Central Coast Sun - Feb March 2023

STADIUM OF DREAMS

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February – March 2023

 ISSUE 43

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Disabled beachgoers get access

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

GOING to the beach has never been easier for disabled Central Coast residents from Ocean Beach to Lakes Beach in 2023.

Beachgoers can visit 15 patrolled beaches across the Coast that provide free access to beach wheelchairs and four popular locations with beach matting this summer season.

Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart said it was important to ensure that everyone in our community and visitors were equally able to enjoy what the Coast has to offer.

“Heading to the beach is a major part of our community’s lifestyle in the summer and is a huge asset that attracts visitors to our region each year,” Mr Hart said.

“Being able to access the shoreline for a swim and enjoying our beaches is a key priority people with disability and reduced mobility continually tell us.

“Providing beach wheelchairs and beach matting to improve access is a step towards ensuring everyone can enjoy our coastline this summer season.

“This service not only improves access and inclusion for people in the community living with a disability, but also enables others with limited mobility, or even parents with prams to access the sand and water - allowing summer fun for everyone”.

Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said: ”It is initiatives and services like this

that are a vital part of our Disability and Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP)

“The DIAP is about creating opportunities for people with a disability where all people feel welcome and can participate in community life, including visitors,” Ms Smith said.

“Beach Wheelchairs and Beach matting is an example of Council’s commitment to delivering and implementing actions from the DIAP.”

Only three beaches, Soldiers Beach, The Entrance Beach and North Entrance Beach won’t have beach wheelchairs currently due to severe beach erosion from recent storm events and large swell fronts.

Council continually monitors all its patrolled beach locations and is undertaking ongoing repairs to these assets throughout the summer.

Beach wheelchairs are available to residents and visitors for free at the following patrolled beaches:

1. Avoca Beach

2. Copacabana Beach

3. Killcare Beach

4. Lakes Beach

5. Macmasters Beach

6. North Avoca

7. North Entrance - Access is limited due to erosion

8. Ocean Beach

9. Shelly Beach

10. Soldiers Beach - Access is limited due to erosion

11. Terrigal Beach

12. The Entrance - Access is limited due to erosion

13. Toowoon Bay

14. Umina Beach

15. Wamberal Beach

Beach matting is available at Toowoon Bay, Umina Beach, Ocean Beach and Terrigal Beach providing a stable non-slip, cool surface to enable easier access to the sand and water’s edge to those who may use wheelchairs, mobility aids, or prams.

To book a beach wheelchair online or for more information go Council’s website centralcoast.nsw.gov.au and search ‘beach accessibility’.

Retired greyhounds join police

RETIRED greyhounds will be retrained as PTSD companion animals for the Australian Federal Police in a world-first initiative.

The program is a collaboration between the Australian Federal Police Association, Greyhound Racing NSW, and Greyhounds Australasia.

The benefits of pet ownership and support animals for people with PTSD are significant. Police

officers are at a higher risk of acquiring mental health injuries and PTSD due to their busy work life, isolation, and on-call rosters.

Bonding with a support animal can provide independence, routines, exercise, and social independence.

The announcement of this partnership is less than three months after GRNSW and GA’s an-

nouncement to supply greyhounds as pets to the Police Association of NSW, which has already shown successful adoptions and a demand for PTSD dogs.

The retraining of greyhounds opens up a new career for non-racing greyhounds and highlights the therapeutic benefit they can bring to those suffering from anxiety disorders.

REBECCA AND SAMUEL TAKE JUNIOR AWARDS Assets to the community

TWP of the region’s most promising young volunteers were named the female and male Newcastle Permanent Junior Lifesaver of the Year during the Central Coast Branch Age Championships at Avoca Beach.

Rebecca Lawer from Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) and Samuel Terry from Soldiers Beach SLSC took out the respective honors.

Branch Manager at Newcastle Permanent Lorraine Gould said SLSCs were true assets to the community as she presented the awards.

“Our SLSCs not only ensure everyday Aussies are safe at the beach, they’re helping to mould and shape the next generation of exceptional young people,” said Ms Gould.

“Rebecca and Samuel are already contributing to their clubs and communities.

“They’ve both earned their surf rescue certificates, so are already going out on patrol and are both keen to further their education and help promote more

youth involvement in surf lifesaving. They are two exceptional young people and very worthy of this recognition.”

SLSCC Director of Youth

Amy Fletcher said Rebecca and Samuel were evidence the future of surf lifesaving was in good hands.

“Our clubs and community should feel extremely proud of Rebecca and Samuel,” Ms Fletcher said.

“We’re always keen for more youth members and we hope these two wonderful members inspire young surf lifesavers across our branches.

The citations to the two lifesavers read:

‘Rebecca joined SLS in 2019 and has proven herself to be a champion team member, who values such vital qualities

as effort and persistence. Smart, dedicated and hardworking, Rebecca is generous with her time, helping out around the club.

‘Samuel joined SLS in under 11s and

quickly made an impression around his club with his keen attitude and friendly nature. Respectful of his trainers, Samuel soaks up all they have to teach him and is only too willing to pass on advice to the young nippers in the club.

“A beach lover who wants to help others enjoy our sand and surf too, Samuel wants to see more people learn the vital lessons required to stay safe at the beach.’

“People like Rebecca and Samuel perform a critical duty to keep us all safe as we enjoy the Aussie summer,” Ms Fletcher said.

Central Coast Branch has 15 SLSCs, from Umina Beach to The Lakes, each of them eligible to nominate a female and male for the award. The winners are judged on their written application and an interview with the judges.

Praise for visa decision

THE Settlement Council of Australia (SCOA) has praised the government’s decision to grant permanent visas to around 19,000 refugees who hold Temporary Protection Visas (TPV) and Safe Haven Enterprise Visas (SHEV).

The SCOA called the move a significant step towards

ending uncertainty and limbo faced by these refugees for the past decade.

These visa holders will now have the same rights as all other permanent residents, including access to social security benefits, higher education loans, and a path to Australian citizenship.

The Albanese Government has committed $9.4M over two years to help TPV and SHEV holders with the visa application process.

The SCOA also welcomed the government’s decision to restore the family reunion pathway for refugees on permanent visas.

Beris has a hidden treasure

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

TERRIGAL’S own Beris Meldrum has been volunteering at the local surf club for more than 30 summers now.

She is one of those key workers that the community relies on to be at the helm of life saving year in and year out.

Now, people like Beris are highly valued and respected for their contribution by their own organisation but often don’t get the recognition they deserve from the wider society.

However all that changed recently when Beris was one of 69 new names added to the NSW Hidden Treasures Roll which pays

public tribute to the girls and women across regional, rural and remote areas who have given their time and energy to helping others in their community.

Coordinated by the NSW Rural Women’s Network, the 2021-22 Hidden Treasures Honor Roll recognises vital volunteering contributions made in those years.

