Manning-Great Lakes - 67

Feature Story MANNING-GREAT LAKES

Forster Film Festival

September 2012 // issue 67

McClymonts GRAEME BIRD

FORSTER FILM FESTIVAL

COMBOYNE VILLAGE FAIR

Performing at the Wingham Rotary Town and Country Expo on 7 & 8 Sept, Graeme shares the heartfelt Aussie inspiration behind his music.

Now in its sixth year, this annual festival showcases ‘entertaining and thought-provoking’ films by aspiring filmmakers that are world-class.

Celebrate spring at Comboyne’s annual Fair on 16 Sept, with floral displays, live music, a parade, markets, vintage cars and more.

editor's note.

editor.

from the

Karen Farrell

Welcome to the September edition of the Manning-Great Lakes FOCUS. hen we initially discussed doing a spread on Wingham at a features meeting, there was a lot of excitement in the FOCUS office.

Each of us enjoys a leisurely drive out to Wingham to visit the shops and cafés and take in the ‘old world’ charm that Wingham so naturally oozes …

I’m thrilled to bring you the resultant eight-page Wingham feature in this issue, which showcases the vibrant and bustling business community in Wingham.

Rotary Club of Wingham presents the Town & Country Expo on September 7 - 8, which includes 70 exhibitors plus a plethora of live entertainment. Be sure to make a trip out to Wingham to take in the diverse and eclectic array of activities at the Expo.

We hear from two Wingham locals – musician Graeme Bird, who came late to a career in music, and teenage dancer, Lauren Deegenaars, who has been accepted into Brent Street Dance Academy in Sydney for 2013.

In September, we take a trip to paradise to visit one of the ‘jewels in the crown’ of the Great Lakes – Pacific Palms – to also meet some of the local business identities and services located at Pacific Palms, Blueys Beach and Smiths Lake. We highly recommend a visit to this coastal township, to take in the many activities and offerings

W

the area has and discover why Pacific Palms is a favourite destination for locals and tourists.

ON THE COVER The McClymonts recently returned from America to tour their album, Two Worlds Collide. I spoke to Sam McClymont about the trio’s meteoric rise to fame since signing with Universal Music, just six years ago.

IN THIS ISSUE With the spring racing season upon us, I thought it pertinent to talk to Rainbow Flats milliner, Rebecca Hanely, who one day aspires to create hats for the Melbourne Spring Carnival.

It’s national Child Protection Week from September 2 - 8, and the National Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) continues to promote its message – “protecting children is everybody’s business”. Angela Walsh, NAPCAN’s National Research and Evaluation Manager, tells us about how local communities can help to build a childfriendly Australia.

We also catch up with Greg Smith, founder and director of Forster Film Festival (FFF) about how this year’s event is shaping up. FOCUS first spoke to Greg when the festival was in its third year – that’s half a lifetime ago, with the festival chalking up

EDITOR: Karen Farrell

contacts.

karen@focusmag.com.au

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ADDRESS: Suite 2 / 42 Wharf Street, Forster 2428 PHONE: (02) 6555 3381 FAX: (02) 6555 7338 EMAIL: mglinfo@focusmag.com.au WEB: www.focusmag.com.au TV: www.focustv.com.au

six years in 2012.

Happy birthday to Forster YMCA, which celebrates its milestone 21st birthday in September. Assistant Manager, Melissa Morgan, and Centre Manager, Len Newman, are stalwarts of the ‘Y’ and tell us about the not-for-profit organisation’s humble beginnings, dating back to 1844 – plus what’s in store for the impending birthday celebrations.

EDITOR’S PHOTO FOCUS Advertising Consultant, Jasmine McQuillan, snapped this photo on dusk at Wallis Lake, Pacific Palms. The image created a ‘wish you were here’ stir on Jasmine’s Facebook page.

FINAL WORDS I’m off to Bali with the family in September and will be taking Jack Kerouac’s iconic novel, On the Road, with me for some good holiday reading. With this in mind …

“Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had a longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” – Jack Kerouac.

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Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers or Editor. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders. Information appearing in Focus is believed d tto b be correct at the time of going to press however no liability will be held for inaccurate information approved or supplied by advertisers or contributors. While all care is taken it is recommended that readers confirm dates, times, prices and any other material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. Manning-Great Lakes Focus is produced and published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 621 287 8600 5 Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2011 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved.

manning-great lakes focus 3

focusinterview.

McClymonts Since joining forces six years ago, sisters Sam, Mollie and Brooke, of The McClymonts fame, have dominated the Country music world in Australia and are quickly becoming the talk of the industry in the U.S. The trio recently toured the album Wrapped Up Good in America and is back in Australia to tour the release of another album, Two Worlds Collide … Sam McClymont tells us about the band's whirlwind success and touring schedule …

I

t really must like ‘two worlds collidwant people to be wearing stuff that they like. ing’ with your recent Wrapped Up We also ask our fans what their favourite songs Good tour is the States and subseare on our records, which helps to determine quent Two Worlds Collide tour in singles.

Australia?

With Two Worlds Collide, it’s been said That’s exactly why we called the record, Two that you’ve grown up a lot … how has the Worlds Collide, because we are living in two album been a departure, artistically? places at the moment and constantly going back I think we’re more honest and open in this and forth. It’s been pretty crazy. We released latest record. There’s definitely a lot more depth Two Worlds Collide back in May and then came and emotion. I think we’ve become a bit more to the US and then back to Australia to tour of an open book and are kind of happy to have the record. We’re pretty excited about touring our lives on display. When you do four or five some new songs in Australia. I’m sure shows a week, you hope that your mueveryone’s ready for some new sicianship has improved and that music from us. you’re writing stronger songs There’s a big difference and playing better together. between Australian As three sisters, you ith w e We writ Country and American didn’t initially perAmerican and d s an Country music. America form together; it was Australian writer rds produce our reco has the largest Country initially Brooke who k our in the US so I thincross music fan base in the travelled around domusic can easily re he world and radio outing solo shows and w r te at over no m ” g.. play. How disparate are performances, and you in liv e we’r the two markets? subsequently formed The They are different markets, McClymonts ... but we don’t make albums for We’d always sung together, specific markets. We’d like to think but we never really made it official that our music is universal and that it does until six years ago, when we signed with Univerrelate to anyone in America or Australia. We sal Australia. We didn’t want to start the group write with American and Australian writers and until we could give it 110% and knew that we produce our records in the U.S., so I think our were all out of school. So we waited for Molly to music can easily cross over, no matter where leave school, and that was when we thought we we’re living. were pretty much ready to go.

You are heavily involved with your fans; What I find quite amazing is the level of I noticed that you’ve asked fans to help success ... it's been a fast kind of ride, hasn’t design T-shirts and album covers … it?

Absolutely. They’re the ones who go out It depends how you look at it. I mean, for us and buy the records, so why not get them to it’s probably been a steady ride, only because design something that they want to buy? We we have been playing since we were 12 years

“

4

manning-great lakes focus.

old (laughs). So you know, we have been in this industry for a really long time, and that’s probably where we sort of get caught up. We forget to stop and smell the roses and look at all the amazing things that have happened to us over the past seven or eight years, because we’re always focused on what the next goal is to achieve. We still feel like we have so much we want to achieve and do with our music.

Sometimes we do have to stop and look at all the amazing things we have been fortunate enough to do, and we are only seven years on!

Obviously you've been playing for a long time … since you signed with Universal six years, it’s a heady rise.

Yeah, we are just lucky. With the green light to make the new record, it means that here we are still making music, getting to wake up every day and go out and tour. It’s a nice feeling to know that you can still do that and it's fun. It’s never taken for granted (laughs).

What is Nashville like?

It’s great. It’s a really amazing town. It’s pretty much like the Tamworth Country Music Festival – except all year round, and it’s around 10 times bigger. If you want to get a start in Country music, Nashville is the best place to come.

All the musicians, songwriters, producers, publishing houses and record labels are here.

When you’re up-and-coming and trying to get a first foot in the door, everyone you need to see is in Nashville, so it’s truly the perfect place to be.

Do you get left alone in Nashville?

Oh absolutely (laughs).

I interviewed Troy Cassar-Daley recently, and he said fans leave him alone to do his own thing in Nashville …

We’re still getting known in the U.S. so not

many people know who we are anyway!

With your prestigious Country Music Association (CMA) 2011 Global Artist Award, you’d certainly be starting to make some great contacts in Nashville?

Yes, absolutely. We do have a great team around us in Nashville. So every time we go back, more opportunities present themselves.

How do you feel about comparisons to the Dixie Chicks?

We don’t mind at all, because it's better to be compared to a good, great band than a terrible one. We grew up listening to their music, so we don’t mind that comparison at all. If only we could sell that many records, we would be very happy girls!

Is there anything you would like to say to your Australian audience and fans out there?

We can’t wait to get home and play this tour. It is a brand new show, so the people who have seen us in the past will hear some brand new songs. Who knows when we will be back touring again after this … as Brooke is having a baby, it could be a while, so come and check us out!

Thank you Sam. Interview by Karen Farrell.

The McClymonts are appearing at Club Forster.

the plug!

Saturday 8 September, 8pm. $39.50 adult; $24.50 child under 12.

Call Club Forster on 6591 6591.

inside this Live at the Breakwall Festival

Issue 67 - September2012

13.

Adam Harvey Multi-award winning Country musician Adam Harvey performs at Club Taree on September 20. Country music fans will be thrilled to learn that Adam will be performing songs from his recently released album, Falling into Place. Adam will also perform a slew of old favourite songs with fellow Country musician, Amber Lawrence.

YMCA Turns 21

29.

On September 15, the Y.M.C.A. (‘Y’) at Forster celebrates its milestone 21st birthday. FOCUS caught up with the Y.M.C.A.’s Assistant Manger, Melissa Morgan, and Centre Manager, Len Newman, to find out about the impending festivities and the first Y.M.C.A.’s humble beginnings way back in 1844.

36.

28.

Ash Grunwald.

Harrington Hotel, along with Luke Carvana from Carvana Management, are excited to bring you the Breakwall Festival. The Breakwall Festival is a three day event held in the middle of the beautiful town of Harrington, just a short drive south from Port Macquarie. The festival is a culmination of some brilliant ideas from both Luke and Adam to bring some quality music and some emerging local artists together.

brand new album and has just completed his

The headline act will be none other than Ash Grunwald.

this is going to be a weekend you don’t

Ash Grunwald is currently touring with a

information, contact the Harrington Hotel.

first ever New Zealand tour. His new album, Trouble’s Door, found life in the fiery breath of injustice – the frustration of severe political and environmental mismanagement. The music traverses many a tale as well – the Blues propelled by driving dance floor rhythms, buoyed by Hip Hop beats and slammed by the Dubstep crunch. Naturally.

With free entry, make sure you get in early; want to miss –12-14 October. For further

Trevor Knight With a career spanning many years, international artist and local resident of Bulahdelah Trevor Knight will bring his talents back to the local area for a show at Club Taree on September 16. He tells us about his career and the friendship with John Denver that inspired this show.

usual suspects.

the

9. what’s on for September 16. eat featuring local restaurants 44. star guide with Terri 55. tourism update with Richard

No matter where you are in the world, d, read Focus for free online every month @

www.focusmag.com.au follow us on www.facebook.com/mgl.focus w www.twitter.com/focusmag www.focusmag.com.au/eat

manning-great lakes focus 5

PRESENTED BY triple j

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SOUTHERN CROSS TEN

|

DRUM MEDIA

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TIME OFF

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FOCUS

SUNDOWNER BREAKWALL TOURIST PARK – PORT MACQUARIE 14-15 DECEMBER 2012

KIMBRA

BYO EVENT FOR 18+

DEAD LETTER CIRCUS HERMITUDE • THE DATSUNS

BUSBY MAROU • HUSKY DZ DEATHRAYS • THE SNOWDROPPERS THE CAIROS • OVER-REACTOR • JACKSON FIREBIRD NAT COL & THE KINGS • TIN SPARROW DIRTY LITTLE REBELS • THE MORNINGS JOE ROBINSON • SISKIN RIVER THE WIDOWBIRDS • GEOFF TURNBULL MINNIE MARKS • DIRTY CASH DJ'S + TRIPLE J UNEARTHED WINNER

T I C K E T S O N S A L E S E P T E M B E R 5 - 1 0 : 0 0 A M I N C LU D E 2 N I G H T S F R E E C A M P I N G A C C O M M O DAT I O N PAC K AG E S A L S O AVA I L A B L E 6 manning-great lakes

focusinterview.

Their distinctive style of music has won them a legion of fans and as Luke the band’s drummer explains, they have taken the musical influences of bands past and present and morphed them into their own special brand − which lately is taking on a more electronic sound.

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hy drumming, and how did you get into it?

I grew up in a very musical house. My mum was constantly playing old vinyl records, and I guess I always gravitated towards music and that created my musical ear. When I was about 10, I started focusing on and idolising bands that were in the charts. That was the late ‘80s, so it was Poison, Def Leppard, Bon Joni ... all those sort of glam rock bands that were dreaming over the top and all about the bomb bust. I identified with that, and particularly the drummers, and shortly thereafter I started getting drum lessons at a local store. It’s been a lifelong thing since then.

How did you know the band to get that call up?

We just knew each other from playing in different bands, and I guess they liked my drumming and thought I would be a good replacement for Scott.

What are you guys looking forward to most about coming to the Mid North Coast and playing at FOTSUN? I am just excited to come there (laughs), because I have never been there before, and I hear it is beautiful. I was talking to a friend last night who has been to a few FOTSUNs, and he said that it’s right on the beach at the caravan park. He said the setting is really beautiful and it’s a really cool vibe, and everyone is allowed to bring their own alcohol, is that correct?

My favourite song to play live would have to be Next in Line, “ because it’s just so physically pumping and it’s really like the final to the set for the band most nights. I would have to say either The Drum from our first record, or Alien from the first EP.” How and when did Dead Letter Circus form? Give us a bit of your history.

I wasn't actually in the band when they formed. I think it was around 2004 that the band started writing music together, then they released the self titled EP in 2006/2007 and started touring really heavily on that EP. They got a bit of success with Triple J and picked up support tours with Karnivool, The Butterfly Effect, COG. The original drummer, Scott Davey, decided to leave the band for family reasons, so I got the call up from a frantic Kim [Kim Benzie – vocals] a week before the Cog tour, actually. So I came in as a temporary replacement for the Cog What If tour, which then turned into something a bit more permanent. We gelled well personally and musically, and then I became an official member about a year later, I think.

Yes, that’s correct.

Yeah – he said it’s a really different, chilled out, nice little intimate festival, so that will be nice, rather then a massive one. And hopefully I will get to have a swim in the ocean as well – it’s been a little while. I can cleanse myself before the show ... chill out!

Will you have time to enjoy the region while you’re here?

I think we will probably fly in on the day, do the show and fly out the day after; that’s normally how it works with bands. It would be nice ... it would be beautiful to stay, bring our girlfriends down and stay a few days, but I think it will be a get in, get it done, get out kind of affair, unfortunately.

Where do you guys get your musical inspiration from?

Lots of places. Bands like Faith No More,

Tomahawks, Deftones, Mars Volta, Muse ...

U2 definitely inspired our sound a lot; I think people can pick the U2 influences. We borrow what we like from those styles of music and then try and create our own brand of Rock and Roll; that’s sort of what we strive for. Instead of ripping something off totally, we will kind of borrow a sound and morph it into our own particular brand.

Lately we have been getting into electronic music productions, so that’s starting to come out – bands like Massive Attack, UNKLE have inspired us to write electronic things, Nine Inch Nails, Trent Reznor's stuff, we all massively love. All the electronic stuff started to pop out on the last record and will be promoted on this latest record as well.

What’s your favourite Dead Letter Circus song and why?

My favourite song to play live would have to be Next in Line, because it’s just so physically pumping and it’s really like the final to the set for the band most nights. I would have to say either The Drum from our first record or Alien from the first EP. What’s new for Dead Letter Circus in 2012?

We are going to start recording the new record next month, so we will be flying to Melbourne and will track all the drums

down there. We found an amazing studio in Melbourne to do the drums, and then we will fly up in the middle of September, back to the Gold Coast, to track all the guitars and the vocals.

So we will be doing about five or six songs in September and then going away, writing for a little bit longer, and then hopefully finishing off the last six around the end of November/ early December. And then we just have all the festivals, which is a good chance to play and that’s basically it – just focusing on getting the new record done.

Will we be hearing some of the new songs at FOTSUN? Possibly – yeah! I think you probably will.

We will probably road test some of the new tracks at FOTSUN. Thank you very much Luke.

No problemo!

the plug!

Dead Letter Circus perform live at Festival of the Sun 2012, December 14 & 15 at Sundowner Breakwall Caravan Park. fotsun.com Tickets on sale September 5 at 10am.

manning-great lakes focus 7

focusinterview.

Coming into the spring racing season, I thought it pertinent to speak to milliner and Rainbow Flats resident Rebecca Hanley, who has been busily creating fascinators and unique hats for women to adorn themselves with at race meets and special occasions.

Initially self-taught, Rebecca was determined to gain formal qualifications and in 2011 completed an Accreditation in Certificate 2 Millinery at Newcastle TAFE. At the time Rebecca undertook her studies, she had two young children, aged 18 months and three, in tow ...

Millinery is quite a niche profession.

What inspired your interest to become a milliner?

Hats have always been a part of my life, whether keeping me warm in winter or out of the hot sun in summer, but my real interest in millinery began around seven years ago. I was attending a big race day in Newcastle and had the perfect dress, but just couldn’t find the right hat.

I have always been very creative, making my own jewellery and generally having a go at anything artistic. I decided to create my own headwear; I fumbled through a few fabric and craft stores finding a range of materials I thought would come together nicely.

I dragged out Granny’s old Singer sewing machine and began to create my very first Whimsy (fascinator). The final creation was simple, but worked nicely with my dress. I received many compliments on my headwear at the track and noticed so many wonderful millinery creations among the other women attending. It was the first time I looked at headwear from a fashion and design point of view.

What are some of the secrets to constructing a hat, treating the fabric and creating different types of trimming?

Whether a simple whimsy or detailed handfelted winter cloche, the headwear always starts with a design idea. Then I decide on the right style block; all hats are blocked (shaped) over timber millinery hat blocks. I have in the 8 manning-great lakes focus.

past though, used lampshades, bowls and even laundry baskets to shape my pieces.

Fabric choice is often reflected by the season. Spring usually inspires light fabrics, like straw, sinamay and tulle; whereas, in winter I use heavier materials like felt and wool fabric.

Much of the straw and sinamay used I hand dye, along with any other materials that will be used within the piece. I make most of my own trimmings, including shaped fabric flowers, wired twists, rolled edge petals, folded ribbon origami and silk flowers, just to name a few.

Many hours work go into making silk flowers; each flower has to have the fabric dyed, treated, cut to shape and then hand tooled. The effort is well worth it for the quality I achieve compared to store brought flowers.

The Balmoral, Pillbox, Boater, Cloche, Cowboy, Fez, Top Hat, Shpitzel, Fedora ... which types of hats have inspired your work?

I would say the Cloche is one that I have drawn upon for its classic style and versatility.

A Cloche can be made from felt to keep you warm while looking trendy, or from sinamay for a light classic spring hat.

Many of the hats and whimsys I made before undertaking study were not based on any one particular shape or style; they came from a place of complete creative freedom. I had no true millinery skills; I was just sculpting, manipulating and twisting fabrics into shapes I liked, then sewing them together. Many of these pieces still now are some of my favourites.

Throughout the ages of millinery, movie stars can be attributed for making particular hats iconic, such as ‘Jackie O’ and the Pillbox ... do you have a dream creation you’d like to make for a modern-

day movie star? created it is some of the best the millinery Maybe not a movie star, but definitely an world has to offer. I admired the piece for the Aussie celebrity. I’ve thought about making exquisite way in which it was made. an amazing hat and sending it off to one of Fabric covered structural hats like the our A-list Australian celebrities … the ultimate princesses' are incredibly hard to make, and though, would be to design a hat for the I imagine even for a master milliner of such Queen of Australian Racing, Gai Waterhouse. standard still took many hours work. So I Her style is classic and sophisticated, and I suppose I look at it slightly differently from the would love to see her trackside wearing one perspective of a fellow aspiring milliner. I could of my creations. only hope that I one day could make a hat How much of your own personality is with such skill. injected into each creation, or does each Milliner Jane Lambert has had the edge in piece solely reflect the unique personality the Eastern Suburbs hat parade for many of the wearer (and do you spend years now ... is this a position you time getting to know a client's covet? personality in order to reflect Jane Lambert certainly this in the hat)? has made her mark in the s' ur ho y “ Man I would say it’s a millinery industry and is the work go into owers; making silk flhas combination of both. I’ve level of milliner I aspire to each flower bric been very lucky to have be. I admire her work and fa e th to have cut had a lot of freedom in my what she has done to bring dyed, treated,th to shape and. en designs with many of my hats back into the limelight. hand tooled ” clients so far. Some will come Every year she is mentioned to me and say, “As long as it’s around the Melbourne Spring red, I’ll like it”. Others, I offer some Carnival season, along with the design ideas, and we work from there. likes of Philip Treacy, Louise MacDonald I think key points are always working to and Richard Nylon – they set the standard for style a hat or headpiece that will complement hats at the carnival. I think for any milliner, both the wearer and the outfit it is to be worn being a part of the fashions of the Melbourne with. I always ask for a photo of the outfit my Spring Carnival is the ultimate goal. client is going to be wearing, and it’s nice to How can people find out more about your get a feel for their personality. work or purchase one of your unique Do you care to enter the discussion creations? regarding Princess Beatrice’s royal I have a website www.hanleyhats.com.au wedding hat, which took the viral crown which gives you a little look into what I do, on commentary (not much of it positive)? as well as a page dedicated to photographs The design of her headpiece is not one I of my work. People can contact me via my would ever consider wearing, but everyone website or call me during business hours has his or her own style, and this is what Monday to Friday, on 0433 623 670. Happy makes fashion interesting. Secondly, though hat wearing! the hat was not to everyone’s liking, the Thank you Rebecca. workmanship of milliner Philip Treacy who Interview by Karen Farrell.

W H A T’ S O N A RO U N D T H E R EG I O N / / S E PT E M B E R 2 0 1 2

16

Legacy Week 2012 Legacy is a charity providing services to Australian families suffering financially and socially after the incapacitation or death of a spouse or parent, during or after their defence force service. We currently care for 100,000 widows and 1,900 children and disabled dependants throughout Australia.

There are many ways to become involved: fundraising, by becoming a volunteer, or through sponsorship. Head to the Legacy website for more information: www.legacy. com.au When Sunday 2 to Saturday 8 September.

Sundowner Tiona Spring Weddings Open Day Come along and discover why Sundowner Tiona is one of the most popular wedding locations around. Our Weddings Open Day will give you a sneak peek at some of the area's very best wedding suppliers and best of all – entry is free!

Come and see the Green Cathedral weddings gallery, tastings of local products with Blueys cellars, wedding cake tastings, poolside wedding display, floral arrangements and demonstrations, wedding decor displays, and view our range of spectacular wedding facilities.

When Sun 16 Sept 2012.

Where Pacific Palms Community Centre.

Phone (02) 6554 0314.

what’s

Paddle for Life Myall River Classic Race

15

In its 10th year, The Myall River Classic is set to be the biggest and best of them all. The Myall Classic is one of the ‘Big Three’ flatwater marathon races in Australia. Every year, in September, hundreds of paddlers gather at Tea Gardens to battle it out on the stunning waters of the Myall Lakes. On top of some great paddling to be had, the Myall Classic raises money for the Cure for Life Foundation.

In 2011, the Classic and its paddlers raised over $10,000 for this worthy charity.

When Sat 15 Sept 2012 at 8am.

Where Myall River, Tea Gardens.

Phone 0417 533 559.

Forster Yoga Aid World Challenge Take a free class from the crème de la crème of your local Yoga teachers and make this world a better place, as this is a fundraising event. All participants raise funds through donations to a chosen charity. This will be a great family event, free and for all levels of experience. To take part, all you need to do is register at www.yogaaid.com When Sun 9 Sept 2012.

Where Great Lakes Aquatic & Leisure

Centre, Lake St, Forster.

Contact Alexa Nehter 0415 504 032.

manning-great lakes focus 9

Matters.

legallight.

[ with Alan T ickle ]

Dear Alan, I was disappointed to receive the balance statement of my Industry Superannuation fund at the end of June which was lower than last year, because all of the advertising hype keeps suggesting they are the best.

managed fund that is entitled to the income, can see a drop in value in June until the distributions are actually received by the fund.

Is one superannuation fund a standout over another? PO

This means that superannuation balances are probably substantially higher now than what the June 30 balances are showing.

Dear PO, I am not going to get into a discussion around some of the advertising that you refer to, except to say that fees can be matched but service, advice and flexibility might be the real cost if the cheapest becomes the fund of choice.

