Partnering with the architect and interior designer on the vibrant space for ten pin bowling,” Ann Gee said. “Access was project is commercial builder, CBuild (North Coast). the most important design determinant, so people of all ages “We were delighted to work with CBuild,” Nicolle Foster said. and abilities can come, bowl and have a great time,” Mrs Gee “Some builders will say something is too hard, take shortcuts, or said. just change your design without asking. “We basically gutted the space and released a whole lot of “CBuild’s Clive Simmonds respects the integrity of the design inefficient and unusable space,” she said. and you know the finished product is going to come together,” Colours, interior finishes, furnishings and pendant lighting Ms Foster said. were selected as part of plan prepared by Natural Habitat “Both Clive and his foreman, John Smyth, are so organised Interiors and Design. “Club 300 is a multi-purpose space and calm and they have such a ‘can-do’ attitude about serving lots of demographics, so it needs to be architectural and design elements,” she said. Agreeing, appealing across the age spectrum,” said Nicolle Ann Gee of g2 Architects said, “CBuild are coFoster of Natural Habitat. operative and professional and nothing is “We used a lot of metallic finishes to too much trouble, although they are very give it a luxury feel, but toned down the conscious of budget. s glitz with timber and warm highlights to “It’s always hard modifying an existing er ild bu Some make it feel welcoming and friendly,” building, but CBuild problem-solved as y sa will rd , ha o to Ms Foster said. “Most importantly, hard as we did to achieve our aesthetic is ng hi somet ju st or s ut it is about ten pin bowling, so we’ve vision.” tc or sh ke ta sign chosen a dark grey paint scheme to change your de .” ng ki as keep the focus on the pins at the end without of the bowling lanes, while the mood is controlled with lighting,” she said. “Using rich dark colours and a variety of metallics can be too busy in a small space, but can be effective, with plenty of balance in a larger space like Club 300,” she said. Metallic finishes are most obvious in the Gold Class Lounge Bar and Entertainment Bar Lounge. A gold foil Art Deco wallpaper print complements brass pendant lighting and a copper bar facade is offset by mixed bronze upholstered leather lounges. Moroccan patterns combine with gloss and mat finished mosaic tiles in the bathrooms.

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B O W L I N G

B A R

now open to everyone

focusinterview. MICHAEL AND LUKE O’BRIEN ARE A LOCAL FATHER-SON DUO WHO SPECIALISE IN GROWING ONE OF OUR NATIVE TREASURES - THE SUCCULENT FINGER LIME ...

LUKE & MICHAEL

O’BRIEN FINGER LIME FARMERS

We always knew about them growing naturally in the rainforest and ugh discovered thro at th some research y bu to le we were ab s.” ee tr grafted

“

hy did you guys decide to grow Finger Limes? We really wanted to grow something native and came across these and found they suited our climate and property perfectly. They were something a little different that we felt would take off one day. Where are you growing them? We have a property west of Bowraville. Is it just yourself, or are others involved in the venture? My dad (Michael) and I. Is the local area a good match for the crop? Yes, they are a sub tropical plant, and our local area provides good rainfall, warm climate and fertile soils. How did you find out about Finger Limes? We always knew about them growing naturally in the rainforest and discovered through some research that we were able to buy grafted trees. We also grow Blood Limes, which are a Finger Lime crossed with Rangpur Lime, and Sunrise Limes, which are a Finger Lime crossed with Calamondin. Both varieties were developed by the CSIRO. Are they a difficult crop to grow? Yes, they can be difficult. Like other citrus plants, they can attract pests and diseases. How long do they take to cultivate?

