Benny Issue 08 - Winter 2022

ISSUE 08 / WINTER 22

Benny

FREE

FOR LOCALS & VISITORS ALIKE

Saltwater Woman

Rise Mofo

Going BC

She sometimes surfs, sometimes paints.

That yellow place in the wall you’ve always wondered about.

Join Tailah on her backcountry adventure.

B E N N Y S U P P LY C O . C O M . A U

HEALTHY SMOOTHIES ENERGY BOOSTING LOADED TEAS *MENTION BENNY MAGAZINE & RECEIVE A FREE MEGA UPGRADE! @yumfastnutrition

2/91 Scenic Dr Budgewoi (Down the laneway next to Coles)

© 2022 Studio Benny

CONTRIBUTORS

The information contained in Benny Magazine is

Nat alie Wabbis

given in good faith and believed to be accurate

Editor in Chief, Creative Director & Founder

at time of printing.

Jess Moroney The contents of this publication are subject

Benny Eats Out

to copyright and cannot be reproduced in any shape or form without written consent from

Tailah Fitzsimmons

Studio Benny or Benny Supply & Co.

Weekend Warrior

hello@studiobenny.com.au

Victoria Pearson

www.bennysupplyco.com.au

Sustainable Future Series

Benny Supply & Co

Luke Foster

Central Coast, NSW

Melodious Haze

Australia S&P Wabbis Proofreaders

Publication designed by Natalie Wabbis.

Cover image by @mitchellratcliffephoto

EDITORIAL

IN THIS ISSUE

Howdy.

We’re back with another rad issue and we’re here to help you get through another winter. Word on the street is she’s going to be a cold one! Our winter issue is packed full of snow adventures, tasty feeds, creative locals and some goooooood tunes!

A gracious thank you to all of our supporters on this journey with us. Whether that’s our writers, readers, followers or advertisers - you’re what makes us keep coming back!

A special mention to our newbies who have jumped on board

Rise & Shine

2

The yellow walled espresso bar that if you’re not at – you need to be!

Sandy Whittaker

4

Central Coast local, Sandy, revisits his best waves and epic surf memories.

the past couple of issues. We appreciate you. It means the world. Really.

If you’re interested in finding out more about Benny and how you can help support our magazine, please get in contact with us via email, our website or send us a DM.

Getting Shady

8

If you haven’t visited this local, family friendly, tropical paradise yet... it’s time.

But for now, time to dive in. She’s golden this one.

benny

Going Backcountry

10

Ever wondered what backcountry skiing or boarding could be like? Time to find out.

CO N TACT US h e l l o @ s t u d i o b e nny.co m . au A DVERT ISE W IT H US h e l l o @ s t u d i o b e nny.co m . au Cover image by @mitchellratcliffephoto

Please recycle.

www. b e n nysu p p lyco.co m . au FO L LOW US @ b e nnysu p p l yco + @ b e nny m agaz i ne _ 1

BENNY EATS OUT

LOCAL T

•

O

L

L TO

C THE OAS

CA

TOUKLEY

O

Rise Mofo

2

CO

T

TH

E

AST •

BRIGHT BOLD BUBBLY Just a few of the boisterous ways one could describe Rise Mofo at Toukley. This gem of an espresso bar is a glowing beacon of caffeine dreams, and with their slogan of “no days off’ it’s no wonder the community loves them.

Their coffee is so deliciously dreamy. Iced, hot, no matter your calling – they’ve got it, and it is amazing! The tasty morsels in their cabinet are basics gone rogue. They hands down have the BEST bacon and egg roll in town (order it with a twist for some extra crunch [hash brown] and spice [siracha]; it’s divine!) and there is just something that hits the spot about those toasties – vegetarian friendly too!

Their newest addition to the vibe is Snoop – A Fried Chicken Burger Project! Friday and Saturday nights these legends run some of the best burgers and fried chicken going. Don’t even start me on the fries or the Oreo Shake, or the Strawberry Lemonade! Everything Rise offer is delicious. There is no wrong decision here.

To make things even better, their online order ahead system means it can be ready when you arrive – perfect for those busy work mornings, school drop offs or last minute weekend takeaway plans.