In a number of Industry Funds, insurance is compulsory and because premiums are mostly stepped, meaning they get more expensive with age, then balances can be eroded by this insurance premium – so that might be a cause of the balance dropping as well as market issues.

To understand what can happen to an account balance on June 30, you also need to understand what ex-dividend means.

A stock trades ex-dividend on or after the ex-dividend date, which is the date at which a dividend is declared to be payable. At this point, the person who owns the security on the ex-dividend date will be awarded the payment, regardless of who might own it after that date. After the ex-date has been declared, the stock will usually drop in price by the amount of the expected dividend.

Put simply, this means that a company that has declared a June 30 dividend will see its share price fall, because a buyer at that point is not entitled to the dividend that is about to be paid.

Because the dividend itself would not actually be paid until July, the superannuation or

What we have seen in July and August is not only a pickup in the market, but the June and July dividends being received.

What about the existing fund?

If you are in an Industry Fund that has compulsory insurance, and you don’t require it, get advice on another fund and insist that your employer contributes to the new fund.

A review on your circumstances might create a new strategy around transition or preretirement strategy to improve taxation and government contribution outcomes.

If you do need death cover and it is through superannuation, then ensuring that a financial dependent is named as the superannuation beneficiary is crucial to avoid the potential payment being taxed.

Having insurance outside of superannuation as well is an important consideration in risk management for that very reason.

Comparison of Funds There is an obligation for an adviser to compare existing funds with a proposed fund and a need to justify a switch or change of fund.

Unfortunately, superannuation funds themselves do not offer that advice, nor are they required to, and as a result they are quick to encourage people to change funds without consideration of potential loss of insurance coverage or whether the switch is actually to the benefit of the member.

An adviser’s obligation is to the client, not the fund being considered, so advice must be appropriate and in the client’s best interest.

This information and advice is of a general nature only and no reliance should be placed on the information before seeking individual advice from a Financial Planner and Taxation Adviser to ensure the appropriateness to individual circumstances. Alan Tickle and Your Heritage Financial Planning are both authorised representatives of Securitor Financial Group AFSL 240687 ABN 48009189495.

10 manning-great lakes focus.

Justin Stack.

BUSINESSES GET FACEBOOK WARNING ocial media is now mainstream, and businesses as well as individuals need to be wary of its legal ramifications.

The Advertising Standards Board has ruled that a company’s Facebook page set up to promote its brand or product is an advertisement and must comply with all the rules and regulations that govern traditional forms of advertising.

Following that ruling, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission warned large corporations that use Facebook to promote their products that they should take down misleading or inappropriate comments left by the public within 24 hours or less.

Many people post comments on a Friday evening or on weekends, so it would be wise for a company to maintain a watch on their social media beyond normal work hours.

The ACCC said small and medium sized businesses that have a Facebook page should monitor it at least every few days and take down anything posted that isn’t appropriate.

This includes any statement that is misleading or deceptive about the firm’s product.

The Federal Court recently fined a business that marketed allergy treatments and its director $7,500 each for failing to remove testimonial claims about its products on its website, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook that were false, misleading and deceptive.

Justice Finkelstein said that while it could not be proved that the company posted the glowing testimonials itself, the company failed to remove

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them when it knew they breached advertising standards.

“This outcome confirms that any business that decides to leave public testimonials or other comments on their Facebook or Twitter pages will be held responsible if they are false, misleading or deceptive,” Justice Finkelstein said.

Facebook says it will remove threats of violence, bullying, harassment, hate speech, claiming to be another person and will respect legal rights.

But there are more reasons for a business to closely monitor their Facebook page. Sadly, some individuals use the anonymity and distance of social media to post abusive, defamatory, racist, sexist and hate-filled attacks.

Disgruntled employees or customers can post false and damaging complaints against a firm or people within the firm.

Consumer complaint websites set up to name and shame companies are mostly based overseas. While some may be fair comment, it can be very difficult or impossible to get these websites to take down unfair or even defamatory personal comments that hurt people’s businesses or livelihoods.

Increasingly, victims are taking legal action for defamation against carriers of the offending websites if search engines fail to remove the links.

One Australian search engine has reportedly been successfully sued after it provided a link that incorrectly claimed a Melbourne man was part of the criminal underworld.

focusinterview.

Now in its sixth year, the annual Forster Film Festival (FFF) showcases 'entertaining and thought-provoking' films by aspiring filmmakers. MGL FOCUS spoke to Greg Smith, its founder and director, about his commitment to providing creative opportunities to budding filmmakers in our area.

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OCUS first spoke to you when the FFF was in its third year ... that was half a lifetime ago, with the Festival chalking up its sixth year in 2012. How has the event evolved over the years?

When the festival started in 2007, it was warmly embraced by the local community. Some people were interested in the novelty; many were interested in the short film genre.

At the start, we focused on offering a positive, upbeat kind of film experience. That hasn’t really changed; it’s still the festival’s basic philosophy – that short films can change the world.

What has changed is a gradual move to there being a higher percentage of comedy shorts. We don’t have only comedy, though if there was a trend it would be towards more laughter.

How important is it to you to provide filmmaking opportunities for aspiring filmmakers via the Festival?

That’s one of our whole purposes for being.

Our mission statement is to both show films and to encourage people to make films. We offer our filmmaking gear and experience to the community.

With prizes now in excess of $6,000, including $3,000 cash, winning film makers have been able to use the festival to help finance new productions and advance their film careers. The winners of the 2007 festival went on to make the hugely successful feature film, Samson & Delilah.

We were recently making a film with Taree Public School students, which was covered by Prime News. The second cameraman started off filming with us when he was in Year 9.

We spend a lot of time in schools with students interested in making films. Principals are very happy to have filmmakers come onto campus with the whole “Lights, Camera, Action!” thing. And restless kids who are not otherwise particularly engaged in the education process can often turn out to be very creative filmmakers.

The FFF has been credited as one of regional Australia’s premier film festivals, with Sue Milliken, former Chair of the Australian Film Commission, deeming it: “A fantastic event in a spectacular location”... Film festivals regularly come and go from the regional film scene – what has led to the on-going success of the FFF?

The festival shows absolutely world-class short films, and I think people look forward to seeing quality creative work.

As well as the October long weekend at the Marine Rescue building on Forster breakwall, the festival tours throughout each year to show at a number of locations, including Taree, Wauchope, Tea Gardens, Gloucester, and Great Lakes Library.

People are regularly impressed with the high standard of film, so they talk about the festival.

Word-of-mouth is the best advertising in a regional community. Aside from FOCUS! The Festival is strongly supported by local business. How have you generated this support?

The Great Lakes has more spectacular scenery than most any place in the world but when the sun goes down, there’s a shortage of cultural activities.

Locals, including local business people, support any activity that adds to the vibrancy and charm of the area. Everyone sees the business sense in contributing to a local volunteer arts event. Having their own film festival is one the many cultural activities that the Council and local businesses see sense in supporting.

Dissimilar to Tropfest, the FFF doesn’t insist on an annual theme to be present in each film. Is this something you might introduce?

A local 12 year old wrote a clever short story about why she goes to the library. Friends of Great Lakes Library, who ran the short story comp, were so impressed with her concept, that they partnered with FFF and Forster Dive to turn it into an entry in the 2013 Tropfest. Principal photography has been done, and it's now in edit (the signature item is a balloon).

But to answer your question, I don’t see FFF as ever going down that road. It sounds like more paperwork.

Comedic films usually get a positive response from audience members. If lacking in inspiration, do you advise filmmakers to go the comedic route?

People need to be inspired to enter filmmaking.

It’s fun filming, but pre and post-production can be fiddly. Most of the films entered in FFF are overflowing with great ideas and come from crews dedicated to making their abstract concept come to life.

The world can never have too much thoughtful

laughter. An intelligent comedy that works is a fabulous thing.

Australian comedy is still in the process of defining itself. It can be cruel, often measured by how much blood it draws. It will be interesting over the next decade to see how Australian film develops. We really are in a prime position here. It’s an exciting industry to be getting into.

But to answer your question, Karen, comedy is a great filmmaking route. That said, I suspect the road to film hell is paved with Americans' jokes about bodily functions.

What are the vital ingredients, which make a good film?

Depends what you want in a film. Some people value artistic merit, others just want to escape the everyday realities of life.

As Tim Robbins’ character Griffin Mill snidely points out in Altman’s The Player, the ingredients which go to measure a Hollywood movie are how many stars are attached and how closely the film follows the proven formula of, “Suspense, laughter, violence. Hope, heart, nudity, sex and happy endings, mainly happy endings.”

This is where low budget short films differ. Short film makers can do anything they like. You really can make a winning short with a few friends, a cheap camera, and a great idea.

Tell us about the different categories and their respective prizes ...

The judging goes broadly under three categories, based on time: under 1 minute, under 10 minutes, under 30 minutes – though the parameters are pretty relaxed. A 54-minute short (Inanimate Objects) once won the under-30 minute section.

Our judges score entries by entertainment value, originality, creativity, low budget, and the X factor.

Over the past few years, the judges’ outright winner has coincided with the Audience Choice winner, which is reassuring.

Prizes are split up into $1,000 for the outright

winner, then $2,000 distributed at the judges’ discretion among the remaining entries. We stick to some pretty clear guidelines, as laid out in the entry form. We also have an Audience Choice award.

The festival’s major sponsor is Great Lakes Community Resources, which has been there since day one.

This year prizes for local entries from our major sponsors include goods and services to the value of $1,000 from Golden Age Media Enterprises (GAME) web design, $1,000 from Detlev Litzkow Photography, and $1,000 from Great Lakes Aquatic Centre.

Are you hoping there might be a Harvie Krumpet success story in this year’s mix of entries?

Definitely. That great film has made its audience’s world a more optimistic place.

Australia led the world in filmmaking until the start of WWI. The world’s first sports doco was made here (Melbourne Cup, 1896), the world’s first short film was made here (1898), and the world’s first feature length narrative film, The Story of the Kelly Gang (1906), was made here.

People hear that and ask, “So where are all the old films?” Old film stock contained silver; all the old films were melted down to make a glue called Tarzan’s Grip.

Thank you Greg. Interview by Karen Farrell.

the plug!

Forster Film Festival. Saturday September 29, Sunday September 30, Monday October 1. Both afternoon and evening sessions.

Marine Rescue Building on Forster Breakwater. $20/$15 concession. www.forsterfilmfestival.com.au

manning-great lakes focus 11

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A D A M

Multi-award winning Country musician, Adam Harvey, performs at Club Taree on September 20. Country music fans will be thrilled to learn that Adam will be performing songs from his recently released album, Falling into Place.

Adam will also perform a slew of old favourite songs with fellow Country musician, Amber Lawrence. FOCUS spoke to Adam about the inspiration for his seventh studio album.

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our new album, Falling into Place, is inspired by your family and friends and the characters who share your life living on the Central Coast of NSW. It sounds like a very personal album ... Has it been a confronting experience to reveal such intimate aspects of your life?

I tend to write songs about how I am going in life at the time. I’ve got a beautiful, healthy family, and I have the best job in the world. (I don’t make as much money as you journos ... but I love my job!) I have been to Nashville to write the songs for a new album in the past, but I figured that every man and his dog seems to be doing that these days. I decided to do the opposite and sit in my own backyard shed (I have a little bar out there), invite some of my best friends over and write a few songs together.

I think this album has a much more ‘local’ feel because of that. I wrote songs about my local pub, my favourite fishing hole and some of the local characters I have known over the years.

Beccy Cole and Troy Cassar-Daley are personal friends of yours and were both invited to co-write songs and contribute vocals on tracks on the album. Some musicians would prefer to have the limelight shine solely on themselves, although this seemingly isn’t the case with you?

I really love working with other singers and songwriters, and let’s face it; it’s pretty handy when you can call on the likes of Beccy Cole and Troy Cassar-Daley to co-write and sing with you.

Troy has recorded with me before, when we wrote Hair Of The Dog together, and he said he would love to sing the song as a duet on the album.

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Beccy and I are great friends and have also recorded duets together. I think working with such talented people brings the best out in me.

I’ve got to be at my best, just to try and keep up with them!

The title track, Falling into Place was written with CassarDaley and tells the story of when you were offered a record deal, I sing quite a few r, which required duets with Ambe you to relocate Johnny ud incl ing some Cash, from Melbourne to business for a while, er rt Ca and June d an , ly Sydney. In a sense, and I was going to take ol D d an y Kenn asks the song is an ode to it over. Then I got a job whatever anyone your relationship with opening the show up for for on the night.” your wife. Tell us about Tania Kernaghan, and I this? fell in love with the touring Troy’s background is similar lifestyle. I have had several to mine. I told him the story of other jobs over the years, including my wife and I, and how we moved a stint in the mines, but I always spent to Sydney to try Country music as a full time too much time away on the road to hold down career. My wife was pregnant with our son, and a permanent full-time job. I’ve just been lucky our friends all said we were mad and that we enough to pay the bills doing what I love! would be broke in a few weeks. My wife said, Tell us about the track, A Good Woman “Let’s give this a go”, and she bought me a little Can? plaque that said, “As long as we’re together, Beccy Cole and I have toured together, and everything else will fall into place”. we wrote the chorus six years ago on tour. I Troy loved the story so we wrote it as a song, have been nagging her to finish the song with and it became the title track. me ever since, so I guess she got sick of my It’s true what they say, “Behind every man is nagging. Bec was kind enough to record the a damn good woman” (mine is rolling her eyes track with me as a duet, and it has that cheeky right now, wondering how she ended up with and naughty side that I love about Beccy. this idiot!)

And, Everything I Own Has a Dent ... ?

Before your success as a musician, you That was a Randy Travis song which I can were studying horticulture – these are two really relate to. My car has scratches and dents very disparate worlds. Had you always in it, so does my guitar; even my phone is harboured a passion to perform and sing? always busted. When I first heard that song, I Yes, I’ve always loved music. I never dreamed thought,“Randy is singing about me!”

I could do it for a living, but I’ve always loved I have a long list of classic Country songs that music. My dad had a landscape gardening I would love to record, and every album gives

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me a chance to cross one or two of those off the ‘bucket’ list!

Fellow country music singer, Amber Lawrence, will be joining you for the performance at Club Taree ... what can our readers look forward to you performing together?

Amber is going really well, and she reminds me of a young Beccy Cole. She has really learnt how to entertain a crowd. Amber also goes out with my drummer, so the band and I get to watch them fight all day in the car (free entertainment for us!).

I sing quite a few duets with Amber, including some Johnny and June Carter Cash, Kenny and Dolly, and whatever anyone asks for on the night.

Who are some of your all-time favourite Country music singers and why?

I love the old legends of country: Johnny Cash, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Willie Nelson, Slim Dusty, Conway Twitty (we even named our son after him).

I’m also inspired by Keith Urban and Kasey Chambers. I think they have both done a lot for Country music in Australia and changed how many people perceive country music.

Thank you Adam.

Interview by Karen Farrell.

manning-great lakes focus 13

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Oncology Unit in Taree.

Otherwise, come in, try our great coffee Tickets are now on sale, so be and one of our specialty cakes, or one of our quick! Also, 3nippers will be holding cocktails! 3nippers will be open every day of the a very exciting Melbourne Cup event, so keep school holidays for lunch, dinner and takeaways. your eyes posted. Check out our specials that

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We provide free monthly entertainment one Friday night of each month and two Sunday afternoons a month. We also proudly support and host charitable events, such as the Camp Quality retreat, the Ronald McDonald Ride for Sick Kids and Live for Kids. This October, 3nippers is hosting the Ladies Night, which is

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Our Christmas packages have just been released, which can offer all inclusive packages or just a casual dinner!

focusinterview.

.D\H DQG 0DOFROP :DOODFH

DONNA LANCE

C o m b o y n e

Fair Less than an hour away from Taree/Forster is one of the hinterland’s hidden gems – the warmly welcoming and charming village of Comboyne. To experience the beautiful mountain scenery and the friendly hospitality of the locals, make Sunday, September 16 the day you pay a visit to the Comboyne plateau, as the Comboyne Village Fair will be in full swing. With floral displays, live music, children’s entertainment, a parade, street markets, vintage and veteran cars – even lawn mower racing – Donna Lance shares some of the expected highlights of the event ...

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hat’s your association with the Comboyne Village Fair?

My husband, Ray, and I were foundation committee members of the Comboyne War Memorial Hall Inc, which rescued the hall from threatened demolition. I have variously been Secretary and President of the Comboyne War Memorial Hall Inc and have been actively involved in the Fair in many capacities, although mostly publicity in the last few years. I have a good face for radio, so do those interviews with enthusiasm!

What’s the history behind the Fair and the aim of the event?

I was involved from the beginning (last century) in the Fair, which has undergone several transformations and name changes The first Fair in 1990 was a true community effort to save the hall – all sorts of donated goods, including animals, were auctioned, and the flower display was amazing.

As we started to attract grants from various levels of government, and most were on a ‘dollar for dollar’ basis, we decided to make the Fair an annual event to fund reconstruction, and the enormous recurring costs associated with operating such a large community facility – especially insurances. Firstly, we replaced the foundations – all volunteer labour. Then we re-roofed the building, rewired it, and re-clad it in local hardwood, especially made to match the existing profiles The work has continued, with stage extension and interior upgrades to lighting and decor, preserving the original character and period of the building (circa 1922).

We decided not to hold our Fair in 2000, when we would have been in direct

competition with the Sydney Olympics. All our local resources had gone south – even buses!

We wrote in editorials that we didn’t want to attract the crowds away from the Olympics! Remarkably, people returned to visit in 2001.

The Fair grew and became Comboyne Spring Festival, with a lot more cultural activities – talent quests, dance, music and poetry. This will be the second year it has been named Comboyne Village Fair.

When and where will the Fair be held this year?

This year the Fair will be held on Sunday 16 September, with activities and attractions at the Comboyne War Memorial Hall, in the township, and at the showground.

Times listed are 9am to 3pm, and the parade of interesting vehicles will take place at 10am from Ponsfords Rd west of town in to the showground, where the Car Club Capers will be held.

What are some of the attractions on offer this year, and what will differ from previous years’ events?

The Fair will be very different this year.

The hall will be the scene of the ‘Garden Cafe’ – imagine dining like royalty in a huge conservatory-style atmosphere filled with flowers and plants.

There will be live music throughout the day, children’s entertainments, including popular ‘Troppo Bob’, the ‘Red Plateau’ Landscaping competition and interesting ‘4 x 3’ Art Competition, where artists are restricted to a uniform canvas size, with no other constraints.

Street markets, local produce and plants, an animal nursery, remote control car racing demonstration and (new attraction) lawn mower racing.

This is the fourth year of the Car Club

Capers, with about 100 Vintage and Veteran cars, drag cars and specialty vehicles not just sitting there to be admired, but actually competing in unique events like ‘blind man’s rally’, where the vehicle has to follow a course solely on the instructions of the navigator, since the driver is blindfolded!

New! A ‘Car Boot Sale’ will be happening at the showground too.

What entry fee will there be for the event?

The admission this year is just $5 per person, with under 18s being FREE. Onsite parking at the showground is also FREE. The funds will go firstly to defray the costs of running the event, then this year’s special project – exterior painting of Comboyne War Memorial Hall.

This is the only community hall for the people of Comboyne and surrounding rural areas, home to the Comboyne Community Preschool Kindergarten, and well-used by many community groups, including Playgroup, Comboyne Public School, functions and classes for all interests.

Many other local groups also benefit from the Fair, including the A & H Association and sporting groups.

Where can people find more information?

Car Club Capers and showground activities – phone Ray: 6550 4164 Buskers welcome – phone Greadann Jack on 6550 4131 to book.

Stallholders and Car Boot Sale should book ahead with Vickie – micvicfish@ hotmail.com Phone Margot on 0427 900 056 for general enquiries. Website: www.comboynevillagefair.com Thanks Donna.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

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ĂƌĞ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƚĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĞǀĞŶƚ ŽĨ ĚŝƐĂƐƚĞƌ͕ ƚŚĂƚ • Retirement income calculation (where you’re heading vsLJŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ ƚŚĞ ƌŝŐŚƚ ĂŵŽƵŶƚ ŽĨ ŝŶĐŽŵĞ ŝŶ ƌĞƟƌĞŵĞŶƚ Žƌ where you need to be). ŬŶŽǁŝŶŐ ƚŚĂƚ LJŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ ĞŶŽƵŐŚ ƚŽ ƐĞĞ LJŽƵ ŽƵƚ͕ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞŶ • Superannuation performance review. ƚŚĂƚ ǁŚĂƚ͛Ɛ ůĞŌ ǁŝůů ĞŶĚ ƵƉ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƌŝŐŚƚ ŚĂŶĚƐ͘ • Ensuring your Insurance needs are covered.

KŌĞŶ ǁĞ ĐĂŶ ŵĂŬĞ Ă ƚĂŶŐŝďůĞ ĚŝīĞƌĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ ĚŽůůĂƌ ƚĞƌŵƐ • Reviewing your Tax position and Pension entitlements. ďLJ • Reviewing ƐƵŐŐĞƐƟŶŐ ƐƚƌĂƚĞŐŝĞƐ ƚŚĂƚ ǁŝůů ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞ LJŽƵƌ ƐĂǀŝŶŐƐ your Estate Planning arrangements. Žƌ ŝŶĐŽŵĞ͕ ƉƌŽĚƵĐĞ ŚŝŐŚĞƌ ĞŶƚƌĞůŝŶŬ ďĞŶĞĮƚƐ Žƌ ƌĞĚƵĐĞ LJŽƵƌ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŵĞŶƚ ĂŶĚ ĂĚǀŝĐĞ ĐŽƐƚƐ͘ Initial meetings typically run for 1.5 to 2 hours and involve ƋƵĂůůLJ ŝŵƉŽƌƚĂŶƚ ƚŚŽƵŐŚ ŝƐ ƚŚĞ ͞ƐůĞĞƉ Ăƚ ŶŝŐŚƚ ĨĂĐƚŽƌ͟ you in no obligation on your part. ʹ ƚŚĞ ƉĞĂĐĞ ŽĨ ŵŝŶĚ ƚŚĂƚ ĐŽŵĞƐ ĨƌŽŵ ŬŶŽǁŝŶŐ ƚŚĂƚ LJŽƵ If we can demonstrate areas where we can help you, ĂƌĞ ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ ƚƌƵƐƚĞĚ ĂĚǀŝƐĞƌƐ ǁŚŽ ƵŶĚĞƌƐƚĂŶĚ LJŽƵƌ then future services are provided on a transparent fee for ƐŝƚƵĂƟŽŶ͘ service basis. We do not charge a percentage of your

^ŽŵĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƚŚŝŶŐƐ ƚŚĂƚ ĐůŝĞŶƚƐ ƚĞůů ƵƐ ƚŚĞLJ funds under management and do not accept commissions ǀĂůƵĞ ŽƵƌ ĂĚǀŝĐĞ ĨŽƌ ĂƌĞ͗ on investments. ͻ Our WƌŽǀŝĚŝŶŐ ƚŽ LJŽƵƌ and ĮŶĂŶĐŝĂů ʹ ŝĨ c ǁĞ advice ĂŶƐǁĞƌƐ is totally unbiased tailoredƋƵĞƐƟŽŶƐ to your speci¿ ĚŽŶ͛ƚ ŬŶŽǁ ƚŚĞ ĂŶƐǁĞƌƐ Žī ƚŚĞ ƚŽƉ ŽĨ ŽƵƌ ŚĞĂĚƐ ǁĞ ǁŝůů requirements. ŬŶŽǁ ŚŽǁ ƚŽ ĮŶĚ ŽƵƚ͘ If you would like to take advantage of advice that has only ͻ your ,ĞůƉŝŶŐ LJŽƵ ŐƌĂƐƉ ĮŶĂŶĐŝĂů ĐŽŶĐĞƉƚƐ ďLJ onĞdžƉůĂŝŶŝŶŐ best interests in mind then contact us now 1300 ĐŽŵƉůĞdž ƌƵůĞƐ ƐŝŵƉůLJ͘ 651 539 to arrange your initial consultation. ͻ This džƉůĂŝŶŝŶŐ LJŽƵƌ ŽƉƟŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ŚĞůƉŝŶŐ LJŽƵ ŵĂŬĞ ƐŽƵŶĚ information does not take into account your personal ŝŶǀĞƐƚŵĞŶƚ ĚĞĐŝƐŝŽŶƐ ƌĂƚŚĞƌ ƚŚĂŶ ĞŵŽƟŽŶĂů ƌĞĂĐƟŽŶƐ͘ circumstances, and is not intended to be personal advice.

manning-great lakes focus 15

Manning-Great Lakes

Cover Dish Mouls Piquante from Beach Bums.

eat. Dining Guide is available for iPhone & Android mobiles. www.focusmag.com.au/eat 16 manning-great lakes focus.

eat.