They take about five years to fruit to a commercial quantity. What do you see as the main attraction of the Finger Lime? It’s the caviar-like appearance and the fact they are a native bush food. They are a versatile product, which can be used in many types of cuisine. Can you describe the Finger Lime, how it looks and tastes? The Finger Limes are a number of different colours and are shaped like a finger, hence the name. The pulp is like caviar pearls, which pop in your mouth with a burst of lime. The fruit and the pulp are available in several colours. The Blood Lime has an oval shape and a pale pink flesh with a lime/mandarin flavour. The pulp is a combination of juice and “pearls” and has a more delicate flavour than the Finger Lime. Do you sell them locally or export them? We sell them locally and export. Snap frozen fruit is sold into the native food industry in WA, SA, NSW and QLD. Some of the fruit is going to food services on the Ghan, cruise ships and we also make a dried ground product which is used in Dukkah and peppers for food service. Fresh fruit is going to some of the best restaurants in the EU. Where do you export them, and how did

you discover this market? We export into Europe through our association with Australian Finger Lime Caviar and the growers group we are aligned with. What is the process that is involved to get them from the farm to the customer overseas? Fruit is picked and delivered to the packing shed and sorted for export. Some fruit is snap frozen. The fruit is marketed by Australian Finger Lime Caviar. What are some of the uses for the Finger Lime? There are so many ways to eat the fruit. In curries, spring rolls, dipping sauces, on ice cream, salads, seafood, cocktails, in beer, jelly, jams, dukkah spice, and the list goes on. The snap frozen product has become popular with the chefs because it extends the season for all year round use. When opened properly, the pearls are still intact, which make it much easier for chefs as the shelf life for snap frozen will last eight months. If anyone is interested in how to use the snap frozen product, follow this video link: https://vimeo.com/44628958 You had some success at the Royal Easter Show; tell us a little bit about that? We sent fruit with the local agricultural society for the central display and were

rewarded with the merit certificate for highest scored Finger Limes. Are people surprised that the Finger Lime is a native Australian plant? I have found that most people have never heard of, seen or eaten a Finger Lime, let alone have knowledge of it being an Australian native. I heard that the plants were used as a form of primitive barbed wire by early white settlers to keep the kangaroos out of their crops; have you ever heard stories along those lines? No, but I can see why they would use them, as they are an extremely spikey plant - although, we have plenty of wallabies that have a good go and don’t seem to be too fazed by them. What does the future hold for the Finger Lime? The future is bright for the Finger Lime, as the market and awareness of the fruit is continually growing. As more growers come on board, the local market should expand. The snap frozen product is becoming more and more popular and as more chefs become aware of this product, the market should continue to expand. www.australian-native-limes.com Luke O’Brien 0422 418 440 Michael O’Brien 0413 301 300 missabottiman@yahoo.com.au Thanks Luke. coffs coast focus.

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Big thanks to Freedom atural Furniture and N g us in nd le r Habitat fo for es ec pi e tiv decora .” the photoshoot

“ NATHAN, SHELLEY AND THEIR TEAM AT NICHE DESIGN & BUILD HAVE JUST COMPLETED THEIR LATEST CUSTOM HOME AT SPLIT SOLITARY ROAD, SAPPHIRE. THE PROJECT HAS BEEN NOT ONLY AN ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE SHARED WITH THEIR CLIENT, MATT MORRALL, BUT ALSO A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT AND ONE THEY ARE EXCITED ABOUT SHARING ...

he journey started when Matt saw a TV advertisement for the Niche Display home at Emerald Beach back in November 2013. It is here when visiting their open home that he met Niche’s builder, Nathan, and saw his work for the first time. Matt, what were your first impressions on entering the Niche Display home? Matt: “I was struck by the spaciousness and how the natural light filled the entire home. The seamless progression from indoors to the spectacular courtyard was also a drawcard for me. The style and materials

captivated me immediately.” And at what point did you decide you wanted a Niche Custom Home? Matt: “I had decided after my first visit to Nathan and Shelley’s home. It was the first time I had been in a home, which I would have loved to live in without a second thought. I actually told Nathan that I’d be happy to either buy their home or have him replicate it on my block. It was exactly the style of home I’d been searching for. I believed immediately that Nathan and Shelley could deliver the perfect home for me.”

coffs coast focus.

