Port Macquarie Focus - i85

Issue 85 of the Greater Port Macquarie Focus.

Feature Story GREATER PORT MACQUARIE Jason English December 2012 // issue 85 HE SUN FESTIVAL OF T mid-north coast TM T M mid-north coast February 2006 January 2005 mid-north coast March 2006 mid-north coast December 2005 inside this issue QKellie Mills interview focus mid-north coast April 2006 mid-north coast June 2006 May 2006 mid-north coast inside this issue QLocal wine feature QOutdoor living QKaren Borger Interview QRemembering our history QCol Elliott interview QWhat’s On in January Q‘Snapshot’ Competition QCouncil News Missy at a day on the green inside this issue QLisa Hunt Interview QSouth West Rocks QHome Decorator Feature QIronman Feature QWhat’s On in March QForster Bridal Expo inside this issue QFocus on Forster QBridal Expo QFocus feature home QAndrew Pitt interview QWhat’s On in February QEspresso Feature over festival james blundell win a $10,000 make Rushton mid-north coast July 2006 August 2006 coffee mid-north coast music mid-north coast woodworks bago mid-north coast mid-north coast mid-north coast mid-north coast inside this issue brad lockwood inside this issue QFocus on Bellingen QAsian InÆuences QGet in Shape inside this issue Race Fashion In the Kitchen Brian Cadd Interview inside this issue Q Focus on Harrington QTroy Cassar-Daley interview Q Focus Apartments Q New dining guide inside this issue m a g a z i n e QReggie D interview QNew dining guide QFocus on Wingham QTroy Bayliss story QWinter Fashion QGo Green QHome Improvements tiffani wo od inside this issue QFeature Home QAugie March interview QSummer Fashion QWin $1000 with Focus inside this issue QLee Kernaghan interview QACE centre costs QSaving our koalas QFeature Home er P ry Neil on the a green greater port macquarie March 2007 day barnes greater port macquarie race fashion greater port macquarie May 2007 Jimeoin greater port macquarie June 2007 comedian greater port macquarie m a g a z i n e m a g a z i n e Retire In Style Local Wine Feature John Laws Interview Gina Jeffreys Interview inside this issue Q12 pages of fashion and beauty QTAFE 40th Anniversary QDining and Entertainment Guide QAkubra - An Australian Icon m a g a z i n e m a g a z i n e focus greater port macquarie August 2007 July 2007 ma g a z i ne inside this issue inside this issue QFelicity Joyce Interview QVisit Bellingen QBusiness & Finance Section QWin PowderÅnger and Silverchair concert tickets QHastings Dairy - a lost icon? QLittle Brewery opens QEducation Feature QSanctuary Springs inside this issue inside this issue QBridal Expo Feature QSchool Holiday Fun Ideas QLocal Dining Guide QQuayside Apartments Jole ne Anderson QConservatorium of Music QFashion and Beauty QLocal Crime review QAbode Property Guide arah S Blasko Music Teddy Strassman and eter P morrissey D avid Campbell focus greater port macquarie September 2007 7 years • 85 editions • 1,744,000 printed copies • 7,560 pages • 1420 advertisers • 2000+ INTERVIEWS Greater Port Macquarie November 2007 greater port macquarie December 2007 greater port macquarie January 2008 greater port macquarie February 2008 greater port macq quarie gr reate er po ort macqu uarie e mag azin e inside this issue inside this issue QJon English Interview QCameron Marshall Interview QShop and Win for Spring Competition QSaving our Koalas QDining Guide QEco Expo Feature QCarnival of the Pines QAbode Property Guide QComboyne Culture QGyuto Monks Interview QDining Guide QEntertainment inside this issue Settlement City $20,000 QJohn & Helen Ross Interview QGlasshouse Program Launch QAbode Property Guide inside this issue Help Save Our Whales School Holiday Fun Local Business Update Abode Property Guide March 2008 Challenge ring Sp fashion Queen north of the Settlement City Fashions on the Field Lord Howe Island Espresso Feature Social Scene Glasshouse Flowers Abode Property Guide What’s on in March Dining Guide Damian King Interview Abode Property Guide box greater port macquarie Tastings Holiday Coast Credit Union Samantha of the grea ater r po ort macq quar rie greater port macquarie greater port macquarie greater port macquarie greater port macquarie September 2008 August 2008 greater port macquarie Retire in Style Wine Feature Adam Brand Dining Guide Marty Simpson festival music Dining Guide Mother’s Day Feature In the Vineyard Kitchen and Bathrooms June 2008 July 2008 October 2008 April 2008 May 2008 Flower Farm RSPCA