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch announced her inclusion in the Hidden Treasures Honor Roll.

“Beris joins more than 1000 women from across rural and regional NSW that have been added to the honor roll since 2010, each of them nominated by a member of their local community,” Mr Crouch said.

“Women like Beris play an im-

portant role in community development and making rural NSW a great place to live. It is so important we honor their contributions to ensure that voluntary work is valued and respected.

“Beris is a well-known community member in Terrigal. She has been a member and volunteer at Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club for around 30 years.

“Day after day, week after week and year after year, Beris is down at the Surf Club volunteering her time as a trainer, official, first aider and almost every other role you can think of along the way.

“Beris truly embodies a local hidden treasure.”

For more information and a full list of the 2021 and 2022 Hidden Treasures Honor Roll awardees, visit nsw.gov.au/women-nsw/rural-womens-network.

Older people VS tech engagement

OLDER adults are becoming increasingly digitally engaged, but many feel overwhelmed by the pace of technological change and struggle to keep up.

Dr Jeanie Beh and Professor Sonja Pedell from Swinburne suggest that a key to helping older adults adopt technology is to tap into their interests and hobbies.

This provides a positive motivation for them to learn and see the benefits

of technology. For example, an older adult interested in travel can use websites to compare airfare prices and negotiate with their travel agent, boosting their confidence in using technology.

The research highlights the need for a curriculum that caters to older adults’ learning requirements, which are different from those of younger users.

To help older adults become more

digitally savvy, the authors recommend: building on their interests and life experiences, mastering basic tablet interactions, applying learning in a real-world context, repeating tasks in practice, and providing a peer-supported environment.

It is also important to communicate with older adults about what they want and need from technology, and to provide meaningful and positive experiences during the learning process.

Beris Meldrum.

Peak business body demands progress

MORE than one in four businesses say they will shut if the next NSW Government does nothing about the cost of doing business crisis, according to a new survey of 900 businesses.

And if you think that figure is scary, spare a thought for the local café owner, childcare centre operator or manufacturer who must live with this prospect every day.

Business NSW, the state’s peak business body, has launched the We Mean Business election campaign this month.

The campaign policy platform is the culmination of member surveys, local and regional meetings and consultation with the nearly 50,000 businesses that Business NSW represents.

The We Mean Business campaign is demanding progress in areas including payroll tax, insurance premiums, housing, skills development and manufacturing.

It follows Business NSW’s most recent survey of 900 of the state’s enterprises which has revealed concerning statistics, including:

30% of small businesses will have to close if the next NSW Government does nothing to improve business conditions;

• 82% believe politicians in NSW are not taking steps to address the needs of business;

• 43% identified housing as a barrier to accessing skilled workers (whether it is availability or affordability);

26% considered the rising cost

of doing business as having an extremely severe impact on their business by restricting it from operating at its full potential.

Business NSW Senior Director Regions and Visitor Economy Paula Martin said businesses across the Central Coast are still recovering from the pandemic.

“Businesses have been left on the brink because of factors including inflation at record levels, soaring interest rates, energy prices, insurance costs, changes to the industrial relations landscape and significant tax burdens,” Ms Martin said.

“The challenges for NSW businesses are very real – and many of these challenges are beyond the NSW Government’s control. But there is a lot that our

state politicians can do.

“It will give manufacturers in Somersby the impetus to buy that new piece of kit that will help drive innovation.

As the peak representative of all NSW business communities, Business NSW says it is time the next government makes a commitment to:

Ensure there is no increase in the tax burden for businesses in NSW;

• Lower the payroll tax rate from 5.45% to below 5% and increase the threshold to at least $1.3 million;

• Stop making employers pay for icare’s poor performance and reform the NSW workers compensation scheme to fix the broken system;

• Increase our skilled migration visa program intake from 15,000 to 30,000;

• Offer an additional 100,000 feefree apprenticeships and 70,000 fee-free traineeships to boost skills here at home;

• Deliver the natural gas production we need in NSW and build the energy network to connect a minimum of 13GW of renewable generation by 2035;

• Establish an industry audit of manufacturing capabilities within the first 100 days after the election to strengthen NSW manufacturing capacity for critical goods with stronger supply chains;

• Establish a $1.3 billion government-backed venture capital (VC) fund to nurture start-ups in NSW;

• Grow the allocation of government procurement to small and medium businesses to over $10 billion per annum.

Further, Central Coast specific commitments include:

• Develop the Gosford Waterfront to revitalise the Central Coast CBD as a vibrant business and tourism investment attraction.

• Accelerate CBD Precinct investment to stimulate tourism and new knowledge industry development.

• Enable new investment in our devalued CBD by establishing a Business Improvement District led by industry to ensure that place-based solutions let businesses thrive.

• Accelerate partnership programme between TAFE and new CBD university campus to develop learning pathways and micro-credentials for emerging industry areas.

• Unlock employment lands in the Northern Growth Corridor and Somersby to meet local employment demands.

• Overhaul planning processes to help reduce Central Coast development delays.

• Set a 30 per cent target for affordable housing on surplus government owned land to support key workers to live closer to where they work.

Business NSW’s policy platform can be found at: https://www.businessnsw.com/content/dam/ nswbc/businessnsw/2023election/WMB_PolicyPlatform_FINAL.pdf

Paula Martin.

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

GOING out on the Central Coast has sadly become a risky business, especially for women and gender diverse residents.

In the “good old days” you could wander anywhere in relative safety but unfortunately, times have changed in 2023.

Now, Central Coast Council is to participate in the NSW Government’s $30M Safer Cities program, aimed at improving the safety of women, girls and gender diverse people in public spaces around transport precincts.

Council will receive $1M to develop and pilot safety boosting initiatives so that women and girls experience improved perception of safety on our streets, in parklands and at public trans-

port hubs, in partnership with Transport for NSW (TfNSW).

Executive Director Cities Revitalisation and Place Transport for NSW Caroline Butler-Bowdon said the ‘Safer Cities: Her Way program’ was an incredible opportunity to partner

with councils across NSW and deliver improvements that addressed local experiences and needs,” she said.

“We’re excited to be working closely with Central Coast Council to listen to the voices of local women, girls and gender diverse people and trial initiatives that help them feel they can move freely and comfortably through their local public spaces,” she said.

Council’s Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said Council didn’t hesitate to participate when invited by TfNSW.

“Women and girls across the Central Coast actively use and depend on public transport, public spaces and the streets and paths that connect them, to access

essential services and opportunities as part of their everyday lives. Yet, women and girls face more gender-based harassment and safety issues when using public spaces than men do,” she said.

“This program will run over the next 18 months to trial place-based approaches to improve women’s perception of safety travelling to, through and within public spaces and transport hubs.”

Council Administrator Rik Hart said the initiative was crucial to ensure women and girls felt they were not constrained in how they moved about Gosford in their day-to-day lives.