NICHE DESIGN & BUILD

The pair at Niche designed the original concept for the home and after only one draft, Matt was ready to commit. From here, Nathan and Shelley had their architect, Aran from Atelier 41, fine tune the design as well as engaging the services of Nicolle, their interior designer from Natural Habitat, to work alongside for all the interior and exterior selections. Having this marriage of talented people come together is the backbone to the success of this project. Combining the skills of each of these

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The floor plan is an created around ith w d ar ty internal cour ea , sun entertainment ar d an deck , grassy area a ith w pool complete ge .â&#x20AC;? stunning wet ed

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industry professionals is essential to creating balance between function and design, resulting in a balance that is evident only in a high quality project such as this. The floor plan is created around an internal courtyard with entertainment area, sun deck, grassy area and pool complete with a stunning wet edge. The seamless flow from indoors to

outdoors creates the perfect conditions for entertaining and outdoor living all year round. This design also ensures that the pool and courtyard are seen from all areas of the house, merging the border between the interior and exterior. From the moment you see the home, the entry lures you in through the stone

pathway, bordered by the modern, white honed block work of the garage and the smooth timber cladding, as well as the large, vertical, recycled bridge timbers incorporated into the fencing. It is this blend of clean contemporary lines mixed with natural elements and a hint of rustic that this home is built on. This balance is missing from many contemporary homes, but is clearly evident here, creating a warmth necessary in turning any house into a home. Nathan, we can see that your team has

created a very beautiful and functional home, cool. This floor plan is also great for catching but with everyone becoming so eco aware the north easterly breezes, which are the most these days, tell us how have you considered effective source of natural cooling in our area in the environment in this design? the hotter months. Nathan: “The environment is always at the This home also has solar hot water as well as forefront of every house design we do. We solar panels, but in brief it is the combination of believe strongly that you can’t just take a design materials as well as design that help this home to out of a book and plonk it on your block. All reduce its carbon footprint.” our designs are custom, because you need to Nathan, how do you manage to get each consider all aspects of the land from location and every element of one of your custom to orientation and climate then cross homes to come together? Your team check it with the client’s needs in must have a fantastic vision for order to build a home that is not what the project will look only environmentally aware, like ... In this design comfortable all year round, Nathan: “Thank you. Yes, specifically, the but to also have the added a lot of the success does home floor plan of this bonus of costing you less to come down to planning th m ar ew maximises on th in live in throughout the years. and having a great team n su of the morning In this design specifically, with a clear vision of to in it g tin winter by invi the floor plan of this home the original concept; e th h ug ro th all rooms maximises on the warmth however, our custom dows.” many large win of the morning sun in winter, homes always evolve over by inviting it into all rooms the course of the entire build. through the many large windows. I believe it is essential to any This heats the burnished concrete great project to allow the home to floors, which slowly disperses throughout reveal itself along the way and not to the day and night, minimising - if not avoiding be scared to make last minute changes or throw completely - the use of additional heating in the a new idea into the mix. As a team, along with home. In summer the reverse is achieved, simply the client, some of the most inspiring and striking in having large eaves to avoid direct sunlight elements to a home are born this way.” entering the home and in turn, the concrete stays

“

NICHE DESIGN & BUILD

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Matt, how would you describe the process a favourite part of the home yet, but certainly of building a custom home with Niche the living, dining, kitchen area opening onto Design and Build? the courtyard makes me catch my breath every Matt: “Nathan and Shelley are warm, time I come home. It’s just so comfortable.” friendly and very generous people. The Nathan: “I think we have definitely been design process was a lot of fun (generally lucky to have had the privilege of building discussed over a good red, or two!) Nathan Matt’s home. My favourite part of the process is incredibly energetic and enthusiastic about has been dealing with Matt himself. Also, the building process and has the ability to working with my team. I’m very proud of envisage the final product from a very early them all, especially my wonderful partner stage. Shelley has a wonderful gift Shelley - she is an integral part for the aesthetic, and her input of our business, everything was absolutely invaluable from client relations to to the finished home. In landscape designs. I have I think we have addition, the entire team been really lucky to definitely been d the involved in the build were have her at my side lucky to have ha g in unbelievably generous thoughtout the whole privilege of build y Matt’s home. M with their expertise of this job. the favourite part of and ideas. Aran hit the My favourite part g in al de process has been Also, design brief perfectly, of the house is hard lf. with Matt himse am .” and the amazing ladies to pick; I love how te y m working with at Natural Habitat have the glazing all around made my house a pleasure the courtyard makes it to come home to. The whole so there is no definitive line process was enjoyable and a great between inside and out and collaboration of talents, driven by Nathan almost the entire downstairs level and Shelley.” can open up. What would you say was your favourite Also, the landscaped entry has come part of the process and your favourite together to be something I’m very proud of. part of the now complete home? The detailing in this is something that was not Matt: “Watching the home take shape on the original plan and evolved onsite in the and the care taken by Nathan and Shelley to way that I had mentioned before.” include me in every stage of the construction Matt, you haven’t been in the house long, made the entire build a pleasure. Hard to pick but how have you found it as you’ve