Singapore chilli Mud Crab

Fresh ham and salad wrap.

Club Taree

Happy Garden Chinese Restaurant

The Iron Bark Restaurant located at Club Taree offers a freshly cooked to order à la carte menu, available from 10am daily; or try a meal from the selection of all new, weekly changing and very tempting Chef’s Specials.

Also featured at the Club is the Lilly Pilly Café, which offers a selection of hot and cold beverages and a selection of freshly made snacks and light menu options, perfect to enjoy lunch or dinner.

The Iron Bark Restaurant and Lilly Pilly Café open 10am daily at Club Taree.

Happy Garden Chinese Restaurant has been operated for over 25 years in the Forster Tuncurry area by Peggy and Steve Hong. The business has always had a great reputation in the community, not only for the great food, but also the friendly service.

Chef Kevin Williams.

Happy Garden is a great place to visit and enjoy your meal with our family friendly atmosphere. So we hope to see you soon at Happy Garden Chinese Restaurant, where you can enjoy the exquisite tastes of Chinese and Malaysian cuisine presented to you while relaxing with family and friends in a pleasant atmosphere.

Owners Peggy and Steve Hong

Lunch Specials $9.50 (pre-orders required for Mud Crab).

121 Wingham Rd, Taree t 6539 4000 w www.clubtaree.com.au

5 Wharf Street, Forster t 6554 9526 / 6557 6539

*Opening times vary.

open Tuesday - Sunday. Lunch: noon ‘til 2pm.

Dinner: open from 5pm.

Bent on Food

FLOW Espresso

Enjoy a Spring day in our new sunny garden and try our new Spring menu, along with an ever changing blackboard menu. Bent on Food prides itself on a locally focused menu, supporting local producers and reducing our carbon footprint.

Family fun at Flow – join the weekday gatherings and book your next mothers/fathers group get together with us. Relax in the sun with friends, while your little ones entertain themselves in the purpose built games room or on the large grassy reserve.

Our spring menu will include fresh salads, vegetarian cuisine, a combination of locally caught seafood and more healthy options for the grommets. Plus, there will be many daily specials using local seasonal produce. Live music on Friday nights and ‘Sunday sessions’ have been a huge hit, with some amazing acoustic performances from local and visiting artists. Two young enthusiastic chefs create the Friday and Saturday dinner and Sunday special lunch menus weekly, with a mouthwatering combination of steaks, seafood, chicken and vegetarian options. Xmas function bookings – includes live music, games room, indoor and alfresco dining; small groups welcome. info@flowcafe.com www.facebook.com/flowcafe

Join Donna Carrier for a Vietnamese Cookery Class on Saturday Sept 15.

Cooking with Clayton Donovan from the renowned Jaaning Tree Restaurant – 27 Sept.

Italian cheesemaking weekend with Carole Willman, 22 and 23 Sept.

3 breads from 3 nations with The Other Chef’s Eric Robinson, 29 Sept.

Kids’ classes coming up in the school holidays.

Take a look at our new website, or find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BentonFood

95 Isabella Street, Wingham NSW t 6557 0727 w www.bentonfood.com.au open breakfast and lunch, 7 days a week (phone to check hours on public holidays).

Head Chef Paul.

31 David St, Old Bar t 6557 4224 open Tue to Sunday, 8am to 4pm and Fri and Sat nights from 6pm.

Closed Mondays. Fully licensed. Bookings recommended. manning-great lakes focus 17

eat.

Everyday Muffin & Coffee Deal $5.50

Bowers Café

The Bellevue Hotel Bistro

Bowers delights in making all food in house, using the freshest local produce and serving locally roasted coffee. Perfect for functions and intimate weddings.

Only 5 minutes from Taree and Wingham, with a peaceful rural outlook.

Now taking bookings for Christmas parties.

The Bellevue Hotel bistro will be closed until 17 September, as we are undergoing some wonderful renovations in our kitchen.

We can’t wait to reopen and invite you, your family and friends to come along and try our new menu, as well as experience the wonderful atmosphere that the Bellevue Hotel still has to offer.

We all look forward to seeing you soon.

Our Chefs Hayley & Jason.

461 Kolodong Rd, Taree t 6550 1230

Manning Street, Tuncurry t 6554 6577

open 9am – 5pm, 7 days. Closed public holidays.

Ham hock ravioli, cotechino sausage, pea puree with truffle & almond foam.

Open 11.30am until 2pm every day and 5.30pm until 8pm weeknights.

Zebu bar + grill Enjoy a drop of fine wine at Zebu Bar + Grill – recently awarded with an Australian Gourmet Traveller Wine Glass at the Wine List of the Year Awards.

Match it with our Ham Hock Ravioli or a succulent steak from the grill – pure bliss.

Diary Date: Wednesday 3 October 7.30pm An evening with Bruce Tyrell – 5 course degustation dinner with matching wines – $95pp. Strictly limited seating, only 50 spaces!

Tickets available by contacting (02) 6589 2816 or email amanda_perrin-sumner@rydges.com Breakfast - Coffee - Cocktails - 10 Tap Beers - Wood Fire Pizzas - Steaks - Seafood -

Rolling Bean Café

Purveyors of Peak Coffee

Executive Chef Ben Holloway.

Hay Street Foreshore, Port Macquarie t 6589 2822 w www.zebu.com.au open 7 days, from 6.30am - late.

Bar open noon daily. Bookings recommended.

18 manning-great lakes focus.

Rolling Bean Café is one of your classic small-town hidden gems.

Located 25 km south of Forster in the shopping village at Smiths Lake, Rolling Bean Café provides locals and visitors with a great selection of freshly prepared meals and light snacks from its qualified chef.

People travel far and wide to indulge in the wickedly tempting cakes, pastries and delicious coffee on offer at the cosy Rolling Bean Café.

Service is always slick and patrons can enjoy our under cover à la carte dining, or relax indoors on comfy chairs and lounges ...

In late September we will be introducing a NEW evening Tapas menu. We will then be open every Thursday and Friday evening from 5.30pm. For more information, please phone 6550 9551.

Shop 4 Macwood Road, Smiths Lake t 6550 9551 open: Thursday, Friday, Monday, 7am - 3pm.

Saturday and Sunday 7am - 3pm (closed Tues and Wed).

Owner Tanya Meyer.

eat.

Slow cooked lamb shanks on a bed of mash with seasonal veggies and a rosemary jus.

Sheppo’s on the Green

Beach Bums

The perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of Aussie or Thai meals prepared by our qualified chefs, big meals, quality fresh food, cheap prices, warm enjoyable family environment, located at Taree Leagues Sports Club – it’s the best eatery in town. Everyday $7 lunch specials to choose from, nightly dinner specials, or simply enjoy a fresh cappuccino and dessert, while enjoying regular club entertainment.

We also cater for all formal or social functions; packages designed to suit your needs. Book your Christmas party now.

Under new management; see Wayne and the staff today.

It’s whale time again! The perfect excuse to relax overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Sample our new exciting menu, changing daily, while watching the majestic, migrating Humpbacks. Feel free to ask for binoculars.

Open early for breakfast, lunch coffee and cake. This certainly is the place to be seven days a week.

Owners Kate and Darrin.

Chefs Luxmee & Wayne

North & Beach Streets, Forster Main Beach. t 6555 2840 w beachbumscafe.com.au

Taree Leagues Sports Club, 43 Cowpe Street, Taree t 6551 3677

open seven days a week, 6:30am-3:30pm (weather permitting)

open 6 days: lunch 12 - 2pm; dinner 6pm - 8.30pm. Closed Mondays.

Raw Sugar Café

Bean Bar

Our food is prepared by our qualified chefs, using only the freshest local ingredients and served by experienced and friendly staff. Our specials board changes weekly!

Don’t forget our fantastic fresh fruit smoothies, frappes and fresh juices.

Come in and enjoy the five star experience today.

Open for breakfast at 7.30am, lunch from 11.30am and afternoon tea until 4pm.

Award-winning cafe, restaurant and bar, The Bean Bar. Relax on the recently built al fresco deck overlooking the captivating Manning River and enjoy the gentle breeze off the water. With plenty of fresh seafood, tapas and a la carte dishes to satisfy any craving, The Bean Bar’s menu is diverse, international and full of fresh, local produce.

Dishes on offer for night dining at The Bean Bar include: Red wine braised lamb shoulder combined with apricots and candied walnuts, served with potato and leek rosti, mint pea puree, seasonal greens and blackcurrant jus; Sesame baked salmon fillet, served on a bed on lemongrass infused rice and ponzu dipping sauce. Read our excellent review by the Australian Good Food & Travel Guide in www.agfg.com.au

Freshest local ingredients.

214 Victoria Street, Taree t 6550 0137 open 7.30am to 4pm.

Owners Ray & Tony.

1 Pulteney St, Taree, set on the Manning River t 6550 0022 w www.beanbarcafe.com.au open 7 days breakfast and lunch and dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday. manning-great lakes focus 19

focuseditorial.

focusinterview.

SteveAttkins.

Ste from Great Lakes Winery

wine WHERE HAS THE CORK GONE? A HISTORY LESSON.

his was the easy part, but story here, with the exception of the at times you would curse occasional perforation being faulty causing when the capsule was a little angst ... but there is no sense of made of metal and you achievement, satisfaction or anticipation. would slice the side of your You want it now – you got it now! index finger as you ripped So that is the difference in terms of at it in anticipation of revealing the final experience, but there are good reasons obstacle between you and that precious why screw caps have replaced cork: the drop that remained inaccessible. After availability of cork, 'cork taint' and the tending to the wound, you would take your 'drink now' market we are in today. time to accurately position the tip of the The supply of cork is a problem. The corkscrew dead centre on the bark of the cork (oak) tree gives top of the cork, which was all us our corks. It takes 25 years important as you pushed od go e ar to grow a cork tree to the There and turned with the right screw reasons whypl right maturity for producing ed amount of pressure, as caps have re laac y lit bi quality cork and once this ai av e cork: th the corkscrew drilled its taint', age is achieved, the cork of cork, 'cork k w' way down to the correct and the 'drin no bark can only be harvested market ... depth in preparation every 9 years. for the retrieval. Then If the quality of the cork hopefully, when the stars isn’t what it should be, there were aligned, ever so gently with is potential for cork taint, which a wriggle and a pull, the cork would means the wine it is caring for is spoilt. slide from the neck of the bottle without Wine sealed by cork needs to be stored on falling apart or at worst, leaving half of it in a gentle slope, to ensure the cork is kept the bottle. moist by the wine without applying the full At times the cork wasn’t so obliging, and pressure of the volume, which can cause the you were required to place the bottle cork to fail. between your knees for leverage and yank Cork is still recommended for premium with great gusto to get the bloody thing wines requiring storage for five years or out, nearly flinging your arm off as the cork more, but the majority of us drink our wine finally succumbed to your brute strength. within a few hours of buying it – so for You got a strange sense of achievement this reason, screw caps makes much more when the cork emerged intact, to the sense. Sometimes in being sensible, there is familiar sound as the pressure within the something lost. bottle was released. The final enjoyable part of this ceremony was closely inspecting the retrieved and sometimes stubborn cork that has been soaking in the red wine, then taking a good whiff of it ... aaahhh, what satisfaction – and how clever are you?

By this stage, with all that anticipation, how could the wine taste anything but sensational!

So now we have screw caps ... yep, you unscrew it and pour. There is no 20 manning-great lakes focus.

TA R E E L E AG U E S C L U B

People of my vintage have history with cork. All wine was once bottled with a cork, and the cork was covered with a heat sealed capsule. We enjoyed the challenge of peeling off the capsule with the useful blade attachment found on the corkscrew.

Wayne Shepherd // Head Chef Sheppo's On The Green.

How long have you been a chef?

I started my apprenticeship in Forster in 1995 and then relocated to Newcastle, where I worked in some of the top restaurants and subsequently moved to Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley. I eventually moved back to

Friendly and courteous service, a welcoming environment and generous meals at affordable prices. Our menu offers a wide variety of choices, as well as nightly specials and our famous $7 lunches. We also have the cheapest function packages in town, which can be designed to suit your needs and budget.

“Since that time I have worked with various local restaurants, co-owned and operated Sheppo's Fresh Oysters and Seafood.

Then in November 2011, my wife, Julie, and I took over Sheppo's On The Green at the Taree Leagues Club.” my home town of Forster in 2005.

What are some of your favourite local ingredients to cook with and why?

I enjoy cooking with lots of the local produce and supporting the local businesses, in particular Sydney Rock Oysters grown in either Wallis Lake or the Manning River, which I shuck (open) to order, guaranteeing freshness and a quality product.

What can people expect from a ‘Sheppo’s on the Green’ experience?

We now cater for weddings, parties and general group bookings.

Do you have a signature dish that we can expect to see on the menu at Sheppo’s?

Although we don’t rely on a signature dish, we have several meals on our menu that are highly requested, which include: our freshly shucked oysters, either natural, Kilpatrick or mornay; surf and turf; stuffed chicken breast topped with creamy garlic prawns, Panang curry; and a Thai beef salad.

Friday 14 September, with free tastings from 9am - 4pm.

It's on again.

Cook up day!

Don't miss out on our 'famous' Cook Up Day on Friday 14 September between 9am and 4pm, where you can try our delicious seafood … for free! Enjoy mouth watering marinated garlic prawns, moist crumbed Flathead fillets, yummy fish cocktails, tempura Barramundi and more! It's the perfect opportunity to try our excellent products before you buy.

flags and savour the heavenly aroma of freshly cooked seafood.

WEEKLY SPECIALS Bayview Seafoods Factory Outlet has sensational weekly specials which are advertised on radio stations MAX FM and 2RE each Thursday and Friday mornings.

We also have a weekly e-newsletter, which

The long weekend is coming up, so stock your freezer with the fantastic finger food at incredible discounted prices.

• Beer Battered Flathead Tails only $12.50 (1 kg) • Tempura Prawns $25 (1 kg) • Cocktail Spring Rolls $6.50 (96 pcs) • Cocktail Samosas (curried vegetable puffs) $2.50 (48 pk)

is sent out every Wednesday. It includes new

Try the ONE DAY ONLY special …

• Salt & Pepper Tempura Whiting Fillets – $3 500 g (only available for this price on Fri 14 Sept '12). Bayview factory outlet is easy to locate … just turn off Muldoon Street (near AG Mowers) into Mahogany Crescent Taree, then look for the

delighted to help, so either email or call her on

specials, cook up day information, new products, promotions etc.

If you would like to be on our mailing list, please send your email address to Jane at: j.garnett@ bayviewseafoods.com.au Need a current price list? Wanting more information? Jane is always 6539 5555.

Gluten free options also available!

Don't forget our next Cook Up Day is Friday 14 September, 9am – 4pm.

manning-great lakes focus 21

focussocial.

social scene.

hat a whirlwind of a month! The Olympics had everyone glued to the television, and I have been so busy that I haven’t even seen the opening ceremony. I can still remember the Sydney games, with that little girl who had the big voice. I was actually in Olympus, Turkey, in a backpackers hostel with very few Australians, feeling proud to be an Aussie among hundreds of European backpackers. I imagine the English, despite a few hiccups, would also be proud of their Olympics, and I feel proud of our athletes – even though some of them seemed to think that they underperformed. I work fairly hard, but I could never get up at those ungodly hours to train; the motivation just isn’t there and the pressure is far too great – not to mention my fitness levels are not too high.

There seems to be so many people in this world of ours who live every day under pressure, and we were privileged to meet 24 of the most wonderful people visiting the Manning Valley last month. The refugees, mainly from the people’s republic of Congo, Rwanda and Burundi, were treated to some Manning Valley hospitality when Wingham Rotarians and the community invited them into their homes, so that they could experience life in regional NSW. We were fortunate to house three of the visitors on our property, where they were thrilled to meet some live alpacas.

Later they visited the showground, where wool from our alpacas was among some of the wool being spun. The field trip was organised by Great Lakes Agency for Peace and Development (GLADP) in partnership with Wingham Rotary, with help from the community, and the group visited the local farmers’ markets, a working dairy and took a trip to Old Bar. Some of the visitors are now considering relocating to the area.

August is fashion month in the Manning Valley, and the Flair Fashion Awards is a very 22 manning-great lakes focus.

with Donna Carrier from Bent on Food.

important occasion for the Manning Valley, bringing many people to the area for a number of events leading up to the gala awards night.

Flair recognises the work achieved by talented designers throughout Australia and is now in its 18th year of presenting a premier event. Each year, The Flair Awards projects are expanded and new initiatives introduced. A ladies luncheon is hosted to announce the beginning of Flair Fashion Week, and this year we dined at the Reef Bar and Grill for a lovely lunch overlooking the lake at Forster. Local identity Susie Feldbusch hosted the luncheon for 90 women, with guest speakers Eilidh Milnes, ‘The Confidence Coach’ and one of the first ever Flair models, Britt Carlyle, who later became an international success. Local artist Sharon Tudor Smith, winner of this year’s Flair Fashion Illustration Award, entertained the group with her drawing and painting talents. Local models paraded hats from 3 local milliners: Rebecca Hanley, Lisa Mears and Linda Thompson.

Twenty-five ladies joined Dyana Brown for her 65th birthday party, held in the side room at Bent on Food. In true Dyana style, the room was decked out in stylish red and black with gorgeous centrepieces ‘borrowed’ from Bent on Life. Sparkling wine was enjoyed all afternoon, and our chefs fed us fresh local oysters, Tasmanian Salmon and a selection from our lunch menu. The cake (also in true Dyana form) was a Tiffany’s style cake in light blue with white ribbon, made in Kempsey. We all had a wonderful time celebrating Dyana’s birthday; it seemed like only yesterday that we held her 60th up at the old café.

Grahame and I have recently bought an acreage out at Wherrol Flat. We really enjoy that some of our friends live nearby, and I appreciate that neighbour Di enjoys Grant Burge Sparkles as much as I do, so we have a few get togethers on the odd Sunday afternoon. We are slowly getting to know our other neighbours. Sometimes we meet in less than ideal circumstances ... but let’s just say

Grahame has a great respect for the Wherrol Flat Fire Brigade and may even join. We were pretty excited a few weeks ago to find a lovely invitation in our mailbox to Wayne Brown’s 60th birthday, held at Wherrol Flat Hall. The neighbours told us it would be a great night and a good way to meet people, so we went – we hadn’t even met Wayne! It was a fabulous night, and Wayne was really happy to be the guest of honour, with a big smile as he had photos taken with relatives and friends, new and old. The party at the hall reminded me of growing up in Nabiac, when we attended the local hall for dances and parties and the hall was the hub of town, the local meeting place for all of us. Happy 60th, Wayne, and thanks for inviting us – we had a lot of fun and even more food!

Wingham Town Hall was transformed for the event of the year, Restaurant at the End of the Universe. This costume event is held almost every year, with a different theme. The first one was Moulin Rouge, with the hall decked out like a Parisian Cabaret. This year the town hall was converted into something from outer space, with some wonderful entertainment from the stage and from the guests, who ranged from glow girls to ‘The Jetsons’. I can’t wait to see what they come up with next year!

We all had a great night, and I danced until I broke my silver shoe. I am still waiting for a Martian to return it.

Hogs Breath in Forster was the location for my nephew Mitch Sharpe’s 21st birthday; come to think of it, I think everyone in the place

was celebrating a birthday! The staff seems to have the happy birthday song down pat, and I suspect that they sing it a lot. Mitch celebrated over a few cocktails and a steak with friends and family and a fabulous chocolate cake made

by Colleen’s Cakes.

Of course, the boys didn’t stay at the party too late; with the formalities over, they headed to another party. Oh, to be young again; I felt suitably full and ready for bed by around 9 o’clock. I daresay the boys had a great night and woke up on a beach somewhere – isn’t that what you do when you are 21? I hope you had a memorable birthday, Mitch; we are all very proud of you. And thanks to the staff at Hogs Breath, who provided great service.

We were really fortunate last month to see Luke Carra perform at Bent on Food. Luke’s band, Caravana Sun, has just arrived home from a European tour, and Luke headed up with his mate Webster just to play in the café.

Everybody enjoyed the meal, the music and the dancing. Luke plays a combination of Acoustic, Roots, Gypsy and Reggae, to create a highly evolved and sophisticated show.

We look forward to seeing Caravana Sun at both the Breakwall Festival in Harrington and Wingham Akoostik Festival in October, and you may just get to see the whole band at Bent on Food in October too.

I would love to hear from you if you have any social events, weddings, parties anything!

Send pics and info to donna.carrier@ bigpond.com Cheers, Donna.

THE 80TH BIRTHDAY AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2012.

Johnny Cash: The Concert The name on his birth certificate was John R. Cash.

Old Bar Beach Festival.

Born on February 26, 1932, the boy known as J.R. to his family grew from his very humble beginnings in rural Arkansas to become one of the most influential figures in the history of popular music. Internationally respected and universally loved, Johnny Cash was an icon of the 20th Century.

In this special two-hour concert event, we pay tribute to JOHNNY CASH and his music, bringing you hit after hit spanning his entire career. From his first release on the Sun label, 1955s Hey Porter and his signature Folsom Prison Blues, through to his left of field cover of Soundgarden’s Rusty Cage and his breathtaking version of the Nine Inch Nails song Hurt, released shortly before his death in 2003.

A celebration of his 80th birthday, CASH: The Concert captures the spirit of this iconic superstar, featuring Daniel Thompson, star of The Class of '59 tour, who received standing ovations for his stellar performance and a multiaward winning vocalist and former finalist at Tamworth’s Golden Guitar awards. A nearly 20 year veteran of the music industry, he possesses a rich baritone voice, a deep understanding

The Old Bar Beach Festival is taking place for its 8th year on September 29 - 30.

attracting well over 16,000 visitors over the weekend in 2011.

The event will feature the famous of the Country music genre and an enormous respect for Johnny Cash and his music. Daniel delivers the best of Johnny Cash like nobody else can. No one sings Cash like Cash, but no one gets closer than Thompson.

children’s character Dora the Explorer and a fireworks display.

The Old Bar Beach Festival embraces a range of

The band consists of Stuie French, rated by many people as the best guitarist in Australian Country music. He is an in demand session musician and producer. Pick up any major Country music CD produced in Australia over the last 15 years, and chances are you’ll find Stuie’s name on the studio credits. Recently Stuie toured as part of the Classic Albums Live: Brothers in Arms tour, playing the music of Dire Straits to sold-out houses all over the country.

events and attractions

Also featuring international renowned singer/ songwriter Alanna Cherote as June Carter and introducing the Tennessee Studs.

entertainment all weekend.

for the whole family, including: the Annual Kombi world record attempt on Sunday, the Old

The Old Bar Beach Festival will be conducted into the Hall of Fame at this year’s North Coast Regional Tourism Awards on 1 “The Festivalme co September at Port Macquarie, be w no s ha t as winners in the ‘Festivals one of the mos ents successful evor and Events’ category from on the Mid Ntinth g the North Coast Regional Coast, attrac 00 ,0 16 Tourism awards for the last er ov well visitors over the . ” three years.

weekend in 2011

Bar Classic with a range of cars, bikes and street machines, market, regional gourmet food, wine and beer tasting, live bands, fashion parades, kite surfing, amusements and rides and free The Festival has now become one of the most successful events on the Mid North Coast,

The Festival committee also organises other fund raising events throughout

After last year’s incident of a plane landing in the Ferris wheel, the air strip will be closed for the weekend. It will be replaced with a two-day Model Aeroplane Air Show.

If you would like to volunteer to help out with the Festival, contact Mark on 6553 3666.

manning-great lakes focus 23

focuseditorial.

from Coasting Home

Co lour your

AmandaPriester

World

Spring Cup Carnival.

The spring carnival is almost upon us.

Saturday 15 September will see the start of spring racing for TuncurryForster Jockey Club, with a 6 race meet.

As the song plays, “You can colour my world with sunshine every day”, this summer, 2012, will see us living with that same sunshine in our homes. he bright, loud, fun, riot of colour we are seeing in fashion, as it arrives into stores on all budget levels, is also about to burst into our homes.

Designers and suppliers have decided to skip the financial doom and gloom, and invigorate us with the positive language of colour. You are going to see bright, strong colours infiltrate all areas of decorating, from furniture, to linen, decorator items and lighting. Yellow, orange, red and pink are key to this time.

Red: red has more personal associations than any other colour. Recognised as a stimulant, red is inherently exciting and the amount of red is directly related to the level of energy perceived.

Red draws attention, and a strong use of red as an accent can immediately focus attention on a particular element.

Red is the colour of blood, and as such has strong symbolism in life and vitality.

Mixed with white and black, they are forming the bases from which tropical, Aztec, and classic modern looks are starting.

It may be said that pure red is the colour of divine love, God, courage, self-sacrifice and all the warm impulses that belong to the greathearted everywhere. On the negative side, red can mean temper or anger.