“We want women and girls to feel safe as they move around the city, using public transport, public spaces or walking along streets and paths that connect transport hubs to work and social areas,” Mr Hart said.

Visit https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/safer-cities until 8 February 2023 to take the survey.

Coast welcomes new nurses

THE Central Coast has 123 new graduate nurses and midwives who began their careers across both Gosford and Wyong this year, in what will be a major boost for community health.

“The new graduates are amongst a record 3600 nurses and midwives set to start working across 130 NSW public hospitals and health services this year,” Parliamentary Secretary for the Coast ad Terrigal MP Adam Crouch said.

“The work that nurses and midwives do is at the

very heart of the Coast’s public health system, caring for people in our hospitals, at home and in our communities.

“I am incredibly pleased to welcome the new recruits to the Central Coast Health District and know that they will make a big difference to the health and wellbeing of our community.”

Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said more than a third of the record number of graduates beginning their careers with NSW Health had chosen to

work in rural and regional hospitals.

“It’s wonderful to see so many nurses and midwives either choosing to move to the bush or returning home so they can care for their communities,” Ms Taylor said.

“As someone who spent the best part of their nursing career at a regional hospital, I know the skills and experience these new nurses will gain will set them up for success into their future nursing career.“

The latest statewide intake of graduate nurses and midwives is an 18 % increase on last year.

Adam Crouch

Reducing the cost of living and growing OUR REGION

AS the new year continues to roll on, cost-of living pressures and growth in our region are the forefront of this government’s mind. When I speak with people everyday, it’s clear that we are all feeling the pinch – but that’s where this Government is providing real, concrete relief.

Through Service NSW, there are now over 70 different ways to save through vouchers and rebates.

By simply entering your details into the Service NSW Savings Finder, you can access key savings such as the Premier’s Back to School vouchers, with families being provided $150 in vouchers toward the cost of school uniforms, shoes, bags and technology; First Lap vouchers providing $100 to go towards the cost of swimming lessons for children aged 3 to 6 years; Active Kids $100 vouchers for children’s sport programs and the Creative Kids $100 voucher for contributions to activities such as performing

arts, music and visual arts – all of which are redeemable at many Central Coast businesses.

Accessing these vouchers has never been easier – through either a couple taps on the Service NSW app, accessing them on the Service NSW website or walking into a Service NSW branch and speaking with a friendly concierge to help guide you through the process. Further, cost of living support is open to businesses as well.

Through Service NSW’s free Business Connect service, businesses owners can access a hub of support, knowledge and assistance.

The service provides guidance for every stage of the business life cycle and assists with identifying financial assistance opportunities such as vouchers, grants and rebates; necessary license and permits; mental health support for you and your employees alongside disaster recovery support.

They can also assist in providing information regarding payroll tax, goods and service tax – all handy and free support provided by Business Connect.

Cost of living pressues

As we work to reduce the cost-ofliving pressures on the Coast, we’re also focusing on building up and growing our region.

Through our regional focused funds like the Regional Growth Fund, the Central Coast benefits from massive investment through associated grant programs, such as the $660 million Stronger Country Communities Fund, $100 million Regional Sporting Infrastructure Fund and the $240 million Regional Job Creation Fund.

These funds are absolutely essential to our region’s growth, providing welcome infrastructure upgrades and numerous jobs for locals.

For example, projects like the $1.347 million Sun Valley Reserve upgrade and the $500,000 new amenities block at Wamberal Beach have provided jobs for tradies through initial construction as well as providing brand new facilities for locals, all thanks to funding under the Stronger Country Communities Fund.

The same can be said for the Regional Job Creation fund, which through funding of 15 projects on the Central Coast have provided over 500 jobs as well as bringing brand names onto the Coast.

Infrastructure projects such as the Waratah Super Battery will not only provide 130 local jobs, but also stimulate $1 billion in investment to energy storage alongside remarkable capital investment into our region. Cost of living and growing our region – its where our priorities lie, and it’s where we are delivering for our region as a whole.

Adam Crouch MP and Minister for Data, Victor Dominello giving the ‘thumbs up’ to the QR code vouchers on the Service NSW App.

Adam Crouch MP joining a swimming class at 5 Star Swim Schools Erina to help promote the ‘First Lap Program.

THE 10 BASICS FOR STARTUPS

Be prepared for business success

„ DALLAS SHERRINGAHM

BEING prepared is the key component in launching and running a successful small business in 2022 according to the experts.

There are 10 main challenges that small businesses face as they get underway but being prepared for what lays ahead is the best way for a startup to survive and thrive,

Accountancy firm H & R Block said: “Starting a small business and turning a passion or an idea into something bigger is a dream for many Aussies.”

“Being your own boss and building something from the ground up can be incredibly rewarding – but it’s not always smooth sailing. Being a small business owner can also be incredibly challenging, requiring a lot of hard work and sacrifice, not to mention funding, planning and luck.

“The best way to ensure success for your business – and avoid being one of the estimated 60% of Australian businesses that shut up shop in their first three years – is to be prepared.”

H&R Block has put together this snapshot of 10 common challenges faced by business owners that you need to know about:

1. Limited access to cash for financial growth

Every business needs capital to get up and running, but sometimes it can be hard to get funding, even when you have a great idea. A limited credit score is a hurdle many people need to jump and when you pair this with an unproven business model and financial background then it can be difficult to get a loan from any banks or creditors.

2. Lack of business plan

It might be tempting to jump into the deep end when starting a new business, but you should avoid making any decisions before putting together a strong and well-thought-out business plan. This will give you a framework for how you’re going to run your business and it’s crucial for keeping you on track once you get caught up in the day-to-day operations, especially if you have limited human resources to begin with.

3. Problems with cashflow

Aside from the capital funding you’ll need to get your business started, you’ll also need to think about how you’re going to manage cashflow so you can stay on top of expenses such as overheads and wages. Every business needs money coming in to keep functioning, so you need a system in place to ensure invoices are paid promptly so you don’t find yourself in an unstable financial position and unable to keep up.

4. Difficulty in recruiting talented staff

Passionate, hardworking, loyal staff can be the making of a business but it’s hard to attract this sort of worker when you’re a new business and up against other more established ventures that might be able to offer better pay and conditions. Getting the right staff on board is also just the beginning – then you need to also consider how to retain your workers and avoid them jumping ship to bigger competitors.

and promotions strategy, you’ll risk disappearing into the background with your target customers.

6. Losing your passion for the business

Everyone is excited when they first launch a new business, but how do you keep this passion alive when the daily grind of running things becomes a reality. It can sometimes be hard to see beyond the endless to-do list that comes with running a business, but it’s also crucial to find a way to keep that spark of excitement alive so that your staff stay motivated and your customers feel inspired.

rely on these regulars too much as it can spell disaster for your business if they suddenly disappear. Even if you have limited resources and staff, it’s important to keep looking for ways to innovate and diversify your business so you are continually attracting new clients and offering new products or services.