Rumour has it there is a cheeky little deli and grocer going in across the road… opening in June!!! So the picnics of our dreams just got even better.

If you haven’t visited the wonderful staff at Rise yet, put it on the list immediately. You need to try this absolute gem!

Rise Mofo $ Coffee Bar: 6am - 12pm NO DAYS OFF Fried Chicken: 5:30pm EVERY FRI + SAT 3/327 Main Rd, Toukley NSW 2263 3

Sandy Whittaker Q&A

What’s your home break? Avoca Beach.

RAPID FIRE - THIS OR THAT?

Where is your favourite place to surf in Australia? D bah on the Gold Coast is one of my favourite places in Oz. Warm water, consistent waves, it’s different every day, and one of the few places up there you can go left. It always has a punt section somewhere on the beach.

1, 2 or 3 fins? 3.

Do you remember your first wave? I was too young to

Barrels or airs? Barrels.

Natural or goofy? Goofy.

High or low tide? High.

remember it, but I’m sure it was wild!

Sunrise or sunset? Sunset.

What board are you currently riding? Chilli – Volume 2.

Longboard or shortboard? Shortboard.

What was the best session you’ve ever had? One or maybe two sessions that were epic at Pipeline. Everybody always raved about how scary Pipeline is, which is 100% true. But some sessions it’s the most beautiful wave you’ve ever seen.

I love surfing Pipe, worth the risk 1000%.

Where is your favourite destination for a surf trip overseas? North Shore – Hawaii.

Wave of your life? I got pitted off my head at 6 foot North Avalon when I was 11.

Who is your biggest inspiration? Tom Carroll.

What’s your go to wax? Sex Wax orange.

Can you tell us about your greatest surfing memory? I’ve been very lucky and surfed some amazing waves. On a trip to the Ments I literally surfed one mechanical 4-6 foot reef all day with my family and mates. Barrels, punts, hooting and laughs all day. Lunch in the line-up, beers, game of pool and a huge dinner. Passed out and pumped for the next day. Insane clear blue day of ocean paradise.

Where did your love of surfing begin? With my dad pushing me into waves out at Avoca corner.

What does surfing do for you mentally? Surfing makes me happy and chills me out. Any day, any time.

Do you think you’ll still be surfing when you’re grey and old? Oh, for sure.

4

3–4ft or 8–10ft? 8-10 foot.

Beachie or point break? Point break.

IMAGES SUPPLIED BY @BENNYGAMLIN

5

If you know someone who would be a great candidate for our next Q&A, please get in touch with us.

Instagram // @sandywhits

SUSTAINABLE FUTURE SERIES

Norman MTB JINDABYNE, NSW

IT’S TIME YOU GOT TO KNOW NORMAN – THE SNOWY MOUNTAINS-BASED BRAND ENGINEERING A GREENER WAY TO RIDE

New South Wales’ Snowy Mountains region cradles some of the country’s most surreal and adrenaline-spiking terrain. Sure, you’d likely know it for its snow sports – those pristine ski fields backdropped by bushland are famous the world over. But Australia’s High Country is also home to spectacular mountain biking landscapes, full of mapped trails, alpine valleys, forest paths and chairlift accessed Gravity Parks. So it’s no wonder that the sports latest apparel name to know, Norman, was also birthed from the mountains.

www.normanmtb.com Instagram // @normanmountainbiking

Originating in 2021, Norman’s founders Jacinta and Charlie Timmins (who live and work amongst the Snowies) have long been a part of the mountain biking community. “Charlie and I are keen riders,” explains Jacinta. “But no matter how hard we looked we couldn’t find sustainably, locally made gear that suited our lifestyle. The kind of apparel you could wear comfortably on the bike and also for the post-ride feed at the pub.”

6

After checking in with their riding community they realised there was a space to be filled in the market for minimalist, well-constructed technical wear that felt at home both racing downhill and on a leisurely pedal into town. But perhaps even more importantly, there was a space to create greener gear – MTB clothes that were made from sustainable or recycled materials, locally and ethically manufactured, with repair services available to prolong the life of the garment. In other words: environment first, riders second.

“I grew up in Jindabyne and have been skiing and snowboarding in the winters and riding in summers my whole life,” says Charlie. “It’s some of the world’s most amazing landscape, but even in my lifetime I can see how it’s changing with climate crisis escalating by the day.