Interview Palate Pleasures Sammy Dalton Interview Abode Property Guide ladies of Women in Business Renovator’s Feature Bridal Expo Janette Hyde Interview Entertainment Guide Butterfly Oz Opera Family Trek Frankie J. Holden Belinda Novicky Interview The Journey of Flavour on the e Fashions Port Central Hastings of the Tastings inside this issue Diesel Interview Water Week Watussi Interview Dining Guide Abode Property Guide Focustv.com.au chef matthews FEATURE STORY grea ater r po ort mac cquarie November 2008 the Our Heritage Shannon Noll Interview Fashion & Beauty Feature Vicki Carnes Interview FocusTV.com.au SCHOOL IS OUT FOR SUMMER, SO WHERE TO NEXT? greater port macquarie TAKE THE JOURNEY ALONG OUR NEW COASTAL WALKWAY FEA ATUR RE STOR RY greater port macquarie VALENTINE’S DAY. BELOVED OR BE-LOATHED? FE EATUR RE STORY Y greater port macquarie FEAT TURE STOR RY WAYS TO GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY greater port macquarie FEA ATU URE STORY YOUTH HOMELESSNESS FEATU URE STO ORY greater port macquarie BO OOT TCA AMP P SUM MAT TRA A MINER’S LIFE From the beach to desert riches. December 2008//issue 37 January 2009//issue 38 February 2009//issue 39 March 2009//issu ue 40 Ap pril 2009/ /issue 41 May 20 009//iss sue 42 2 DINING GUIDE Looking for a great place to eat out in Port Macquarie? Settlement City SCHOOL L HOLIDAYS TOU URIS SM OUT TLO OOK challenge lifesaving lifesaving Insight into the new funding and strategy for our area 10 pages of summer fashion and beauty to kick off the new season FAS SHIO ON 25TH LASIANDRA FESTIVAL Find great ideas about what to do these school holidays: where to go, what to see and what events are on. Find great gift ideas for Mum, as well as fashion and beauty in our special 12 page feature. Between being three time winners at last year’s Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards and receiving multiple Australian Beer Awards, our very own local brewery has been extremely busy since its rrst brew two years ago. MO OTH HER’S DAY CHRISTMAS ‘there’s more’ Wauchope is celebrating the 25th annual Lasiandra Festival - a celebration of the purple bloom. MORNING OF THE EARTH LITTL LE BREWING COMPA ANY SPIRIT One of the world’s most intere esting perform mers, Ani DiFranco is coming to Cassegrain Winery for a special performance. She is standing up for what she believes in and performs for people who believe in the power of music. WIN A SEAWORLD HOLIDAY Win a trip to Seaworld with Brindabella and The Observatory Resort. With Morning of the Earth surf rlm and music live in concert coming to Port Macquarie, we talk to some of our own surf legends and reminisce about the ‘freedom’ era that was the ‘70s. DIFRANCO Find out what’s in store for the Queen of the North event this year. Explore some of the best espresso in Greater Port Macquarie. TO OMM MY JEF FFS ESP PRESSO O FEA ATURE E inside this issue Jenny Morris Interview Research your Family History Etiquette ... Extinct? Kate Miller-Heidke Tourism Update Masatoshi Matsui Chef Interview MORNING OF THE From humble beginnings in Port Macquarie, Nabil takes on the world through his camera lens. MUSIC camden haven From humble Port Macquarie to the fashion runways of LA, local girl Samantha Wills is still making headlines in the fashion industry with her jewellery. ELDERKIN Brian Cadd and LIOR take centre stage for Morning of the Earth at Cassegrain Winery on 11 April 09. EARTH greater port macquarie RO OBYN RYAN OAM FROM HASTIN NGS CHOR RISTERS FEATURE STORY greater port macquarie FEAT TURE STORY OUR AIRPORT greater port macquarie FEATURE STORY PORT MARITIME greater port macquarie SKI BROTHERS JACK & BRODIE WHITE FEATURE STORY greater port macquarie PORT MACQUARIE’S S FLYING ANGEL FEATURE STORY ART TS AND HEALTH H CONFER RENCE FEATURE STORY June 200 09//issue 43 August 2009//issue 45 September 2009//issue 46 October 2009//issue 47 Novemb ber2009/ //issue 48 RETIRE YOUR WAY focus greater port macquarie December 2009//issue 49 BEHIND ENEMY LINES FEATURE STORY GLASSHOUSE SNEAK PEEK PLAYERS See which town will arise from the mist this month Ready to Retire? Then rnd the right choices for you in this special Focus feature. Take your rrst look inside the Glasshouse with our exclusive behind the scenes tour... THEATRE An interivew with our new Panthers GM of Operations. Find out what’s in store for the Club. RUSSELL COOPER FASHIONS ON THE The inspirational Father Chris Riley speaks to us about