We will see bold patterns with flowers, tropical

In China, red is the colour of prosperity and

“You are going to see bright strong colours, infiltrate all areas of decorating from furniture, to linen, Decorator items and lighting.” birds, images of summer coming together, creating a visual feast for the eye.

The key colours and their influence Yellow: yellow shines with optimism, enlightenment, and happiness. Shades of golden yellow carry the promise of a positive future. Yellow will advance from surrounding colours and instil optimism and energy. Yellow is psychologically the happiest colour in the colour spectrum. It stimulates mental processes, the nervous system, creative thought, activates memory and encourages communication.

It tastes like the exceptional juiciness and vibrant tropical flavour of a pineapple and smells like lemons, clean and shiny.

Orange: a close relative of red, sparks more controversy than any other hue. There is usually strong positive or negative association to orange, and true orange generally elicits a stronger ‘love it’ or ‘hate it’ response than other colours.

Fun and flamboyant orange radiates warmth and energy; it stimulates activity, your appetite, encourages socialising and is associated with family in American Indian life.

People who like orange are known to be warm, thoughtful and sincere.

It tastes like juicy oranges and smells like mandarin and juicy fruit, on a warm summer day.

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joy. Brides wear red and front doors are often painted red. In other cultures, it is associated with love, lust, fire and romance; such a strong colour draws strong emotions.

It tastes like strawberries and smells like them too.

Pink: brighter pinks are youthful, fun, and exciting, while vibrant pinks have the same high energy as red; they are sensual and passionate, without being too aggressive. Toning down the passion of red with the purity of white results in the softer pinks that are associated with romance and happiness; it provides feelings of caring, tenderness, self-worth and love, acceptance.

It’s not surprising that when giving or receiving flowers, pink is a favourite.

Pink encourages friendliness, while discouraging aggression and ill-will.

Often used to decorate areas of disruption, it is seen as a calming influence.

Pastries taste better when they come out of pink boxes or served on pink plates (it only works with sweets). Pink makes us crave sugar and tastes like bubblegum.

So as the Olympics ended, with the lead up to Rio in 4 years’ time, maybe get there early and inspire your home to sing ...

A great spring garden party is d the the way to spen up in ss re D ! on no after ur; lots lots of spring colo als or fl d an s ht ig of br nd, as tre e th seem to be alks in tw ca e th on en se Sydney. ”

It’s a great day for everyone to shake off the winter blues and celebrate with colourful fashion, entertainment and quality racing with full TAB facilities.

The Tuncurry-Forster Jockey Club now attracts 3 race meets a year, with every event promising to be a different experience.

The spring garden party in the pavilion area will be the place to be, with tables in the pavilion selling quickly and a wine tasting by Oatley Wines.

Tickets in the pavilion are priced from $30 and can be purchased by contacting Marg on 0429

967 823.

Also in the pavilion, the champagne will be flowing, as the afternoon moves up a beat to the sound of Jazz, entertaining the race goers in the pavilion area in between races.

A great spring garden party is the way to spend the afternoon! Dress up in lots of spring colour; lots of brights and florals seem to be the trend, as seen on the catwalks in Sydney.

Oatley Wines have donated a great prize of a Mudgee VIP race package for a lucky race goer on Saturday 15 September.

This is the perfect opportunity for a fun, social day out to welcome in the warmer weather. So round up your friends and get track side in the spring sunshine.

We have a great range of dresses, from causal beachwear to daywear to cocktail and formal dresses.

Just dresses 4 U also stocks shorts, tees, jeans, tops, handbags, jewellery.

”

JustDresses4u.

I have been in the fashion industry ry for a long time, starting 25 years ago in sport and surfwear. I purchased my first ladies fashion store in 1997.

I’ve dabbled in the cyber world of online selling and started my first website two years ago –

Margo’s Fashions.

Ballistic Chix.

www.justdresses4u.com.au To grow my online store, I decided to open a retail outlet of the same name in Kularoo Drive, Forster.

My retail shop is now going from strength to strength and has been expanded recently to be able to cater for the demand.

We have a great range of dresses, from casual beachwear to daywear to cocktail and formal dresses. Justdresses4U also stocks shorts, tees, jeans, tops, handbags, jewellery.

As a show of support for our loyal customers, I’d like to say thank you to everyone for shopping with us. Mention this advertisement when you drop in and see us, and we’ll give you $5 off your next purchase.

We are also on Facebook – justdresses4U – hit like and you will be the first to see the fashion ranges, specials and competitions we’re running.

Margo’s is so excited about spring! g! They have arrivals every day from new labels Ping Pong, Andiamo, FDJ and See Saw and also their popular brands Jillian, Black Pepper, Meredith, The Clothing Company and Resort Report.

2012 Spring Collection is inspired by nature, and tends to be soft, feminine and relaxed. The beautiful vibrant colours bring us to see the sunset of the Sahara. The colour series from magenta to orange emphasises the emergence of orange. The colour palette for this season is very exciting, including melons, lime greens and lovely, fresh florals.

Don’t miss out on their new season stock, as it will sell fast; be quick, so you’re not disappointed! Also, don’t forget Taree has a new range of swimwear, plus last days specials on formalwear.

Ballistic Chix is located at 1/3 Wharf arf Street, Forster Forster. r.

Our phone number is 6557 2171.

Ballistic Chix has a large range of fascinators, fashion, handbags and unique footwear and accessories all for the perfect race day, with new season’s stock arriving daily. Lots of beautiful pastels and florals are in for the spring and summer. Our sizes range from 6 to 16 and beyond; Ballistic Chix caters for all ages, from teens and mums to nans.

Ballistic Chix racewear and formalwear are one offs, so you can feel comfortable that you will be unique for that special day or evening. So please feel free to take a browse in my store and see for yourself the large range of goodies inside.

You can go BALLISTIC at Ballistic Chix. Open 9am to 5pm, Monday through to Saturday, and 9.30am to 4pm Sundays. I will look forward to your visit.

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focustechnology. wi with Cameron Illingworth from Harvey Norman.

TECH

Work Placement

What is it?

Students enrolled in a number of HSC VET courses are able to practise and apply the skills they have been learning at school or at TAFE in a real world, workplace setting.

The wonderful world of technology.

Things to come ...

It’s nearing the end of the year, and everyone knows the new gadgets are released in the later months, ready for the Christmas trade. Here’s a couple of top picks for the latter half of 2012.

Windows 8 with this easy to use technology. Also available This is the next installment in Microsoft’s Winis a WeMo Baby monitor, which can also be dows Operating system for PC. It boasts new listened to from remote locations. Do it from interface features designed to simplify the desk- another room, or when the babysitter is around top experience for users, as well as improved watching bub while you work. Multiple people slide and touch gestures when used in Tablet can listen in too, so you can set it for the family. and touch screen computers. This is in line with It also monitors your baby’s crying to give you a new release of Windows 8 for mobile devices history of when bub is unsettled through the like the Nokia Lumia phones. It will add new night. You also have the option for the monitor tethering (connect PC to the phone for internet to send you text or email updates after 2 or 3 access) capability and open up the transferring cries to alert you to a need to feed! You have of files to devices without software needed. to love technology; what else is just around the Windows 8 will be launched in October 2012, corner? CI. but any customer buying a Windows 7 based computer currently is guaranteed to be upgraded to the new version for only $14.95 via online redemption. you can

Students are able to train towards national qualifications, gain industry experience and develop additional workplace skills and knowledge whilst completing their HSC. Which HSC courses require Work Placement?

Automotive, Human Services, Business Services, Construction, Electrotechnology, Entertainment Industry, Hospitality, Information Technology, Metal and Engineering, Primary Industries, Retail Services and Tourism and Events.

Employers can also benefit from hosting students for Work Placement by: • Participating in the education, career development and vocational training of young people • Talking to students about industry, its career paths and future directions • Promoting the attitudes and skills needed in the workforce dentifying young people with potential for future employment • Strengthening links with the community and raising the profile of the business • Increasing the supervisory, training and mentoring skills of staff

Each year Mid Coast Connect secures over 2,500 placements for students in years 11 & 12 studying Vocational Education and Training subjects for their HSC. Our valued local employers consistently accept students for work placement providing them with the opportunity to experience a real-life working environment. Allowing students to link classroom theory with hands-on application helps to create a better skilled workforce and shows young people the many opportunities available to them in their local area.

If you are an Employer who could assist our organisation by taking a student for work placement or would like further information on the program please give us a call on 6583 5910.

Now

ne Belkin WeMo home use your ipho to access ad ip or automation your home e Have you ever seen movwhile you ar rol away to contair ies where all the house lighting and lights and air conditionconditioning. ing are controlled from a remote location using a computer, or even from in the house with a remote? Belkin’s new WeMo home automation solution can do that and more, all at a fraction of the cost and without expensive installation. The WeMo device plugs in to a powerpoint, and anything plugged into it can be controlled using your iPhone or iPad from wherever you are in the home or the world. It’s very simple. Use it to set your heater to come on at a particular time of the day, or set house lamps and your radio to come on at night while you’re on holidays to keep burglars away. The possibilities are exciting

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28 manning-great lakes focus focus.

focusinterview.

On September 15, the Y.M.C.A. (‘Y’) at Forster celebrates its milestone 21st birthday. FOCUS caught up with the Y.M.C.A.’s Assistant Manger, Melissa Morgan, and Centre Manager, Len Newman, to find out about the impending festivities and the first Y.M.C.A.’s humble beginnings way back in 1844.

its 21st birthday.

L

N: The Y.M.C.A. is a worldwide not-for-profit organisation which was originally founded in the United Kingdom way back in 1844. These days, countless local Y.M.C.A.s have opened up across the globe. Tell us about the history of the Y.M.C.A. and why you feel its template is so successful?

The Y.M.C.A. has been in Australia now for 160 years and has grown from strength to strength because of its strong connection to the local community. As a not for profit charity organisation, it has always had a clear and strong focus on providing all members of the community with access to activities and programs that engage and connect all ages through innovative and professional activities.

We know that families today are doing it tough and struggle to spend quality time together, and it’s also a fact that obesity levels and diabetes are on the rise and physical activity is on the decline, and that’s why the Y.M.C.A. template has a strong focus on family, so we can bring families and individuals together – allowing them to connect to their community and live happier and healthier lives.

LN: In 2012, the Y.M.C.A. Great Lakes transitioned to Y.M.C.A. Sydney. Tell us how this will benefit the local community.

In everything it does, the Y promotes family, healthy living, developing young people and those less fortunate. The Y is much more than a gym, pool or child care provider; it is a cause driven, not for profit charity, and this is front and centre of everything that we do. The work of the Y is for a greater purpose – a promise to the communities we serve to connect people to their communities to live happier, healthier lives. Our transition to Y.M.C.A. Sydney has opened up training

opportunities for staff, to ensure we deliver high quality and professional programs. It enables us to provide more for the local community, such as our value for money family membership, which features the free learn I believe in what to swim or gymnastics the Y stands forg, livin program for each and then got a call – family, healthy g un yo ng pi lo deve child in the family and to manage the newly e less people and thos particularly those in constructed Great Lakes fortunate.” need through our Y Aquatic Centre in Forster, Charity Programs and and naturally I jumped Open Doors fee assistance at the chance to come to schemes. paradise! I have now managed MM: In 2011, the Y.M.C.A. the Great Lakes Y.M.C.A. since Great Lakes received a massive its inception in 1991, and it’s been a transformation. Tell us about the changes fascinating and highly rewarding personal made and how they might have improved journey. the Y’s facilities?

MM: Likewise, you’ve also been with the The centre now includes two gyms with Y.M.C.A. for 21 years. What has kept you all the latest equipment, huge group fitness turning up for work there for over two room, vibrant gymnastics arena and a multi decades? purpose sports hall. Australia’s Health and It’s never really felt like work to me; it’s more Welfare Institute found that almost 60% like catching up with friends and my second of Australians over the age of 15 don’t do family, as many of the staff have been here for enough physical activity. Hopefully our centre, over 10 years as well. I love the challenges and with its diverse range of programs, can help diversity that the organisation and industry encourage more people to seek an active presents but most of all, it’s because I believe lifestyle. in what the Y stands for – family, healthy LN: You’re a stalwart of the Y.M.C.A., living, developing young people and those less having worked there since 1991. Tell fortunate. us briefly about your career with the Having the opportunity to change people’s organisation? lives and make a difference in the community I am very passionate about the Y, and I love I live in is something that I have always been what it stands for and the great work we very passionate about. As you can imagine, do. It was very evident 23 years ago when over 21 years I’ve been blessed to meet some I joined the organisation as the CEO of the amazing people, and I’m very thankful for Alice Springs Y.M.C.A. that the Y was for me. that.

I loved its sense of community, its volunteer MM: Many of the Y.M.C.A.’s members base and the variety of programs and activities have been utilising the centre for years it offered. I spent two years in Alice Springs

“

and consider it their ‘second home’...

We see the Y as a place away from work and home where people and families can connect and be healthy and active together.

Mission Australia’s National Survey of young Australians in 2011 found that 74.3% of those aged 11 to 24 say family is what they value most in life. The Y take pride in knowing that our centres provide a place where people can come together and feel like they belong.

MM: What special activities have you planned for the Y.M.C.A.’s birthday celebrations?

We are offering a $0 join fee on all health and fitness m/ships, including family, a saving of $111. Activities for the family include come and try fitness classes, learn to swim assessments, come and try gymnastics and Kindergym, pool slide, jumping castle, face painting, BBQ and more.

Thanks Len and Melissa.

Interview by Karen Farrell.

the plug!

What: Y.M.C.A. 21st birthday!

When: Saturday 15 September.

Time: 8am - 5pm.

Address: 21 Lake Street, Forster.

Cost: Entry into the party ‘Y’ will by via a gold coin, with all proceeds going to a charity nominated by the Y.M.C.A..

Who can attend? Everyone!

manning-great lakes focus 29

Lose up to o 10 kg of body dy fat and up to 50 cm in n 90 days!

A spring time health journey

Curves Complete.

Your health comes from within you, so an integrated whole body approach is needed if your health is not as it should be.

t Forster Chiropractic, we take this approach, strongly endorsing a holistic approach to health and assessing the various factors associated with

A health.

Some aspects often associated with and often expected with advancing years are a decrease in energy, flexibility, vitality, cardiovascular, metabolic, glandular and immune system functions, yet many of us would know people in their 80s and 90s who are healthy and active and do not seem to have these problems.

OK”or, “I have no aches or pain today”, does not mean you are healthy, and any symptom is a sign that something is not normal in your body. In fact, symptoms are warning signs that something is not functioning normally.

Think of all those times in your life where bright, sunny, cheerful days have been spoilt by injury, illness, bad news or grief, which takes the ‘shine’ off things … How well you cope and recover is related to your emotional, social, and even spiritual health, not just your physical health.

So you may be able to see that what you are today is a result of choices you made, or “Health is 100% So regaining or retaining accidents perhaps, that of your body, 0% optimum health as you you had in your past.

10 ng functioni of age becomes a primary Nobody can turn back the % 0 10 , tly en ci effi focus for many, and may clock, but making the right the time. ” well be attainable for you. choices now, eliminating harmful habits by replacing Firstly, what is health? It is them with better ones, and a term largely misunderstood, taking some simple action steps can and comes from the Old English usually make a significant difference to the ‘whole-th’. Dorlands – the medical dictionary rest of your life.

– tells us that health is “a state of optimal physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease and infirmity”.

Or perhaps more simply put as …Health is 100% of your body, functioning 100% efficiently, 100% of the time. So, “I feel

30 manning-great lakes focus.

Nutrition, water, rest, exercise, and other good habits are simple input things we can all improve, but what ultimately controls all function is your brain. More about those choices later…

It’s time to get ready for summer. If you want results that last and stay off, try our new Curves Complete 90 day Program.

Curves Complete 90 Day Program: A new weight loss plan that has it all, so you can lose it all.

If you’re interested in losing up to 10 kg of body fat and up to 50 centimetres in 90 days, call 6550 0277 today to start the only complete solution to losing weight and keeping it off.

You’ll get a complete program with portion control meal plans customised to you, an exercise plan that provides both cardio and strength-training, daily instructional videos and weekly one on one coaching to keep you accountable and motivated.

Testimonial – Marina, a Curves Taree member, has almost completed her Curves Complete program. As an insulin dependent diabetic, she sought permission from her doctor and HIGHLY recommends it to all women who wish to lose weight. On the program so far, Marina has lost 10 kg and has reduced her insulin intake. “The trained staff are so supportive and

encouraging,” Marina says.

CurvesSmart – The personal Coaching System is the most advanced fitness training systems.

You will receive a precision designed workout, moment to moment feedback and progress reports that will keep you motivated.

Preliminary testing is demonstrating as much as 15% more inches lost! All you have to do is ‘GO FOR GREEN!’ CurvesSmart technology motivates and challenges you to achieve your personal health and weight management goals by keeping you committed to exercise. CurvesSmart ensures you maintain an exertion level that is safe and guarantees maximum benefit based on your own unique body signature.

We also have available Zumba classes, run by two qualified Zin instructors.

Contact club for Zumba class times.

the introduction of medicine use reviews (‘MedsChek’) for qualifying patients.

focuseditorial.

T a r e e Guardian Pharmacy.

Taree Guardian Pharmacy is going from strength to strength. Now in its fourth year under the ownership of local pharmacist Nathan Cooper, the well-known pharmacy in Manning Mall is celebrating the re-launch of the Guardian brand and being a member of the Guardian group.

R

ecently Guardian Pharmacies have been awarded the CANSTAR Blue ‘Most Satisfied Customers’ Award.

Guardian Pharmacy was the only pharmacy group to receive the overall five star award.

They were also awarded five stars in many individual categories, including: Service, Health Product Range, Pharmacist Availability, Health Programs and Advice. This sits very well with the team at Taree Guardian, as these are the areas of the business which they focus on.

Taree Guardian’s focus is clearly on health, differentiating themselves from other pharmacies with alternative focuses. The CANSTAR award highlights the pharmacy’s focus, and the team at Taree Guardian are glad that the local community recognise their store as a healthcare destination.

There have been significant changes within the pharmacy as a whole in 2012. Reform to the PBS system (that helps fund the majority of medicines that are prescribed to Australians) has seen significant changes and in conjunction with this, the Government has also introduced payments for extra services that are conducted in the pharmacy.

2012 has seen the expiry of the patents on many of the most commonly prescribed medicines on the PBS. This has seen the entry of generic versions of these medicines, which include medications for cholesterol, dian is “ Taree Guarth mental health and eye drops e way now leading du ction for glaucoma. Taree Guardwith the introuse icine ed m of ian Pharmacy has partnered Taree Guardian can prosChek’) reviews (‘Med g in ify with Aspen Australia to vide consultation regarding al qu r fo patients! ” bring their customers the the use of a medicine list. The best quality and choice in the pharmacy utilises a profesbrands of medicines. sional template that helps many There are several initiatives of their customers better manage underway, conducted by the National their medicines. Nathan is pleased to see Prescribing Service (NPS), that are in place that a lot of local doctors and medical practito help educate patients about their use of tioners are also embracing the PBS changes by medicine. Taree Guardian supports the NPS prescribing medicines using their drug names, and aims to help the people of Taree and the rather than prescribing a particular brand.

Manning area get the best outcome from their Taree Guardian is now leading the way use of medicines, both prescribed and nonwith the introduction of medicine use reviews prescribed. (‘MedsChek’) for qualifying patients. A oneNathan believes the most important factor to on-one consultation with a pharmacist allows avoid confusion with medication is for people customers time to review and discuss the best to know the actual active ingredient of the ways to manage and get the most benefit medicines they take, rather than a brand name. from their medicines.

This new initiative is funded by the Federal Government and provided at no charge to patients without any referral necessary. The ‘MedsChek’ has great benefits for users of multiple medications. ‘MedsCheck’ is an inpharmacy service differing from the already established, ‘Home Medicines Review’, which are still conducted as a separate service and provided by pharmacist Amy Cooper.

As the final quarter of 2012 approaches, store manager Melissa Willett and her team warmly welcome new customers and thank their existing customers for their support during the year. As Manning Mall continues to expand and attract more customers, Taree Guardian is ready to look after your health needs with the Advice, Trust and Care that you need.

manning-great lakes focus 31

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Dr. Bobby Kumar, Cosmetic Surgeon, on breast enhancement surgery.

Dr. Bobby Kumar.

Keeping it Simple.

Time to get PetFit. Spring is here, and it’s time to get PetFit! Helping your dog to stay fit can make a world of difference to their quality and length of life. Lean dogs can live up to almost two years longer and have delayed onset of chronic diseases, such as arthritis.

Exercise and activities such as these are great for keeping your dog active: • Swi mming is a great low-impact activity for dogs with arthritis • C reate a natural obstacle course with benches, trees, ditches or anything you encounter along the way that your dog can jump over, crawl under or balance on • T ake a 30-minute walk around your neighborhood. This is a great way to exercise and bond with your dog • Pl ay fetch with a ball or toy (never use a stick, as these can splinter and cause injury to your dog) • U se a treat ball or puzzle toy rather than feeding with a bowl • Sc atter feed by throwing the premeasured amount of kibble in the back yard so it scatters and the pet has to find each kibble Ask your vet today about enrolling your dog in the PetFit program which can help you love your dog back lean.

Does it work for weightloss?

When it comes to weightloss, 'everything in moderation, eat less, move more', doesn't work for everyone.

Just as exercise science now tells us short high-intensity exercise is the way to go for fitness and fat loss, nutritional 'fat loss' may need a different approach.

It seems that it's not how much we eat or how much we exercise, but what we eat, driving fat gain through hormone stimulation. A theory presented by Prof. Lustig (International Journal of Obesity 2004*), hormones can cause us to eat more, exercise less (so instead of over-eating and under-activity being the issue, these might be symptoms of hormonal dysfunction) ...

Spring is the perfect time to pursue breast augmentation surgery to be ready for summer.

Women choose breast augmentation to enhance breast size, shape and volume for a variety of reasons, including: • Dissatisfaction with small or uneven breasts; • To restore volume and shape lost through breast feeding or weight loss; • To achieve confidence in a curvaceous and feminine figure.

Breast Lift surgery may be combined with breast augmentation to address breast shape that changes with age and body shape.

Women considering breast augmentation should be fully informed as to the range of choices available, with surgery tailored to meet each individual’s needs and desires.

Avoiding foods that are known fat hormone stimulators is one of the best things we can do to start shedding body fat.

These foods may also lead to inflammation, driving fat storage further, and cause bouts of depression, making it difficult to find exercise motivation.

For example, choices regarding breast implants include: • Saline vs Silicone • Size/volume, shape, projection • Textured vs smooth (e.g. 'furry brazilian') • Placement

During Biggest Winner Ultimage Thinner 2012, AMCAL is embarking on a 12 week community study to discover other benefits of such an eating program; with the aid of medical and lifestyle testing, we hope to see more than just fat-loss, but also improvements with blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and other cardiovascular risk factors. Naturopath Irene Hunt is available at Amcal Max for information on this study and other dietary information Wednesdays to Fridays. *references available on request.

As a Surgical Fellow of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and having performed more than 700 breast augmentations, Dr. Bobby Kumar has not only the training and qualifications, but also the experience required to achieve the most natural and satisfying results.

Consultations in Port Macquarie & Kempsey by appointment – call Wendy on 1300 676 003 or 0430 491 009 or visit www.bareaesthetics.com.au

manning-great lakes focus 33

It is about sometimes bringing feeling back into areas that we have learned to ignore and enhancing sensation from those that are dulling.

It’s that time of the year again.

Holistic treatment for body, mind & spirit.

Hawaiian Kahuna Bodywork is a flowing and dynamic form of massage-like therapy. This unique and beautiful style of Bodywork is based on movements that create long, flowing, continuous strokes that glide tenderly over and under the body from head to toe and side to side. We do not focus on one particular area or ignore others, as existing issues are not always at the point of concern or discomfort. Also, it is not just about relieving pain, relaxation and inducing a feeling of wellness.

It is about sometimes bringing feeling back into areas that we have learned to ignore and enhancing sensation from those that are dulling.

As well as a deeper realignment on emotional, mental and physical levels, rebalance is attained and blockages get the opportunity to be removed gently.

Bernadette Reisinger is trained by KI’A’I HO’OKAHI WEBER master of Kahuna Bodywork, at the Australian College of Kahuna Sciences.

KI'A'I is one of a few teachers worldwide who has permission to pass on Kahuna Bodywork in its original form.

Book in for a Kahuna Bodywork to start lighter and brighter into spring, or ring for more information.

34 manning-great lakes focus.

As we approach the season of spring, many of our customers are experiencing the occurrence of allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever.

There is a wide range of over the counter products that can help to relieve the symptoms, but you are best to talk to the experienced staff or pharmacist in store to determine what preparation is suitable for you. There are a few simple tips to you can do to help yourself.