“ It was paramount for us in designing and manufacturing our collection that we were giving riders the opportunity to buy green. To invest in gear that wasn’t made at the detriment of the earth, and a brand that was doing everything it could to minimise damage to the environment.”

After years of research, product prototyping and development, Norman launched its debut collection earlier this year – a capsule of women’s and men’s technical essentials engineered for all elements, including Tech Tees, Long Sleeve Jerseys and Shorts in a range of refined colourways (and soon they’ll be releasing Downhill and Enduro pants).

These guys proudly use locally sourced materials like the 100% certified non-mulesed Australian merino wool used in the classic Merino Edge Tech Tee – its temperature regulating properties keeps you cool while riding and warm off the bike, making it perfect for a winter under.

Many of the collection’s pieces are constructed from recycled fabrics made using re-purposed plastic bottles, keeping Norman’s carbon footprint to a minimum. “Our love for the environment and outdoors outweighs all things, and we’ve recently hired a good friend and an environmental consultant to work closely with us on driving some impactful initiatives, so watch this space,” says Jacinta. They’ve also got a partnership underway with Keep It Cool – a Snowy Mountains-based not-for-profit, committed to the preservation of the planet through community tree-planting initiatives.

To celebrate the launch of Norman, the brand is offering an exclusive 15% OFF all Benny Supply & Co readers purchases.

For more information or to see the full collection, check out www.normanmtb.com and use BENNY15 at checkout.

Shelby Kerr Yoga

Online Studio to practice anytime and anywhere.

Rooted in Tradition, tailored for the modern Go-Getter.

Yoga for you. @shubskerr Shelby Kerr y o g a w i t h s h e l b y.t e a c h a b l e . c o m /c o u r s e s

7

E COAS

T

IMAGES SUPPLIED BY SHADY PALMS

TH

•

LO C A L TO

COAST HE

•

CAL TO T LO

THIS TRANQUIL DESTINATION (BECAUSE IT’S SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST A ‘RESTAURANT’) NEEDS TO BE ON YOUR LIST OF PLACES TO VISIT THIS SEASON!

If that cool, eclectic, tropical shack vibe doesn’t reel you in, then the numerous events, specials and features certainly should. Shadys has something for absolutely everyone.

Family. Friends. Foodies. Boogiers. Even Pets!

When we say they cater for all, we mean they cater for ALL.

8

BENNY EATS OUT

On Thursdays we have Music Bingo starting at 7.30pm – there are prizes and giveaways to go round and the theme is always changing, so it’s a brand new event every week. Keep an eye on the socials for the updates, but this is a fun night out with your friends you don’t want to miss.

Every Friday Kids Eat Free! There’s face painting, scavenger hunts and a kids DJ. After a long week of school and sport, this is the perfect night out with the family, and the best thing, someone else takes care of all the details! For the boogiers of the bunch, Shadys has 2 for 1 Cocktails starting from 9pm every Friday night. So grab your pals and your dancing shoes and get ready to let your hair down.

Then we have Shady Saturdays and Six String Sundays. The vibes are strong for a luscious, long lunch under the palms and what more could you need on a weekend, right? With the restaurant opening at midday, you’ve got all the time in the world to sit, eat and catch up with your favourite people. The disco lights kick in at night on Saturday for those of you who still need to boogie, but Sunday offers some live music out on the terrace that you can hear trickle into each nook of this must see spot.

And for all my fellow foodies out there – you’re totally covered. The Shady Long Boards are new and DELIGHTFUL. Tacos on a share board; there’s nothing better. But the menu is flowing with options for all and I never stop raving about how clever and scrumptious the cocktails are, so trust me when I say BOOK NOW! They’ve even got a new addition for the ladies – who’s here for a long lunch? You’ll be welcomed with bottomless Bellinis and mimosas on arrival, lounge tunes spun on the decks, the eclectic Hawaiian mid century concept shining through as tastefully dressed ladies dine under the colourful umbrellas. The Shady Palms sharing boards strike again with slow cooked pork, shredded chicken, juicy crispy salmon, accompanied by complimenting sauces and sides of calamari, grilled prawn skewers and guac to name a few! Covering every Friday – Sunday weekly, local and visiting ladies can book a long lunch, have a reason to doll up and step outside of their usual busy lives to indulge in some me-time!

