The Announcer Vol 2 SPRING 2017 by Anjie Rivero

WHAT'S NEW ON THE CENTRAL COAST

spring 2017

TAKING IT TO THE STREETS We party community-style with the return of the Long Jetty Street Festival 2017

GROWING THE COMMUNITY The coast gets sustainable with Central Coast Food Produce Swaps.

CELEBRATING OUR UNSUNG HEROES Mentor Jane Simmonds shines at the 2017 National NEIS Association Awards

CELEBRATING LOVEFEST Joe Figliano fills us in on the latest from Central Coast Conscious Community Group

FREE INSIDE! EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT FOR THE FIRST 30 BOOKINGS TO 'AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER' BLACK TIE EVENT SUPPORT LOCAL AND CLAIM YOUR SPECIAL OFFER VOUCHERS!

Over $1,500 in Value!

Are you a Central Coast based entrepreneur looking to connect with and help build our local community? Why not advertise with

WHAT'S NEW ON THE CENTRAL COAST

The Announcer is the Central Coast's Newest Full-Colour Community Publication; connecting our locals with current events, culture & lifestyle and the opportunity to support locally owned businesses and community initiatives. Our packages are perfect for the new entrepreneur; providing multiple channels to connect with YOUR LOCAL PUBLIC via: • • • • •

Editorial Space to share a great story or your expert knowledge Space for an ad for your local new business A special offer voucher to give value to our readers from your business A spot in our print & online local business directory including a pinpoint map in each issue Magazine Copies to distribute to your clients, friends and family!

The Announcer works on a communal effort from it's contributors to provide a great read for the community as well as an amazing looking channel to promote your new business. We have designers and editors available to help new businesses that have not yet developed promotional materials, and we are always on the lookout for community members wishing to contribute their feel-good story or not-for-profit news story, so don't hesitate to get in touch with us today! Be quick- places are filling up fast for our Spring and Summer issues!

Contact our Editorial Team now at: theannouncer.info@gmail.com Independently Produced & Published by Vix Volante Creative

www.theannouncer.com.au

www.theannouncer.com.au ABN: 47 317 650 667 ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: theannouncer.info@gmail.com GET IN TOUCH WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: f:/TheAnnouncerCentralCoast i: @announcermag EDITOR/FEATURE STORIES Andrea Rivero LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGN Vix Volante Creative CONCEPT DESIGN & MENTORING Jane Simmonds COVER PHOTO: Chaiwat Leelakajonkij Photography contact: leelakajonkij@hotmail.com PRINTED BY: Bogi Australia Pty Ltd IMAGE SOURCES Royalty-Free Images: Pixabay: pixabay.com/en Licensed Stock Images: DepositPhotos: depositphotos.com Other images provided by contributors

See our Business Directory for Contributor Details The Announcer Magazine is an independent magazine published quarterly by Vix Volante Creative. It is a community magazine built by a communal effort from contributors and editorial team alike. As such, opinions represented are not necessarily those of the publisher. The Announcer contains articles provided by contributing writers, and while there is health information provided by experts in their fields, we suggest always checking any treatment advice with your GP.

The Announcer: Central Coast | Issue 2 | SPRING 2017

CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLES

06. Celebrating Our Unsung Heroes - Anthony Rumble, NEIS/Mission Providence Australia 08. Divinity In The Details - Keesha Goode, Keesha's Creations 10. The Power Of People - Kylie Wallace (Biz Optimiser) & John Petrich (DevelopMyTeam) 12. Planting Seeds Of Change-Marisa Finestone, Change HQ 14. A Bouquet Of Flavours - Suzie German, Hidden Valley Harvest 20. The Changing Face Of The Coast - Sarah Davis, Professional Buyers Agent & Mgmnt Services 21. The Grass Is Always Greener- Daniel Hastings, Coast Garden Solutions 22. Camping With A Touch Of Glam - Michelle Brown, Belle Glamping & Decor 28. A Cut Above The Rest- Ellen ALlen, Ellen's Salon 29. Great Day For A White Wedding- Taylor Beck, Taylor Beck Make-Up Artist 30. Look Happy; Feel Healthier - Nick Fuentes & Sam Burrett, LookHappy Training

vixvolante.com 36. Celebrating Lovefest- Joe Figliano, Central Coast Conscious Community Group

vixvolantecreative@gmail.com

39. All About The Music- Guy Steinbeck, Down To Scratch DJs 43. Keeping It Real Online - Andrea Rivero, Vix Volante Creative

FEATURES & REGULARS Editor's Note- A Spring In Our Step - Andrea Rivero, Vix Volante Creative/The Announcer Win An Orginal Artwork- From Central Coast Artist Keesha Goode Growing The Community - Spring Special Feature: Ethical Food Swaps Special Offer Voucher Pull-Out - Pull these out and keep to connect with this Issue's Contributors and SAVE! The Art Of Breathing - We take a look at meditation for assisting with maintaining focus in our lives. Spring Clean Your Life- Spring has sprung and it's time to get moving on the new you. Produce Spot - Gluten-free, Vegan Lemon Coconut Squares Recipe from the unconventional kitchen. What's On Central Coast- Spring Events on The Coast Taking It To The Streets- We speak to Kath Devaney of Green Tangering about organising this year's Long Jetty Street Festival Local Business Directory- Connect with and support Coast Businesses. Directory Map - A Map of our Local Business Contributors is printed and delivered by BOGI AUSTRALIA. Many thanks to Tariq Rah and his team!

32. Doing It For The Kids - Shuaib Rahman, Eco Food Wrap 34. Definitely Not A Has-Bean - Joel & Samantha Simmonds, The Rollin Bean

05. 09. 16. 23. 31. 33. 35. 38. 40. 44. 46.

27. Imagining A New Path - Christine Walker, Imagine & Move

Connect with us now for your next creative project:

Designed & Published by:

13. Working On The Self; Body, Mind & Soul- Kirt Mallie, Modern Organic Yoga & Cafe

Illustration | Graphic Design | Social Media Solutions /vixvolantecreative

THE ANNOUNCER SPRING 2017

34 16 40

FROM THE EDITOR

Proudly supports the YES Campaign for Marriage Equality and our LGBQTI Community across the Central Coast

A SPRING IN OUR STEP Welcome to our Spring edition of The Announcer Magazine, Coasties! Spring has truly arrived and we can't wait to share another great issue with you all!

t seems like an age since the weather was this warm, or the flowers were so vivid and prolific! Winter was especially cold this year, don't you think? I find that sometimes through the colder months I can let myself get a little down and out but as the earth starts to wake up and the days get a little longer, I start to get that familiar spring in my step! Running a community magazine has definitely helped lift spirits- the people we have met so far have been a true representation of the heart and connection our community is becoming known for. First of all, we want to take a moment to thank Chaiwat Leelakajonkij Photography for their contribution to our Front Cover Image of Sunrise at Long Jetty. Isn't it a beautiful Photo? Don't forget to contact us with your photos if you'd like to contribute to one of our covers- you can find our details on the contents page to the left. You may have also spied the 'An Affair To Remember' Poster on our Inside Front Cover- Viva La Vintage & The Gosford Classic Car Museum have an exclusive 10% discount coupon in this issue, but be quick as the event runs on the 7th of October! This is a great saving and limited to the first 30 takers, so be sure to take advantage of this amazing offer- this black tie event is looking to be an amazing night of canapes and drinks, vintage fashion, live music and classic vintage cars- a must for any lover of the Pin-Up Vintage Lifestyle! Here at The Announcer we believe it's important to support independent community events and ideas that are original as it means we get many more of them happening on the Coast- get behind it, it's sure to be a great day! Speaking of which, we have some wonderful contributors on board for our Spring Issue! We take some time to celebrate the magazine's concept designer and my Business Mentor Jane Simmonds from Mission Providence, who run the NEIS program for New Entrepreneurs (p 6) and the joint efforts of Kylie Wallace from Biz Optimiser and John Petrich of DevelopMyTeam (p 10) as well as an insightful article on selfidentity in the Social Media Age by Vix Volante Creative on page 44.

We also have an ethical food feature in this issue with an informative story on an awesome Produce Swap Community Initiative happening in various locations across the Central Coast. We really feel that ideas like this that encourage sustainability, reduce our own waste production and help us examine our relationships to food and waste are essential to the growth of our community. Make sure to have a read of the article on page 44 and get in touch with your local Swap Organiser to get involved- or maybe even start one in your area and help the idea grow! Speaking of ideas that grow with community support, we also have an amazing interview with the organisers behind the famed Long Jetty Street Festival. This year it's been organised entirely by the local members of the Long Jetty community and it really deserves your support. We can't wait to get down to the market stalls and taste and try their fabulous wares! We also have some great articles for those wanting to make Spring the time to Spruce things up- check out great advice from everything from your garden (page 21) to your look (page 44) to your body and soul (page 44) and for those of you planning your big day this year, we have a great wedding spread from Taylor Beck, Makeup Artist and Ellen's Salon on page 44. All our contributors have great special offers available in our pull-out voucher section on pages 23-26. They're double sided so you can cut out and keep them in your wallet! There's also an amazing giveaway from our resident artist contributor Keesha Goode, of Keesha's Creations. You can find her story on page 8 and on page 9 you get the chance to win one of her intricate, original mandala artworks valued at $45.00! All in all, we hope you really enjoy our second issue- we're already halfway to filling up Summer, so if you're a business owner or community event organiser wanting to contribute, be sure to get in touch ASAP! Enjoy the sunshine Coasties, and we'll see you for the Super Summer Issue in December!

Anjie

Editor/Designer, The Announcer Magazine

SPRING 2017â&#x20AC;&#x201A; THE ANNOUNCERâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;

N AT I O N A L N E I S AWA R D S

CELEBRATING OUR UNSUNG HEROES

Mission Providence and it's staff of mentors empowers local entrepreneurs to build a new future with the New Enterprise Incentive Program- and now it's time to celebrate them! We take a moment to pay recognition to one of the forces behind the concept of The Announcer Magazine, NEIS Trainer & Busines Mentor, Jane Simmonds, of Mission Providence in Gosford.

ane Simmonds, NEIS Trainer and Mentor from the Mission Providence NEIS office at Gosford, has been a hero to hundreds of people looking to start their own business on the Central Coast for years. Her status as one of these vital “unsung heroes” has been recognised nationally with her taking out the Unsung Hero Award at the 2017 National NEIS Association Awards. The award recognises Jane’s amazing contribution to the NEIS program and the encouragement and support she has provided to local entrepreneurs to help them start their own successful businesses. Through Mission Providence NEIS, Jane has helped job seekers turn their dream business ideas into a reality through small business training and mentoring support. Not only is Jane an amazing and valued mentor and educator for all of her NEIS clients, she was also a previous NEIS participant herself and understands first-hand the needs and challenges of people looking to start their own business. Mission Providence’s NEIS National Operations Manager Bettina Mitchell said that Jane Simmonds was extremely deserving of this achievement. “Jane has been an unsung hero in the eyes of the NEIS participants she works with for many, many years,” Bettina said. “She has shown them respect and encouragement but she has shared her own skills and knowledge, building their skills and capacity to enable them to thrive in their new businesses. She is an inspiration to everyone she works with and to everyone within Mission Providence.”

THE ANNOUNCER SPRING 2017

N AT I O N A L N E I S

The high praise that Jane receives can easily be seen from some of the testimonials from her clients: "Jane Simmonds is an absolute asset- and having spoken to others that have previously participated in NEIS with other mentors, I think Mission Providence Gosford truly has something special in her. I believe this is due to the fact that Jane herself was once a NEIS student- her combined experience as both a participant and educator allows her to really tailor her delivery so that we get the most out of the condensed course as possible in the short time we have in class. She is patient, hard working and inspirational to everyone who comes across her as a mentor, and a whole lot of us believe so too! I couldn’t have done any of this without Jane’s tireless efforts and the way she goes above and beyond for every one of us with more patience than I’ve ever seen for someone in her role. I think what she has done for the magazine alone is great testament to exactly what a great support Jane Simmonds really is- and I am just one of many people whose lives she has changed through her teaching and mentorship." -Andrea Rivero, Vix Volante Creative and Editor/Designer for The Announcer Magazine "Jane has been absolutely essential in the start-up of my small business and I will be forever grateful for what she has pushed me to achieve!" - Taylor Beck, Taylor Beck MUA "Jane Simmonds who runs the NEIS program through Mission Providence at Gosford is one the hardest working humans I have encountered. Jane is not only knowledgeable, professional and incredibly easy to relate to, but she works above and beyond to assist, support and mentor her students with their businesses. I cannot sing her praises enough. Jane has worked through her lunch breaks time and time again to help me and others stay on track with our businesses. Thank you Jane from my heart." - Amanda Clark, Holistic Hypnotherapy Services

AWA R D S

"Jane's enthusiasm and dedication for helping others launch their NEIS businesses appeared inexhaustible during my class attendance. Jane provided me with the confidence and business intellect to successfully take that leap of faith into the business world. She even kicked off my website which I have been told by other health professionals looks amazing. Jane is very unique and a true specialist at what she does. I will definitely be hiring Jane for business guidance when the need arises. She deserves every accolade directed in her way and I wish her the very best in her endeavours." - Sean Stecko Ba.Fu.Sci.Hu.Nut Ba.N&D, Accredited Practising Dietitian, Registered Nutritionist "I have learnt a lot from Jane, and have absolutely become significantly better at what I do as a result of her perseverance and skill as a NEIS mentor. - Guy Steinbeck. Down To Scratch" "Jane Simmonds - you give endlessly to all, you go above and beyond and take it all in your stride with elegant pride. You believe in us. Thank you for continually delivering an expertly managed quality driven, mindful mentorship." - Aleeta Northey, Innovative Spaces "I found Jane to be a fantastic teacher. She is a great listener, explains everything in detail, she was very patient and always gave us great feedback and advice. I would highly recommend the program and Jane to anyone who is interested in starting a business." - Christine Walker "Jane from NEIS is an amazing and helpful mentor and I look forward to coming to my course every week. She is a wealth of knowledge and I am learning lots from this course! " - Michelle Brown "Jane Simmonds is a great asset to NEIS. She brings a vast amount of knowledge and patience, with her encouragement and firm but encouraging words to inspire and move her clients to succeed in our dreams of a business that will flourish. Thank you Jane in helping us." - Jane Kelly, JK's Hair Lounge

If you are currently not working, and if you’d like to find out more about starting your own business through Mission Providence NEIS, visit www.missionprovidence.com.au/neis or call 1300 00 6347. SPRING 2017 THE ANNOUNCER

A R T & C U LT U R E

DIVINITY IN THE DETAILS

Creative Colourist and Mandala Expert Keesha Goode shares insights into creating her sacred art.