“

NICHE DESIGN & BUILD

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settled in? Matt: “My home is incredibly comfortable. It flows perfectly from one area to the next. It is quiet, beautifully finished and feels wonderfully spacious. To come downstairs on a cold morning to find the living areas a comfortable temperature, and the floor still warm from the previous day, even before sunrise, is amazing.” When wandering around this home, one can easily see that much consideration has gone into all elements of the home. You immediately notice the fantastic finishes like striking wallpapers and designer light fittings. But in addition to that, you get the impression that most of the finer details to the home have been custom designed by the team at Niche, making them completely unique and tailored to the client’s needs and lifestyle. The master bedroom, better described as

The master

“

r a parents’ retreat, bedroom , bette s’ nt re boasts a large descri bed as a pa e rg la a bedroom/lounge retreat bo asts room , room, separated bedroom /lounge the from the office by an separated from can purchase off the essive pr im an by e offic impressive 2.6 metre shelf. The powder room ty vi ca r be 2.6 metre tim timber cavity sliding features gorgeous slate ” . or sliding do door. This door has tiles - each individual tile been custom designed by hand picked by the interior Nathan and his team and is designer to ensure the perfect definitely a showstopper balance of colours and evidence of Another custom designed feature is the level of commitment displayed by each the screen/balustrade in the pool area, which team member. has been laser cut and powder coated to Nathan, your home won an HIA award last create shape repetition and a flow from the year. Tell us about this, and do you have other features, as well as creating privacy for plans to try and reclaim the title this year? the pool area. The outdoor shower reflects Nathan: “HIA (Housing Industry Australia) the large recycled bridge timbers in the entry, have an annual awards presentation to and even the front door is not one someone acknowledge and give recognition to their

members excelling in their field. Last year our home - the Niche Display Home - won ‘HIA Best Custom Home Northern NSW 2014’ in the price bracket $600,000 - $1,000,000. We were also finalists for ‘HIA Best Custom home of the year Northern NSW’. Later in the year we went onto the NSW state awards in Sydney and became a finalist for ‘HIA Best Custom Home $600,000 - $1,000,000 NSW 2014’. We have already nominated Matt’s home for the same award in 2015 and look forward to attending the awards night hosted by HIA. It is a great event, where other industry professionals can recognise builders for their achievements.”

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NICHE DESIGN & BUILD

What do you think are the benefits of having awards like these? Nathan: “The awards are judged on outstanding workmanship, design and innovation, as well as everything from the floor plan to functionality, environmental awareness and value for money. Awards like these definitely bring to light the builders that are at the top of their game by considering all aspects of the build to be equally important. I believe that attention to detail across all these platforms is the key to a successful project and a successful builder so it is great to have awards that recognize this holistic approach. It also gives the client peace of mind that their investment is in good hands.” Nathan do you have any current projects you are working on that you would like to

tell us about? These great Nathan: “Yes, we are incentives show time also very excited about that it is a good pect ex to d an our latest custom to build d ea designed home, which exciting times ah me of the home. This Co . ry for the indust is a couple of doors up d an architectural home has at ch and have a from our own home r fo do n ca all these benefi ts but is e w t see wha ‘Niche HQ’ in Emerald aimed more towards the ” you. Beach. The floor plan is average family. “ designed in the same essence So Niche Design & Build around an internal courtyard. can cater for all families This basic concept is one that we wanting to build? have found to be very successful which is Nathan: “Absolutely! We aim to why many of our projects resemble this idea provide a service that can cater for the in some way. Benefits include total privacy, modern family, all sizes, any budget and maximizing on the northern sunlight and also tailored to your lifestyle. Many of our clients using the entire block in usable living space come to us with a price in mind and we design by incorporating the outdoors into the rest to suit.”