9.

Declining profits amid rising operational costs

It’s simple maths: when your expenses go up and your income drops, you’re in trouble. Many costs such as raw materials, labor, shipping and utilities can vary depending on the market, especially as a lot of the lower cost suppliers tend to favor bigger clients so you might be forced to work with more expensive alternatives. This can eat up your businesses profit margins in a surprisingly short time so it’s important to stay realistic about what you can afford and to negotiate the best rates possible.

10. Lack of understanding in financial management

Having trouble standing out in the market

5.

Speaking of the competition, other more established businesses in your market can cause you other headaches beyond potential talent drain. They can also lure away your customers. So you need to think clearly and carefully about what your business offers above and beyond the rest. Without a unique selling point, supported by a strong marketing

7.

Pivoting to a new business model

As many business owners discovered in recent times during the pandemic, sometimes circumstances can change dramatically and you’re forced to pivot your business. Maybe you need to offer a new product or service, or to run in a new way, or even function within a new industry. Perhaps it means you’ll need to transfer your business online or find a new way to connect with your customers. Whatever happens, remaining flexible and ready for any eventuality is key.

Most people starting a new business don’t have a background in accounting or bookkeeping, so keeping on top of finances can be time consuming and stressful. It’s important to keep track of your paperwork, especially when it comes to paying taxes, but this can often distract you from other crucial business activities including expanding your product listings, focusing on your higher-value product offerings and improving your customer relationships.

Getting expert help

When your time is limited, you need to be smart about how you use it. Good advice is to first focus on the areas that you are already skilled in and passionate about, including growing the business, supporting your staff and connecting with your customers.

8.

Overreliance on a small stable of customers

Loyal, consistent customers are a gift for any business and should be respected and appreciated – but it’s dangerous to

Then identify the areas in which you lack expertise such as financial management and hiring staff and hire experts to do these tasks for you. Although it’s an added expense at the outset, it will save you in the long run as they will get these tasks done much more effectively and leave you free to do what you do best.

Source: H&R Block

Living Through Experience Your Great Event Awaits.

Bipolar Gala Dinner

31 March 2023 | 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM

Bipolar Australia is holding their annual Gala Dinner on 31st of March 2023 at the stunning Parkroyal Hotel in Parramatta. This event boasts fine food, high level business networking and the opportunity to support a great cause that will save and improve lives.

Supporting, educating, and advocating for all people affected by bipolar disorder to live a productive life free from social stigma.

Event Details

Date: Friday, 31 March 2023

Time: 06:00 pm - 10:30 pm (TBC)

Location: Park Royal Parramatta

General Admission - $150

General Admission (Table of Ten) - $1,200

The African Theatres and Knit For Life Recognition Awards

24 March 2023 | 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM

African Theatres and Knit for Life are back with another amazing event, this time recognising ethnic communities for their work and contribution to society and beyond. The African Theatres and Knit for Life Recognition Award ceremony will be accompanied by multicultural dinner, music and dance. It will be an entertaining and rewarding night to enjoy with your community and friends.

Bring your kindest smiles and mightiest of achievements to bask in the joy of community recognition.

Event Details

Date: Friday, 24 March 2023

Time: 06:30 pm - 11:00 pm

Location: Pioneer Theatre, Castle Hill

Solutions for Growth - Business Expo

MARCH

One of the nations most Dynamic Business Expos is coming to Australia from March 2023. We invite you to come and expand your network and reach your target audience. Our two- day Business Expo in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide will showcase all the latest business opportunities and provide great business networking opportunities. This expo is expected to attract over 2,000 business owners across all industries from: retailers, manufactures, business owners and hospitality workers.

Event Details

Date and Location: Melbourne: March 24 & 25 | 10:00 am-7:00 pm

Sydney: May 5 & 6 | 10:00 am-6:00 pm

Brisbane: May 19 & 20 | 10:00 am-6:00 pm

Perth: September 15 & 16 | 10:00 am-6:00 pm

Adelaide: September 22 & 23 | 10:00 am-7:00 pm

with Emma McBride

OUR CREATIVE STORY...

Revive for the Coast

„

EMMA MCBRIDE

THE work of our creative sector, including those right here on the Central Coast is essential. It’s essential to our community, what it is to be Australian and to our economy.

Take Jopuka Productions for example, the Central Coast’s leading youtharts body.

Jopuka Productions was established in 2016 and in their own words, “aims to make regional youth theatre as diverse as the community they serve, giving all young people equal opportunity.”

They provide a space for young people to express themselves in a safe and welcoming environment. But more than that, they create a place for inclusivity and community.

After extensive engagement and with the support of the Australian creative sector, the Albanese Labor Government has announced Australia’s cultural policy: Revive. A place for every story, a story for every place.

Revive will establish Creative Australia, as our main investment and advisory body for the sector, a reimagined and expanded Australia Council for the Arts.

We’re reinstating funding so that Creative Australia can deliver for independent artists and small and medium companies. Creative Australia will cover

the whole sector funded, philanthropic and commercial.

This is not about government stepping in and telling local artists what to do or what to say, it’s the exact opposite.

It’s about supporting our creatives. It’s about giving our artists the room and space to express themselves how they see fit. It is about providing them with the financial security to create.

At the end of the day, it’s about ensuring that groups like Jopuka Productions can continue to thrive.

There’ll be Music Australia, which will make sure Australian music is heard by more people and Writers Australia, so that Australian books are read more widely.

We will also establish a Centre for Arts and Entertainment Workplaces, to provide advice on issues of pay and safety in the sector.

Revive will change the trajectory of culture in Australia, so we become a country where there is a place for every story and a story for every place.

It will provide a broad and comprehensive roadmap for Australia’s arts and culture and touch on all areas of government, from cultural diplomacy in foreign affairs to health and education.

In our community, it will mean our stories, the stories of Coasties, will be heard for years to come.

Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide PreventionAssistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health. Visit: www. emmamcbride.com.au

Jopuka Productions on the Coast is a leader in youth theatre.

Passion and talent drives Industree Group

„ SUN EXCLUSIVE BY MATT CLEARY

JASON Stenning loves Industree Group Stadium on the Central Coast for the same reason everyone does.

From the Sydney Roosters to Australia’s Matildas to the greater playing squad of Central Coast Mariners, they’ll tell you it’s because of one thing: those palm trees at the southern end.

It’s not just the trees, of course. There’s the aspect over the bay which offers a route for a breeze off all that Brisbane Water. It’s because fans can walk out the Central Coast Leagues Club door and effectively straight into the ground.

It’s because 20,059 people can fill the place for a big football game and feel like they’re “on” the action – even with an entire end dedicated to the sparkling southern vista.