For the past 11 years, I have been designing and painting Mandalas on a range of surfaces and objects—canvas, musical instruments, chairs, and even umbrellas and boots! Of all the surfaces I paint on, I most enjoy creating large wall Mandalas. Previously I have designed and painted these murals for a number of yoga studios and private homes across the Central Coast and Greater Sydney and many readers may even recognise one of my artworks in their local area!

hen people experience my Mandalas for the first time, they often comment that they love the vibrant colour schemes and the combinations of abstract and geometric symbols. While I too love these aspects of my work, for me, Mandalas possess a deeper function and meaning; they are portals into the self and can be wonderful instruments for supporting personal growth. Notably, Mandala is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘circle’ and is a highly intricate symbol. In Eastern religion, it is a symbol that represents the universe and its creation is a sacred one, marked by ceremony. Over time, I have developed my own process for working with Mandalas as living artworks and my studies of meditation and counselling have supported this exploration. I first began to develop this process after a series of synchronic events. As a child growing up in the 60s, long before Zentangle and Mandalas became fashionable art trends, I enjoyed drawing abstract and geometric designs and patterns. Then, one day as an adult, I had a fun and creative afternoon with a friend decorating the surfaces of her backyard. There, on her cement pavement, my first Mandala came into being. Just moments after I finished this work, I observed that children and my friend’s dogs were naturally drawn to my creation and began to play joyously inside of it. Because of these observations, I later called this work, ‘’he Heart Mandala.’ Progressively, I have refined my creative process to include mindful and open-eye meditation and sound healing. Before

I pick up the paintbrush, I quietly contemplate on the intention of the Mandala and allow symbols and colours to flow into my mind. When I paint a personalised artwork, I tune into the energy of that person. Notably, the symbols I am guided to paint are derived from a variety of artistic traditions—from the Celts to Eastern and Arabian cultures! At times, I am moved to paint symbols and colour schemes I don’t initially like, but I have learnt to trust my inner guidance and this has improved my confidence as a selftaught artist. On a regular basis, I hold workshops to teach the art of creating mandalas to people of all ages. For me, the creative process continues long after I have put down the paintbrush. When I quietly sit with a Mandala, a new layer of understanding is revealed to me. Often my attention will be drawn to a particular colour and/or motif and upon selfenquiry these will unveil a significant and timely insight. I also encourage my clients to work with their Mandala in this way. Creating mandalas is a joy; it is a heartfelt experience that forever showers me with blessings. Ultimately, I feel that creating them for people is part of my purpose and for me; living with purpose is an essential key to happiness. You can get in touch with Keesha’s Creations and enquire about her artworks and workshops by visiting our business directory on page 44. You can also find a discount for her next workshop in our voucher page on pages 24-25

Keesha Goode

Mandala Artist Create Your Own Mandala Workshops Gong and Crystal Bowl Sound Healing Kundalini Yoga

Get In Touch For Your Comission Today! Home 0438 358 970

Personal Mandalas can be created for: Business Yoga Studios Holistic Centres Weddings keeshagoode1111@gmail.com /KeeshasCreations

Birthdays @keeshascreations

k e e s h a s c r e a t i o n s . c o m . a u 8

THE ANNOUNCER SPRING 2017

WIN FREE STUFF

AN ORIGINAL WORK BY CENTRAL COAST ARTIST KEESHA GOODE Thanks to Central Coast Creative Colourist and Mandala Artist Keesha Goode of Keesha's Creations, we have this stunning original 30 cm x 30 cm Mandala Canvas to giveaway valued at $45.00 to one lucky reader of The Announcer Magazine! Simply follow the instructions below- you can aslo scan the QR code below to enter via our Competition Page online! Please note: all competitions are games of skill and are not sweepstakes or games of chance. Competition closes 28th November 2017 and will be drawn 1st December 2017. Winners will be notified via email and on our Facebook Page. For complete terms and conditions see www.theannouncer.com.au/competition. Prize winners will be published in The Announcer Summer Edition. For Winter Competition Winners see panel at bottom of page.

Get your creative caps on Coasties, because to win this beautiful, original work, we need you to answer the following: Tell us in 50 words or less why Mandalas are so special to you. Be creative as the most stand-out answer as picked by our judges will win this original work for their home! Simply head to www.theannouncer.com.au/Competition and enter via the form, or scan the QR code and enter right now! Be sure to fill out all your details so we can get in touch if you're picked as the winner!

WINTER EDITION COMPETITION WINNERS AS DRAWN AUGUST 31ST 2017 Eco Food Wrap 4 Packs: Bridgette Smith, Michelle Pietronobbi | Mimosa Floral Bouquet: Emma Anderson Bogi Print Australia Voucher: Candice Hill | Vix Volante Creative Artwork: Connie Kell Lords of Pour/Rollin Bean Coffee Sourdough Date for 2 + Rollin Bean Coffee Bag: Belinda Brady Lords of Pour $20.00 Cafe Vouchers: Bridgette Smith, Michelle Pietronobbi, Emma Anderson, Candice Hill CONGRATULATIONS FROM ALL OF US AT THE ANNOUNCER MAGAZINE! THANKS SO MUCH FOR SUPORTING OUR COAST COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

SPRING 2017 THE ANNOUNCER

ENTREPRENEURS

THE POWER OF PEOPLE

Two business gurus team up to reveal the key to business success - and it's about much more than profit!. Human Resources Management and People Development is constantly evolving, with both legislative demands and the need to develop staff to be ready for business growth. In this article, Kylie Wallace from Biz Optimiser and John Petrich from DevelopMyTeam discuss how to get the best people for your business, keep them interested, and continually improve performance to build your business from the inside out.

To Build Your Best Business, Find the Best People

inding (and keeping) great people is absolutely one of the best things you can invest in to make yours a truly great business. It is important to acknowledge that employment is a two-way street, so to attract the best people you'll want to make your business an attractive place to work. If you don't already have Role Descriptions in your business, a great place to start the process of attracting the best people is to write one. You need a Role Description for every employee in your business so they know what they're there to do, and they know what performance level you expect of them. Role Descriptions are also critical to help you manage poor performers and to reward great employees. The best Role Descriptions are simple and easy to understand. They are short, perhaps only a page or two. Role Descriptions contain key information about the job, like why the job exists and the outcomes you need your people to deliver. They also specify the qualifications, skills, knowledge, and experience an employee needs to successfully perform in your business. As a bonus, Role Descriptions make it easy to advertise job vacancies. Job advertisements can be tricky things to write if you're on the lookout for great people. Thankfully,

THE ANNOUNCER SPRING 2017

you've got your Role Description to use as a basis for your winning ad! Remember also to 'sell' the benefits of working in your business - your prospective employees will be comparing you to other businesses on the Job Board. Tell them why they'll want to work with you. Be sure to include a statement about having the right to work in Australia in your advertisement, because you can get into strife employing illegal workers. The same goes for discrimination - focus only on the qualities needed to do the job. Once you've posted your advertisement, applications should come rolling in. Have a look at them as they arrive and start making a short list of who you'd like to interview. Contacting your preferred candidates early and keeping the recruiting process as short as possible are good ways to help prevent losing great people to your competitors. During your interviewing and selection process, pay attention to the candidate's cultural fit. Skills, education, and experience are important, but these can be learned and gained over time. If you're not confident the candidate will 'fit' in your workplace, it's probably not going to work with them. When you've made your decision about your preferred

ENTREPRENEURS

candidate, make sure to check their references. This small step can save you major headaches! Make an offer to the candidate verbally first, then follow up with a written Employment Contract that's legally compliant with the Fair Work Act. The Contract will make all the conditions of employment clear between you and becomes an important record for your business. Congratulations, you have a fantastic new employee!

Take Your Business to the Next Level

n the 2016-17 ‘Trends in Learning and Development’ survey, Mercer Australia has identified 7 key factors that affect business growth within small and medium businesses in Australia. These include: 1. How do team members learn? 2. What are team members allowed to study? 3. Can team members learn at work? 4. How are managers managing the sheer volume of information they receive? 5. What are you offering besides a salary to attract staff? 6. How much is being invested in training? 7. How much leadership development is taking place within a business? The answers to these questions can make all the difference to staying competitive, growing your business, or indeed even staying in business. John points out it is no longer the case of just employing people with the skills you currently need. You have to ensure they can develop the relevant skills to take your business to the next level. Have you ever been into a store and been met with bad customer service, and then walked next door to be greeted with a smile and great customer service? Have you asked a question of a tradesperson only to be told they don’t know, then called the next tradesperson and been given the answers to all your questions and felt this is the person I want to work on my house? Are you spending your weekends working in your business and your friend with a similar business is out surfing? The answers to these questions can be as simple as great training and development for your employees, so they can take the load off you to work ON your business, not always IN it.

Tailored to the individual with your business goals in mind, training can make a substantial difference to business growth, staff retention, and overall profitability and survivability in a competitive environment. To find out if any of these trends may be affecting your business and how providing your staff with the right knowledge can grow your business, call John. DevelopMyTeam can provide an independent and costeffective learning and development roadmap tailored to you and your team members. Being independent of training providers means DevelopMyTeam won’t be pushing useless courses because we’re only focused on getting the right outcomes for you and your team. For small businesses, complying with the Fair Work Act (and the Work Health and Safety Act) can seem like an overwhelming task. But we're here to help you navigate the minefield of legislation, so visit our websites or give us a call today. Let’s develop our businesses and keep jobs on The Coast!

This article was co-written by Kylie Wallace of Biz Optimiser and John Petrich of DevelopMyTeam. You can get in touch with either (or both) businesses by turning to our business directory on page 44. Both have great savings available via their exclusive special offer vouchers found on pages 24 & 25!

SPRING 2017 THE ANNOUNCER

PEACE OF MIND

PLANTING SEEDS OF CHANGE Marisa Finestone of Change HQ tells us why, with Spring in the air, it may just be the perfect time to plant those Seeds of Change in our lives. It’s lovely how when the sun comes out to warm the earth that we can’t wait to take off our overcoats, get out in the sunshine and enjoy natures gifts. It’s interesting how we start to think about getting our physical bodies back into shape, but have you ever considered getting your mental or emotional bodies back into shape and ready for the new growing season?

hy is it that we make New Year resolutions on the last day of the year? A day usually overcome with reflection and filled with celebration. Is it really possible to go to sleep on the 31st of December and wake on the 1st of January as a new person, with new goals and objectives? Doesn’t all significant change need preparation? It’s like attempting to grow a veggie garden by placing a seed in the night before and believing you’ll awaken to a huge beanstalk. I’m pretty certain that only happens in fairy tales. In real life, we need to prepare the soil, plant the seed and nurture the seedling until it’s strong enough to blossom into the gorgeous plant or flower it was always intended to become. Spring is the perfect time to start preparing for the life you’d like to have in the New Year. Change takes effort. Habits are easily formed and considerably harder to break. It takes a consistent approach for a period of time to get the results that you desire. You know this makes sense when it comes to our physical body, so why would it be any different

Spring Special

THE ANNOUNCER SPRING 2017

when it comes to having the relationship you want or the career that makes you feel happy and valued. What habits do you want to change? What winter baggage do you want to let go of? Why not make Spring the time to set yourself up for success? Use the spring energy to catapult your goals into action. Be kind enough to yourself and give yourself realistic time frames to implement those changes. I’m super fortunate to work with clients and to witness the benefits of proper preparation, with the right ingredients and the right environment, change can happen quite quickly and very effectively. So, whether you want to quit smoking, eat healthier, be less stressed and more focused, get paid more or enjoy more fun with the kids – Spring is the perfect time to implement the changes you want to achieve. Make a commitment to yourself now and you’ll reap the rewards sooner than you think. Then you can really celebrate come the new year!

When Marisa Finestone isn't contributing to our pages, she also runs Change HQ. You can connect with her via our online business directory on page 44. Make sure you've got your special offer coupon ready- you can find it on pages 24-25!

Wellness Workshops

BODY & SOUL

WORKING ON THE SELF; BODY, MIND & SOUL

Kirt Mallie of Modern Organic shows us how to truly take a moment for ourselves. Today we are working harder than ever. Working on the job, a degree, the family, relationships, paying off the loan, credit cards, saving for holidays and everything else. With this viscous cycle of insatiably getting by, smothering the deep-seated suffering with mind numbing behaviors, in between scrolling glamorous social media pages, big screens, Netflix and potato chips- When do we have time to honestly work on the self?

We're losing our minds while we're obsessing over our body, on the other hand we can lose touch of our body while obsessing over the mind, and ultimately it is the soul that suffers while we get lost in it all. Some of us are on a physical, mental & spiritual downward spiral, some of us seem to be just getting by and the rest are actually doing the work. There is now an increasing number of people all over the world starting to wake up and understand the importance of maintaining balance in every area of life. All it takes is one of these aspects to be out of balance to create instability, which on many different levels can cause dis-ease, dis-function, stiffness, pain, inflammation and if not treated over time will inevitably become disease. With so much information coming at us from every direction, we really need to become more focused on present moment awareness. This is the best work you can do for yourself.

From this higher state of awareness, we are more conscious to make the decisions that are most beneficial in that moment. Trying to understand the very basic of levels of the self is not easy work. It can be overwhelming to know where to start but by taking a moment, we may begin to realise where and what it is we actually need to stop. By doing this work you soon discover why we have certain patterns that have created our behaviours. By bringing conscious awareness to these subconscious patterns we will disempower them and begin to reprogram ourselves. Life is a constant practice; It takes time to learn the lessons and allow the integration of that knowledge to shift our awareness to then be able to truly understand it. Finding balance in all aspects of our lives allows us to flow. This is the key to not only maintain health but create optimum wellness; body, mind and soul. Kirt Mallie co-owns Modern Organic Yoga Cafe with his wife Kiran Mallie, and can often be found in it's sprawling Yoga studio teaching a class. Turn to our business directory on Page 44 to enquire about Modern Organic's current classes and workshops.

YO G A + C A F E LO N G J E T T Y

SPRING 2017â&#x20AC;&#x201A; THE ANNOUNCERâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;

EDIBLE GARDEN

A BOUQUET OF FLAVOURS Suzie German of Hidden Valley Harvest shows us how your backyard bouquet can add a surprising new level to your culinary experience. Cheese Tower using Little Creek Cheeses with Hidden Valley Harvest Flowers

THE ANNOUNCER SPRING 2017

EDIBLE GARDEN

Flowers have been used for culinary purposes throughout the ages and have experienced a renaissance in recent times. Edible flowers are a beautiful way to elevate any dish and will contribute so much more than just pretty garnish. They are a delightful way to add colour, texture, aroma and flavour to our food. Our love affair with flowers is evident throughout history. In Victorian times, flowers had a secret language of their own and were used to communicate thoughts and feelings that people were otherwise unable to express openly.

dible flowers have played an important role through the ages and play centre stage in many famous dishes around the globe. Have you eaten stuffed Zucchini blossoms or Rose flavoured Turkish Delight? If you’ve ever eaten Paella, then you’ve most certainly consumed Saffron, a spice derived from the Crocus flower.

flower grower. Flowers vary in shelf life and are best picked just prior to use or if purchased, refrigerated as soon as possible. This will ensure that they will last for up to a week and sometimes more.

The addition of edible flowers to a meal can also expand to the accompanying beverage. If you’ve ever consumed Gin (an array of botanicals often including Orange blossoms), Pimm’s (Borage) or Beer (Hops), you would have already imbibed on flowers.

There is a lot to consider before you embark on a journey with edible flowers but it is well worth it!

These days edible flowers offer a way for us to express our creativity, fashioning cutting edge style, resulting in new flavour fusions and plating arrangements. With the popularity of Instagram and Pinterest, these creations are not beyond the realm of the domestic gourmet. The key is to ensure that the flower you use compliments the dish you are preparing in terms of aesthetic and flavour. Before you let your inspiration run wild, there are a few important factors you need to consider. Most importantly, correct species identification, preparation and sourcing. If your botanical knowledge is limited, start with plants that are very easy to identify and double check if you are unsure. There are several toxic flowers that are easily confused with those that are edible. For example, vegetable Pea and Bean flowers are edible but the ornamental Sweet Pea is not. If in doubt, don’t take chances. Not every part of the flower is edible- it is best to remove the stamens and in some instances, only the petals are edible. Knowing where your flower comes from is vital, as it must be grown without chemical treatment. Most flowers that are grown for the florist trade are sprayed with pesticides and later with preservatives. This is why you should only eat flowers you have grown yourself or ones that you have purchased from a reputable edible

Whether you want to initiate a whimsical link to a romantic past (a Victorian High Tea?) or push the culinary boundaries and create your own trend- with over 100 different species of edible flowers available to you, be the gastronomic visionary you want to be and create your own signature style.