his Youth Off the Streets Program. FATHER CHRIS RILEY Over $5,000 worth of prizes to be won in the Focus Fashions on the Field at the Port Macquarie Cup. FIELD STEEL This November, Glasshouse On Tour brings ‘Steel Magnolias’ to Port Macquarie. ANN-MAREE CROWE Find out what ‘a day in the life’ of a Hotel Manager is like. JOIN THE YOUTH TH HEATRE Denis Juelicher from the Yoga Shala tells us about this annual fundraiser for charity. YOGA AID CHALLENGE FOOT BY FOOT TERRY WHITE CHEMISTS A special feature on Trevor Coles Terry White Chemists in Port Central. Podiatrist Sara Coombes’ adventure in the Northern Territory. The ‘Ricardoes Tomatoes’ Sarks brothers love to grow things, including their business. Next it’s salad greens, free range chickens and organic eggs. SARKS Eileen Kerr introduces the exciting new Hastings Youth Theatre and its upcoming debut production. BAAN JAI DEE ORPHANAGE Take T k al look k at t 11 pages of f education d and training providers in our local area with this special feature. EDUCA ATION FEA ATURE The Glasshouse comes alive with the troupe from Circus Oz. OZ Allan and Sam Schmidt talk to us about their new life caring for orphans in Thailand. The Holiday Coast Credit Union Tastings of the Hastings celebrates the farmers, producers, restaurants, wineries and breweries of the Greater Port Macquarie region. Historic Douglas Vale Vineyard celebrates its 150th anniversary. DOUGLAS VALE The Great Gordo Gamsby, world record holding ‘sword swallower’ and Port Macquarie native drops in for a chat. GORDO GAMSBY FESTIVAL Digital artist Mic Rees is creating landscape magic with his iPhone. MIC REES Festival of the Sun kicks off this month with a fantastic line up including Little Birdy, Spiderbait, The Beautiful Girls and Children Collide. OF THE SUN greater port macquarie Janu uar ry 201 10/ //issue 50 focus February 2010//issue 51 THE McCLYMO ONTS FEATURE STORY focus greater port macquarie March 2010//issue 52 FARMERS MARKETS FEATURE STORY focus greater port macquarie April 2010//issue 53 FEATURE STORY THE ART TRAIL greater port macquarie FEATURE STORY RAY MARTIN greater port macquarie FEATURE STORY MASON ROSE May 2010//issue 54 June 2010//issue 55 SLICE OF focus greater port macquarie July J l 2010//i 2010//issue / 56 FEATURE STORY JOE CONNEELY SUPERBIKE Local Andrew Pitt drops in for a chat about his new ride with BMW in the World Superbikes. A taste of f Heaven on Earth h at the h Sli Slice of Haven Food and Wine Festival. A dollop of indulgence with a dash of quirky. HAVEN A LITTLE BEER ELIZABETH GALLOWAY Celebrating 25 years of business, we talk to the local dance school owner about her achievements over the years. CAMDEN HAVEN MUSIC FEATURE STORY ON TOUR AT THE GLASSHOUSE The Camden Haven’s premier music festival returns to the region this month, bringing an ensemble of musicians and their performances. They will enchant lovers of classical, jazz and blues and more. This is an event not to be missed. Gold, silver and bronze all the way for Port’s own brewery – The Little Brewing Company. Head Brewer Warwick Little shares his excitement over the business’ performance at the Australian International Beer Awards. FESTIVAL COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL PENNIES FROM The annual Wauchope Country Music Festival will kick off this month with a line-up of talented local and international artists. RELAY FOR LIFE Help raise money for cancer research at Stuart’s Park on ANZAC weekend. The rrst show for the 2010 Glasshouse On Tour season brings the ever-fresh political satire of The Wharf Revue with the brandnew show Pennies from Kevin. KEVIN WOMEN IN Meet 20 of our local women in business, who are inspired by their respective industries and are passionate about our local area. BUSINESS NIGHT TWELFTH O of One f Shakespeare’s Sh k ’ most popular plays finds new life in this adaption, which is being brought to the stage b l t dA t li cast t– by a t talented Australian including acting icon, Max Cullen. Coming soon to the Glasshouse. greater port macquarie FEATU URE STORY Y STAR FM’s STACEY WHITE greater port macquarie FEATURE STORY REG MOMBASSA greater port macquarie FEATURE STORY THE BEER DIVA GREATER PORT MACQUARIE greater port macquarie FEATURE STORY JACQUELINE HARVEY FEATURE STO ORY GRE EAT TER PORT MAC CQUARIE GO OLD DEN LURE FEATURE STORY GRE EAT TER PORT MAC CQUARIE KO OAL LA CARER CHEY YNE E FLANAGA AN FEATUR RE STO ORY August A ugust 2010//issue 