Pick a night, grab some of your nearest and dearest and head to Shady Palms soon. It doesn’t matter when you go, they truly have it all sorted for you. And it helps that it’s just so darn pretty! It’s lush, and bold, and so very cool; it’s like a tropical holiday conveniently located in Avoca.

Soak up that groovy vibe quick smart – booking options are all online or give them a buzz to sort yourself out now!

Winter Live Music Kyle Lionhart June 18th Phil Jamieson August 7th Shady Palms $-$$ 366 Avoca Drive, Kincumber NSW 9

THE AUSTRALIAN BACKCOUNTRY IS A PRETTY WILD AND BEAUTIFUL PLACE

After being in resorts since I started snowboarding in 2014, stepping outside the boundaries in 2020 came with a whole lot of different terrain, experiences, and not to mention the aches in your body the next day… but for all the right reasons.

10

WEEKEND WARRIOR

WEEKEND WARRIOR

Getting To The BC

I don’t think I really knew what I was getting myself into the first time I jumped in a pair of snowshoes, blindly following some friends up Dead Horse Gap, on the other side of Thredbo. With poles in my hands and my snowboard attached to my backpack, marching a mountain, I thought “how hard could it be?”

When I was so used to jumping on a lift to take me to higher ground, this walking thing seemed a bit crazy. Hiking so far just for a single run… it just seemed like a lot of effort.

Then you get closer and closer to the peak, thinking “just a few more steps” and reminding yourself of the reward of a cheeky bev and the punnet of blueberries in your backpack.

And then you get there.

With a 360º view of the surrounds, you take a deep breath and realise: this is it. The silence is soothing, and I could compare the feeling to when you’re out in the surf, sitting on your board waiting for the next wave to roll in before you’re off. I feel like those moments can quite often be missed, life goes by far too quickly and slowing down to experience them just makes you feel some type of way, you know? >>

IMAGES SUPPLIED BY @TAIFITZY

w w w. b e n n y s u p p l yco . co m . a u

11

Not only is it the feeling you get when you’ve reached the top, but untouched snow, less crowds and what seems like unlimited options of lines with (usually) not a soul in sight, it makes those thousands of steps so, so worth it. Its left me hooked and I spent the entire off season just trying to learn more and what I needed to do to get out there.

You can never know too much about the backcountry and being safe is a key element. There’s no ski patrol or ambulances out there to rescue you, so keeping you and your mates safe is always the priority. Being encouraged to do an Avalanche Safety Training course (AST1), I jumped in with Snow Safety Australia’s women’s weekend. Being with a bunch of like-minded women created a great environment to learn more about the science behind the fluffy white stuff, and how to spot signs of a possible avalanche. An avy pack (beacon, probe and shovel) is also something you and your crew should each carry any time in the backcountry.

I may not be the fastest walker, or even close to being an expert on this by any means, but want to encourage anyone to get out there to truly see how incredible it is outside of the resorts, and even pass some knowledge that I’ve learnt or point you in the right direction. With the resorts looking busier than ever this season, it’s a perfect time to see what’s on the other side. Backcountry and split-boarding may seem a bit overwhelming to begin with, but talk to your local shop, like ESS Boardstore, who can help as much as possible with loads of rental gear for you to try out too.

I’m itching to get back out there and I am truly excited to spend more time walking up mountains this winter. See you out there.

Oh, and just a tip – don’t underestimate bringing lots of snacks, water and of course, Blistex. You can thank me later.

Photography & Videography www.bengamlin.com 0401 010 609 GET IN TOUCH

12

13

Saltwater Woman NEWCASTLE, NSW

What is your favourite thing about what you do?

It’s enjoyable. Life is for living and fun. It’s not meant to be boring. Plus it’s connected me to so many great opportunities and people. I met my closest friend through surf art.

What environment do you like to work in most?

I love painting in my studio/spare room. One day I’d love a giant warehouse with white walls and paint everywhere.