Mainly it’s because the stadium is beautiful. Indeed, good photographers, at dusk, particularly those skilled with a drone, can make it look like something painted by Claude Monet.

“There’s nowhere like it,” Stenning says. “I’ve seen plenty of stadiums around the world and I truly believe it’s one of the best.”

Stenning is uniquely placed to comment. Along with Industree Group’s two other owners, they’ve put their money where their mouth is. Industree Groupthe premium design and manufacturing company that Stenning founded from his home office in 2007 - is today the Stadium’s naming rights sponsor.

The signs are up. And the signs are good. Indeed, if you ask locals, from Council workers to corporates, the same sentiment comes up: it’s a good fit.

Good little yarn, too: locals done good; suppliers of personal protective equipment to industrial and health sectors; savvy and caring operators who didn’t sell out their equipment during the bushfires and Covid-19 but rather shared it among front-line workers; sports fans who’ve quietly given back to local teams, charities, golf days, surf clubs and notfor-profits.

In 2011 before it was trendy they were early adopters of carbon neutral operations.

And word is that officials at Central Coast Council, which still owns the stadium on behalf of the community, are said to be very pleased that a successful local company is naming rights partner of their gem by the bay.

Strong community backing

Venue Manager Kath Casey has been working at the Stadium since the 2003 Rugby World Cup. She was there through the John Singleton BlueTongue Stadium era and today with the Stadium under the management of leading event and venue management company VenuesLive. She says Stenning, his wife Melanie and Chief Executive Officer Jon Fleming are “genuinely good humans”.

“For them to give back to the community, it’s fantastic. The economic benefits

are a lot bigger than just putting the sign on the Stadium. It’s about showcasing the region. It’s important for the region to show that business is thriving here on the Central Coast,” Casey says.

Events are big business. It’s why state premiers so court State of Origins, Olympic Games, Greg Norman’s Saudi-backed golf league.

Successful events on the Central Coast mean increased business for hotel and accommodation operators, restaurants, pubs, clubs and retail stores. Big events bring soaring visitation numbers.

Since July 1, when VenuesLive took over management rights of the fresh-minted Industree Group Stadium, a number of events have been secured for the Central Coast region, including:

• The Matildas’ first ever game on the Coast, a friendly against Thailand in the build-up to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup;

• NRL Pre-Season Challenge double-headers in February and a Sydney Roosters home game during the year, with more regular-season NRL fixtures to come;

• Cup of Nations Women’s Football double header in February, featuring Spain v Jamaica followed by our own Matildas v Czechia;

• The Euro Champions England to base themselves on the Central Coast for the duration of the Women’s World Cup;

• A new deal with Central Coast Mariners for both men’s and women’s A-Leagues games;

• A host of local community, cultural and charity events.

Stenning is looking forward to getting amongst them. You might also find him on a picnic rug with his family enjoying Cinema Under the Stars. Over the years he’s seen Nitro Circus and Monster Trucks and slept out to raise money for the homeless.

Stenning grew up on Sydney’s northern beaches where he developed a tragic love for Manly Sea Eagles. Aged 15, the family relocated to Umina on the Central Coast. Following high school, Stenning says he wasn’t keen on higher education.

Could be high intellect

“I don’t know if I’ve got a learning impairment, some people tell me I’m high intellect. I just reckon I get bored easily. Maybe it’s the same thing, I don’t know!” he says with a smile.

After high school, Stenning was doing work experience in a physiotherapy clinic with a view to going to university as a mature age student but got tired of having no money.

His dad suggested he try for a job in a sales company until he figured out what he wanted to do.

What he figured out was that he was excellent at sales. He quickly became the company’s best salesperson.

After a decade he decided that he needed autonomy and left his job to venture out on his own. And from his home office he put a business plan together. He didn’t reach out to private equity or angel investors. He knew he didn’t have to.

“I basically just implemented the business plan and started off doing procurement and distribution. I went straight into business. I’d developed a lot of contacts. I sourced products for companies with supply chain issues. And either had products made or sourced locally or imported, then supplied to that client. It was a solutions-driven business,” Stenning says.

Fleming, who’s known Stenning for 20 years as friend and colleague, says there’s “something of the mad scientist about him”.

“Yes, he’s a great salesman. But he’s a great designer, too. Really innovative,” Fleming says.

Where Industree Group really grew wings was when Stenning met his wife, Melanie, an MBA in international business with experience in finance who’s been “instrumental in helping set up the back end of the business,” according to Stenning.

“Today we supply best-in-class, premium PPE to multitudes of clients across Australia and numerous other countries.” Stenning will tell you he’s never experienced a “pinch me” moment when he’s sat back and realised that his business has gone from one man with a laptop to the naming rights sponsor of the beloved local stadium, a company that employs over 30 staff locally and overseas. In fact, he’ll tell you that “overnight success has taken 15 years”.

Fleming, whom Stenning says was the primary driver of negotiations about naming rights (“I just learned about it by osmosis,” Stenning says, smiling), reveals that Industree Group and Central Coast Council have “entered into a five-year Stadium naming rights agreement” worth “multiple millions of dollars”.

Truly exciting future

“The future is truly exciting with our business plans seeing Industree Group set for further expansion domestically and overseas.

“Best in class PPE, combined with the determination to succeed long-term, will help underpin our continued support of all things important to Industree Group, including: a carbon zero approach; donations; sponsorships; and, of course, the long-term association and support of the Central Coast region via our Industree Group Stadium partnership,” Fleming says.

Fleming is a former local footballer whose daughter Harriette plays for the Mariners. He says he’s a passionate supporter of the club and hopes to see the men’s and women’s team deliver silverware this season and beyond. He wants everyone along for the ride.

“I urge all of our community to get behind the Mariners. The community’s support will go a long way to get the team to the top of the summit in the men’s and women’s A-Leagues competitions.

“I’d also urge people to get behind Industree Group Stadium as it continues hosting and attracting new world-class events,” Fleming says.

And those palm trees? They’re not going anywhere. Not on Kath Casey’s watch.

“We’re very passionate about our palm trees and bayside setting. We’re unique in that aspect. You wouldn’t want to close in one end and be able to stand down there. The aspect is such a selling point. I don’t think the community would allow it,” Casey says.

The Industree Group leadership team.

I QUIT … AND NOW I REGRET IT

When resigning isn’t the answer

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHM

AT the height of the pandemic, many Australians quit their jobs to start a new job but now they are suffering “resignation regret”

And 2023 promises to be the year this becomes a major issue.

According to Christina Foxwell, leading life and business coach and prominent self-help author, tens of thousands of people jumped out of their secure jobs in 2022 to pursue a life of ‘doing what they love’ in response to the pandemic blues.

And now many are experiencing resignation regret.

“Resignation regret is real and many people are facing it. I regularly coach executives who are feeling burnt out and want to walk away from their jobs but the first thing I always talk about is – can we develop up a system to help you make things better rather than jumping ship,” Ms Foxwell said.