2010//issue 57 September 2010//issue 58 Oc ctober 20 010/ //issue 59 NOVEMBER 2010//issue 60 Decem mber 20 010//issue 61 January 2011//issue 62 February 2011//issue 63 ON THE FIELD Get ready for Spring Racing! The Port Macquarie Cup is just around the corner corner. Sun un and music worsh worshippers hippers get ready! rea Port Macquarie’s favourite music festival is finally here! Featuring headline artists Xavier Rudd, Regurgitator and Sharon Jones, FOTSUN kicks off on Dec 10. OF THE SUN Danielle Morante helps earthquake victims in Haiti to rebuild their homes JONA ATHON WELCH AM Best known for forming the Choir of Hard Knocks for the ABC BUSINESS Twenty one local men tell us u why they love living and working in Port Macquarie. MEN IN One ne of the world’s best loved pia pianists, anists, mm mortalised in the Oscar winning fi film immortalised lm Shine, is coming to Port Macquarie – a concert not to be missed. DAVID HELFGOTT David and Alison Waite’s dream for Timbertown and the heritage railway has come to fruition, just in time for the school holidays. DA N N Y OF THE HASTINGS A foodie’s foodie s haven ... Come sample the best regional produce, wine and beer the Port MacquarieHastings area has to offer at the Holiday Coast Credit Union Tastings of the Hastings. Incomparable comedian n Danny Bhoy will be presenting his unique blend of humour in a brand new show at the Glasshouse this month... THANK YOU GREATER PORT MACQUARIE FOR all YOUR SUPPORT. FEATURE STORY GRE EAT TER R PO ORT T MA ACQU UAR RIE RENOVATE YOUR COMMUNITY FEAT TURE ST TORY GREA ATER PORT MA ACQUARIE E RE EGGIE D GREA ATER PORT MA ACQUARIE E FE EATURE STORY Y MID COAST CARE GREATER PORT MACQUARIE Feature Story Trek4Kids GREATER PORT MACQUARIE Feature Story Variety, The Children’s Charity Feature Story G R E AT E R P O R T M AC Q U A R I E The Ten Tenors Feature e Story GREATER PORT MACQUARIE Trek Nepal I N S I D E 64 March 2011//issue 64 I N S I D E 65 COLONIAL ARCADE Visit this boutique arcade and discover its hidden treasures of shopping and business Performer and recording artist best known for his work as a Kirtan singer. DAVE STRIN NGER Jo Butler is passionate John about making his music a meanin meaningful, valuing audience participation at his shows. part I N S I D E 66 Renowned for their rockin’ harmonies, this iconic group will feature at Wintersun. I N S I D E 67 A man champing at the bit to put things right for neglected rural and regional NSW. ANDREW STONER April 2011 // issue 65 May 2011 // issue 66 JOHN JO N BUTL LER TRIO June 2011 // issue 67 THE DELLTONES July 2011 // issue 68 August 2011 // issue 69 I N S I D E 69 SEBASTIEN LOEB Seven-time world champion Sebastien Loeb shares the challenges of competitive rally driving. September 2011 // issue 70 TONY HAYWARD We catch up for lunch with the new Port-Macquarie Hastings Council General Manager. JIM PEARSON Meet the man behind this household name in this month’s Out to Lunch LESLIE WI L ILLIAM MS After a persistent four-year cam campaign, Leslie Williams’ hard work paid off. NEIL PORTER inside this issue. Susie Boswell takes our new Council Administrator Out to Lunch. I N S I D E 70 elle ray. inside this issue. SINGING SENSATIONS David Hobson and Teddy Tahu Rhodes to perform at Port Macquarie’s Glasshouse – THE musical highlight of 2011. GARY O’CALLAGHAN Susie Boswell catches up with the Australian Father of the Year in this month’s Out to Lunch. Christine I N S I D E 68 Indulge your inner child CAMDEN HAVEN Our special feature highlights the many enterprising local women who are making their mark in the business world ... HAVE N. ADAM ROBERTS We catch up with this passionate local, who tells us about why he will run for Council. Slice OF JOHN ROSS Susie Boswell takes the local businessman and keen traveller Out to Lunch. MEN BUSINESS FESTIVAL Greater Port Macquarie get ready to rock! Pin up girls, rat rods, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Swing, Rockabilly, classic cars, electric guitars, Burlesque and much more. It’s all at Wintersun. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE Feature e Sto ory Crash Crash Burn Feature Story GREATER PORT MACQUARIE Kate Hutten GREATER PORT MACQUARIE Feature Story Belinda Gibson Lorraine Chambers. Feature Story GREATER PORT MACQUARIE Feature Story Fiona Joy Hawkins GREATER PORT MACQUARIE Feature Story Art Auction GREATER PORT MACQUARIE Feature Story Adam Roberts October 2011 // issue 71 November 2011 // issue 72 December 2011 // issue 73 January 2012 // issue 74 February 2012 // issue 75 March M Ma arc rch h 2012 2012 20 2 // // issue i su is sue e 76 76 April 2012 // issue 77 DAMIAN KING MIKEY ROBINS I N S I D E 77 THE JONESES Paul Adams chats to our local McDonald’s Proprietors about life at the top of the food chain. 