There are many great ways to incorporate edible flowers into almost every dish. These are just a few ideas to try: ❀ ❀ ❀ ❀ ❀ ❀ ❀ ❀

As garnish for flavour notes ❀ Ice cubes & scented ice cream ❀ Cake decorations ❀ Floral butter ❀ Soups and Broths ❀ As natural food colouring ❀ Medicinal teas and tinctures ❀ Stuffed with savoury or sweet fillings

Vinegars Salads Desserts Tea Cordials Cocktails Jams and Jellies

You can connect with Hidden Valley Harvest via our business directory on page 44. Don't forget to have your special offer coupon ready - you can find it on pages 23-24.

Based in Yarramalong, on the nsw central coast, Hidden Valley Harvest are specialist growers of Edible Flowers, using organic growing techniques.

0422 704 629 /hiddenvalleyharvestedibleflowers

@hiddenvalleyharvest_au

Harvested to order | Guaranteed freshness | Contact us for a product list

www.hiddenvalleyharvest.com.au SPRING 2017 THE ANNOUNCER

SS U ST BA LM E EC O M M U N I T Y EC TA I OI N NAN

GROWING THE COMMUNITY How a few locals are bringing farm to the table in avery real way..

All around Australia, fruit and veggie swaps are starting to gain real traction, and they offer a real solution for that crate of excess produce going to waste at your place. These are generally noncommercial events (meaning no money changes hands), and many fruit and veggie swaps will allow you to swap other types of items as well, from worm wee to chutney, chook poo to fresh eggs- some of our local swaps even connect local eateries with produce to provide the raw ingredients for farmto-table seasonal menus! For our Spring Issue, we spoke to four local community pioneers who are doing their part to change the way we consume and helping us re-assess our own relationship to waste by providing an alternative to the norm that is sustainably minded.

Long Jetty Produce Swap - Ben Hunt & Atlanta Camilleri The Long Jetty Produce Swap had a fairly inconspicuous beginning - at the first Long Jetty Street Festival in November 2015we had a little fold-out table, a beach umbrella and a clipboard with a list for people to note interest in meeting to exchange homegrown produce. The inspiration came from that simple exchange you have over the fence with your neighbour when you have more lemons than you need, and they have more tomatoes than they need. Really, the Long Jetty Produce Swap is that a simple exchange, at a community level. Think of a hall full of people all acting as though we're talking to our neighbour over the fence, discussing things like the effects of the recent weather, sustainable living practices, what we know grows well at this time of year, tips on removing stink bugs from your citrus trees. And, of course, sharing our excess produce. Since that first fold-out table at the festival, I’ve connected with Atlanta (Camilleri, who also runs the produce swap with Ben). The friendship between Atlanta and I started from meeting at work and from shared perspectives on sustainable living. We also get lots of help from regulars who attend the swaps, we've made connections with some great community-minded people who value sustainable living.

Photo: Benjamin Hunt/Atlanta Camilleri

THE ANNOUNCER SPRING 2017

The swap itself happens from 10 am until 11 am the first Saturday of each month at the Country Women's Association Hall, 1 Pacific Street Long Jetty and has been going every month since December 2015! There’s no formal membership

S U S TA I N A B L E C O M M U N I T Y or money involved- the swap is open to everyone of all ages and from all areas. We received a Neighbourhood activation grant from Central Coast Council recently which has helped cover some of our costs, but before that, we just paid the rent out of our own pockets, as we really value the swap. For those that want to get involved, come along, sign in, say hi, put your produce on a table and talk with the others. We usually go around and ask about what people are growing and idea is- if there’s something you like or need, ask what you can give in return, and so forth if someone asks you- it’s a sharing and barter systems o it all depends on networking with each other. If you really are looking for something specific you can ask around- you’re bound to find someone who has what you need! Some of the items at our recent swaps have included seeds, seedlings, cuttings, fruit and veg. Worm wee (fertiliser). Coffee grounds (scrubs and soil improver) eggs, plants, chutneys pickles, jams, cakes; zucchini slice, bunches of flowers, edible flowers, jars and egg cartons. As long as it is homemade we welcome it. We usually enjoy some cake and a cuppa from the CWA women each swap and there are lots of conversations, connections and friendships made. People meet people they hadn’t previously seen, only to discover that they live in the same street! A few groups even make a day of it, wandering up to the Long Jetty cafes after the swap has finished. We have also held free soil metal testing recently from Macquarie University and that proved popular and have plans to post more events online soon. We also have ties to Permaculture Central Coast and support their events. We use a Fair Share principle from Permaculture: We are provided with times of abundance, which enables us to share with others. A few of us have planted extra with the produce swap in mind. What grows easily for one person might not be the same for another so we can share our excess. Sometimes we give with no expectation of getting something back as we have enough already. By being kind and generous we feel good. We have had people drop into the swap with a whole stack of produce they would like used up and appreciated instead of going to waste. Sometimes people do this when they are going away. I started up Central Coast Produce swaps so you can swap all month round all over the Central Coast. New people are constantly finding out about our swap and coming along. It is really great to see people meet other like-minded people and grow the overall community. It would be amazing to see people growing their own food even if it is only a pot of parsley. Once you find out all the great things you can grow organically yourself you will be hooked. We learn from each other and educate each other on what grows best locally. We are generous and share with each other. There is so much you will find at a produce swap that you would not see on sale commercially. People are becoming more conscious of their consumption and want to know where their food comes from. These are exciting times. There's no need to register, just come along - people are more than welcome to come and say Hi and see how it

Photo: Like Minds Facebook

Photo: Like Minds Facebook Page

all works!

Avoca Beach Produce Swap - Mel Morgan & Jimmy Rolph The Avoca Beach Produce Swap has been a long overdue project that we wanted to start when we opened our coffee shop (Like Minds) in 2014. We built veggie beds in our onsite garden and local growers use to come in and give us gardening tips and advice. Then they started bringing in their surplus produce and we would exchange with a coffee or a meal. They would bring in citrus, veggies or herbs, and even jams they made! Sometimes we would just leave the donation on the bench top and let customers help themselves, a few months ago we had a huge amount of lemons and bay leaves and all of it went home with our customers. It’s a great joy to gift people home grown produce that they can turn into a delicious meal, so we thought about offering our garden to the community to swap their produce, share recipes and connect with each other. The idea sprouted naturally, but we needed a kick to get started. We heard about the Long Jetty Produce Swap and a few of us visited them, then, just as we got inspired to ‘just do it', the right people turned up and wanted to help organise it! There isn’t much involved, we just provide the space, set it up with a few tables and baskets, do a little social media shout out and it just happens. We want the community to manage it, to keep it rolling, the intention is there, its a good thing, so fingers crossed it grows! There’s always more produce at the end of the swap, its great to see people give but its interesting to see how people are careful of ‘taking’, its a good problem! The leftovers from the swap are donated to Nurtured Earth, a community spirited wholefoods business on the Coast who deliver organic produce and goods. They divide it out to boxes for families in need in the area. Some people have produce to swap but there’s lots of other things you can swap, like worm juice, seedlings, tools, gardening tips, crushed egg shells and more. Lexi, our barista also bags coffee grounds up for locals to use on their gardens. It has only just started, so I’m sure the community will have more ideas and we are so excited to see what happens! They public can get behind it by just showing up! Bring a little or a lot of your home grown produce and if you don’t have any just show up anyway… it’s the ideal place to connect to like-minded folk and get inspired to grow or cook! It’s just another 'community at the heart' project, and that’s what it’s all about. You might go home with a bag of oranges, parsley and seedlings… but mostly it’s about ‘connection’. If you do want to help with organising then please introduce yourself! More hands and hearts the merrier! There are actually lots of people interested in growing their own food. There are so many rewards (obviously the delicious and nutritional produce) but there is so much more gain. Life is so busy these days; we focus on the standard

SPRING 2017 THE ANNOUNCER

S U S TA I N A B L E C O M M U N I T Y

GROWING THE COMMUNITY (Continued)..

of living so much, and the quality of living falls behind. Being in the garden is great for slowing down, getting your hands in the earth and soaking up that good earth and air vibration! Its so great meeting people who grow food, who get excited about their crop of vegetables, herbs or fruit, and if they have an abundance of produce the swap gives them a chance to reduce their waste. It’s a lovely opportunity to bring the community together, to inspire others to grow and support the ones that do by sharing knowledge and experience. The kids love it, they love learning about food and learning how to grow naturally without chemicals.

The Avoca Swap happens the third Sunday of every month between 10 and 11am in the Like Minds garden. It is open to everyone in the local central coast community; there is no membership and if you’re a visitor to the area you can pop in, too! They can email us at hello@like-minds.com.au or go to our Facebook page AVCOA BEACH PRODUCE SWAP to get reminders for upcoming swaps and events. If any local wants to pick up our cafe scraps they can also email us too, we have a waste warrior roster where locals help us with composting out kitchen scraps. We have been doing this since we opened the cafe and we’d love the opportunity to consult other food businesses on the coast how to implement a similar system!

Photo: Like Minds Facebook Page

Empire Bay/Bensville Swap - Gregory John Olsen Esq. Having recently moved to Empire Bay from Booker Bay and, previously from Phillip Bay, in Sydney, where my wife, Leeanne, and I developed a sustainable house, we were keen to restart our home, food producing garden. For us, living as simple a life as possible, reducing waste, reusing stuff, recycling and having less of it to start with, while promoting environmentally sustainable living, are major drivers in everything we do.

Photo: Gregory John Olsen Esq.

It was a fairly long process to get the veggie garden started because I use permaculture principals, including the very important one of observation. So it took at least three seasons to see how the sun related to our available space and the general weather conditions. Our soil was

THE ANNOUNCER SPRING 2017

quite poor in places, being clay based. Also, the areas I’d chosen for veggie growing beds were full of building debris that had to be removed, one bucket load at a time!

By the end of our first year of habitation in December 2016, we were having some success with our veggies, indeed producing too much of some for our own consumption. We had to do something with our surplus silverbeet so, rather than letting the bulk of it be relegated to our compost bin, I decided to start the Empire Bay/Bensville Home Grown Produce Swap Facebook group, which I created on January 16, 2017. The object of the group is pretty self-explanatory. Anyone can join and post a desire to offload an excess of their homegrown veggies, fruit, herbs or eggs in exchange for another members' excess of their home grown produce. It’s an entirely Facebook based group. We have no meetings, meetups or get-togethers. Members simply post what they have to swap, after applying to join the group from its Facebook page, and await responses from other group members. Of course, if there's something the member would like in return, they are invited to mention that too. When a match is found, they private Facebook message each other to complete the swap. Simple as!! This a non-profit, community-based initiative and is only accessible through the facebook group page. All that gardeners need to do to satisfy the criteria to be a member is to live close to the Empire Bay/Bensville area and have some surplus, homegrown produce to swap. Indeed, some folks give their excess away or store up ‘credit’ when other gardens are able to reciprocate later on. There has been some diversity entering the group’s produce recently, including seedlings and cuttings being offered. There are several other homegrown swap Facebook pages in the Central Coast that predate mine. Just search facebook for them and you’ll find the one closest to you. Also, community gardens are a great way for folks to get into growing veggies if they don’t have access to a garden of their own. There are quite a few on the Central Coast so hop onto your favourite browser and have a look for them and get involved! One offshoot of the swap group was the creation of the Start Your Own Veggie Patch – NSW Central Coast Facebook page in response to lots of questions about veggie growing. I set up a Veggie Patch Partner system where newbie gardeners can link up with nearby, experienced veggie growers! I’m expecting this to go gangbusters when the warmer, spring weather starts up. There are other ways people can get involved, too! I also initiated the Empire Bay/Bensville Native Beekeeping Cooperative Facebook page, in December 2016, after becoming aware of the reduction in pollination occurring in the area. After doing some research we decided to buy a stingless native beehive and invited others to join us in the process of getting their own at a discount for a bulk purchase. We found a great supplier, based in southern QLD, who provided us with a hive with about 5,000 tetragonal carbonaria,

S U S TA I N A B L E C O M M U N I T Y stingless native bees, that are endemic to the northeast coast of Australia and can survive as far south as Sydney. Its common name is the Sugarbag Bee. Having pollinating bees in your own garden will increase its yield bountifully and since we introduced the bees to our garden we have noticed much more pollination going on. It’s also a good idea to plant flowering species such as bush, or perennial, basil and lavender that bees of all descriptions just love. By the way, did you know there are over 1,600 bee species native to Australia, 11 of which are stingless? We just love them! The best website to learn about them is Aussie Bee.

the event. I also sent the word out through a few local facebook groups. I mention the swap in the Rural Grapevine, a monthly community magazine for which I write a regular column each month. I also broadcasted the information on my website and Facebook page. These personal efforts helped to spread the word, a handful of locals came to that first swap and we’ve been a steady group ever since. I’d love to see householders look to replace their exotics The process is simple. Everyone with food producing garden beds, installing food forests brings their stuff to share, place instead of palms and ripping out plants that require far too them on the table, and then we much water and replacing them with water-wise, flowering swap. The idea is not to find a native shrubs and ground covers. It is very important to start matching swap that would mean planting indigenous species into our area to grow habitat for you take my produce in exchange pollinators and our wonderful fauna. Sadly, over the years for the ones you brought… No. of human habitation, there has been a huge reduction in Instead, you take what you want, their extent on the Central Coast. Hopefully as awareness independently to who brought for these groups grows, they will become a strong an d it along and independently to Photo: Alexia Martinez sustainable cog in the wheel of our Central Coast community. the quantity you brought. So sometimes people bring their stuff and don’t want to take anything. We’re also trying not to go home with our own produce. Finally, we ‘educate’ each other on how to eat or grow lessthan-usual produce like radicchio, curly endives, yacon and kefir! We often eat the same veggies and we don’t buy these new foods as we don’t know how to cook or eat them. So it’s a good way to expand our dietary knowledge! Given our location in the country, we all have chickens, worm farms or composts so we tend not to have to share our scraps.

Photo: Chris Best

Dooralong Produce Swap - Alexia Martinez I am the farm manager at Valley’s End Farm in Jilliby/ Dooralong, where I run a beyond-organic and biodynamic market garden. I sell to restaurants, to Food Integrity Group co-op, to the Rudolf Steiner school market, and to locals through word of mouth. I heard of the Long Jetty Produce Swap and how easy it was to set it up and run it and that gave me the inspiration to do the same for our valley. The motivation behind setting up the swap was more to create a regular community gathering for our bioregion, weaving links between one another, putting a name on a face, and talking about our common ground: food!