“Often by developing up a strategy to address concerns and issues, managers

can turn things around and go on to achieve much more in their roles and careers, with higher levels of satisfaction as well. They thank me for helping to guide them through their work challenges, rather than encouraging them to cut and run.

“Unfortunately, a lot of people didn’t seek advice and just threw in their job during the pandemic thinking they would find something better or enjoy more freedom setting up their own business. Sadly, the grass is not always greener, in fact, often it is brown on the other side, or it starts out green and quickly dies.”

Ms Foxwell has been working with managers, executives, business owners and board members helping them to hone their leadership style and overcome career and workplace challenges and she said resignation regret was going to be one of the biggest career issues of 2023.

“My advice is simple. Don’t get upset and depressed about your circumstances, act and start the new year on a positive

note,” Ms Foxwell said.

“If you feel like you have made a mistake leaving your job or a particular industry during the pandemic, put things right in 2023. Make 2023 the year of reset, rather than regret. Do the things you need to do to put your career

and your life back on track.”

Energise your social media

The first thing you need to do is to energise your social media presence. Update your CV

There are plenty of creative design platforms online that enable you to create impressive CV formats.

Connect with others

Resetting your career takes effort, but it also requires connections and networks. Get moving

How is your health? Mental and physical health are always important, but especially so when you are feeling down.

FOOTNOTE

Ms Foxwell has just released her latest book, ‘Glass Angel’, which not only explores her difficult upbringing, it also provides readers with insight into how she turned her life around through employing the right mindset.

AMERICA’S WILD WEST STILL A WILDERNESS

Aussies choosing to GO WEST

and even in ‘Forrest Gump’ but nothing

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

THE western United States is once again becoming a favorite with Australian travelers according to the latest statistics.

Around a million of us will ‘Go West’ in 2023 to tourist hotspots like Las Vegas, Anaheim, Aspen and San Francisco. And unless you are a confident, competent driver, you will take a tour to these regions and sit back and enjoy the spectacular views.

However, driving yourself is the best way to see it with hire cars relatively cheap. If you look at the accompanying breakout you will immediately notice that prestige cars are almost as cheap to hire for a week from LA International as small cars.

The reason for this is fuel usage with a litre average price at $US1.00 or $US3.82 per gallon according to www. globalpetrolprices.com

However I would rather the larger car for its space and safety and pay the extra fuel for a V6 compared to the more economical four cylinder models. You have to pack all your gear in the car and keeping it in the boot, or trunk as Americans call it, is safer than leaving it on the back seat,

The drive from LA to Las Vegas is easy once you clear the city traffic, however you could deter to Palm Springs for a day or before continuing to ‘Sin City’ for a few nights.

From Vegas you are heading east on the original Route 66 to a town called Williams which is a real Old West town. In Williams you can attend a real gunfight with real guns firing blanks.

Williams is the terminus for the Grand Canyon railway which runs right to the edge of the Canyon – try getting that one through a NSW Council!

From Williams, the road is an easy drive through the Ponderosa Pines to the national park.

Now, the West is still wild in places, with people still perishing in deserts like Death Valley, mountain lions appearing in unlikely places and black bears always a worry. At the Canyon it is the squirrels that are a big nuisance, and they will grab cameras, phones and bags.

Looking out across the vista, you finally get an idea how big the Grand Canyon is, running for 400km in big curves with hundreds of off shoots along

Much of the Canyon is still the wild, wild west and is under the control of the traditional Native American tribes.

I would allow a couple of nights at the Canyon just to take it all in and see it at sunrise and sunset.

From here you have a choice. If you are fan of Western Movies, you can head south east to Flagstaff, Tucson and Tombstone. On the hand, I would recommend driving back to Vegas and head to Valley of the Fires and Zion National Park.

Zion is as picturesque as the Grand Canyon and reminds me of the MacDonnell Ranges of our own Red Centre. From there you drive further east to the highlight of the road trip- Monument Valley. You’ve seen it in many Western Movies

prepares you for its awesome grandeur in real life.

From here, some Australians head back to LA via the stunning National Parks of the region to the south, while others head for Denver and the Rocky Mountains.

Wherever you choose to go, you will find this part of American a surprising region of great beauty and friendly locals… and wild.

Hire car rates in USA dollars for one week:

(From Los Angeles International Airport)

SMALL:

Chevrolet Spark $502

Ford Fiesta $540

MEDIUM:

Hyundai Ascent $495

Nissan Altima $506

Toyota Rav 4 $545

Toyota Corolla $533

LARGE:

Buick Regal $507

Chrysler 300 $506

Chevrolet Impala $604

Mercedes Benz GLC $853

BMW 3s $772

Mustang Cabrio $696

Squirrels are a nuisance

First factory right-hook Corvette Z06 lands in Australia ahead of customer deliveries

„ MATT BROGAN

THE first factory-built right-hand drive Corvette Z06 to arrive Down

Under has been revealed by General Motors Special Vehicles (GMSV) this week ahead of a series of activations planned around the country through out the year.

Arriving almost 70 years to the day since the very first Corvette was unveiled in New York on 17 January 1953, the hardcore Z06 combines Chevro let’s new naturally aspirated LT6 5.5-litre V8 engine with flat plane crankshaft design and thunderous 8600rpm redline.

The Z06’s widened wheel track is met with improved braking capa bilities; the model offers larger 370mm front and 380mm rear rotors when compared with the standard Stingray. The front discs are grabbed by six-piston Brembo calipers.

GMSV says the Z06 features the largest wheels ever offered on a production Corvette measuring 20 inches in diameter at the front and 21 inches at the rear. The forged aluminium wheels are finished in a ‘Spider’ design and are said to provide “surefooted grip to get power to the ground”.

Victorian manufacturer Carbon Revolution produces the Z06’s optional factory-fit carbon-fibre rims, as featured on the show car GMSV has imported along with a raft of cosmetic, comfort and performance upgrades.

Inside, the tech-laden, driver focused cockpit is said to relay all of the vehicle’s necessary driving data quickly and concisely.

“This new Z06 is indicative of what customers in Australia and New Zealand can expect from a MY24 Z06, as we will be offering 3LZ trim as standard,” said GMSV director Greg Rowe.

“This includes a steering wheel beautified with carbon-fibre, shift paddles made from carbon-fibre, sueded microfibre on the upper interior trim, leath-

er-wrapped interior door panels and instrument panel, as well as GT2 bucket seats with Nappa leather upholstery and carbon-fibre garnish.

“Our new show car also features the Z07 Performance Package, which makes it even more eye-catching and enhances its performance prowess thanks to the addition of larger brakes with carbon-ceramic rotors, carbon-fibre aerodynamic elements, unique suspension tuning, ultra-performance tyres as well as optional carbon fibre wheels.