3 x world Champion bodyboarder, Damian King, is back home after taking the Drop Knee crown in Puerto Rico. The award-winning international smash hit comedy, Celebrity Autobiography, will visit the Glasshouse direct from the Sydney Opera House. JANICE DOWNES Inspirational local Janice Downes is a tireless volunteer worker, poet, radio announcer and reflexologist – a woman who faces life head on with both courage and compassion. SAM OPENSHAW This month, Susie is out to lunch with Sam Openshaw from the Port Macquarie Mental Health Support Group. LINDA HALL This month, Susie lunches with our Council’s tourism and events manager, Linda Hall. BRYCE PURNELL If this month’s lunch guest is our future, Susie finds we’re in good shape. KEITH UPTIN Lunch guest Keith Uptin takes us on a journey through Port Macquarie’s more recent past. YOUR PERFECT al ivthe Fest of I N S I D E 75 WEDDINGS 2012 MIRIAM MARGOLYES The UK star of stage and screen is one of the world’s most celebrated character actors; we chat to her about her upcoming performance in March. DAY s t o k e s. We l l k n o w n f i r s t f o r her print making, a k e y f o c u s o f We n d y Stoke s’ art practice since the late 1990s h as been her stunning an d distinctive paintings ... MARK Billabong Koala & Wildlife Park continues to lead the way in local tourism, proudly bringing you big cats – Kamala and Sabu. inside this issue. GWENETH NEWELL This month, Susie lunches with local Peloton Espresso owner ‘Gwennie’ Newell. Leading the way in 21st century dentistry. Find out about their new advancements in our special 6 page feature. AARON PATTON For his community work, Aaron will receive an OAM certificate of commendation later this month. S W I M W E A R WARREN PLOWRIGHT Warren Plowright grew up humbly, then earned success over 30 years in his own business. Lunching with Susie Boswell, he poses some questions for our future. ZOE POGONOWSKI Susie Boswell profiles one of our inspirational new generation of community builders. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE Feature Story Euan Macleod Feature Story GREATER G REATER P PORT ORT M MACQUARIE ACQUARIE GREATER PORT MACQUARIE GREATER PORT MACQUARIE Friends of Port Macquarie Library Feature Story y GREATER PORT POR RT M MACQUARIE ACQUARIE Angus Gill Feature F eature Story Story y GREATER G REATER P PORT ORT M MACQUARIE ACQUARIE Pink P ink Ribbon Ribbon R Ride ide I N S I D E 76 SIX SUNDIAL DENTAL Feature Story GREATER PORT MACQUARIE Rally Champions May 2012 // issue 78 June Ju une ne 2 2012 012 // 01 // issue i iss ss sue u 7 79 9 July 2012 // issue 80 August 2012 // issue 81 September 2012 // issue August Au A ugus gu g us st t 2012 201 201 01 2 // // issue is ss su ue e 81 81 82 October Oc cto obe ber r 2012 20 012 2 // // issue issu is su ue 83 November 2012 // issue 84 THE PLAYERS THEATRE PRESENTS ASHLEY OLSEN I N S I D E 79 Wauchope Showgirl for 2012, Ashley is a hard working, high achieving young woman. DR RAY HODGSON Women in third world countries are benefiting from humanitarian aid provided by Dr Ray Hodgson and his team of medical experts. HOT H OT HOT HOT HOT HOT MORE FUN THAN A WII Matt Kelly and Richard Higgins' combined comedic talents will entertain audiences aged from 5 to 500-million this month ... I N S I D E 80 Matthew Ma M at tt th he ew M Mc McConaughey cC Co on na aug ughey he h ey Channing C Ch han han anni ning ng (Hot (Ho Hot ass) ass as s) )T Tatum at tum um R RYAN YA Y AN REYNOLDS Shows shis moves R RE EYN NOL OLDS DS S hows ho ws u s hi h is mo m ove es in only in our our ur special sp pe e eci ci c i ial al ladies al ladi la ladi dies es o nl n ly e edition di d iti ion n MEN BUSINESS Fun with Food S P R I N G WHO W HO C CARES ARES No N o one one wi on w will i ill ll l lo open pe p en F FOCUS OCU OC US Sw with ith it th THIS T TH HIS S HOT HO OT T HOT HOT OT HOT HOT OT stud stu tud onthe on o nth the cover.... c co ov ve e er. r.... r. ..... DAVID MARTIN This local author shows us just how much port Macquarie has changed in the past 150 years, with his wonderful new book, The Changing Face of Port Macquarie. is our L I V