Remove house plants and garden plants that trigger hay fever. Clean your house regularly to remove mould and dust.

Remove dust with a clean damp cloth; vacuum instead of sweeping. Keep animals outside. Stay indoors when pollen count is high. Shower and wash your hair after outdoor activities.

Here at Harrington Waters Village Pharmacy, we have an experienced team to help with all your needs, so come in and speak to our friendly staff. Jane Scifleet and Lyndall Askew are our pharmacists, who together with the Retail Manager, Hazel Cranney, and the rest of our lovely staff are here to help and offer good old fashioned service.

We offer a free delivery service to Harrington and surrounding areas.

We also offer an exclusive giftware range, with complimentary gift wrapping and layby for that something extra special.

Come in and see us today, or check out our news and promotions on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/harringtonwatersvillagepharmacy

The Day is yours.

Would you like to take a mini break? A day retreat … Just one day – especially for you …

Ironbark Wellbeing – Day Retreat is set in the beautiful country town of Gloucester. We have designed special programs for women to fit in with their lifestyle.

Our programs are exclusive to women and embrace what being a woman is all about – laughter, encouragement, tears, joy, hope, fun and connection.

You will enjoy space to relax and reflect. Our special day retreats will give you the chance to return you to your inner beauty and self. This is achieved through the cultivation of awareness with activities that will help calm, focus and energise your mind, while rejuvenating your body towards total wellbeing.

Take time out on your own, or bring a friend. The most important thing is that you set aside some time for yourself to get away from it all – just for a while!

We have expanded our workshops to the corporate sector and run wellbeing, stress management and relaxation workshops for large or small businesses. This is a great opportunity to revitalise valuable staff, either in Gloucester or at your choice of venue.

Call us now so you can learn more about our retreats that give you … well … you!

Reaching Resolutions

Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids Starts Monday 15 October 2012.

[ with Midcoast Mediation ]

Great Health Great Lakes.

“Warning: Watch your assumptions.” ave you ever had a gut reaction to a person or a situation?

Whether you went one way or the other – your mind was made up and in an instant, this person or situation was either going to make your day or ruin it.

Can first impressions help or hinder me?

In his book, Blink, Malcolm Gladwell argues we often make the best decisions when we go with ‘our gut’ and that decisions made on the fly are as good as (or at times better than) those that are carefully planned.

While there may be many times in which this is true, you could find yourself way off course if you take your gut reaction and turn it into an assumption. An assumption is a belief or view you hold which is based on what you assume about a person or situation, rather than information you have been able to confirm to be true.

How can I uncover an assumption?

By choosing to follow your assumption and act in a certain way, you may find yourself inflaming a situation that could have been avoided if you’d taken the time to check for more details.

Think of a time when you’ve made an assumption about why someone didn’t do something for you. You might have thought that they were deliberately trying to upset you – but could it have been that they accidently forgot?

Or that they hadn’t had a chance to do it for you yet? This is when it’s important to be able to talk

to that person, so you can find out what really happened. This can be difficult if there is little trust between you and the other person – and this is when a mediator can help.

What can go wrong if I make an assumption?

We were recently asked by a medium sized business to assist with a dispute between two staff members who refused to talk to each other, and this was having a negative impact on all of the front office staff. The first staff member believed that the second staff member was trying to exclude her from a new project. The second staff member had been asked to manage the new project and to involve other staff if extra help was needed. The second staff member had not asked the first staff member to join in the new project, because they had mentioned they were already handling more work than they could complete in their shift.

Neither of the staff members actually talked to each other about the new project – instead, they made assumptions about the other person’s motives and actions.

How can assumptions be resolved?

Using the mediation process, we were able to help both staff members talk to each other and gain an understanding of each other’s perspective. By giving them a chance to explain their actions, we were able to help them work out how their assumptions had inflamed the dispute and come up with ideas for how to support each other with the new project.

Healthy Dads Healthy Kids is an eight session healthy lifestyle program designed for dads or step-dads and their primary school aged children.

differently to role model healthy lifestyle behaviours to their children. On the alternate weeks, the kids will come along with their dads This awardto have fun being active winning program and getting fit together by d pe lo has been deve and th and to learn ways that al he in experts ion, they can help dad to physical educatlogy, exercise physio , make some positive physical activity nutrition lifestyle changes. d hology an

“

This award-winning program has been developed by experts in health and physical education, exercise physiology, physical activity, psychology and nutrition from the University of Newcastle.

psyc ity of from the Univers Newcastle.”

The program comprises four sessions, held every second week, in which dads attend on their own to find out what they can do

Making physical activity fun and part of fatherchild interactions is the key to this program.

The program is FREE, and all dads and kids who complete the program will receive a complimentary Healthy Dads Healthy Kids T-shirt.

manning-great lakes focus 35

focusinterview.

TREVOR

With a career spanning many years, international artist and local resident of Bulahdelah Trevor Knight will bring his talents back to the local area for a show at Club Taree on September 16.

He tells us about his career and the friendship with John Denver that inspired this show.

T

ell us about how your music career started.

I started back in the 1960s; I was a Folk singer travelling around England and America ... Oh, how do I start? It's a very long story (laughs), so I won't elaborate too much. I basically fell in love with the guitar.

I saw a fellow called Pete Seeger playing on the television, and in those days I had never seen anybody who could entertain a huge audience with just a guitar and their voice. And it’s something I had always wanted to do ... I thought, “I could do that: I would love to do that”. So I bought myself a cheap guitar, I went to America, and that’s when I met John Denver with the Mitchell Trio.

I worked with Paul Simons and people like that, who taught me a lot about performances and the values of understanding songs. I came to Australia in '74 and won a thing called National Star Quest on Channel 9; from that, I worked on Super Flying Fun Show and Ray Martin’s Midday Show, for many years.

So with this new show that you’re bringing to Taree, Thank God I’m a Country Boy, you’ve said it’s not a tribute show, but it is to do with your good friend, John Denver.

I am not trying to be John. A lot of people say we are obviously very similar, because I learnt a lot from him and we were all living in the '60s when all that music was happening, so we learnt from the same people. It's not a tribute show; it’s a lot more then that ... it’s a presentation, a celebration of a great writer and his music. I also feature Paul Simons, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, the other people who are great influences on me as well. Of course, I’m a songwriter – I have won a

36 manning-great lakes focus.

few Golden Guitars in my time, so people like to hear the songs that I have written and the stories that I can tell as well, so there are many facets to the show.

What is your favourite song to perform and why?

in all these exotic countries, with a lot of people around me, then I come home and I am living on the farm; it’s peaceful and quiet, and I am surrounded by the animals and my lovely wife, Maya.

So it is a strange dichotomy of worlds. One minute I am in South Africa, and next minute I am in Bulahdelah. I know where I would prefer to be (laughs).

Every song I sing is my favourite. I don't sing a song that I don't believe in; I don't sing a song that I don't understand. So You’ve had many highlights in every song I sing is special to your lengthy career. What me and when I am singing was it like performing a song, that song is my for the Queen for the d it’s a bit of a varie favourite at the time. opening of Darling d rie va

This show is coming to Club Taree in September. You have a local farm in Bulahdelah ... tell us a bit about that part of your life.

life and “ l. audiences as wel

Harbour in 1988?

an One day I play to ce, en di au an Americ h, next time Englisod old go e th en and th Aussies..”

Yes, the other part of my life is that I worked as a stockman. It was very romantic, and I have written some great songs about The Old Days of Khancoban.

We used to break the horses in, and I could never really reconcile such a magnificent creature having to be broken. So over the past 30 years, I have developed techniques that understand the horse and teach us how we can train horses, not break horses.

So I live here in Bulahdelah; we have 17 Arabian Horses. I spend a lot of time going around doing workshops with horses as well. That’s another part of my life; I suppose it does fit in pretty well with my music, because it’s all the same sort of feeling.

Do you feel you live a bit of a double life?

I do, because I am out traveling and working

It was a great honour.

I am a Royalist; I love the royal family – she is a lovely lady. I suppose my most vivid memory of that day was what she was dressed in; she is always immaculately dressed.

She had a lovely little lemon coloured bowler hat and a matching suit. She is an incredibly charismatic lady. It was a great honour to play for her.

What is next for you?

I am off all over the place, actually. Just before the show in Taree, we are off touring the show around the Pacific Islands, going to Vanuatu and places like that. I do the show in Taree, and then on 19 September I am off to Hong Kong and go around Hong Kong, China, Japan for the same show. Then I’m coming home and working in Bendigo As I say, it’s a bit of a varied life and varied audiences as well. One day I play to an American audience, next time English, and then the good old Aussies.

What can the local audience expect from this show?

I'd think a lot of fun. It’s a very genuine show; I do it because I believe in it. I am not just signing the songs. Hopefully, I can install a bit of happiness and a bit of emotion and a great insight.

There are of lot of lovely facts about songs and about people, and all the different instruments I love playing. I love the ukulele!

There is such a wide variety of instruments. Which is your favourite and which on is most popular with the audience?

The ukulele is a lot of fun; it’s a wonderful instrument, and it’s been in my life for a lot of years. It’s a very serious instrument and people really love it. I have been playing it for quite some time, and suddenly I am seeing it come back into popularity; it’s always been the forgotten one of the musical family.

When it really comes down to it, the old Martin six string guitar is the instrument I love the most.

My wonderful songs are played on either my six string or my twelve string; although, the banjo is a lot of fun as well!

It’s a great show; it really is a good show. I am not just saying that, because I really enjoy it – and I think people will get something out of it!

Thanks Trevor.

the plug!

Trevor performs at Club Taree on 16 September, at 2.30pm (doors open 2pm).

Tickets cost $25.

6539 4000 for details.

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TOW NS OF T H E S OU T H

Towns

Only three hours north of Sydney, in the spectacular Great Lakes the resort lies just behind the natural sand dunes at Boomerang “region, Beach presenting the perfect blend of indulgence, style and relaxation.

of the

”

Towns of the

Take a trip to paradise today….

S P E C I A L F O C U S F E AT U R E

Mobys Beachside Retreat.

Pacific Palms was named by the local progress asso association in the late ’50s. At FOCUS, we think they should have called it Pacific Perfect! With its year round beautiful sparkling, crystal clear waters, Pacific Palms is considered by many as the jewel in the crown of the Great Lakes region.

P

acific Palms (‘the Palms’), is a place of tranquil beauty.

A small coastal township, Pacific Palms has its history rooted in timber, fishing and a failed dairy industry. It’s hard to imagine these labourintensive beginnings when you spend time in the Palms these day.

Surrounded by Smiths Lake to the south and Booti Booti to the north, the Palms invites you in and insists you relax. The Palms has a small residential population and is a popular holiday location. The area boats pristine beaches, including Elizabeth and Boomerang and Blueys beaches, plus Booti Booti, Charlotte Bay and Smiths Lake.

Beautiful boutique shops populate the shopping precinct, with laid back cafés and eateries serving up delicious fare, and the friendly staff at Blueys Newsagency and Supamart will soon be referring to you on a first name basis during your stay or visit.

If stylish seaside accommodation is what you require for a special weekend or holiday, then Mobys Beachside Retreat is for you. Relax and indulge in the finest of self-contained

accommodation, which includes all the creature comforts. ‘Mobys’ offers the perfect holiday for couples, families, business people and groups.

If the Palms invites insists you relax, then Smiths Lake demands you slow down …

Mobys Beachside Retreat is nestled Mobys M n between Wallis Lake and the Pacific Ocean in Pacific Palms.

The Beach Houses, surrounded by lush

Only three hours’ north of Sydney, in the spectacular Great Lakes region, the resort lies just behind the natural sand dunes at Boomerang Beach, presenting the perfect blend of indulgence, style and relaxation.

and ambience in mind. Large decks provide

Mobys is suitable for couples, families and groups. The self-contained accommodation offers the choice of one, two and three bedroom beach houses, each with stylish modern interiors, tasteful furnishings and polished timber floors.

also a kids’ playground.

Mobys Beachside Retreat has all the creature comforts, including a spacious living/dining area, kitchen, Austar TV, DVD, laundry with washing machine and dryer, outdoor shower and lockable wet store. Some houses also have spa baths, while BBQs can be requested.

landscaped gardens, are detached and semidetached structures designed with privacy for perfect alfresco dining, to soak up the ideal climate.

All guests have access to the heated pool, spa, gymnasium and tennis court. There is

Out for a wander, guests can take a fiveminute walk to the quaint Blueys Shopping Village, which offers a range of eateries from cafés, clubs, pizza and takeaway. Alternatively, only a 15 minute drive away is Forster, which has an even broader range of options.

The area also has all manner of water based activities – lakeside and ocean based – as well as bushwalking and 4WD in the nearby National Parks.

Smith Lake Bottle Shop is a one stop shop for all your wine, champagne, beer and spirit preferences. Don’t forget to ask Mick and Julie about which wine will best suit your meal…

Fresh, quality meat cuts from local producers can be purchased at Smiths Lake Quality Meat & Chicken. Hors d’oeuvres will be taken care of at Smiths Lake Mini Mart. If lighting the BBQ seems like too much effort, then Pacific Palms Bowling Club is the perfect alternative for a meal and a cold tap beer.

No visit to the Palms would be complete without a trip to Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, which is still in operation today. Built in 1875, the lighthouse is steeped in history, and its delightful self-contained cottages are heritage listed. You’re invited to retreat to the lighthouse keeper’s cottage for a unique and romantic getaway.

Enjoy your stay or visit to the Palms today.

manning-great lakes focus 37

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TOW NS OF T H E S OU T H

Towns of the

S P E C I A L F O C U S F E AT U R E

Smiths Lake Meat & Chicken.

News & Supamart.

Paul and Tricia Edwick moved move to Pacific Palms in 1994 for a sea change. They knew the area well, as they have been holidaying here since the early ‘80s.

They first owned Blueys General Store, and then in early 1995 they opened a second shop in Smiths Lake, which they now fully manage after selling the Blueys business in 2001.

“At Smiths Lake News & Supamart, we love to meet and chat to all our customers and always look forward to meeting new people from all over the world who travel though this beautiful area,” Paul and Tricia said.

They have a huge range of stock and cater for different needs during the peak holiday periods. Newspapers, magazines, DVD hire, grocery, fruit and vegetables, milk, ice creams, icy cold drinks, ice, bait and tackle and many other items can be purchased in store, along with an expanding range of giftware, gift cards and both internet and mobile top up credit and fishing licences. Major credit card, cash and eftpos facilities are available.

They pride themselves on their service and product range.

Come in and say hi to Paul, Tricia and the team. We look forward to seeing you there!

38 manning-great lakes focus.

Beef. Lamb. Pork. Chicken …

Smiths Lake Quality Meat and Chicken is your locally owned and operated butcher shop supplying you the highest grade of fresh quality meats. We have been offering an exciting and varied range of high-quality produce for more than 15 years, specialising in quality cut beef, pork, lamb and chicken.

Owners Peter and Jan Crompton and the staff at Smiths Lake Quality Meat and Chicken prides itself on its exceptional service at the counter and are always happy to offer advice, assistance with selection and cooking guidance.

If you’re stuck for an idea for a meal or are preparing “something special for family and friends, visit our shop to receive an array of creative ideas from our staff. ” When you order your meat or chicken from Smiths Lakes Quality Meat and Chicken, you can be sure to getting the best meat that is cut and packed fresh.

Smiths Lake Bottle Shop.

Organising a party or a get-together in Smiths Lake?

Look no further than Smiths Lake Bottle Shop to cater to all your beverage requirements.

We stock an impressive selection of Australian and imported wines, champagnes, beers and spirits at refreshingly affordable prices.

Smiths Lake Bottle Shop is your perfect local. Here at Super Cellars, our goal is to be your favourite local independent liquor specialist. We focus on helping you find what you need at the best possible price, so come in and ask our friendly staff.

Whether you are after a bottle of fine wine for a romantic surprise or a beverage for your backyard barbecue, our professional staff will be able to assist you with your individual needs, whatever the occasion, reason or season.

Our meat products are sold at realistic and affordable prices and wherever possible, we support local producers and farmers.

Local owners Mick and Julie Anderson always remember what you like to drink and always offer great suggestions for new things to try ... what Mick and Julie don’t know about wine wouldn’t fit in a paper cup!

Don’t forget to try our home-made gourmet sausages and marinades.

Come in and peruse the great range of wines at reasonable prices.

TOW NS OF T H E S OU T H

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Secluded in the north east corner of Myall Lakes Park, above the sleepy fishing village of Seal “National Rocks, lies Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse and award winning keepers’ cottages. ”

Towns of the

S P E C I A L F O C U S F E AT U R E

Pacific Palms Bowling Club.

Blueys Newsagency & Supa Mart.

Blueys Newsagency & Supa Mart has been established for approx. 50 years. It supplies daily needs to locals, as well as the abundant tourists.

Open 12 hours plus a day, 7 days a week, 364 days a year.

Blueys caters for early risers, with Lakes Way pies, sausage rolls, Moorland Fresh Orange juice and Hastings yogurts and cheeses, plus a vast range of other supermarket products.

For breakfast, lunch, dinner and in between, Top Shop has your food and entertainment needs covered. There is no need to leave our beautiful slice of paradise, with fresh supplies delivered daily to our shop, including fruit and vegetables and high-quality meat from the local butcher. If you feel like indulging, you can also enjoy one of our famous Roscos ice creams …

Our huge range of magazines, DVD hire, daily papers and Lotto are available all day, every day.

For the keen angler, ‘Darby’s Fishing Corner’ is a must, with a wide selection of bait, lures, sinkers, fishing rods and handlines – even crab pots, along with 30 years of Darby’s local fishing knowledge. Fishing licences are also available.

The bright, bubbly staff at Blueys all live in the Palms and are happy to share their local information to help visitors make the most of their ‘Palms’ experience.

Pacific Palms Bowling Club is a modern registered club located in the fantastic tourist destination of Pacific Palms on the Mid North Coast of NSW. Pacific Palms Bowling Club provides our members and their guests with a great list of services to enjoy, whether it is a delicious lunch or dining experience, a cold beverage while watching the lawn bowls or placing a bet within the TAB facilities.

Village Green Bistro – 7 DAYS AND NIGHTS The Village Green Seafood and Grill is our club’s in-house restaurant, with a mouthwatering array of dinner and lunch options.

Bowls Days Every Tuesday at 5pm – Speed Bowls – during daylight saving.

Ladies Wednesdays at 10am – full dress.

Men’s Thursdays at 1pm – mufti (ladies welcome).

Sunday at 10.30 – Juniors.

Courtesy Bus – a 12 seater courtesy bus is now available for pick up and take home. Please contact us at the club if you require further details.

Friday Night Raffles: Win thousands every week with the Super 100 Raffle. There are 15 chances to win and the jackpot increases $100 every week until won – can reach a maximum of $2,000.

Tickets on sale from 7pm; raffle drawn at 8pm.

Sugarloaf Point.

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse Holiday Accommodation, Seal Rocks.

Secluded in the north east corner of Myall Lakes National Park, above the sleepy fishing village of Seal Rocks, lies Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse and award winning keepers’ cottages.

Steeped in cultural and maritime history, the lighthouse and cottages recall an era of timber-getting and fishing.

Built in 1875, the historic cottages offer self-contained heritage accommodation in a truly spectacular location. The three cottages have been sensitively restored with warm timbers and soft furnishings to reflect the integrity of their historic significance.

Each cottage features a spacious outdoor area from which to enjoy breathtaking panoramas, cook up a barbecue feast or enjoy a meal with a view.

Here you can experience nature’s serenity, pristine waters, secluded beaches and nature trails nestled in an untouched environment. Wonder at the annual whale migration. Meet the dolphins, birds, sea life and the brightest star of all ... the lighthouse by night.

Aside from an idyllic place to spend time, the cottages are a great base to explore Myall Lakes National Park and Seal Rocks village, renowned for its unspoilt natural beauty – ‘the last frontier’.

manning-great lakes focus 39

MANNINGGREAT LAKES

We are very lucky in the Manning-Great Lakes region to have an abundance of unique and memorable experiences right here in our own backyard. Life is all about unique experiences, adventure and having fun - so get out there and get yourself some! Give these local businesses a call today, and experience it for yourself. Create memories that will last a lifetime.

KITE MUDDIES

SKIRMISH DOWN UNDER

“It’s time to Fly!”

Kiteboarding is one of the fastest growing sports in the world – and with good reason. It’s fun, extreme and accessible to everyone.

The sport has been in the mainstream for over 10 years now, with recent technology making kiteboarding safe and easy to master.

Your first lesson will see you learning the skills of flying the kite safely on the beach and then in the water.

All equipment is provided, including radio communication helmets that will have you up and riding much faster than you could imagine.

Kite Muddies / Jeep kite School.

• Kitesurfing/ wave riding and beginner kiteboarding lessons.

• Season starts again October long weekend.

• 5 day clinics, up and riding specials and hourly tuition.

• Easily one of the best locations in Australia.

Experience the thrill and learn an incredible new sport.

Kite Muddies Kite Boarding Lessons.

Web. www.kitemuddies.com.au facebook. ‘KiteMuddies Kiteboarding’.

Phone. 0429 09 1109.

The Skirmish Down Under team are proud to now offer a brand new facility at Old Bar. New exciting playing fields, a reception area built with player comfort in mind and the same professional approach to player safety they have become renowned for.

Sessions are offered morning and afternoon, 7 days by appointment and with a social competition day every 6 weeks. Ladies are offered extra protective gear, so they get all of the fun, with a lot less of the sting. With Australia’s only Predator Laser now also on offer, there really is something for everyone.

Check out their website for all the details and their Facebook page to see all the latest

photos and deals on offer! You’re in good hands with Skirmish Down Under so ...

GET A SHOT OFF!!

• LASER AVAILABLE • 7 DAYS • ALL AGES • INDIVIDUALS WELCOME • ALL OCCASIONS • PERFECT SAFETY RECORD Phone. 1300 822 222. facebook. ‘Skirmish Down Under’ Web. www.skirmishdownunder.com.au

SKYDIVING NSW DROP ZONE

CLARENDON HORSE RIDING At Clarendon Horse Riding, we prize our horseriding for being fun, scenic and exciting. The trail horses are beautifully responsive and quiet.

• Scenic forest trails.

• Responsive horses suitably selected for each rider’s experience.

• See ancient trees and secret streams, where wildlife abounds.

• Soak in the serenity of Talawahl National Park.

• Home made country cookies and refreshments included after the ride.

• The complete country experience with ‘The Clarendon Bush Characters’.

• Safety helmets provided and essential for the ride.

“100% pure fun; book me in with ‘Barney’ for life!” Adrienne Simpson, Sydney.

Coates Road Possum Brush, 25 mins from Forster/Tuncurry curry or Taree.

Phone. (02)) 6554 3162.

Hangar 14, Taree Airport Tandem Skydive A Tandem Skydive is the fastest and easiest way to experience the thrill and exhilaration of a freefall skydive.

Freefall lasts up to 50 seconds, reaching speeds of around 220 km per hour, before your instructor opens the parachute.

What to bring Lace up shoes (runners/ joggers), sport casual wear. EFTPOS,

40 manning-great lakes focus.

credit card and cash facilities.

Between Times Weekends or during the week by prior arrangement, weather permitting.

Conditions apply; please ask for details.

Where Taree Airport.

To book Call 0418 730 741 or email skydivingnsw@bigpond.com BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

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holidayfun!

A day on the beautiful Great Lakes!

Feel like a day on the beautiful Great Lakes waterways, but don’t want the hassle and headaches associated with owning your own boat? Why not try Boab Boat Hire, Forster?

Boab is different from all other boat hire in the local area, as they can offer you and your family the opportunity to cruise, fish or water ski at any location in the local area in one of their high performance boats.

Boating and fishing enthusiasts Mic and Kristie Stark ‘launched’ Boab Forster in October 2010, after spending many family holidays in the Great Lakes region and recognising that there was a gap in the market for high performance boats. Boab allows its customers to tow the Sports Rider to any destination for a day, weekend, week or longer … it is suitable for a family wanting to take the kids out cruising on the lake, the boys on their fishing trip, as well as people who want to try their hand at something a little more energetic, such as wakeboarding or water skiing … all you need is a boat licence!

As more people realise that boating and fishing can be enjoyed hassle free, for little cost and at any time of the year, the Boab Boat Hire name continues to grow. Over the past 8 years, the Boab franchise network has expanded, with 23 locations across Australia.

Boab is a fun, easy and cost effective way to enjoy our beautiful waterways. Want to find out how you can make the most of our waterways this summer? Visit www.boabboathire.com.au or call Mic on 0410 524 232.

Book during September 2012 and mention this FOCUS ad and receive a FREE ‘Walk on Walk off’ Service valued at $50.