How has your work changed over time? The subject has always been figurative and coastal, but the medium has changed from collage and resin to acrylic lately. I use fabric, wallpaper, needlework, watercolour, oil sticks, ink and cardboard from the recycling bin.

I like to experiment and try anything.

Who and what inspires you and your work? The beach, surfing, travel, my family, friends, everything I love! I spend a lot of time at the beach or on the water.

In a technology dominated world where everything is rapid and digital, I wanted to create visual anchors that would elicit a feeling and a reminder of those great days.

What’s the most rewarding aspect about your work? When someone loves it as much as I do making it. That’s the whole point for me – joy multiplied.

Who are you and what do you do? I’m Annalisa: a beach bum who sometimes surfs, sometimes paints. I’m a mum, wife, sister, daughter, a friend. I grew up in Tasmania, and moved to Newcastle 11 years ago.

How long have you been a creative for? A long time. It was my only school subject I received all A’s for. I grew up surrounded by a creative family. My mum likes to draw, my brother made surf films, and my dad collects vintage VWs. Where did you learn to do what you do? I learnt by doing it. Took action on my ideas. I did art school for a year in the early 2000’s and dropped out. Chose to travel the world instead. When I was on maternity leave in 2015 I started painting again. This time I didn’t stop.

How long did it take you to turn your craft into a business? I originally went by the name Salt and Resin, but due to being all wrapped up in the creative process, I didn’t register my business name and someone had taken it, rather than try and get it back, I switched to Saltwater Woman. I already went by the handle @saltwaterwoman on my private Instagram, and I painted women surfing or at the beach, so it was an easy transition.

What do you do to keep yourself motivated? I go have fun – which would be surf, swim, play at the beach with my son, go for a mountain bike ride, hang out with a friend, eat chocolate. I don’t paint if I’m not feeling it.

Have you thought about teaching your craft? Yes, I haven’t started anything yet, but there are plans in the pipeline.

14

CREATIVE SPOTLIGHT

Would you ever consider showing your art in a gallery space? Yes! I had a sell-out exhibition with Van Rensburg Galleries in Milton, on the South Coast at the end of January this year. I have some new work heading to The Toowoomba Gallery later this month and some prints available via the Mitch Revs Gallery in Newcastle.

“ Ask yourself what do you want? Who are you waiting for to tell you that you can follow your dream? Sometimes we limit ourselves because we have limits in our mind of what we can achieve. It’s up to you to make the art.

That’s the hardest part, making it. The rest just happens as you commit to making. Follow what lights you up and put your energy into the love of doing it. It isn’t about a final destination, but the process as you go.”

What would be inside your dream studio? Massive white industrial shed space, one half is my studio/gallery – the other half my husband’s concrete furniture studio/workshop. There’s amazing lighting, a bar fridge, surfboards, and awesome neighbours who join us for a drink on a weekend.

You can support Annalisa and her work here: www.saltwaterwoman.com.au Instagram // @saltwaterwoman_ 15

MELODIOUS HAZE

Gang Of Youths ALBUM REVIEW Angel In Realtime 2022

Gang Of Youths have been building a pretty strong following over the past 8 years since their debut record The Positions wacked us with the noteworthy track Magnolia. A memorable MTV Unplugged performance as well as a solid sophomore album all contributed to fan base growth both in Aus and across the globe.

The first three tracks are racked and stacked; You In Everything, In The Wake Of Your Leave and The Angel Of 8th Ave. spark the absolute fire in what this album is all about; catchy stadium ready hooks and of course the big heavy vocals we have come to expect from the ever-recognisable front man David Le’aupepe.

Angel In Realtime represents unparalleled maturity in the band as this is without a doubt the most well rounded release to date. It packs in a number of crisp highlights as well as exchanging a fluid flow throughout the entirety of the record.

Spirit Boy continues the journey with a solid and raw expression of guitar heavy rock ‘n’ roll. It’s the musical arrangements dark resolve that keep you listening and coming back for more. Definitely our favourite GOY album!

8/10.

16

Stay Local. Stay Stoked.

Shop the range online at bennysupplyco.com.au

Follow Us // @bennysupplyco ENJOY 10% OFF SITEWIDE WITH CODE: BENNYMAG10 Terms and Conditions Apply.

17