E L O C A L , E AT G L O B A L S L I C E O F H AV E N 2 0 1 2 SYDNEY C O M PA N Y. BEN RIDDLE This Beechwood local lad talks about his unique range of eco-friendly jewellery and his passion for being a singer/songwriter. IDLEWILDE FARM Nestled in the hinterland west of Elands, tree-changers Darren and Liane share their new life on their enterprising free range egg farm. TIM O'DONNELL A solid foundation of exceptional training and his mother's philosophy has taken Tim's career as a dancer to new heights. EMMA VARGA Emma's creative career as a glass artist and her dedication to her craft will be on display at the 2012 Ranamok Glass Prize at the Glasshouse from 23 Nov. KOKODA TRACK The challenges of walking the Track brought home the realities to a local family of the rigours faced by all who served in PNG during WWII. THE VILLAGE SINGERS Boasting an amazing repertoire of songs, a local community musical group is bringing smiles to audiences through its concerts. I N S I D E 63 ONE YEA AR ON  editor's note. OUT NOW! Become a from the Welcome to the December issue of Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS. elcome to the b i g g e s t issue of FOCUS ever, which coincides with our 7th birthday. It’s been a wild ride here at FOCUS over the last 84 editions, and it’s never been without its challenges. As many people in the media might tell you, it’s a scary time in our industry. Traditional media is going head to head with a new world of iPads, smartphones, blogs, likes, tweets, apps, funny cats, memes and those inspirational messages that flood your Facebook feed. It was all supposed to make our lives easier and more connected. But has it really? editor. jay beaumont. GLASSHOUSE MEMBER & save $$$... W selling more than 10 million copies worldwide. We’ve been a fan of Kimbra here at FOCUS ever since we first heard her single Settle Down. Well done to the whole team at Festival of the Sun for yet another amazing line up. COMMUNITY PRIDE It’s been refreshing to see what is seemingly a big change in the way our local Council has been injecting a bit of community pride lately. On the back of an amazing welcome home parade for our Olympians and the support for the Tastings on Hastings, Council was also involved in the Christmas Parade culminating with the lighting of the tree, which I’m very proud to report after being a previous critic, is actually big enough to create a bit of wow factor. Well done to all! A great evening. And it’s not all over; we have a new Community Garden on the way and a rather exciting art project in the works which will add a lot of fun to the area – see page 9. Keep up the good work. FINAL SAY ”Follow your dreams, except for that one where you’re naked at work.” – unknown. Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, 39 Steps, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Flickerfest, Melbourne Ballet, Animal Farm... and more! BOOK NOW - DON’T MISS OUT! Mem priority bers period booking n 1 Janu ow until ary 201 3 Nevertheless, whether you’re reading this issue on your iPad, on Facebook or that ‘good old fashioned’ printed copy, which is still by a mile the most preferred way to read FOCUS, a big thank you from the team here for supporting what we do. Without your kind words and support for our advertisers, we would not exist. From all the team here at FOCUS, a very merry Christmas and a safe New Year. INSIDE THIS ISSUE This month we have Festival of the Sun headline artist ‘Kimbra’ on the cover. Apart from being a supremely talented artist under her own name, she was also featured in the Gotye song Someone that I Used to Know, which was the first Australian song to make it No.1 in the US for 12 years. The song topped the ARIA Singles Chart, UK Singles Chart and Billboard Hot 100, 2012 RANAMOK GLASS PRIZE Until 3 February 2013 A stunning showcase of Australia and new Zealand’s finest glass artworks from the Ranamok Glass Prize. Nikki Main, Abandon, blown, overlaid, lathe worked and hand finished glass, 19 x 28 x 19cm, 16 x 26 x 16cm, courtesy of the artist. Jay Be Beaumont eaum – Editor jay@focusmag.com.au LIGHT SENSITIVE MATERIAL: WORKS FROM THE VERGHIS COLLECTION 7 December 2012 - 20 January 2013 contacts. Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information. EDITOR: Jay Beaumont jay@focusmag.com.au ART DIRECTOR: Dylan Gaul dylan@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable joey@focusmag.com.au ADDRESS: 4/74 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444 PHONE: 02 6584 7433 FAX: 02 6584 6733 WEB: www.focusmag.com.au TV: www.focustv.com.au 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. Greater Port Macquarie Focus is produced and published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 62128786005 Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2009-2012 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved. PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Marchment michael@focusmag.com.au 2007 Business of the Year 2009 Winner Professional Services 2010 Winner Professional Services 2010 Winner Business to Business Choice Award 2011 Winner Creative, IT & Communications 2012 Winner Creative, IT & Communications 2012 Finalist Excellence in Business. Light Sensitive Material: Works from the Verghis Collection is a vibrant selection of photographic, light and digital media works from the private collection of Rachel Verghis, one of Australia’s youngest art collectors. Entry is free. GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Kyle Rathbone kyle@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Jeff Cowan jeff@focusmag.com.au ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER: Louise Beaumont louise@focusmag.com.au HOLIDAY ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Chrissy Jones chrissyjones1@bigpond.com ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Jasmin Johansson jasmin@focusmag.com.au FUN SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN PROGRAM OUT NOW visit www.glasshouse.org.au for more information or drop in and see us! ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Annette Wannell annette@focusmag.com.au COPY EDITORS: Jo Atkins / Reg Brookhouse jo@focusmag.com.au / reg@focusmag.com.au GLASSHOUSE PORT MACQUARIE 02 6581 8888 glasshouse.org.au Cnr Clarence & Hay Sts, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444 The Glasshouse is supported by the NSW Government through Arts NSW TRAVEL EDITOR: Susie Boswell winwin@portpr.com FOCUS IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THESE GREAT COMMUNITY EVENTS AND PROGRAMS. of the greater port macquarie focus 5 focusinterview. Kimbra is a singer/songwriter bringing her own style, talents and inspiration to the world of experimental music and communicating her inner vision more clearly. t 17 you discovered your musisatisfying and melodically interesting, but also clever in cal talents and skill for songthe risks it takes. writing. Most kids would have And who do you look to now for inspiration? been studying and looking These days I am listening to a lot of Nusrat Fateh Ali towards the end of school; so Kahn, a Pakistani singer who uses his voice in incredible what prompted your inquisiways. I also love the new Grizzly Bear album and Flying tiveness about music? Lotus’ new record. It was just always there. I gravitated You've collaborated with some of the to music as a child through going to music industry's best. What skills have musicals and shows, and then joining you picked up along the way? I love intimate the Jazz choir at school. Soon after Vocabulary in the studio is very shows. We toured that, I was introduced to more important, as it allows you to comPeople with Foster The t to play experimental music, and after municate your vision more clearly this year and go Rocks that it just became my constant d and actually speak in the same Re e venues lik c. which et tre ea obsession and hobby to create terms when it comes to producith ph am t even music with my 8-track or to be tion and mixing. I’ve become very was amazing, bu nce I after that experie discovering some new and excitinterested in this side of things g beats a still think nothin room.” ing band for myself. and a big learning curve has been smaller capacity What kind of musical influences learning to program and sample by or icons did you have at that myself – this allowed me to execute full discovery age? arrangements of my songs just at home in I started off with more traditional influmy bedroom, then use the bigger studios to ences in the world of Jazz, but around the age of refine the sounds and tighten up the overall vision. 