As for restaurant scraps, well, I (Valley’s End Farm) collect their scraps for the purpose of making compost for our market garden. I also sell my produce to them. They’re not yet involved in the swap. If you don’t have abundant produce, not to worry- One local once brought along handmade canvas bags which were a hit for storing the day’s produce! Another swap regular doesn’t have a garden but she brings homemade pumpkin scones! I bring beans grown from seeds shared by another swapper… It goes full circle, almost! There are a lot of gardening tips and recipes shared as well. As I said, anything that is remotely connected to sustainable practice and ‘food’

We meet once a month, on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 3.30pm (ending at 4 pm) at the Dooralong Hall (at a picnic table). It’s open to anyone who wants to share anything edible! It can be fresh garden produce, honey, homemade jams, chutneys, relishes, kefir, kombucha, sourdough, eggs, and cakes. We also exchange cuttings, seedlings and seeds. I advertise the meet-up on the Facebook page as well as other I started the Dooralong Produce Swap a year ago (Sept local groups, plus I hang a banner where I know locals drive 2016), backing onto the free monthly Music in the Park past. There isn’t any need for registration. Anyone can come which is run by locals for locals. I setup a facebook page and on the day of the swap and bring something to share. Be posted a banner on the community notice board announcing sure to pop in if you’re curious- you may just find yourself a whole new, ethically minded community to share with!

Get Out there and get involved with your community! Connect with your local Produce Swap on Facebook: Long Jetty Produce Swap: facebook.com/longjettyproduceswap Avoca Beach Produce Swap: facebook.com /avocabeachproduceswap. Dooralong Produce Swap : facebook.com/DooralongProduceSwap Bensville/Empire Bay Homegrown Produce Swap: facebook.com/EmpireBayBensvilleHomeGrownProduceSwap Start Your Own Veggie Patch (Gregory Olsen): facebook.com/StartYourOwnVeggiePatchNSWCentralCoast SPRING 2017 THE ANNOUNCER

PROPERTY MARKET

THE CHANGING FACE OF THE COAST We Ask Sarah Davis, Buyer's Agent & Property Manager, to share the latest real estate trends. The council has just put the recent stats out for the central coast shire and for those of you wanting to know your market; it’s well worth a read: Population

Median Age

Couple with kids

Older Couple w/ no kids

Wyong

70,235

33%

West Gosford

66,908

24%

11%

Budgewoi

66,366

27%

14%

The Entrance

64,989

28%

11%

Gosford East

66,359

32%

13%

Source: Bureau of Statistics

Domain.com also reports that the “Central Coast (is) now the most affordable spot in Greater Sydney for first home buyers” and with recent development and announcements to enrich the cultural aspects of our area, this popularity looks to increase as the warmer months arrive. Buyers who have been priced out of Sydney’s expensive market see the area as a popular alternative- not only does the Coast have more affordable prices; it is also well-renowned for its available homes and of course, the amazing lifestyle we get to enjoy in this unique part of New South Wales. Having undergone a cultural facelift of sorts, Gosford is now being seen as a prime suburb to purchase a home, with the prices remaining affordable despite the major developments

occurring. This trend is repeated in the northern areas of the coast, with suburbs such as Toukley, San Remo, Charmhaven and Wyong all displaying affordable prices perfect for the first-home buyer or those looking to break into the investment market. Central Coast land values are also on the rise and are keeping up with Sydney’s booming western suburbs- another popular area that home-buyers have flocked to in the last year. Latest figures from the NSW Valuer General reveal a “12.7 per cent jump in Wyong LGA land values and a 10.2 per cent rise for Gosford LGA during the 12 months to July 2016.” According to Housing NSW. In comparison, Sydney’s west saw an average land value increase of 14.7 per cent, while the state recorded an average jump of 11.3 per cent for the same period. It seems that the time to buy is now- with an increasing population made up of young professionals, families and even ‘Rentvestors’ the demand is only going to increase, and with that so will the prices. Don’t leave your home ownership goals for another day- with proper, professional advice and management, you can make your first steps into the Property world feel like you’ve been in the game for years To contact Professional Buyers Agent & Management Services, see our business directory on page 44. Be sure to have your Special Offer Voucher ready when you do- you'll find it on pages 24-25

Are you looking to buy a home on the Central Coast? Looking for yourself or an investment purchase? Need to renovate or do home improvements? World Class Negotiation - At it’s best! Outstanding Options - Innovative Service Personalised Approach - Informed & Well-planned

CONTACT ME TODAY!

sarah@buyersagentcc.com.au

0422 648 079 www.buyersagentcc.com.au 20

THE ANNOUNCER SPRING 2017

IN THE GARDEN

THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER Daniel Hastings of Coast Garden Solutions give us the scoop on sprucing up your spring garden.

Spring is the perfect time to give the outside of your home a little more attention- after all, we now start to spend a lot more time oustide enjoying our amazing Central Coast weather! This issue, we speak to Daniel Hastings of Coast Garden Solutions to get a few ideas on how to revamp our outside spaces for the coming warmer seasons.

pring is here and what better time to renovate your lawns? It's a great time to bring in new plants for the season (see our tropical plant guide below) and groom away the damaged plants from winter that aren't springing back. As we progress through the season, October is a great time to scarify, core and fertilise lawns. We love Dynamic Lifter and Shirley's No. 17, and then we give it a good top dress and water to prevent any burn. It's also important to mulch gardens to smother any weeds growing through and keep moisture in, which improves the soil quality. Plants are very woody right now, so it's a great time to cut back and encourage that beautiful, green new growth!

Spring is also the perfect time for avid gardeners to make sure irrigation systems are operating properly as the temperatures start to increase. Having a well-irrigated garden means your plants and produce will flourish and withstand the harsher heat that we get this time of year. Fertilise your plants with organic fertilisers like Dynamic Lifter, and then a slow release fertiliser like Osmocote. Remember, if you have Natives, choose Osmocote for healthier Native Gardens. For those of you that love your orchids (a very popular breed in our area thanks to the Sydney Rock Orchid and other prolific varieties) be sure to plan out your feeding schedules properly. "Fertilise your orchids every 2 weeks, then when they need watering again, use straight water to flush out any excess salts," states Daniel. "Let plants dry out before watering. As a tonic, try fertilising with Seasol. This will help plants repel pests and diseases. Make sure you water all garden beds thoroughly to prevent burn."

ne of the best ways to combine unique and beautiful flora and easy care and maintenance is a Tropical-Style Garden.If you have a garden with a part sun and part shade aspect, a Tropical garden could be the one for you! Some popular easy care Tropical Garden plants include: Strelitzia reginae Cordyline fruticosa Cordyline ruby Cordyline Cordyline Australis pink Hibiscus Gardenia Florida Bromeliads Alpinia zerumbet Ctenanthe spp. Setosa oppenheimia Golden Cane Palms Hymenosporum flavum - Native Franjipani tree Dracena Marginata Syzygium Luehmannii - Small leaf Lilly Pilly Tree Australian Native orchids such as Dendrobium Speciosum & Dendrobium Kingianum. Do you have a property that is in full sun? Are you time-poor and definitely want easy maintenance? An Australian Native garden could be for you! Here are some Australian Natives to consider for your garden: Grevillea ‘Robyn Gordon’ Grevillea ‘Superb’ Grevillea ‘Moonlight’ Grevillea ‘Misty Pink Hibbertia Scandens Grevillea ‘Robusta’ Grevillea ‘Poorinda Royal Mantle'

To get in touch with Coast Garden Solutions, simply turn to our business directory on page 46

CALL US NOW 0438 248 317

Local Knowledge & Experience

Professional Garden Design & Lawn Maintenance

OR send us an email with your ideas & we’ll work together to make them a reality!

daniel@cgardens.com.au

CGARDENS.COM.AU

Coast-Garden-Solutions

SPRING 2017 THE ANNOUNCER

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

CAMPING WITH A TOUCH OF GLAM Michelle Brown of Belle Glamping & Decor lets us in on the latest outdoor craze for those that like a touch of luxury with their outdoor experience.. I was always known as the camper who “glammed up” the campsite. With each new camping experience, I’d add décor and beautiful items such as lanterns, lights, cushions, cosy bedding and bling Christmas decorations. I loved connecting with nature and enjoyed what our outdoors have on offer, however, I didn’t enjoy “roughing it”. This is how Belle Glamping & Décor was created.

he name Belle originated from the Belle of the ball which means the most attractive woman at a party or similar event, this symbolises the Bell Tent in the campground and some of the Décor that is placed in the Bell Tent will be available to purchase soon on my linked Online store.As I had a passion and enjoy designing my own glamorous campsite, I thought why not do it for others to enjoy and for them to have an easy and hassle free stay. Belle Glamping & Décor is a mobile Central Coast based business that hires out 5 metre Bell Tent Suites at your chosen location on the scenic Central Coast or the beautiful Lower Hunter region but best of all we will set it up and pack it all down for you. I have boutique style Suites enriched with luxe cushions, throws, ottomans and Manchester for your Special Occasion, whether it be for your Honeymoon, Romantic Getaway, Family Holiday, Slumber Party, short term getaway, Corporate Team Building function the choice is up to your imagination. There are many Luxury Themed Suites available for you to choose from such as Coastal, Boho, Moroccan inspired, rustic, contemporary and many children’s and teenager themes. Each suite also has a wicker picnic basket which includes melamine, cutlery and wine acrylic/glasses, solar lighting, lanterns, bunting flag and floor rugs. A light breakfast is also available at an additional cost along with bar fridge hire (for powered sites), bbq (including utensils) and portable cot hire. For information on how to contact Michelle from Belle Glamping & Decor, turn to our business directory on page 46. You can also receive great savings on her services with out Pull Out Vouchers on page 23!

Luxury Bell Tent Hire on the Central Coast & Lower Hunter

We create the luxury While you create the memories

BOOK NOW: 0 4 0 2 1 0 0 2 4 0 e: belleglampinganddecor@gmail.com

www.belleglamping.com.au 22

THE ANNOUNCER SPRING 2017

PULL OUT VOUCHERS

SCAN CODE TO CALL

PRESENT THIS CARD FOR A FREE DJEMBE OR TAIKO DRUMMING CLASS OFFER VALID FOR NEW STUDENTS ONLY. CALL TO BOOK- ONE CARD PER

TURN OVER FOR YOUR FREE SPECIAL OFFER VOUCHERS!

OFFER VALID FOR NEW STUDENTS ONLY. ONE CARD PERSON. CALL 0439 217 004

OFFER IS VALID WHEN BOOKING FIRST GARDENING OR LANDSCAPING SESSION WITH COAST GARDEN SOLUTIONS. VALUED AT $20.00 RRP. PLEASE SHOW THIS VOUCHER WHEN REDEEMING OFFER. OFFER VALID TILL 1ST DECEMBER 2017

Terms and Conditions

CUT OUT AND KEEP YOUR SPECIAL OFFER VOUCHERS OR SIMPLY SCAN THEM WITH YOUR PHONE!

VOUCHER VALIED UNTIL 10TH DEC 2017 AND MUST BE PRESENTED OR MENTIONED TO REDEEM SPECIAL OFFER. OFFER REDEEMBALE AT THE ENTRANCE MARKETS ANY SATURDAY AT THE ROLLIN BEAN MOBILE COFFEE VAN.VOUCHER ENTITLES PURCHASER TO ONE FREE BABYCCINO WITH ANY COFFEE web: www.therollinbean.com.au PURCHASE

Coffee subscriptions must be ordered online at www.therollinbean.com.au The subscription will be for a period of twelve months. Payments to be made by direct debit each month. Completing the order form confirms the purchasers intentions to form a legally binding agreement to purchase coffee for the next twelve month period For every twelve months subscribed, a free one kilogram bag of coffee beans will be provided at the commencement of the 13th month. If the subscription is not cancelled after the 13th month, the service will continue until cancelled. If the purchaser wishes to cancel the subscription prior to the end of the twelve month agreement, the full twelve months payment are due and payable. Subscription is based on pickup. If delivery is required, the purchaser will pay for the relevant Australia Post delivery costs.

Scan QR Code to CALL US NOW! FIND US ONLINE: CGARDENS.COM.AU

Email: info@therollinbean.com.au

OFFER VALUE STARTS AT $30.00 RRP. AND CHANGES BASED ON TOTAL 50% OFF OF ORDER VALUE FOR ALL ORDERS OVER AU$60 FROM THE ECO FOOD WRAP ONLINE STORE. ONLY VALID FOR ORDERS OVER $60ORDERS BENEATH THIS AMOUNT MAY BE DELAYED WHILE THE ORDER IS AMENDED. COUPON CODE MUST BE ENTERED TO REDEEM DISCOUNT. OFFER VALID TILL 10TH DECEMBER 2017

w w w. e c o fo o d w r a p . c o m

Offer Valid until 10/12/2017. This voucher must be mentioned at the time of booking and brought along on the day to redeem the offer. Booking dates are subject to availability. The expiry date of this voucher will not be extended under any circumstances and is not redeemable for cash. Limit of one voucher per customer.

Offer is redeemable by scanning the QR code to contact John Petrich of DevelopMyTeam via Facebook, and mentioning this coupon. Offer RRP Value is $140.00. Offer not transferable or redeemable for cash. Offer expires 10th December 2017

Facebook.com/developmyteam

Offer Valid until 10/12/2017

Voucher Valid until 31st Contact The Announcer TeamAugust to find2017. out more Must present Voucher instore or photo of about being a part of our next issue! voucher on phone instore at Shop 5, 35-39 email: theannouncer.info@gmail.com Blackwall Rd, Woy Woy, to claim this offer. Offer is for/TheAnnouncerCentralCoast. 50% any single slice of cake facebook: Limit 1 per person. Offer purchased. Valid when purchasing a contributor package. Voucher design includes 1 set of changes. Valid for Spring and Summer bookings only.

Offer is redeemable by scanning the QR code and accessing your FREE content via the Biz Optimiser website. Offer RRP Value is $97.00. Offer not transferable or redeemable for cash. Offer expires 10th December 2017

bizoptimiser.com/smallbusinesswebinar

Terms & Conditions: Must be a full priced booking or hire. Any exisiting discounts will be forfeited upon use.Booking must be direct - either through www.downtoscratch.com or via email. Discount not available through booking services such OneFlare and ServiceSeeking. Voucher can be used for bookings or hires during any date in the future, however redemption must occur prior to 30/09/2017. 10th December 2017

SPRING 2017 THE ANNOUNCER

e SPECIAL OFFER VOUCHERS e fr

PRESENT THIS CARD FOR A FREE DJEMBE OR TAIKO DRUMMING CLASS

Tear out and use to support Coast Businesses . .

Just Cut these out and keep them handyin your wallet

FRESH ROASTED COFFEE Delivered straight to your location DISCOUNT VOUCHER

FREE Babyccino 1 kg Coffee

WWW.THEROLLINBEAN.COM.AU

Beans with any Coffee Purchase @signing The up for a 12 Entrance Markets when month online Coffee E V E R Y Subscription S AT U R D AY

OR Turn over to Scan the QR Code with your phone or tablet!

FREE FERTILISER

with your first booked session (USUALLY VALUED AT $20.00)

BOOK NOW 0438 248 317

TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY

RECEIVE 50% OFF any order over $60 with coupon code ‘AnnouncerSpring’

FREE 45min Discovery Session

w w w. e c o fo o d w r a p . c o m

John is offering a 45 minute Discovery Session focusing on current skills and future skills required to grow your business.

FREE Lashes

with any make-up application! Valued at $15!

☛ TURN OVER TO SCAN QR CODE

CALL TO BOOK: 0415 130 138

www.taylorbeckmua.com

10% off any DJ booking or equipment hire.

FREE WEBINAR for Small Businesses

“How you can find and keep the best people” - Spend more time ON your business, not IN it

“What’s the Fair Work System?” Don’t get nasty surprises due to lack of knowledge

quote “DTS10” WHEN YOU enquirE.