“The Z06 will be on the road around

Melbourne and surrounds over coming weeks and

Corvette fans and performance car enthusiasts alike are welcome to stop and grab a photo when they see this amazing new model.”

The Z06 lands in Australia just days after Chevrolet released details of its new electrified Corvette, the E-Ray hybrid.

Promising all-season performance and composure – and a blistering 0-60mph (96km/h) time of 2.5 seconds – the third C8 model combines Chevrolet’s 6.2-litre LT2 small block V8 – devel-

oping 370kW at 6450rpm and 637Nm at 5150rpm – to drive rear axle via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, with electric propulsion adding 119kW and 170Nm to the front wheels.

Total system power is rated at 488kW with battery energy sourced from a tunnel-mounted 1.9kWh lithium-ion unit. Chevrolet quotes a quarter mile (0-400m) time of 10.5 seconds – a tenth quicker than the Z06.

GMSV has yet to confirm if the Corvette E-Ray will be offered in Australia and New Zealand.

TOP 5 FOODS TO AVOID FOR FAT LOSS Focus on the basics

„ ADAM SIMPSON

SORRY to disappoint you, but there aren't any foods that you need to avoid for fat loss.

You can eat any food that you like and still get results. However, if you want results you must start educating yourself on proper portion sizes and learn how to eat certain foods in moderation.

Too much of any foods can lead to you consuming excess calories and that will hold you back from getting results. There is no silver bullet so stop looking for one, instead focus on getting the basics right most of the time and you will get results.

1. Control your total calories consumed.

2. Eat foods high in protein.

3. Moderate how much processed food you eat.

4. Eat a diet full of fresh fruit and vegetables.

5. Drink mostly water.

What to avoid instead

If you truly want something to avoid getting you results. Avoid people who tell you these things.

6. Anyone who mentions "Biohacking" for results.

7. People who believe in one dietary protocol being superior to others

without understanding why that particular dietary protocol works.

8. Anyone who tells you to cut out whole food groups from your diet.

9. People pushing extreme dietary measures that are not sustainable long term

Keeping the Calories Down with your Cheese Platters!

One easy way to make sure you blow out your calories is by overindulging on a cheese platter. Don't get me wrong I love a cheese platter just as much as the next person. But if you have a weight loss goal and you are trying to keep your total calories in check. It is important to be mindful of how many calories you are consuming. It can be really easy to mindlessly consume way too many cheese calories in a sitting and then make it that much harder to get to your goal body weight.

I have broken down the different aspects of a cheese platter and given you lower calorie options to choose from. Making these simple swaps is going to save you a bunch of extra calories and will mean you can still enjoy yourself.

"Lower" Calorie Cheese Options per 100grams

Cottage Cheese - 96 Calories (a slightly weird option on a cheese platter)

Cambembert - 300 Calories

Brie - 332 Calories

Blue - 352 Calories

Higher Calorie Cheese Options per 100grams

Cheddar - 400 Calories

Parmesan - 432 Calories

Lower Calorie Dips per 100 grams

Tzatziki - 119 Calories

Hummus - 166 Calories

Higher Calorie Dips per 100 grams

Olive Dip - 450 Calories

Spicy Capsicum - 461 Calories

French Onion - 500 Calories

Lower Calorie Nuts per 100 grams

Cashews - 553 Calories

Pistachios - 557 Calories

Almonds - 575 Calories

Higher Calorie Nuts per 100 grams

Brazil Nuts - 656 Calories

Pecans - 691 Calories

Macadamia - 718 Calories

Lower Calorie Fresh Berries per 100 grams

Blackberries - 43 Calories

Raspberries - 53 Calories

Blueberries - 57 Calories per

Higher Calorie Dried Fruit per 100 grams

Dates - 220 Calories

Dried Apricot - 241 Calories

Banana Chips - 519 Calories

Lower Calorie Cured Meats per 100 grams

Prosciutto - 145 Calories

Pastrami - 147 Calories

Higher Calorie Cured Meats per 100 grams

Cabanossi - 304 Calories

Mortadella - 311 Calories

Salami - 336 Calories

Lower Calorie Crackers per 100 grams

Wafer Crackers - 395 Calories

Sakata Rice Crackers - 396 Calories

An alternative would also be to load up your cheese platter with:

Celery - 14 Calories

Carrot - 41 Calories

Higher Calorie Crackers per 100 grams

Sao Biscuits - 460 Calories

Jatz Crackers - 468 Calories

Lavosh Crackers - 477 Calories

If you are looking to keep the calories down with your cheese platters just read the label and see what options come out at the lower end of the scale and then make your choices from there.

Example to make the lowest possible Cheese Platter

Camembert and Blue Cheese. Tzatziki Dip.

Cashews and Pistachios. Raspberries and Blackberries. Prosciutto.

Wafer Crackers with Celery and Carrot.

Adam Simpson is lead trainer and founder at Repetitions Group fitness and Personal Training. Visit: www.repetitionspt.com.au

Mazda ups the price of its 6 sedan and wagon as 20th Anniversary variants arrive

„ MATT BROGAN

MAZDA has increased the pricing of its Mazda6 medium sedan and wagon range by between $420 and $1120 effective from the first quarter of this year, now commencing from $35,540 plus on-road costs.

Additionally, the Mazda6 sedan and wagon line-up now includes Mazda’s 20th Anniversary ‘6’ flagship, the variant issued to celebrate two decades and 144,000 sales of the nameplate in Australia.

It sits atop the Mazda6 range locally and is priced from $53,635 + ORC in sedan format and $54,935 + ORC for the wagon.

Based on the range-topping Atenza, the commemorative model is offered in Artisan Red or Rhodium White metallic paint, features 20th Anniversary badging on the front guards, a high-gloss silver grille, and high-gloss silver 19-inch alloy wheels.

Tan Nappa leather and Leganu synthetic suede upholstery are said to provide the cabin with a “rich, dignified feel” while the front-seat head restraints are also embossed with the 20th Anniversary logo.

As the current-generation Mazda6 enters its fifth update, the model receives a minor upgrade to the Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine available in higher grades, with power rising to 173kW (+3kW) at 4250rpm. Torque remains unchanged at 420Nm.

Turbocharged models also have recalibrated shift logic for the six-speed automatic transmission, offering what Mazda says is more direct upshift response that will “provide drivers with a more direct and intuitive connection to the engine’s torque”.

Across the range, all Mazda6 grades get power steering tweaks to provide “more tactile feedback at medium and high speeds”, Mazda says, while the driver assist tech offered on GT SP

and Atenza variants is enhanced with semi-autonomous Cruising and Traffic Support (CTS).

Touring variants also now receive wireless device charging and wireless Apple CarPlay functionality.

Visually, the Mazda6 range is largely unchanged, save for the addition of gloss black signature wings on the front and rear of the GT SP grade. The Mazda6 GT SP wagon further gains gloss black roof rails.