Welcome aboard the ‘Free Spirit’ Come aboard the Free Spirit to find out how Wallis Lake has become the cleanest estuarine waterway in NSW. Experience first hand the crystal clear and pristine aquamarine waters of Wallis Lake. Offering a range of cruising options, freshly prepared on board catering and fully licensed bar – there’s something for everyone. Private charters and group bookings all available. The Free Spirit is child friendly and is wheelchair accessible. Local pick-up and drop off upon request.

GROUP CHARTERS Make your next group outing one to remember. The Free Spirit offers a range of cruising options, all of which can be scheduled to suit your needs. And remember, the more people you book, the less it costs! Just get in touch and let us help plan a very special trip.

PRIVATE CHARTERS The Free Spirit crew host the best parties in Forster and tailor cruises to meet your needs. If it can be done legally on the water ... we’ll do it for you aboard the Free Spirit! Fully licensed for up to 90 passengers.

CRUISE EXPERIENCE Our 18 years’ experience means that we know what is important to you. So relax onboard and enjoy a leisurely cruise exploring the stunning waterways, wildlife and history of the Great Lakes.

“We love what we do; so we’re sure you’ll love it too!”

Pet’s Holiday Escape Taree Boarding Kennels and Cattery is a small, family operated business caring for your pet in a safe, well fed, healthy and happy environment. We make special effort to ensure that our guests have a comfortable and relaxing time during their stay with us, offering personal care and attention to all kinds of pets. Over 70% of our bookings consist of repeat and local business.

The proprietors of Taree Boarding Kennels and Cattery are Meaghan and James.

Meaghan is an experienced Veterinary Nurse, having worked at a large and small animal practice in Sydney, working with vets such as Dr Harry Cooper and Dr Reiner Seubert. Meaghan also worked as a locum vet nurse in England in 1997 for six months.

We offer a free pick up and delivery service in the local area for boarders staying with us for four days or more. We even offer free pick up and delivery in the Sydney and Newcastle areas, for boarders staying two weeks or longer. If the stay is shorter, there is a small fee for our chauffeur service.

manning-great lakes focus 41

focusinterview.

Geert The dreaded paralysis tick is back! The Manning and Great Lakes area is considered to be a high impact area for paralysis tick on domestic animals during the summer months and veterinary clinics here are considered to be high volume tick paralysis hospitals, where clinicians treat on average more than one hundred cases per clinic per year. personally hate the disease,” says Dr Geert Lampen, principal vet of both clinics. “Every case is unique and poses a challenge. Every time you think you have it figured out, then the toxicoses poses a new twist. We still do not know the exact mechanism of how the toxin works. It is unique to the Australian Eastern Coast.”

The Manning Veterinary Hospital and The Midcoast Animal Hospital have been treating patients suffering tick paralysis for some weeks now, and the numbers are increasing.

As the weather warms up, the onset of spring means an increase of paralysis tick prevalence, and larger numbers mean a higher number of them are found on our pets. Tick paralysis is a potentially fatal disease of the nervous system and is caused by the Ixodes Holocyclus Tick, commonly known as the ‘paralysis tick’. It is in our bushland were the paralysis tick lives and feeds on wildlife. Once attached to a suitable site, they begin to engorge with blood and after adequate feeding, they will inject a potent toxin. This toxin binds to nerves where they join the muscles and inhibit the action of the muscles, leading to paralysis. The muscles that are most commonly affected are around the throat, which controls swallowing, the hind limb muscles and the diaphragm. It is also now know that the poison has a direct effect on the heart muscle, causing a unique type of heart failure.

42 manning-great lakes focus.

You will identify paralysis ticks, as they are often grey in colour. It is important to tick search your pet by running your fingertips through your pet’s coat. In 70% of cases, ticks are found in the head and neck region, but it is important to search the entire animal.

There are no products that provide our pets with 100% protection all the time against tick paralysis, but we can help to try prevent it. Repellents and insecticides are available as top-spots, collars, rinses, and sprays. Advantix is a top-spot repellent that we advise to be used for Every year I lose patients to dogs. One application of Advantix will help e the disease. Thes cover your pet for 2 weeks. Advantix kills cause much hs at de the tick or renders it unable to do harm. ners heartache for ow Advantix is toxic to cats though! ” . d families

“ an

Fipronil spray is the only ingredient that can be used on cats that helps to prevent tick attachment, and one application will cover your cat for 3 weeks.

If your pet is showing symptoms of tick paralysis, then it must be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible for treatment. After a tick has been attached for a few days, you are going to start seeing signs. These include: • Weakness in the legs or inability to get up

Unco Un Unco co-o ord din inat ated ed, ed d wobbly walk.

• Unco-ordinated, Forced Forc ed, or difficult breathing • Forced, • Change of voice • Glazed look in the eyes • Difficulty swallowing • Drooling • Grunting while breathing • Coughing/gagging or even vomiting If any of these signs are present in your pet, contact your vet immediately. Early treatment is essential.

focusinterview.

Angela Walsh

Protecting children

M

is everybody’s business

ore than 30,000 children strategies for change to make communities safer are reported as being for children and young people. abused or neglected every NAPCAN works with researchers, year in Australia (according professionals, government, business and to national criminology the media to bring about change to the figures). We know from NAPCAN’s National cycle of abuse. Tell us about this?

Survey of knowledge and attitudes that 92% of NAPCAN partners with communities, Australians agree that child abuse and neglect governments, organisations and committed are serious issues, yet less than half would take individuals across Australia and internationally action to protect a child when confronted with to implement strength-based, community-led clear signs of abuse or neglect. initiatives and practices to enhance the safety Child abuse and neglect continues to be and wellbeing of children and young people. one of Australia’s most serious and concerning We promote the wellbeing and protection challenges to overcome, and unfortunately of children and young people, encouraging reports of child abuse and neglect remain high. everyone to play their part in keeping children However, evidence shows that building and young people safe from violence, abuse strong cohesive communities and neglect. makes a difference in keeping NAPCAN are strengthening children and young people the voice of communities safe and well. FOCUS (in particular children and NAPCAN has spoke to Angela Walsh, young people) in planning, continued National Research and research and evaluation in ay to lead the w nal tio Evaluation Manager, to of strengths-based, na a g creatin for find out more. community-led initiatives focus on the need gies prevention strateabuse Please give us some and practices to enhance to address child background about the safety and wellbeing and neglect.” how NAPCAN was of children and young established? people, including programs NAPCAN was co-founded in like LOVE BiTES, ALL CHILDREN 1987 by Rosemary Sinclair AO and BEING SAFE, GROWING RESPECT and Christine Stewart. It was originally founded PLAY A PART. We also support communities to open up lines of communication between the and organisations to develop and implement different government departments, agencies, child and youth friendly policies, practices and professionals and community groups working procedures. in the child protection field. NAPCAN has Across Australia we deliver and support continued to lead the way in creating a national community education, professional development focus on the need for prevention strategies to on the prevention of violence, child abuse address child abuse and neglect. and neglect and provide ongoing support Today NAPCAN is governed by a voluntary and mentoring in the prevention of violence, Board that operates with the support of an child abuse and neglect to individuals and extensive network of professionals, practitioners organisations. This includes the LOVE BiTES and concerned individuals, who all donate Respectful Relationships program that runs in their time and expertise to support NAPCAN’s schools across the Mid North Coast and the New mission. Led by the CEO, a small team of England areas and our Child Abuse and Neglect professional program, strategy and policy staff is Prevention workshops across the Northern employed across Australia. This dedicated team Territory. brings a broad range of expertise and experience NAPCAN also co-ordinates and promotes to the design and implementation of NAPCAN’s National Child Protection Week as a catalyst to

“

The National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) co-ordinates the annual National Child Protection Week campaign, which in 2012 runs 2 - 8 September and continues to promote the key message that ‘protecting children is everybody’s business’. encourage community action and to engage individual communities to promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.

I understand that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child underpins all of NAPCAN’s work …

NAPCAN believes that all children need to feel and be safe and protected from harm. NAPCAN works to achieve positive changes for children and young people by promoting children’s basic human rights and creating child friendly/ child safe communities. In particular, we aim to address the following articles from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (here written in Child Friendly Language). Consider children living in Immigration Detention Centres across Australia and consider Article 27.

ARTICLE 3 All adults should do what is best for children. When adults make decisions, they should think about how their decisions will affect children.

ARTICLE 19 Children have the right to be protected from being hurt and mistreated, in body or mind.

ARTICLE 27 Refers to every child’s right to food, clothing, a safe place to live and to have their basic needs met. They should not be disadvantaged so that they cannot do many of the things other kids can do.

ARTICLE 34 Children have the right to be free from sexual abuse.

ARTICLE 36 Children have the right to protection from any kind of exploitation.

ARTICLE 37 No one is allowed to punish children in a cruel or harmful way.

How can local communities help to build a child-friendly Australia?

Communities can help build a child-friendly Australia by taking an interest in and caring for their neighbourhood and neighbours.

Consider welcoming people who move into the neighbourhood and introducing your children to theirs, showing them where the closest parks and facilities are and offering a smile and friendly ear if they need. It only takes small practical steps that are inclusive of families, children and young people to build a child friendly community. Think about playing your

part by: Congratulating families and young people when you see good things happening.

Thinking of safe and respectful ways to be an active bystander if you see an adult being inappropriate towards a child or young person.

Getting the kids in your street to map your neighbourhood: talk to them about safety, ask them to identify the places where they don’t feel safe and let them know that it is adults’ responsibility to do something about it.

Include your neighbours in an emergency plan. When something unexpected happens, neighbours are often the people to get assistance from. Involving children and young people in your planning ensures that they feel included and are informed.

Build relationships with the children in your neighbourhood. By smiling, saying hello, remembering their names and listening to them, you show young people that they are important.

How can people get involved?

Here’s one way you can make a difference: get involved in your local community. Plan a local event to raise awareness of National Child Protection Week and share ideas with each other about how your community can play your part all year round to create a child friendly Australia.

Start playing your part in NCPW by visiting www.playyourpart.org.au – check out the videos of music and artwork these kids are producing, and share them on your social media and email networks.

The Play Your Part campaign will offer advice and real life stories as examples of how different members of the community can play their part to prevent child abuse and neglect, available as a free community resource on NAPCAN’s campaign website. Get inspired!

NAPCAN are calling on people to participate during NCPW by submitting their community initiative to keep kids safe, with great initiatives selected to be showcased throughout the year on our website.

Thank you Angela.

Interview by Karen Farrell. manning-great lakes focus 43

Don't miss out!

Monday 17 September.

SEPTEMBER 2012

WITH TERRI

Green Marketing Workshop Ben Peacock is an author, cancer survivor, co-founder of sustainability communications company Republic of Everyone and co-creator of the multi-award winning Garage Sale Trail.

Ben has created green marketing and sustainability strategies and communications for Lend Lease, Westpac, Unilever, NAB, Visy, Woolworths, Ikea, Kimberly-Clark, Vodafone, Origin, News Ltd and others.

In the world of NGOs, he has helped improve the fundraising and advocacy of brands including UNHCR, Cancer Council, Greenpeace, GetUp!, ACF, Medicines Sans Frontiers, WWF and Amnesty, to name a few. Most famously, he was creative director on the Say Yes campaign, the world renowned Tails for Whales and the Greens ad for Gruen Transfer. His work has won the NSW Govt’s Green Globe for Sustainability Communications twice and featured in the Global Green Awards. He is recipient of IFAWs Action Award, an honour he shares with Jamie Oliver.

Ben’s story is published in his book, Lessons from My Left Testicle. He remains a spokesperson for the Cancer Council, enthusiastic member of their Men’s Health Committee and sits on the board of the Gasnier Foundation. He loves surfing, so can’t wait to get to the Forster area!

A R I E S.

L E O.

SAG I T TA R I U S.

MAR 21 - APR 20

JUL 24 - AUG 23

NOV 23 - DEC 21

Your leadership skills will be sought after in the work environment over the next few weeks. Allow your strengths to shine, and don’t be afraid to put your hand up for a promotion. Connect with your laughter a little more, as you are currently taking life too seriously. This is waking up old fears and insecurities and leaving you feeling trapped by life.

A speech is coming forward where it will be most beneficial to honour yourself; speak powerfully and lovingly. Turquoise is great for communication.

Bring out your happy self, as you are taking life far too seriously. This has left you drained lately and feeling unenthused. You just do things, you don’t need to talk about it or plan it, so remember this when you are next tempted to procrastinate. Give yourself permission to receive the things you so desperately desire. Let go of the stress caused by not having what you want and allow yourself to make way for it. Sugilite would be of great benefit at this time, as it helps us face our challenges with a joyful outlook.

TAU RU S.

V I RG O.

C A P R I C O R N.

APR 21 - MAY 21

AUG 24 - SEPT 23

DEC 22 - JAN 20

You so desperately want a change in direction, but this is challenging your rules and boundaries in life. At present, your personal strength is being tested, which also may make it harder to pursue your desires. Ask yourself how badly do you want change? Let this motivate you. Set your sights, and then give yourself permission to receive. You can expect a very peaceful cycle to follow.

Avoid being caught up in what you think other people may be thinking of you. Phenacite helps us to release other people’s worries from our energies.

Your focus will be clearer after you have set some new goals or direction. Get that clever Virgo mind active and satisfy your intellect. An exciting new opportunity is out there through learning something different, so look for that perfect course or read an imformative book. You can anticipate new friends in this next cycle – ones that give unconditional love and support.

Also, you will have the discovery of a new talent to excite you. Azeztulite allows us to explore alternate realities comfortably.

Begin something new. Soon work opportunities will keep you busy, fill your being with satisfaction and complete you. However, your enthusiasm needs to be strong when the project begins, so now is the time to feed it. Help your mind to get ready for this opportunity by writing lists, and setting goals. Set deadlines too, as this is how you perform brilliantly. Follow your instinct, and don’t ignore your intuition. Rhodonite helps us to discover new talents through our creative energy.

GEMINI.

LIBRA.

AQ UA R I U S.

MAY 22 - JUN 22

SEPT 24 - OCT 23

JAN 21 - FEB 19

Focus on your most important challenge at this time, in order to achieve your hard earned success. You are too easily distracted at present, which is causing frustration. Be a little more aware of your thoughts, and eliminate negativity, self doubt and fear. You have worked for the changes trying to enter your reality, so allow yourself the excitement of receiving.

Don’t worry about other people’s thoughts; they are none of your business. Turquoise and Rose Quartz will enhance yourself approval.

C i h a passion you have. Your love of life Connect with needs satisfying. Change is coming forward, and this is a natural challenge for the Libran. Start a project or play with your creative energies. You will soon offer your family members some profound healing advice, so don’t be afraid to speak. You would benefit from spending some quality time expressing some thoughts and feeling into poetry or words. Allow your wise subconscious self to emerge with some answers. Topaz strengthens our self-esteem and brings personal power to situations surrounding us.

You may be feeling a little uprooted or unsettled lately. A new move or the discussion of moving is likely to be on the agenda. Avoid rash decisions; wait for what feels right, and you will have no regret.

New friends are coming into the picture, so relax and enjoy the social interactions. You have a lot of luck surrounding your situation at present, so set some goals and give yourself permission to receive them.

Herderite helps us to see our evolution, thus making it less of a challenge.

CANCER.

S C O R P I O.

P I S C E S.

JUN 23 - JUL 23 JU

OCT 24 - NOV 22

FEB 20 - MAR 20

Remove all self-doubt. You already know what your challenges’ outcome will be. You even have your answers for getting there quicker. Find out what it is that renders you powerless, so that you cannot be played with. You are gifted at thinking outside the square, so allow yourself this enlightenment and treat you as you would another. You are able to empower others; why should it be so hard to offer this quality to yourself? Snowflake Obsidian is wonderful for shattering negative thoughts.

An ending of a situation is bringing an exciting new influence into the picture. Your task at the moment is to understand your place in the bigger scheme of things. Don’t compromise your standards to soothe your fears. Keep in touch with what makes your heart sing. Visualise yourself doing this, and feel this excitement radiate through your entire being.

Tell yourself it is OK to have this. Then sit back and enjoy! Rose Quartz attracts us towards loving experiences.

Be patient just a little longer. You are likely to be very busy over the next few weeks, offering you some distraction from your thoughts. Relax and let go of the need to know what will be, and enjoy just being in the now. Set some fresh goals and wait for their arrival. You will have your reward, but the timing is something pertaining to a bigger picture, and this is out of your hands. Be kind to yourself and practice relaxation.

Rose Quartz is a very powerful calming crystal.

44 manning-great lakes focus.

Your self-opinion is at present under attack.

Be kinder to your sensitivity, and stop believing negative things about you. Instead, wake up tomorrow with a brand new beginning attitude, and watch your determination return. You have a wonderful connection with a soul mate; enjoy their company, without imposing any negative influences on your precious time together. Play is also most important for you at this time. Citrine connects us to our happier energy.

Wingham is a charming ‘old world’ town located on the Manning River, just inland from the coast, only a short drive from the Great Lakes and fifteen minutes north-west of Taree.

Wingham.

F O C U S F E AT U R E

This year’s Expo features a full music program with an outstanding line-up of performers over the two days, plus many other activities … he town offers tourists and visitors a chance to step back in time and enjoy its richly preserved heritage architecture, commonmodelled on the English square, which has seen Wingham become a favourite place for tourists and holiday-makers.

Wingham is the oldest town in the Manning Valley and offers an endless variety of places to explore and things to do when visiting. The village is also the proud home of the Wingham Town & Country Expo and the annual Akoostik Festival.

This month we offer our readers a beautiful spread on some of the amazing businesses and offerings located in Wingham: we hear from local food and dining options, fashion,

real estate, sports facilities, beauty, auto care, veterinary services, plus lawn care maintenance.

Taking place on September 7 - 8, the Wingham Rotary Club presents the Town & Country Expo at Wingham Showground, which includes a fantastic line-up of local musicians, chainsaw racing plus a whole range of exhibits and attractions for all ages.

The Wingham Rotary Town & Country Expo, now in its seventh year, is growing bigger annually. This year, 70 exhibitors are participating in the Expo. The exhibitors include a diverse and eclectic collection of attractions, some of which include: gourmet foods, finance services, automotive businesses, sport and fitness, emergency services, farming equipment, pet supplies, fashion, and markets plus a whole lot more.

Wingham Town & Country.

Friday 7 September: The Red Cedar band: 11.30am – 2.30pm. The Red Cedar Band is a very popular and sought after band with a dynamic mix of music.

Mumford Disben band: 3pm – 6pm. Mumford Disben Band is a super party band playing tunes from ‘70s disco hits all the way through to cotemporary pop plus dance favourites.

Saturday 8 September: Wingham street parade: 9.30am.

Chainsaw Racing: 10am.

The Last Train band: 10am – 11.30am. The Last Train is a local band who perform original songs with a smoky-folk-meets-country-soul influence.

Peggy Van Zalm Band: 12pm – 2pm.

This local band brings to life some great original Folk, Pop and Soul music.

Lucky gate prize and raffle draw: 4pm.

The Workshop band: 2.30 – 4.30 pm. Not

easily moulded to a particular music style, The Workshop band rocks the Blues and broad Country with a raucous edge … they play a mix of original songs plus favourite classics.

Entry is a $2 gold coin. There will be lucky gate draw prizes valued at $500 for 1st prize, $300 for 2nd prize and $200 for 3rd prize.

The Wingham Town & Country Expo supports the Prostrate Cancer Foundation of Australia and Local Youth Programs.

manning-great lakes focus 45

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Wingham.

F O C U S F E AT U R E

Bent on Life.

Wild Designz.

Rob has 15 years' experience working as a tattoo and airbrush artist. He immensely enjoys creating individual works of unique body art.

Rob was originally taught the old school methods of tattooing; he has since developed his own style and technique over the years.

Rob sees tattooing as a creative, artistic expression and believes that the perception of having a tattoo has changed over time: “In the past, if you had a tattoo you were considered a criminal or a bad person, but in the last 10 years the perception has changed. Movie stars really set the pace for the change. It only takes one movie star such as Angelina Jolie to adopt a love of tattooing to make them more popular. Lots of football players also wear tattoos these days, which has increased interest in them also.”

Rob’s other expertise is airbrushing. He has won trophies for tattooing and airbrushing work, including work he completed on vehicles at Summernats Car Festival and bike shows. Rob brings unique and beautiful designs to life for car aficionados.

Five months ago, Rob opened Wild Designz in Wingham, where he creates a myriad of tattoo designs ranging from small and detailed designs to full-scale large body designs. Rob's creations range from full colour to grey water creations.

46 manning-great lakes focus.

Wingham Sporting Complex.

Wingham Indoor Sports offers a relaxed venue with a family oriented atmosphere.

We have 1 indoor court and 2 squash courts.

Make sure you get your mates together and nominate today at Wingham Indoor Sports! Come and play any of our great sports of indoor cricket, indoor netball, indoor soccer, squash, racquetball and volleyball.

Wingham Indoor Sports is also the perfect place to have your child’s next party. A sports instructor is provided for 1 hour of the party, to maximise enjoyment and participation. Your sports instructor will supervise the games being played, so the parents can watch, chat and relax over a cappuccino or light refreshment.

Wingham Indoor Sports also uses the revolutionary oOh!media Social Sports system. Ever wondered how many goals you have scored in soccer, or how many people you have bowled out in cricket? All this and more is now available to you at the touch of a button, thanks to the brand new revolutionary Sportsoft system. When a member of Wingham Indoor Sports, you will then be sent out login details and you will be ready to click away ...

For more information or to make a booking, go to Wingham Indoor Sports at 5 Ruth Street Wingham, or call us on 6553 4971.

Bent on Life and “Bent on Food” are proud to be promoting our wares at the Wingham Rotary Town and Country Expo.

Bent on Food will be showcasing our award winning range of condiments. Recently the range was awarded 3 bronze and a silver medal at the Royal Hobart Fine Food show, which is testament to the quality of the produce used to create them.

We can’t wait to show you our new products, along with demonstrations on how to use them, partnering with other local producers to create some lovely creations.

When in Wingham visiting the expo, you will be delighted with the beautiful gifts and homewares from Bent on Life, where you will find the most stylish French Provincial pieces along with kitchenware, ladies handbags, jewellery and something a little bit different.

Bent on Food is a multi-award winning café with a fabulous menu dedicated to fresh local produce. You can enjoy a great breakfast in our beautiful backyard before heading to the expo, or pop back for lunch during the day.

If you can’t make it to the expo to try our range, they are always on tasting at the café, or you can come to the launch of our new products on Saturday 29 September from 1.30 pm.

95 Isabella Street, Wingham.

(02) 6557 0727 www.bentonfood.com.au www.facebook.com/BentonFood

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Wingham.

F O C U S F E AT U R E

Suzie Bee Hair Designers.

Golf Club Motor Inn Wingham.

We have been trading now for just over 3 months. With the initial challenges of starting a new business behind us, we are now in a position to concentrate on marketing our fantastic motel, which is truly a hidden gem.

Wingham Auto Care.

Paula Marron has owned Suzie Bee for two-and-a-half years and worked as a hairdresser in Wingham for 10 years. Paula works very closely with the clients to create a hairstyle that is just perfect for each individual.

The family friendly environment in the salon means that the whole family can be catered for in the one spot.

We need to get out there and let more people in on our secret ... nestled inside a golf course, surrounded by beautiful native trees, a wide variety of birdlife, well away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life ... what more could you want? It is the ideal spot for a tranquil, peaceful getaway.

Wingham Auto Care, formerly Steve Wills Mechanical Repairs, offers a full range of mechanical services for your vehicle. To celebrate our recent 10th birthday, we rebranded our business and worked closely with Juzvolter to design a brand new logo. The new name reflects what our business can offer its customers – complete auto care for your vehicle, whether it is a new or an older vehicle. Steve is an avid classic car collector and services many classic cars.

We are keen to market golfing holidays and utilise not only the Wingham Golf Course, but the many fantastic golf courses within easy reach of Wingham.

Our team at Wingham Auto Care is highly experienced with a combined 75 years of knowledge, and we are up to date with the latest technology and equipment.

The salon exclusively uses NAK products.

We are a wonderful venue for weddings. With the Golf Club’s facilities, the restaurant and the motel, we are a one stop shop.

The surrounds of the golf course make a beautiful backdrop for wedding photos.

We can assist you with registration inspections, including LPG, up to scheduled servicing including Manufacturers' log book servicing and major overhauls.

Consider us as your venue for your corporate days or your social club functions. Stay overnight, incorporate a game of golf and visit the many beautiful attractions that are on our doorstep.

We need to unlock the key and open the doors, so that more people can share and experience the fantastic facilities and the peace and quiet that we have to offer.

As one of our return guests from Sydney recently said, “You are the best kept secret on the North Coast”.

With years of experience, Wingham Auto Care know our customers want a one stop shop. Therefore, we can cater for all your needs, including batteries, radiators, exhausts, electrical equipment and 4WD accessories.

We are fully licensed for air conditioning servicing and repairs, as well as LPG conversions and servicing.