CALL NOW: 0490 664 126 DOWNTOSCRATCH.COM 24

THE ANNOUNCER SPRING 2017

“How to manage safety risks in your business” - Save money and prevent injuries

☛ TURN OVER TO SCAN QR CODE

FREE VOUCHER DESIGN when you signup to contribute to The Announcer Spring or Summer issues!

theannouncer.com.au

CUT OUT AND KEEP YOUR SPECIAL OFFER VOUCHERS OR SIMPLY SCAN THEM WITH YOUR PHONE!

OFFER VALID FOR NEW STUDENTS ONLY. ONE CARD PERSON. CALL 0439 217 004

FROM THIS ISSUES CONTRIBUTORS .(with a little extra just for you!)

Announcer Coffee Offer

WANT YOUR OWN COPY OF THE ANNOUNCER? SCAN HERE TO VISIT OUR ONLINE ORDER FORM AND REQUEST A PRINTED COPY OF THE CURRENT ISSUE OF THE ANNOUNCER

Announcer Yoga Offer

* Valid for the first 25 enrolments ONLY! CUT OUT AND KEEP YOUR SPECIAL OFFER VOUCHERS OR SIMPLY SCAN THEM WITH YOUR PHONE!

modernorganic.com.au

Purchase one coffee and receive a free coffee of equal or lesser value!

Receive 10% off your next Modern Organic Yoga purchase!*

ENROL NOW AND GET A FREE ART THERAPY CLASS See over for Terms & Conditions

www.imagineandmove.com.au

VIX VOLANTE CREATIVE | DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION | SOCIAL MEDIA SOLUTIONS

EXCLUSIVE BUSINESS CONTRIBUTOR DISCOUNT- CHOOSE YOUR PACKAGE A- THE ANNOUNCER AD PACKAGE - RECEIVE A PRINT AD+ 1 RND/CHANGES + STOCK PHOTO TO YOUR BRIEF + PRESS READY PDF FILE DELIVERY

B- NEW ENTREPRENEUR WEB PACKAGE - LOGO DESIGN + SUPPORT FILE DELIVERY + 1 ROUND OF CHANGES + BONUS BRANDED EXCEL INVOICE TEMPLATE

20% OFF + FREE EDIBLE FLOWER ID POSTER

CALL TO BOOK: 0402 359 955

When you purchase Any Seasonal Mix www.hiddenvalleyharvest.com.au

1/2 PRICE Fundamentals (RRP $400) Receive 6 sessions for $200 (vs. 6 @ $400) QUOTE LOOKHAPPY01 when booking to redeem via web, email or phone (see over for details and QR code)

Sunday Night Free For all consecutive Friday & Saturday night bookings.

The details for the voucher are: - Half price fundamentals (normally valued @ $400): 6 sessions for $200 (VS. 6 sessions for $400) www.lookhappy.com.au - Expiry: 3 months FREE Argan & Hemp Seed Oil treatment - Redeemable via website or email or + COMPLIMENTARY HEAD MASSAGE phone LOOKHAPPY01 with(quote any Ellen’s Salon booking.when redeeming) EXCLUSIVE READER TICKET DISCOUNT - QR code: re where it goes, we create a THE FIRST 30 PEOPLE WHO landing page for this yes? BOOK A TICKET USING THIS VOUCHER WILL - Image for coupon (please see attachment) RECEIVE 10% OFF

(exc ludes sc hool holidays)

TICKET RETAIL PRICE

(USUALLY VALUED AT $100)

WITH COUPON CODE

BOOK NOW 0402 100 240

(tickets through eventbrite)

‘ Anno un cer ’

www.vivalavintage.com.au SPRING 2017 THE ANNOUNCER

PULL OUT VOUCHERS

TURN OVER FOR YOUR FREE SPECIAL OFFER VOUCHERS!

* Valid for the first 25 enrolments * Class to be held during the September school holidays at the Uniting Church Hall in Ettalong Beach. OFFER VALUE IS $25.00 RRP. COUPON CODE MUST BE MENTIONED OR SHOWN -ACTUAL OR DIGITAL- TO REDEEM DISCOUNT. OFFER VALID TILL 10TH DECEMBER 2017

10th December Offer valid until 31st August 2017 2017. Valid for one free coffee of lesser or equal value when purchasing a full-priced coffee. Must present voucher or mention The Announcer to receive the special offer.

www.imagineandmove.com.au

MENTION THIS COUPON WHEN BOOKING TO RECEIVE EITHER PACKAGE A OR B FOR $120 TOTAL (RRP $200-$250). AD PACKAGE SUITS ANNOUNCER CONTRIBUTIONS OR SIMILAR AND INCLUDES 1/4PG AND HALF PAGE AD SIZES LOGO IS MAIN DESIGN, 1 ALTERNATE CONCEPT, MONOCHROME FILE, TRANSPARENT FILE, EXCEL BANDED INVOICE W/FORMULAS AND BUSINESS CARD DESIGN PDF ONLY. PLEASE CONTACT VIA QR CODE TO BOOK SERVICES

FACEBOOK: /VixVolanteCreative Offer is redeemable by scanning the QR code to contact Hidden Valley Harvest by phone or email, mentioning this coupon when purchasing any seasonal mix from the HVH range. Offer Approx. RRP Value is $20.00+discount. Offer not transferable or redeemable for cash. Offer expires 8th March 2017

Half price fundamentals (normally valued @ $400): 6 sessions for $200 (VS. 6 sessions for $400) Expiry:10th December 2017. Redeemable via website or email or phone (quote LOOKHAPPY01 when redeeming). See https://www.lookhappy.com. au/announcer-magazine-qr-code for full terms and conditions

hiddenvalleyharvest.com.au

https://www.lookhappy.com.au/announcer-magazine-qr-code

An Affair To Remember Exclusive Discount Coupon Code Announcer entitles bearer to 10% OF Regular Retail Price of Tickets for the ‘An Affair To Remember’ event via eventbrite. Event is 7th Of october 2017, after which voucher become invalid. and as such, fdiscount is limited to first 30 takers only. Prize is non transferrable and is not redeemable for cash.

www.vivalavintage.com.au/miss-viva-la-vintage-2016

THE ANNOUNCER SPRING 2017

OFFER IS VALUED AT $40.00 RRP. ONLY VALID WHEN A HAIRCUT, STYLE OR SERVICE IS BOOKED WITH ELLEN’S SALON. PLEASE SHOW THIS VOUCHER WHEN REDEEMING OFFER. OFFER VALID TILL 10TH DECEMBER 2017

OFFER IS VALUED AT $100.00 RRP. ONLY VALID WHEN FRIDAY AND SATURDAY CONSECUTIVE NIGHTS AREBOOKED. NOT VALD ON SCHOOL HOLIDAYS. PLEASE SHOW THIS VOUCHER WHEN REDEEMING OFFER. OFFER VALID TILL 10TH DECEMBER 2017

Scan QR Code to visit the website

FIND US ONLINE: belleglamping.com.au

CUT OUT AND KEEP YOUR SPECIAL OFFER VOUCHERS OR SIMPLY SCAN THEM WITH YOUR PHONE!

WANT YOUR OWN COPY OF THE ANNOUNCER? SCAN HERE TO VISIT OUR ONLINE ORDER FORM AND REQUEST A PRINTED COPY OF THE CURRENT ISSUE OF THE ANNOUNCER

WORKING WITH AUTISM

IMAGINING A NEW PATH Christine Walker of Imagine And Move chats to us about the benefits of Creative Arts Therapies on children with Autism.

For the thousands of parents struggling to come to terms with their child’s recent diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, deciding on the best therapy options can be a confusing and stressful time.

hildren with autism often find it difficult to interact with and form friendships with peers. Drama and socialisation classes help to grow these skills by offering role playing games, short skits and improvisational play. Socialisation and creative play are key to successful early intervention. In drama therapy, children are given techniques to express themselves and communicate, developing creativity and imagination in a fun and supportive environment.

Christine Walker, a Central Coast local, has worked for several years with children presenting various behaviours of concern due to trauma, neglect, developmental delays and autism. Her roles include classroom support tutor, ASD behaviour therapist and a drama and social skills teacher. Early this year, Christine was approached by Iain McGuire, owner/director of the popular Mad Cow Theatre Company

drama classes based on the Central Coast, to partner with Aspect school in Terrigal. Christine created an innovative drama program that utilised props, dress ups and visuals to develop social skills and spontaneous creativity. This experience led Christine to create Imagine and Move, a social enterprise that incorporates drama and applied behaviour analysis techniques. “There isn’t enough of these types of therapies being offered here on the Central Coast and families are struggling to find truly inclusive after school activities for their special needs children.” Christine explains. “My classes will include group activities to target preverbal and social skills such as peer interaction, confidence building, turn taking, eye contact, voice projection and receptive and expressive language.” If this sounds like something that your child might benefit from, Imagine and Move are offering free trial sessions at the following locations:

0 Ettalong Uniting Church Hall (located on Picnic Parade in Ettalong) 0 Gosford Uniting Church Hall (located on Donnison St in Gosford).

For more details, turn to our business directory on page 44 to contact Christine from Imagine and Move. Don't forget to have your coupon from page 24 handy when calling!

Drama, movement & social skills for kids with ASD

w w w. i m a g i n e a n d m o v e . c o m . a u SPRING 2017 THE ANNOUNCER

HAIR TRENDS

A CUT ABOVE THE REST Ellen Allen of Ellen's Salon takes us through the newest hair trends for your next spring event.

Spring has sprung! Spring carnival racing, weddings and formals are approaching, and for the spring season, soft loose curls are the trend. They add elegance and style to any outfit and suit most medium to long hair types.

nother way to give yourself that extraness for your next formal event is to give your hair some lift with highlights! Ombré and Caramel foils are totally ontrend and look stunning with layers on long hair.

Up-styles are another option; especially for outdoors and if the weather is windy or warm. The simple, polished updo is perfect for brides who want a put-together look that still looks effortless., and has become a growing trend amongst brides for 2017. The fact that it’s simple doesn't mean brides can't play with the style. Hair can be arranged to look as though it has whisked itself up, with strands of hair wrapped around the bun, or instead of hair wrapped around the bun, one style involves folding the hair into a lower bun with lots of texture. The front of this style doesn't have to be sleek to look good. Leaving a couple of strands loose gives a softer, more natural look. Add braids for a more elaborate version of the up-do, and throw in an elegant hair accessory to complete the look. This looks works for brides with curly hair, too, as they don't need to straighten their hair to wear it up. Cascading curls clipped back into a voluminous bun and adorned with a flower crown can create an earthy yet elegant look that works especially well with low-back dresses. No bride wants to be in a stressful environment getting ready for her big day, and our beautiful, light-filled home

salon has a relaxed atmosphere that is also child-friendly- all are welcome at Ellen’s Salon! Ellen’s Salon is situated on the creek side of Tumbi Umbi. The outlook of the salon is tranquil and quiet with views of the creek and wildlife. Come and relax and be pampered, away from the noisy shopping centres and streets- this salon is unique with its quietness and beautiful surrounds of water and bird life- perfect for the bride-to-be or VIP to get ready! Don’t forget, Ellen’s Salon offers full-colour services, from permanent to semi permanent colours, foiling, balayage, and colour correction, as well as permanent chemical straightening and precision hair cutting. Women, men and children are all welcome; whether you need a quick cut or have the time to enjoy the pampering, Ellen’s salon is suited to all tastes. We’re available for any occasion from weddings to formals and special events.

To get in touch with Ellen’s Salon, simply turn to the business directory on page 44. Don’t forget to have your special offer voucher from pages 24-25 handy when you call to book!

Over 25 years experience in the industry | Expert-trained in all aspects of hairdressing

Ellen’s Salon 13 Brenda Crescent

TUMBI UMBI A wide range of professional products are available for purchase including brands like Matrix, Jeval, CPR & Natural look

SPRING 2017 THE ANNOUNCER

BEAUTY SCHOOL

GREAT DAY F O R A WHITE WEDDING Make sure you've got your look covered for your big day!

As the weather starts to heat up, so does Wedding Season! On the Central Coast, Spring & Summer are the most popular seasons of the year to get married, and for good reason. The days are longer, nights are warmer and the drinks are colder. Brides will make their way down the (makeshift beach) aisle with the sand between their toes, or maybe they’ll say their vows under the shade of a tree during a romantic garden ceremony. Whatever your special wedding day may hold for you -Taylor Beck of Taylor Beck Make Up Artist has some tips and tricks to help you get through the day looking flawless!

Tip 1 - Be Prepared

Choosing the Hair & Makeup Artist for your wedding is not something you want to leave till the last minute. In fact, it should really be one of the first things on your ‘TO DO’ list. I often take wedding bookings 6-18 months in advance, and popular dates during peak wedding season don’t stay available for very long.

Tip 2 - Book a Trial

I cannot stress how valuable a hair & makeup trial is. During your trial, you will get the opportunity to discuss the theme and the general feel of your wedding. I often request to see a picture of the bride's wedding dress and accessories, so that we can create the perfect look for her special day. A trial also gives you peace of mind...you won’t need to be nervous about the final look because you’ve already been through exactly what you envision before the wedding day. Some brides choose to make their wedding booking without a trial initially, which is totally fine, you can always save your trial for another occasion before your wedding day, for example, your Hen’s Night, Bridal Shower, Engagement Party or just a special date night.

you’re eating and drinking (and stealing the odd kiss from your new husband). So keep your lippy handy for touch ups, especially if you’re going for a Marilyn Monroe-esque classic red! Most importantly, your wedding day is about creating memories with your partner, family and friends. Some forward planning will allow you to relax, enjoy the moment and celebrate your special day! You can contact Taylor Beck Makeup Artist for your wedding package via our business directory on page 44. Don't forget to have your coupon from pages 24-25 handy when calling!

Tip 3 - Think Ahead and Plan

When you’re thinking about the look you want to go for on your wedding day there are a couple of things you should consider. Where is your ceremony? If it’s on the beach, in a vineyard or right by a beautiful lighthouse overlooking the ocean, you might want to think about having your hair in an up style! If it happens to be a windy day, an up style will be more secure and stay in place for much longer. What about your makeup? You want to look like yourself on your wedding day, so look at pictures and get inspiration before you book in your trial. It’s helpful when you have a good idea of what you would like. You also want to be practical - if you never wear makeup, maybe steer away from a dark smokey eye and stay with a more natural look. If a bold lip colour is a little too high maintenance, maybe opt for a nude lippy?

Tip 4 - Touch ups

I feel an entire touch up kit isn’t essential - I always use high quality, long lasting makeup on brides, and I often get told that no touch-ups were needed. However, if you do have oily skin or it's a humid day, you might want to bring along a pressed powder in your purse to eliminate shine throughout the night. Lipstick is also a MUST, it’s the one thing that will fade while SPRING 2017 THE ANNOUNCER

K I C K S TA R T YO U R F I T N E S S

LOOK HAPPY; FEEL HEALTHIER We get the scoop on a new approach to health & fitness with Nick Fuentes and Sam Burrett of LookHappy Training. Look within a warehouse in West Gosford and you’ll see high ceilings, sky-blue painted walls, rubber flooring, a cage-like structure and people lifting barbells and jumping on wooden boxes. A black puppy tied to a whiteboard waits patiently as his mum finishes her workout, a combo of burpees and sit ups. Stencilled on the wall in white is the word “LOOKHAPPY”. When the last person finishes the workout the clock is stopped, music volume lowered, and congratulatory hi-5’s and praises are exchanged between participants.

ndividual results are scored and slower atmosphere takes over, as well as an outbreak of friendly chatter like that of old friends. It’s a setting that is distinctly primal. The sun shines inward and reveals dogs, newborns and free human movement. Belonging and community are fused together by a challenging dosage of fitness. Members file out of the door enthusiastically and discuss when they will meet again. Renewed and refreshed, everyone leaves looking better; happier. LookHappy Training is an all inclusive, community-based fitness facility that opened its doors in March this year by owners Nick Fuentes and Sam Burrett. Located in West Gosford, it is a vibrant warehouse space that offers general fitness for everybody, believing that being happy can be achieved by a daily dosage of physical challenge, community and coaching. The core of the program consists of small 1-hour group classes, where each participant is coached by the owners. Prior to entering classes each individual is coached through 6 private 1-hour sessions, necessary to teach the fundamental movements before starting classes. Both owners have been CrossFit trainers for over 5 years and in their time have coached people of all ages. By living daily and knowing the physical, mental and social benefits of CrossFit training, Nick and Sam have sought to share their passion with the broader community. They set aside their law degrees to pursue this route, to build a space that could change people’s physical and mental lives as it has done theirs.