Finally, Atenza grades now arrive as standard with black Nappa leather.

A premium paint charge of $795 applies for Rhodium White, Soul Red Crys-

tal, Polymetal Grey and Machine Grey exterior finishes.

Speaking on the 20th anniversary of the Mazda6 range recently, Mazda Australia managing director, Vinesh Bhindi, said the special edition car is a tribute to the significance of the nameplate Down Under.

“For many years, the Mazda6 has

captivated driving enthusiasts with its clever mix of dynamics and style, to the point where it was our best-selling model behind the Mazda3 in the mid-2000s,” he said.

“Mazda6 retains a loyal following of fans, and the 20th Anniversary Edition is a special nod to those customers who share our passion for driving for the fun of it.”

variant G35 20th Anniversary wagon (a) $54,935 New variant

* Pricing excludes on-road costs

I Lisa have owned Indulge Hair & Beaut for 2 years now. This beautif l li le salon has been alive as long as I can remember. As a child I had g ew up around Chi away and f nny enough my family and I went to this salon, as it was our local, even f nnier I did my 1st year of my apprenticeship here.

As a hair salon we provide ever ser ice in the hair world, om cu ing to colour work to per ing, hair ex ensions, you name it we do it all.

We also provide teeth whitening & basic beaut here at Indulge. We cater om young to the old and we have wheel chair access.

I believe our level of customer ser ice is nex level. We go above and beyond for each and ever one of our clients & We believe ever one is impor ant and should be t eated with the same level of care.

I'm ver lucky and blessed to have the girls here in my salon. They are just wonderf l girls and my buisness would not be where is it today without them, they are just amazing at what they can do. Come see us im sure you won't be disappointed

Yours sincerely Lisa & the Indulge team

Spoiler Alert - 5 Stars

Michael (Jim Parsons) is a socially awkward TV-obsessed journalist, writing about shows for TV Guide.

ON a night out, he meets Kit (Ben Aldridge) - a much more outgoing personality, with a tonne of cool, hip friends, but also a man who has yet to tell his parents he is gay.

The two start dating, and their loving relationship is explored. The years pass, and their relationship comes under strain. Then the defining moment occurs; Kit discovers he has cancer, and the pair have to stand strong together as they try to beat it.

Directed by Michael Showalter, Spoiler Alert spoils its ending in the first minute or two of its runtime, showing the ending spectacle in all its traumatizing quietude and clinical pain. But the fact that we know where this story is going, never makes it hurt less, or make it any less engaging.

Parsons and Aldridge are tremendous as the leading duo. Parsons, still playing reasonably to type but different enough to his most well-known role, is lovably affable, weird, quirky and kind.

Aldridge, playing more of the ‘fuck boy’ vibe, while also coming across as deeply in love with Parsons’ character.

They are ably supported in particular by Sally Field and Bill Irwin, playing Kit’s parents Marilyn and Bob. Both are so wonderfully charming, that you really feel as if the four are a real family by the end. Field and Parsons have a beautiful back and forth dialogue, founded on their character’s love of running.

For a film that is so clearly, from the off, about a cancer tragedy, it spends remarkably little time focused on that element. Instead, Showalter is comfortable luxuriating in the relationship between these two remarkable characters.

He doesn’t rush the meet, the first real date, the first sexual experience, the first time at each other’s apartments. Sure, he skips over plenty of details in relation to their respective careers, lives,

etc. but all in service to the relationship between the two of them.

Perhaps most impressive is the restraint shown in the collection of trauma facing these two. Too often, films like this feel the need to pile on drama after drama. A lesser film wouldn’t have restrained itself to just a troubled relationship and a cancer scare.

It would have had Kit’s parents against his relationship with Michael,

career drama for each, and perhaps even a hate crime involved. It may even have couched the events in a historically remarkable event related to their sexuality.

But Spoiler Alert is too good for that. It recognises that the elements on display here are more than enough drama for any normal couple. And that’s what Michael and Kit are, above all else - a normal couple.

They’re heartwarming in their love, absolutely hilarious when joking with each other (this movie will make you laugh much more than Bros), and ultimately completely heartbreaking when they drift apart from one another - first, across the city, and then across a much greater, more ethereal divide.

Spoiler Alert is one of the most beautiful, heartbreaking romances you will ever see, and is a must see for anyone interested in having a real experience in the cinema.

Knock at the Cabin - 3 Stars

ERIC (Jonathan Groff) and Andrew (Ben Aldridge) are holidaying with their adopted daughter Wen (Kristen Cui) in a remote cabin in the woods, without phone reception.

Their idyllic stay is interrupted by four visitors - Leonard (Dave Bautista), Sabrina (Nikki Amuka-Bird), Redmond (Ruper Grint) and Ardiane (Abby Quinn). These visitors tie the family up, and tell them that they are harbingers of the apocalypse. They give them a choicethey can either willingly choose to kill one of their own family here in this cabin, or the entire world will be destroyed and everyone in it, with the trio left to wander the earth alone for the rest of their life.

M. Night Shamylan directs this taut thriller, which to its credit is both self-container and tightly wound. There’s little extraneous here, which makes it feel fast-paced and deserving.

He also has a lot of fun playing with the claustrophobic elements of this cabin; the space feels small, and this is aided by the constant tightly framed close ups of the actors. We really feel how tight the

space is; the danger of proximity, despite the woodland setting.

Groff and Aldridge are spectacular in their respective roles; the comfortable, calm and quietly spiritual Eric next to the angry, scared Andrew. Bautista is also remarkable in the film, calm and imposing throughout.

The remainder of the four horsemen here make less of an impact - Grint’s appearance is mercifully brief, unexplainable-accent-forward, and impactless, Quinn is overly and oft-times annoyingly grating, and Amuka-Bird similarly OTT.

The real star, however, is Kristen

Cui as the young Wen. Wen’s incredulous performance is the perfect foil to the events unfolding on screen. She is a fantastic barometer for the audience; recognising that what we are seeing is ridiculous, but buying into it at the same time.

Ultimately, these films rely heavily on the plot, and while this one is interesting and certainly more successful than something like Old, it also feels overtly religious and a little disappointing. The plane scenes are fantastic, but the rest of the world ending horror is a little bit meh. The conclusion, when it comes, fires like a damp squib more than a culminating punch.

That being said, Knock At The Cabin is a perfectly fine thriller, with enough scares, an engaging enough story, and a suite of enjoyable performances, to make it worth your time in the theater.

This taut thriller eschews a lot of the more violent tropes in favor of its intriguing premise, but wraps everything in a religious gauze that feels odd and, at times, contrived.

Reviews by Jacob Richardson Creative Director | Film Focus www.filmfocusau.com

Reviews by Jacob Richardson Creative Director | Film Focus www.filmfocusau.com