Come in and see our friendly team to discuss all your automotive requirements, you will be surprised to find old fashioned service in Wingham.

Suzie Bee provides the following services to her clients: • Hair colouring • Hair cutting and styling • Perming • Children's hairstyles

NAK products are all Australian made and owned; they are designed to combat the drying, damaging effects of the harshest climates.

NAK is dedicated to supplying clients with the highest quality products for all of their haircare needs.

NAK use unique mineral-rich Bio-Marine Complex combined with keratin, which replenishes lost moisture and assists in repair, while vitamin rich panthenol and vitamin E protect, condition and increase shine. This results in soft, healthy, manageable hair. It also assists in strengthening the hair fibre and adding resilience. Pearl and sea salt extracts improve thickness, add texture and a brilliant sheen.

Suzie Bee is open 10am to 3pm Mondays, and 9am to 5pm Tuesday to Friday.

manning-great lakes focus 47

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Wingham.

F O C U S F E AT U R E

Musicality was always in Graeme Bird’s bones, although he’ll readily admit that his career in music bloomed later in life.

With two albums under his belt, Graeme now officially calls himself a musician ...

H

is first album, Life on the Run, received plenty of overseas airplay and its title track – the rollicking Country romp – A Day in the Run, reached number 6 on the European Country Music Awards.

Graeme’s second album, Reflections by Graeme Bird and Friends, is a heartfelt collection of songs with a distinctly Australian flavour, which reflects on significant experiences in Graeme’s life, including being a father. The album brims with an alternative Country influence and considers pertinent topics, including the angst felt by Australian farmers despairing over farming land being sold to overseas interests and the somewhat indiscriminate mining practices currently engulfing the country. Graeme talks to us about his love of music, which he has previously described as a “hobby that got out of hand”!

You live at Wherrol Flat with your wife, Rozann. How has living there influenced your songwriting and music?

Thirty two years ago, we bought a property in the Little Run Valley and moved here with our two young children. Being on the land was a totally new way of life for us, and we set about fencing, clearing and building our home, while at the same time getting a small herd of beef cattle together and setting up a saw mill. These experiences in mind have influenced some of my songs by reflecting, including A Day in the Run, Mountain Man, Little Run Dreaming and From the Heart. I think the peace and quiet and the tranquil surroundings help to put my mind to writing.

You are the front man on Reflections by Graeme Bird and Friends and wrote all of the songs on the album, although many other local talented musicians contributed to the album also ...

We didn’t have to look far beyond the Manning Valley to find the talented musicians

48 manning-great lakes focus.

GR A E M E B I R D.

that we used to record Life on These experiences in the Run and having formed have influenced d in m friendships with them during s by some of my songing the months of recording, it ud cl in g, tin ec fl re only took a phone call and A Day in the Run, ttle they were all keen to be a Mountain Man, Li d From part of the Reflections album.

Run Dreaming an the Heart. ” Originally my idea was to This is why I titled the album just put my songs down Reflections by Graeme Bird and for family and friends, but by Friends. doing the album on a ‘grander’ Tell us about the inspiration behind scale and now receiving airplay the tracks Only Son and Selling Us Out? nationwide, that is what I find amazing!

The inspiration for all of my songs comes Hearing a song come to life must be an from personal emotions and experiences; an exhilarating experience? example of this being Only Son. The idea for this Yes, it certainly is … from the time you first song came to me when my son joined the Army put pen to paper, it can be a long or short and after all his basic training at Kapooka and process, depending on the song; sometimes I in Sydney, he and his family flew out of Taree find it easy to start a song, but hard to finis ... airport to go to Darwin, where he is stationed other times it comes to me very quickly. Also, as a Combat Engineer. This was an emotional condensing your thoughts into a few lines can time of mixed feelings, and I then reflected on be very difficult, but is becoming easier with the his Marching Out parade at Kapooka and of more experience I get. Once I have the lyric, I the ANZAC Day dawn services that we have then think of the song and what it is about and attended together since he was a young lad. try to arrange the appropriate chords and tempo Selling Us Out was inspired when during a to give the song the most meaning. Every song is top end trip a couple of years ago, I visited a different; it may be sad, happy, etc. friend on a property in the Northern Territory.

Another consideration is choosing which While there, I learnt that some of their instruments to use on each song for the best neighbouring and other large properties have effect. Once all this is done and the recording been sold to overseas interests. process is finished, finally hearing it come to life Then on our way back home through certainly is a great feeling.

Queensland and the Hunter Valley in NSW, You recently did a long road trip and Rozann and I were surprised to see so much played at different towns. What was this mining activity, and now we are concerned experience like? about the impact that Coal Seam Gas mining Yes, Rozann and I did a trip to the top end may have in our beautiful area if it should go through Queensland and the Northern Territory ahead. and eventually to Darwin to visit our son and his What’s the most amazing part about being family. We both enjoy fishing and travelling to a musician? the more remote places, where we meet some I see myself more as a songwriter. Creating great characters – all the while looking for ideas new songs gives me great satisfaction; it for writing new songs. I enjoy playing my songs becomes very personal, as you are exposing your around a fire in the camp grounds; people seem inner thoughts and turning them into a song.

“

ving to appreciate some live music, some having ves been on the track for many weeks. This gives me a great opportunity to sell my CDs. Also, calling into Country radio stations, promoting the album and on occasion doing live interviews and having several songs played is a great way to get my music out there. A friend of ours, whom we visit at Borroloola in the N.T. is the DJ for The Voice of the Gulf radio. Val and I had a lengthy live interview, and she played quite a few of my songs. Experiences like this and the characters of the bush is what keeps drawing me back.

You are performing at the Wingham Rotary Town and Country Expo ... when will people be able to see you play?

The Wingham Rotary Town and Country Expo will be held over two days and being a member of the club, the job of co-ordinating the music was given to me. So, I have arranged for five local bands to play over the two-day period. I have slotted myself to play before the first band on each day and hopefully if time allows, I can do another bracket during the day.

I will be playing on Friday 7 Sept at 11am to 11.30 am and on the Saturday from 9.30am to 10am. I will have my CDs there for sale, and I’d like to mention at this point that 25% of proceeds from the sale of CDs is going to the End Polio Now fund through the Rotary Club of Wingham.

How can people purchase your albums?

Now available at all good music stores, as WJO Distribution has taken it on physically and digitally.

Thank you Graeme.

Interview by Karen Farrell.

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Lasting Impressions Hair and Tan was opened in December 2011 in the Wingham Plaza Shopping Centre by Wingham local Matti Fraser. atti had been working and training in the hair industry since 2004 when the opportunity arose. “I was working one or two days a week and really wanted more, so when the opportunity came up to start a new salon, I jumped at it. It was great to be able to get involved right from the start, from the design of the salon through to what services we would offer.”

It sounds like the girls have a lot of fun at work, and being located in the Wingham Plaza Shopping Centre gives them the added bonus of being a convenience to shoppers.

Cath, who was in the chair at Lasting Impressions, said: “I love getting my hair done at Lasting Impressions.

Matti and Jade are great; I love how my hair looks after I have been to the salon, and I can have a coffee from Little Red Coffee Cup and get my shopping done all in the one trip. It’s perfect.”

Matti started on her own with no clients, but knew if she could offer a great service at a value level price point, she would be able to build the clientele to a level where she was able to I love how hire an apprentice. Matti’s hard my hair looks to I after have been n work and talent have proven ca I d the salon, an a great success and the results d have a coffee... an speak for themselves, with an ng pi get my shop ip. immaculately presented shop, done all in one tr ” . a growing client database and It’s perfect happy repeat customers; Matti has even been able to hire an apprentice, Jade Smith.

“

Lasting Impressions.

L

“Jade has been a revelation for me. She is really great to have around, works hard and has a strong interest in becoming a hairdresser. Jade does a great job with the colour and chemical treatments and when she finishes her apprenticeship, she will be a fantastic hairdresser and a real asset to Lasting Impressions.”

Lasting Impressions offers haircuts, colours, treatments and spray tans and are now expanding their offering to the local Wingham community. “The local community is important to us, and we are excited to be able to offer more services to them,” said Matti. “Customers can now have hair extensions put in, and we about to put in a nail bar.

Matti sees the future for Lasting Impressions as being a long, successful one and hopes to be able to have another qualified hairdresser at the salon in the near future. “We are at that point where we could use some extra help. Ideally it would be someone local with their own clients, as that will make it that bit easier for them to get started ... if you know anyone who might be interested, please pass on our details or drop by the salon.”

Wingham’s best coffee.

Fabulous all day breakfast menu.

Friendly local staff.

Daily lunch specials.

Great meeting spot.

Shop 10 - Wingham Plaza Open Mon to Fri 8am - 4pm Sat to Sun 8am - 2pm

Phone: 02 6553 5191

manning-great lakes focus 49

Wingham.

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4th October 2012 at 6:00PM Tellers Restaurant, Wingham :HG SP 6DW SP Karen Upward 0412 535 992 ljhooker.com/8U1F85

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LJ Hooker Wingham

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LJ Hooker Wingham

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50 manning-great lakes focus.

Wingham Beef Exports and Witt’s Butchery Wingham Beef Exports uses cattle which is raised in the glorious hinterland of the Manning Valley, where pastures are grown on deep fertile soils. This idyllic setting is where the cattle that occupy the rolling hills graze on the best fields that nature intended.

This is the setting for Wingham Beef Exports – the finest world class beef, hormone free, with marbling that ensures your meat is succulent, tender and full of flavour. It’s no wonder that Wingham Beef Exports beef is so sought after internationally.

Wingham Beef Exports is MSA approved. MSA (Meat Standards Australia) is a tenderness guaranteed grading program that labels beef with a grade-based eating quality. All MSA graded beef is labelled with a guaranteed grade and recommended cooking method, to identify beef eating quality according to consumer perceptions.

Witt’s Butchers at Wharf Street Forster proudly stocks Wingham Beef Exports.

Owner Tony Witt has been a butcher since

5

'JODI $MPTF WINGHAM

All information contained therein is gathered from relevant third party sources. ces We cannot guarantee or give any warranty about the information provided.

Interested parties must rely solely on their own enquiries.

Witt’s Butchery.

Residential | Commercial | Rural | Finance

1979, beginning his trade at Witt’s Butchery in Tuncurry with his father, Maurice Witt.

Tony is a 4th generation butcher in the local area, who not only specialises in Wingham Beef, but also in speciality cuts including lamb, chicken, pork and veal.

Come in and meet Tony today; he has many fabulous menu ideas to accompany all the different meat cuts.

You will be an instant hit at your next BBQ after stopping in at Witt’s Butchery. Be it one of his home made gourmet snags you decide to throw on your BBQ, or a beautiful cut of Wingham scotch fillet, you are bound to be a hit!

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Wingham.

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Wingham & Valley Vets.

All of the staff at Wingham and Valley Vets are passionate about providing the best possible care for your animal. We aim to welcome you personally into the Wingham and Valley Vets ‘family’.

Our converted 1915 house has retained its welcoming feel, but is equipped with ‘state of the art’ surgical and diagnostic facilities such as digital Xrays, ultrasound and endoscopy.

Our onsite Equine Hospital provides two roomy stables and large undercover crush and examination area. This facility is perfect for equine reproduction work, and we offer artificial insemination services using chilled or frozen semen. For on property work we also have a mobile crush, which enhances safety and is ideal for reproductive or dental work.

Wingham and Valley Vets has a commitment to helping advance the human-animal bond. We offer a range of services that aim to build the relationship between you and your dog, which include Puppy Preschool Classes, Adult Dog Canine Good Citizen Classes and Individual Training sessions.

For behavioural issues such as anxiety, phobias and aggression, we also offer consultations to help unravel these more complex areas. Louise Rourke, our behaviour vet, accepts referrals from throughout the Manning Valley and beyond.

Chapman & Wood Pharmacy.

A1 Lawn Mowing Service.

Chapman and Wood Pharmacy has been operating for over 80 years, with Mike and Marilyn having the pharmacy for the past 30 years.

KEEPING the lawn and garden looking its best can be an overwhelming task. If you’d like to spend time on more important things and take away the stress, simply call in the experts at A1 Lawn and Garden Services ... this Manning Valley based business ensures your yard will soon be looking its best.

It is very much a community pharmacy, where Mike and his enthusiastic team of 20 know and understand their customers and are passionate about serving the community’s health needs.

Apart from general health information and advice, they offer professional services such as medication usage reviews, free blood pressure monitoring and provision of dose aids (webster packs), as well as weightloss assistance and dietary and healthy lifestyle advice.

The pharmacy is also a hub for visiting professionals such as a diabetes educator, naturopaths, Hearing Australia practitioners and bone density testing.

Reaching out to the community is another activity constantly undertaken, involving lectures and demonstrations to community groups on topics such as mobility aids (using the expertise of an occupational therapist), incontinence, men’s health, diabetes management and general health and wellbeing.

A monthly newsletter is also produced with information on upcoming activities and promotions. This month’s focus is on Macular Degeneration, with displays in store.

Other services offered are passport photos, instant digital photo processing and free pick up and delivery of prescriptions.

A1 Lawn and Garden Services caters for home yards and small acreages, offering lawn mowing, edging, gardening and pruning, rubbish removal, turfing, fertilising, plus pressure washing.

We provide both domestic and commercial services and offer special packages for pensioners. A1 Lawn and Garden Services caters for properties of all sizes and styles, from small acreages and rural properties to retirement villages, preschools, commercial properties, government agencies, private residential properties, rental properties and workers compensation claims.

High standards of care are maintained for every job, as the satisfaction of our customers is our top priority. Specialised lawn mowers are capable of covering most conditions, resulting in an excellent finish for clients. A1 Lawn and Garden Services carries insurance and has occupational health and safety management systems in place, including risk assessment and controls. Ring for an obligation-free quote at any time of the day on 6553 5700 (best time usually after 6pm).

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Ashlea Road Boutique.

Guys n Gals.

Magnabilities officially launched nationwide in January of 2010 and is now leading the gift industry in magnetic interchangeable jewellery. Magnabilities is distributed internationally and sold locally at Guys and Gals in Wingham.

With Magnabilites, your possibilities are endless. Whether you are after a very casual, relaxed looking pendant to match your jeans on a Sunday lunch, or be it the glamorous, glittering look to go with the sexy dress on a Saturday night, Magnabilities can change with your requirements.

Stop in at Guys and Gals today to have a look at the amazing range of beautiful jewellery.

Guys and Gals is also a hair salon, and will happily cater to all your family’s haircutting requirements. We also do facial waxing and eyelash tinting.

Also located in the shop is ‘Lookin Licious’, which is a nail bar and caters to all nail requirements such as gel, acrylic, manicures, pedicures etc.

Come into Guys and Gals today and meet Kellie and the team.

We are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and Saturday 9am to 12pm. Please phone Kellie on 0408 650 385 for more details.

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Ashlea Road Boutique opened in Wingham in March 1997. The boutique stocks smart casual wear, race wear, evening wear, swimwear and a beautiful range of accessories to complement your outfit.

Our professional and very helpful staff take pride in their work, providing our customers with nothing but the best in customer service. We like to ensure our customers walk out of the boutique feeling happy and confident with their purchase.

Ashlea Road Boutique offers a friendly environment, so you can browse in comfort or have help on hand if required.

All ages and occasions catered for, in sizes 8 - 24.

To have the latest updates on new fashion arrivals, upcoming fashion parades, events and promotions sent directly to your inbox, sign up for the Ashlea Road Boutique email newsletter. You can do this by logging on to www.ashlearoadboutique.com.au

Beautique on Bella.

Beautique on Bella – not just another beauty salon, but a place where you can leave your worries at the door ...

Where you can unwind and relax in the comfort of a fresh and modern salon environment. Courtney O’Neill at Beautique on Bella is an expert in the art and science of all things beautiful. At Beautique on Bella, Courtney goes beyond traditional treatments and offers you nothing but the best by combining clinically proven skin and bodycare products with experienced treatment techniques.

We all love to look our best, which usually means looking younger, and now looking younger is easy with Beautique on Bella’s latest promotion.

TRIPLE R – Resurface, Repair & Renew, ONLY $99 Valid 1 September to 30 November.

Fight the effects of ageing with total skin rejuvenation!

This package is recommended in a series of six; one a fortnight for maximum results!

Ashlea Road Boutique is a proud supporter of our community organisations and local events:

Package includes: • Sothys Cosmeceutical Skin Peel • Ageless Hands Resurfacing • Detoxifying Foot Scrub

• Wingham Akoostik Music Festival • Wingham Football Club • Wingham Pony Club • Wingham Scottish Festival

Prepay for 5 treatments, and get the 6th absolutely FREE! That’s a massive saving of $99.

focuseditorial.

Lauren Deegenaars.

15-year-old Wingham based dancer, Lauren Deegenaars, has just been accepted into Brent Street Dance Academy in Sydney for 2013. Her successful audition into the well known dance school means Lauren and her mother, Annette, will relocate to Sydney, as Lauren pursues her dream to become a world-class dancer.

ow long have you been dancing, and what inspired your initial love of dance?

I have been dancing for nearly 12 years, as I started dancing when I was four years old. Mum says that I was dancing before I could walk! Apparently I used to get so excited whenever I heard music and just started bouncing up and down, so I guess I have always loved it and was destined to be a dancer. Once I started dance classes, there was no stopping me!

Who is your local dance teacher, and what are the most invaluable things your teacher has imparted to you about becoming an accomplished dancer?

I attend Sherrianne Christie Dance and Talent Academy in Taree three days a week, and I am taught by Sherrianne and Vanessa Gill. Vanessa is an ex-student of the school and as a young child, I always looked up to her. She has had much success as a dancer, and I am grateful to now be able to learn from her, not only about dance technique, but also performance skills, attitude and work ethic.

Vanessa is a wonderful role model to all of her students and works hard to encourage us to be the best that we can be. I think the most invaluable things that she has imparted to me are to always strive to do your best, to work hard to achieve your goals, to not be afraid to give everything a go and always be willing to learn and further your craft.

What is your most loved dance genre?

I study Classical Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Bollywood and Cabaret and enjoy all of them, but my favourite styles are Commercial Jazz, Hip Hop and Contemporary. As these styles are less disciplined, they allow me to add my own individuality to my performances, which I love.

I enjoy the energy and pace of Jazz and Hip Hop, and I love how Contemporary Dance is such an expression of the music and is open to

interpretation by the dancer and audience.

Is there an element of dance which you don’t enjoy?

I am so passionate about dance and performing in general, that there is very little that I don’t enjoy! Even though your muscles get sore and tired, I love to work on my strength and flexibility, because it is such a great feeling when you all of a sudden get that little bit lower in a split or can do 10 more pushups than the last time. I guess the only things I don’t enjoy are the ingrown toenails and blisters on my feet!

Which dancers do you most admire and why?

I have been fortunate to have been taught by many of my dance idols this year when I attended the Brent Street Summer and Winter Camps. I greatly admire Morgan Choice and Renee Ritchie, who I would describe as fierce dancers because of the way they attack the choreography of any dance they perform.

I also think that former Brent Street students, Samm Hagen and Mitchell Woodcock, are very inspirational. Apart from being talented performers, they have worked really hard to achieve their dreams, and at a young age are experiencing the success that I hope to attain one day.

The one dancer that I admire the most is a current Brent Street Academy student named Michael Dameski. He is amazingly talented, and his dedication to his craft is so inspirational.

I also love American choreographers Mia Michaels, Sonya Tayeh and Tabitha and Napoleon, as they are all so passionate, creative and talented.

You recently successfully auditioned for Brent Street in Sydney and commence training at the school in Sydney in 2013 – congratulations! For the audition you were required to dance, sing and perform a dramatic piece ... Tell us about the audition process and how you got through it?

experience in an audition process.

The audition is quite an involved process.

Do you consider making it into Brent Although they conducted a group audition, I Street as being the first rung on the ladder was invited to audition privately, along with to a successful career in dance? other students from across NSW and interstate, Absolutely. A career in dance is all I have in July. On the morning of the audition, I was ever wanted, so being able to attend the Brent given a tour of the studios and got to watch Street Performing Arts Academy is a dream a class rehearsing for a show. I then went into come true. So many successful commercial one of the empty studios to warmup, until they dancers and musical theatre performers have called for me. trained there, before going on to great success I had to perform for a panel of five Brent in the industry.

Street Artistic Council members, including The training that Brent Street provides not Cameron Mitchell, who is the Artistic Director. only promotes strong, skilled performers in They were very friendly and made me feel at dance, vocal and acting, but also instills in ease. I performed my song first, which its students the personal attributes was Show Me from My Fair required to succeed. The teachers Lady, and then I performed a and staff at Brent Street, while dramatic monologue from “ I was really pushing you to excel and work the film, Dogma. I then nervous the the really hard, promote a very performed three dance night before on t bu n, tio supportive atmosphere. routines – a Jazz, a Lyrical audi the day I justd.felt I am so excited about and a Tap. After that, I was really excite ” starting there next year and interviewed by the panel, becoming a part of the Brent who asked me questions Street family. Dance is such a such as, “Why would you like competitive industry, so this will give to be a student at Brent Street me a huge leg-up for sure.

Academy?” and, “What will you do about What advice do you have for other young moving to Sydney if you get in?”

They explained how much work it would be aspiring dancers? and wanted to make sure that I was prepared I think that dance is a wonderful way to for that and able to handle it. I was really keep fit and have fun for anyone. It can nervous the night before the audition, but on help build self confidence, self discipline and the day I just felt really excited. I love Brent social skills. For those who are serious about Street, and it was my ultimate goal to be able a dancing career and have that passion for to study there. Even though there are lots of performing, I think that the best advice I can great performing arts schools, Brent Street was give is to work really hard, push yourself to the number one choice for me. I felt confident achieve beyond where you think you can and when I walked out of the room, but I really had don’t give up. no idea whether I had a chance of getting in Always listen to your teachers, be or not. I just went in with the attitude that I enthusiastic in class and be prepared to give would give it my best, be myself, be confident, everything a go – you never know what you show them how passionate I am about dance may be capable of! Dream big and most of all, and performing and how much I wanted to be love what you do. a student there.

Thanks Lauren.

At the very least, I was happy to gain Interview by Karen Farrell. manning-great lakes focus 53

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Adam Frost.

Leigh Vaughan.

Councillor

Why are you running for Councillor?

Reason for running? I've been interested in politics and public policy since my mid-teens, and this interest only grew with the recent study I've completed. Looking at the upcoming local government elections, I saw an opportunity to put my passion and knowledge to work while giving something back to the Great Lakes community I grew up in.

What are some of your policies leading into the election?

All around I see governments of all levels growing ever larger and intruding further into the lives and pockets of the people they're there to serve. This is particularly evident in the Great Lakes, where at a time when many household budgets are coming under increasing pressure, the Council has successfully applied for rate rises of 8% for the previous, current and next financial year, with the original increases applied for being even larger.

I have served two terms and believe I have served my communities with 100% effort, but there are several things that I would like to be able to tackle in a third term.

If elected, this will definitely be my last term.

What are some of your policies leading into the election?

I believe everyone has the right to live in a clean, safe, creative environment. I support all the wonderful programs already in place to keep our waterways clean and the envy of all who come here.

We have active community committees to support crime prevention, to keep our towns and villages safe (I have chaired the Crime Prevention Task Force for some years).

If elected, I will be a voice for the ratepayers of the Great lakes, and will refuse to vote for further such increases. I also believe that property owners need to have greater rights to do with their property as they wish, without being stopped at every turn by red tape. I believe that it's time for Great Lakes Council to start controlling their spending, as opposed to the money and property of its residents.

There are many creative people of all ages who would benefit by the development of more cultural programs for them, and everyone will benefit from the establishment of a Civic Centre, flexible library and a Performance and Gathering Space to develop our communities’ heart.

If you could fix just one pressing issue, what would it be? I would give back to the ratepayers and property owners of the Great Lakes control of their money and property.

Provide more job opportunities for people of all ages and support more collaborations with tertiary institutions, because I do not think that young people should have to leave home to further their training or to establish a career.

What's something our readers don't know about you? I have studied economics at the University of Sydney and have previously competed at the national level in swimming.

How can readers get in touch with you? I can be contacted via email at: afro2234@uni.sydney.edu.au or via my mobile at 0403 213 592.

54 manning-great lakes focus.

If you could fix just one pressing issue, what would it be?

What's something our readers don't know about you?

I was an owner-builder for the house we have lived in for over 30 years. I love abseiling and used to ride a motorbike.

How can readers get in touch with you? cr.vaughan@greatlakes.nsw.gov.au or 0417 289 077.

Alan Tickle.

Vote 1, Group D

We the people need to stand up and demand change ...

Greater Taree Council candidate, Alan Tickle says it is time for anyone who is not happy with the mess that exists throughout our road and bridge network to stand up and be counted, demanding changes to funding for regional Australia.