THE ANNOUNCER SPRING 2017

In addition to daily classes, LookHappy runs a teens program twice a week with St Phillip’s Christian College, as well as a fortnightly class with the disability services group House With No Steps. If you’re after a positive environment where people bring each other up to improve physical and mental wellbeing, be sure to take a step towards a healthier, happier you this Spring- these guys would love to help you out!

To get in touch with Nick Fuentes and Sam Burrett and start your new Spring Fitness Plan simply check out our business directory on page 44 and look out for LookHappy Training. Make sure you've got your special offer voucher from page 24 to receive exclusive savings when you book!

WELLBEING

THE ART OF BREATHING

Meditation has been gaining a lot of following recently, with groups and classes starting to appear more frequently in various locations across the Central Coast. Not only is it a great way to relax, it also helps increase your focus, giving you more energy for your everyday life.

or some, focusing can be quite the problem, either because they have too much on their minds, or because they’re preoccupied with the many details of their busy lives. Making meditation a part of your regular lifestyle can improve your ability to stay on point and achieve your day-to-day goals, meaning you free up more time for the things you love. We look at a few reasons that taking up this practice could help you stay on course. 1. Your eyes are usually closed. During most types of meditation, your eyes are supposed to be closed to help you focus. If your eyes are closed while meditating, then all of the other distractions going on in the space around you slowly start to fade, and through regular practice, the art of focusing on your breath (the key to meditation) will become second nature. So, by concentrating more and having your eyes closed, you will be practising how to increase your focus and over time this will assist you in becoming more mindful in your day-to-day life. 2. You practice awareness of your body and thoughts. There’s a common misconception that meditating means ignoring your body and especially the thoughts that drift through your mind. This isn’t actually true- practising meditation involves being aware of the body and the thoughts we have, but then learning to also bring this focus back to the breath. This works like strengthening a muscle by repetitive weight lifting your ability to pull yourself back to the matter at hand becomes stronger by letting your mind wander. 3. You learn to go with the flow. As you flex those mental muscles and grow stronger at returning to your breath, you also start to strengthen your ability to accept situations and essentially ‘let go’ of your negative reaction to them. Meditation teaches you to take time to process and accept the flow- the flow of your muscles relaxing, the flow of your thoughts coming and going and the flow of events as they happen to you. It strengthens your mental faculties and allows you to focus in a way that doesn’t cause stress or strain. If you take the time to research meditation and learn how to incorporate it into your regular practice, you can totally change your life and enhance your experiences. It will help you to move to the next level and get greater results in your personal life and work and can also help to boost IQ abilities and make you happier and more positive in life overall.

Here is a quick overview of some of the scientifically established health benefits linked to regular meditation practice inducing deep relaxive states: Immunity: When medical students undertook relaxation training during exams, the level of the so-called "helper cells" that defend against infectious disease increased significantly, according to a report in the US Journal of Behavioural Medicine – and those who most faithfully did the exercises had the strongest immune effects. In another study at Ohio State University, a month of relaxation exercises boosted immunity in seniors, increasing their resistance to tumours and viruses. Blood Pressure: A study at Harvard Medical School found meditation lowered blood pressure by reducing the stress response, with an effectiveness practically equal to that achieved using blood pressure pharmaceuticals. Another report in the British Medical Journal similarly established that patients trained to relax enjoyed significantly lower blood pressure. Blood-Sugar Control: Relaxing could help curb appetite by keeping blood sugar stable, thereby helping diabetics control their symptoms. In a series of studies on diabetic patients at Duke University Medical Centre, relaxation was shown to improve the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. Inflammation: Stress leads to inflammation, which in turn is linked to heart disease, arthritis, and various skin conditions such as psoriasis. According to researchers at Emory University in the US, relaxation can play a role in preventing and treating such symptoms by switching off the stress response. Similarly, a study at McGill University in Canada recorded clinical improvements of the symptoms of psoriasis through the practice of meditation. Pain: Patients reported sharp decreases in painful symptoms following a regular practice of relaxation methods, according to a study in the US Journal of Behavioural Medicine. The patients in the study – suffering from backache, chronic migraine, tension headaches and similar conditions – were able to lessen or, in some cases stop altogether, their use of pain drugs.

Source: meditationmojo.com

SPRING 2017 THE ANNOUNCER

PA R E N T S R U N N I N G A B U S I N E S S

DOING IT FOR THE KIDS We chat to Shuaib Rahman, Co-Creator of Eco Food Wrap about the motivation behind everything he does- being a present father to his young children.

first stepped on the path that led me to start my own business about 15 years ago. I was working for a company named Source One (now Service West) where I had started out just driving a forklift for them. I remember that time well; working 3 jobs at a time just to get ahead, working my way up through the ranks over the subsequent 10 or 15 years to the top echelons of the company, learning every facet of running a business from the ground up. I was workdriven, work-focused- EVERYTHING was about work. I would go so far as to say I was a workaholic. Profit-and-loss was my oxygen and margins were my lifeblood; I literally lived to work.

They just want it done and that’s where I came in. A growing proportion of people living on the Central Coast, work in Sydney and just don’t have that sort of time- any spare time is spent with their families. The business began growing gradually, but it still required me to spend some time away from my family. My wife, Elishah had started what would become Eco Food Wrap as a hobby- a way to give friends and family a way to live more sustainably by reducing their plastic wrap and sandwich bag use in their homes through her handmade, reusable beeswax wraps. She started selling these at small farmers’ markets and they received a great response- people were excited about her plastic alternative idea and she started to have more demand for the product. It was during that time that Elishah asked me to help her grow EFW into a sustainable business.

After some time, we found ourselves with a little addition to the family - my son, Makayo. We decided to break away from suburbia and moved to an off-grid property about an hour out of Sydney. During this time, I remained at my job, driving an hour and a half (in peak hour) to work and back, “Making a living”. It was, however, the birth of my second child- my daughter, Zaia just over 2 years ago, that changed everything. When she was born, I decided to take 3 months off work to spend some time with my growing family; and invest some time working on the property to make it more self-sustainable. I forgot about emails, clients, projects, deadlines, schedules, budgets, Mondays….

It would mean that we could spend more time raising our children together, and less time apart. It was having my kids as motivation that got us where we are today. I wanted to be with them through every stage in their voyages of discoveryI didn’t want to miss out on any of their amazing moments because I was away working all the time, or be too tired to enjoy their funny, brilliant personalities when I did get home.

I slowly began to immerse myself into my childrens' world more and more. A world where time seemed to lose its demanding presence. Playing with cars, trains, legos, hiden-seek, or simply helping them do something or learn something new. Every day became an adventure. A journey. A voyage of discovery. Slowly, my focus and mindset began to change. I realised that, whilst working, I had been spending the bulk of my time and energy away from the people and things that were truly important to me. My wife. My kids and our off-grid life. There just had to be a better way to live. So rather than go back to work for someone else, I decided to officially resign my post, and venture out on my own. My first business venture was called Central Coast Furniture Installations, an idea that had sprung from my time working with Service West, who provided custom furniture installations on a commercial scale. Seeing a gap in the residential market, I decided to start CCFI. Marketing research showed a time-poor demographic; and with most furniture being bought today coming in flatpack, people just didn’t have time to build, clean up and move new furniture.

So I decided to shift my focus and turn EFW into a profitable business venture. It took some hard work and planning, but today we have a recognisable brand with a strong social media presence. It is also now our full-time business and provides for our family and lifestyle. While it takes a lot of our time and energy living off-grid and running a business (especially a product we make ourselves by hand!), I still make sure it always comes second to the main motivation behind everything we do- spending time with our beautiful kids. After all, nothing that we do is truly critical, or life and death important. Everything can wait and I really learned that while interacting with my children. The product itself was born from our need to provide a better world for our children. The business was born from our desire to be with, and raise our children... If it comes down to sending an email or my son needing someone to help him with his next lego masterpiece, Chances are, I will get to the email after the lego rocket has taken off!

Turn to our business directory on page 44 to connect with Eco Food Wrap- and be sure to check out the special offer value coupon on page 24-25

Use the Special Offer Voucher in this issue of for an exclusive saving in our online store! /ecofoodwrap

@ecofoodwrap

w w w. e c o fo o d w r a p . c o m 32

THE ANNOUNCER SPRING 2017

LIFE ADVICE

SPRING CLEAN YOUR LIFE There are so many parts of your life that could see the benefits of a little shake up before we hit the long, hot days of Summer again, and Spring is the perfect time to do it, too (after all it is called SPRING CLEANING!). Spring cleaning isn’t just for our homes, though! Here are a few tips to help refresh your life through the sunny seasons.

De-clutter (and de-stress!)

Even the most thorough of household cleaners can end up accumulating a bunch of, well, stuff: odds and ends, bits and pieces you’re saving for that one time you may need 37 small rubber bands or that particular shade of note paper. Even after a good clean up, our homes, workspaces and even our cars can still be filled with things we don’t really need that just serve to take up space. A thorough sort-out-and-throwout session can be very good for the nerves and if you’re bad at letting go it may help to talk yourself out of old habits. How many of the clothes in your wardrobe do you actually wear? How many DVDs that you don’t even open anymore do you have collecting dust for nostalgia’s sake? There are loads of ways to de-clutter, from selling online or donating things to charity or op shops. If you plan this alongside your big spring clean, getting organised at home will be super easy!

Change up your diet

Some foods are just too good to say no to- my winter was full of excuses to not have to cook healthy, as it was cold and I just wanted some comfort food! If you’ve found you’re saying yes to more and more things you know you shouldn’tit’s time for a rethink of our food. It’s important to make sure you’re getting a balance of nutrients, and a variety of fruit and vegetables will definitely help you out here. We can all get a little uninspired when it comes to eating a clean diet. Try switching up the meals you eat regularly and experiment with new healthy recipes. If you do have a sweet tooth, try opting for raw or low-process recipes that don’t add refined sugars or fats to them (Such as our Gluten-free, vegan lemon coconut squares on page 42!)

Plan Some Regular Time-Out

As our day-to-day lives get busier, people are rediscovering the need for a little “me” time. For some people, all it takes is a hot bath and some music or a moment with a good magazine (see what we did there?). We’ve all heard the praises of yoga, meditation and mindfulness sung far and wide, but there are some really amazing benefits and these techniques are fast becoming our go-to for relaxation and well-being. Meditation is a good way to focus on positivity and calmness (more on meditation and focus on page 31), whereas Yoga gives your physical health a boost, as well as helping relieve stress and anxiety. There are a lot of things you can do to clear your mind, this is true- and these

methods may not be for you, so do some research and find something that does work for your lifestyle. The way you take time isn’t as important as actually making the time for yourself to do them!

Put. Down. The Phone…

Phones, laptops and tablets mean that we have an endless supply of information, entertainment and distraction at our fingertips. How often have you promised you were just checking a friend’s updates and looked up to see its an hour later and you’ve done nothing but watch cat videos? Instead of lurking on social media waiting for something interesting to pop up on your feed, look for new hobbies to take up. Any hobby where your brain has to learn new systems is resistance training for your brain. Languages, a new instrument, puzzles that require logical thinking and creative pursuits not only strengthen the brain over time, they also have shown to boost overall attention and comprehension, and less time online can also lead to both more productivity in our daily lives, and better moods as well!

Take A Look At Who You Give Your Energy To

Do you find yourself feeling drained after spending time with certain individuals in your life? Does someone you always considered a friend and confidant now seem like an emotional drain? It’s only natural that as we grow and change, our friendships do too. A big way to change up your life is to learn that loving and respecting yourself sometimes means saying ‘No’ to other people- and there’s nothing wrong with that! It is actually an act of self-preservation to use our energy to only focus on the friendships that really make us happy. If you’re really feeling the strain with some people, it’s probably worth asking yourself: do you really want to put more time into that relationship? Or would it be better spent elsewhere? Addressing the situations that are syphoning your energy levels and being honest with yourself about who enriches your life and who’s life you enrich leads to feeling more confident in your self and your own feelings. This also goes for Facebook. Does the kid you knew in 3rd grade that you haven’t spoken to since really need to see pictures of your new daughter? Probably not- and most people fail to even notice when you de-clutter your online presence, anyway! Putting these few things into practice means that you spend your quality time with the people that matter and you will feel happier. Sometimes the biggest spring clean we need is not just for our material possessions, but in our personal lives, too!

SPRING 2017 THE ANNOUNCER

CAFFEINE FIX

DEFINITELY NOT A HAS-BEAN We speak with Joel & Samantha Simmonds of The Rollin Bean about the Coast's favourite drop..

Isn’t it amazing how coffee has become the epicentre of our existence? Even before the first Century BC, coffee has become synonymous with time spent with loved ones for pure, delightful pleasure. “People are becoming more particular about their coffee, which is why we have released our own brand," says Joel Simmonds of The Rollin Bean. "Some people prefer an organic blend and some single origin."

he word coffee comes from the Arabic word “qahwa” meaning “wine of the bean” and it originated in the province of Kaffa in Ethiopia. Legend has it, that it was discovered by a guy called Kaldi, who was looking after his sheep when he noticed they were eating the red fruit of what was later to become known as the coffee bush. Coffee was first used in ceremonies, but as it’s taste and reputation grew, it became more integrated into everyday life. For most of us in modern society, coffee is synonymous with the start of the day. In fact, some can’t even begin to function without their daily caffeine hit. Like the early Ethiopian ceremonies, we tend to spend a lot of time over coffee. Frankly, it’s become the hub of our society. Coffee is considered an essential to finish a great meal or a social drink we have when meeting friends. We have it as a “heart starter” in the morning, a pick me up for morning tea. In fact, we don’t need a reason to drink it…. we just do! It’s just considered hospitable to offer a coffee to our guests and it’s even infiltrated the corporate sector with business meetings being synonymous with copious amounts of coffee being drunk before major decisions can be made! Like the TV, a coffee machine of some description (and there are many varieties) can be found in almost every household. Coffee brew has also changed over time with boutique varieties currently trending. We tend to add things to our coffee as well, including chocolate, chai and many forms of alcohol such as rum, Baileys, amaretto etc. Rumour has it that in England, they used odd additives such as mustard, butter and oats! Coffee requires roasting to stimulate the release the aromatic oils of the bean, which is what gives it that delicious taste. However, not all coffee tastes the same.

THE ANNOUNCER SPRING 2017

"We definitely have a dedicated following of people who enjoy our own “Rollin Bean” roast, so have started retailing our beans, so they can enjoy the same delicious brew at home. If you're particular about your coffee, check out fresh food markets, European style deli’s and other fine food providores who tend to be more particular about selling quality lines. We even supply it to real estate agents and car service centres who prefer to offer their waiting customers something that makes them feel like they're appreciated.”