15 the bands I loved most were The Mars Volta, Interpol, Now that you are touring so heavily, when do you Mew and The Blood Brothers. Prog Rock and experimenget time to be a songwriter – do the places you visit tal music baffled me and inspired so much, because I inspire you? could never understand it all on the first listen. It got me The places I visit definitely inspire me. But the difficult excited about the concept of Pop Music being not only thing is not having the time to fully relay all the amazing A “ experiences that I have swimming around in my head at the moment. However, I do feel excited about all the perspectives I am acquiring from spending time with so many interesting people, and touring definitely opens your eyes to various cultures around the world. Luckily, Port Macquarie has secured you to perform at FOTSUN, an amazing regional festival with loads of charisma and funk. With only 3,000 attending, what are you looking forward to about a more intimate festival? I love intimate shows. We toured with Foster The People this year and got to play venues like Red Rocks amphitheatre etc. which was amazing, but even after that experience I still think nothing beats a smaller capacity room. You can really make eye contact with your audience and the energy is so much more exciting, I find. What’s next for 2013 in your schedule? After the summer festivals, I will be knuckling down and getting started on a second album. I want to try and find some stillness again. I will also spend more time in the US, as there are some exciting collaborations in the works. Ideally, what would you like to be doing in 5 years? Where would you be? Living in the moment. Thanks Kimbra. Kimbra will be at FOTSUN on December 15. 6 greater port macquarie focus. inside this Issue 85 - December 2012 16. 8. Collectors Corner. A trip to Bali in the ’70s and the purchase of some Balinese souvenirs ignited a passion in Judith Hansen for owls. Over the years, Judith has since amassed a prolific collection of owls in all shapes, sizes and colours … Blood Donor. In 2003, Jarna Findlay had a combined kidney and pancreas transplant. She received a number of blood transfusions during the operation; the blood helped save her life. Jarna talks about her new role at the Blood Donor Centre in Port Macquarie and how important and easy it is to donate. 22. 78. IVF Success. We were travelling in the ruggedly beautiful Kimberley region in Western Australia when we made the decision. After years of putting it off, of sitting on the fence and peering nervously over the other side, we were finally ready. It was time to start a family. 14. Jason English 19. Sea Acres 35. Karen Davies 43. Tony Cronin the usual suspects. 10. what’s on for December 24. eat featuring local restaurants 33. social scene with Kate Wood-Foye 36. palate pleasures with Lou Perri 64. starguide with Terri 92. tourism with Janette Hyde 93. travel with Susie Boswell 95. port chamber update with Hadyn Oriti 105. landcare with Estelle Gough 105. real estate with Greg Trembath No matter where you are in the world, read Focus for free online every month @ www.focusmag.com.au u follow us on www.facebook.com/focus.mag www.twitter.com/focusmag www.focusmag.com.au/eat greater port macquarie focus 7 Your Choice for the Future... Garden Village Port Macquarie P is a charitable, not for p profit village offering a accommodation and q quality care for seniors of Port Macquarie and the surrounding community. A Great place to live! G centres. arden Village provides the best in lifestyle living and aged care services for seniors in a warm community close to CBD, clubs and shopping SELF CARE APARTMENTS: Self Care Apartments for independent living allow individuals to retain independence, privacy and freedom in a maintenance free home, with the added security of 24 hour onsite monitored assistance for their peace of mind. Offering spacious open plan 1 or 2 bedroom plus office apartments, with modern kitchens and bathrooms, balconies and access to a private carport. The ‘G.V. Fun Bus’, with its vibrant artwork (you won’t miss it), has taken residents on a large number of outings. Both Self Care and Aged Care Residents enjoy the opportunity for many bus trips during the year. Recently, residents l attractions, tt ti i l di enjoyed trips t to l local including Lake Cathie, Long Flat and North Haven for lunch, the Irish Pub in Harrington and Lorne Macadamia Farm. In October, the residents' Social Group arranged a 2 day ‘mini holiday’ in Forster, where they visited the Green Cathedral and many local attractions. The opportunities are endless, being in such a wonderful part of the Mid North Coast. The Men’s TEAM also has a bus trip monthly to a