“You can show that you want change by attending a public meeting that I am calling as a citizen (not as a Councillor) to be held at Ormsby House, Commerce Street Taree on 12 September 2012 at 6pm.

“If you worry about this area’s future, get out your diaries and commit to this meeting now.

"I don’t want to give specifics of proposals, only to say that with the right support, agitation and the pooling of ideas, this can draw national political attention through media spotlights.

"Billions are needed to be spent on regional and country roads and with a Federal election looming, now is the time to make it a national election issue.

"Money pours into the capital cities because their politicians dominate, while the regions that are so vital to Australia suffer through lack of vision. We are not alone, because there are similar stories right around Australia, and I know of plenty of other areas that will join in the fight.

"Councils can complain, but they are small fish in the scheme of things. The only people who can make a difference and demand change is YOU." By the way, if you want experience, passion and leadership in local government, Vote 1 Tickle and support his group on Saturday, Sept 8.

focusTourism.

Richard Old - Great Lakes Manager Tourism & Marketing

focusbusiness. with Peter Lyne from Manning Valley Business Chamber

peter lyne.

UPDATE Richard Old Three cheers for spring. We have had a wet, windy and cold winter this year. With spring comes warm sun, crisp water, wild flowers, special events and longer days that energise the soul. This is a great time of year – it is when the region comes alive! o with the cold, short days behind us, now is the time to start preparing for the summer peak that really is the lifeblood of our region. The hard work done now will reap benefits into, during and after summer.

S

Businesses across the region are starting to gear up. The are laying the foundations for a ‘big’ summer – hiring staff, planning marketing, changing layouts and building partnerships. It is an exciting time!

This time of year in the region is also synonymous with fantastic events. Throughout spring, communities get outside and celebrate.

The Great Lakes and Manning Valley have a spectacular line up of events this year. There are festivals, markets, sporting events, exhibitions and fairs. This year will see a return of the Forster Running Festival, which was a huge success last year. The Ultimate Triathlon Festival is back, as well as the popular Foster Film Festival and Myall River Festival. Contacting your local Visitor Centre or visiting the website will open up a new way of exploring this part of the coast – by events. www.greatlakes.org.au www.gtcc.nsw.gov.au The relationship between a community and an event is unique. Events are a window into a community’s heart and soul. Many visitors come to our region for events, as they get to be a part of something more than just a holiday. Events help to break down barriers, as well as create opportunities. They influence a community socially, culturally, environmentally, economically and politically. At a personal level, some of our most treasured memories come from events. Do you remember the last concert you were at and the wonderment in kids’ faces (and the adults as well)? What about the recent Olympic opening or closing ceremonies?

Events are vitally important for communities and are linked to wellbeing and a sense of place. Places and communities define themselves by their events. Events in the Great

Lakes are a part of how we live. We love a good excuse to celebrate and put on some of the best events on the coast. We also have a team of volunteers that is the envy of events across the country. How do I know this? Event managers and companies repeatedly tell me, and this is why they often keep coming back.

Events are important for tourism; they are catalysts for attracting visitors, increasing spend and stay. They are image-makers, creating profile, position, providing a competitive marketing advantage and point of difference.

Events are a core part of Great Lakes marketing. They provide a point of difference and an added reason to visit. Increasingly, consumers are seeking ‘real’ experiences. Events provide these.

At present, the Great Lakes has a growing calendar of events. The recent success of the Forster Adventure Race, together with new events, the growing sports tourism program and the developing cultural event program, has strengthened the region’s offering of events. Great Lakes Tourism has an approach to events that has broad appeal and depth, provides a solid resource base, spreads visitation between regions, time of year and operators, increases yield and attracts/develops new events.

The economic value of events cannot be underestimated. Destination NSW estimates a spend of $80 per day visit and $140 for each overnight visit. The more overnight stays an event generates, the bigger the return. Each overnight stay with an event boosts activity in the region.

However, there is an added return from events that while harder to measure, is by no means any lesser value. Events can make a quiet time busy, take visitors to places they would not normally go to and bring ‘new’ people to the region. These visitors then go home talking about their fantastic experience and plan their next visit. So the region benefits from word of mouth advertising (invaluable) and increased visitation. This is important for the businesses that may not see ‘on the day’ return from an event. Events generate sustained growth for the region and in turn individual business.

So next time there is an event in town, go and check it out. Better still, why not enter or volunteer. Not only will you be supporting your own community but you will also meet new people and enjoy a different experience.

The Manning Valley Business Chamber has had a busy month, with judging completed in the 2012 Manning Valley Business Awards.

The MVBC and Harrington Chambers will fund the engagement of a surveyor for the final plan n to be submitted to the Greater Taree City Council ncil and MVBC Economic Development Partnership Board. Steve Attkins, Economic Development Manager, has begun the process of

he gala presentation evening will be

T

held on Friday evening, September 21 at Club Taree, where 21 awards will

be presented. Response to this year’s awards have again seen an increase in nominations.

This year the presentation evening has a new format, with the Chamber planning a high class presentation using modern technolog. Popular entertainer Matt Zarb will enthral the audience with his music, so guests can dance the night away. Tickets are available at Video Ezy Taree and cost $65 for members and $75 for non members.

The Manning Valley Business Chamber and Harrington Chamber of Commerce hosted a meeting of members and local community organisations to outline a Development Proposal for the Harrington Foreshore.

The meeting was attended by a large crowd, who discussed the proposal to develop the foreshore at Harrington between the western end of the Bowling Club and the Marine Headquarters to the east.

Chamber President Adam Nixon and Secretary Garry Durrant presented to the meeting a concept plan for consideration. The comprehensive plan includes a Boardwalk past the Harrington Bowling Club that will continue through parkland between the Club and Hotel.

This boardwalk will continue past the Hotel and private land, through the reserve, passing the history bollards to the Marine Headquarters, with the park landscaped and grassed, including gardens and BBQ/picnic shelters.

One feature of the plan is to include a permanent building for a Museum next to the Bowling Club – a location that is significant to the arrival of John Oxley.

A new wharf near the Bowling Club and deep water access to the beach between the Club and Hotel wharfs for boats to anchor is proposed, as this would avoid the high and low tide issues. A feature of the plan is the proposed permanent stage and amphitheatre opposite Coode St, with a water feature and other facilities for public use.

The plan has been instigated as a result of the Manning Valley Business Chamber seeking expressions of interest from the region to assemble a list of developments that would enhance the Manning Valley’s economic development.

seeking funding that will encompass many state bodies and the Federal Government.

Steve Attkins represented the MVBC at a the National Chamber Convention in Melbourne in August, attended by hundreds of delegates.

Steve said he left the Convention with renewed focus and motivation, saying it was two of the best days he had spent.

“It was an excellent opportunity to promote the Manning Valley and to establish new business connections,” he said. “I loved exploring big picture thinking and inspiring ideas and am looking at how to incorporate and implement them at ground level in the Valley.”

The Manning Valley is experiencing an increase in new businesses, with the opening of several new businesses: BCF, IGA and Reece Plumbing.

More good news is hopefully coming later this year, with several other well-known companies currently negotiating to expand their business base.

The Manning Valley Business Chamber is encouraging all businesses and the community to have their voice counted in the Local Government elections on September 8, 2012.

The chamber believes business and the community needs to be involved in the future of the Manning Valley and is keen to hear from all candidates about their platforms for the Manning Valley’s future and economic growth.

Outgoing MVBC President Simon Brown believes it is time for new energy and passion in our Council: “With the upcoming local government election, we have a real opportunity to put in place a Council with vision and authority ... A Council that can lead and give direction, not one that simply ratifies the decisions of the Council staff.”

The NSW Business Chamber Regional Manager agrees, saying that business and the community need Councillors who will have a say on how their Councils are run.

“It is critical we have a democratic process that will lead to sound management, to ensure vision that will lead to significant growth.”

The Chamber is encouraging businesses and the community to consider all the issues across the region that will lead us into the future, and one way the Chamber has done this is by holding two forums: a Roads and e-business forum. manning-great lakes focus

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Ribbon.

F u n d ra i s e rs

Group photo thanks to the Wingham Chronicle: Jai Smith, Lorraine Bell, Shirley Coombes and Gwen Bell.

T h i n kPink

Boxfish Staff. .

Meet some very special ladies, who are organising two events to raise money for women’s cancer research in the ManningGreat Lakes area ...

P r u W h it t o n .

Pru and daughter Lily.

M a rg a re t B l a ck .

Barbara Montague and Margaret Black.

i Margaret. Please tell us about the girls’ afternoon in event you’re organising – when and where will it be held?

On Saturday 22 September, a Girls’ Afternoon In will be held at Wingham Seniors Hall, on the corner of Primrose and Farquhar Streets.

This afternoon is a fundraiser for Breast Cancer both in women and men, and the afternoon starts at 1.30pm.

What will actually happen during the afternoon?

The theme is ‘Pink’, and the cost of entry is $5; for this, you get afternoon tea, a guest speaker and entertainment. On the day we have raffles; you buy 5 numbers for a $1, which are only sold on the day. Should your number be drawn, you trade it for a prize − thus you lose one of your 5 numbers. We have plenty of numbers for sale. At present, we have 60 prizes with the value of $30 $40 each, and it’s still growing.

We also have two major raffles, which are being sold prior and on the day and will be drawn on the day. Our first major raffle has a 1st prize of a weekend escape for two with breakfast included and a late check out at Wingham Golf Club Motel, donated by Paula and Denise; 2nd prize is a carton of XXXX Beer, a beach towel, pair thongs and a hat, donated by Wingham Bowling club; and 3rd prize is lawn mowing up to the value of $50 (local), donated by Peter Brown.

Our second major raffle has a 1st prize of $100 Coles vouchers, donated by Chris 56 manning-great lakes focus.

Owens of Wingham; 2nd prize is $50 petrol, donated by Newman’s Garage Wingham; 3rd prize is lawn mowing to the value of $50 (local), donated by Dawson Mowing Wingham; and 4th prize is a bottle of Scotch, donated by Wingham Bowling Club.

This is not the first time you’ve held a girls’ afternoon in. What originally inspired you to host the event?

This is my 4th year, and each year it grows.

I started this day as most of my family has passed away from one form or another of cancer, and I know very few people who haven’t been touched in one way or another.

Any money raised is a step further to a cure.

What’s been the result from previous similar events you’ve organised, and are you hoping to top these efforts this year?

Last year we raised $3,500, and we are hoping to top it this year. Over the last 3 years, everything has been donated, and this year Greater Taree City Council have given a small sponsorship to help with the running of the event, which we are most grateful for.

Without the support of the generosity of the business houses and the community in general, the Girls’ Afternoon In would not be the success it has been over the past years.

Is this event open to the public or by invitation only – and where can people find out more information?

The event is open to any ladies who would like to attend, and they may turn up on the day; book a seat or a table by contacting Margaret on 6553 0813.

Thanks Margaret.

i Pru. Please tell us about the Girls’ Night In you’re organising − when and where will it be held?

I’m very excited to be organising another Girls’ Night In. This year it will be held on 26 October at 6pm and for the fourth year running, Jan Kelly has kindly offered her restaurant, the Boxfish Casual Cuisine in Forster as the venue.

What is the aim of the event?

The aim is to raise money for cancer research. The Girls’ Night In is an initiative of the Cancer Council. The month of October is about bringing awareness and specifically raising money for women’s cancer research. Having lost my mother to cancer when I was 8 years old, I have always been very aware of the effects of cancer, and my hope is that one day there will be a cure.

What will actually happen on the night?

You will have to come and find out!

In previous years we’ve had auctions of donated artworks, raffles and have been lucky enough to receive loads of goodies that can be used as prizes. We are hoping to have such generous support again from our local community to make it even bigger and better than last year. Local musician and entertainer Marty Tooze, who is always a crowd favourite, has already put the date in his diary and will be playing for us again this year.

Every year we’ve had a theme that the night was based on, and the women have enjoyed getting dressed up. In 2010 we all dressed up to go to the races. Then in 2011, we had a Mad Hatters Tea party. In 2012, it’s a ‘Beach Party’, so I guess we’ll be dressing down this year!

What originally inspired you to host the evening?

My inspiration to get involved definitely came from losing women close to me.

As well as losing my mother to cancer, my sister-in-law and friend Leeanne was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. Just 12 months after her diagnosis, the cancer had already spread to her lungs. Then only ten weeks later, I watched her take her last breath … Leeanne was 39.

Having witnessed first hand how quickly this disease destroyed her body and being told: “I’m sorry, there is nothing more we can do”, I felt a responsibility to do something. I teamed up with Jan from the Boxfish, who, like most of us, has had her own personal experience with loss to cancer. She not only hosts the event at her restaurant; she also personally contributes a lot every year.

What’s been the result from previous similar events you’ve organised, and are you hoping to top these efforts this year?

The main result has been loads of women getting together for a great night, and at the same time raising money for a great cause. We have raised between $2,000 - $3,500 each year, and I am very proud of that big effort from a few people.

We couldn’t do our bit without the help and generosity from the people of the Great Lakes area, so we need your help again!

Is the event open to the public or by invitation only, and where can people find out more information?

Well, being the Girls’ Night In, it is only open to girls … sorry boys! So as long as you’re a woman, you are more than welcome to come along and party!

For bookings, call Pru: 0410 066 575 or Jan @Boxfish 6557 2577.

Thanks Pru. Interviews by Jo Atkins.

MANNING-GREAT LAKES

property guide

Gravity H O M E S .

focusabode.

Architecturally designed to expertly suit the steeply sloping block it stands on, FOCUS Home of the Month has been built by one of the newest building companies to the Mid North Coast, Gravity Homes. Local builder Lennon Fisher is the Director of the Company and brings to the business a wealth of local knowledge and building expertise. Chrissy Jones takes a closer look at the residence, which is for sale, at 37 First Ridge Road, Smiths Lake.

Gravity H O M E S .

A

striking presence in its tranquil bush setting setting, the ho home is a standout, with varied exterior claddings and angled roof lines. The dark blue and grey of the Hardies Sycon Matrix cladding gives a clean, contemporary, commercial look of geometric panels to the home and with a sanded finish, has a smooth aesthetic appeal.

This, combined with horizontal Colorbond wall sheeting, fibre cement sheeting and timber batons, and with the 200 mm thick concrete block walls of the ground floor, result in a low maintenance home with increased energy efficiency and acoustic performance.

Entrance to the home is via the hardwood timber portico, through the solid timber and patterned glass front door into the extra wide entrance hallway – beautiful Blackbutt T & G hardwood flooring is used underfoot throughout all living areas, carpet in all of the 4 bedrooms and tiling floor to ceiling in all wet areas. From the entrance, your eyes are drawn through to the rear of the home along the hallway to the feature window panel, giving off views to the nearby lake and natural bush surrounds and inviting you into the home.

Either side of the entrance are two of the four bedrooms;

58 manning-great lakes focus.

mirror image, they are generous in size, some 5 m x 5 m, complete with built-in mirrored robes housing plenty of hanging and shelving space, ceiling fans, down lighting, soft carpeting and blinds – your total comfort is assured.

Next on the left is a third bedroom that can also easily double as a home office, study or home theatre. Servicing the bedrooms on the right of the hallway is a large bathroom, comprising glass walled shower with the shower rose installed centrally overhead, large vanity and mirror, plus a nice, deep bath. Featuring a mosaic tile sheet around the bath and on the shower floor, the room is finished off stylishly with floor to ceiling crisp white tiles and black floor tiles, with a square set smart tile to reduce water build-up and slipping on the tiled area.

The lounge, kitchen and dining rooms are open plan at the rear of the build, with all opening out onto the hardwood timber wraparound 3 m x 6 m deck. A fully lined ceiling installed with downlighting all adds up to an impressive space, lending itself to an indoor/outdoor entertainment area conveniently placed to all amenities. Glimpses of nearby Smiths Lake and the surrounding bushlands are a highlight of the design and are not at all impeded by the glass balustrade of the verandah deck

focusabode.

A N G L E D R O O F L I N E S G I V E A 4 . 0 M H I G H C E I L I N G AT T H E “ H I G H E S T P O I N T I N T H E L O U N G E C R E AT I N G A F E E L I N G O F S PA C I O U S N E S S T H R O U G H O U T A L L L I V I N G A R E A S ”

hotm Gravity H O M E S . safety railings.

Adjacent to the rear deck is the extra large main bedroom, that also has its own private 2 m x 6 m hardwood deck, with glass and hardwood balustrade supplied by Coastal Stainless Rigging and Welding, ensuite and walk-in robe with plenty of hanging and drawer storage space.

The en-suite is a smaller version of the main bathroom, featuring the same mosaic tiles on the shower floor and continuing on with the clean, crisp white tiles floor to ceiling.

The strategically placed panel window at ceiling level of the main bedroom gives a nice view to the bushland, that is not blocked at all by the roofline of the deck area – a very clever and a well designed addition, that also allows in loads of natural light.

Highlight windows in the lounge and dining areas also take full advantage of the varied roof lines of the design, allowing for an abundance of natural light and air flow into the living/dining rooms. Angled roof lines give a 4 m high ceiling at the highest point in the lounge, creating a feel-

ing of spaciousness throughout all living areas.

Louvre windows have also been provided in the lounge areas, allowing for direction of breezes.

Having no cornices, all rooms are square set gyprock to give a smooth line to the walls, adding to the clean, fresh look of the entire home.

Local kitchen company Viision Kitchens have supplied and installed the kitchen, which continues on with the theme of the home – dark greys, blues and striking whites as a contrast. An island bench divides the kitchen from the dining/lounge and provides a breakfast bar or servery, as well as plenty of underbench cabinetry. This, along with a floor to ceiling pantry, double stainless steel sink and flick mixer, stainless steel look splashback, Dishlex dishwasher, Westinghouse gas oven and cooktop plus a stainless steel rangehood overhead all add up to a modern, contemporary feel to a kitchen area that has all the mod cons in place.

Being two levels, Lennon has masterfully crafted the two flight timber tread staircase, complete with hardwood timber hand rail for safety

“ The lounge, kitchen and s are dining room the open plan at ild, rear of the buing with all open out onto the ber hardwood tim3 m wraparound x 6 m deck. ”

and a large window positioned at the top of the first landing, allowing in more natural light. The stairs lead to the ground floor, which is a fantastic addition to the home, taking full advantage of the sloping block of land.

A separate living or entertainment space could be created easily with what is already in place.

Roughly 10 m x 10 m in size and fully insulated by the 200 mm concrete block walls, the ground floor area has its own bathroom, laundry and linen storage room, which all opens out through sliding glass doors onto the concrete back deck, with timber stairs down to the rear yard.

Easily accessible from the front of the home via the curving concrete driveway and through the automatic panel lift door, the ground level will easily store up to 4 vehicles if required, plus provide extra storage space under the stairs and in the rooms provided.

Being situated in bushland, all firefighting requirements have been satisfied, with the installation of a 5,000 litre firefighting water tank, as

well as a 2nd water tank that services all toilets, washing machine and garden water requirements. One section of the roof catches all the rainwater required to have these tanks at capacity. All exposed timbers are hardwood, and exhaust fans have been fitted to all bathrooms, the kitchen and laundry wet areas.

From the energy efficient lighting throughout, the solar hot water system and rainwater tanks that have been provided to the insulation batts to every external wall and ceiling space to keep the home cool in summer and warm in winter – no artificial cooling or heating needed in this home – the design ticks all the boxes and is extremely environmentally friendly and bushfire safe.

Contact Us! Gravity Homes Contact. Lennon Fisher Phone. 0407 298 375 Email. gravityhomes@hotmail.com.au

manning-great lakes focus 59

focusabode.

D I S P L AY H O M E N OW O P E N

PYCON HOM E S

Multi award winning builder Pycon Homes & Constructions Pty Ltd is a family owned company which has succeeded over 30 years on the Mid North Coast and has continued to maintain belief in the importance of professionalism and integrity within all aspects of their building company.

We pride ourselves on the ability to set high benchmarks in the building industry through the standard of homes that we build, which shows through with the finished product.

This is achieved not only through our own expertise, but also through our choice of skilled professional contractors and suppliers, of which most have been part of our team for over 15 years.

Pycon has always been a preferred builder for many multi-dwelling developments, prestige homes, commercial projects and stunning residential house and land packages.

The company has built a staggering number of new homes in the Port Macquarie area in its years and is now sharing the love and expanding its services to meet the needs of the

60 manning-great lakes focus.

surrounding areas. Pycon services Macleay in the north, through to the Great Lakes in the south and everywhere in between.

If you’re not interested by now, you’d be hard to please. But, to take it up a notch, Pycon has just completed a fantastic new display home at Port Macquarie Homeworld, showcasing one of its most popular and very affordable residential designs. This could be anyone’s dream home and is a stunning piece of craftsmanship from top to tail. If you really want to get an idea of what’s actually included in the build price of a Pycon Home, this new display home is well worth the visit. There’s nothing in this design or finish that isn’t included in the standard price – that’s right, no inclusions; it’s all standard.

s an “ Whether it’m ercial, industrial, co m or l tia en resid multi-dwellintgyou developmenHomes & need, Pyconns is your Constructio . ‘go to’ company ”

This actual display home at Port Macquarie Homeworld, Sovereign Hills has just picked up a prestige award from the Master Builders Association Excellence in Building for ‘Display Home of the Year 2012 (under $250,000)’. Pycon also won ‘Medium Density over 5 Dwellings’, confirming our belief in the quality of product we produce.

As time poor as we are these days, it’s critical that most businesses have an online presence. To gain a macro view of the company, its building options and extensive portfolio, Pycon has developed an informative and fantastic new website. You’ll find many unique and modern floor plans with 3D

rendered images for residential designs, as well as actual house and land packages that are available to purchase right now in your area. If you can’t make it to the display home in Port Macquarie, check out all the pictures of it online.

Whether it’s an industrial, commercial, residential or multi-dwelling development you need, Pycon Homes & Constructions is your ‘go to’ company to make your plans or theirs a reality.

Enquiries are always welcome by phone or email at any time, and don’t forget to check out the website and display home for a ‘must see’ look at quality and value for money at its finest.

thank you, thank you!

Memorial Gardens.

The peaceful setting and beauty ofes spring provid an ideal location for reflection.

In the past decade, many families have attended funerals at the Manning Great Lakes Memorial Gardens and experienced the tranquil setting, providing ideal surroundings to say goodbye to a loved one. The landscaped grounds provide quiet spaces, including many memorial options, where family and friends can reflect on a life lived by a loved one.

The mourning process has many levels and for some family members, a memorial provides the level of closure required to be able to move forward in difficult times. A memorial forms the tie between generations, with a tangible place to visit for generations to come. The choice of placing a loved one in the

62 manning-great lakes focus.

Where presentation is a priority.

beautifully maintained grounds at the Memorial Gardens gives all members of the community a chance to remember and reflect how that life had an effect on them.

The Family Estate & Rock Garden Memorials allow for family members to be united together in a final resting place.

The Family Estate is an individual memorial that features the family name placed on the main stone backing, along with standard roses and individual plaques.

The Rock Garden Memorials are twin family plots set around a larger garden and also provide for the family name on the backing rock and two individual plaques.

It’s one thing to design and build a great kitchen, yet it’s another to continually receive client feedback that conveys the outstanding reputation Viison has in the local market place. Here’s what our happy clients have to say: “Just a short note to say thank you for my new kitchen and to compliment your staff and contractors on an excellent job. From the moment I walked into your showroom, until the time I went back in to pay the final payment, I could not believe how smoothly things had gone. The design, organisation and co-ordination of the whole renovation was excellent. Thank you again; I could not be happier.” Winsome.

“Thank you so much for all your help. Every time I walk into my beautiful new kitchen, I am so thrilled! We have waited so long to renovate, and it is exactly what I wanted, but never thought I would ever have. It’s perfect; right down to the last detail. Thanks again.”

Sandra.

“My kitchen looks brilliant! Thank you for all the assistance you gave me.

We moved into the house two days ago; the kitchen looks great and is really user friendly. Would recommend people don’t go anywhere else !” Lola.

“I am writing to you and all the team at Viison Kitchens to thank you for your wonderful help and patience in creating our amazing new kitchen. It was great to have the warm, professional guidance with both design and colour. Our new working kitchen is functional, yet looks fantastic and a pleasure to be in. It has transformed our home. Thank you.” Sandy.

Our response is a big “THANK YOU TOO” to our valued clients for their positive feedback, loyalty and support of the team at Viison Kitchens in Taree and Forster.

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www.beechwoodhomes.com.au Package price effective 21st July 2012, excludes Site costs, Basix & Statutory Authority Requirements. Carpet & Tiles from Beechwood Range. Speciµcations subject to change without notice. Land is not included in Package Prices. Prices quoted are for Classic façade in the Taree area. Beechwood Homes (NSW) Pty Limited ABN 50132370104, BL 207765C. *Conditions apply. *Taree area contract price. *Terrazza Dining roo¹ine only. *Taubmans Moroka allowed on certain façades (not Render).

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