Turn to our business directory on page 44 to get in touch with The Rollin Bean for your next cuppa on the go! Make sure you've got your exclusive special offer voucher ready from pages 24-25!

PRODUCE SPOT

Gluten-free & Vegan

Lemon Coconut Squares INGREDIENTS Main Ingredients: 4 cups unsweetened shredded coconut 1 cup maple syrup OR coconut syrup 1/2 cup coconut oil 2 tsp pure lemon extract 2 tsp pure vanilla extract pinch of salt 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut (for topping)

Lemon Filling Ingredients: 1 cup soft silken tofu OR ¾ cup pre-soaked raw cashews ½ cup maple syrup OR coconut syrup ¼ cup neutral tasting coconut oil, liquified zest of 4 small lemons 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 1 tsp lemon extract juice of 4 small lemons (roughly ⅓ cup juice) 2 tbsp agar agar flakes (not powder) optional: a few drops of yellow food coloring of your choice

LEMON FILLING PREP 1.Place the strained tofu, sweetener, coconut oil, lemon zest, and vanilla and lemon extracts into a medium sized mixing bowl. Use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until it’s smooth and uniform. Note: you can also do this in a regular blender if you don’t have an immersion blender, but I find the immersion blender less messy… 2.Place the lemon juice and agar agar in a small saucepan and warm up on low hear stirring frequently until the agar agar dissolves into the liquid (it will thicken slightly). Do not let the mixture boil or bubble. Once all the agar agar is dissolved remove from heat and pour into the mixing bowl with all the other ingredients. Blend everything to combine into a smooth mixture. 3. Transfer into a glass jar and allow it to cool to room temp. Refrigerate the mixture afterwards. It will thicken as it sets in the fridge. If you’re using it in a dessert (pie, squares, tarts, etc., then just spread the mixture as necessary after cooling it for a few minutes and then place the pastries in the fridge to set for a few hours). Coconut Topping Ingredients:

MAIN INSTRUCTIONS 1. Place all base ingredients into a food processor and process until the mixture is smooth. Transfer contents into a parchment paper-lined 20 cm × 20 cm glass container (or anything of a similar size) and press the mixture down so that it’s packed down evenly and smoothly. Place in the freezer for at least 10 minutes to solidify a little. 2. If your lemon curd filling is already ready, move on to the next step. Otherwise use this time to prepare the filling and allow it to cool off a little. 3. Pre-heat the oven to 180°C. Line a cookie sheet with some parchment paper and spread the coconut for the topping evenly on the sheet. Bake the coconut for a few minutes until it’s just toasted. Alternatively, you can do this in 2 smaller batches on a smaller cookie sheet that fits into a toaster oven. 4. Remove the container with the coconut squares base from the freezer. Spread lemon filling on top of the base evenly. Sprinkle with toasted coconut evenly and return back to the freezer for about an hour for the lemon filling to set. You can also let it set further in the fridge after the 1 hour mark (the longer it sets, the cleaner it’ll cut). 5. Once set, cut into squares and either enjoy straight away or transfer the squares into the fridge for later use.

recipe; the unconventional baker

SPRING 2017 THE ANNOUNCER

COMMUNITY

Photo by: Sumant Tanna | www.sumanttannaphotography.com

CELEBRATING LOVEFEST

Joe Figliano tells us all about the CCCC's first major event, Lovefest, and lets us in on the group's up-and-coming projects..

entral Coast Conscious Community started in January of 2017. I found that there were so many amazing heart-centred people and groups that were scattered all over the Central Coast. My vision was to create a space where we could all come together to connect, as well as share wisdom and ideas of how we can consolidate the community further; building more bridges and connections to give us all a more combined powerful presence. This would also allow us to attract more conscious heart-centred people that align with our purpose and values. Since then, many collaborations have formed, new events have spawned and so many amazing community projects have been kicked off. The first project came from our original intention which was “Loving Our Community”. In April 2017 the name LOVEFEST was birthed. We still don’t know who birthed the name so we have concluded it was by the community.

Lovefest was a conscious community event held by the people for the people On 2nd September 2017 at The Rhythm Hut. We had a Community Meditation, Drum Circle, Yoga, Ecstatic Dance, Cacao Ceremony, DJ, Spoken Word Poetry, Community Art, Live Mural Painting, Didgeridoo Sound Healing, Mayan Flute, Fire, LED twirler and Special guest Dubarray – a conscious band that has performed at Splendour In The Grass and Woodford Folk Festival. It was an all-ages event which was alcohol and drug-free, with Vegan food and Cacao Elixirs. It was a big success, reaching capacity with over 210 people including ticket holders, performers and volunteers. We raised $1,057 for Coast Shelter through the nights' efforts and we can't thank everyone involved enough for your part in helping out.

THE ANNOUNCER SPRING 2017

COMMUNITY

People came from all over Australia for this event. Some even reached out and came alone because there was nobody else in their circle that would be connected to this type of event. Not only did we celebrate our conscious community; we expanded out to others by providing them with a platform to be able to connect with a new tribe all in one night. So much love was experienced by all. I am so grateful for this community and everyone that was there. It doesn't end there- Lovefest Summer is now on its way! Central Coast Conscious Community Project 2 is called Earth Warriors Central Coast (EWCC) founded by Melanie Ariya, who is now working in collaboration with Luke Rosario. EWCC come together regularly to do clean-ups on beaches, parks, walking trails and green spaces, across the entire Central Coast of NSW. We have individuals from all walks of life that join in including younger children, and there are also boot camp clean-ups. Jake Cassar will also be holding free bushcraft classes for attendees of an upcoming cleanup as a big support. We also have Project 3: Central Coast Conscious Youth; which is a collaborative hub where youth-focused projects are generated and nurtured to enrich the lives of our community. Current projects include a Youth Wellness Expo Event in Schools, an 8-week In-school delivery program and Mindful drumming. We can't wait to see what else comes out of our monthly meetings- be sure to connect via our details below. We hope to see you at one of our meet-ups and hear your amazing community-minded ideas! If you would like to join the group to see more information on Central Coast Conscious Community and their planned events including Lovefest Summer, Earth Warriors and Conscious Youth please join www.facebook.com/groups/ CCConsciousCommunity. To connect with Joe go to www.facebook.com/joe.figliano

SPRING 2017â&#x20AC;&#x201A; THE ANNOUNCERâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;

EVENT GUIDE

WHAT'S ON CENTRAL COAST

The Central Coast has a variety of markets held monthly around the coast and we have included some of the Coast's favourites below, as well as a host of other great events happening around the Central Coast and surrounds in Spring. Check our Facebook page for more regular events as they're updated or submitted! You can find us online at theannouncer.com.au or on Facebook at /TheAnnouncerCentralCoast

central coast markets

Wyee Markets: 8:30am - 1pm; 2nd Saturday of each month. Wyee Community Hall Grounds, 114 Wyee Rd. Wyee. CONTACT: Phone 0416803295 OR email wyeemarkets@outlook.com Central Coast Community Market: 9am - 1pm; Second Saturday of each month. 209 Brisbane Water Drive, Point Clare. CONTACT: Phone 02 4323 3566 OR email enquiries@fairhaven.org.au Ettalong Market: 9am - 4pm every Weekend & Monday public holidays. Cnr Ocean View & Schnapper Rds, Ettalong Beach. CONTACT: Phone 02 4341 1999 w: www.ettalongmarkets.com.au Kibble Markets: 8am - 2pm; First Thursday of every month. Kibble Park, William Street, Gosford. CONTACT: Phone GBID on 02 4322 7726 OR email info@gosfordcity.com.au Shelly Beach Markets: 9am - 2pm; Last Saturday of the month. Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College, The Entrance Campus. CONTACT: email shellybeachmarkets@gmail.com w: www.shellybeachmarkets.com The Entrance Market at Memorial Park: 9am - 2pm Weekly, every Saturday. Memorial Park, The Entrance. CONTACT: Phone 02 9999 2226 w: www.organicfoodmarkets.com.au Toukley Sunday Market: 7am - 1pm; Open every Sunday. Coles car park, Yarralla Street, Toukley. CONTACT: Phone Janet on 0403 621 113 OR email manager@greatertoukley.org.au Avoca Beachside Market: 9am - 2pm; Fourth Sunday of each month. Heazlett Park, Avoca Beach Foreshore CONTACT: Phone 0416 097 707 w: www.fixxevents.com.au

september

18 19 october

november

19 38

SEP 18th & SEP 19th: Tough Mudder Glenworth Valley - @ Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures, 69 Cooks Rd GLENWORTH VALLEY 2250. For info/enquiries visit toughmudder.com.au/event/sydney SEP 22nd: Afro Moses - 6:30pm - 10:30pm @ The Rhythm Hut: 135 Faunce St GOSFORD 2250. For tix/info visit http://www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/afro-moses/98282 SEP 23rd & SUN, SEP 24th: Plant Lover Fair - From 9am @ Kariong Mts High School, Festival Drive, Kariong For bookings/info visit www.plantloversfair.com.au. Adults $12 Groups $10 each Under 18s FREE. SEP 24th: THE SEPTEMBER 5 LANDS EXPERIENCE FT. Midnight Movers - 5pm - 8pm @ The Rhythm Hut: 135 Faunce St GOSFORD 2250. For tix/info visit therhythmhut.com.au. Entry by donation. SEP 24th: Central Coast Ukelele Festival - @ Marine Parade Memorial Park THE ENTRANCE 2261. For tix/ enquiries email info@theentrancetcm.com.au or phone 1800 335 377. SEP 30th: ALIVE: Plant-Based Festival - 10am - 5pm @Kibble Park: Donnison St GOSFORD 2250. For bookings/info visit www.umbalaevents.com. OCT 7th: Long Jetty Produce Swap- @ CWA Hall, 1 Pacific Street LONG JETTY 2261. For info/enquiries visit https://www.facebook.com/longjettyproduceswap/ OCT 7th: Viva La Vintage Presents An Affair To Remember -@6:30pm - 10:30pm @Gosford Classic Car Museum For info call 0410 111 699 or email vivalavintageaustralia@gmail.com tix@Eventbrite OCT 14th & OCT 15th: Gem & Treasure Show - @Mingara Recreation Club, Mingara Dr TUMBI UMBI 2261 For bookings/info visit https://www.facebook.com/CentralCoastLapidaryClub/ OCT 14th: The Balcony Shelly Beach Bridal Expo - 11am - 3pm @ SBSC, Shelly Beach Rd, SHELLY BEACH 2261 For tix/info visit http://www.thebalconyshellybeach.com.au/ OCT 21st: ARAFMI Gala Day for Mental Health Support & Awareness - @ 21 Bellbowrie Ave NARARA 2251. For tix/enquiries visit http://www.ccarafmi.org.au/. OCT 9th - OCT 20th: Mentawi 2017 Getaway hosted by Modern Organic/Australasin EduCare @The Shadow Eco Surf Camp, Mentawais, Indonesia For bookings/info visit https://www.facebook.com/AustralasianEduCare/ or contact Modern Organic Yoga & Cafe NOV 10th: Radical Reels Film Festival 2017- @Avoca Beach Picture Theatre, 69 Avoca Dr, AVOCA BCH 2251 For info/tix visit www.radicalreels.com.au NOV 19th: Long Jetty Street Festival 2017 -@ The Entrance Rd, LONG JETTY 2261 For info/enquiries contact JSF Founder/Director Kath Devaney on 0422 607 252 NOV 25th: Rhythm Underground 2017 feat. Rhythm Hunters - 6pm - 10pm @Jenolan Caves Grand Arch For bookings/info visit https://www.stickytickets.com.au or contact Lou from The Rhythm Hut on 0420 682 258 NOV 26th: The Mingara One Central Coast Half Marathon - The Entrance to Tuggerah Lake For info/enquiries visit www.centralcoasthalfmarathon.com

THE ANNOUNCER SPRING 2017

Photography by Bobby Hendry

MUSIC SCENE

ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC

Guy Steinbeck takes a look at a few of the amazing gigs coming up on the Coast Vera Blue (1 st Sept @ The Beery):

What better way to kick off the Spring than by catching one of the best things to bloom out of Australia in the past few years. I’m talking about Celia Pavey aka Vera Blue of course, who has been quietly killing it since 2013 and more recently came into the public eye through her critically acclaimed collaborations with Illy and Slumberjack. She then went on to smash it out of the park with her debut Vera Blue record, Perennial, which proved once and for all that this Aussie is much more than just a feature artist. If the show isn’t already well sold out, I’d suggest stopping whatever you’re doing and purchasing a ticket, because catching this stunner live will be un-missable.

Sweaty Palms (30 th Sept @ Proud Mary’s):

The venue now known as Proud Mary’s hasn’t always thrown the greatest of parties, but ever since the name- change and rebrand, it’s sure been a safe bet. One reason to get to this shindig is Illy, whose recent string of singles has proven him to be one of the finest in Aussie hip-hop. Another is Cosmo’s Midnight, who have such a fun, unique and groovy style, that it would almost be worth getting along solely to see them. Third reason: There’s a solid undercard of another 12 gun artists including Skeggs, Ocean Alley and Citizen Kay, plus locals on top of that. And let’s be real, it’s Proud Mary’s, you’ll be sure to see at least 6 mates you didn’t expect to catch out there. Convinced? I thought so.

British India (18 th Nov @ The Entrance Leagues Club):

These guys are from Melbourne, so you could justify heading to this show simply because it’s good manners to thank them for coming all the way out there. Even better, they’re actually really good, which makes sense of their past performances at Big Day Out, Homebake, Golden Plains, and what’s the other one? Oh yeah – they got asked to open for THE ROLLING STONES! If that’s not enough, they’re due to drop a new

album mid-September, so you’ll be sure to hear some fresh tunes, as well as some guaranteed classics. The Entrance Leagues Club is an underrated venue too, so there really shouldn’t be much keeping you from getting your booty to this show.

GU Y'S GI G GU I DE

Just a few great nights of live music acts coming up over Spring: 1 st Sept: Vera Blue @ Florida Beach Bar/The Beery 1 st Sept: Kilter (LIVE) @ Proud Mary’s 8 th Sept: Yahtzel (DJ Set)@ Proud Mary’s 9 th Sept: Jungle Giants @ Florida Beach Bar/The Beery 14 th Sept: Grinspoon @ Entrance Leagues Club 16 th Sept: Nina Las Vegas @ Proud Mary’s 16 th Sept: The Getaway Plan @ Long Jetty Hotel 17 th Sept: Katchafire @ The Rhythm Hut 20 th Sept: Meg Mac @ Entrance Leagues Club 22 nd Sept: Motez @ Florida Beach Bar/The Beery 28 th Sept: Drapht @ Entrance Leagues Club 29 th Sept: Bag Raiders (DJ Set) @ Florida Beach Bar/The Beery 30 th Sept: Sweaty Palms feat. ILLY, Cosmo’s Midnight + More @ Proud Mary’s 18 th Oct: Kingswood @ Long Jetty Hotel 4 th Nov: The Sea Gypsies @ Entrance Leagues Club 17 th Nov: Northeast Party House @ Florida Beach Bar/The Beery 18 th Nov: British India @ Entrance Leagues Club

You can find more on Guy Steinbeck and Down To Scratch in our business directory on page 44.

PLANNING A FUNCTION OR EVENT? Wow your guests by booking an entertaining and experienced DJ with Down To Scratch.