“

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Do you have any advice for people looking to build? Nathan: “The industry is being propelled by low interest rates and the first home buyers grants are maximized for those building new homes. These great incentives show that it is a good time to build and to expect exciting times ahead for the industry. Come and have a chat and see what we can do for you.” Thank you Nathan and thank you Matt for inviting us into your home and sharing it with the Coffs Coast. It is definitely something special and is sure to inspire all those building and renovating.

I am excited to be back in my hometown of Coffs Harbour and look forward to exploring new ways to help my customers achieve their financial goals. What makes Suncorp Bank different from other banks?

Who makes up your friendly team at Coffs Harbour Suncorp Bank and what are their roles? Our team at Suncorp Bank Coffs Harbour has remained unchanged for more than 5 years, with the same enthusiastic team proudly delivering genuine financial solutions to the local community. Our close-knit team comprises of our branch manager Kirby, our two banking consultants Imrose and Nicole, our sales and service assistant Cathy, and me. What is your role Danielle and what experience do you bring to this role? I bring more than 12 years lending experience to my current role of Mobile Banking Manager. Throughout my career I have worked in the areas of personal loans, debt consolidation, purchasing first homes, and growing investment portfolios which has given me a depth of experience to support the diverse needs of my clients.

As Australia’s leading regional bank, Suncorp Bank is committed to being the genuine banking alternative to the major banks. The main difference between Suncorp Bank and the big four banks is the personal service we provide to our customers. It’s one of the things I enjoy most about working with Suncorp Bank. We take the time to support our customers to achieve their financial dreams, whether that be purchasing their first home, opening a new business, making a final mortgage repayment or travelling around the world. Our diverse portfolio reflects our customer base and we are proud to provide our customers with banking solutions for each stage of their life. Suncorp Bank was recently awarded with the 2015 Money Magazine Best of the Best Award in recognition of its Kids Savings Account, Home Package Plus Access Equity and Home Package Plus Variable.

Get the home loan that fits in with your lifestyle.

Danielle Johnson, Mobile Banking Manager Coffs Harbour

How can people find you? If you are looking to buy your first home, or want to consider your home loan or business loan options, we are here to help. We are in a prime position in the city centre at the entrance to Coffs Central opposite the Palms Pharmacy, which is 35 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour NSW 2456. Alternatively you can phone us on 02 6691 7188.

Our Home Package Plus really is the whole package. Suncorp Bank’s Home Package Plus offers more than just great rates. It’s packed with great features and offers outstanding value.† That’s why it’s picked up a handful of major industry awards.~ Plus, right now we’ll waive the annual package fee for the life of the loan, saving you up to $11,250.*

Talk to us today on 02 6691 7188 or visit our branch at 35 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour

Loans are issued by Suncorp-Metway Ltd ABN 66 010 831 722, Australian Credit Licence 229882 (“Suncorp Bank”) AFSL 229882. Approved applicants only. Fees, charges, terms and conditions apply. Ask us for a copy. Offer valid from 27/02/2015 to 30/06/2015. Offer is subject to change without notice and may be withdrawn at any time before a credit contract is entered into. Pre-approvals excluded. †As evidenced by the 2015 CANSTAR Outstanding Value award for Packaged Home Loans (Property Investor). *Annual package fee waiver applies to new loans of at least $150,000 within the Home Package Plus. Savings based on $375 p.a. over a 30 year loan term. The annual package fee of $375 will be charged and refunded to the loan for as long as the loan remains part of the Home Package Plus. Waiver expires if the loan is closed or varied out of the product or package (where applicable). ~2014 AFR Smart Investor Blue Ribbon Award for Best Premium Banking Package, CANSTAR Outstanding Value award for Packaged Home Loans (Property Investor), Canstar Five star outstanding value – Home Loans, Money magazine Best of the Best Awards 2015 for Cheapest Home Loan Package Bank.

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