0490 664 126 DOWNTOSCRATCH.COM SPRING 2017 THE ANNOUNCER

COMMUNITY

TAKING IT TO THE STREETS

We speak with Kath Devaney, one of the community members behind the organisation of this year's Long Jetty Street Festival about some of the amazing acts Coasties can look forward to for 2017. Long Jetty, the creative hub of the Central Coast, will once again host the highly anticipated LONG JETTY STREET FESTIVAL. Back for the third year running, this year’s event on Sunday November 19th is primed to be its biggest and best yet!

ith the huge amount of support received to date from the local community and beyond, the organisers saw the need for the Long Jetty Street Festival (or #LJSF17) to extend the site to cater for an extra 15,000+ festival goers, adding more stalls, entertainment and services to this year’s event. As a result, there will be plenty more in store for families, music & art lovers, foodies, skaters and other groups thanks to the creative network of folk from across the coast that have worked hard to help bring the event together. Invited back for the second year in a row by Central Coast Council, #LJSF17 is proud to be the closing event of The Lakes Festival Program that runs each year in the Lakes area of the coast. So what’s on offer at #LJSF17 you ask? With music and culture at the very heart of the Long Jetty Street Festival, the SIX STRING STAGE is back again this year and will again be curated by none other than local music scenesters Mountain Sounds Presents. The headline act this year will be the Central Coast’s/if not AUSTRALIA’S own golden girl of song, the one and only Kasey Chambers. With a new album gaining rave reviews across Australia & the US and following a jam-packed year of extensive touring throughout Australia & North America, Kasey - a bona fide champion of supporting her hometown - will no doubt be in fine form as she takes to the main stage (and is sure to be the highlight of this years’ festival!) Kasey says "I got to enjoy the Long Jetty Street Festival last year as an audience member and I'm so happy that I get to add my name to the lineup of performers this year! I've spent a lot of this past year playing all over the world so it feels extra special to be able to play a gig in my home area on the Central Coast with so many great artists."

THE ANNOUNCER SPRING 2017

TY S E CCTOI M OM N UNNAIM E

In line with the LJSF femme prowess that is the all-female festival organisation team, Kasey will be joined by none other than Sydney girl gang Rackett, who will be blowing the socks off punters on the SIX STRING STAGE along with local talent The Sea Gypsies and Ivy. These are only a few of the great acts on the day, with acts on the Lakes Stage hosting a plethora of local talent to be announced soon, curated and brought to you by hometown heroes Fairplay Entertainment. There are also more acts to be announced in October’s second announcement. It’s not just music that will be the highlight of the day- the Art Precinct will once again offer up live art, curated by creative powerhouse Bonnie Gray, and local legend Grant Molony, both of whom will be creating unique moveable pieces within the Art Precinct on the day. Artists on board include Sydney contemporary artist Elliott “Numskull” Routledge -making his mark on the coast by providing a unique abstract mural on Thompson Street- and Central Coast alumni Brent Smith, cocontributor to the ‘Welcome to Long Jetty’ mural, who will be completing the famous wall as part of the official LJSF programme. There will truly be something for everyone on the day, including the little ones! The Kidz Zone is upping the ante this year with Dress-Up Attack’s own entertainment booker and now Coastie local creative Loren McHenry curating the festivities. The Kidz Zone will keep the young’uns entertained with an array of hands-on activities from Bangin’ Buses, a Musical Sensory Tree, A really REALLY big lakeside Slide, a “Book Nook” featuring a variety of local guest readers and books, Blackboard Draw Disco, Sand Art and a hay bale Bowling Alley. Across the day you’ll also catch roving & interactive entertainment from circus troupes, Blue Suede Shoes swing dancers, roller skating heroes Rollerfit, Roaming Stilt Walkers

and more…while the SLAM Factory Skate ramp will be action packed with plenty of impressive moves and a sweet stall selling some rad boards. The organisers have also lined up local legends MMAD (Musicians Making A Difference). The Lounge Room is the social enterprise of national youth charity run by the team at MMAD - an amazing space in Gosford that creates community, culture and belonging while supporting the charity’s life-changing work with vulnerable young people. They will be incorporating their live, loud and dynamic good vibes with a pop-up SpeakUP activation; a slam poetry event that has been home to world class poets from literally all over the country and globe! For the sustainably-minded, the 2017 Green Zone, sponsored by Long Jetty & Avoca Produce Swaps, will see produce swaps, workshops and info sessions with local backyard Bee-Keepers, Worm Farmers, Permaculturists and plenty more. There will also be a wide mix of carefully curated foodie delights to suit everyone’s tastes from such greats as Gourmet Gozleme, El Poco Loco, Hunter Ice Cream, Fritz’s Wieners, Diego’s Donuts, Viet Yum, Donnie Eats!, a variety of licensed bars and juice vendors and an abundance of other goodies, meaning foodies will be fully stocked by the day’s end! It's sure to be a fantastic day of connection and creative expression for eeveryone in the community and across the Central Coast. Be sure to save the date- 19th of November 2017 and we'll see you down at Long Jetty! Long Jetty Street Festival is proudly brought to you by Long Jetty local creatives Grant Molony, Kath Devaney, Liz Hart, Jo Corbett and Amelia Wasiliev (Create Curate Collective) and Loren McHenry (Dress-Up Attack!), in conjunction with our partners Westfield Tuggerah, Mountain Sounds Festival, Taubmans Australia, Kennards Hire, Music & Booze Company, Central Coast Council / The Lakes Festival and STAR FM.

For more information on the Long Jetty Street Festival, turn to our business directory on page 44 to get in touch with the organisers. SPRING 2017 THE ANNOUNCER

SUNDABYER

N O V E M 17 F S J L # H T 9 1

2 0M1- 7 6PM 11A

STREET FESTIVAL LONG JETTY FORESHORE TOOWOON BAY ROAD, THOMPSON ST AND TUGGERAH PARADE

FOOD & ARTISAN MARKET STALLS

LIVE MUSIC STAGES · KIDZ ZONE · RIDES

SKATE RAMP · MOUNTAIN SOUNDS DJ SETS

CRAFT BREWERS & BARS · WORKSHOPS ART PRECINCT: LIVE ART & MURALISTS

GREEN ZONE: PRODUCE SWAPS · BIKE HIRE

ed by:

KEEPING IT REAL ONLINE Anjie Rivero of Vix Volante Creative looks at life in the social media age.

Humanity has come a long way in the last few decades. With the onset of technology moving faster than ever before, we now have a generation of children who are growing up with social media as a part of their everyday lives.

Know yourself, and grow yourself.

s entrepreneurs, too, social media has become an integral part of our everyday lives for managing our businesses and reaching our audiences where they reside online. Approximately 65.8% of the total Australian population is an active Facebook user and 1 in 5 Australians have an Instagram account according to a report by Vivid Social for SocialMediaNews.com.au from January 2017- they are whopping figure, and with so many people engaging online, it makes you wonder how difficult it may be to maintain a sense of identity in the age of status updates, where popularity, success and influence seem to be measured in likes and double-taps. The pressure to live up to the ideal online persona can be immense for some people, both in professional circles (such as LinkedIn and Behance) and in the more social platforms (such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter).

Who were you before you signed up to Facebook? You had likes and dislikes, right? Friends, hobbies, school or maybe a job…an entire life existed before you created a password and uploaded that first flattering profile picture. Facebook and other social media platforms can be amazing places to learn more about the things that interest you and expand on them. My own online journey has led me to study design, then Illustration, spend a year and a half training as a tattooist and was even the gateway towards starting my own business! The key is to get involved in the things that are part of who you are. Join groups, find communities and initiatives, or start your own. Social Media doesn’t have to be a negative thing in your life. It can be the cornerstone for launching your own little place in the world if you use it to learn new things!

Throw promotion, marketing, editing and a touch of drama into the mix and it all starts to become a world within a world, where our sense of self (and our confidence and self-esteem) can take a blow if we don’t educate ourselves around what we see online. This can have deep repercussions- online bullying is a real issue for our younger generations, and even older people have come across interactions we just wouldn’t see in everyday life. It is important, therefore to understand a few things about what you see online.

Last of all, the best way to keep a sense of identity in a social media world is to simply disconnect once in a while. Fear of missing out doesn’t have to be a thing if you’re spending time offline for yourself, friends or family. Sure, your Instagram feed gives you muscle envy, but you can sit and stare at pictures and wish or you can go out and take a walk and take the first step on your own fitness journey! One big draw is debate and conversation- while great ideas can come from online discussion, this can lead to heated discussions and misconceived emotions, and in these situations, the best thing sometimes is to step away from the keyboard or put down the phone. Take a look around, read a paper book, maybe. Don’t obsess over the likes because, at the end of the day, social media is supposed to be just that- a way for us to be more social. It can be a positive tool to connect and share as long as we remember that the world is the real highlight reel- not the versions you see online! Get out there and get amongst it all!

It’s not all real.

This is a BIG one. We’ve all seen Facetune and other programs that allow you to edit your appearance within an inch of your recognised self. There’s a host of free apps that allow people to edit their appearance, locations- even splice people in with other photos! I can guarantee every YouTuber has a host of editing programs, and possibly a team to help them! It goes to show that it pays to be discerning with what you see online. Remember that editing exists and the technology we have is amazing these days. Just tell yourself “It’s the highlight reel, not the reality.”

Take a breather when you need it.

But not before you give me a follow…*wink*

You can connect with the design, Illustration and Social Media Solutions team at Vix Volante Creative via our business directory on page 44.

Illustration | Graphic Design | Social Media Solutions Connect with us now for your next creative project: /vixvolantecreative

vixvolantecreative@gmail.com

vixvolante.com

SPRING 2017 THE ANNOUNCER

LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY

THE ANNOUNCER B MISSION PROVIDENCE GOSFORD

THE ANNOUNCER MAGAZINE Central Coast Community Magazine

NEIS Provider/ Job Search Provider

TERRIGAL 2260 P: 0402 359 955 e: theannouncer.info@gmail.com www.theannouncer.com.au

Suite 1, Ground Floor, 15 Watt Street GOSFORD 2250 P: 4345 4000 www.missionprovidence.com.au

THE ROLLIN BEAN

310a The Entrance Rd LONG JETTY 2261 P: 4311 6400 www.modernorganic.com.au

Eco Kitchen Product- Sustainable Beeswax Wraps

MOONEY MOONEY CREEK 2250 info@ecofoodwrap.com www.ecofoodwrap.com

CHANGE HQ NLP, Time Line Therapy, Hypnosis, EFT & Specialised Kinesiology.

WYOMING NSW 2250 P: 0400 867 027 E: hello@bizoptimiser.com bizoptimiser.com

1st Floor, 77 Avoca Drive AVOCA BEACH 2251 marisa@changehq.com.au www.ChangeHQ.com.au

THE ANNOUNCER SPRING 2017

ETTALONG BEACH 2257 P: 0438 358 970 E: keeshagoode1111@gmail.com www.keeshascreations.com.au

PROFESSIONAL BUYERS AGENT & MANAGEMENT CENTRAL COAST Buyers Agent | Property Manager

TOUKLEY 2263 P: 0422 648 079 www.buyersagentcc.com.au MOBILE BUSINESS - CENTRAL COAST

DEVELOP MY TEAM

BIZ OPTIMISER Business Advice & Coaching



Creative Colourist & Mandala Artist

ECO FOOD WRAP

Community Cafe

135 Faunce St, 135 Faunce Street GOSFORD 2250 P: 43225971 therhythmhut.com.au

KEESHA'S CREATIONS

Cafe, Garden Eatery and Yoga Studio

GREEN TANGERINE 393 The Entrance Road LONG JETTY 2261 kath.greentangerine@gmail.com thegreentangerine.com.au

MODERN ORGANIC YOGA CAFE

Mobile Coffee Roaster/Coffee Van/Event Hire

SUMMERLAND POINT 2259 P: 0400 533 214 e: info@therollinbean.com.au www.therollinbean.com.au MOBILE BUSINESS - CENTRAL COAST

THE RHYTHM HUT

Community Centre/Music School/Entertainment Venue

Business Coaching/ Team Development PO Box 4143 COPACABANA NSW 2251 P: 0424 943 032 john.petrich@developmyteam.com.au

developmyteam.com.au

USINESS DIRECTORY HIDDEN VALLEY HARVEST

TAYLOR BECK MUA

Terrigal Dr TERRIGAL NSW 2260 P: 0438 248 317 e:Daniel @cgardens.com.au

70 Riviera Ave TERRIGAL 2260 P: 0415 130 138 info@taylorbeckmua.com www.taylorbeckmua.com MOBILE BUSINESS - CENTRAL COAST

Lawn/Garden Design & Maintenance

Edible Flowers and Workshops

YARRAMALONG NSW 2259 P: 0422 704 629

suzie@hiddenvalleyharvest.com.au www.hiddenvalleyharvest.com.au

COAST GARDEN SOLUTIONS

BELLE GLAMPING & DECOR

cgardens.com.au

Make Up Artist

Bell Tent Hire & Events

Drama/Movement/Social Skills for kids with ASD

IMAGINE AND MOVE

DOWN TO SCRATCH

BUFF POINT 2262 P: 0402 100 240 belleglampinganddecor@gmail.com www.belleglamping.com.au

Picnic Pde, ETTALONG BEACH 2257 P: 0459 995 486 e: imagineandmove@gmail.com imagineandmove.com.au

WAMBERAL 2260 P: 0490 664 126 downtoscratch.com MOBILE BUSINESS - CENTRAL COAST

ELLEN'S SALON 13 Brenda Cres TUMBI UMBI 2261 P: 0411 150 243 e: ellensalon1@gmail.com facebook.com/ellenfabuloushair

DJ / Event Entertainment

Vintage &Pin-Up Photographer

Fitness Centre/Gym

16/8 Gibbens Rd, WEST GOSFORD 2250 P: 0411 333 798 crossfitlookhappy@gmail.com www.lookhappy.com.au

VIVA LA VINTAGE

LOOK HAPPY TRAINING

Home Salon & Stylist

ETTALONG BEACH 2257 P: 0410 111 699 vivalavintageaust@gmail.com vivalavintage.com.au www.vixvolante.com

Turn over for our Business Directory Local Area Map!

VIX VOLANTE CREATIVE

Graphic Design. Illustration. Social Media Solutions. Editor/Publisher for The Announcer

TERRIGAL 2260 P: 0402 359 955 e: vixvolantecreative@gmail.com www.vixvolante.com

Don't forget to check out the online version at: www.theannouncer.com.au!

21 SPRING 2017 THE ANNOUNCER

Buff Point

3 4

18 19

Tumbi Umbi

9 17

1314 1 21 10 21

5 1620

CONTRIBUTORS KEY 1- The Announcer Magazine 2- Mission Proividence -The Rhythm Hut 3- The Rollin Bean 4- Modern Organic 5- Keesha’s Creations 6- Green Tangerine 7- Eco Food Wrap 8- PBA & M Central Coast 9- Biz Optimiser 10- Change HQ 11- DevelopMyTeam 12- Hidden Valley Harvest 13- Coast Garden Solutions 14- Taylor Beck MUA 15- Belle Glamping & Decor 16- Imagine and Move 17- DownToScratch 18- Ellen’s Salon 19- LookHappyTraining 20- Viva La Vintage 21- Vix Volante Creative

Want to start your own business? Turn your dream business idea into a reality with NEIS. If you have a great idea for a business but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know where to start, Mission Providence NEIS can help. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not currently working (or in training) and you meet the requirements, NEIS can help you create a business plan, provide you with training in small business, and provide you with business advice and mentoring for the first 12 months.

For more information CALL 1300 00 6347 APPLY ONLINE missionprovidence.com.au/neis